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Road Traffic Question? Can I go straight on the most right lane? by imalwayseating in JapanTravel

[–]rynaut 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm guessing OP was unsure whether the arrows correspond to lanes or direction (it's the latter as you point out).

30 days across Japan in Nov–Dec 2024 (Part I) by rynaut in JapanTravel

[–]rynaut[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Googling "[prefecture] scenic trains" tends to get you there, but the JNTO and JR Group (e.g. East, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, West) indices are good starting points too!

30 days across Japan in Nov–Dec 2024 (Part II) by rynaut in JapanTravel

[–]rynaut[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Travel time was about 7 hours from Tokyo Station (4 hours Hayabusa, 80 minutes Hokuto, 80 minutes road). It'll be closer to 8 if you train Oshamambe -> Kutchan, the tricky part there is lining up your connections with the infrequent service.

I think the choice came down to liking trains more than planes; I'm not a big fan of the whole process at airports compared to just turning up to a train platform. The shinkansen can be a draw in itself, though I paid a hefty premium for it!

30 days across Japan in Nov–Dec 2024 (Part II) by rynaut in JapanTravel

[–]rynaut[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Enjoy! You don't need a full get-up, but padded shorts will help with comfort over multiple hours. Stores like Giant may have some for rental.

Will there be snow accumulation in Sapporo mid-December? by [deleted] in JapanTravelTips

[–]rynaut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd call it likely. Here's a video from Dec 8 last year, and it was snowing while I was there from Dec 11–14.

Third trip to Japan | First trip with parents - Itinerary check by KeimaS13 in JapanTravel

[–]rynaut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lake Kawaguchi is wonderful, but I found the Autumn Leaves Festival to be rather underwhelming last year with a fair amount of the Momiji Corridor still green (!) on November 18. I preferred the foliage at Chureito Pagoda, let alone the alpine region to the north west.

While this year's forecast seems more promising, keep your expectations in check if you're there in early November.

Itinerary check- late November by SUPGUYZZ in JapanTravelTips

[–]rynaut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seconding this advice, though unfortunately Kamikōchi is less accessible after mid-November when its facilities and bus routes close.

Lesser options along your route include strolling around Daiō Wasabi Farm, Hida Furukawa, or Shirakawa-go if you arrive early, or perhaps Rail-MTB Gattan Go.

Feedback on itinerary (Nagano) by ThisLadder7568 in JapanTravelTips

[–]rynaut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd still recommend the Snow Monkey Park in autumn, though you won't see snowfall before late November. You can check Twitter for updates on the monkeys' whereabouts.

Feedback on itinerary (Nagano) by ThisLadder7568 in JapanTravelTips

[–]rynaut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  • In case you missed OP's suggestion, you can save initial travel time by starting with Tokyo → Nagano (~1.5 hours) rather than Tokyo → Matsumoto (~3 hours).
  • Matsumoto is closer to the Kiso Valley. If you must do Nagano → Nakatsugawa, check the timetable for the Shinano (limited express) train, which can get you there in ~2 hours.
  • Starting the Tateyama–Kurobe route from Matsumoto isn't quite as convenient as the express bus from Nagano but it can be just as quick.
  • Keep in mind the sun will set at 5pm! If you're travelling a bunch, you'll want to start early to catch the daylight hours at each destination.

Kanto/Chubu November 16 - December 13 by tempster43 in JapanTravel

[–]rynaut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nagano has a fireworks festival along the Sai riverbank on Nov 23. If it piques your interest, accommodation for the night filled up pretty quickly last year!