Okay, I did a bit of research online—maybe I’ll just avoid Sundays😛
Nothing unforgettable and not a place I’d call a must-see in my opinion, but hey, if you and your daughter feel like it, skipping it would be a shame
I don’t expect it to be a must-see either, and knowing me, I probably won’t like it at all—but I think my daughter will. Plus, with 6 days in Tokyo, I’ve got time to check it out...
Hi! I never take out insurance beyond what I have with my card (my card’s insurer is Europ Assistance—I declare the trip online and download an insurance certificate before leaving). And since I’ve never needed it so far, I can’t really say if it’s enough or if it works well.
Yesterday, friends asked me the exact same question—twice in two days—so maybe I should look into this more closely. 😛
Thanks for your reply!
I no longer have the Carte Première, but I know that with this card, you get easier access to medical care abroad.
I’ll check with my bank or simply with my insurance.
It’ll depend on your card, actually. With standard cards, coverage can range from 0 € to 11,000 € depending on your bank.
For example, with Premier Visa cards, it’s 155,000 €, but you’ll need to have purchased your flight ticket either partially or in full to be covered.
The trip shouldn’t exceed 90 consecutive days.
Check your bank’s app—it should explain everything.
you’ll need to have bought your flight ticket either partially or in full to be insured.
No, that’s a common mistake.
The mandatory requirement is for insurance—like delayed or canceled flights, or unfulfilled reservations, etc.
Medical care or repatriation falls under assistance, which is covered even if you don’t use the card. That said, the level of assistance does depend on the type of card, and it’s still highly recommended to have a premium card, even if it’s free.
Sure enough, after this discussion, I checked my coverage and terms, etc., and that’s exactly how it is. But I still hope, as always, that I won’t need it...
Unrelated, but I managed to get tickets for the Ghibli Museum (sales for October just started last night). From what I gathered, don’t expect something mind-blowing given the hype around the tickets (which, by the way, are already sold out for the month, just minutes after going on sale). But I’m still happy we’re going—I’m a huge fan of the studio’s films, and my daughter is too. We’ll also take the opportunity to spend some time in Kichijoji.
I had noted down (thanks to Toth):
- Kichijoji Petit Mura
- Inokashira Park
and of course the museum in the mid-afternoon.
If there’s anything else to plan while we’re there, let me know ;)
...and maybe a good place to have lunch😛
Hi there,
I’m finalizing my trip for October and have a few questions:
Car rental
- I’m returning the rental car at Shinagawa (I need to drop it off by 1 PM, but I’m aiming to be there before noon). After that, I’ll head straight to Osaka.
Can I buy 3 Shinkansen tickets to Osaka on the same day, or is it risky (it’s a Monday)? Or if I buy a train ticket in advance and end up being ready to leave earlier, can I change it easily? Since I have no experience renting a car there, I’m not sure if returning the vehicle is quick or if I should allow extra time...
Osaka
I’ll spend 3.5 days in Osaka. Here’s my plan:
- Arrival day in Osaka in the afternoon. Not sure which neighborhood is worth exploring in the late afternoon (Shinsekai?), since I’m arriving on a Monday.
- 1 day in Nara
- 1 day at Universal Studios
- 1 day for the aquarium, various sights (castle, Shitenno-ji Temple, shopping, etc.). Himeji will be for my next trip.
I’m debating which neighborhood to stay in to be well-located for transport (and also have good restaurants nearby). Any recommendations for a neighborhood (or even a hotel)? (The one Girrardinpho mentions in their travel journal is closed according to Google.)
During my 2013 trip, our hotel (whose name and neighborhood I unfortunately don’t remember) was really out of the way and not convenient for transport, so I’d love to do better this time.
Onsen
When I search for Tsurumaki onsen, I only find super expensive options. I’m looking for an onsen experience (private, since I’ve heard it’s not possible otherwise with a child), but I can’t find anything at normal prices. Around Kawaguchiko or Hakone—or anywhere else (I’ll have a car, so it’s easy)—do you know where I could find a nice ryokan/onsen experience with a child for a max of 300 € per night (which is already a big budget)? Because right now, I’m seeing places for 600, 700 € a night 🏴☠️
Renting a car in Japan is nothing like in Mediterranean countries—it’s a real pleasure!
I rented 4 (!) this year. No issues with returns, it’s quick. Though, there can be two cars arriving just before you…
No problem buying a Shinagawa-Osaka train ticket the same day either. You can always take unreserved seats, and at worst (which is very rare), you’ll travel standing up.
A day and a half in Osaka… it *is* Japan’s second-largest city, after all!
But hey, it’s not my trip. Ending the arrival day in Shinsekai is nice. Going up to the top of Tsutenkaku is fun.
I’ve been to Osaka 4 times, each time in a different hotel, including 3 Toyoko Inns, which I’d recommend—but they apparently don’t have triple rooms. For location, I think Namba is an excellent choice (ideally near Takashimaya).
As for onsens, I’m not entirely sure. Kids can go in the baths. For a baby, it might be trickier, but at 10 years old, I don’t see an issue.
If you find a ryokan with private baths for 300 € including three half-board meals, grab it! !
For onsens, I don’t really get it. Kids can go in the baths. For a baby, it might be trickier, but at 10 years old, I don’t see the issue.
It can get complicated in the case of two dads with a daughter—it means leaving her alone to go bathe on the women’s side, since at 10 years old, she can’t come to the men’s side anymore.
For onsens, I don’t really get it. Kids can go in the baths. For a baby, it might be trickier, but at 10 years old, I don’t see an issue.
It can get complicated in the case of two dads with a daughter—it means leaving her alone to go bathe on the women’s side since at 10 years old, she can’t come to the men’s side anymore.
Of course, but that’s (presumably) not the case here.
I rented 4 (!) this year. No problem with the return—it’s quick. Though, there might be two cars arriving just before...
Awesome, thanks a bunch😉! (I don’t know why, but that doesn’t surprise me)
No problem buying a Shinagawa–Osaka train ticket the same day either. You can always take unreserved seats, and at worst (though it’s very rare), you’ll travel standing.
That’s seriously great—it’ll make my planning so much easier.
Just a quick question: if, for example, we don’t get seats (which isn’t a big deal, even if I get that it’s rare), will that cause issues with our luggage?
A day and a half in Osaka... it *is* Japan’s second-largest city...
I know, but I didn’t even want to go given how short the trip is. My flight leaves from Osaka—that’s the only reason. We’re spending a full week in Tokyo, which is a huge city... I’m intentionally saving the other big city for our next trip (we’re already planning to return), and I’m worried (maybe unnecessarily) that my daughter will get overwhelmed, hence choosing Nara and Universal instead.
For location, I think Namba is an excellent choice (ideally near Takashimaya).
Thanks—I’ll check out hotels in that area. The Tokyo Inn does have a "Family room" with a 160cm bed and a 110cm bed, but it’s 107,400 yen for 3 nights at my dates 🏴☠️. I’ll try to find something a bit cheaper. They also offer kids under 12 sharing their parents’ bed in a double room, but fitting into a 160cm bed is tight (and anyway, no double rooms are available for my dates)...
About onsens—I don’t get it. Kids can go in the baths. For a baby, it might be trickier, but at 10 years old, I don’t see an issue.
I’ve read so many discussions—I must’ve mixed up some info.
BeneFukuoKa
It can get complicated for two dads with a daughter—it’d mean leaving her alone to bathe on the women’s side since at 10, she can’t come to the men’s side.
That’s not our case, but yeah, it could definitely be an issue depending on the family setup. I just misunderstood—I thought kids under a certain age were banned and that you *had* to book a private onsen (no idea where I got that from...).
If you find a ryokan with private baths for 300 € including three half-board meals, grab it!
I think that’s mission impossible, but I’ll keep looking😛
Thank you so much! I’m almost ready to go😎 (well, in a month anyway)
For luggage, it depends...
If the suitcase exceeds 160 cm (L+H+W), it's better (or even necessary) to book the last seats in each carriage, so plan ahead.
Though it’s been possible recently to reserve a locked storage space, but I’ve never tried it.
Otherwise, for a carry-on or medium-sized suitcase, no problem.
About the price of Toyoko Inn, that’s odd—they’re business hotels and usually very affordable, with breakfast included. But I noticed the same thing this year. I paid less than 10 k¥ at the Toyoko in Izumo and 22 k¥ in Osaka for an identical room! I thought it was because of the World Expo, but it ends on 10/13...
Today’s tip: the Ferris wheel at Don Quijote in Dotonburi is a must-do...
Ouch 🏴☠️, yikes, thanks for the info. Otherwise, I’ll look into luggage transfers (takkyubin?) so I don’t have to bother—we’d just travel with a carry-on suitcase, and the rest would catch up with us the next day in Osaka (though I’ll still measure my suitcase).
Honestly, I’m finding hotels *super* expensive... or maybe I’m just searching wrong, but I’m only looking at my dates on Booking. And when I check hotels directly on their official sites, same deal 🏴☠️.
Here’s the result for Tokyo Inn Namba Osaka (I think it’s the one you mentioned) for 3 nights:
It’s a pretty big room for 4, I think... but that’s all that’s left for my dates—everything else is "No available."
My main issue is that since we can’t really sleep 3 in a bed under 180 cm, we always end up with expensive setups (for example, if I check dates in January, I see a standard double room—17m²/1 bed 160 cm—costs 55,000 yen for 3 nights).
Airbnbs, on the other hand, are *way* more affordable, even if I’d have preferred a hotel. I booked one in the area you recommended (and the location reviews are *excellent*), 262 € for 3 nights with two proper beds—that’s a *huge* difference. Cancellation is free, so if I feel like splurging later, I can always switch to a hotel😛
Good evening,
We also traveled as a family of three (with our 18-year-old son at the time), and every time, the hotels offered us two rooms, which obviously doubled the budget!
In the end, we only booked Airbnbs. Except once—a ryokan, just for the experience—which cost us the equivalent of four nights in an Airbnb...
Happy planning and safe travels!
Hi,
I have a little question in case you’ve already experienced this: I found a ryokan with an onsen (not private, but that’s okay) and half-board (kaiseki dinner). Sure, it’s more than 300 €, but I’m celebrating a double anniversary, so I’m done complaining about the price.
I’m about to book directly on their site, and weirdly, if I put 3 adults, the total is cheaper than for 2 adults + 1 child.
I wondered if it was because they might prepare a special kids’ dinner (though why would that generate extra fees…?).
Here’s how it’s presented on the site, with the number specified for each category:
Male guests Standard meal(s) (Male)
Female guests. Standard meal(s) (Female)
Children age 6-12. Children's meal(s)
I searched the forum and the internet in general but didn’t find anything about this.
I’m tempted to go with 3 adults, especially since my daughter is more interested in the real dinner than a kids’ meal, but I don’t want to make a faux pas.
Have any of you experienced this before?
Hey everyone,
Well, I'm behind on my travel journal🏴☠️!
So without further ado, I just want to thank you all for your invaluable tips, which were a huge help for this trip.
I spent 6 days in Tokyo, 2.5 days around Mt. Fuji (by car), and 3 days in Osaka.
It was AMAZING. The two big changes I noticed compared to my 2013 trip:
- Way more people speaking English in the big cities (in 2013, almost no one, even in tourist spots).
- Lots of foreigners living and working in Japan (staff in konbinis, restaurants, tourist spots, etc.). In 2013, honestly, aside from tourists... it was really rare.
Je recherche des conseils, des avis ou des compagnons de voyage pour un voyage en famille. Est il encore temps pour trouvez des tarifs compétitifs (avion,…
Après avoir longuement parcouru le forum depuis plusieurs mois pour préparer méticuleusement notre voyage au Japon, vient le moment de tenter de rédiger un…
Je prépare mon prochain voyage au Japon prévu pour le mois de novembre mais, pour une fois, j'hésite quant à la région à privilégier... Ce sera le 3e voyage au…
Je pensais aller au japon en octobre, les prix sont actuellement delirants, en vol direct on est sur 1600-1800 euros (depuis Paris pour Tokyo)! est ce toujours…
Je suis dans les préparatifs d'un voyage au japon, en couple, entre mi octobre et fin Novembre 2017 (20 jours environ à définir dans ce créneau, suivant les…
Hi,
July 2026: I’m writing to you from Dali.
First, I got scammed on Booking—AI-retouched photos. No tourists at this hotel (Yishanju Designer Hotel), and the reality was horrible: dirty, with a disgusting breakfast. It’s better to use Trip.com here.
Next, the old town was an infernal cacophony, packed with tourists who shoved past without a care. Some vendors harassed you to buy things. All the stalls sold the same cheap plastic junk or other uninteresting stuff. The beautiful scenery was ruined by vendors lining 100% of the alleys. Impossible to walk, crushing heat, nothing good to eat except fresh fruit. Horrible experience.
Day 2: We went to Cangshan Mountain by cable car—the ride was short and nothing spectacular. We were at 2,600 m.
My plan was to see Erhai Lake. Unfortunately, I followed the advice of an AI chatbot: take the boat at Langkan Dock. The Didi dropped us off in the nearest area, which was full of charming little alleys but packed with Chinese tourists. The three-wheeled yellow cabs zoomed through the narrow streets, forcing you to hug the walls, on top of the scooters and other pedestrians to deal with. Crossing the neighborhood was hellish and suffocating. Once out, we hit the "corniche," which was also packed with Chinese tourists. The lake’s edge was all pebbles, and everyone was standing around taking photos. I was with my 5-year-old son. I would’ve liked to sit down and let him play with stones by the water, but it was clear we didn’t belong. They were even shoving each other for a shot! There were no boats in sight. In short, we’d had enough, and there was nothing interesting there either.
On the way back, we had to cross that maze again under the scorching sun. My son was braver than me—I even had a little dizzy spell from all the chaos. Add to that Dali’s altitude (2,200 m), so altitude insomnia, fatigue, and vulnerability during the day...
The restaurants weren’t inviting—the staff served sticky rice in a little bucket. The dishes were wrapped, and you had to figure it out yourself. After that, they ignored you completely, even if you were the only tourist.
On the 3rd day, it was time to leave for Shaxi. I hope to see beautiful villages. But honestly, I’m exhausted by this atmosphere where everything is complicated, communication is never smooth, noise is everywhere, and the behavior of some Chinese people is abusive...
Silver lining: not a drop of rain in 4 days and blue skies.
I couldn’t visit the villages in southern Yunnan because of rain and storms there...
But I was expecting to see a few more tourists.
We’re planning a 17-day trip to South Korea in October 2026 with my husband and our daughters, who’ll be 9 years old.
I’d love to get your thoughts on our draft itinerary.
First, some key details:
1/ Jeju Island is a must for us. I’ve personally dreamed of going there for years after reading a novel about it.
2/ Our girls are used to road-trip style travel since they were born, so this kind of trip won’t be an issue for them.
3/ We plan to travel by train, except on Jeju where we’ll rent a car (we already have an international driver’s permit).
Itinerary:
Seoul: 1 arrival day at 10 AM + 4 full days
Gyeongju: 2 days
Busan: 3 days
Jeju: 4 days
Seoul: 2 days
Hi there,
My girlfriend (23) and I (24) are heading to Japan for the first time from October 20th to November 6th. Here’s our itinerary:
6 nights in Tokyo
1 night in Hakone (ryokan already booked)
4 nights in Kyoto (hotel already booked)
2 nights in Osaka
4 nights back in Tokyo
I’d like to book hotels for Tokyo (both stays) and Osaka, but I’ve gotten so many different recommendations.
I’ve read that Shinjuku is the place to be for its huge hub, accessibility, and things to do, but I’ve also heard about Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno.
I’ve looked at hotels, and first off, I’m surprised by the prices compared to what I’ve seen on forums (I guess inflation’s hit here too… and maybe I’m late to the booking game?). I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options.
For our first stay in Tokyo, I’d prefer a hotel (not a residence or Airbnb) since we’ll be arriving at night, and it’s our first time in Japan. It’d be great to have a place with a reception, staff who speak at least a little English, and can give us some guidance. For the second stay, we could consider other options if it’s better.
Budget-wise, we can go up to 150–180 € per night, but if we can save some money to spend elsewhere, that’d be amazing!
I’m open to all recommendations, hotel suggestions, or any other tips for Tokyo (first stay), Osaka, and Tokyo (second stay).
Hi there,
I’d like to do this cycling route over 2 or 3 days. I’m struggling to figure out and find a (good) bike rental that lets me start in Onomichi and drop off in Imabari. Can anyone help with great tips for rentals and accommodations along the route? How do I get back to Onomichi afterward?
We’re flying to China in a few days for a four-week trip—our first time in this fascinating country! 🇨🇳
We’ll be sharing our adventure live on our travel journal, with photos and daily updates. Our itinerary, though classic, will let us discover the wonders of this vast country:
I’m starting to look at neighborhoods in Seoul, and I’m leaning toward staying in a hotel in Insa-Dong—I’ve spotted one really close to Unhyeongung.
Is this a good area—nice and convenient for exploring the city?
Otherwise, I’ve also found another hotel in Yongsan-Gu, right near the station of the same name. Is that station useful for getting around Seoul?
Since I’ll be in South Korea for nearly two months, I plan to spend at least a week in Seoul to recover from jet lag (it takes me a while to adjust...). So, I’d love a neighborhood that’s pleasant and a hotel not too far from a subway station.
Hi there,
I’m getting ready for a classic tourist trip to China in May 2026.
The "Terres Lointaines" itinerary looks good to me, and the price is interesting.
Has anyone traveled with them before? Any feedback?
Is there a better option?
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences on this!
Michel
I just booked my hotel in Seoul—it’ll be near Unhyeongung, on Samil-Daero 30-Gil—and I’m wondering if there’s public transport from the airport to this address (bus or subway)? If not, what’s the taxi fare? I read it’s around 50 or 60 €.
I’m traveling to Japan with a young adult with autism (ASD) from July 28 to August 8, following a pretty classic route: Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo. I’m looking for a schedule of the most spectacular fireworks displays during that time. So far, the dates for the major *hanabi* events aren’t available online yet. If anyone has them, I’d really appreciate it if you could share!
We’ll be doing a self-drive trip using public transport in May 2026.
On Day 6, we’ll arrive in Hakone by train from Tokyo in late morning. We’ll spend the night in Hakone before heading to Kyoto.
The main goal of this stop is clearly the view (no hiking) of Mount Fuji, not so much exploring Hakone, where the sights seem limited.
I’ve read on the forum that the view is great from Gotemba, but it also takes a good hour by bus to get there. And, apart from that view, there’s nothing else to see in Gotemba!
So, I’m not sure what to choose. Any thoughts? Or alternatives to suggest?
Maybe some spots in Hakone or Gotemba for a great view?
Hi everyone, I’m Julien!
This summer, from late June to late July, I’m planning a one-month solo trip to Japan—my first time!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice on the itinerary I’ve put together to explore this amazing country.
Here are the routes I’m considering:
**Option 1: More mountain and nature-focused**
Tokyo: 8 nights, with day trips to Nikko and maybe the Izu Peninsula
Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji): 1 night. The place looks stunning, but I’m worried Mt. Fuji might not be visible due to the weather
Kyoto: 6–7 nights (including a trip to Nara)
Osaka: 1–2 nights, where I’d like to drop off my things to make the Kumano Kodo easier
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights—an experience I haven’t seen much elsewhere, but I thought it sounded really interesting
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Takayama: 3 days
Kanazawa: 3 days (From what I understand, the Osaka–Takayama–Kanazawa–Tokyo route is convenient for transport)
Tokyo: 1 night (return)
**Option 2: More varied but a bit vague in parts**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Kobe + Himeji: just passing through—I’m not sure if it’s worth a night
Naoshima: 1 night—still pretty unclear for me
Takamatsu: 2 nights. An interesting city, but I’m not sure how long to stay
Shimanami Kaido: biking from Imabari to Onomichi, then heading to Hiroshima
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Kyushu road trip (Aso + onsens + Fukuoka): 5 nights (also pretty vague—I could fly from Fukuoka back to Tokyo)
Tokyo: 1 night
**Option 3: More balanced/simplified**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kawaguchiko: 1 night
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Koya-san: 1 night
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights
Takayama: 3 nights
Kanazawa: 3 nights
Tokyo: 1 night
A few key points:
I haven’t made any reservations yet, except for the flight tickets.
I know my plans are too packed and will need to be adjusted.
I’m specifically looking for advice on which stops to cut or shorten.
Hello everyone,
Like Cedric13600, I’ve booked a flight ticket for 30 days / 29 nights in September 2026, from Beijing to Shanghai. We’re a couple in our sixties who love independent road trips.
I’d like to draw inspiration from the following private itinerary suggested by a travel agency:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Day 2 to 4: Beijing
Day 5: Datong
Day 6 & 7: Pingyao
Day 8 to 10: Xi'an
Day 11: Luoyang
Day 12: Dengfeng
flight
Day 13 & 14: Chongqing
flight
Day 15 & 16: Lijiang
Day 17: Dali
Day 18: Kunming
Day 19: Jianshui
Day 20 & 21: Yuanyang
Day 22: Travel via Guilin
Day 23 & 24: Yangshuo
Day 25: Guilin
Day 26 & 27: Zhangjiajie
flight
Day 28 & 29: Shanghai
Day 30: Departure from Shanghai
But to do this itinerary independently:
1. This schedule seems very ambitious to me—what do you think?
2. If it’s too packed, what would you remove as a priority?
Thanks so much in advance for your help.
I’m planning a 5-week trip between Yunnan and Sichuan from mid-October to the end of November 2026:
Arriving in Kunming, I’ll do a loop in the far south of Yunnan via Thonghai, Jhiansu, Zhemi, Yuanyang, Nafa, Jinping, Mengzi, and Shilin (visiting markets, villages, and hiking), then head to northern Yunnan/southern Sichuan on the same theme (passing through Kunming again) via Dongchuan, Huize, Qiaojia, Puge, Xichang, Lanba, Butuo, Huolie, Dimo, Riha, Niuniuba, Meigu, Mabian, and Leshan, before arriving in Chengdu (where I’ll take my return flight to Paris).
This would be a trip with a strong ethnic/rural focus. Since I’ve never traveled in China, I’d love to hear your thoughts on doing this solo. Are there public transport options in the region? What tips do you have for traveling through this area as smoothly and enjoyably as possible? I’ve done quite a bit of backpacking in the mountains of northern Vietnam and really enjoyed using local motorbike drivers. Is something like that available in this region (through local tourist agencies or hotels)?
What should I be cautious about? Are local tourist agencies (or hotels) offering tours and guides reliable? If you know of any specialized sites sharing tips or experiences, or names of local agencies, hotels, etc., please don’t hesitate to share them! :)
In short, all your advice (on any topic that comes to mind!) is very welcome.
Thanks so much!
While researching South Korea, I came across the term "templestay," which refers to a Korean program that lets you stay in a traditional temple to discover Buddhism and Korean culture by living like the temple residents and doing activities like making lanterns.
A templestay isn’t just for foreign tourists—on the booking site, I saw that some temples are more geared toward foreigners, with English-speaking monks.
I was wondering if it’s still worth it, especially in temples where the monks don’t speak English?
I'm 69 years old and heading to China, where most tourist sites are free or discounted for me. However, trip.com either refuses to let me book because the sites are free or doesn’t apply the discount. Does WeChat apply this discount if I book through them? How can I just reserve without paying and pay on-site? Is that possible?
I’d love to get some feedback on our 30-day / 29-night itinerary in China. We’ll be there in September as a family with two kids (6 and 10 years old).
Do you think I should cut a few nights between Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) and Yangshuo? I’ve planned 15 nights total there.
We’ll be on a round-the-world trip starting May 2026 and will need to do schoolwork with the kids. Hoping to fit it in during train rides!!
Ever since I started planning this China itinerary, I’ve been discovering completely mind-blowing places I’d never heard of before—30 days feels way too short for China!!!
Here’s our itinerary:
Beijing - 4 nights
Forbidden City
Great Wall of China
Temple of Heaven
Xi’an - 3 nights
Terracotta Army
Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque
Chengdu - 3 nights
Zoo - Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Wenshu Yuan Temple
Hi there,
We just got back from a 2-week trip to China as a couple, and before we left, the budget was the hardest thing to picture concretely. We found plenty of info on visas, apps, transport, and itineraries, but way fewer detailed breakdowns of what you *actually* spend on the ground.
So, we took the time to share our real budget for 14 days. In our case, we spent around 1,800 € per person, with a big chunk of that going toward round-trip flights at about 600 € per person. We were also pretty surprised by how affordable China can be once you’re there—transport is often cheap, and a lot of everyday expenses stay reasonable.
The trickiest part, in the end, was figuring out how to pay while you’re there, since it’s not always obvious if you’re not prepared. But once everything’s set up and you get the hang of it, it’s really smooth.
If this can help other travelers get a better idea before they go, we’ve broken it all down here:
https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.com/budget-2-semaines-de-voyage-en-chine/
Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning several itineraries for a trip to Japan with my wife but would love your insights before we start booking!
In short, we want to go during Golden Week, see late-blooming cherry trees, and have the freedom to get around with a rental car.
Here’s the plan:
18-day itinerary in Japan (April 25 → May 12)
Goal: freedom, late cherry blossoms, culture & nature
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27)
Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet).
Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba.
Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals.
Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen.
Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28)
Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities:
Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms)
Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
Activities:
Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go.
Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house).
Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts.
---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3)
Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto:
Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara:
Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4)
Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle.
Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle.
Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6)
Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
hi! Is it easy to use for paying for all the small purchases at the markets? INSTALLATION AND USE WITHOUT ISSUES—do you also need a VPN for China?
Secondly, for using phone and internet, I have Orange—is it reliable, or should I go with Airalo instead?
The info I found on the forum is a bit outdated, so I’m asking again!
1) What budget should I plan for 15 days, given that hotels with breakfast, transfers, and transport are already paid for? I know it depends on the person, but I’d love a rough idea. For meals, we’re thinking simple street food or small local restaurants.
2) I’ve heard that credit cards (we each have a Revolut + 1 Visa Premier) aren’t widely used and that it’s better to have cash. Can you confirm?
3) Are foreign credit cards still not accepted at bank ATMs? Still 7-Eleven or the Post Office? And what about American Express?
I'm planning a 19-day itinerary in Japan this summer.
For a first trip, Kyoto seems like a must. For the rest, I'm torn between:
- Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa for 5 to 6 days
- Kyoto 4 days
- Nara 2 days
- Koyasan 1 day
- Hakone/Mount Fuji 2 to 3 days
- Tokyo 3 days
Or dedicating the first 6 days to Kyushu.
Maybe there’s less traditional Japan in Kyushu compared to the Japanese Alps?
Maybe Kyushu is less crowded?
Thanks for your thoughts!
I’ll be in Hong Kong from December 31 to January 3, 2027.
Any recommendations for things to see or do?
I’ll be staying in the Kowloon district.
I’d love to visit Lantau Island—what’s the best way to get there? And would you recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket for the cable car? Also, is there an entry fee for the Big Buddha?
I’m heading to Taiwan soon and would love some up-to-date info on Wi-Fi.
From what I’ve gathered, Taiwan offers it for free, but I’ve heard it’s not secure since it’s not protected by a "password." Since I’ve been traveling outside the EU for years without a local SIM card, I only use Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. For me, that’s more than enough. So, my question is: Do these places secure their Wi-Fi with a "password"? If not, does buying a SIM card or eSIM seem like the only alternative?
Also, if any of you have recommendations for budget-friendly hotels in the main "cities," I’d love to hear them!
We’re planning a trip to China for two at the beginning of April and want to spend 2 nights in the Longji Rice Terraces—either in Dazhai, Tiantouzhaï, or Ping'an. I’ve seen that most of the hotels are made of bamboo, and you can hear every little noise. Since my husband is a very light sleeper, he’d really like to be sure he’ll get a good night’s rest. Can you recommend any quiet, well-soundproofed hotels in the area?
I’m reaching out to you because I’m planning our next big trip (Japan is really tempting us for the autumn!) and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My husband and I have always loved traveling, and at 75, we have no intention of stopping... But I find that everything’s getting so complicated. I try to be "modern" by booking online, but as soon as there’s a problem, we hit a wall.
A friend nearly missed her departure last year because of a visa issue that wasn’t explained properly on a website... and no one to call for help, just automated messages.
It makes me a little nervous to be alone in front of a screen so far away, especially since at our age, we like knowing there’s real support if our health takes a turn while we’re there.
Anyway, I’m tired of seeing my file passed from one person to another without ever having the same contact... Do you know of any small, trustworthy agencies or people who still work the "old-fashioned" way and really look after their clients? I love my independence, but I need a real face behind my project.
Thanks in advance for your advice, and I look forward to reading your replies,
Catherine
I’m planning our trip to Japan from March 21 to April 11, 2026. We’re planning to travel by plane for long distances (Okinawa) and by train for the rest. I’d like to know if renting a car is easy and, most importantly, if driving with road signs written in Japanese isn’t too complicated. For trains, are there any tips to save money?
hi everyone, and first of all, I wish you all a happy new year and good health!
This coming October or November, we’re planning our first trip to Japan. The only downside is we’ll only have two weeks off.
For this first visit, I’m thinking of sticking to the Kyoto and Osaka area… saving Tokyo for another trip. Do you think that’s a good choice for a first-time visit?
I’ve put together a little itinerary below to get some feedback from those in the know. I’m only counting the days we’re actually there, not travel days.
Day 1: Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji – Philosopher’s Path with stops at a few shrines
temples Eikan-dō and Nanzen-ji
visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum in the late afternoon
Day 2: Kyoto
Fushimi Inari (allow 4 hours for the hike through the park)
visit to Sanjūsangen-dō temple
Shōseien garden
participate in a tea ceremony
Day 3: Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera temple
stroll through the historic district up to Kennin-ji temple
visit Kennin-ji temple
Yasaka-jinja shrine and Gion district in the late afternoon
return to the hotel via Pontochō Street
Day 4: Kyoto
visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijō Castle
visit the Imperial Palace gardens
end the day in the shopping streets (Shibkyogoku and Teramachi, among others)
Day 5: Kyoto
Arashiyama area
Togetsukyo Bridge, walk along the river, visit the Bamboo Forest
explore the area up to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple
Day 6: Kyoto
hike from Kibune to Kurama
Day 7: Kyoto
day trip to Nara (full day)
Day 8:
stroll around Kyoto before heading to Osaka
Day 9: Osaka
Katsuo-ji temple, then head to Minoh Falls and hike back via the Minoh Trail
end the day in the Osaka Castle area
Day 10: Osaka
Himeji Castle and an afternoon in Osaka
Day 11: Osaka
Osaka and return to the airport in the late afternoon for the flight home
Do you think this itinerary is doable? Are some days too relaxed or too packed?
I was thinking of adding a trip to Lake Biwa and Uji, but in that case, I’d have to cut some things. Are those places worth dropping some of the planned spots? And if so, which ones would you recommend cutting or shortening?
Thanks in advance—I’m all ears for both positive and negative feedback!
stephane
