Travel bug

     

This is the very bus I took from Fukuoka to Kyoto. It wasn't as comfortable as it looks.

Choose your own adventure

I have got to say that I am itching to travel. It has been a while since I’ve been on a castle-exploring trip, and without much time or money I’m unsure when the next chance to travel will be. When it does eventually happen though, I will be ready for it.

The first few times I travelled around Japan compared with the last time was very different. I suppose it’s natural that the more you do something, the more efficient you get at it, but also having a family and a mortgage has made me a bit (more like a lot) more careful when going about things. Tell me if you think my itinerary from Spring 2009 is a little hectic.

Day 1 Arrived in Kyoto via night bus from Fukuoka
Took train to Otsu to see Zeze castle.
Took train to see Yodo castle in Kyoto city.
Walked to Shoryuji castle. (do not attempt this yourself!)
Took train to see Osaka castle.
Took train to see Akashi castle.
Stayed the night in an Akashi hotel
Day 2 Took train to see Ako castle.
Took train to Nara to see Yamato Koriyama castle.
Took bus to see Yamato Koizumi castle.
Took train to Kyoto.
Walked to see Nijo castle.
Took night bus back to Fukuoka.

I don’t travel for relaxation, visiting castles is my relaxation.

Some things to consider when planning your own travels.

Getting around
I’ve already mentioned the night bus. I don’t particularly like it but travelling when you sleep (or attempt too) maximises the time you have to look at interesting things during the day. Night ferry is another option.

Of course being Japan, trains are a very convenient way to get around. Check out this website: www.jorudan.co.jp/ Just enter the train station names (you may have to double check the spelling) and it will offer you the fast or economical options that are available to you.

Where to stay
Do not waste your time at a youth hostel. I stayed at a couple in Ehime; too many rules & too expensive. I prefer a cheap business hotel room. Another option is a Minshuku (usually slightly-grubby, old-style guest houses) but the bathing area is shared.

What to see
Some people may prefer to wing it, but for the reasons I mentioned earlier I like to have a pretty fair idea of what I’m going to see. First thing I do is look at the Japanese Castle Explorer map. If you have managed to overlook the Google-bar, I recommend you give it a go. You can even type in Nihongo to get results. There is also the panoramio & wikipedia overlays to help you discover sights to see.

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  • http://japandave.com David LaSpina / JapanDave

    Yes, sir, I hear you. I have had itchy feet for awhile now, but the money to fund a trip is lacking. With a required trip several prefectures up for the sister-in-law’s wedding and the required money we are expected to give, I don’t foresee any sightseeing trips for awhile. Oh well.

    I hate the night bus… never had a good experience on them. There always seem to be people who want to talk or otherwise make noise all night. The last one I was on, there was a handicap girl who kept screaming alllll night. You can’t get mad at her of course — she can’t help how she is — but that was one miserable trip. It’s cheap, but at the cost of your sanity.

    Hmm… that seems a bit negative. Sorry to be so glum. Haven’t had my morning coffee yet ;)

    At any rate, when I do travel, I prefer to just wing it. My main goals are to take in the newness of the environment, look for pretty things to photo, explore a bit. My wife, by contrast, loves to plan things out minute by minute. She was a travel agent before we met, so she got in the habit of planning in detail.

  • http://www.jcastle.info Eric

    Wow, I think the best I’ve ever managed was 4 in one day and 7 in 2. Pretty good! I’ve been OK on the overnight buses. It’s not great, but manageable. Willer has some pretty comfortable seats. http://travel.willer.co.jp/ I think they just stop way too often which always wakes me up.

    What was wrong with the walk from Yodo to Shoryuji? Actually my in-laws are in the Nagaokakyo area so I’ve been saving this pair for when I need to kill some time or get away from them during o-shogatsu ;)

  • admin

    David, that truly did give me a chuckle! Oh, I am a heartless man. Screamers should only travel during the day. And, my wife is the same. (I don’t mean she’s a screamer.) She just can’t believe it when I set off without having organised a place to stay for the night.

    Where will you be visiting for the wedding by the way?

  • admin

    Thanks for that link. I was hoping others would submit some handy links.

    The walk from Yodo to Shoryuji is quite manageable to be honest. On that particular day, I was fighting the clock without a map and walking without a hat. I burnt my noggin’.

  • Nao

    Budget accommodations in Japan.

    Besides business hotels(They’re Japanese B&B), I can recommend these types of budget accommodations.

    -Capsule Hotels
    private space(I don’t call it “a room”), shared bath, breakfast, sometimes men only. typically around 3500yen

    -Love hotels
    private room, private bath, couple only. typically around 3000yen per person

    -Private Video Room
    private room, shared slower(depends on the facility), men only. typically around 2000yen for 10 hours, very weird but workable for men! Personally, a private video room is enough for me.

    -Internet cafe
    I used to spend a night here often, but I no longer use it, as this is not completely private.

    These facilities can be found in cities.

  • Nao

    I don’t like night bus so much either. as the same reason as of Internet cafe.

  • admin

    Nao, I am loving your replies. Great info there. 2000 yen with videos included? Sounds good to me.

    Sorry, chotto “high tension.” Am watching the Aust v’s Ghana game. Fingers are crossed.

  • Nao

    The Socceroos are better than Japanese team, They are just less lucky… ^ ^;;