Japan trip - itinerary (Day 3 to 5)

Day 3.
After a Japanese breakfast in the hotel in ShinOsaka, we will set off our sight-seeing in Kyoto by taking the bullet train again. Yes, make full use of this JR pass to shorten our travelling time and enjoy the comfort of this train.

I have booked an English guided tour in Kyoto Imperial Palace. I looked at the map, this Palace is not too far from JR Nijo and I think walking to there should not be an issue. I can then save on the subway fares as my JR pass does not cover it.

This tour is likely to last for about an hour. Thereafter, we will walk (AGAIN!) to Nishijin Textile Centre to see the various kimonos on sale. No, we are not buying any kimonos or yukatas but it will be great to see these beautiful Japanese traditional costumes.

After lunch, I hope we can find our way to walk around Gion area to see if we can catch any Geisha or Maiko. I think we should have no problems seeing ladies in kimonos in Kyoto. Isa has always wanted to see them. But seeing a geisha or maiko may be a bit difficult as there are not many left in Japan.

Otherwise, we will continue our journey to Nara to see the deer in Nara Deer Park.

We will give Kiyomizu and Kinkakuji in Kyoto, Todaiji in Nara, a miss as we have been there during our last trip.

I think Day 3 will be quite a full walking day.

Day 4.
After breakfast, we will leave ShinOsaka for Kawaguchiko. There is no direct train service and the route I will be taking needs to do 4 transfers!

The last transfer from Otsuki station to Kawaguchiko station is inevitable as there is only a private rail service to Kawaguchiko.

After checking into the accommodation, we will either walk around the lake to see Mt Fuji or find out more info on the cable car ride or cruise on the lake.

I have found a suitable accommodation and that is, K House Mt Fuji. Among the accommodations I have asked, this has given me the lowest rate (though not cheap when converted back to Sing dollars). I am thinking if I should take up this offer or look for a better option with Japanese dinner and breakfast included. Again, this will burn a hole in SP's pocket. But imagining having a meal with Fuji-san in the vicinity, this chance does not happen very often.

Again, I will leave this accommodation unconfirmed until later.

Day 5.
We plan to leave Kawaguchiko after lunch. This is to leave some time to do the cable car ride or cruise if we did not do it the day before. It will be quite some time before we see Mt Fuji again and thus there is no hurry to leave.

We will head to Tokyo and check in our luggages at the hotel called Touganeya Hotel in Ueno. This seems the cheapest available and most convenient as it is within walking distance from Ueno station. In fact, any accommodations within walking distance from the train stations on Yamanote line would be fine for me.

Some tricky issue here:

would I be able to meet Uchibori's family and Ito's family on Day 5 or Day 6?

Would I be able to stay at their home to fully immerse in a local's family?

What suitable gifts do I have to bring for them, knowing many things in Singapore are usually made from China, Malaysia or even Japan?