Simple reminders before our Japan Tour :

1. Personal care, clothings for 8 days, include jackets and swimsuits(15-24 celsius), medicines, umbrella,
sunblock, plastic rain coat-not the heavy one, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Travel light.
Bring a small water container if possible for water, since everything in Japan is expensive compared to
our standards.
2. Food in Japan will be a little expensive, bringing something instant food for breakfast is
recommended.
3. I will lead this Tour as an unfamiliar guide, I have not been to Japan, I only read and research on this
tour. I plan the critical activities but cannot expect everything. Your assistance in asking for directions
in taking bus and trains is appreciated. I will print our itinerary and distribute it. If there are free maps
and info guide in the airport, please get some. Some adjustments in our tour may be necessary but be
rest assured we will make the most of it. April to June is Spring in Japan, so there will be unexpected
weather changes, rainy days would be challenging. As for the trains, they are known for accuracy and
timeliness. Expect to walk a lot. Do not forget your cameras. Dont lose it either.
4. Prepare some US Dollars and Yen as pocketmoney for meals and things to buy, only big commercial
establishment accept credit cards in Japan. We have already paid thru credit card the accommodation
for the whole tour and the JR Pass. I did not do advance ticket booking for Disney and USJ because
there might be some changes.
5. The Itinerary I made is as detailed as I can make it, it is not 100% correct, I need to verify some details
and confirm it in Japan.
6. Our Travel Route is in the central portion of Honshu, the main island of Japan - : 1N Osaka 2N
Hakone 1N Tokyo 3N Osaka with Kyoto Daytrip, for a total of 8D 7N tour. Our base is Osaka, the
highlight of the trip is Hakone area where Mt. Fuji may also be seen and lots of hot spring, Tokyo is a
drop over, Kyoto and Nara our pilgrimage activities. The twins will take care of our route and activities
in Disney Sea and USJ. Our 3N stay in Osaka will be through an apartment at the 27th floor with a great
view of the Osaka area, also near the Osaka Castle. Tokyo and Hakone belongs to the Kanto region,
while Osaka, Kyoto and Nara is in Kansai region. Our 7 Day JR Pass shall only be used on the second
day so that on our last day in Osaka, we can use the JR Rail to go to Kansai Airport.
7. While on tour, be alert in guarding our things and belongings, bring your passport with you, have 3
sets of photocopies kept in different places, the JR Pass is our key, never lose it. One transaction in
buying things, at a time, if someone is distracting you, stop and hold, think twice. There are
pickpockets and con artist everywhere, no exception in Japan. Do not go walk on your own, always
with a partner. If you get lost, look for a policeman.
8. Our Hakone Stay will be in a modern ryokan with free breakfast and dinner. Bring small towels, this
may be useful for your onsen baths(hot spring). Before dipping in the hot spring wash your body first
with soap. Do not put towels in onsens.
9. Do not forget to pray for our safety in travel and for the family members while we are away from our
home, most specially for health, energy and presence of mind during the tour, and lastly, for temporal
and spiritual guidance as we embark in this journey of life.
10. If there are important matter you want to put hereplease do so. Thank you and may our journey be
memorable and meaningful.

Brief Overview of Japan

Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. The area of Japan is
377,873 square kilometers, nearly equivalent to Germany and Switzerland combined or slightly smaller

than California. Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands.
Shown below are the four major islands, their locations and sizes.
Hokkaido (northern island)
83,000 square kilometers
Honshu (main island)

231,000 square kilometers

Shikoku (smallest island)

19,000 square kilometers

Kyushu (southern island)

42,000 square kilometers

Japan's topographical features include coastlines with varied scenery, towering mountains, which are very
often volcanic and twisted valleys that invite visitors into the mysterious world of nature.
Language
There is only one official language spoken in Japan, which is of course Japanese. However, many Japanese
are able to understand English to a certain extent since English is the foreign language that everyone must
learn as part of compulsory education. Even if you don't understand Japanese, you can still certainly enjoy
Japan. But if you know a few everyday Japanese phrases then it will make your trip even more memorable.
A few words make a big difference.
Useful Japanese Phrases:
Japanese < > English
Ohayou gozaimasu

Good morning

Kon'nichiwa

Good afternoon

Kon'banwa

Good evening

Oyasumi nasai

Good night

Sayounara

Good-bye

Sumimasen

Excuse me

Gomen nasai

I am sorry

Wakarimasen

I don't understand

Arigatou

Thank you

Hai

Yes

Iie

No

Please watch these videos before our departure.

KYOTO RISING DAWN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fgDyTK0Rz6w
Kiyomizu-dera temple
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gLj486P7GZ0
Hakone :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRpBgrHJicI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYrqBmMxX3s