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ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Note the mofified user name as I wasn't able to find out if I was no longer a mod following my "retirement"..

Cataract op went well with a poke in the eye when putting drops in, but all good now.

Went to help a neighbour even more fragile than me and his aluminium loft ladder collapsed just as I was stepping off the top rung. Lucky Lucky me, LOTS of internal and external bruises and a nasty gash in a finger but nothing broken. That was 4 weeks ago and managed to walk over 9 kilometres with the dog yesterday.

Last week or so been reflecting on my "Bucket list" and on it is probably my last major international jolly long haul.

Aiming for London Nagasaki via tokyo Haneda and a 7 day japan rail pass for bullet trains between Nagasaki and Tokyo.

Then. 3 nights Nagasaki 3 nights hiroshima 3 nights. Nagoya and Tokyo 4 nights.

Return from Haneda to LHR

Airlines will only allow booking for all 13 nights in Nagasaki?

Question.

Why do instore travell agents and airlines say everything is non refundable, but online I can book flights and add hotel bookings to that and make flights and hotels refundable and can cancel.??? booking via Expedia

Edited by Orb>> on 19/12/2023 at 12:18

ANY - Travel Japan - FP

Sorry to hear about your accident. As time passes I feel my own vulnerability more and more and balancing becomes harder, as shown in my recent efforts to decorate the dining room in time for Christmas, involving a certain amount of not very high ladder work, so a fall from a loft ladder is a worrying scenario.

I have other health conditions which I won't bore people with.

Cataract surgery is amazing, though I had to have follow-up laser treatment in both eyes, which is apparently unusual. Now my eyesight is better than it's been for many years. Nearly everyone who's had it is very appreciative.

Can't comment on your Japan trip, but I hope it goes well. I have no wish to attempt a long-haul flight. I'm 185cm tall (6'1") and four hours in a plane to the Canaries is as much as I can stand.

ANY - Travel Japan - Andrew-T

... I have no wish to attempt a long-haul flight. I'm 185cm tall (6'1") and four hours in a plane to the Canaries is as much as I can stand.

It's some while since I boarded a plane - I quite like the actual flights, it's all the before-and-after hassle associated with airports that turn me off. Whenever possible - now decreasingly often - I use surface travel, more comfortable and predictable.

ANY - Travel Japan - elekie&a/c doctor
I’ve just done 3 weeks in Japan . Heathrow Haneda on BA , 14 hours. Picked up a 12 night cruise along the south part of the country. We had hotel accommodation pre cruise in Tokyo and post cruise in Yokohama booked through agoda . Great prices and all cancellation available.
ANY - Travel Japan - blindspot

i often watch the sky 507 nhk world and japan looks just great. keep posting updates

ANY - Travel Japan - Ethan Edwards

Sorry to hear about your fall ORB. Wish you a speedy recovery.

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Sorry to hear about your fall ORB. Wish you a speedy recovery.

Let me know if you are up this way for a beer? (or coffee.)

ANY - Travel Japan - Ethan Edwards

Will do in the new year. Have a super Christmas.

ANY - Travel Japan - daveyjp

With an agent booking everything will be confirmed immediately and if anything goes wrong you have good protection. Thats why its non refundable, but insurance covers any problems before travel should you have to cancel..

With DIY you are on your own. If you are looking at DIY book direct with each provider, sites such as Expedia are great for research, but direct booking means no third party between you and the provider should you turn up and the hotel has no knoweldge of your booking.

For trips such as this a specialist traveel agent can be worth their weight in gold. An alternative is as above a cruise, or a fully inclusive tour (even if only for part of the trip).

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

With DIY you are on your own. If you are looking at DIY book direct with each provider, sites such as Expedia are great for research, but direct booking means no third party between you and the provider should you turn up and the hotel has no knoweldge of your booking.

One well known travel agent wanted £5000 a head, we had said budget...... First hotel was 5* @ £silly money. when I queried that, that was what was available.

The difference is an AWFUL lot of money.

Advice Taken. Booked diect with BA for flights Cost savings mean if necessary we can book a 1 way ticket home and still come in under any travel agent quotes.

Same goes for hotels, all have 8+ ratings..Everything else is cancellable

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>
ANY - Travel Japan - elekie&a/c doctor I’ve just done 3 weeks in Japan . Heathrow Haneda on BA , 14 hours. Picked up a 12 night cruise along the south part of the country. We had hotel accommodation pre cruise in Tokyo and post cruise in Yokohama booked through agoda . Great prices and all cancellation available.

How did you get on with the arrivals procedures?

I have done the immigration form and customs declaration forms and printed the QR codes.

Not planning on duty free shopping so didnt upload photo for that.

Travel insurance all sorted.

Any other tips?

Thanks and a happy 2024 to you.

ANY - Travel Japan - elekie&a/c doctor
Arrivals very straightforward. Long queues when we landed around midday, but moved quickly in Japanese efficiency. Eye and fingerprint recognition at border point . We rented a Ninja Wi-Fi portable hub which allows use of your existing phone without any SIM card change . Pick that up just before the exit at Haneda . Taxi into central Tokyo is about 45 mins and around £40-50 depending on where you’re going . Contrary to what people say , Japan is very reasonable cost wise , except hotels and their restaurants which can be very expensive. Afternoon tea is very popular in Japan . Like being at home ! Good luck , well worth the 14 hour flight.
ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Did you have visas or was it the visitjapan site to fill in the immigration and customs forms and print QR codes?

We arrive at about 06.30 then onward flight to Nagasaki.

20th Nagasaki 3 days Dejima, Battleship island, Cherry Blossom and various museums.

A-Bomb memorial.

Hiroshima 3 days. A-Bomb memorial, Mazda factory tour, temples, museums gardens.

Himeji castle en route to Kyoto-Nagoya, visit Toyota science museums etc

Then 4 days Tokyo and air museums science museums etc.

ANY - Travel Japan - Ethan Edwards

Neat trip. Any Shinkansen travel?

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Neat trip. Any Shinkansen travel?

All of it between Nagasaki and Tokyo.

Japan rail passes unlimited travel. Must be bought before travelling...

ANY - Travel Japan - elekie&a/c doctor
No visa requirement. Just fill in the landing cards on arrival or use the QR system . Lots of interesting places to visit . Don’t go over the top with shrines and temples . Kochi and Himeji castle are only accessible by loads of steps . Highly recommend are the Hiroshima and Chiran peace museums (kamikaze) . As for Tokyo, loads of gardens to see including the imperial palace ( palace doesn’t exist anymore) . Don’t bother with the Tokyo tower , you have to book it and pay , go to the municipal metropolitan tower , same view and no booking or fee to pay . Yokohama is worth a visit , it’s only 20 minutes from Haneda airport. On a clear day , great view of Mount Fuji as you come over the bay bridge . It’s also the location of the craziest museum I’ve been to . The cup noodle museum.

Edited by elekie&a/c doctor on 31/12/2023 at 10:10

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Thabks for the tips, Noted.

ORB>>

ANY - Travel Japan - honestjones

Here are some travel tips based on my experiences from four trips to Japan. These insights might come in handy for your next adventure:

  • Explore Beyond Sakura Season: While cherry blossom season (sakura) is iconic, don’t limit yourself to that timeframe. Hokkaido Lavender Fields burst into full bloom from late June to mid-July.
  • Island Bliss on Ishigaki: Escape to Ishigaki Island for a taste of Japanese island living. Sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life await. Snorkel enthusiasts will be in paradise.
  • City vs. Tradition: Tokyo caters to city lovers with its bustling streets, neon lights, and futuristic vibe. On the other hand, Kyoto seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Explore ancient temples and serene gardens.
  • If you’re a museum enthusiast, head to Kanagawa for its rich cultural offerings. Osaka is a food lover’s haven—try street food, ramen, and okonomiyaki. For history buffs, Okinawa Main Island reveals tales of the past.
  • Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: Don’t hesitate to learn a few Japanese phrases—even if you think you sound silly. Locals appreciate the effort, especially outside major cities where English isn’t as common.
  • Embrace Noodle Slurping: When enjoying ramen or udon, slurp those noodles! It’s a sign of contentment and appreciation for the meal.
  • A Bow Goes a Long Way: Whether saying hello, bidding farewell, expressing gratitude, or showing respect, a quick bow is highly appreciated in Japanese culture.
  • Respect Geisha and Maiko: While capturing memories, avoid taking selfies of Geisha and Maiko. It’s considered rude and invasive.

Enjoy your trip to Japan!

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Weird goings on..

Reserved seats. seats not shown reserved but debited.. waited 3 days no sign called airline.. can't do anything wait and see.. debits on account which were showing as pending disappeared as did return booking. Now outbound seats re-appeared not charged and been able to choose and pay for seats for return but again no debit showing.

ANY - Travel Japan - elekie&a/c doctor
Who are you booked with ?
ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>
Who are you booked with ?

BA...

Checked again this morning.

Seats outbound showing as reserved but no email confirmation or debit, which was showing as pending but disppeared. Seats still reserved seat numbers showing.

Seats inbound now showing as reserved and seat numbers showing, got email confirmation of charge but no debit showing on my card account.

ANY - Travel Japan - elekie&a/c doctor
Delays in the system I suspect. Similar situation with us . We are booked on a Singapore flight next year . Are you doing the BA 005 to Haneda ?
ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>
Delays in the system I suspect. Similar situation with us . We are booked on a Singapore flight next year . Are you doing the BA 005 to Haneda ?

BA007 booked that one as is an A350-1000 return same (BA008)

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>
Delays in the system I suspect. Similar situation with us . We are booked on a Singapore flight next year . Are you doing the BA 005 to Haneda ?

BA007 booked that one as is an A350-1000 return same (BA008)

SWMBO has a friend Travel agent, large company with access to systems. ( she usually books flight reservations so we have 24 hours to "reflect") and she had a peek for me and seats are confirmed. payment taken for return now, not for outbound, thinks could be aircraft change.,

either 777 or 787-8

but nothing official.

The A350 is superior which is why i booked those flights. bit more seat room and wider cabin and lighter. SWMBO went to Canada last year on a 787 and was dire.

ANY - Travel Japan - elekie&a/c doctor
Ours was the 777 into Haneda , but had seats in the updated business class cabin . Food was still rud bish

Edited by elekie&a/c doctor on 30/03/2024 at 11:37

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>
Ours was the 777 into Haneda , but had seats in the updated business class cabin . Food was still rud bish

We will be having a good breakfast before and taking sandwiches and fruit with us as well as cereal bars.

Last time I flew, i refused the meal when I opened it, but they wouldn't take it away, so I took it to the galley myself and carefully put the tray on the floor.

It's their last chance from me

Previous flight to Qatar cancelled at short notice by them, took 4 months to get refund. Luckily I had filled in the online complaint and had a copy printed off.

Next one was flight cancelled for that day, could go 24 hours before or after but opted for a refund. Still took 3 weeks to get the money paid.

Previous one baggage lost..took compensation as it was worth more than what was in it. I never travel with anything I'm not happy about losing.

Taking own water onboard too.

ANY - Travel Japan - Maxime.

BA customer services are a PITA to deal with.

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Minor update.

Wish I'd come before and now wish I'd booked at least a month.

Not expensive at all. Biggest cost was airfares.

ANY - Travel Japan - Ethan Edwards

Welcome back. Deeply jealous m8.

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Saw battleship island Nagasaki and dejima Dutch settlement.

Still in Hiroshima till tomorrow 26th.

What a beautiful gracious city. Parks gardens and the castle.

The memorial was horrific and I am not ashamed to say that the rain hid my face while walking around the dome and the peace park.

Every time we looked a bit lost people would ask if we needed help.

A 78 yr old gentleman showed us all the way to the Kure Japan self defence museum and took us to the door of the Yamamoto museum.

Biggest battleship ever made but a huge model of it to see.

I don't think Japan is expensive at all.

Nagoya tomorrow for 3 days.

ANY - Travel Japan - elekie&a/c doctor
Having spent 3 weeks in Japan last November, I would say that general costs for being out and about are not expensive. It’s only the hotels and their restaurants that are very expensive. Vending machines everywhere and about 100 yen for cold drinks . About 60 pence . Are you going to Yokohama?
ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>
Having spent 3 weeks in Japan last November, I would say that general costs for being out and about are not expensive. It’s only the hotels and their restaurants that are very expensive. Vending machines everywhere and about 100 yen for cold drinks . About 60 pence . Are you going to Yokohama?

Yokohama when in Tokyo.

Toyota museum Nagoya today 27th.

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Eclectic mix of cars at the Toyota museum. But not all Toyotas

Then went to the shinkasen expo Park museum.

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Tokyo since yesterday.

Manic doesn't do it justice.

Did river cruise. Kite museum which was really a single large room.

Cup noodles museum and imperial gardens. Got warned off for approaching the entrance for the tour a few minutes early. Ouch.

ANY - Travel Japan - Orb>>

Having recovered from the plane..

Going back next year to do lots of the bits we missed.

3 to 4 weeks. After BA Emirates business class.

Elekie. You were right. BA were dire.