Kyoto tourism ???

[amazona]

I might be able to get cheap transport to Kyoto so I'm thinking what the hey. Never been to Japan. Is it hard to get around if you only speak English? Any suggestions?

By the way, if anyone was ever thinking of flying from U.S. to Nagoya there seems to be a fare war going on, might want to check and see if your dates/airline are included.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[amazona]

1. one more kick in case anyone knows something NT

.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[democracyindanger]

2. Boooooring

'Course, I was 14 when my mom made me go. The spiritual heart of Japan, lots of temples and stuff. It's a tourism hub, so not speaking Japanese will be less of a problem than elsewhere.

[koneko]

3. Do it!!!!!!!!!!

I lived in northern Japan for 6 years, so I could get by on the language barrier, but I visited Kyoto one year into it when my Japanese was minimal at best.

You can definitely get by with English. While not everyone will be able to speak it, the tourism service types will, and if you're standing there, looking lost, you're almost always going to be able to find someone to help you.

Hint for non-Japanese - get the business card of the hotel you're staying in - you will always be able to find a taxi driver to get you back that way, even if he doesn't speak English.

Of course, I'm biased, but I recommend Japan to anyone. It's a beautiful country. . . it is expensive, though, so do some research on pricing before you go. The ticket may be cheap, but staying there is not.

I'm headed to bed now, but if you have questions, you can always PM me. It may be a day or two before I can respond, but I'm happy to help if I can. . .

[Lydia Leftcoast]

4. There is lots to see and do in the Kyoto area, and

Japan is not as expensive as people say. You should be able to get accommodations for less than $100 a night (NICE accommodations), and if you can't eat for less than $10, you're not trying.

Lonely Planet has an entire guidebook for Kyoto. It's pretty good, and reading it will give you an excellent overview of what's to be had there.

I suggest reading it and then coming back with specific questions. I've been traveling back and forth to Japan since 1977, but your question is too general to answer in a satisfactory manner.

[amazona]

5. thanks

I'm a bit overwhelmed and wasn't sure what to ask in a short amount of time. Not sure if I can get the book before the fare disappears but I hope to check into it this afternoon. Thanks!

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[Lydia Leftcoast]

6. Grab the fare while you can, and THEN work out the details

:-)

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. By the way, here's an online source to start with:

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/RTG/PTG/index.html

Go to the "Kinki" section (Kinki is the Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe area) and download the PDF "Kyoto Walks."