Japan

Finally close to my vacation week (next Thursday), and eagerly preparing for the trip. Trip advisers (books), maps, currency exchange, appointments with friends (in Japan)... all and all

The only thing left, unsure about how my son will behave since this is the first time we are both not around. A big laundry list of of things that we could worry about... yet feel so over protective of him for worry too much... sigh

Nonetheless, good things are our trip are pretty much plan, except those short trips following local tour agent will need to wait till we reach Osaka to arranged. You can view JTB site (they have English version: http://www.jtbusa.com/enhome/)

We will spend first 3 days in Osaka(大阪) to get trips arrange, meet with our tomodachi (friends)*, get some good food and buy JR pass (Japan Railway).

Then most likely hit our first day trip to one of the tourism spot near Kobei （神户） (come back the same night to Osaka). We stay in Osaka for the whole trip to save cost as if we rent longer, the rate is cheaper and JR is very fast (an hour to Kobei and hour plus to Kyoto).

Then we probably hit Kyoto（京都） on Tuesday on day trip. Visit some temples/shrines and have some good food, it famous for some type of local sushi-set. Forget the name, but basically is 1+3 meal (1 soup+3 dishes includes shasimi, tempura and something).

Then another day trip with tour agent to another place, again forget the place of name. Thursday we will go onsen（温泉）, it will be 2 days-1 night trip cost us RM1000 per person to stay in an authentic japanese place... (though not confirm as the tour agent said the trip is under people, need 10 people to form the trip).

Last 1-2 days will be spending on Osaka or spend a day to visit Himeiji where our sensei (teacher) suggest it is a good place to visit.

I know i am not giving up much details, but wait till i get back, i will give more updates plus pictures. 10 days in Japan cost us 5-6k RM (air ticket from SIA points) and main focus on onsen trip + Kyoto.

October though is cheap for most trips, it is actually not the best. November or March/April timeframe is better for visiting Japan.

We are eagerly waiting for the trip except my son :P. Poor thing, he has complaint and complaint again everything we told him we will be away and he will stay with my parents....

We plan to travel light, 1 small trolley bag and 1 backpack. Not much things plan to buy other than some souveniers as lots of $ we expect to spend on food where we plan to eat as variety as many as we could :P

I guess i will not update my blog till i get back. As not much going around for work at this challenging time :P