Question: I’m travelling with my 15-year-old son to Japan. I was thinking of staying in Tokyo for about five out of the 10 days and maybe have two day trips out. What are your thoughts?
James G
Answer: What a great opportunity. Ten days is just right for a first visit to Japan. Spend three days in Tokyo; even with the puny pound you should find a good place to stay for around £60 (about R1 000) for a twin.
Then use a seven-day Japan Rail Pass to see the rest of the country. First, take the train to Hakone National Park – an intriguing combination of volcanic scenery, pretty towns and a world-class sculpture park.
Then aim for Fuji, and see if it’s feasible to climb when you’re there. Kyoto is impressive, and the sombre memorials of Hiroshima are essential.
Hokkaido is well worth a look, and you and your son will enjoy the trip through the longest under-sea tunnel in the world to get there, but I’d keep that for the end of the trip in case you get distracted earlier in your holiday.
The Independent