Resources to plan a trip to Japan

[Jason]

This is somewhat related, and I hope I don't highjack the thread, but what about resources for events like concerts and such? I'd love to go see the pillows in concert if they're playing somewhere when my friends and I (hopefull) go next year.

[rssol0420]

This is really nice! I'm planning to go to Japan for 1 week at December and spend my x'mas there. This information is really useful! Thanks!

What about tour groups? Anyone have any info./experience with these?

If you like Japanese anime, manga, etc., then Pop Japan Travel. This one is not first hand experience, but I had two friends who went on the Pop Japan Comiket Tour 2004. They had a lot of fun. The stories I heard, the pictures they took. Just find a tour you like.

The JR Railways East has travel packages. Just find one you that you like.

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My Experience - January 2006 - click for pictures

Transportation Schedule
If you like to train/bus/shinkansen hop use Hyperdia. Input the name of the STATION you want to leave from and the STATION you want to arrive. Well you could put the city, but it will be the main city at least. (eg Tokyo -> Hiroshima) and you could change you preferences.

Hostels
I used Hostelworld.com. I met a lot of fun and nice people. I stayed at Kawaguchiko Station Inn and Palette Takashimadaira. Both really affordable.
Kawagichiko Station Inn is close to the Fuji-Q Highland. It is one station away from the Kawaguchiko Station.
Palette Takashimadaira is an awesome place to stay. It's like an apartment in the U.S. but smaller. If you forgot something on you trip like an iron or laundry detergent, they should have it just ask. There is a 24 hour bento place, supermarket, pachinko, izakayas, etc. It's a bit out of main Tokyo, so be careful. That's when Beginner Lesson #40 or Survival Phrases #5 comes in handy.

I can't wait to go again!!!

[Ulver_684]

What about tour groups? Anyone have any info./experience with these?

If you like Japanese anime, manga, etc., then Pop Japan Travel. This one is not first hand experience, but I had two friends who went on the Pop Japan Comiket Tour 2004. They had a lot of fun. The stories I heard, the pictures they took. Just find a tour you like.

The JR Railways East has travel packages. Just find one you that you like.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Experience - January 2006 - click for pictures

Transportation Schedule
If you like to train/bus/shinkansen hop use Hyperdia. Input the name of the STATION you want to leave from and the STATION you want to arrive. Well you could put the city, but it will be the main city at least. (eg Tokyo -> Hiroshima) and you could change you preferences.

Hostels
I used Hostelworld.com. I met a lot of fun and nice people. I stayed at Kawaguchiko Station Inn and Palette Takashimadaira. Both really affordable.
Kawagichiko Station Inn is close to the Fuji-Q Highland. It is one station away from the Kawaguchiko Station.
Palette Takashimadaira is an awesome place to stay. It's like an apartment in the U.S. but smaller. If you forgot something on you trip like an iron or laundry detergent, they should have it just ask. There is a 24 hour bento place, supermarket, pachinko, izakayas, etc. It's a bit out of main Tokyo, so be careful. That's when Beginner Lesson #40 or Survival Phrases #5 comes in handy.

I can't wait to go again!!!

Thanks so much for the info.! I appreciate it!

Nicole

Yes I agree with Suiteone-san!

Thank you all mina-san for those great links and info!!