Korean Job Discussion Forums

Sapa · Joined: 05 Nov 2007

Going to Japan at the end of next week and have a day to spend in either Nikko or Nara. To those of you that have been to both, which would you recommend and why?
Or perhaps I'm overlooking somewhere else that is near to either Tokyo or Kyoto.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Nara is much closer to Kyoto than Tokyo.

Nagoya has the massive Toyota museum, a cool Samurai castle an Edo period museum. It`s in the middle of Kyoto and Tokyo on the SHinkansen line.

The Owari branch of the Tokugawa family were one of the most powerful daimyo (feudal rulers) of the Edo period (1603-1867), and their vast array of heirlooms are showcased here. It's a mighty impressive collection, running the gamut from swords to pottery to exquisite centuries-old paintings and kimono. Everything is presented beautifully, and the displays are pretty much all bilingual.

The jewel in the museum's crown is a large portion of the 12th-century Illustrated Tale of Genji, but owing to its fragility it seldom goes on public display. Small sections are shown at certain times of the year, and there are also regular special exhibitions. Check the website for details.

1017 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya 461-0023
(052) 935-6262
www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp/english/index.html

ThingsComeAround · Joined: 07 Nov 2008

I second a visit on Nara, it is really beautiful and houses the world's largest wooden building! (Todaiji)

I have heard that Kyoto has alot more historical buildings than Tokyo (Kyoto wasn't bombed as much during WW2) so maybe that would interest you more?

and Osaka is closer to those two places. Osaka is very fun.

Enjoy your trip!

Kimsmith · Joined: 26 May 2008 Location: The holographic Universe

Nikko is a good day trip from Tokyo. There are a lot of temples and a waterfall up there.
Nara is possible as a day trip from Kyoto. I think that Nara is nicer than Nikko, but you'll be rushed to see everything in a day. Having said that, if you pick out a few places to see before you go and rent a bicycle there, you can still manage a lot.

Toon Army · Joined: 12 Mar 2007

Nara definitely, much more interesting. Nikko is okay but didn`t find it that impressive in comparison to Nara.

If you go to Nikko you can by the pass which is good value for money, including train fare and temple access (not all)

http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/pass/all_pass.html