Korean Job Discussion Forums

[loki82]

Hey folks,

I've just found out I have a short (pitiful, really) winter vacation with my school that's essentially giving me four days to do something for New Years. I have yet to leave Korea and I'd like to, but it's not enough time to head anywhere sunny. I've never really been a huge proponent of that 'going somewhere warm in the winter' cliche anyways.

Anyways, I'm thinking of just hopping on the Pusan-Fukuoka ferry for a foray into Japan. My question to the masses - or at least any of you who would know - is this: is Japan worthwhile in the winter? I have visions of picturesque ornamental gardens lightly sprinkled with pristine snow, but that may just be because I've been watching too much Kill Bill. Is it worthwhile? What can I expect, weather-wise? Also, does anyone know how/if Japan celebrates New Years?

Thanks!
Loki

[VanIslander]

[loki82]

I imagine that would be true usually, but from what I've seen, isn't most of Southeast Asia in it's peak season during winter? All the prices I've seen seem to have doubled.

[marcus]

Japan is worthwhile in the winter and you can do it relatively cheap. I stayed in Tokyo last winter for New Year's and it was all snowy temples and hot springs. I paid 2000 Y per night for a hostel that was right by the big temple in Asakusa. If you're really on a budget you can get by in Japan for 400-500 yen per meal.

Every other major Japanese city I've stayed in has accommodation for 2000 yen/night. But if you really wan't snow, Fukuoka wouldn't be the place to go. It's too far south. You might get rain.

New Years in Japan is great. The food at temples and shrines is amazing. The only drawback is that lots of things will be closed. Even hostess bars close down for a couple days around New Years. You'll want to plan a bit in advance to see what you actually want to do in Fukuoka and whether it will be open or not.

One big advantage is that you'll be able to get the "ju-hachi kippu". It's a train ticket for around 11500 yen. It gives you five days of unlimited travel on JR trains. You could go to Fukuoka, travel up to Kyoto, stay a couple of days and come back to Fukuoka and take the ferry home. The days on the ticket don't have to be used consecutively like the JR Pass so it's a way better deal. There's a really cheap place to stay in Kyoto for only 1700 yen and it's in a great location too. Let me know if you need more info.

[just because]

[Zed]

I'm pretty sure that the ferry was only 2 hours when I took it to Fukuoka. For 4 days I think Japan would be the better bet but, as someone said, Fukuoka isn't likely to be snowy.

[just because]

[Gord]