Ben wrote:
> Thanks for your help John.
>
> > Add Himeji to this list. While you're there go to Engyoji Temple on Mt.
> > Shosha. If you have a decent sense of direction I suggest walking back
> > to Himeji; saves you money on the bus fare and you'll see things the
> > normal tourist won't.
>
> ok this is noted.
>
> > Do you have a car? Can your Japanese friend drive? You might look into
> > this option for getting around. I've not priced rentals in Japan for a
> > long time, but it could be a decent deal if you're splitting the costs
> > two ways. This certainly allows you to see the rural areas, but this
> > time of year you also have to consider icy roads.
>
> we don't have a car, but rental could be a worthwhile option for getting
> around when we're staying in Kyoto, and we would split the costs.
> There are big ifs though, that i'll try looking into myself.
> My friend doesn't drive, but I do. Is it possible to rent a car and drive on
> a european union licence in Japan, or on an "international drivers licence"
> ?
> Age limit shouldn't be a problem as I'm 29 and have licence since 18.
>

It shouldn't be a problem, but I honestly don't know. When I lived in
Japan I had a Japanese license, and when I've traveled there and used a
car it was always borrowed from family.

> >> On railpasses, my budget is really low due to some recent events.
> >>
> > Sounds like me on my first trip to Japan. There are tickets designed
> > for students (seishun jyu hachi kippu), but it doesn't look like you'll
> > be able to use them since they're seasonal;
> > http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2362.html.
>
>
> yes I looked into them, but I'm not a student myself ( musician that had 2
> important gigs cancelled this month, after having happilly bought a non
> refundable ticket, hence the very problematic financial situation) and
> they're only for holidays.

It's a great ticket and anybody can use it. My wife, son, and I used
them last March when we went.

> I guess the key to the matter is how we are going to get aroud in when based
> in Kyoto for a week ( plans being Nara, Kurama, Biwa Lake, Osaka, Himeji)
> ...If there are reasonnable ways to get around avoiding trains. Maybe a
> regional pass would lighten things up. Then I could get a 7 days railpass
> and start using it on the last 7 days, when moving out of Kyoto, for the
> trip up north and back to Tokyo...
>

For getting around Kyoto, if you don't want to pay for local
buses/trains, see if your friend either knows someone who can loan you
a bicycle or maybe look into buying a cheap one when you get there or
renting one; you'd have to add up the costs to see if it's worthwhile,
but it might be. You could do the same thing in Himeji if you don't
want to pay for the bus to Mt. Shosha; looks like it's a free rental
(http://www.himeji-kanko.jp/english/useful/access.html)


John W.