I know. I did the first re-ordered China trip, and there were definitely kinks. But there was something special about being first.@sayhello We went to Japan in mid-May and the weather was wonderful (70's and low 80's). In April, you may get lucky and see cherry blossoms. My only concern with April is it is the very first Japan trip and they may still be working out some kinks.
They are very nice hotels. I know not everyone can afford that. I do wish it was at Four Seasons Kyoto. Kyoto is becoming the 'it' city of the moment.The itinerary looks great, but the price is WAY too high for us! I can't justify that at all. Looks like I'll be making my own plans for our trip to Japan next year.
They are very nice hotels. I know not everyone can afford that. I do wish it was at Four Seasons Kyoto. Kyoto is becoming the 'it' city of the moment.
Hi all! Recently returned from our trip to Japan and Tokyo Disney and it was AMAZING. I will be posting a video trip report soon. I just looked over the ABD and it looks really good but....WOW expensive. We did a somewhat short trip with 3 nights at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, 2 nights at Hotel Miracosta, and 2 nights at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. We also did a day trip to Kyoto via Shinkansen through Viator.
I’ll be curious to see what ABD charges for the packages. My guess is they are the same ones you can buy through Tokyo Disney Resort and they are very pricey. I really think you will come out ahead booking on your own, but the big advantage with the package deal is the Fastpasses. For our visit in April on weekdays, the crowds were very reasonable and we would have barely needed them. For the summer and especially on weekends you are probably going to need those Fastpasses though! I believe you also get a nifty exclusive popcorn bucket!
Anyway, feel free to ask me any questions you may have about TDR or my (brief) experience in Japan. Also be sure to check out TDRExplorer for lots of tips; we met Chris several times on our trip and he is truly wonderful. As for us, we will be booking ABD China for 2019!
Considering all if the activities scheduled from the Kyoto base, what amenities at the Four Seasons would improve the experience for you over the stay at the Hyatt?
I wouldn't read too much into this. He's never taken an ABD, and has, in the past, made lots of statements like this that he never comes back to explain. I think the Hyatt looks spectacular.I’d also like to hear your opinion on this. I love that so much is based out of Kyoto, but the Hyatt seems like a great hotel from what I could tell. Just wondering if there is something I’m missing. I know there is another tour I’ve looked at where Four Seasons Kyoto was the hotel. Maybe I just haven’t looked into it enough.
Thanks! I do think I'm leaning towards April despite the jitters about "first departure" kinks, and the appeal of an ABD for my Birthday... We'll see what I choose come tomorrow! And yes, either date will be wonderful, I'm sure!!!@sayhello good luck picking your dates. That’s a tough one. The October, for me, would have been my choice, but that’s obviously out of contention. I’m sure you can’t go wrong with any choice! It is bound to be amazing
I wouldn't read too much into this. He's never taken an ABD, and has, in the past, made lots of statements like this that he never comes back to explain. I think the Hyatt looks spectacular.
https://www.tripexpert.com/kyoto/hotels/four-seasons-hotel-kyoto-vs-hyatt-regency-kyoto
Thanks! I do think I'm leaning towards April despite the jitters about "first departure" kinks, and the appeal of an ABD for my Birthday... We'll see what I choose come tomorrow! And yes, either date will be wonderful, I'm sure!!!
Sayhello
Pool!Considering all if the activities scheduled from the Kyoto base, what amenities at the Four Seasons would improve the experience for you over the stay at the Hyatt?
I am not saying its a bad choice. For years the Hyatt was the only high end luxury western hotel in the city. But both Ritz Carlton/ Four Seasons have pools and spas. I am happy with the choice of hotel however for the route.The Hyatt in Kyoto is a fantastic hotel. We stayed there a few years back, and the service is just incredible. Despite it being a pretty upscale hotel, it felt so relaxing. A really wonderful place to return to after a long day of sightseeing.
We stayed at the Hyatt in Kyoto in 2015. It is a very nice hotel with western style rooms and a very good breakfast buffet. It is located near the train station (which was nice or us) since we were traveling on our own. The service is great as well! It is a large hotel that can accommodate groups. It is not to the level of the Peninsula in Hong Kong or Shanghai, but I don't think you will be disappointed. As I recall, this hotel was quite pricey for the four of us (two rooms). I know people are shocked at the price of the Japan trip, but I think it is a good value for everything you are getting. I expect the prices to go up for 2020. I would jump on this trip if my family didn't want to see other places first. Japan is one of our favorite countries in the world and this itinerary looks fantastic!
Combining Tokyo, Kyoto, and taking the Shinkansen down to Hiroshima & Miyajima is pretty much what we were hoping to see in the itinerary. All the hotels seem great. I'm glad they're finishing up at the Peninsula. After HK and Shanghai, it will be cool to stay at 3rd Peninsula. Plus it's a quick drive to TDR after the ABD. Several highly rated restaurants in there as well. Overall, it seems like a very strong effort on ABD's behalf.
Congrats! What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday!I'm in for May!! Japan for my Birthday! Yay!!
Sayhello