I'm going to Tokyo next April. I need to know if it is wise to visit Osaka, Nikko and Mt Fuji.?

Question

I just need advice on these places as I'm torn between visiting them or skipping it. Did my research and found out that Osaka seems to have nothing much. Nikko looks interesting and fun. Many say it is pointless to travel to Mt Fuji as it's nothing but a mountain (and that's it!).

Answer 1

I'd definitely pick Osaka over Nikko. Mainly because from Osaka you can go to Nara, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, and at a stretch Ise or Hiroshima.
Nikko has just one thing going for it, the tomb. Several sites in Nara and Kyoto match or beat the Nikko "old magical Japan" atmosphere.

Mt. Fuji is of course closed to climbing, and even in April, the roads might not be plowed/open yet. And of course, if you go to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji, you really can't see the mountain while standing on it. Good up close views are from the Five Lakes area.
You CAN see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo, especially in the early morning on a clear day, you just have to find a place in Tokyo where you can see the horizon (not so easy)
And, taking the bullet train down to Osaka, be sure to get a window seat on the Mt. Fuji side.

If you'll be here in early April, keep an eye on "the cherry blossom front" as it sweeps north through Japan. Not known yet, but some early forecasts say Osaka will get blooms in the last week of March, they rarely last much more than 2 weeks.

April 29 is the start of Golden Week, when the whole country goes on vacation. Travel becomes a nightmare, be careful.

Answer 2

I largely agree with what others have said. Visit Kyoto instead of Osaka. The exception would be if you're very into food. There is great food everywhere in Japan but Osaka is known for its food. I'd take Hakone over Mt. Fuji except that everyone knows Mt. Fuji and so you could say you've been there. Lastly, Nikko has some great resorts (Onsen), beautiful waterfalls and the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu. He's a huge figure in Japanese history. I wouldn't have gone there just to see his tomb but it was another nice thing to do while there.

One more tning, check the web for timing but try to pick an area where the Saukra (cherry blossoms) will be blooming. Go to a park or temple and experience cherry blosom season. It might not sound like much. But after five trips to Japan, I still enjoying strolling along with a mild breeze blowing and the blossoms falling all around.

Answer 3

well Mount Fuji is just a mountain but it's a very beautiful mountain, I suggest you go to Hakone and stay at a hot spring resort where you can view Fuji san in all it's splendour from the comfort of a spa. Nikko is fine but if you are going to Osaka it's only much good as a base to visit both Kyoto and Nara, one reason to choose Osaka as a base is that the hotels are cheaper, it also has a pretty vibrant night scene so there're places to go after you've finished sight seeing. It's also quite convenient to Himeji where there is arguably the finest example of a Japanese Castle to be found. Really it all depends on how much time you have and how busy you want to be. Early April will probably be better for cherry blossom in the Osaka area than Tokyo and vice versa later in the month but that really depends on the weather between now and then. Enjoy your trip and do try the local food it's delicious.

Answer 4

Mount Fuji is closed to climbing at that time of the year, but the vistor's area at Station 5 should be open. Nikko is a great place and the spring time flora and fauna will make your trip worth while. If Osaka was on your agenda, but you seem to lean towards dropping it. Maybe you should replace Osaka with a trip to Kyoto. Kyoto is the best place to see and experience traditional Japan. If it is already on your agenda, then you are set.

Answer 5

Both guys above me have good points..try to visit other places near to these areas..Kyoto for Osaka and Hakone for Mt.Fuji

if you visit one of these places I think it will make an impressions, it depends on your interest..
then decide which is the best to visit first,,
Maybe on my list would be
Nikko...Osaka...Mt.Fujii by the time you April comes,, you will know where you want to go..
check these places on website, you will have ideas.http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html
as Nikko would be my first choice, I have never been there and I think it is worth visiting too..