ok, now i have to figure out this newfangled Skype thingie.

Prices are dependent on exchange rate which is pretty favorable for us right now. However, who knows what it will be like in a year. Flights - again, that changes often depending on the economy.

Cherry Blosson season in Tokyo is late March / early April and is one of the MOST popular times to visit Japan, so hotels and flights may be at a premium.

Staying at a Ryokan is the least expensive option but is also the least Western. I think the hotel we stayed at is currently running around $200 a night for the same season this year.

I didn't find food to be such a big expense (everyone always says how expensive food is in Japan) but we ate at a lot of smaller places that also were not very Western (but man were they good!).

I don't remember how much train travel was but we didn't buy a pass and did just fine.

Japan is CERTAINLY one of the least expensive foreigh places to travel at the moment. The dollar actually holds some weight against the yen - which is it NOT doing with the pound or euro.

When we get a better idea about who will be traveling from the US, we might want to get Tim and Diane involved. They may be able to swing some group discounts.

The rates should be OK at the time we're going - Golden Week is not until 2 weeks after (and people don't tend to travel until then, cos of all the holidays they get in the one week)

Food is as cheap or expensive as you like. :D

Thanks Lisa!

If you definately wanted to take over, then the affiliated Tokyo Ryokan is take-overable with only 3 rooms !! :D

Both are located in Asakusa, home of shopping... and Kappabashi (Kitchen-Town) The local station is a short walk, and is called Tawaramachi. There's a lot more local info on the websites for the ryokans.

It was really easy to get to TDL from there, only one change needed, two at most (depending on train).

We could also look at This Hotel which for a twin room is ¥9,240 (about $46 per person) - it's located near Shinjuku station (3-10 mins depending on which exit you want) - and it's western style with private bathroom.

This is in a pretty good area and looks rather nice.

It also comes with some nice amenities:


Tooth set Razor And Spit
Refrigerator (not stocked)
Cup
Soap

But, you have to rent your towles and blankets (limited numbers).

God, I love Japan.

Should I also pack my babelfish and the ignition key to the Heart of Gold? I mean, we wouldn't want those Vogons to catch us.

That one sounds great. I know that Heather and I found a couple of hotels in the Shinjuku Station area for close around $100. We went for the tower (and the extra $100) for the view, but I'd be amenable to going for the more affordable place. God I love Shinjuku.

Shinjuku wold be my number one choice of area to stay in again.