traveling to tokyo and boarding a cruise in Osaka

This is my first time to Japan and I would like to travel to Tokyo first getting off the plane at Narita Airport. We only have like four days including the day that we need to be at Osaka after 2pm to board our cruise. I dont know the distances from Tokyo to Osaka and my question is should i spend a day in Osaka. I am open to suggestions. I also would like to know about the shops to do some shopping. I would like to do some tours in Tokyo since is a spertacular city but for what i seen on the web the port of Osaka is beautiful. If you could assist me i would really appreciated. Also would it be convinent to stay in Giza while in Tokyo it seem that is pretty central to everything. I am traveling next year on March 2 and i would like to get prepared with time since this is a long trip. I am -also bringing my husband and in-laws which are in their 60%26#39;s. they can walk and they are pretty active. i want to make comfortable for them too. also if you can suggest any hotels or tour company i will be very grateful.

traveling to tokyo and boarding a cruise in Osaka

Shinjuku might be a good option to stay while in Tokyo. IMO, a bit more central than Ginza. Easy transportation access from Narita.

There are many hotel options in Tokyo. Check the reviews in the Tokyo Hotels section of this web site.

An escorted tour is not necessary. Japan is very easy to get around self-guided. A good site to do some research - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e623.html

Tokyo to Osaka is around 3 hours by Shinkansen.

traveling to tokyo and boarding a cruise in Osaka

Actually, given your limited time in Japan between arriving and departing on your cruise, I would recommend that you take the Shinkansen to Kyoto and stay there on the 3rd day, spending it sightseeing in this city full of world heritage sites. (Osaka is a business-oriented city and doesn%26#39;t have much to offer in comparison regarding sightseeing!) Plus in Kyoto you could stay at a nice ryokan to get the full Japanese experience.

For seeing Kyoto, you can book a one-day tour with an English-speaking guide which takes you to all the major sites, which is what I would suggest for you given your limited time frame. Actually, I recommend the one-day Kyoto AND Nara tour, to see the highlights of both ancient capital cities.

The only tour company I have come across offering such tours (there may be others) is JTB Sunrise Tours. See their website in English at: http://www.jtbgmt.com/sunrisetour/

(JTB is the gold-standard of Japanese travel, so while they may be a bit pricey, you can count on a very professional and dependable tour, and it is the most efficient way to see the major sites in a limited time, without transportation hassles.)

From Kyoto it is relatively easy (as easy as from within Osaka) to get to your cruise ship departure point in Osaka, which will most likely be at Tempozan Pier (that%26#39;s where most cruise ships dock, but double check with your booking agent).

From JR Kyoto station you can catch an express train (might have to change trains at Osaka station, though) to a station called Bentencho. From there you can either take a taxi (about $10) or else take the green Chuo subway line two stations down to Osakako, and from there walk 5-10 minutes to the pier at Tempozan.

One other point to consider: due to the time difference (and jet lag), you will most likely wake up at 5 am on the first couple of days, and crash out around 5-6 pm in the afternoon, so factor that in and don%26#39;t try to overdo it.

Thank you Dave, i really appreciate all your recommendations. They would come very handly when i arrive at Japan.

First of all thanks for responding i am really gratefull. In regard to taking the train at the Kyoto Station and changing trains and then the taxi to get to the pier is there other way around it. For instance can i get a taxi instead i dont mind the hassle but since i am travelling with my inlaws and they are senior i would prefer a better way to get to the pier since we are dragging our luggage. Please give a suggestion your recommendations are excellent. Just like the one the previous person that wrote back to my concerns. Thank you again.