Damn it! Oh well while you are our "man on the ground", let us know any other delicious shops and eats on your travels that are hard to spot unless you've been there please! a lot of us are going in the next few months so it would be appreciated,
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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
Damn it! Oh well while you are our "man on the ground", let us know any other delicious shops and eats on your travels that are hard to spot unless you've been there please! a lot of us are going in the next few months so it would be appreciated,
Hmm... the ramen museum is one of the few places my group knows and is looking forward to for the trip... haha. But thanks for the tidbit about Kamakura vs Kyoto/Nara. I will ask them on their opinions for that. Thanks!
I was actually wondering if Kamakura and Yokohama could both be done in one day, otherwise i was thinking to spread it out over 2 days... though i guess your (and theBrian's) post would imply it would be a bit difficult
Reposting for more opinions since it might've been lost in the endof the last page...
Thoughts on this Itinerary?
3/24 - Arrive Tokyo
3/25 - Tokyo
3/26 - Tokyo/Yokohama (Ramen Museum, etc.)
3/27 - Tokyo/Kamakura
3/28 - Tokyo
3/29 - Tokyo -> Hakone
3/30 - Hakone -> Kyoto
3/31 - Kyoto/Osaka
4/1 - Kyoto/Nara
4/2 - Kyoto -> Tokyo
4/3 - Tokyo / Leave
Slashes indicate Home Base / Day Trip Location
Is Yokohama + Kamakura feasible as a 1 day package?
Are there any additional combos that are feasible?
Thanks in advance!
I saw your first post but I got no idea
You can check this info and see if that helps you:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2024.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2022.html
You're from Germany? Then you need to take a note of this at least:
Thanks guys! The links basically answer all my questions.
I saw your first post but I got no idea
You can check this info and see if that helps you:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2024.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2022.html
You're from Germany? Then you need to take a note of this at least:
oh and dont forget, japan is using the wrong lane... like in england.
MikeHattsu
Member
If you like games and such I guess you should check out Nipponbashi / Den Den Town in Osaka. That's one of the places I'm going at least.
MikeHattsu
Member
I'm checking out Osaka Castle at least. Not checked what else I want to see yet.
Uh... You can look at the Nintendo building from the outside at least, if you find that kind of thing interesting. Better to just go to the Pokémon Center in Osaka or something.
For sure. There's lots of places I haven't been (like the entirety of Japan outside of the Tokyo area lol), but I'll try to help.
So my 2nd itinerary will be like this
24 March Kyoto
25 March Kyoto
26 March Kyoto
27 March Kyoto/Nara
28 March Kyoto/Hiroshima/Miyajima
29 March Kyoto -> Tokyo
30 March Tokyo
31 March Tokyo/Hakone
01 April Tokyo/Kawaguchiko
02 April Tokyo
03 April Tokyo -> Osaka
04 April Sayonara Japan
24 March Kyoto
25 March Kyoto
26 March Kyoto
27 March Kyoto/Nara
28 March Kyoto/Hiroshima/Miyajima
29 March Kyoto -> Tokyo
30 March Tokyo
31 March Tokyo/Hakone
01 April Tokyo/Kawaguchiko
02 April Tokyo
03 April Tokyo -> Osaka
04 April Sayonara Japan
Whoa. Our trips are almost mirroring each other! :O
But I'm pretty sure on the third day I can barely walk hahaha.
Gonna be my longest and furthest solo trip.
distantmantra
Member
Speaking of Diver City, I'm gonna waste an hour or two at Gundam Front during our trip in April. Can I take pictures inside? If I can, my wife will come in and take pictures of me nerding out. If not, she'll just do some shopping while I'm there.
Looking forward to reading your trip reports soon! I'll be off to Japan on April 9, I'm so excited already.
I'm just wondering how the weather will be in April. Hope its not too cold, because I don't want to bring too many clothes.
Now I'm just orientating myself on Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. Planning places to see, activities to do, and restaurants to eat at.
Solo trip! Fun! Pure freedom to do whatever you want...
Looking forward to reading your trip reports soon! I'll be off to Japan on April 9, I'm so excited already.
I'm just wondering how the weather will be in April. Hope its not too cold, because I don't want to bring too many clothes.
Now I'm just orientating myself on Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. Planning places to see, activities to do, and restaurants to eat at.
Will report back in!
Looking forward to reading your trip reports soon! I'll be off to Japan on April 9, I'm so excited already.
I'm just wondering how the weather will be in April. Hope its not too cold, because I don't want to bring too many clothes.
It's still cold, rainy and windy.
Living in equator my whole life make me hate cold haha. I can't even stand 24 C.
Please share!
I wanna eat sushi in Endo sushi Osaka, someone said few pages ago it was great.
Cycling in Kyoto sounds fun too
but I can't cycle ;___;
LOL just realized, same date different town.
distantmantra
Member
My wife and I will be in Osaka April 4-6 and then Tokyo the 7th through the 13th.
Well, my sightseeing planning is not complete yet...but so far:
April 10 - Check in at hostel, explore Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, cat cafe (girlfriend wants that)
April 11 - Studio Ghibli Museum (if there are tickets for this date), Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shinjuku, maybe Akihabara at night on the way back to Asakusa
April 12 - Maybe day trip to Nikko (this might change, because we'll be seeing so many temples and nature stuff in Kyoto and Nara already)
April 13 - Imperial Palace? Ginza maybe? If we feel like it, maybe the Tsukiji fish market
April 14 - Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen
Has anyone visited the Robot Restaurant? I believe Anthony Bourdain went there too. Reviews on tripadvisor are quite positive, it looks insane.
http://www.robot-restaurant.com
You can take pictures inside the model display shop and the shop itself. I'm not so sure about the actual museum. If it's not allowed there will be some pretty prominent signage, but I haven't been in a while so I can't recall.
Don't forget to check out the Gundam Cafe on the bottom floor near the actual Gundam Statue (Gundam Front is at the very top of the mall area).
Some pics for reference.
Gundam Front Entrance
Inside the model display area, I have more but not on this computer apparently. It's pretty incredible to see though
You can see the Gundam Cafe in the background here. It's not as cool as the one in Akihabara in my opinion. Plus the one in Akiba is next door to the AKB48 cafe which is pretty dope.
distantmantra
Member
Thanks. This will be our third trip since 2006, but I always seem to miss out on the 1:1 Gundam. Good thing it's a permanent fixture now.
Robot restaurant is doooooooope. Food is awful, but you're not there for that. It's like 5000 yen to get in, but I thought it was worth it for the spectacle. Kabukicho is less awesome in my opinion, but I suppose it's worth checking out for the weekend crowds etc.
Go at night and watch the light show + anime that is displayed on the wall of Diver City. You'll dig it if you're a Gundam fan.
This is an awful quality pic =( seems like all my Gundam pics are on my laptop
Man, i went on Monday too... and really disappointed. The only flavour left was Chili, and i barely like the spicy food
. Just bought two and gave as gift to friends.
Man, i went on Monday too... and really disappointed. The only flavour left was Chili, and i barely like the spicy food
Just bought two and gave as gift to friends.
I was passing by on Monday and actually saw that they were basically sold out.
A friend of mine who works at the University nearby said that it's still pretty bare bones. I wonder if this weekend they'll have more.
For sure man, I think everyone will touch Tokyo on a Japan trip anyway. That ramen place is an excellent shout, I'll check it out in April ( it'll wash down all the gyoza stadium deliciousness).
Reposting this. Thanks guys,.
Ok. More assistance for everyone. I said it before but I will say it again: You MUST go to an Onsen when you go to Japan, especially for those that are travelling to Kyoto and/or Osaka. Not going and experiencing an beautiful and large Onsen is almost a crime.
Please take a look at this great tutorial video that shows you properly what to do when you go to an Onsen, this applies to both women and men:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS2YUMFAQ3g
Now understand that the Onsen in the video is quite basic, so to have a great experience try to look for a really good and popular Onsen, one that really makes you feel that you are in Japan and no other country. I hope that make sense?
Always remember, an Onsen is your chance to really relax... Don't think of anything, just clean up, get yourself in the bath and let your mind drift. Try to find an traditional Onsen that allows you take a bath outside but if you can't find one then do not worry, just find a really nice and large in-door one. Trust me you won't regret it. Don't be shy and don't let the language be a barrier. Follow the video and what everyone else is doing in the Onsen and don't be shy.
Be warned though... If you are loaded with tattoos then you may want to think twice about going to an Onsen as people may think you belong to a gang/yakuza. Also, if you are male and got a package between your legs, you may want to think about keeping it cover with a towel if you want to avoid other guys staring at you.
Other than that please go, enjoy yourself, and ensure that going to an Onsen is part of your Kyoto/Osaka experience.
Please take a look at this great tutorial video that shows you properly what to do when you go to an Onsen, this applies to both women and men:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS2YUMFAQ3g
Now understand that the Onsen in the video is quite basic, so to have a great experience try to look for a really good and popular Onsen, one that really makes you feel that you are in Japan and no other country. I hope that make sense?
Always remember, an Onsen is your chance to really relax... Don't think of anything, just clean up, get yourself in the bath and let your mind drift. Try to find an traditional Onsen that allows you take a bath outside but if you can't find one then do not worry, just find a really nice and large in-door one. Trust me you won't regret it. Don't be shy and don't let the language be a barrier. Follow the video and what everyone else is doing in the Onsen and don't be shy.
Be warned though... If you are loaded with tattoos then you may want to think twice about going to an Onsen as people may think you belong to a gang/yakuza. Also, if you are male and got a package between your legs, you may want to think about keeping it cover with a towel if you want to avoid other guys staring at you.
Other than that please go, enjoy yourself, and ensure that going to an Onsen is part of your Kyoto/Osaka experience.
Use the 29th March as extra days in Osaka and Kyoto. Spend more time in Osaka and use Kyoto as your opportunity to see the beauty of Japan, and relaxation in an Onsen and traditional Japanese style hotel. If you can, get to Kobe and eat the beef there. Your motto during your time in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara is to See the beauty, stuff yourself silly with food, relax yourself to the max, soak in the Japanese experience, drink and socialise with locals, repeat all while taking everything slowly.
You are not missing anything in respect to Hiroshima. Ideally, Hiroshima should be done within the day which you should take the chance to see the Bomb museum. However, if this is your first time to Japan then I really advise you to leave Hiroshima for now and go there on your next visit.
I suggest you spend 3 final days in Tokyo. I guarantee you that you will miss it and think of tons of things you want to go and do.
The 14 days JR All Pass is definitely the one to get.
... Tough to say. I really suggest you do some research first, scope out your trip plan, then come back here so we can give you some strong helpful advice. Perhaps you could copy some of the people's plans here as some of them are pretty good.
but i heard as a foreigner you are not allowed to go to onsens here and there...
Funny. I was planning to do exactly that in early February.
You see, people? This is what I am talking about. Get yourself there and prepare your mind to purely relax and feel good. Age doesn't matter, you'll feel good regardless of how old you are for everyone need to slow down once and awhile.
Where did you hear that? Because is a complete bullshit.
Funny. I was planning to do exactly that in early February.
You see, people? This is what I am talking about. Get yourself there and prepare your mind to purely relax and feel good. Age doesn't matter, you'll feel good regardless of how old you are for everyone need to slow down once and awhile.
I had been in that Onsen
Which one has the best onsen, Kyoto or Hakone?
I'm looking at this now http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...sho_no_Yu-Toyooka_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html
edit: 8-10 hours trip :\
I'm looking at this now http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...sho_no_Yu-Toyooka_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html
edit: 8-10 hours trip :\
I really, really, REALLY recommend this. It saved my ass more times than I can count, and I was able to see so much more of Japan with having always-on internet. The connection is amazing; I think I lost it once between Tokyo and Kyoto. I got the version with the extended battery, but I also paired it with http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D5T3QK4/?tag=neogaf0e-20 and threw it in my backpack. Obviously, battery was never an issue. I also got the "4G" version, and speeds were very fast.
GET THIS!
I concur. That's not true at all. If there are any truth to it then it's really must be somewhere remote or underground even. Heck, places we wouldn't breath to go to anyway.
Maybe he refer a people with a lot of tattoos.
I have one and I have always with me to cover in the Onsen.
Oh yes. Here is some major advice for anyone that is from the UK.
When you get to Japan, TURN YOUR MOBILE OFF OR PUT IT ON FLIGHT MODE! Never think about using your mobile unless you want to incur a heavy cost. I tell you one time what happen to me.
On my second trip to Japan, which was about 7 years ago, I left my mobile phone on so people can get hold of me. I knew that calling people from another country would be expensive, but I didn't think there would be any harm if I left the phone on so I can see who has miss-called me so I can contact them via wi-fi internet. What a mistake that was because thanks to that, I incurred an additional £220 phone bill while I was in Japan for 2 weeks! So, the question is why was the cost so high? Well, T-Mobile, the phone operator I was with, do not have any deal with any Japanese operators such as SoftBank and AU (in fact, no UK mobile phone operator have a deal with a Japanese mobile phone operator). Therefore, T-Mobile charged £2 to send out the phone signal to a Japanese operator and charge another £2 to connect. That means you will pay £4 just to get a miss call which is absurd! Yes, I'm serious, a miss call. Not a voice mail. Not me answering the phone. A MISS CALL!
So please take it from me. If you really need to use your mobile when you get to Japan, please turn it on only when you need to use it (make sure it's for a phone call and not to listen to your voice mails on a regular) then turn it immediately off soon afterwards. Do this unless your phone company has a special deal with the Japanese phone operators. You've been warned.
When you get to Japan, TURN YOUR MOBILE OFF OR PUT IT ON FLIGHT MODE! Never think about using your mobile unless you want to incur a heavy cost. I tell you one time what happen to me.
On my second trip to Japan, which was about 7 years ago, I left my mobile phone on so people can get hold of me. I knew that calling people from another country would be expensive, but I didn't think there would be any harm if I left the phone on so I can see who has miss-called me so I can contact them via wi-fi internet. What a mistake that was because thanks to that, I incurred an additional £220 phone bill while I was in Japan for 2 weeks! So, the question is why was the cost so high? Well, T-Mobile, the phone operator I was with, do not have any deal with any Japanese operators such as SoftBank and AU (in fact, no UK mobile phone operator have a deal with a Japanese mobile phone operator). Therefore, T-Mobile charged £2 to send out the phone signal to a Japanese operator and charge another £2 to connect. That means you will pay £4 just to get a miss call which is absurd! Yes, I'm serious, a miss call. Not a voice mail. Not me answering the phone. A MISS CALL!
So please take it from me. If you really need to use your mobile when you get to Japan, please turn it on only when you need to use it (make sure it's for a phone call and not to listen to your voice mails on a regular) then turn it immediately off soon afterwards. Do this unless your phone company has a special deal with the Japanese phone operators. You've been warned.
Hakone is the best. This I re-confirmed with my Japanese partner here in Japan.
Probably, but I guess we shouldn't assume. Let's wait for further confirmation.
Good job on keeping it covered. I know that Japanese really look down on people that got tattoos unless they really know the person that got them.
Agreeeeeee. The only limiting thing I've ever seen is the "no tattoos" sign. Even then most of those places understand that foreigner =/= Yakuza. They may ask that you cover up smaller tattoos but I've never seen an onsen expressly forbid foreigners.
Anyone have any experience climbing Mt Fuji? My partner and i will be in Japan for the second time in July and are planning on it. I've had a general look at stuff but would like to hear from some people who've actually done it.
Also we're planning on staying Kyoto for a night and was wondering if any had some tips for places to eat/ things to see? We're in the process of planning but it's always nice to get some other opinions.
Also we're planning on staying Kyoto for a night and was wondering if any had some tips for places to eat/ things to see? We're in the process of planning but it's always nice to get some other opinions.
I'm an expert
Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
I've climbed it three times, each time starting at a different time and each time being a different experience. I think I even made a post here once answering this exact question but.. that was probably like 5 years ago. Gist of it is:
Climbing primarily during day? Take sunscreen.
Climbing primarily at night? Wear layers.
Do both either way.
If you want the best experience, in my opinion, start around noon, take your time, stay overnight at one of the inns on the upper stations, wake up for sunrise, head down. If you want the most expeditious experience, start around 11PM, get to top for sunrise, surf down the sand trail and enjoy the wait for the first buses.
Don't underestimate how powerful the sun can be, how cold the night can be, and how dangerous climbing in the dark can be. You can complete the climb in a few hours, but in general I think budgeting 5-6 is safe for your first time.
Great advice. Thank you for providing that info as I am interesting in climbing Fuji san.
Can you give some advice on the gears we should wear and/or take?
i have to ask my friend, he was two years ago somewhere near kyoto and he was not allowed to go to the onsen as well the red light district was also one of these areas where the japanese, friendly and unfriendly showed him and his friends that they are not welcome there.
how much does an onsen-stay cost? is it expensive?
can you just stay there for a few hours, do you have to book a day/room or how does it work?
something recommendable near osaka or kyoto?
Onsen are relatively cheap. You can stay in there as long as you one though I wouldn't recommend anything longer than 1hr 30mins as that won't be healthy. All you do is go to the reception, pay at the counter or pay at the ticket machine, then walk to the changing room, get undressed and go in. Please watch the video I put up so you can have a good idea how you clean yourself, an imperative reference material for first timers.
I'm an expert
Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
In terms of gear, you don't need anything super professional or anything. Sneakers you are happy to throw out after it's all done are welcome. A backpack for some basic supplies and nourishment. The proper clothing for the weather depending on the time, a hat for example. If you're doing night, having a flashlight or helmlight is worth it. They sell them at the 5th station but you can just bring your own. There's a few snack shacks available during the lower stations (like 6 or 7) but then you're on your own till the top when it comes to food. I never really brought anything out of the ordinary, not even gloves. When you're there you'll see people three times your age climbing it just fine.
Minus a few oddly steep sections, it's not a hard climb at all.
I think people have different views on onsens if they haven't been to Japan. You can do the whole hot spring surrounded by rocks thing, but I find it hard to relax or enjoy it if it's communal. It makes it easier to justify if you have a significant other, but even if not, going 貸切 or a 露天風呂 in your room is a much better option in my opinion, and is more indicative or what Japanese do for getaways. Of course, you can always just do the go in the local onsen for an hour and soak around thing.
http://www.jalan.net/onsen/ is all you'll ever need.
You should be prepared for Tokyo Skytree to take a very long time. I went in the morning during the tourism off-season and it took 2+ hours in lines, which disrupted my schedule for the rest of the day. It looks like you are trying to go in the afternoon/evening near the busy season, so it could be a lot worse. You should probably go there before you go exploring, because when it is busy they will hand out tickets for people to come back a few hours later. It's possible to buy tickets in advance online, which saves a lot of time, but I think they only accept Japanese credit cards for some reason if I remember correctly.
MikeHattsu
Member
If you're planning to go to the Ghibli Museum, you should buy tickets ASAP:
http://www.jtbgmt.com/eng/ghibli/TicketSystem.html
If you wait they might sell out. If you plan buy Japanese tickets, then you get assigned a time slot you have to be there (and they might be sold out anyway). With the international tickets you can go whenever you want to on that day.