Cheers for that, much appreciated, only 3 more days!
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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
Cheers for that, much appreciated, only 3 more days!
MikeHattsu
Member
You only checked out Asakusa shrine, and not Sensoji temple?
Oh Yes of course Sensoji too haha
Was beautiful there but that one big building gets restorized I think? You could only See the the top sadly but everything else was nice too
MikeHattsu
Member
Yeah, they're restoring the pagoda.
Shibuya was cool 
lots of people but still cozy somehow. I was also in Sangenjaya (Persona 5s real life Yongenjaya) and found the laundromat, the bar, the Hanamura market and the cinema. But I didnt want to take pictures because i think locals hate that. Still surreal to see these places exactly like that.
lots of people but still cozy somehow. I was also in Sangenjaya (Persona 5s real life Yongenjaya) and found the laundromat, the bar, the Hanamura market and the cinema. But I didnt want to take pictures because i think locals hate that. Still surreal to see these places exactly like that.After 19+ hours of travelling, the wife and I are finally in Tokyo!
We found no lines to get our JR Passes (around 19:20 on a Saturday), and finding the NEX platform was very easy.
Now it's time to get to our hotel in Shinjuku, and - if we're not too devastated - to possibly explore the area a little bit.
We found no lines to get our JR Passes (around 19:20 on a Saturday), and finding the NEX platform was very easy.
Now it's time to get to our hotel in Shinjuku, and - if we're not too devastated - to possibly explore the area a little bit.
Subpar Scrub
Banned
Just looking on google maps now, it says it should take around an hour and 10 to get from Narita to Toyko station on the bus, but I remember it being much much shorter than that when I went last time via Koesei bus lines or whoever. Like I remember it being around 25 minutes both times. That's weird.
So I fly over there in just under a week, is it better to bus it or take a train from Narita to Tokyo? Looks like I'll be arriving at 6.55pm at Narita next Monday night anyway.
I'll have to hunt this down. I'm a massive mark for shit like this.
Looks like the dude I'm going with has a lot of stuff he wants to do, which is awesome. He wants to see the Yamazaki whisky distillery, ramen museum (Or factory... I honestly can't remember which one he mentioned), Pokemon world etc. He also wants to take a cooking class over there, so I'll have to see what he's looked into.
So I fly over there in just under a week, is it better to bus it or take a train from Narita to Tokyo? Looks like I'll be arriving at 6.55pm at Narita next Monday night anyway.
Shibuya was cool
I'll have to hunt this down. I'm a massive mark for shit like this.
Looks like the dude I'm going with has a lot of stuff he wants to do, which is awesome. He wants to see the Yamazaki whisky distillery, ramen museum (Or factory... I honestly can't remember which one he mentioned), Pokemon world etc. He also wants to take a cooking class over there, so I'll have to see what he's looked into.
PdotMichael
Banned
What are the most interesting things to do in Yokohama except visiting Chinatown?
There is Hakkeijima but not so interested in the Amusement Park aspect and would prefer to go to the aquarium in Osaka which is supposed to the second best after the one in Okinawa.
There is Hakkeijima but not so interested in the Amusement Park aspect and would prefer to go to the aquarium in Osaka which is supposed to the second best after the one in Okinawa.
I really liked the Sankeien Garden. It's huge and contains a variety of historical buildings that were moved there from all over Japan (including a farmhouse from Shirakawago and some other interesting things). Walking along Minato Mirai is pretty cool too (the Landmark Tower's really impressive, the Nippon Maru is nice if you're into ships, and the area's interesting overall). There's also the ramen/cup noodle museums which are supposedly cool, but I can't personally comment on them.
PdotMichael
Banned
Thank you for the suggestions.
Yeah, China Town, Sankeien Garden and hunting some historical buildings would make already a good trip. I also just read that the art museum is supposed to be quite good.
Tokio, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Kure. That are already some nice places on my list. Not sure if I should try to add more places but I fear it would be to busy and I would miss too much in Tokio and especially in Osaka. But I'm open for suggestions.
Yeah, China Town, Sankeien Garden and hunting some historical buildings would make already a good trip. I also just read that the art museum is supposed to be quite good.
Tokio, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Kure. That are already some nice places on my list. Not sure if I should try to add more places but I fear it would be to busy and I would miss too much in Tokio and especially in Osaka. But I'm open for suggestions.
There is also always time for a third trip
I'm not gonna make TGS this year.
The dates for that weekend were already booked by a co-worker.
I still booked four weeks, the last two weeks of August and the first two weeks of September.
I'm going to try for PAX West tickets but my fall back is still Japan, but now that TGS is off the table I'm at a bit of a loss as what to do. Last year I spent a few weeks in Tokyo, then a few days each in Kyoto, Naoshima, and Osaka, I kind of have Tokyo "down" at this point. While a week or two in Tokyo still sounds great and I could fill the time just eating and shopping I'm hoping to do something a bit different.
I'm thinking of maybe trying a tour or putting together an itinerary based on a particular thing i'm interested in, maybe a tour of places featured during the warring states period or Boshin War or something.
The issue with this idea is that English seems pretty infrequent, even at museums, when you're off the beaten track. Which makes me hesitate doing it alone, also while I have interest in these things I don't know everything about them, so I'd want to actually learn while I was on the tour.
Does anyone know a reputable tour provider that might run one of these tours? I've done some cursory checking and found a lot of tours for the usual Tokyo Osaka Kyoto or walking tours for pilgrims but nothing like what I'm looking for.
The dates for that weekend were already booked by a co-worker.
I still booked four weeks, the last two weeks of August and the first two weeks of September.
I'm going to try for PAX West tickets but my fall back is still Japan, but now that TGS is off the table I'm at a bit of a loss as what to do. Last year I spent a few weeks in Tokyo, then a few days each in Kyoto, Naoshima, and Osaka, I kind of have Tokyo "down" at this point. While a week or two in Tokyo still sounds great and I could fill the time just eating and shopping I'm hoping to do something a bit different.
I'm thinking of maybe trying a tour or putting together an itinerary based on a particular thing i'm interested in, maybe a tour of places featured during the warring states period or Boshin War or something.
The issue with this idea is that English seems pretty infrequent, even at museums, when you're off the beaten track. Which makes me hesitate doing it alone, also while I have interest in these things I don't know everything about them, so I'd want to actually learn while I was on the tour.
Does anyone know a reputable tour provider that might run one of these tours? I've done some cursory checking and found a lot of tours for the usual Tokyo Osaka Kyoto or walking tours for pilgrims but nothing like what I'm looking for.
Just completed Kyoyo, Osaka and Himeji in a week. I am so sick of shrines, temples and castles now. And the amount of people during Golden Week was nuts! I had to leave before 5am to beat the rush for places like Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari. It was a good experience but I think Tokyo suits me more.
Now I'm in Hiroshima. The city is meh and kinda dead after 7pm, maybe because it's a Sunday. I'll be doing the main attractions tomorrow at Miyajima and museums then off to Sendai the next day.
Now I'm in Hiroshima. The city is meh and kinda dead after 7pm, maybe because it's a Sunday. I'll be doing the main attractions tomorrow at Miyajima and museums then off to Sendai the next day.
MikeHattsu
Member
have fun!
Found out that instead of only early September being open for 2 weeks in Japan we can actually take the trip as late as Mid-October if we want. Weather wise this seems much more ideal as the weather is nicer and the Monsoon season is pretty much over. Any idea on what crowds/events would be like in October rather than early September? Briefly looked at prices before and I think October was a little more expensive for things like plane tickets. Still too early for snow in places like the Nagano monkey hot spring which my wife is really interested in but September sounds like barely any monkeys would be at the springs anyways.
MikeHattsu
Member
October is great. Been to Japan several times then. The mating season for the snow monkeys are in the fall though, so they might not be there. Wasn't there when I tried going last year in early October. Of course, it's the same in September as well
October is great. Been to Japan several times then. The mating season for the snow monkeys are in the fall though, so they might not be there. Wasn't there when I tried going last year in early October. Of course, it's the same in September as well
Yea, that's what i've read so I think we've come to terms that we won't get to experience that but gives us a reason to go back during the winter months another year.
MikeHattsu
Member
You should check out the live camera on the site the day you're planning to go:
http://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp
Might be there if you're lucky.
Go in October. Better weather, the rain and humidity have come to a stop, the leaves are still changing, the temperature is mild, and a lot of festivals and events start happening.
PdotMichael
Banned
Shouldn't have googled the APA hotel chain and their president who is some crazy right wing nut who denies Japanese war crimes.
Now I'm canceling the two hotels and look for some alternatives.
Now I'm canceling the two hotels and look for some alternatives.
Hexxen-Panda
Member
Oh, dammit. Sucks that every day of my stay in Tokyo could be rainy/cloudy.
Weather Channel, FAKE NEWS.
Eh...could be worse, I guess. At least the forecast for my Kyoto trip looks lovely.
Weather Channel, FAKE NEWS.
Eh...could be worse, I guess. At least the forecast for my Kyoto trip looks lovely.
MikeHattsu
Member
You've not stayed at one before? That book they have in each room is... erhm... interesting...
DracoBlade
Member
Its almost the tenth MikeHattsu and that means I need answers lol. Just to make sure I'm doing this right, I should go to the lawson site tomorrow at 10am JST/6pm PST (I live in California) for June Ghibli Museum tickets?
MikeHattsu
Member
DracoBlade
Member
Great, thanks champion of nippon knowledge!
Guess I should go to the Ghibli Museum as well while I still have the chance...
Anyone (Mike) know how fast those tickets sell out? I have class tomorrow at 10 AM but if it's gonna be full out ticket war, I guess I'll just run to Lawson and go to class later... lol
I remember 2 years ago thinking "Oh hey I should go to Ghibli museum this month" and finding out tickets for the entire summer were already gone, lol. (I think they sold july-august at the same time or something)
Anyone (Mike) know how fast those tickets sell out? I have class tomorrow at 10 AM but if it's gonna be full out ticket war, I guess I'll just run to Lawson and go to class later... lol
I remember 2 years ago thinking "Oh hey I should go to Ghibli museum this month" and finding out tickets for the entire summer were already gone, lol. (I think they sold july-august at the same time or something)
PdotMichael
Banned
No,last time was in a small but comfy hotel in Ikekuburo.
Found already a replacement for my stay in Osaka which is even closer to Dotonbori. Though they had some sweet deals for Kabukichou in Shinjuku so I was thinking to move from Ikekuburo to it but I guess I will stay in the same hotel, I really liked it there so nothing lost I guess.
MikeHattsu
Member
The Japanese tickets shouldn't sell out as fast, so if you're ok to go on like a Thursday at 14:00 or 16:00, then you should be able to get some later in the day.
If you got an l-tike account you should be able to get them online easily as well on the Japanese site.
He's currently traveling to outside of Japan~
Depends on the period of the year, summer can be pretty bad.
I remember trying to buy tickets on the day they went on sale and all the days I checked were sold out. Don't recall which days I was checking though.
I wouldn't risk it!
MikeHattsu
Member
Oi!
Yup lol but you learn fast here
Did Tsujiki Market and Hama Rikyu today
Yesterday I did tokyo tower, the shrine nearby and Meiji Shrine. Too much to see but Ive got almost done everything cool in Tokyo and tomorrow I will be in kyoto in a airbnb for 7 days witg Trips to nara hiroshima and osaka Rush hour is definitely a beast haha but I love it so far, ate some squid today and very good Sushi
Edit: also using dating apps as a german Boy is amazing here haha cant stop the messages
Hmmm ok I won't risk it then, and go to Lawson at 10 AM
. Thanks!Asking for a friend here who will be staying 2 days in Osaka in June and arriving on a Sunday - how are the crowds there? They want to go to the aquarium, see the castle and go to Nara, but don't know in what order they should do it. I'm guessing the aquarium is best to be avoided during the weekend because of families going there with kids?
MikeHattsu
Member
Yes.
Gotcha
.
Ennosuke
Member
Akihabara is awesome. I like everything except the slow walkers so far. I am too fast it seems
I was in Japan in April and I loved it. It was crowded but I sort of had no problems with it. Kind of enjoyed it, haha. But what I really hated were slow walkers! Oh and chinese tourists (not all of them)
PdotMichael
Banned
Never put a single 100 coin into the crane games though.
Noo I hope it wont Rain too much tomorrow
will still be fun. Shibuya crossing and the City were really cool It's supposed to clear up late morning so we won't bust a gut to get out too early.Noo I hope it wont Rain too much tomorrow
Just need to decide which days to do kamakura and kawaguchiko, Thurs or Fri....
MikeHattsu
Member
Hello JapanGAF ! Can I submit my trip plan to you for advices ?
My girlfriend and I will go to Japan 2 weeks in July. First time for her, second time for me. I saw quite a bit of Tokyo already and she want more nature and less city. So our plan is :
Arrival - Tokyo
- 4 days in Tokyo : Climbing of the Mt Fuji by night
Travel to Kyoto with a night bus
- 3 days in Kyoto : Gion Matsuri \o/
- 3 days in Takayama : day trip to Kamikochi
Takayama -> Shirakawago -> Kanazawa
- 3 Days in Kanazawa
- 1 night in Tokyo
Departure : Tokyo
From what I estimated, with the Tokyo/Kyoto night bus, the JR pass isn't actually the best deal.
Any remarks ? Anything we don't want to miss during our trip ? Will we die from radiations ?
Thank you very much !
My girlfriend and I will go to Japan 2 weeks in July. First time for her, second time for me. I saw quite a bit of Tokyo already and she want more nature and less city. So our plan is :
Arrival - Tokyo
- 4 days in Tokyo : Climbing of the Mt Fuji by night
Travel to Kyoto with a night bus
- 3 days in Kyoto : Gion Matsuri \o/
- 3 days in Takayama : day trip to Kamikochi
Takayama -> Shirakawago -> Kanazawa
- 3 Days in Kanazawa
- 1 night in Tokyo
Departure : Tokyo
From what I estimated, with the Tokyo/Kyoto night bus, the JR pass isn't actually the best deal.
Any remarks ? Anything we don't want to miss during our trip ? Will we die from radiations ?
Thank you very much !
Laevateinn
Member
I'll be coming back over new years. Does Osaka or Tokyo celebrate better? I need to be in Osaka on the 5th of January. I also want to get a few fukubukuro.
MikeHattsu
Member
How are you planning to travel between Kyoto -> Takayama and Kanazawa -> Tokyo?
Any particular reason why you're going to Kamikochi?
I did that in reverse except I ended up skipping Kanazawa for scheduling reasons. You can easily reach Takayama by train and Kamikochi by bus. I really liked Kamikochi since it was my first stop outside Tokyo and a nice change of pace. Day trip is enough though. Afterwards I stayed in a ryokan in Onsen no Mori(? I think that was the name) which was AWESOME. Takayama is great and easy to navigate. There is the old town, the farmers market, the showa museum, etc. There was also aco little pop culture memorabilia store that was worth checking out.
I'd suggest to rent a car for shirakawa go etc. Will be much easier, more flexible and you have a wider range to escape the crowds. I just took the car to the next village and thus could avoid the bus loads of Chinese tourists in Shirakawa Go
I originally planned to drop off the car afterwards in Kanazawa but drove back to Takayama that day and went straight to Kyoto. Hence I reckon you could go from Kyoto to Kanazawa by train. Rent a car to drive to Takayama and stop by Shirakawa Go on the way. Take a detour by bus to Kamikochi and then leave Takayama for Tokyo by train.