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[MikeHattsu]

Do the trains run 24 hours in Tokyo? Just need to know if I have to worry about "last train for the night" or not.

No. They stop around 01:00 and starts again around 05:00.

 

[UpperCaseN]

No. They stop around 01:00 and starts again around 05:00.

As always, thanks again MikeHattsu. I wish I could meet you all at the meetup but I won't be in until the end of the month. Rain rain go away

 

[dani_dc]

No. They stop around 01:00 and starts again around 05:00.

Which means the last train home is likely somewhere between 11:30pm-00:30am.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Which means the last train home is likely somewhere between 11:30pm-00:30am.

Yep.

 

[ccbfan]

Anyone have a Onsen Ryokan (with private onsen and dinner) recommendation in the Osaka region.

We looking to spend under 500 a night for 2 people..

 

[hwalker84]

Which means the last train home is likely somewhere between 11:30pm-00:30am.

Yep I was on a train last time and they just shut it down several stops before mine. Had a nice 30 minute walk.

 

[Krejlooc]

just gonna repost my original post even though a lot of questions have been answered in the OP:

So, when I was a cocky kid, like 10 years old, I used to tell my mom and god mother that one day I was going to become a big programmer and make a lot of money and take them to japan. And they never let me forget it. Highschool graduation, "So you're going to major in programming and take us to japan, right?" College graduation, "Should I book my trip to japan now?" And so forth.

So finally the time has come. I can now take them on a real-ass trip to japan, like I promised about 20 years ago. Problem is I have no idea what to take in or what to see.

I'm guessing a tour package is the way to go. Do they provide translators, or do you have to hire them on your own? My own japanese is incredibly rusty... I'm thinking I want to go during the Cherry Blossom season, as that's pretty much Japan's most iconic time. I definitely want my mother to take in what japan has to offer but, as an example, do they have hot springs for tourists where people can keep their clothes on? Or are they all entirely nude?

What cities should I see? Which parts of the country? What about shopping? I definitely am going to do some shopping.

What type of food to consider? I am an adventurous eater, but I dunno if my mother or god mother would be as adventurous.

Any advice for going to japan?

Questions in bold I'm still looking for answers to

 

[hwalker84]

Questions in bold I'm still looking for answers to

1.) I don't know you'd save more money researching asking us and planning on your own. Brush up on that Japanese
2.) Every one I've been to has been nude. Don't know about the women's side. Trust me they will not be the only old people
3.) You need to give us some examples on things they'll eat. Do they even eat raw fish? I'm adventurous so I need an idea where to set the bar.

 

[Fedemgsuy]

Hi guys, im planning on visiting Tokyo in late 2016, and of course, i have some questions:

I been eyeing some hostels for acomodation, and at the moment im leaning towards Sakura Hostel, seems cheap and close to most of my points of interest, any reviews or sugestions on this matter?
Food!, oh gosh, im plannig on some good ole "on the cheap" eating, what are my choices? (i dont eat fish..., i know )
In terms of places to see, i got most of it covered, Akihabara, the Wangan and the Rainbow Bridge, the Tower and ect, but any sugestions are welcome (before any of you ask: im a Wangan Midnight nut, so, a trip trough the Wangan expressway is a must).
Thanks in advance!

 

[MikeHattsu]

just gonna repost my original post even though a lot of questions have been answered in the OP:

Questions in bold I'm still looking for answers to

I know Yunessun in Hakone offer hot springs where you can wear swimsuits.

And just go on your own. Don't book a tour.

Food!, oh gosh, im plannig on some good ole "on the cheap" eating, what are my choices? (i dont eat fish..., i know )

There's lots. Curry rice, ramen, pork cutlets, yakitori, beef bowl and all kinds of fast food you find elsewhere...

 

[I'm an expert]

just gonna repost my original post even though a lot of questions have been answered in the OP:



Questions in bold I'm still looking for answers to

Your story touched me. I'm glad you became rich and can fulfil your promise.

1. If you do a tour obviously everything will be handled for you. If you don't, you simply prebook your itinerary and just worry about the transportation - all of which is incredibly easy. Little Japanese is required to get around and do touristy stuff. The issue is usually food. If you have picky eaters and don't understand what kind of food is available, the problems are obvious.

2. Most foreigners have no clue how the onsen work in Japan. I won't get into it, but the point is you want a kashikiri with a rotenburo. All resort onsen places are set up this way. Only old and poor people go to the onsen you see in the movies. Look up Dougo onsens in Ehime for the most famous example.

3. This will probably be your biggest issue. Start easing yourself/them into it now or be prepared for eating the same old conbini/fast food/depato shit over and over.

 

[TatteredHat]

just gonna repost my original post even though a lot of questions have been answered in the OP:



Questions in bold I'm still looking for answers to

Go to Osaka and eat in Dotonbori every night, that place is the Las Vegas of Japanese Food.

 

[hwalker84]

Go to Osaka and eat in Dotonbori every night, that place is the Las Vegas of Japanese Food.

It's incredible. I miss it so much.

 

[StMeph]

the Las Vegas of Japanese Food.

Is that supposed to be high praise? o_o

 

[TatteredHat]

Is that supposed to be high praise? o_o

In this case, yes. The place is amazing.

 

[Beck]

Just my luck my flight goes directly into the typhoon.

I'll be in the Kanto and Kansai Regions for the next two weeks if anyone wants to grab a drink or something.

 

[Axispowers]

Crap typhoon is here

 

[TatteredHat]

Ran back from Ryogoku station to the hostel, was soaked in about 2 seconds lol.

To everyone at the Robot Restaurant meet-up: I had a great time, I wasn't sure what to expect of the actual show but it kind of blew me away. Glad I joined in for the fun.

 

[StMeph]

Still haven't booked anything yet, but the timing is a bit unfortunate because only August is possible, which I understand to be peak season everywhere for summer holidays (and apparently Obon, which I am trying to plan around, if possible).

How reasonable/rushed would a Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima-Miyajima itinerary in 7-8 days be, or is there a better way to organize/trim the trip? I'd like to spend a little more time in Tokyo and Kyoto. Hiroshima/Miyajima are more important than Osaka.

Preferences/suggestions between onsen in Kanto or Kansai?

JR Pass seems pretty much necessary at this point, but what about Pasmo?

 

[dani_dc]

It was quite fun to meet up with you guys!
Felt a bit short if anything, I really enjoyed myself.

Spoiler

I could totally have won at Mario Kart if it was an actual GP instead of a single track!

The show itself was really impressive and fun, I'm actually tempted to take a couple of friends there when they visit in August.

If you guys can, do share the pictures of the Robot Restaurant (my phone picture quality isn't particularly good )

Ran back from Ryogoku station to the hostel, was soaked in about 2 seconds lol.

To everyone at the Robot Restaurant meet-up: I had a great time, I wasn't sure what to expect of the actual show but it kind of blew me away. Glad I joined in for the fun.

I was soaked by the time I got to Shinjuku station, doubly so from Uguisudani station to my house.

Just my luck my flight goes directly into the typhoon.

I'll be in the Kanto and Kansai Regions for the next two weeks if anyone wants to grab a drink or something.

I'm always up for something.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Yep. Was a fun meetup. Enjoyed meeting you all. Hopefully we can have another one in the future!

 

[kubus]

Same here, it was awesome to meet you guys and I had tons of fun! Thanks everyone

I was blown away by the Robot Restaurant Show -- so energetic and fun . Definitely thinking about going again with friends or when my boyfriend comes to visit (or BOTH!). Next time I'll bring my own Calpis though, that's amiibo level scalping going on over there, lol.

I'm sad I couldn't stay longer after the show. I was really having fun and it all felt too short. Hope you guys had a good time at the arcade afterwards (kinda wanted to avenge my final minute loss in Mario Kart too, but eh... next time, Gadget, next time)

That rain tho
I was soaked when I got home, the umbrella did nothing XD

 

[MikeHattsu]

We only tried some Taiko no Tatsujin and Left 4 Dead Arcade. It didn't have the most interesting selection of games. Oh, and I lost twice on them crane games

And yeah, that rain on the way back to the hostel was quite something.

 

[Laevateinn]

So, robot restaurant is definitely worth it then? We saw them driving around their robots all over Shinjuku when we were their last time but decided not to go. 6000 yen seemed like a lot at the time.

 

[dani_dc]

We only tried some Taiko no Tatsujin and Left 4 Dead Arcade. It didn't have the most interesting selection of games. Oh, and I lost twice on them crane games

And yeah, that rain on the way back to the hostel was quite something.

It's a shame we somehow ended choosing online mode and not playing together in L4D, I assure you that you two wouldn't had lost so easily if you had me on your team

Spoiler

I do have over 100 hours between L4D 1 and 2 after all.

I was quite surprise to see it was using a combination of nunchuck and mouse, I've often thought this would be a great solution for PC games, analogue movement and precise aiming, and I have to say that the set up felt as good as I'd hope.

Maybe we can try some more games next time.

So, robot restaurant is definitely worth it then? We saw them driving around their robots all over Shinjuku when we were their last time but decided not to go. 6000 yen seemed like a lot at the time.

I went there thinking it would be something I'd go see jt just once to experience it, I left wanting to go back.

Apparently kubus is of equivalent thoughts.

So I would say so, there's much more to the show than just the robots, it's a very unique experience.

 

[kubus]

awww man you guys played Left 4 Dead?! I reaallyyy wanted to try that :'(.

Sounds like Dani and I would've been a good team . Proud to say I beat the first on Expert. That was no easy feat, haha. Love that game so much.

 

[Brerlappin]

Hey all,

Myself and the wife are visiting Tokyo at the end of the month (24th), and just had a couple of questions you can hopefully help with!
Were arriving at Narita, and staying in the Hotel Grand Fresa in Akasaka. What would be the most convenient way to get from Narita to there?

Wheres the best site to book tickets for the robot restaurant? (googling it brings up so many different places I was confused)

Is there anything worth checking out in Akasaka that we should see/do/places to eat?

If I think of anything else ill ask!

 

[UpperCaseN]

Myself and the wife are visiting Tokyo at the end of the month (24th), and just had a couple of questions you can hopefully help with!
Were arriving at Narita, and staying in the Hotel Grand Fresa in Akasaka. What would be the most convenient way to get from Narita to there?

Wheres the best site to book tickets for the robot restaurant? (googling it brings up so many different places I was confused)

link for robot restaurant ticket sale page:
https://www.shinjuku-robot.com/reserve/reserve.php

as for your travel question, I just plan on using google maps to tell me what public systems to go for everything. even walking.

I plugged in NRT airport to your hotel

 

[Brerlappin]

link for robot restaurant ticket sale page:
https://www.shinjuku-robot.com/reserve/reserve.php

as for your travel question, I just plan on using google maps to tell me what public systems to go for everything. even walking.

I plugged in NRT airport to your hotel

Awesome thanks alot man!

 

[MikeHattsu]

Wheres the best site to book tickets for the robot restaurant? (googling it brings up so many different places I was confused)

We used Veltra to book ours. Cheaper than booking directly from the Robot Restaurant page.

 

[ninanuam]

leaving the house in an hour to catch my flight. I have a terrible stop over so I actually wont get there until about this time tomorrow.

So far the my itinerary is as follows:

Thursday, if I'm up for it walk around Akihabara then at night Capcom Bar, if I'm not then sleep and night owl activities when I wake up.

Friday, More basic sight seeing in Shinjuku and Shibuya, maybe Akihabara if Thursday was a write off due to travel then robot restaurant in the evening, possibly 8 bit café or bar hopping in Golden Gai afterwards. Maybe try to watch a gig somewhere.

Saturday, Design Festa in Odaiba more drinking in evening, maybe try to watch a gig somewhere.

Sunday: Sanja Matsuri most of day and all of the night ill be free.

Monday: Sumo Tournament, night is free

Tuesday: a free day, likely I will go down to Yokohama.

Wednesday: My friends head home so it'll probably be a nerd day, arcades, museums, and last minute purchases.

Thursday: mid afternoon flight home.


I've tried not to put too many things on any day and I've given myself some free days to do anything that caught my eye.

 

[dani_dc]

awww man you guys played Left 4 Dead?! I reaallyyy wanted to try that :'(.

Sounds like Dani and I would've been a good team . Proud to say I beat the first on Expert. That was no easy feat, haha. Love that game so much.

If it makes you feel any better, it wasn't all that different from the PC/Consoles version. Seemed like it had some time/money element to it, but I didn't quite understood how it worked. Was pretty odd to not play as the usual gang though.

Still lots of opportunities for you to try it out though!

Don't think I beat the game on Expert though, just Advanced, been quite awhile since I had played it honestly, it was nice to pick it up again.

leaving the house in an hour to catch my flight. I have a terrible stop over so I actually wont get there until about this time tomorrow.

So far the my itinerary is as follows:

Thursday, if I'm up for it walk around Akihabara then at night Capcom Bar, if I'm not then sleep and night owl activities when I wake up.

Friday, More basic sight seeing in Shinjuku and Shibuya, maybe Akihabara if Thursday was a write off due to travel then robot restaurant in the evening, possibly 8 bit café or bar hopping in Golden Gai afterwards. Maybe try to watch a gig somewhere.

Saturday, Design Festa in Odaiba more drinking in evening, maybe try to watch a gig somewhere.

Sunday: Sanja Matsuri most of day and all of the night ill be free.

Monday: Sumo Tournament, night is free

Tuesday: a free day, likely I will go down to Yokohama.

Wednesday: My friends head home so it'll probably be a nerd day, arcades, museums, and last minute purchases.

Thursday: mid afternoon flight home.


I've tried not to put too many things on any day and I've given myself some free days to do anything that caught my eye.

I had forgotten the Design Festa was this weekend, I might give a jump there myself to check it out.

I do want to check out Capcom Bar/8 bit café at some point myself, not a big fan of bars and stuff like that, but maybe a place where other people will share my hobbies will change my mind.

 

[hwalker84]

Hey all,

Myself and the wife are visiting Tokyo at the end of the month (24th), and just had a couple of questions you can hopefully help with!
Were arriving at Narita, and staying in the Hotel Grand Fresa in Akasaka. What would be the most convenient way to get from Narita to there?

Wheres the best site to book tickets for the robot restaurant? (googling it brings up so many different places I was confused)

Is there anything worth checking out in Akasaka that we should see/do/places to eat?

If I think of anything else ill ask!

Crap I thought i read Asakusa not Akasaka

 

[EuricaeriS]

Has anyone been to Osu in Nagoya? If so, any thoughts on whether it's worth a visit? I've found a few blogs that talk about it, but they all seem about 6 years old. Just wonder if the place is any better/worse!

 

[UpperCaseN]

what's this Capcom Bar? I'm a big Resident Evil fan. I'll google it real quick. any first hand experience?

edit: ha! My hotel is just a 1 min walk from there

 

[StMeph]

I'm honing the itinerary now:

Day 1: Inbound to Japan
- Unpack/settle in
- Maybe a late-night spot since jetlag will probably be an issue

Day 2: Tokyo
- Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Kodokan, Akihabara

Day 3: Tokyo
- Shibuya/Harajuku sightseeing/shopping

Day 4: Tokyo-Hakone
- Tokyo National Museum
=== Tokyo to Hakone
- Onsen Ryokan in Hakone

Day 5: Hakone-Osaka-Kyoto
=== Hakone to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto
- Kyoto: Kiyomizudera Temple, Higashiyama, Gion
- Osaka: Dotonbori

Day 6: Osaka-Kyoto
- Kyoto: Kinkakuji, Ryoanji

Day 7: Himeji-Miyajima
=== Osaka to Himeji
- Himeji Castle
=== Himeji to Miyajima

Day 8: Hiroshima-Tokyo
- Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine
- Hiroshima: Peace Park
=== Hiroshima to Tokyo

Day 9: Outbound to US
- outbound flight


How feasible is staying in Osaka for hotel/food but going to Kyoto for sightseeing?

Are there good safe places where I can store bigger suitcases/luggage without having to take everything through each stop? There's stuff I'd like to be able to take back home with me, but I don't want to lug around a big suitcase everywhere on the trip.


Edit 1: cut Koishikawa Korakuen for Tokyo Imperial Palace

 

[SteaG]

How feasible is staying in Osaka for hotel/food but going to Kyoto for sightseeing?

I think it's a good idea (that's what I usually do!), but I'd say it probably depends on how far your hotel is from Osaka or Shin-Osaka stations. It only takes something like 10/15 min from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka by Shinkansen.

 

[Gromph]

So you guys were to play to Humax on the meet up?

I play pool there like 5 days/week.

I wasn't able to make for the meet up because i have friends visiting Tokyo and i went yesterday to the Robot Restaurant.

 

[dani_dc]

Day 2: Tokyo
- Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Kodokan, Akihabara

You need to book the Tokyo Imperial Palace ahead of time if you want a tour of the inside gardens, otherwise you can only walk around the outside.

So you guys were to play to Humax on the meet up?

I play pool there like 5 days/week.

I wasn't able to make for the meet up because i have friends visiting Tokyo and i went yesterday to the Robot Restaurant.

Seems like we did! That's where we raced at Mario Kart.
Bit expensive if I might add, 200 yen for a single race.

We also checked Taito on the way to the station after the show.

How did you enjoy the show?

 

[MikeHattsu]

You need to book the Tokyo Imperial Palace ahead of time if you want a tour of the inside gardens, otherwise you can only walk around the outside.

That's for booking a tour at the palace grounds. The east gardens can be visited separately without booking.

 

[dani_dc]

That's for booking a tour at the palace grounds. The east gardens can be visited separately without booking.

Ah ok, didn't realize that was possible. I should do that, I'm 5-10 minutes away from the Imperial Palace from work.
Though I'm visiting the palace grounds in a couple weeks as well, so maybe I'll take the chance when I do that.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Ah ok, didn't realize that was possible. I should do that, I'm 5-10 minutes away from the Imperial Palace from work.
Though I'm visiting the palace grounds in a couple weeks as well, so maybe I'll take the chance when I do that.

Yeah. They give you a choice to go directly to the gardens after taking the tour, instead of just leaving.

 

[Gacha-pin]

How feasible is staying in Osaka for hotel/food but going to Kyoto for sightseeing?

It's within an hour by local trains but you should reserve a hotel at least a night in Kyoto as well, near Shijo-Kawaramachi is perfect. It's great hanging around Higashiyama area and Gion at night.

 

[TatteredHat]

How feasible is staying in Osaka for hotel/food but going to Kyoto for sightseeing?

I stayed in Osaka and went on a few daytrips to Kyoto to see the Fushimi Inari shrine and Ginkaku, as well as the Japanese Macaque reserve at Arashiyama (link) which I highly recommend doing.

I think it's only about 30-40 minutes by train from Osaka to Kyoto, so you don't really need to book a hotel there if you don't feel like it.

 

[kubus]

Lol, what a weird coincidence. Apparently GameXplain's Ash Paulsen was at the same Robot Restaurant show we were . I found out because I streetpassed him!

It's a small world after all

 

[hitsugi]

How feasible is staying in Osaka for hotel/food but going to Kyoto for sightseeing?

It's completely feasible, as mentioned it's only a 30-40 minute trip by train.

I stayed in Kyoto and did the opposite - trips to Osaka at night. Having done that, I feel Osaka may be a better base for nightlife activities (namely due to the trains being closed between 0100 and 0500, although I thought it was even earlier).. but I also really enjoyed our stay in Kyoto.

 

[dani_dc]

Going to be attending a Sumo event at Ryogoku Kokugikan tomorrow, curious to see how it is.

After that I'll need to try and check a Baseball game at some point.

Yeah. They give you a choice to go directly to the gardens after taking the tour, instead of just leaving.

Sounds like a plan!

Lol, what a weird coincidence. Apparently GameXplain's Ash Paulsen was at the same Robot Restaurant show we were . I found out because I streetpassed him!

It's a small world after all

Ah! That explains that little mystery

Figured he had walked near us in Shinjuku, but didn't think he would had literally have been at the same show as us. Quite the neat coincidence!

 

[StMeph]

Thanks for everyone's input.

It only takes something like 10/15 min from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka by Shinkansen.

It's within an hour by local trains

I think it's only about 30-40 minutes by train from Osaka to Kyoto

It's completely feasible, as mentioned it's only a 30-40 minute trip by train.

I do plan to get a JR Pass, but these estimates seem to vary pretty wildly from 15 minutes, to 30-40, up to 1.5 hours (on Google Maps). What accounts for this huge disparity? Time of day, trains taken, or stations used?

You need to book the Tokyo Imperial Palace ahead of time if you want a tour of the inside gardens, otherwise you can only walk around the outside.

I've been going through Japan Guide and totally didn't catch that. So thanks for the tip. It looks like it's only open up to a month in advance, so I'll have to remember to do that.

Day 1 (SAT): Inbound to Japan
- Unpack/settle in
- Find a late-night spot

Day 2 (SUN): Tokyo
- Shibuya/Harajuku

Day 3 (MON): Tokyo
- Ghibli Museum

Day 4 (TUE): Tokyo - Osaka
- Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Kodokan
=== Tokyo to Osaka
- Osaka: Dotonbori

Day 5 (WED): Kyoto
- Kiyomizudera Temple, Higashiyama, Gion
- onsen ryokan

Day 6 (THU): Kyoto - Himeji - Hiroshima/Miyajima
- Kyoto: Kinkakuji
- Himeji Castle
=== Kyoto to Himeji to Hiroshima/Miyajima

Day 7 (FRI): Hiroshima/Miyajima - Tokyo
- Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine
- Hiroshima: Peace Park
=== Hiroshima to Tokyo

Day 8 (SAT): Tokyo
- (free time)

Day 9 (SUN): Outbound to US
- outbound flight

Shifted a few things around and cut others to make some flexible-use free time.

Apparently the Palace Gardens are closed on Mondays, and Harajuku is most interesting on Sundays, so those were shifted around.

Cut out Hakone, which means finding an onsen ryokan elsewhere, either around Kyoto or Osaka.

 

[hwalker84]

Thanks for everyone's input.









I do plan to get a JR Pass, but these estimates seem to vary pretty wildly from 15 minutes, to 30-40, up to 1.5 hours (on Google Maps). What accounts for this huge disparity? Time of day, trains taken, or stations used?




I've been going through Japan Guide and totally didn't catch that. So thanks for the tip. It looks like it's only open up to a month in advance, so I'll have to remember to do that.




Shifted a few things around and cut others to make some flexible-use free time.

Apparently the Palace Gardens are closed on Mondays, and Harajuku is most interesting on Sundays, so those were shifted around.

Cut out Hakone, which means finding an onsen ryokan elsewhere, either around Kyoto or Osaka.

I didn't see anything in Harajuku on Sunday that was different than any other day. Maybe i didn't get there in time i don't know. I though there was going to be a ton of crazy outfits and people walking around. Got there at 11am stayed till 1 and it was barely any different than the last few times I went.

 

[SteaG]

I do plan to get a JR Pass, but these estimates seem to vary pretty wildly from 15 minutes, to 30-40, up to 1.5 hours (on Google Maps). What accounts for this huge disparity? Time of day, trains taken, or stations used?

Shinkansen is by far the quickest one (15 min). Local trains can stop to a lot of small stations between Kyoto and Osaka, so they are those taking 30 min for the fastest and 1.5h for the slowest ones. There's also a private railway operator (Hankyu) which have a line between Osaka and Kyoto. (But as a JR Pass user, you'll want to travel with JR.)
Small detail: Shinkansen trains arrive at Shin-Osaka station, not Osaka station like the local trains. As you can see on a map, those two stations aren't far from each other, so it really only takes a few minutes by train.
By the way, just in case you didn't already know this website, you can check the train timetable on Hyperdia. Very handy.