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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
You're the very first person I hear saying this, everyone else that I talked to comments on how much better Mos Burgers is compared to something like McDonald's or Burger King.
MikeHattsu
Member
How to get there and what to do:
http://zoomingjapan.com/travel/rabbit-island-japan/
If you're going there from Osaka/Kyoto, then take a shinkansen train to Mihara (if you're on a shinkansen train that's not a Kodama one, then you'll need to switch trains at Fukuyama or Okayama depending on which train you take. Fukuyama is closer, but not all trains stop there. All trains stop at Okayama.), then take the JR Kure Line train to Tadanoumi where the ferry is.
Laevateinn
Member
I enjoyed Mos Burger when I was there but I almost never eat burgers so what do I know.
Arrived today. Chillin in Takadanobaba late at night. Surprised that people are still around and food places are open past midnight. The place has a great vibe to it 
Got myself some melonpan and Kirin Bitter Lime beer alcaholic soda and watching the world go by. Good to be back in this wonderful country.
Got myself some melonpan and Kirin Bitter Lime MikeHattsu
Member
Arrived today. Chillin in Takadanobaba late at night. Surprised that people are still around and food places are open past midnight. The place has a great vibe to itbeeralcaholic soda and watching the world go by. Good to be back in this wonderful country.
Have fun!
Arrived today. Chillin in Takadanobaba late at night. Surprised that people are still around and food places are open past midnight. The place has a great vibe to itbeeralcaholic soda and watching the world go by. Good to be back in this wonderful country.
I cry tears of joy and secretly hate everyone one of you. I miss this place so much.
My trip was pretty great. I got back a little under a week ago, but I got a cold and hadn't bothered to give a report. Even this will be pretty succinct.
The Great:
Shinjuku, My hotel was in Nishi Shinjuku and I spent most of my time here, and a lot of my money, Disc union in particular took its pound of flesh. Lots of night life, lots of cool bars. Went to Godz hung with some locals then ended up pulling an all nighter at a Kareoke bar. I would stay in the area again when(if?) I go again but I would like to see a bit more of Tokyo.
Sumo, It might not be for everyone but I found it was quite a fun way to pass a few hours, I might make a point if I go to Japan again to be there for a tournament.
The service, at most places even when I butchered the Japanese language was great.
The variety, In just Shinjuku I was almost overwhelmed with choice of restaurant, bar, etc etc.
The food, everything I ate was of a pretty good standard and all of it was reasonably priced.
Cost of booze, even in tourist traps a jack and coke only cost $7.00 Australian equivalent most of the time the drink prices were closer to $5... and that's not considering just using vending machines.
The OK:
Trains, are pretty good, they pretty much ran on time and got me where I needed to be, apart from the Narita express when I was on my way to catch my flight home, still caught the plane but the train randomly stopped a few times.
Design Festa, it was a good time, yes its essentially an art market on steroids but the sheer scope means you are going to see some shit you like. Again I bought too many things.
Akihabara, some good retro game stuff, a whole fuck of a lot of anime shit, and a decent subset of that is a tad too creepy for my taste. I ended up finding more things I wanted at my "local" game stores in Shinjuku.
The Bad:
Taxi drivers, I have never experienced so many poor taxi drivers in one place, ill leave it at that.
Touts in Kabukicho, I liked Kabukicho quite a bit but these dudes really brought it down for me. I like to wander when travelling and get my bearings these guys made it impossible for me to enjoy Kabukicho on the street.
The apparent lack of Rum, Rum is my primary drink of choice. and Tokyo bars on average have a piss poor selection, There might be specialty bars somewhere stocking great rum but it didn't seem common to stock more than a basic white and a basic dark in a lot of the bars I went into.
So I want to go again, I didn't get to any of the museums or temples, or any of the "fun" things like amusement parks or touristy things like Skytree I wanted to check out. I only really feel like I spend decent time in Shinjuku, Akihabara and Shibuya, and even then I would only say that I got a good grasp on Shinjuku. It leaves a lot more Tokyo to see, not to mention the rest Japan.
But now I need pack for my trip to Bali, a holiday from my holiday, before going back to work.
The Great:
Shinjuku, My hotel was in Nishi Shinjuku and I spent most of my time here, and a lot of my money, Disc union in particular took its pound of flesh. Lots of night life, lots of cool bars. Went to Godz hung with some locals then ended up pulling an all nighter at a Kareoke bar. I would stay in the area again when(if?) I go again but I would like to see a bit more of Tokyo.
Sumo, It might not be for everyone but I found it was quite a fun way to pass a few hours, I might make a point if I go to Japan again to be there for a tournament.
The service, at most places even when I butchered the Japanese language was great.
The variety, In just Shinjuku I was almost overwhelmed with choice of restaurant, bar, etc etc.
The food, everything I ate was of a pretty good standard and all of it was reasonably priced.
Cost of booze, even in tourist traps a jack and coke only cost $7.00 Australian equivalent most of the time the drink prices were closer to $5... and that's not considering just using vending machines.
The OK:
Trains, are pretty good, they pretty much ran on time and got me where I needed to be, apart from the Narita express when I was on my way to catch my flight home, still caught the plane but the train randomly stopped a few times.
Design Festa, it was a good time, yes its essentially an art market on steroids but the sheer scope means you are going to see some shit you like. Again I bought too many things.
Akihabara, some good retro game stuff, a whole fuck of a lot of anime shit, and a decent subset of that is a tad too creepy for my taste. I ended up finding more things I wanted at my "local" game stores in Shinjuku.
The Bad:
Taxi drivers, I have never experienced so many poor taxi drivers in one place, ill leave it at that.
Touts in Kabukicho, I liked Kabukicho quite a bit but these dudes really brought it down for me. I like to wander when travelling and get my bearings these guys made it impossible for me to enjoy Kabukicho on the street.
The apparent lack of Rum, Rum is my primary drink of choice. and Tokyo bars on average have a piss poor selection, There might be specialty bars somewhere stocking great rum but it didn't seem common to stock more than a basic white and a basic dark in a lot of the bars I went into.
So I want to go again, I didn't get to any of the museums or temples, or any of the "fun" things like amusement parks or touristy things like Skytree I wanted to check out. I only really feel like I spend decent time in Shinjuku, Akihabara and Shibuya, and even then I would only say that I got a good grasp on Shinjuku. It leaves a lot more Tokyo to see, not to mention the rest Japan.
But now I need pack for my trip to Bali, a holiday from my holiday, before going back to work.
Brerlappin
Member
I just got back from the Robot Restaurant.
I laughed, I cried (tears of laughter). Better than anything on Broadway, 11/10 would wave a glowstick again
I laughed, I cried (tears of laughter). Better than anything on Broadway, 11/10 would wave a glowstick again
Laevateinn
Member
You'll probably be okay. Some restaurants might not have another option so I would probably avoid anything too traditional or fancy but I think for the most part you can gaijin smash your way to a fork.
Here's some of the more obviously chopstickless options: onigiri, western/fast food, curry and yakitori. It isn't weird to eat sushi with your hands so you can get that as well. I wouldn't stress about it. Also, consider going to places that are more likely to have children as they're probably a lot more likely to have silverware.
MikeHattsu
Member
You'll get by. Often need to ask if they have forks or spoons though, unless you eat at a place where they serve finger food like sushi/yakitori/burgers/kebabs or eat stuff where they give you forks/spoons default like curry rice/pasta/other 'western' dishes.
One of my favourites bars in Tokyo, depends when you went there maybe we meet without knowing.
My dad has a nerve issue with his hands, causing him to not being able to use chopsticks. He just brings plastic forks with him whenever he goes somewhere they might not offer forks. It happens. People have different reasons, and you will be just fine.
Me and a friend of mine are planning a ten day trip to Japan. We plan on visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. We're trying to decide where to stay, and I'm trying to make up my mind between flying into and staying into Osaka or Tokyo. The benefits to Osaka is that the plane ticket will literally be about 400$ cheaper per person. (We're flying out around 7/7 and coming back around 10-14 days later), and the places are cheaper to stay at.
So my question is, should I stay in tokyo, where it is more expensive? Or stay in Osaka, and just take the bullet train as need be?
So my question is, should I stay in tokyo, where it is more expensive? Or stay in Osaka, and just take the bullet train as need be?
MikeHattsu
Member
Fly into Osaka and book places to stay in both Osaka and Tokyo?
Did some more research, and we're leaning towards booking a JR rail pass, then flying into and staying in Osaka. I'd like to split places, but from what we've read we're agreeing more on Osaka. Definitely want to visit Tokyo along with many other cities though.
MikeHattsu
Member
Takes 6 hours for a return trip from Osaka to Tokyo though. Not sure if it's fit for day trips.
Brerlappin
Member
We have an off day tomorrow with nothing planned, any of you fine fellows have any recommendations of stuff worth seeing/doing in Tokyo? Anything goes really, from Maid Cafes to sightseeing or just good restaurants, any suggestions welcome
EuricaeriS
Member
Odaiba could be fun if you've not done it? Sega Joypolis, Tokyo Leisure Land, Gundam Statue... a bunch of things
Not sure about food, maybe head somewhere else you've not been for that? Shibuya perhaps?There's a nice indoor pool with an outdoor hot tub with bubbles (and an indoor jacuzzi), if you wanna swim/chill out for a while? It's pretty much right next to the mini Odaiba Statue of Liberty. It's inside Hotel Nikko Tokyo and you don't have to be a hotel guest to use the pool.
You can spend the day in Odaiba and chill out at the pool/jacuzzi after. They also have a sauna and a fitness center.
The view is pretty amazing too, especially during sunset.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/nikko-tokyo.html
Can't remember how much we paid but there is no time limit on your visit, I think.
Lots of other things to do in Odaiba too.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3008.html
Brerlappin
Member
Thanks for the tips guys, either Odaiba or Shibuya I reckon, we still haven't seen the Shibuya crossing yet!
You can definitely do both in one day!
A bunch of things had to be flipped around after finalizing the flight to Osaka KIX instead of Tokyo NRT/HND. Was also able to extend the trip a few days, so the extra breathing room helps... except for the JR Pass timing.
The overall breakdown now is fairly straightforward: 1 night in Osaka, 3 full days in Kyoto, 1 split day in Miyajima/Hiroshima, 3.5 days (4 nights) in Tokyo, and 1 in Hakone.
All of the Tokyo day itneraries can be juggled around.
My only concern is taking a train back to Osaka on the day of the flight, even if there's at least 4 hours of wiggle room before needing to be at the airport.
The overall breakdown now is fairly straightforward: 1 night in Osaka, 3 full days in Kyoto, 1 split day in Miyajima/Hiroshima, 3.5 days (4 nights) in Tokyo, and 1 in Hakone.
All of the Tokyo day itneraries can be juggled around.
My only concern is taking a train back to Osaka on the day of the flight, even if there's at least 4 hours of wiggle room before needing to be at the airport.
MikeHattsu
Member
Hm... Depending on where you stay in Kyoto and at what time/how long you're planning to visit things it might be better to switch Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari around. Fushimi Inari is on the way to Nara, and if you get a 1 day JR Kansai Area Pass you can take the train from Enmachi->Kyoto->Himeji when you visit Kinkakuji (Enmachi is 6 stops away from Kinkakuji on normal 204 and 205 buses).
When are you planning to leave Hakone and when does your plane leave?
Oh thanks. I tried to group things together in a more fluid travel path, so I'll switch the two around for sure.
Leaving Hakone right after check-out, so around 10 or 11 AM. Should be about 3 hours to Osaka, and the flight out is at 8 PM. Since it's international, I expect to arrive around 6 PM. Even with an extra two hours of travel time to include getting to the stations from Hakone and to the airport once in Osaka, that should still be 2-3 hours' leeway. Short enough to feel uncomfortable, but it really should be okay?
MikeHattsu
Member
Here's the info about the 1 day JR Kansai Area Pass:
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/kansai/
Costs less than a 1 way trip to Himeji, so you save money. Don't buy for any more than 1 day though. Oh, and remember that it doesn't work with the Shinkansen, so the trip takes 90 minutes instead of 45 one way
Yeah, you should be safe. Better check out closer to 10 than 11 just in case though. Oh, and try to get a Hikari shinkansen train from Odawara to Shin-Osaka if you can, it's 1 hour faster than Kodama shinkansen trains, 2.5 hours instead of 3.5. Haruka from Shin-Osaka to KIX is about 1 hour. How long it takes to get to Odawara depends on what place you're staying at in Hakone.
You are a god among men.
Laevateinn
Member
We walked from Tsukiji to Odaiba and hit up Joypolis. It's pretty far but if you have the stamina it's a pretty good walk. Walking across the Rainbow Bridge is really cool.
How long did it take you to cross the Rainbow Bridge?
Aurelius
Member
Still trying to catch up writing blogs about previous Japan trips. I made it to 2013, when we went to Kyushu, Yakushima and Hagi.
http://strolie.blogspot.nl/2013/05/japan-trip-spring-2013-index.html
http://strolie.blogspot.nl/2013/05/japan-trip-spring-2013-index.html
MikeHattsu
Member
Laevateinn
Member
This is going by the timestamps on our photos. We stopped at a Pokemon center in between Tsukiji and heading to Odaiba that doesn't look like it exists anymore. That was about 15 minutes away from Tsukiji. From there, it took us about an hour to get to Odaiba. It was about 13 minutes from the beginning of the bridge to the end of it.
These are all estimates of course.
i need opinions
i'm going to hong kong, friends will also be there
i figured ill stop by tokyo before flying back to toronto, but this part of the trip will be just myself
it seems like 7 days in hk, 7 days in tokyo would be optimal but i dont want to travel alone, and 7 days seems like a long time by myself
i went to japan ~ 2 years ago, prob posted a bit in this thread or the its previous OT?
anyways, i went with a group of friends that time, had a blast
it was a lot easier cuz those friends knew enough japanese to get around and ask for help
what should i do? if i do go a full 2 weeks, how should i split my time in hk vs tokyo
(also note that's im not the social type that goes clubbing or drinking, i'll probably just end up in akiba the entire time)
i'm going to hong kong, friends will also be there
i figured ill stop by tokyo before flying back to toronto, but this part of the trip will be just myself
it seems like 7 days in hk, 7 days in tokyo would be optimal but i dont want to travel alone, and 7 days seems like a long time by myself
i went to japan ~ 2 years ago, prob posted a bit in this thread or the its previous OT?
anyways, i went with a group of friends that time, had a blast
it was a lot easier cuz those friends knew enough japanese to get around and ask for help
what should i do? if i do go a full 2 weeks, how should i split my time in hk vs tokyo
(also note that's im not the social type that goes clubbing or drinking, i'll probably just end up in akiba the entire time)
MikeHattsu
Member
Currently in Hakone exploring. Ropeway is shut and I never guy the chance to try a blank boiled egg so I'm gutted
Yeah, still shut because of that volcanic activity. Same as when I were there.
Thriller
Member
So I ordered two Japan Rail Pass vouchers for my dad and myself and I took extra care that all our names and information were complete (because we all know how punctual Japanese people can be) and then this happens.
My full name is Hendrik Johannis Isaäc Blok but on my voucher it says the following : Hendrik Johannis Isa Blok.
I am nervous because the "äc" wasn't put down to paper, should I get worried?
The lady of the office said that I shouldn't be worried but that's easy for her to say. She also suggested me purchasing a voucher again (another 336 Euros) so that they will do it again (I will get a refund for the faulty one of course but I have to send it back to Paris which will cost me time and money).
I told her that I was at a loss how they think that I can trust them if they can not do it correctly the first time.
What is your opinion on my situation? And wouldn't it have been easier if I just wrote down Hendrik Blok and if I would have left out my other names (which I was nervous to do because I am afraid of Japanese punctuality).
My full name is Hendrik Johannis Isaäc Blok but on my voucher it says the following : Hendrik Johannis Isa Blok.
I am nervous because the "äc" wasn't put down to paper, should I get worried?
The lady of the office said that I shouldn't be worried but that's easy for her to say. She also suggested me purchasing a voucher again (another 336 Euros) so that they will do it again (I will get a refund for the faulty one of course but I have to send it back to Paris which will cost me time and money).
I told her that I was at a loss how they think that I can trust them if they can not do it correctly the first time.
What is your opinion on my situation? And wouldn't it have been easier if I just wrote down Hendrik Blok and if I would have left out my other names (which I was nervous to do because I am afraid of Japanese punctuality).
Interesting. I'll talk that over, and we may end up splitting up the trip. However, the main goal is just to hit different cities each day and rest in between in Osaka. I have a old girlfriend there that's offering to show me around, and another friend that will be back in Tokyo by the end of this quarter, so splitting may be the best.
We're really just trying to avoid heavy tourist areas (in terms of where we're staying, still want to glance at some of them), however we're both more interested in what the country and rural areas are actually like.
Hey, my wife and I are looking at next April already - we're thinking 6 - 20 so we would still depart Japan before Golden Week.
Something we've noticed at this mostly early stage though is we are having a hard time finding available hotels in Kyoto for even a night or two. We haven't booked anything yet anywhere in part because we are surprised by that - Is that normal for that time of year already, or have they just not opened those dates yet?
Something we've noticed at this mostly early stage though is we are having a hard time finding available hotels in Kyoto for even a night or two. We haven't booked anything yet anywhere in part because we are surprised by that - Is that normal for that time of year already, or have they just not opened those dates yet?
I think you're way too close to sakura and golden week.
MikeHattsu
Member
Nah. I'd think you're too early. Have you tried searching some of the hotels own websites? Might get better results on there this early.
What the other poster said, if anything you may end up being too early. By me saying you're too close I meant that all of April and May can get quite busy in terms of hotels and ryokans (especially on weekends).
Just keep diligently looking. Booking Kyoto took the longest for me as well. It's a understandably popular destination during good weather. I'm sure you'll find something!
Any of you planning on Hakkone and disappointed because of the volcano, or into onsen culture or just want to see the more natural side of Japan and have some quiet...
I would highly recommend checking out the Izu peninsula south of Tokyo. We stayed in Ito at K's house which was easily the most awesome hostel / guesthouse I've ever been to. It's a 100 year old guesthouse with an onsen in it. Ito is right on the beach. There's onsen everywhere, surfing, hiking along treacherous coastline, suspension bridges, and no crowds. The guesthouse made the experience though. It's super cheap as well.
Google K's House Ito.
I would highly recommend checking out the Izu peninsula south of Tokyo. We stayed in Ito at K's house which was easily the most awesome hostel / guesthouse I've ever been to. It's a 100 year old guesthouse with an onsen in it. Ito is right on the beach. There's onsen everywhere, surfing, hiking along treacherous coastline, suspension bridges, and no crowds. The guesthouse made the experience though. It's super cheap as well.
Google K's House Ito.
Estimates is all I needed and you clearly did some work to get those values, so thank you!
Now I just need to find someone willing to do the walk with me!
3000 yen for a mixed dormitory by night uh? That really is pretty cheap.
Might go spend a weeken there actually, never sure what to do with my time on weekends so sounds like that would be a good change of pace.
Brerlappin
Member
Well its the end of our week here in Tokyo, and were both pretty sad to be leaving. Sad and also a bit relieved tho as both of us have gotten a bit sick in the last 24 hours sadly, which put a bit of a downer on our last day. But overall weve had a fantastic time, stuff we did/saw:
Robot Restaurant
The best thing ive ever seen. Hilarious, entertaining, amazing fun
Shibuya Crossing
Just madness. Spent about an hour in Don Quijote in Shibuya too, that's a hell of a store!
Shinjuku at night
Scary, loud and cool
Akihabara
Bit disappointed at akiba tbh, we didn't see all that much of it but we went into
maidreamin as we wanted to do a mail café, but it was full of pumping house music and cigarette smoke so we left as it wasn't really what we were expecting from a maid café.
Kamakura
Amazing trip to the Daibutsu statue and Yokohama in one day
Kawagoe
Another pretty amazing spot, the little edo part and the tori no kame are so cool.
Harajuku
Speaks for itself really
Meiji Temple
Absolutely beautiful area, the temple itself was stunning and the surrounding park is beautiful
Owl Café Akihabra
Amazing experience!! Just chilling out in a room full of owls for an hour. Might not sound too exciting but it was relaxing as hell! Look out for an owl called Cherry Tomato, he was my favourite
Our flight isn't until 11pm Japan time tho so I actually booked the hotel room for another day as were both feeling a bit under the weather and didn't fancy having to walk around trying to find things to do until we head for the airport. So were gonna chill for a bit, maybe take another walk to Hie Shrine down the road from us, get some food and then bid goodbye to this amazing country. I am going to miss:
The Metro
How in gods name am I going to go back to using Dublin bus after using Tokyo Metro?! Best metro system ive ever used
Doutor Coffee
Coffee of the freaking gods. Vanilla latte is the best thing ever. Not sure we would've survived the first day or two without their breakfasts!!
The people
Never have I experienced politeness and hospitality like in Japan.
Tullys Coffe
Dat French toast tho
Tbh I don't think I had a single bad experience here. Would come back In a heartbeat
Robot Restaurant
The best thing ive ever seen. Hilarious, entertaining, amazing fun
Shibuya Crossing
Just madness. Spent about an hour in Don Quijote in Shibuya too, that's a hell of a store!
Shinjuku at night
Scary, loud and cool
Akihabara
Bit disappointed at akiba tbh, we didn't see all that much of it but we went into
maidreamin as we wanted to do a mail café, but it was full of pumping house music and cigarette smoke so we left as it wasn't really what we were expecting from a maid café.
Kamakura
Amazing trip to the Daibutsu statue and Yokohama in one day
Kawagoe
Another pretty amazing spot, the little edo part and the tori no kame are so cool.
Harajuku
Speaks for itself really
Meiji Temple
Absolutely beautiful area, the temple itself was stunning and the surrounding park is beautiful
Owl Café Akihabra
Amazing experience!! Just chilling out in a room full of owls for an hour. Might not sound too exciting but it was relaxing as hell! Look out for an owl called Cherry Tomato, he was my favourite
Our flight isn't until 11pm Japan time tho so I actually booked the hotel room for another day as were both feeling a bit under the weather and didn't fancy having to walk around trying to find things to do until we head for the airport. So were gonna chill for a bit, maybe take another walk to Hie Shrine down the road from us, get some food and then bid goodbye to this amazing country. I am going to miss:
The Metro
How in gods name am I going to go back to using Dublin bus after using Tokyo Metro?! Best metro system ive ever used
Doutor Coffee
Coffee of the freaking gods. Vanilla latte is the best thing ever. Not sure we would've survived the first day or two without their breakfasts!!
The people
Never have I experienced politeness and hospitality like in Japan.
Tullys Coffe
Dat French toast tho
Tbh I don't think I had a single bad experience here. Would come back In a heartbeat
TheBryanJZX90
Member
Oh man yes, Don Quixote was the one place I had to show everyone I knew that came to visit Japan.
Everyone in this thread has raved about Robot Restaurant.
Is it really worth doing? Can you elaborate more about what it is, or what the show is about? I do have some free time in the evenings in Tokyo, but don't currently have plans to go.
You kinda answered your own question?
Probably worth checking out, but only you will know afterwards if you think it was worth it.