ryutaro's mama
Member
Never waste a sunny day in Japan. I think tomorrow is supposed to be epic for you guys as well.
Seize the day!
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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
Never waste a sunny day in Japan. I think tomorrow is supposed to be epic for you guys as well.
Seize the day!
MikeHattsu
Member
I was climbing Mt Takao as well, so I bumped into Fritz at the top randomly. lol
...And what a day it was! Lots of deer, lots of spiders on the side (yuck), and lots of walking!
After hanging around Nara Park for most of the day, we ended up going to a second-hand shop where we bought some cool stuff and some clothing as well, and briefly stopped by a Book Off (where a friend finally found the Howl's Moving Castle artbook he was looking for), and then rushed back to Osaka so that I could get to the movie theater in time.
The movie was great as well, but I was kind of sad that I didn't get any kind of memento unlike with Kizu 2 and Digimon Tri part 3. Overheard some girl jokingly asking somebody else if they had cried, which I'd say would be a fairly hard thing to avoid doing after such a movie.
After hanging around Nara Park for most of the day, we ended up going to a second-hand shop where we bought some cool stuff and some clothing as well, and briefly stopped by a Book Off (where a friend finally found the Howl's Moving Castle artbook he was looking for), and then rushed back to Osaka so that I could get to the movie theater in time.
The movie was great as well, but I was kind of sad that I didn't get any kind of memento unlike with Kizu 2 and Digimon Tri part 3. Overheard some girl jokingly asking somebody else if they had cried, which I'd say would be a fairly hard thing to avoid doing after such a movie.
oyoshimaru
Member
Finally booked my flight to Japan! In 2014 I spent 1 month in Shizuoka. This time I'll be staying in Hyogo, visiting Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto and Okayama before hopping to Tokyo and Shizuoka. I'm looking to buy the JR pass for 14 days would any of the websites online work well? or is there a recommended site to purchase.
so im looking at buying that traveler sim card listed in the OP.
http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/bmarket.html
It's saying I can pick it up at narita post office? how does that work? I just go there and tell them my name and show id?
where is the post office?
how do I tell which terminal ill be at? narita terminal 1 vs 2.
nvm: seems like delta use 1.
http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/bmarket.html
It's saying I can pick it up at narita post office? how does that work? I just go there and tell them my name and show id?
where is the post office?
how do I tell which terminal ill be at? narita terminal 1 vs 2.
nvm: seems like delta use 1.
MikeHattsu
Member
Yes, although having a printout of your order confirmation doesn't hurt either.
They should email you a map or have info about where to pick it up when you've ordered.
SiegfriedFM
Member
If you are in Tokyo, Kamakura makes for a good day trip. It's like a mini Kyoto in terms of temples.
That was random, haha. Albeit good to see you once more.
That night NHK filmed at my hostel and Im probably gonna be in it.
Spent this morning at Kabukiza. Should have settled for a single act ticket. It's cool though.
Spend the rest of the day in Shimokitazawa. Amazing place, bought way too much stuff. Amongst other items a down winter coat. God knows how I am gonna get that back to Berlin. Heaps of cool bars and restaurants as well. There's also another branch of that restaurant we had our GAF meetup at.
Getting the 14 day pass and get an ICOCA card for when you need to use the subway or private railways.
I would recommend staying near Shin-Osaka. This is where the Shinkansen connects to Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, and Tokyo. The JR line will also get you into Osaka or Nara quickly.
I stayed at an Airbnb that was fantastic there. We only stayed 2 nights, and despite a $45 cleaning fee it was only $100 CAD for 2 nights (around 80USD). That means that it's only like $25 per night other than the cleaning fee. The host was amazing (she met us at the station and brought us to the appartment) and it's only a few minutes walk from the JR line at Shin-Osaka. I can PM you the Airbnb if you're interested.
We already did all the Airbnb reservations. We're staying at one near Kyoto Station which is supposedly good to get to most places (the reviews mentioned easy access to Nara, Fushimi Inari and Osaka). Thanks for the recommendation though, I'll let you guys know how that locations turns out.
Will this train pass basically let me take any local metro within tokyo for a day for a flat fee? I'm confused on if metros are owned by JR east or not
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/tokunai_pass.html
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/tokunai_pass.html
MikeHattsu
Member
No. Metros are owned by Tokyo Metro and some by Toei Subway. They have nothing to do with JR East.
If you're only taking the metros and not any JR trains and don't have any JR Passes of any kind, then these discount packages could make sense if you arrive in Tokyo:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
If not then there's these 24-72 hour passes:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
Only makes sense to get if you're taking the metros/subways at least 3-5 times each 24 hours.
Ennosuke
Member
After years of dreaming about going to Japan, I finally booked my flight for me and my girlfriend. We are going to be in Japan end of March/beginning of April for 15 nights.
I already placed a reservation for a nice hotel near Tokyo sky tree for this time period. So our initial plan was to have a nice hotel and spend our time in Tokyo. Going to Yokohama and probably something a little bit outside of Tokyo. But we also love the idea of going to Kyoto, because we are really into the historical Japan. So we thought, that we probably go there for one night, but I am not sure if this is the right thing to do.
I think 15 nights is definitely a long period, but there is so much to see in Japan and I would really appreciate some opinions and recommendations.
I am going to drop some random thoughts:
1.) Probably we should split our time up? 7 nights in Tokyo. 7 nights in Kyoto and as well spend some time in Osaka and finally going back to Tokyo for the last night.
2.) I hear a lot about airbnb. Probably we should use this instead of a regular hotel. But when it comes to such things I am more of risk averse guy and I definitely want to make sure, the place I am staying is a good one.
3.) Any of you guys did worry about the possible radiation? Not so much in the air, but in food and water? I made the mistake to read quite a lot about in the internet, so now I feel like I should at least get some additional information.
Thanks a lot!
I already placed a reservation for a nice hotel near Tokyo sky tree for this time period. So our initial plan was to have a nice hotel and spend our time in Tokyo. Going to Yokohama and probably something a little bit outside of Tokyo. But we also love the idea of going to Kyoto, because we are really into the historical Japan. So we thought, that we probably go there for one night, but I am not sure if this is the right thing to do.
I think 15 nights is definitely a long period, but there is so much to see in Japan and I would really appreciate some opinions and recommendations.
I am going to drop some random thoughts:
1.) Probably we should split our time up? 7 nights in Tokyo. 7 nights in Kyoto and as well spend some time in Osaka and finally going back to Tokyo for the last night.
2.) I hear a lot about airbnb. Probably we should use this instead of a regular hotel. But when it comes to such things I am more of risk averse guy and I definitely want to make sure, the place I am staying is a good one.
3.) Any of you guys did worry about the possible radiation? Not so much in the air, but in food and water? I made the mistake to read quite a lot about in the internet, so now I feel like I should at least get some additional information.
Thanks a lot!
MikeHattsu
Member
Do 1 week in the Kyoto/Osaka/Nara area with a 1 week JR Pass and spend the rest in Tokyo.
Read the reviews and check the images of the place the host has put up. Message the host if you're still wondering about something.
Nah. I didn't worry about it.
Ennosuke:, I've used Airbnb a lot in the past (not for Japan though) and I don't see myself going back to hostels or hotels. Just pick one with plenty of pictures, positive reviews, etc and you won't have a thing to worry about. I'm visiting Japan in December and all my Airbnb reservations are ready.
Hexxen-Panda
Member
OK JP-travel GAF.
So I'm low-key planning a 7-10 day trip to Tokyo in May right after Golden Week.
Minus the flight and accommodations, will 800 CAD (600 USD) be enough for spending money + train fares?
Also is cheaper Airbnb accommodations worth being a little distant (like Yokohama) from Downtown Tokyo?
Thanks.
So I'm low-key planning a 7-10 day trip to Tokyo in May right after Golden Week.
Minus the flight and accommodations, will 800 CAD (600 USD) be enough for spending money + train fares?
Also is cheaper Airbnb accommodations worth being a little distant (like Yokohama) from Downtown Tokyo?
Thanks.
SiegfriedFM
Member
600 USD sounds like very little if you want to do any shopping at all (and if you are asking about Japan on a gaming forum, yes, you want to do shopping).
Yokohama is pretty far, every day you'd have to do a 30 minute trip each way just to get to commuting distance. Having another hour per day on your trip is worth a lot, I think.
You can probably do Tokyo on a budget, but at that point, why bother? If you want to live cheap in an awesome city, go to Prague. Tokyo is for spending.
SiegfriedFM
Member
Sky Tree is a little out of the way and besides the tower itself there's not much interesting around there. Communications should be pretty good though, it's only a few stations from Akihabara (which has the Sobu and Yamanote lines).
You could definitely split your time if you don't want to do tons of nerd shopping. I'd say spend 7 days in Tokyo, 2-3 in Kyoto and the rest in some other nice place that the thread can recommend. Osaka isn't that great on its own from what I saw.
I'm a traditional guy so I prefer hotels. They really aren't that expensive. Airbnb could work out great, could be an experience in itself, could also be a hassle. The ryokan I stayed in was a novelty but not worth the price. Hostels are for kids, I'm an adult with a reasonable income so I can spend a bit more for reliability and comfort.
As for radioactivity, I was there for two weeks and now I don't need a night light anymore. It's awesome!
That one does not include the JR lines and the Tsukuba line, right?
Oh. And anyone got experience with buying a Washlet in Japan? I decided to finally do it and buy one during my trip. An English manual would be great.
Hey all! I'll be taking a trip to Japan in November and stumbled across this. Got a quick question - With my T-Mobile service I apparently get free international data; will I need to get a different kind of SIM card there, or should it just work?
Also, anyone else going in November? Spending about twoish weeks
Also, anyone else going in November? Spending about twoish weeks
SiegfriedFM
Member
You don't need to bring that amount of cash. Bring something like 20,000 yen, that will last for a while. Then go to pretty much any convenience store and take out 50,000 yen when you run out. Unless your credit card company has some serious fees, it's much easier than carrying around too much cash (even if Japan is super safe).
Austriacus
Member
Hey fellas, im looking to go to the Sapporo snow festival for its whole duration and i have a couple of questions
Is it worth it to go to the full duration?
How early should i make reservations, i hear the place gets packed for it.
What are the other things i can do appart from the festival itsef?
Is it worth it to go to the full duration?
How early should i make reservations, i hear the place gets packed for it.
What are the other things i can do appart from the festival itsef?
Take out? Like from an atm?
Laevateinn
Member
Yeah, just get your money from the ATM. All banks and companies that exchange money will screw you with the exchange rate. If you take money out from a bank, you might have a couple dollars in fees each time but overall you'll be much better off assuming you take out a few hundred at a time.
That was perfect. I'll probably buy the 72 hour pass just so I don't have to have the hassle of buying tickets every trip. I do plan on taking the metro multiple times per day.
Hey everyone! I had a question maybe someone could help me out with. I'm planning on traveling back to Japan in late may/early June of next year. When would be the cheapest time to buy tickets? As early as possible I'm sure, but I kind of want to hold out for a great deal .. so conflicted.
Edit: from US if that matters.
Edit: from US if that matters.
Hey all! I'll be taking a trip to Japan in November and stumbled across this. Got a quick question - With my T-Mobile service I apparently get free international data; will I need to get a different kind of SIM card there, or should it just work?
Also, anyone else going in November? Spending about twoish weeks
You can keep using the SIM that you've got, just make sure you turn on data roaming on your phone. You should receive a text message letting you know it's active. The data is capped at 2G speeds.
The only issue I had in Tokyo and Kyoto was that every outlet (in the Airbnbs) was wired 2-prong with no built-in ground and even then it was only an issue for my laptop. In the end I just bought a slim power splitter thing from a conbini and left the ground prong exposed, lol.
Laevateinn
Member
They're basically the same plug. Here's the differences.
Japan uses 100 V. The US uses 120V. That's pretty close and a lot of electronics are built to withstand either. If you're using older equipment, it might be an issue. But I wouldn't worry about it.
Japan doesn't use a ground pin. This can get pretty annoying. If you have something, like a laptop charger for example, that has a third pin you will need to get an adapter. Try to get one that has a slot that you can screw in so that your equipment will still be grounded. If you're using something that needs to be grounded, there's probably a reason for it whether that be safety or it needs a well maintained reference voltage.
well luckily the stuff I'm bringing is 2 pin (surface, this 4 usb wall adapter.).
seems like im good!
Hey all! I'll be taking a trip to Japan in November and stumbled across this. Got a quick question - With my T-Mobile service I apparently get free international data; will I need to get a different kind of SIM card there, or should it just work?
Also, anyone else going in November? Spending about twoish weeks
I'll be there for most of November. Have a quick stop in Beijing before landing in Osaka on the 12th or something like that.
Still in the beginning stages of planning, but I did reserve/book my Ghibli Museum ticket.
MikeHattsu
Member
No, as said it's a metro/subway ticket.
I brought 300,000yen for 10-days in Tokyo. That was definitely overkill.
God damn. Don't think I'd use that while on a month long trip even.
3-6 months usually. Keep in mind that the cheapest/best accommodations can get booked out as well if you wait too long.
Worthintendo
Member
Its been a year since I was over there, stupid Facebook memories haunting me at the moment ._. I think I'm going to bite the bullet and head back next year, soo much I didn't get to do and soo much I want to do again. The year of planning begins again.
MikeHattsu
Member
Do the Hakone round trip:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5210.html
And then relax in a hot spring.
Do it!
creid
Member
Hey gaf, I'm flying out to Tokyo in a few days, and this thread has been a huge help. I've got a rough idea of where I want to go but need help filling out my schedule a bit. Any suggestions over what I already have?
Also, can I basically use Suica on all the major Tokyo trains? I found a map here of the train lines that accept Suica, but I can't tell if that's all of them or not.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
artnia (square enix)
Odaiba
Gundam Front Tokyo - attached to museum
Capcom store?
Akihabara
manga shops
super potato
Hobby Tengoku
ffxiv cafe?
Shibuya
Hachiko statue
Club Sega or other arcade
Tower records & cafe
near Bic Camera is a Taito Station
109 scramble
Mandarake
Persona cafe
Tokyo Skytree
- aquarium
- Near Kirby Cafe
Ikebukuro
(this was recommended but I don't even know what's there >_>
Ueno
ueno park & ueno zoo
many temples
Harajuku
evangelion store?
Roppongi
Luida's bar - dragon quest cafe
Mori Art Museum
Also, can I basically use Suica on all the major Tokyo trains? I found a map here of the train lines that accept Suica, but I can't tell if that's all of them or not.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
artnia (square enix)
Odaiba
Gundam Front Tokyo - attached to museum
Capcom store?
Akihabara
manga shops
super potato
Hobby Tengoku
ffxiv cafe?
Shibuya
Hachiko statue
Club Sega or other arcade
Tower records & cafe
near Bic Camera is a Taito Station
109 scramble
Mandarake
Persona cafe
Tokyo Skytree
- aquarium
- Near Kirby Cafe
Ikebukuro
(this was recommended but I don't even know what's there >_>
Ueno
ueno park & ueno zoo
many temples
Harajuku
evangelion store?
Roppongi
Luida's bar - dragon quest cafe
Mori Art Museum
Suica has been working fine for me in every single bus, train and subway I've taken within Tokyo, and is also working fine in Osaka as well, so I don't think there's anything to worry about for the most part.
For manga, artbooks and used games, I'd mainly recommend visiting Book Off stores, since they're plentiful and cheap (due to being second-hand stores), even though you might want to look around for a while to avoid buying some manga for ¥360 only to find it in another store's ¥108 shelves, or finding the same artbook with a ¥2000 difference in price in two different stores. In comparison, Super Potato and most retro game stores in Akiba are tourist traps, so you shouldn't buy stuff there unless you're sure you can't get it anywhere else at a lower price.
If you want to order stuff, you could also purchase (most) items through Amazon Japan and have them delivered to a convenience store of your choice, which is a lifesaver if you'll be travelling around a lot and can't afford to wait at the place you'll be stopping at for the mailman to arrive and deliver it to you in person.
If you want anime goods (figures, plushies, keychains, etc.), then second-hand shops are also often the way to go (some Book Offs, Mandarake), and the same holds true for clothes if you aren't against that kind of thing.
I think there's a Bic Camera outlet around Ikebukuro, so you could try visiting that to see if you can get any bargains on computer parts, home appliances and the such (I'm loving the cheap rice cooker I found at a Bic Camera outlet in Osaka).
As for other recommendations on places or activities:
- Owl/Cat/Robot/Ninja/Maid cafes (if any of those actualy tickles your fancy, but be prepared for paying over ¥1500 per person)
- Imperial Palace (around Ginza, I think)
- Yoyogi Park (slightly south from Shunjuku)
- A revolving sushi restaurant (nice to try at least once)
- Sukiya (cheap restaurant chain that serves a variety of udon dishes... not the best, but better than coming all the way to Japan only to eat at McDonald's)
- Ghibli Museum (you need to get tickets well in advance, though)
- A Pokémon Center store (if you're into the franchise)
Also, you could check a site called Meetup out to see if there happen to be any cool events for you to attend. That site's really helpful for socializing if you don't already have a local group of friends you can hang out with.
Agh, I didn't realize there was an Eva store in Harajuku. There was a small one I went to in Ikebukuro in the PARCO building when I was actually only looking for the Tower Records... Adding to my own notes for next trip. >.>
SiegfriedFM
Member
If you're into cars, there's a pretty cool car museum in the center east of the Gundam mall in Odaiba.
Again, Super Potato is overrated. Go to Mandarake or any other of the million retro shops. Also, don't jump on the first Famicom carts you find. They are literally everywhere, even in department stores like Tsutaya.
The Taito Station in Shibuya didn't have anything, I think only a few Tekken cabs and a bit more. If you want arcade games, go to the HEY Taito arcade in Akihabara. Not the Taito Station there either.
I think Hobby Tengoku was cool. Be sure to check out all floors.
Ikebukuro wasn't that cool unless you're interested in fairly expensive shopping. I found an awesome Sengoku Basara branded watch though.
Johnlenham
Member
So just jumping in to say that Ive got some flights to Japan booked for the 18th of November!
Long story short my now wife and I are going to the Philippines at the end of the month and as long as we are back in Manila by Dec 22nd to get our flight back to England, we can do whatever we want.
Going to read through this thread when I get a chance but I def want to fit in a trip to Disney SEA and Studio Ghibli even if we are peasanty backpackers.
edit: oh shit the museum is sold out :/ We land at 6am on the 18th so would have looked at 20-23 or so but god damn.
I can get ones for the 26th and 27th.
Our plan was to head south and try to fly on to taiwan from one of the more southern airports, but is it worth "backtracking" to tokyo for the visit?
Im probably never coming back to Japan...so maybe im answering my own question..
Long story short my now wife and I are going to the Philippines at the end of the month and as long as we are back in Manila by Dec 22nd to get our flight back to England, we can do whatever we want.
Going to read through this thread when I get a chance but I def want to fit in a trip to Disney SEA and Studio Ghibli even if we are peasanty backpackers.
edit: oh shit the museum is sold out :/ We land at 6am on the 18th so would have looked at 20-23 or so but god damn.
I can get ones for the 26th and 27th.
Our plan was to head south and try to fly on to taiwan from one of the more southern airports, but is it worth "backtracking" to tokyo for the visit?
Im probably never coming back to Japan...so maybe im answering my own question..
All I know is go for the Ghibli tickets now! Like right now.
Oh lol. Didn't check your edit.
Johnlenham
Member
Yeah I just picked them up. Fuck it. Worst case its £25 down the drain but every other outlet it was atleast £60 with postage for any earlier.
Its still only a week for the day we arrive, unlike the 15 day later option!
So now to look into Disney Land!
What about the Once Piece place? is that worth a look?
Wondering what kind of route to plan now...
Just a note, I haven't been there yet (in 2 weeks!) but I'm fairly sure the Evangelion store in Ikebukuro is the only one now - the store in Harajuku closed in 2014 or thereabouts.
MikeHattsu
Member
Capcom store closed years ago.
I hope you're visiting Mandarake in Akihabara as well?
Just visit the main temple, Sensoji.
Harajuku is near Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park that's nice to visit.
If you're going to Mori Tower, check out the view from the open air deck at the top. Costs money to get up there, but they got combination tickets with the art museum.
Yep