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[elhaym]

Just blew all my points on plane fare for winter Comiket at the end of the year. Gonna be there from Dec 20th-Jan 3rd, but haven't decided if I wanna venture outside of Tokyo again. If I do, it's gonna depend on other friends coming along so I can actually afford rail tickets to get around.

Looks good. No Tower Records Shibuya visit though?

Oh god that store hurt me so bad. Poor, poor wallet.

 

[DieAntwoord]

Just scored a sweet deal. Was gonna stay 10 days but coming back was actually cheaper if I took another fight. 15 days for the price of 10. Awesome!

 

[Lego Boss]

Going to be in Tokyo for the first six days, then heading out to Osaka (where we will visit Nara, Kyoto and one other place).

Is it worth getting a JR Pass for that? If so, should it be for seven days as I assume the Suica will cover travel within Tokyo?

 

[MikeHattsu]

Going to be in Tokyo for the first six days, then heading out to Osaka (where we will visit Nara, Kyoto and one other place).

Is it worth getting a JR Pass for that? If so, should it be for seven days as I assume the Suica will cover travel within Tokyo?

If you're going back to Tokyo after then yes. If not then no. And if you're getting one, get one that covers transport from Tokyo -> Osaka -> Tokyo

 

[danowat]

Is it worth getting a JR Pass for that? If so, should it be for seven days as I assume the Suica will cover travel within Tokyo?

Japan guide have a calculator for that.

http://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/

 

[KillGore]

I know this isn't the right place to ask but I don't see a thread here for it. I'm going to Japan for 3 weeks and was actually thinking of visiting Seoul on the weekend. Flights from Osaka to Seoul seem pretty cheap. My question is, I'll be renting a wifi device in Japan, I'm guessing I cant take it with me to SK, even if it's off. I'll only be in Seoul for 3 days and staying in Japan a couple of more days after that. Not sure what to do.

Also, is Seoul worth going for 3 days? I'm guessing their train system isn't as developed as Japan's. How's the English over there?

 

[Lego Boss]

Thanks both. Looks like there's not a lot in it to be honest, but that journey from Tokyo to Osaka is pricey . . .

 

[Zatoth]

I know this isn't the right place to ask but I don't see a thread here for it. I'm going to Japan for 3 weeks and was actually thinking of visiting Seoul on the weekend. Flights from Osaka to Seoul seem pretty cheap. My question is, I'll be renting a wifi device in Japan, I'm guessing I cant take it with me to SK, even if it's off. I'll only be in Seoul for 3 days and staying in Japan a couple of more days after that. Not sure what to do.

Also, is Seoul worth going for 3 days? I'm guessing their train system isn't as developed as Japan's. How's the English over there?

Have stayed only 2 days in Seoul and one 2 days in Busan during one Japan trip,

Started in SK and took a an overnight ferry from Busan to Japan.

English was not a big problem from what I remember. From what I remember it was even easier than in Japan.

Don't know about the wifi device. But doubt it will work in SK. I would turn it off, in case you have to deal with roaming fees.

As for "is it worth going for 3 days?". Hard to say. The 2 days I spent there probably were not really worth it. Liked the time in Busan a bit better.

3 days may be better. Just be sure to plan ahead. We went without a big plan of what to do in SK. Just wanted to watch some Starcraft live.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

I
Also, is Seoul worth going for 3 days? I'm guessing their train system isn't as developed as Japan's. How's the English over there?

Their train system is very developed. Very few people own cars. I only had a layover in Incheon and left to check out the Noryanjin fish market which was pretty cool.

 

[nicoga3000]

Wife and I are starting to plan a 2018 trip to Japan. We've never been and are a bit overwhelmed with how much there is to see and do. We're looking at May of 2018 for 2-3 weeks; if we go 3 weeks, we'll probably make a trip over to Disney Hong Kong since we're huge Disney fans and would love to cross that off our list.

Is there a certain time of year you guys would suggest going (also not going)? I'll be bouncing ideas off of everyone here as the plan starts to come together...There's a TON of places I want to see and visit, but I'm still trying to parse what all there is to do.

 

[danowat]

Is there a certain time of year you guys would suggest going (also not going)? I'll be bouncing ideas off of everyone here as the plan starts to come together...There's a TON of places I want to see and visit, but I'm still trying to parse what all there is to do.

I spent a lot of time looking at when to go, and we settled on May, just after Golden week.

 

[Zatoth]

Wife and I are starting to plan a 2018 trip to Japan. We've never been and are a bit overwhelmed with how much there is to see and do. We're looking at May of 2018 for 2-3 weeks; if we go 3 weeks, we'll probably make a trip over to Disney Hong Kong since we're huge Disney fans and would love to cross that off our list.

Is there a certain time of year you guys would suggest going (also not going)? I'll be bouncing ideas off of everyone here as the plan starts to come together...There's a TON of places I want to see and visit, but I'm still trying to parse what all there is to do.

Avoid July and August. Unless you have no problem with extreme heat and humidity.

June is the rainy season, I think.

I liked my 2 trips in December. But early sunset (around 5pm) could be a problem.

 

[DieAntwoord]

Can anyone here point me too what i need on Amazon to plug my phone and tablet charger into for it to work without causing a fire?

 

[hampig]

I'm going to start planning a trip for hopefully June in the coming month.

Really excited at even the idea of it, I've always wanted to visit Japan and it's finally so close...

My question is this: Being from Midwest USA, how much should I expect to spend minimum for a week in Japan? As far as expenses, I'm not insistent on high-class anything. I just want to experience the places and check out some video games. It would be two people, my wife and I.

I've lived out of a backpack while travelling before, but never in an Asian place, so I really have no idea what to expect cost-wise.

 

[distantmantra]

The first time I went to Japan on my honeymoon was July 2006. It was muggy and humid and we got hit by the tail end of a typhoon in Kyoto.

We've gone in April ever since. Not super warm, but the weather is pretty nice and hanami is awesome.

Wife and I are starting to plan a 2018 trip to Japan. We've never been and are a bit overwhelmed with how much there is to see and do. We're looking at May of 2018 for 2-3 weeks; if we go 3 weeks, we'll probably make a trip over to Disney Hong Kong since we're huge Disney fans and would love to cross that off our list.

Any particular reason for Disney HK? Tokyo DisneySea is super unique and doesn't require an extra flight.

 

[DieAntwoord]

I'm going to start planning a trip for hopefully June in the coming month.

Really excited at even the idea of it, I've always wanted to visit Japan and it's finally so close...

My question is this: Being from Midwest USA, how much should I expect to spend minimum for a week in Japan? As far as expenses, I'm not insistent on high-class anything. I just want to experience the places and check out some video games. It would be two people, my wife and I.

I've lived out of a backpack while travelling before, but never in an Asian place, so I really have no idea what to expect cost-wise.

Check out this thread. It sounds like since the economy is largely cash based you can skirt by on 50-75 bucks a day depending on what you're doing. Just all depends on what your expectations/plans are I guess. I do plan on experiencing the night life at least 3-4 times with karaoke, clubs and bars so I'm fully expecting to spend lots of money

 

[nicoga3000]

The first time I went to Japan on my honeymoon was July 2006. It was muggy and humid and we got hit by the tail end of a typhoon in Kyoto.

We've gone in April ever since. Not super warm, but the weather is pretty nice and hanami is awesome.



Any particular reason for Disney HK? Tokyo DisneySea is super unique and doesn't require an extra flight.

Oh we'll be hitting up Tokyo Disney and DisneySea. We just thought that it might be nice to wrap up the last Disney park we'll have left to visit while we're there.

I spent a lot of time looking at when to go, and we settled on May, just after Golden week.

That's why we're looking at this time, too.

 

[WoodWERD]

I'm going to start planning a trip for hopefully June in the coming month.

Really excited at even the idea of it, I've always wanted to visit Japan and it's finally so close...

My question is this: Being from Midwest USA, how much should I expect to spend minimum for a week in Japan? As far as expenses, I'm not insistent on high-class anything. I just want to experience the places and check out some video games. It would be two people, my wife and I.

I've lived out of a backpack while travelling before, but never in an Asian place, so I really have no idea what to expect cost-wise.

It's really up to you. You can eat/drink cheap during the day by stocking up at a convenience store, then expect to spend $10-15 a head easy at a typical restaurant for dinner. Beers/drinks will run you about $5-10 each if you're out on the town. Air BNB will run about $50-60 a night depending where you stay. Bouncing around on trains can add up quickly, but I want to say I've put around $100 on my suica in the last 2 weeks (in addition to using JR pass). Check wikitravel or TripAdvisor for prices at the sights you're interested in. I'm being lazy and using 100y to the dollar, but you get the idea.

 

[hampig]

It's really up to you. You can eat/drink cheap during the day by stocking up at a convenience store, then expect to spend $10-15 a head easy at a typical restaurant for dinner. Beers/drinks will run you about $5-10 each if you're out on the town. Air BNB will run about $50-60 a night depending where you stay. Bouncing around on trains can add up quickly, but I want to say I've put around $100 on my suica in the last 2 weeks (in addition to using JR pass). Check wikitravel or TripAdvisor for prices at the sights you're interested in. I'm being lazy and using 100y to the dollar, but you get the idea.

Check out this thread. It sounds like since the economy is largely cash based you can skirt by on 50-75 bucks a day depending on what you're doing. Just all depends on what your expectations/plans are I guess. I do plan on experiencing the night life at least 3-4 times with karaoke, clubs and bars so I'm fully expecting to spend lots of money

Awesome, thank you both. I'll take a look back through the thread but all of this helps!

 

[KiN0]

My cousin and I have been looking at some of the tours/attractions and we've found three that we like:

Tokyo Studio Ghibli Museum Afternoon Tour - Tokyo

Jigokudani Monkey Park, Hot Springs and Zenko-ji Temple

Mt Fuji Private Tour with Sengen Shrine Visit from Tokyo - Tokyo

We can only fit one of these into the budget, so I was wondering which of these you guys would suggest.

 

[Worthintendo]

Well Holiday still well and truley on track for October for me, booked my first hotel for the week in Nagoya, staying at the same place I did last time, the Nishitetsu Inn Nagoya Nishiki. Was a really nice hotel with a great location. Now to start looking at places to stay in Tokyo & Osaka. Super leaning towards staying at the Sakura in Ikkebukero again, the location was just too good and it'll cost me around 800-850 Australian for the 11 nights I'm staying there.

Osaka I'm leaning towards the Shin Osaka Sunny Stone Hotel, its close to the Shin Osaka station, within walking distance which will help when I want to bullet train down to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

That said am tempted to try AirBNB for Osaka at the very least, not 100% sure if I'll prefer it to hotels though. Also will depend on prices, I couldn't find anything in Ikkebukero for the same price I'm looking at for the Sakura, but if I see something for cheap enough will think about it.

Anyway the current plan is looking like this for the trip



Might do the Ghibli museum again although not sure, same for the Zoos in Tokyo, I did hit them all up last time. Tried to give myself more free days with nothing planned so I can just do whatever.

 

[WoodWERD]

I am that guy who lost his JR pass :\

Great time otherwise though. Now I'm back in China and want to move! 2 weeks and we saw Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto, Kamakura, Hakone and back to Tokyo. Booked hostels/Airbnbs 1-2 nights in advance with no issues. Saw a ton, loved it. Will throw some pics up soon.

 

[DracoBlade]

If you're going back to Tokyo after then yes. If not then no. And if you're getting one, get one that covers transport from Tokyo -> Osaka -> Tokyo

I'm planning the logistics of something similar as well. Was planning on spending the first 5 days of our trip in tokyo then going to osaka for 4 days, then back to tokyo for 4 more days. Was originally planning on not buying the 14 day jr pass due to the threads seeming constant recommendation against it, but what do you think with the info available?

 

[MikeHattsu]

I'm planning the logistics of something similar as well. Was planning on spending the first 5 days of our trip in tokyo then going to osaka for 4 days, then back to tokyo for 4 more days. Was originally planning on not buying the 14 day jr pass due to the threads seeming constant recommendation against it, but what do you think with the info available?

Depends on what you're doing while in Osaka, and you should get a 7 day one if anything

 

[hampig]

What's the best way to get internet/data access in Japan? I'm from the U.S. and go through Verizon but I'd rather not spend a fortune on a travel plan for my week over there.

I really just want google maps access. I saw a few people talking about offline apps some pages back so I guess there's always that, but any recommendations?

 

[Fritz]

What's the best way to get internet/data access in Japan? I'm from the U.S. and go through Verizon but I'd rather not spend a fortune on a travel plan for my week over there.

I really just want google maps access. I saw a few people talking about offline apps some pages back so I guess there's always that, but any recommendations?

Rental Pocket WiFi, check the op


Especially for google maps since they don't have offline maps licensed in Japan

 

[DracoBlade]

Depends on what you're doing while in Osaka, and you should get a 7 day one if anything

As of right now we would be staying in the den den area almost exclusively while in osaka with a trip to the castle our primary reason to go. Why only 7 days for JR? (Thanks btw for answering my pestering questions haha, just want to make sure everything is aight!)

 

[MikeHattsu]

As of right now we would be staying in the den den area almost exclusively while in osaka with a trip to the castle our primary reason to go. Why only 7 days for JR? (Thanks btw for answering my pestering questions haha, just want to make sure everything is aight!)

Cause it's much too expensive for days you're only staying in 1 city without going anywhere.

If you're only going to be within Osaka itself for 4 days, you're better off getting these discount Shinkansen tickets:
http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/FPK1J01131MKC/

Make sure to read all the details.

 

[Fireblend]

What's the best way to get internet/data access in Japan? I'm from the U.S. and go through Verizon but I'd rather not spend a fortune on a travel plan for my week over there.

I really just want google maps access. I saw a few people talking about offline apps some pages back so I guess there's always that, but any recommendations?

Pocket wifis are great, but if you're staying in AirBNBs make sure they're not already offering you one. We had a free pocket wifi at every place we stayed at during our trip so we just paid for a SIM for the inbetween trips.

 

[Dr. Feel Good]

So I'll be spending two weeks in Japan and am overwhelmed with what to do especially in Tokyo. I'll be spending about 9 days in Tokyo and am not sure how to sift through all the things to do and see.

As someone who is 28 and predominately enjoys eating, drinking and late nightlife (clubs, dive bars, unique bars), some historical stuff, and just overall weird/new things that can't be done at home. I'll be staying in Shinjuku but willing to travel to nearly anywhere in the city.

 

[DracoBlade]

Cause it's much too expensive for days you're only staying in 1 city without going anywhere.

If you're only going to be within Osaka itself for 4 days, you're better off getting these discount Shinkansen tickets:
http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/FPK1J01131MKC/

Make sure to read all the details.

Thanks man! Will look into it.

So I'll be spending two weeks in Japan and am overwhelmed with what to do especially in Tokyo. I'll be spending about 9 days in Tokyo and am not sure how to sift through all the things to do and see.

As someone who is 28 and predominately enjoys eating, drinking and late nightlife (clubs, dive bars, unique bars), some historical stuff, and just overall weird/new things that can't be done at home. I'll be staying in Shinjuku but willing to travel to nearly anywhere in the city.

I'll also be staying in Shinjuku for my two weeks! I can share some google bookmarks of basically every arcade/gameshop in tokyo if you're interested in that. Bars/nightlife, I have a few as well!

 

[cj_iwakura]

What's the best way to get internet/data access in Japan? I'm from the U.S. and go through Verizon but I'd rather not spend a fortune on a travel plan for my week over there.

I really just want google maps access. I saw a few people talking about offline apps some pages back so I guess there's always that, but any recommendations?

I found an app that had Japan's map that was offline before I went. Can't remember what it was, though. I wound up barely using it and just going to the cities I wanted and using the train signs to figure the rest out.

I just made sure I knew where the Omori Seaside Inn was as soon as I got off in Shinagawa.

 

[Stencil]

Can anyone lend a hand with Google Maps? I feel like a fool. The AirBNB where I'm staying provided an English and Japanese address but neither of the addresses seem to pull anything up on Google Maps.

The address is this format (real numbers replaced with 0s
〒 000-0000 Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Kamiyama-cho 00-0 Ryowa Palace Yoyogi Park [apt number]

Can anyone help?

 

[Patrick Bateman]

I cut out the zeros and Tokyo-to and got this:

 

[MikeHattsu]

Can anyone lend a hand with Google Maps? I feel like a fool. The AirBNB where I'm staying provided an English and Japanese address but neither of the addresses seem to pull anything up on Google Maps.

The address is this format (real numbers replaced with 0s
〒 000-0000 Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Kamiyama-cho 00-0 Ryowa Palace Yoyogi Park [apt number]

Can anyone help?

Use this:
Japan, 〒150-0047 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Kamiyamachō, 10, 菱和パレス代々木公園

 

[Fritz]

Kamiyamacho is the block, right? The remainder is the name of the building and the apartment number obviously.

 

[Stencil]

Use this:
Japan, 〒150-0047 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Kamiyamachō, 10, 菱和パレス代々木公園

Thank you all!

Does anyone know if this is a nice area? I'm going on Thursday for a week. Staying with a couple friends and just generally wandering. Neither of the friends have been; I went to Ueno once for a two day layover on the way to the Philippines so it's basically my first time, too.

 

[Worthintendo]

Hey Mike, trying to remember how things work for rail pass on if I'll need a 21 day pass or if I'll be able to get by on a 14 day.

I need it when I leave Tokyo on Tuesday the 10th of October, and then will be using it a heap while I go between Nagoya & Kyoto, then off to Osaka, then down to Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Last time I'll need one for the Bullet train is going to be on Tuesday the 24th at this stage.

I'm pretty sure thats going to be 15 days but not 100% sure with the way the rail passes work over there and if I can just get by with the 14 day pass.

 

[Sou]

Thank you all!

Does anyone know if this is a nice area? I'm going on Thursday for a week. Staying with a couple friends and just generally wandering. Neither of the friends have been; I went to Ueno once for a two day layover on the way to the Philippines so it's basically my first time, too.

You will be staying next to the NHK building, which is within walking distance to both Yoyogi Park as well as Shibuya station. The area you will be staying at is about 2 blocks away from the Jinan area, which is a hub for Japanese high fashion brands. If you walk around there really early in the morning, you will find Japanese fashion models doing shoots in the area.

It is definitely one of the nicer areas in the busy part of Tokyo.

 

[PdotMichael]

I should really stop checking this thread, makes me hungry for another travel and I'm getting only ads of Booking.com and airbnb, which doesn't help either.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Kamiyamacho is the block, right? The remainder is the name of the building and the apartment number obviously.

Hm... More like a district (if there's any difference ).

I'm pretty sure thats going to be 15 days but not 100% sure with the way the rail passes work over there and if I can just get by with the 14 day pass.

Yes, that's 15 days, so a 14 day pass won't cover it all.

 

[Worthintendo]

Hm... More like a district (if there's any difference ).




Yes, that's 15 days, so a 14 day pass won't cover it all.

ahh ok, well its only an extra $150 Australian to get the 21 day pass so may as well go with that, will prob be useful the use it a few days in Tokyo anyway

 

[earthrocker]

ahh ok, well its only an extra $150 Australian to get the 21 day pass so may as well go with that, will prob be useful the use it a few days in Tokyo anyway

I would go with the 14-day pass, since the 21-day pass extra is $146 extra AUD according to https://www.jrailpass.com/ but still, a lot more expensive that one day of single-ticket traveling!

 

[Laevateinn]

My trips in 6 weeks. Should I buy my JR pass and pocket wifi soon or a little closer?

 

[MikeHattsu]

I would go with the 14-day pass, since the 21-day pass extra is $146 extra AUD but still, a lot more expensive that one day of single-ticket traveling!

A Shinkansen ticket to Nagoya from Tokyo is ~120 AUD minimum...

My trips in 6 weeks. Should I buy my JR pass and pocket wifi soon or a little closer?

Order now, since pocket WiFi rental places can run out.

 

[Dr. Feel Good]

Thanks man! Will look into it.



I'll also be staying in Shinjuku for my two weeks! I can share some google bookmarks of basically every arcade/gameshop in tokyo if you're interested in that. Bars/nightlife, I have a few as well!

I would appreciate it! I'll PM you.

Will I be fine with just using my T-Mobile to get around over there for data?

 

[Stencil]

You will be staying next to the NHK building, which is within walking distance to both Yoyogi Park as well as Shibuya station. The area you will be staying at is about 2 blocks away from the Jinan area, which is a hub for Japanese high fashion brands. If you walk around there really early in the morning, you will find Japanese fashion models doing shoots in the area.

It is definitely one of the nicer areas in the busy part of Tokyo.

Whooa cool! I'm excited.

 

[vacantseas]

So my wife and I are looking to go to Tokyo next month, the last week of March. She's going to be on Spring Break, and it looks like the visit will coincide with the cherry trees blossoming around that time if we're lucky. Neither of us have been to Japan before, and it looks like it'll be a relatively short trip. Most likely in country Sunday - Friday. 5, maybe 6 full days depending. Most likely spending all the time in Tokyo.

We're traveling from Chicago, and we're able to get some excellent airfare -around $1000 round trip for the both of us, despite it being relatively last minute.

Obviously with the cherry blossoms it's going to be busy and it looks like hotels are higher than normal with occupancy and cost around that time.

I've kind of poked around this thread and the first post to get some general ideas, but if you had 5 days, what are the "must-do" things that you'd recommend to first time visitors?

We'd probably want to do a mix of modern and older sights, and probably some sort of day trip to Mt Fuji, or somewhere else where there is some nature. Definitely some nightlife type stuff as well. We're definitely comfortable walking all over and utilizing public transport to get around.

Thanks!

 

[Laevateinn]

So my wife and I are looking to go to Tokyo next month, the last week of March. She's going to be on Spring Break, and it looks like the visit will coincide with the cherry trees blossoming around that time if we're lucky. Neither of us have been to Japan before, and it looks like it'll be a relatively short trip. Most likely in country Sunday - Friday. 5, maybe 6 full days depending. Most likely spending all the time in Tokyo.

We're traveling from Chicago, and we're able to get some excellent airfare -around $1000 round trip for the both of us, despite it being relatively last minute.

Obviously with the cherry blossoms it's going to be busy and it looks like hotels are higher than normal with occupancy and cost around that time.

I've kind of poked around this thread and the first post to get some general ideas, but if you had 5 days, what are the "must-do" things that you'd recommend to first time visitors?

We'd probably want to do a mix of modern and older sights, and probably some sort of day trip to Mt Fuji, or somewhere else where there is some nature. Definitely some nightlife type stuff as well. We're definitely comfortable walking all over and utilizing public transport to get around.

Thanks!

You might not have time for both but look into Kawagoe and Kamakura. I saw both on my first trip. They're great places to get the older feel. Kawagoe is a lot smaller and closer so if you're short on time that might be a better choice.

 

[oyoshimaru]

Looking to go back to Kobe again in early May (from NY), would it be best to book now or is it too early to get the best prices?