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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
They're everywhere if you look for them. A lot of people in Japan loves their stamps and stamp rallies
In some stations, yes:
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/about/howto/before.html#cnt2
We've got a nice quality pain paper A5 notebook to take with us to collect stamps.
Robot Carnival
Member
thanks Mike.
my phone had been acting up right at the last leg of my trip. keeps overheating and rebooting itself. good thing i still have my iPad and the hotspot. I'm doing Ise Shrine and Atsuta Shrine today. so far so good and i'm almost at Ise Shrine already. hopefully I can get back to Osaka early enough tonight.
Laevateinn
Member
Osaka is a great place. I wish I had dedicated more time than two days for it. Next time I think I will do a week here.
Valkerionseven
Member
I always wonder what foods you guys are eating when you come? I've seen this several times and it really makes me think people come with a certain idea of Japanese food and only try that. IE sushi and fish dishes ect. The menu in this country, especially in cities is varied like crazy between traditional food, modern food, fusion, and imported.
It seems like a lot of people miss awesome places like kushikatsu, tantanmen, yakiniku, karage, and so on, kinda not super healthy but amazingly delicious casual/bar/izyakya food for no reason. They always have the best food and people. not to mention all you can drink
Also yes the AC and Heating only starts and stops at certain times of the year, no ifs ands or buts. It's really strange haha.
Laevateinn
Member
People get this weird idea about Japanese food but if washoku isn't for you, try youshoku it's completely different and much more western friendly.
Literally food is the main reason I go to Japan. Not much in to anime or games anymore so food is a major motivation. I am all about the ramen of course, since I cant get anything close to resembling ramen back in the states. Love all kinda katsu and donburi. Surprisingly, Im not completely crazy about sushi. Its great, but I only had sushi a couple times the last time I was there.
I fly out to Tokyo in May (first time), could you recommend me some of your favorites?
I made the same mistake. Went to Japan for 2 weeks last year. Spent 3 days between Osaka/Kyoto/Nara and spent the rest of the time in Tokyo. I won't make that same mistake next time.
I'm still very much into videogames (was never a big anime fan) but the food was still easily the best part of my visit. I loved just about everything I tried. I think about how god damn good that food was all the time. When thinking about what I'm going to do for my next Japan trip, 80% of my thoughts are about food.
Laevateinn
Member
We did Namba, Nipponbashi and Dotonbori today. Osaka's definitely my favorite place now. I can't wait to come back.
I fly out to Tokyo in May (first time), could you recommend me some of your favorites?
sure. I'll PM you.
Hello everyone : )
Haven't posted to GAF in a while, but I am making a trip to Japan with my girlfriend at the end of the month (April 29-May 10th). Her brother lives out there but most of our time will be spent with just the two of us. We're going to wing some things, but there are a few things we have scheduled
1. Got tickets to Tokyo Giants game, I hear Japan baseball is a bit different of a crowd experience?
2. Planning on going to Sound Museum Vision Club, we both still like to dance and drink (even though I'm 35 and she is 31), anyone ever been? Have any fun club recommendations?
3. New York Bar, worth it or pass on it?
4. Robot Restaurant, that seems like it's worth at least a single experience?
Otherwise, we were going to meet up with her brother, have him show us around and spend the rest of our time exploring. We'll probably spend the good portion of a day in Akihabra and one of the shopping districts. My girlfriend is very much into fashion and things that have interesting visuals. Anyone have any good recommendations?
We have 7 days in Tokyo and 4 days in Kyoto. We're staying in airbnb in both (only super hosts, even though I have to admit I'm a tad nervous about getting cancelled on, especially around Golden Week. Our hosts have been responsive at least, but there is always that risk).
In Kyoto, we were going to visit a local bath house, rent bikes for a few days and just bike around and check things out. We're both very laid back people, any good recommendations? In general, we both like fairly weird experiences or unusual local flair, let me know if there is anything interesting you can recommend. Appreciate it a lot! Also, weather should be pretty good around that time of year? Early May?
Haven't posted to GAF in a while, but I am making a trip to Japan with my girlfriend at the end of the month (April 29-May 10th). Her brother lives out there but most of our time will be spent with just the two of us. We're going to wing some things, but there are a few things we have scheduled
1. Got tickets to Tokyo Giants game, I hear Japan baseball is a bit different of a crowd experience?
2. Planning on going to Sound Museum Vision Club, we both still like to dance and drink (even though I'm 35 and she is 31), anyone ever been? Have any fun club recommendations?
3. New York Bar, worth it or pass on it?
4. Robot Restaurant, that seems like it's worth at least a single experience?
Otherwise, we were going to meet up with her brother, have him show us around and spend the rest of our time exploring. We'll probably spend the good portion of a day in Akihabra and one of the shopping districts. My girlfriend is very much into fashion and things that have interesting visuals. Anyone have any good recommendations?
We have 7 days in Tokyo and 4 days in Kyoto. We're staying in airbnb in both (only super hosts, even though I have to admit I'm a tad nervous about getting cancelled on, especially around Golden Week. Our hosts have been responsive at least, but there is always that risk).
In Kyoto, we were going to visit a local bath house, rent bikes for a few days and just bike around and check things out. We're both very laid back people, any good recommendations? In general, we both like fairly weird experiences or unusual local flair, let me know if there is anything interesting you can recommend. Appreciate it a lot! Also, weather should be pretty good around that time of year? Early May?
DracoBlade
Member
Uh PM me too please, flying out the end of May and would love some suggestions! Atm have no particular restaurants/chain plans as people have told me everything should be better than anything here in the states. Love it. Coco's and maybe Mos Buger are my only definite plans.
Laevateinn
Member
1) I had a lot of fun when I went to a yakyuu game. It's completely different.
2 and 3) We don't drink so no idea.
4) If you have a night free and can get a good discount, it's worth going at least once.
I went during silver week on my last trip and it was super busy and difficult at times. Good luck during golden week. You're braver than I am.
Getting around Kyoto by bike is the way to go. The city is gridded and pretty flat. The trains are also not as convenient as they are in Tokyo. Get a good idea of where things are in advance and you'll have a great time.
Dr. Feel Good
Banned
WOMB is nearby. Was a blast. Good music, good crowds, very drinking intensive.
I wanted to check out Trump Room but never made it. Interior looked awesome.
Robot Carnival
Member
welp, sitting at Narita waiting for my flight to head back. lord knows I wish I can stay longer, but oh well. to the folks from GAF I ran into on the trip, thanks for the fun and I hope to see you all again. you know I'll be back lol
as for food and what not, since my phone is kinda dead right now and all my food pics are on it, I'll have to wait until I'm back in the states and settled down first before I can help with that. but rest assured that there's plenty to eat in different parts of Japan other then fish lol
as for food and what not, since my phone is kinda dead right now and all my food pics are on it, I'll have to wait until I'm back in the states and settled down first before I can help with that. but rest assured that there's plenty to eat in different parts of Japan other then fish lol
Patrick Bateman
Member
These look amazing.
Thanks for the advice! I know, it was probably a somewhat foolish choice but I just really wanted to go during a time when the weather should be really good and when people are out and about having fun. I guess I'll just try to tally it up to a life experience :-|
Laevateinn
Member
Back in Ikebukuro tonight and had the best ramen ever.
Mutekiya
Mutekiya
Thanks, I'll put that on the list, appreciate it!
Back in Ikebukuro tonight and had the best ramen ever.
Mutekiya
Jesus that looks good. I have a confession... I don't eat pork at all. No bacon, etc... But pork broth Ramen is my little secret that I hold deep inside of me.
Laevateinn
Member
I only ever do in Japan. Outside of Japan, I'm basically a vegetarian. Inside, it's just too difficult so I eat whatever looks delicious.
Laevateinn
Member
I'm pretty offended but this place had a few options without egg.
I'll have to try and learn the Japanese for "no egg"
Laevateinn
Member
I'm pretty sure asking for changes to the menu in Japan is dame.
StriKeVillain
Banned
Got into Tokyo yesterday. Everything at the airport was fairly routine and took the N'EX to Shinjuku where I proceeded to get pummeled looking for where to get a Suica card and where to transfer to the Maranouchi line all while dragging my luggage.
Eventually I just gave up and hiked it to my airbnb near Shinjuku Gyoen. Mentally, it sapped so much of my energy.
I still have so much to learn. Oh well, here's on to a productive day 2.
Eventually I just gave up and hiked it to my airbnb near Shinjuku Gyoen. Mentally, it sapped so much of my energy.
I still have so much to learn. Oh well, here's on to a productive day 2.
Laevateinn
Member
They will say raisu, gohan, or meshi for rice. I've noticed that gohan isn't super common because it can mean meal in general. Raisu and meshi probably depend on the type of food (I tend to get meshi for things like bowls).
You were probably at a ramen place that gave out rice after you finish the noodles so you can make use of the extra leftover broth.
Meadow Drone
Member
Ive been travelling round Japan for almost 3 weeks now and my favourite so far has been Kyushu Jangara in Akihabara, the only place I deliberately went back to a second time since it was so good. Then again, I didn't eat much ramen in Hiroshima and Osaka since I was going HARD on the okonomiyaki...
I'll check that place out though!
Anyway, my travelling companions are on their way home now and I have time to myself until Monday morning in a cozy Airbnb not too far from Shinjuku - I'm largely done with my shopping and after ungodly amounted of walking I need to relax - does anyone want to meet up at a bar for a drink/chat/geek out, tonight or over the weekend? (30/F from UK, fyi)
Laevateinn
Member
I'm pretty sure someone killed themselves on the yamanote.
MikeHattsu
Member
Good news if you're gonna go driving in Japan then:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/04/13/national/bilingual-traffic-signs-debut-july/
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/04/13/national/bilingual-traffic-signs-debut-july/
Ennosuke
Member
Second day back home after 16 days Japan. What should I say? I feel like I want immediately go back there. We really did a lot each day and burned a lot of energy, but I feel like there is so much more to see! The weather really was bad, no luck at all, so I hope next time will be better.
I already liked many things about Japan, but I never was there. But now I am officially in love with Japan.
The people, the trains, the food, the convenience stores, I want them back in my life!
Next time I need to bring more language skills. My gf speaks japanese on a medium level and my skills are pretty limited, don't want to feel like a dumb western tourist next time
I already liked many things about Japan, but I never was there. But now I am officially in love with Japan.
The people, the trains, the food, the convenience stores, I want them back in my life!
Next time I need to bring more language skills. My gf speaks japanese on a medium level and my skills are pretty limited, don't want to feel like a dumb western tourist next time
What?
I'm actually in a pretty similar situation. My roommate is in Kyoto until Sunday afternoon and I'm chilling by myself in Tokyo, with an Airbnb near shinjuku. If you wanna meet up for drinks tomorrow or Sunday, I'd be down. I'm a 32 year old guy from Chicago.
Laevateinn
Member
The train got to the station a bit late which is super weird. We sat down and waited a minute or so and the train still hasn't left. Eventually the conductor made an announcement and half the train left. I wasn't able to catch the nuances but I did get that he said if it's an option to take the Shonan-Shinjuku line. We continued to sit for a bit until I had seen that the train is delayed due to accident resulting in passenger injury or death and that the conductor said it would take at least 40 minutes before the train was allowed to move.
This shut down the whole Yamanote by the way not just our train or direction.
StriKeVillain
Banned
I saw that too yesterday. Many lines were affected by it. Not sure if it was death but it seemed to be severe.
EatinOlives
Member
So I mentioned I'm doing a visiting researcher program and they have told me that I should coordinate with my host researcher (at the University of Tokyo) for lodging. His secretary in turn pointed me to some real-estate agents who are working with the University to provide housing for international students. Program starts in June so they advised that we start looking now.
I'm a bit...lost at the moment lol. I wanted to get an apartment as close as possible to the Hongo campus, but through these agencies there doesn't seem to be much availability. In some cases (such as this case), the address doesn't show up in Google Maps, although to be fair I'm COMPLETELY unfamiliar with the way that addresses are written in Japan so I have no idea if I'm just doing shit wrong. On that note, the rent in that apartment I linked is 82,000 yen, for what appears to be a single person unit that is furnished. Is that too much/little? I have a $5000 USD stipend to just do what I need (543,199 yen when converted), which I think given the rent of that unit should be doable, but I'm not 100% sure on the living expenses and whether or not I'll be tight on budget. I can find places as low as 50,000 yen/mo but they tend to be either very far away and/or unfurnished.
Thoughts? Does it look like a good choice? The program and university have suggested I go through these agencies since they specifically service international students, so they look for things like apartments that don't require guarantors.
I'm a bit...lost at the moment lol. I wanted to get an apartment as close as possible to the Hongo campus, but through these agencies there doesn't seem to be much availability. In some cases (such as this case), the address doesn't show up in Google Maps, although to be fair I'm COMPLETELY unfamiliar with the way that addresses are written in Japan so I have no idea if I'm just doing shit wrong. On that note, the rent in that apartment I linked is 82,000 yen, for what appears to be a single person unit that is furnished. Is that too much/little? I have a $5000 USD stipend to just do what I need (543,199 yen when converted), which I think given the rent of that unit should be doable, but I'm not 100% sure on the living expenses and whether or not I'll be tight on budget. I can find places as low as 50,000 yen/mo but they tend to be either very far away and/or unfurnished.
Thoughts? Does it look like a good choice? The program and university have suggested I go through these agencies since they specifically service international students, so they look for things like apartments that don't require guarantors.
Meadow Drone
Member
Cool, I ended up drinking and meeting people in the rock bars yesterday and having a good time but tonight is also an option for sure.
TheBryanJZX90
Member
You'll probably get a better response in the living in Japan thread.
family_guy
Member
I received an alert for flights between August-December from LAX to Tokyo for as low as $600 on JAL or Singapore Airlines. This is probably my time to jump in. Will be my first time. I'm thinking about Oct 8-16.
DieAntwoord
Banned
WE TOKYO NOW!!
I can't believe I'm here! Years in the making and I'm actually Here!!!
I can't believe I'm here! Years in the making and I'm actually Here!!!
Laevateinn
Member
Just spent all day getting a tattoo in Osaka and it's only half finished. I'm going to have to rush coming back.
Have an amazing time!!! I know the feeling and remember it vividly. I was so overwhelmed finally doing something this big on my bucket list.