killertofu
Member
A year ago I was headed to Japan for the first time. Ugh, gotta go back 
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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
A year ago I was headed to Japan for the first time. Ugh, gotta go back
Went last June. I know that feel.
My plan is to go back in 2020 when the Nintendo Universal park opens, but I'm still lurking this thread constantly. I already basically have my next trip planned out even though it's 3 years from now.
It's the only time I ever left my country and I wanna do Europe next, but I definitely have the urge to say fuck it and just go to Japan again a lot earlier than I was planning.
Laevateinn
Member
A year ago I was headed to Japan for the first time. Ugh, gotta go back
That's how it starts. You end up going slightly more quickly each time until you're there 6 times a year.
I keep telling myself I should go somewhere else but Europe is overrated and a mess and the rest of Asia is that much longer of a plane ride so why bother. I'm resigned to the idea of Japan being the only place I go.
shadow2810
Member
Going to visit Japan with my family for 2 weeks in May
The plan so far:
5 days in Osaka/Kobe
2 days in Kyoto
2 days in Hakone
3 days in Tokyo and nearby area
The plan so far:
5 days in Osaka/Kobe
2 days in Kyoto
2 days in Hakone
3 days in Tokyo and nearby area
Hexxen-Panda
Member
I think I'll arrive just in time for the Persona 5 collab cafe in Ikebukuro. I know these places are usually a rip-off, but I'm weak to this kind of marketing.
A little ironic that the Morgana themed drink is a coffee, considering he's so insistent on getting you to bed.
A little ironic that the Morgana themed drink is a coffee, considering he's so insistent on getting you to bed.
MikeHattsu
Member
Laevateinn
Member
I really do want to go to Norway and Sweden but when I weigh it against Japan I end up deciding that I'd probably enjoy Japan more.
ThreePiMatt
Member
Alright, need some idea on the most efficient way of going about this.
1. I arrive in Narita on Sept 6th.
2. I need/want to be in Hiroshima by early afternoon on Sept 7th. (Hiroshima Carp game at 6pm, only game at Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium I could make)
3. I will then go to Sapporo at some point, and will see the Nippon Ham Fighters at the Sapporo Dome on Sept 12th.
4. On Sept 13th I need to be back in Tokyo, specifically Narita, to meet up with a friend who is arriving.
I'm mostly trying to figure out what to do for steps 1-2. Whether I should just stay overnight near Narita and fly to Hiroshima the next morning, or whether to go into Tokyo and take the Shinkansen instead.
1. I arrive in Narita on Sept 6th.
2. I need/want to be in Hiroshima by early afternoon on Sept 7th. (Hiroshima Carp game at 6pm, only game at Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium I could make)
3. I will then go to Sapporo at some point, and will see the Nippon Ham Fighters at the Sapporo Dome on Sept 12th.
4. On Sept 13th I need to be back in Tokyo, specifically Narita, to meet up with a friend who is arriving.
I'm mostly trying to figure out what to do for steps 1-2. Whether I should just stay overnight near Narita and fly to Hiroshima the next morning, or whether to go into Tokyo and take the Shinkansen instead.
I believe the Shinkansen would be a more expensive option. Plane tickets are pretty cheap in Japan, so I would say take the plane, but maybe someone with more knowledge, like Mike, can chime in.
cj_iwakura
Member
I was almost considering going back this year, but I feel like I should visit Europe for once... But there's so much in Japan I didn't see. Then again, I don't have much budget.
MikeHattsu
Member
Yeah, unless you got a JR Pass to cover the trip from before, taking a plane will be cheaper and going all the way to Hiroshima should be just as fast (even including the time spent waiting around in the airport).
Of course, if you're able to sleep on a bus, one could try taking an overnight bus.
Laevateinn
Member
Europe is too expensive.
PdotMichael
Banned
Listen to your inner train otaku and take the goddamn Shinkansen!
ThreePiMatt
Member
Well, I've been to Hiroshima before via Shinkansen, but it was only for a a day and ended up getting distracted by a food festival outside of Hiroshima Castle. I'll probably lean towards Shinkansen again because in between Hiroshima and Sapporo I can go to Nagoya and see a Chunichi Dragons game. Just gonna be a hastle figuring out hotel arrangements.
MikeHattsu
Member
Trying to discourage everybody else going to Europe too, eh? ;P
PdotMichael
Banned
Well, not everyone can pay the equivalent of a small car for a whiskey in Norway.
MikeHattsu
Member
Boy Wander
Member
It gets very humid but I guess it depends on your tolerance and also what you'll be doing. Similar to Florida, if you're in and out it's not too bad. If you're like, going on a hike or something I can imagine it's a nightmare. I walked from the ferry to our hotel on Miyajima Island (About a 15 min walk) with a rucksack and it was pretty tiring. But just take your time, don't be in a rush, and you'll be fine. Also, vending machines are your friend and are literally everywhere. No excuse to be dehydrated in Japan
MikeHattsu
Member
Boy Wander
Member
Pfft. I'm English and I survived. I found it no worse than Orlando in August.
I know, I'm joking... slightly
But yeah, vending machines are gonna be my best friends
MikeHattsu
Member
I know, I'm joking... slightly
But yeah, vending machines are gonna be my best friends
Subway stations are gonna be your worst friend ;P
cj_iwakura
Member
I don't drink.
I'd been thinking Scotland or Ireland, though seeing the Lourve is certainly on my to-do list.
So my wife and I found out we're going to have about a 2 month window this fall to do our super late honeymoon. While we initially were thinking between Paris, Tokyo, and an Alaskan cruise we're currently leaning pretty heavily towards Tokyo. I went back in 2011 or sometime around then but didn't have much money or the ability to do my own thing at the time so looking forward to going back again.
I think we'll be staying around 10 days and for the majority of which in Tokyo. Still early in the planning process but have until September/October. I'll probably be asking more questions as I do more research and get closer but what are your guys' opinions on 'businessmen' hotels? Wife isn't a fan of the shared bathrooms/dorm style hostels/Ryokan's so trying to find a balance between price and privacy.
I think we'll be staying around 10 days and for the majority of which in Tokyo. Still early in the planning process but have until September/October. I'll probably be asking more questions as I do more research and get closer but what are your guys' opinions on 'businessmen' hotels? Wife isn't a fan of the shared bathrooms/dorm style hostels/Ryokan's so trying to find a balance between price and privacy.
Subpar Scrub
Banned
Looks like I'm going to Japan with just one of my mates, the other two bailed. 2 weeks from today, pretty excited still. Desperately need to lock in accomodation though, hopefully it'll all be done tomorrow.
Was thinking about renting a motorbike over there, maybe in Osaka or Kyoto. Anyone have experience riding the roads around those cities? Any good routes and locations for a day ride?
Was thinking about renting a motorbike over there, maybe in Osaka or Kyoto. Anyone have experience riding the roads around those cities? Any good routes and locations for a day ride?
MikeHattsu
Member
Is the smoke odor really there? The one i'm looking at is the Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa currently. The Travelocity-like websites are actually giving pretty competitive prices for plane tickets and hotels compared to just buying them indivdually from the airline and hotel so we may look around for something a little nicer. May look into AirBnB as well.
MikeHattsu
Member
You should be prepared for it to be there at least, even in rooms that are advertised as non-smoking.
Edit: This Hotel Hokke seems newer so there might not be any smoke odor.
PdotMichael
Banned
So I'm booked some stuff on booking.com to outline the travel.
Tokio (Ikebukuro)
26.12.
27.12.
28.12.
29.12.
30.12.
Osaka (Namba)
1.12.
2.12.
3.12.
4.12.
5.12.
6.12.
7.12.
Not sure if I should celebrate New Year's eve in Tokio or Osaka. Last year I went to the Meiji shrine and then Shibuya and it was pretty amazing but so many Japanese people said that Osaka is even better in that regard.
Also a little sucky that a lot of stuff is closed early January so doing daytrips to Kyoto, Hiroshima and maybe Kure, and Nara can get a little complicated.
Tokio (Ikebukuro)
26.12.
27.12.
28.12.
29.12.
30.12.
Osaka (Namba)
1.12.
2.12.
3.12.
4.12.
5.12.
6.12.
7.12.
Not sure if I should celebrate New Year's eve in Tokio or Osaka. Last year I went to the Meiji shrine and then Shibuya and it was pretty amazing but so many Japanese people said that Osaka is even better in that regard.
Also a little sucky that a lot of stuff is closed early January so doing daytrips to Kyoto, Hiroshima and maybe Kure, and Nara can get a little complicated.
Can vouch for this , I just took Vanilla Air from Osaka to Tokyo a few days ago , and it's only around 6660yen total /without luggage . I checked in 30 minutes before the flight , and the flight itself took about a little bit more than one hour . Its about the same time as Shinkansen in total but way more cheaper I guess . 10/10 will take domestic flight again .
Wow that's a big break.
If I'm reading the site correctly, looks like the JR Pass for a week is $260 which is great but I'm only planning to leave from Tokyo to Osaka and back. Round trip flight to Osaka with premium seats for 3 days is only $120. Thanks for the tip!
So it's only been 6 months since I got back from Japan and I'm already mentally planning my next trip...I think I want try and go for cherry blossoms in 2018! It's gonna take me the entire year between now and then to save up, so I have to start thinking about it soon to motivate myself to put the money away.
Since I did Tokyo/Takayama/Kanazawa/Kyoto/Koyasan/Osaka last time, I think I want to try and see some different places next time. Maybe spend a week in Tokyo and a week either north (Tohoku and/or Hokkaido) or south (Shikoku/Kyushu) - which would you guys recommend and what are some highlights that I shouldn't miss?
Also, mates...everyone who's enjoyed Osaka, can you please tell me what's good there, I felt somewhat underwhelmed by it but I want to give it a second chance because so many people tell me it's awesome, even better than Tokyo. (please keep in mind I have no interest in food or drink [unfortunately restrictive diet] or nightlife, haha)
Since I did Tokyo/Takayama/Kanazawa/Kyoto/Koyasan/Osaka last time, I think I want to try and see some different places next time. Maybe spend a week in Tokyo and a week either north (Tohoku and/or Hokkaido) or south (Shikoku/Kyushu) - which would you guys recommend and what are some highlights that I shouldn't miss?
Also, mates...everyone who's enjoyed Osaka, can you please tell me what's good there, I felt somewhat underwhelmed by it but I want to give it a second chance because so many people tell me it's awesome, even better than Tokyo. (please keep in mind I have no interest in food or drink [unfortunately restrictive diet] or nightlife, haha)
Hexxen-Panda
Member
Ah, bummer. The main building in Kiyomizudera currently has scaffoldings and all kinds of unsightly apparatus covering it up. And I was getting all hyped up to see it for real.
MikeHattsu
Member
Go to Hokkaido. Check out Sapporo, the canals and glass works in Otaru, the hell valley and hot springs of Noboribetsu, the fort and view from Mt. Hakodate in Hakodate. And if you're traveling there with the Shinkansen make a stop in Aomori as well and check out the Nebuta festival museum and the Furukawa Fish Market.
PdotMichael
Banned
Makes me wonder if I should also go to Nara but with Kyoto, Hiroshima/Kure and also Osaka the second week is already quite busy - especially with the hotel in Namba and all the nightlife antics
Wait, you are already due for another trip? Jelly
PdotMichael
Banned
Well, again over new year for two weeks like the last time.
This time all little bit more planned, last time was pretty ad hoc.
Nah, you already spoke about your Urlaub around the holidays. I'll probably make it this November myself for a month or two.
SiegfriedFM
Member
For what it's worth, MyStays Kameido is mostly a business hotel and there was no smoke odor in the single rooms we had. I'd probably stay there again, it was decent enough.
Laevateinn
Member
I can't wait for the olympics to be over so all this construction can stop.
MikeHattsu
Member
There's still gonna be renovation works beyond 2020 though, like:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4101.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3300.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3700.html
+ Kumamoto Castle of course
Laevateinn
Member
Well, there's bound to be construction still but everywhere I went, especially in Kanto, seemed like it was under construction.
When do they usually announce how long the trails on Mt. Fuji are open?
Thinking of going there is year during the first 3 weeks of September. Early September should be fine, right?
Also, any recommendations where you can rent backpacks for it? Thinking the one I will taking to Japan will be to small and don't want to bring a big one just for 2 days of Fuji.
Thinking of going there is year during the first 3 weeks of September. Early September should be fine, right?
Also, any recommendations where you can rent backpacks for it? Thinking the one I will taking to Japan will be to small and don't want to bring a big one just for 2 days of Fuji.
MikeHattsu
Member
They announced some dates in mid-June last year, but they might change throughout the season based on weather and trail conditions.
Should try to do it the first week to be safe.
Sitting in the airplane to Dubai and then immediately to Tokyo. Ninja Sim will save my life over there. Got a cool Hotel for the first few days quiet nervous! I also got the JR Pass. I will Land in Narita and then drive to Tokyo by using the Express train with my pass. I have to get to Sengakuji Station which should be easy from Tokyo right? Just have to buy the Pasmo card and then use the normal trains in the City to the Station I guess... Should work out )
quiet nervous! I also got the JR Pass. I will Land in Narita and then drive to Tokyo by using the Express train with my pass. I have to get to Sengakuji Station which should be easy from Tokyo right? Just have to buy the Pasmo card and then use the normal trains in the City to the Station I guess... Should work out )First week was the plan. Just want to avoid entering Japan in the August heat. September will probably still be bad enough.