distantmantra
Member
That is awesome about drones in Japan. I'm not a fan of amateur drone pilots' behavior in Seattle.
www.bento.com
www.bento.com
Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
GamePnoy74
Member
Hey TravelGAF, my wife and I are finally planning to visit Japan towards the end of November. Mostly staying in Tokyo for a week with a hotel near Tokyo Station. We're both excited!
Anyways, I've been figuring out on planning an overnight trip to the My. Fuji/Hakone area, been looking at the 2-day sightseeing tours with a stay at a ryokan offered on Japanican.com...anyone have experience with them (or any of their tour packages in general)?
http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/list/?kw=Hotel+in+Hakone
http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/F870_/
These packages seem nice in that you get to experience a little bit of everything (Mt. Fuji, ryokan, onsen, FOOD, shinkansen).
Thanks in advance!
Anyways, I've been figuring out on planning an overnight trip to the My. Fuji/Hakone area, been looking at the 2-day sightseeing tours with a stay at a ryokan offered on Japanican.com...anyone have experience with them (or any of their tour packages in general)?
http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/list/?kw=Hotel+in+Hakone
http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/F870_/
These packages seem nice in that you get to experience a little bit of everything (Mt. Fuji, ryokan, onsen, FOOD, shinkansen).
Thanks in advance!
MikeHattsu
Member
www.tabelog.com
I've been on the Ghibli museum tour they offered once (since all other tickets were sold out). Went fine.
Read the full itenary so you know what you sign up for though. You have about 50 minutes at Mt. Fuji and 1 hour in Hakone with those trips. If you decide to go ahead with it, then I'd recommend the tour where you stay in Hakone since you then got an extra day on your own to explore the area.
BronsonLee
Member
...Oh god, Philadelphia to Tokyo round trip is 670 bucks
No
Not again
I won't get sucked in again
KillGore just wrecking me even more
I paid more for my tickets to Osaka, and that included 2 days total of layover in freaking Doha Airport in Qatar
Do we have any idea how long this lasts?
No
Not again
I won't get sucked in again
KillGore just wrecking me even more
I paid more for my tickets to Osaka, and that included 2 days total of layover in freaking Doha Airport in Qatar
Do we have any idea how long this lasts?
I doubt those seats will last but I could be wrong. Airline prices fluctuate so drastically, it sometimes mindfucks me how one seat is cheap at 8am but by 2pm it's almost double the price.
Anyways
TheBryanJZX90
Member
I used to work there! The site and the tours are run by JTB, which is the biggest travel company in Japan. The tours in general get good feedback, and the Fuji-Hakone tours are probably the most popular. If you're the backpacking type who wants to explore and get lost on your own then you do definitely need to pay attention to the itinerary and realize that the guided tours portion is going to be pretty structured. But if it's hitting multiple places you were interested in then it could work out well for you, and the second day being free should give you a chance to explore.
BronsonLee
Member
Fuck it.
I'm going back to Japan.
Here I come, Tokyo.
I'm going back to Japan.
Here I come, Tokyo.
Okaeri!
Isn't the english site www.tabelog.com/en ?
Without the /en part the site's just in japanese.
IIRC there are less options in the english site than in the japanese site though...
ThatCrazyGuy
Member
Got my japan ticket. Good deal. Was gonna use air china. Delta for cheaper is way better.
Worthintendo
Member
Under 15 hours to go ._.
MikeHattsu
Member
GamePnoy74
Member
Thanks for the info Mike and Bryan! The thing I'm most concerned about from looking at the itineraries are the parts where they tell you to either get to the hotel or a train station 'on your own,' especially after looking up places on Google maps and finding them to be kinda far from each other (like way beyond walking distance lol). I've been e-mailing Japanican about it and they've been pretty helpful and informative clarifying them. My wife and I are planning to book one of these overnight trips soon.
Booked my flight last week. Will arrive on the 25th of December and leave on the 11th of January.
Is it really "impossible" to get a reservation for the Shinkansen around New Year? Would like to stay in Tokyo for New Year and leave on the 2nd of January and go somewhere else for a few days.
Is there a chance to make a reservation or do you really have to do that months before? Not sure yet where I will go. Been in the Kyoto/Osaka area before. So I may go north this time. Only have been to Sapporo.
Is it really "impossible" to get a reservation for the Shinkansen around New Year? Would like to stay in Tokyo for New Year and leave on the 2nd of January and go somewhere else for a few days.
Is there a chance to make a reservation or do you really have to do that months before? Not sure yet where I will go. Been in the Kyoto/Osaka area before. So I may go north this time. Only have been to Sapporo.
GamePnoy74
Member
Also, can any GAFfers recommend any sushi joints near Tokyo Station that are hidden gems worth checking out?
All I can really find with a quick Google search is Sushi Dai in the Tsukiji Fish Market...anything else?
(except Jiro which seems next to impossible to get a reservation ='( lol )
All I can really find with a quick Google search is Sushi Dai in the Tsukiji Fish Market...anything else?
BronsonLee
Member
That 670$ flight deal to Tokyo didn't even last the night.
If I had slept on it, I would've missed it. Thank god for impulse decisions!
So time for my second trip. I went to Osaka/Nara last go round, skipped Kyoto because I ran myself ragged. Time for some Tokyo tips!
If I had slept on it, I would've missed it. Thank god for impulse decisions!
So time for my second trip. I went to Osaka/Nara last go round, skipped Kyoto because I ran myself ragged. Time for some Tokyo tips!
MikeHattsu
Member
Cool. When are you going?
BronsonLee
Member
May 27th to June 5th. I had to skip going to Golden Week again like I did in Osaka because I'm going to WrestleMania in the beginning of April.
I used Air China and while the planes were fine, having to stop and go through the ridiculous security in Beijing was awful. One of the most unfriendly places I've ever been full of people trying to swindle you of your money at every opportunity. I regret not paying the extra $200 and going on Singapore.
Worthintendo
Member
My chariot awaits
My chariot awaits
Have a great trip
I haven't been through Narita so I can't compare them. I can say however, that Haneda had me through the airport in record time, and customs practically waved me through. I spent like 2 minutes in a line, dude looked at my passport, and that was about the extent of it.
Oh I see, then I guess even on a bad day it wouldn't be as bad as Narita. Thanks!
TokyoGAF help!
I'm looking for Puyo Puyo Tetris for PS4 but I just can't find it!
I've been through Akihabara a couple of times the last days in search for it and all the shops I've been to with PS4 games have a very small selection.
Am I looking in the wrong places or is it just hard to find anything PS4 that isn't just newer releases?
I'm looking for Puyo Puyo Tetris for PS4 but I just can't find it!
I've been through Akihabara a couple of times the last days in search for it and all the shops I've been to with PS4 games have a very small selection.
Am I looking in the wrong places or is it just hard to find anything PS4 that isn't just newer releases?
ThatCrazyGuy
Member
Yea, i have read some bad reviews about the service and the layover. Was still gonna do it cause of price. Thank goodness for the delta deal.
ZackieChan
Member
Just arrived at Narita on my way to Bangkok. Sup, JapanGAF?
MikeHattsu
Member
Try Book Off?
We're Japan Travel GAF, not Japan GAF ;P
You staying for some time or just on a layover?
Hi everyone,
just thought I'd ask here:
What's a better place to visit? Tokyo or Osaka? Planning to go mid-November.
Can you guys recommend any places to visit?
Background: Have been to Japan 2 times, once in Tokyo then took the shinkansen to Osaka (December 2013), and then once again to Tokyo (April 2015) during Sakura season. We would like to visit provinces/forests this time. We have been to Kyoto and Nara, and we enjoyed those areas, especially Nara with the reindeers.
I'd like to take photos before our wedding (I proposed to my GF in Mt Fuji back in 2013)
just thought I'd ask here:
What's a better place to visit? Tokyo or Osaka? Planning to go mid-November.
Can you guys recommend any places to visit?
Background: Have been to Japan 2 times, once in Tokyo then took the shinkansen to Osaka (December 2013), and then once again to Tokyo (April 2015) during Sakura season. We would like to visit provinces/forests this time. We have been to Kyoto and Nara, and we enjoyed those areas, especially Nara with the reindeers.
I'd like to take photos before our wedding (I proposed to my GF in Mt Fuji back in 2013)
Hmm, I might have been there but not to look for games, thanks for the tip I'll look into it tomorrow!
Worthintendo
Member
Being 6 foot 4 and having to spend 12 hours on planes had not been fun :/
That said the skyline view flying in at night was worth
IM HERE
Hopefully immigration doesn't take too long, need sleep
That said the skyline view flying in at night was worth
IM HERE
Hopefully immigration doesn't take too long, need sleep
Laevateinn
Member
I'm back to the grind now and have finally started to feel somewhat awake again. I took almost 1000 photos so I thought it might be best if post in little bursts, both for my own sanity and for your sakes in case you are only interested in parts of my trip. I'll start with the first couple days. I've already posted these to the Shenmue thread but you guys might not have seen them yet.
The full gallery is here. Here's some samples.
The first couple days, I visited Ryo Hazuki's hometown of Yokosuka. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't a Shenmue fan or affiliated with the US Navy since it's out of the way and there's nothing particularly special about it outside of those two things. I had a good time though.
This is a shrine in an electronics/cable shop in Akihabara
The full gallery is here. Here's some samples.
The first couple days, I visited Ryo Hazuki's hometown of Yokosuka. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't a Shenmue fan or affiliated with the US Navy since it's out of the way and there's nothing particularly special about it outside of those two things. I had a good time though.
This is a shrine in an electronics/cable shop in Akihabara
So looking into booking my last hotel in Tokyo now for my trip, Looking for suggestions, ideally ones listed on expedia (booked my last two through there, figured having them all on the one site will make things easier for me to keep organized lol)
It's only for 2 nights (Sat 9th/Sun 10th Apr).
So yeah,any suggestions?
edit: how's this place? Good location?
https://www.expedia.co.uk/Tokyo-Hotels-Cerulean-Tower-Tokyu-Hotel.h661016.Hotel-Information
(ie how easy is it to get around, it's only for a few nights and I'll likely be rushing around doing any last minute stuff/shopping)
edit 2: or what about this?
https://www.expedia.co.uk/Tokyo-Hotels-Celestine-Hotel.h1177680.Hotel-Information
Yes I hate making decisions but this is the last major thing I need to do before January/February for my trip.
It's only for 2 nights (Sat 9th/Sun 10th Apr).
So yeah,any suggestions?
edit: how's this place? Good location?
https://www.expedia.co.uk/Tokyo-Hotels-Cerulean-Tower-Tokyu-Hotel.h661016.Hotel-Information
(ie how easy is it to get around, it's only for a few nights and I'll likely be rushing around doing any last minute stuff/shopping)
edit 2: or what about this?
https://www.expedia.co.uk/Tokyo-Hotels-Celestine-Hotel.h1177680.Hotel-Information
Yes I hate making decisions but this is the last major thing I need to do before January/February for my trip.
So, this is my first post in here. Nice to meet you, JapanTravelGAF!
Not too long ago Jetstar had this great sale on flights to Japan, and I spontaneously bought myself a ticket! I'm going to be in Japan from May 10th until June 21st. I can't wait, I've been wanting to go for something like 9 years now.
I'll probably be posting in here a lot just looking for general advice and such. I'm currently planning where I'm actually going to be going and just sussing out AirBnB and Couchsurfing. I'll be travelling solo, and I'm pretty okay with having quite a loosely planned schedule. I would also really love to meet some new people while I'm away, and just really dive into what the country has to offer.
Any suggestions on locations? I sort of want to spend a lot of time in Tokyo because I wanna indulge in it. The things I'm most interested in doing are probably eating (from the absolute best to the hidden gems), going to bars/nightclubs, local gigs, sake/tea tasting, sussing out graphic design studios, aquarium, arcades, shopping, taking photos of nice architecture... and a lot of other things... sightseeing is a bit of a no-brainer! I think I would really like to visit Kyoto and Osaka and perhaps embark on some day trips from there.
Not too long ago Jetstar had this great sale on flights to Japan, and I spontaneously bought myself a ticket! I'm going to be in Japan from May 10th until June 21st. I can't wait, I've been wanting to go for something like 9 years now.
I'll probably be posting in here a lot just looking for general advice and such. I'm currently planning where I'm actually going to be going and just sussing out AirBnB and Couchsurfing. I'll be travelling solo, and I'm pretty okay with having quite a loosely planned schedule. I would also really love to meet some new people while I'm away, and just really dive into what the country has to offer.
Any suggestions on locations? I sort of want to spend a lot of time in Tokyo because I wanna indulge in it. The things I'm most interested in doing are probably eating (from the absolute best to the hidden gems), going to bars/nightclubs, local gigs, sake/tea tasting, sussing out graphic design studios, aquarium, arcades, shopping, taking photos of nice architecture... and a lot of other things... sightseeing is a bit of a no-brainer! I think I would really like to visit Kyoto and Osaka and perhaps embark on some day trips from there.
distantmantra
Member
The gigantic Sofmap didn't have it?
EuricaeriS
Member
There are a few game shops around Nakano Broadway you can check if it doesn't show up in Akiba.
I arrived at Haneda yesterday around 11pm and the customs queue was like 15 minutes. I guess it depends on how many flights were arriving at that time
Worthintendo
Member
Hey that's the same time I got in ^_^
Was really quick getting through last night
So first day in Tokyo, just woke up, I know near zero Japanese, my legs are killing me from th flight, time to head out and explore
MikeHattsu
Member
Have fun man!
Of those two, that one is in the better location for getting around.
Worthintendo
Member
It looks too good to eat o_o
MikeHattsu
Member
Check your Twitter
TheBryanJZX90
Member
Cerulean Tower is a pretty well known hotel, in a good location. It's right next to one of the major train stations on the major Tokyo train line. If the price works definitely go with it.
It looks too good to eat o_o
Fucking lol.
A slime appeared!
Hero:
- Eat
- Run
- Defend
- Item
I learned どうぐ as tool, but I assume it can also mean item given this context.
ZackieChan
Member
Just a couple hours' layover. In Bangkok now. That's why I didn't disturb actual JapanGAF - just you travel peeps.
Had some tsukemen ramen in the airport. Not bad, but can't match the place I used to go to in Setagaya. Damn good ramen.
Thanks you two.
It's a little more expensive than I would have wanted to spend but it was a sale and it looked like a good location (also the listing says it's a City view room which sounds nice haha) so what the hell.
Still, that's all 3 hotels booked now along with my flights. Only other things I have to worry about are stuff I need to pay for while still here (Ghibli tickets, JR Pass, stuff like that) which will be done around Jan/Feb or something like that lol.
This thread has been way helpful already
Laevateinn
Member
More pictures.
Early in my trip, we made our way to a few arcades and then that Saturday we went to Tokyo Game Show. Overall, I'm glad I went but it's not an experience I would repeat. There were far too many people and the lines to see anything were just too long. I kept going to the Yakuza booth only to be told that the line was full. Gallery is here.
Near our hotel was the Ikebukuro Penguin Bar.
Luigi's Mansion was a lot of fun.
After TGS, we went to Harajuku for the first time. By the way guys, one of my favorite restaurants in Tokyo is Tonkatsu Shotaro on Takeshita Dori. The curry there is fantastic.
Early in my trip, we made our way to a few arcades and then that Saturday we went to Tokyo Game Show. Overall, I'm glad I went but it's not an experience I would repeat. There were far too many people and the lines to see anything were just too long. I kept going to the Yakuza booth only to be told that the line was full. Gallery is here.
Near our hotel was the Ikebukuro Penguin Bar.
Luigi's Mansion was a lot of fun.
After TGS, we went to Harajuku for the first time. By the way guys, one of my favorite restaurants in Tokyo is Tonkatsu Shotaro on Takeshita Dori. The curry there is fantastic.
Anyone know where to find the Star Wars Pod arcade in Tokyo? Namco Nagano maybe??
Edit: never mind, found it at Sega Joypolis. It wasn't very good though..
I'll check tomorrow!
Will check sofmap too!
Edit: never mind, found it at Sega Joypolis. It wasn't very good though..
I'll check tomorrow!
Will check sofmap too!