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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
MikeHattsu
Member
Starting opening in 2 days.
Bboy AJ
My dog was murdered by a 3.5mm audio port and I will not rest until the standard is dead
Perfect timing. But I guess I won't see them in full bloom. Oh well. Plum blossoms, right? Heh.
I'm excited to eat real ramen again. Finally. I missed it so much. And real kobe beef in Kobe.
Awesome, gonna be there by this weekend
cj_iwakura
Member
Hopefully. I arrive at Narita at around 2PM Sunday, and my hotel's at Shinagawa(about a block west of the aquarium). Anywhere I should beeline it to? I don't plan on leaving Tokyo, since I only have like five days.
Guess who's luggage didn't make it on to the connecting flight?
That's right, some weirdo that looks like me
This is why I never, EVER check my luggage. I travel light.
Guess who's luggage didn't make it on to the connecting flight?
That's right, some weirdo that looks like me
Sorry to hear that.
Hopefully you'll get it soon
That's like my worst nightmare
I'm slightly confused with last year's sakura kaika (opening) and mankai (full bloom) trends. It said Kyoto's opening was on 03/27 but the full bloom was on 04/01. This year kaika should be 03/24-25 but mankai is projected to be 04/02. I checked tenki.jp and it seems the temperature will drop for the most part this week --could this cold front be the reason why mankai is later than last year's?
Maybe I'm overanalyzing this, but I'm just worried I might miss full bloom when I visit Arashiyama on 04/04, then Kyoto on 04/06-07.
Maybe I'm overanalyzing this, but I'm just worried I might miss full bloom when I visit Arashiyama on 04/04, then Kyoto on 04/06-07.
Maybe Shinjuku Gyoen would still have some sakura trees at full bloom. Just take the Yamanote line.
I cannot wait to see the line on April 3 at 4:30pm...maybe I should exchange it at Ueno or Tokyo instead.
openrob
Member
Oh and I just lost my wallet
I must have subconsciously anticipated this because this morning I left one of my bank cards where I am staying 'just in case'. Thank goodness I did.
On a plus note, I just had an amazing walk through Yoyogi park/Meji shrine, and currently looking for some cheap grub in Harajuku
Cripplegate
Member
Conversely, has anybody used Japan-Wireless? It's linked in the OP, I was wondering if anbody has any experience or could compare the two.
I was leaning globaladvanced, but Japan-Wireless seems to have better deals atm.
I used JW 2 years ago. Both were great IMO. But IIRC Japan wireless is cheaper and you don't have to pay for the stamp
MikeHattsu
Member
Looks like they opened even earlier than expected aka today. So if you're there on Sunday it should be quite good.
I've used tocoo the last three times I've been since they're cheapest for unlimited data.
Hi everyone,
I'll be going for my 4th trip in Japan in a few months and this time we decided to go a bit more south visit Kyushu and stay in Fukuoka, however I still need to check what we could do once there so if you have any suggestion that would be welcome
I'll be going for my 4th trip in Japan in a few months and this time we decided to go a bit more south visit Kyushu and stay in Fukuoka, however I still need to check what we could do once there so if you have any suggestion that would be welcome
For now we've only planned to go to Huis Ten Bosch which looks pretty fun
There is a pretty good Canadian YTer who lives in Fukuoka and has some good videos on her channel which might help:
Her Playlists
Playlist: ALL ABOUT FUKUOKA
Have a look around and see if it helps!
This is my worst nightmare because I'm too big of a guy for Japanese clothes. I've never been able to find things that I find fashionable on my size. I'd be super screwed.
MikeHattsu
Member
Not joining us for the meetup? ;p
Speaking of the meet up.
https://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1188119
might as well post it once more for anyone who has missed it and are interested.
https://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1188119
might as well post it once more for anyone who has missed it
and are interested.i guess i could night bus down to tokes...
Hey guys, I plan on going to Kyushu for twoish weeks this summer. I basically just want to go sightseeing. I've been to Japan a few times, but never Kyushu. I think I'm fairly well prepared, but I just wanted to hear some GAFfer opinions. Any tips or suggestions for getting the most out of the island? Off the path suggestions? Any famous places that should actually be avoided?
cj_iwakura
Member
Any recommended offline map apps? I've been going through the ones on google, and most of them suck. Trying one called 'smart maps offline' now. I wouldn't be too worried, except the area of Shinagawa I'm in seems pretty dense.
openrob
Member
In regards to Internet, has anyone used B Mobile visitor SIM?
¥2,204 = Unlimited (slow) internet for 14 days.
Just load up Google maps when at WiFi spots. Google maps caches the maps surprisingly well.
It's been found! Just picked it up
¥2,204 = Unlimited (slow) internet for 14 days.
.
Just load up Google maps when at WiFi spots. Google maps caches the maps surprisingly well.
It's been found! Just picked it up
cj_iwakura
Member
Guess I could do that... google doesn't let you download Japanese maps,
Are wifi spots common at most places?
openrob
Member
Guess I could do that... google doesn't let you download Japanese maps,
Are wifi spots common at most places?
Not particularly, but most Combinis (7-11, Lawson, Family Mart, etc) have free Wi-Fi
P.s. just picked up the B Mobile sim (which the OP wrongly states must be purchased online). I got mine from Yodobashi in Akihabara, and activated it within 5 mins, and as this post demonstrates, works fine!
Could the OP be updated to mention this hwalker84?
Bboy AJ
My dog was murdered by a 3.5mm audio port and I will not rest until the standard is dead
Speaking of mobile internet, I noticed this my first trip to Japan, but the country that once was a tech pioneer is so old fashioned. It's definitely not a tech power house anymore. Shit is old here.
I found this app that let's you download maps for offline use. I downloaded Kyoto, and hopefully it works. Let me know how it is if you try it
http://maps.me/en/home
cj_iwakura
Member
I found this app that let's you download maps for offline use. I downloaded Kyoto, and hopefully it works. Let me know how it is if you try it
http://maps.me/en/home
Looks like a winner! Funny how they highlight the awful ones.
I wish my budget wasn't so tight.
But I think I'll make the most of it. Do they have trolleys or anything like that for touring the bayshore or the rainbow bridge?SiegfriedFM
Member
Yup, I got maps.me as well. Seems good, although it has been draining my battery. Then again I won't have it on constantly, and I'll probably make physical backup maps when I get there.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.psyberia.offlinemaps
Used it when I had no Wifi available. Let's you access different maps (google, bing). I think you can download the maps from bing.
CountBlack
Member
Do I have to order the portable Wifi's before I go or can I just pick one up at Narita then drop it off at the airport before I leave?
MikeHattsu
Member
It's much cheaper to pre-order, but you can get some at Narita as well.
CountBlack
Member
Thinking we might do that because the pocket Wifi at the airbnb were thinking of getting only has 1gb per 3 days :/
killertofu
Member
So my friends have been planning out our stay...was wondering if anyone had some input about our choices
April 29
- Stay in Chuo-ku until the 3rd
- Nihonbashi Bridge
- Ikaruga Ramen
- Popeye Bar
April 30 (Ueno Neighborhood)
-Kaminarion Gate Shrine
- Senso Ji Temple
- Ueno Park
- Ueno Zoo (I really dont think we should be going to a Zoo in Japan...)
- Yakitoribunraku
- Tokyo National Museum
- Tokyo Museum of Nature and Science
- Game Bar A
May 1 (Akihabara)
- Kanda Myojin Shrine
- Maid Cafes?
- Sega Arcade
- GiGo
- Super Potato
- Don Quijote
- Mandarake Complex
- Akihabra Gachapon Kaikan
- Kyushu Jangara Ramen
May 2 (Shibuya)
- Shibuya Crossing
- Ghibli Museum
- Inokashira Park
- Tokyo Skytree
- Kareoke Kan
May 3
- Basically move from our first BnB to our next one in Setagaya
May 4 (Nikko)
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine
- Futarasan Shrine
- Lake Chuzenji
- Kegon Falls
May 5
- Shinjuku again?
May 6 (Mt Fuji)
- Possibly go to Lake Ashi
And then we have May 7-10 basically free...
April 29
- Stay in Chuo-ku until the 3rd
- Nihonbashi Bridge
- Ikaruga Ramen
- Popeye Bar
April 30 (Ueno Neighborhood)
-Kaminarion Gate Shrine
- Senso Ji Temple
- Ueno Park
- Ueno Zoo (I really dont think we should be going to a Zoo in Japan...)
- Yakitoribunraku
- Tokyo National Museum
- Tokyo Museum of Nature and Science
- Game Bar A
May 1 (Akihabara)
- Kanda Myojin Shrine
- Maid Cafes?
- Sega Arcade
- GiGo
- Super Potato
- Don Quijote
- Mandarake Complex
- Akihabra Gachapon Kaikan
- Kyushu Jangara Ramen
May 2 (Shibuya)
- Shibuya Crossing
- Ghibli Museum
- Inokashira Park
- Tokyo Skytree
- Kareoke Kan
May 3
- Basically move from our first BnB to our next one in Setagaya
May 4 (Nikko)
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine
- Futarasan Shrine
- Lake Chuzenji
- Kegon Falls
May 5
- Shinjuku again?
May 6 (Mt Fuji)
- Possibly go to Lake Ashi
And then we have May 7-10 basically free...
Patrick Bateman
Member
Getting ready for our flight in three hours.
MikeHattsu
Member
This seems like way too much stuff to do in 2 days. Oh, and Kaminarion Gate is an entrance to Sensoji Temple, not a Shrine.
killertofu
Member
Yeah I thought so too. I think thats why we have the later dates empty just in case we miss stuff
Finally got our Itinerary sorted. Hopefully none of this will be too much for one day. (many days I'll be getting very early starts though. I am not used to 5 - 6am wake ups haha)
I am SO excited though tomorrow packing, Saturday, relax, Sunday, off to Japan!
I am SO excited though
tomorrow packing, Saturday, relax, Sunday, off to Japan! Monday 28th Mar:
Arrive at Narita. Sort out JR Pass, Portable Wifi.
Head to Shibuya for our FFXIV Cafe tickets from Voyagin offices
Waste time in Shibuya or Tamachi until 3pm so we can check into Hotel in Tamachi.
Have something to eat and then Crash probably.
Tuesday 29th Mar:
DisneySea
Wednesday 30th Mar:
Odaiba
Thursday 31st Mar:
Studio Ghibli Museum
Nakano Broadway
Akihabara (including GAF meet up)
Friday 1st Apr:
Ueno (Zoo, view some Cherry Blossoms)
Asakusa: Sensoji Temple, Sumida Park, Look around at shops
Tokyo Sky Tree
Saturday 2nd Apr:
Shinjuku: Look at Shops, Check out Kabukicho, check out Tokyo Gov Building
Shibuya: Hachiko Shrine, Check out Shops (including Tower Records - Thanks Digimon Story: CS)
Akihabara: FFXIV Eorzea Cafe
Sunday 3rd Apr:
Head to Osaka (note: Station we're going to is Kawachi-Kosaka. It's rather out of the way and I almost regret choosing the community hotel near here but it was cheap and there weren't many cheap hotels at the time when we booked it >.>)
Check out Dotonbori or DenDen Town depending on how much time we have
Monday 4th Apr:
Early (Awake at 5am ;_
Miyajima
Hiroshima (Peace Park + Museum. Would also like to check out Shukkeien Garden but probably won't have time)
Tuesday 5th Apr:
Arashiyama: Monkey Park and Bamboo Forest
Gion
Pokemon Center, Kyoto
Wednesday 6th Apr:
Nara (half-day trip probably)
Fushimi Inari Shrine
(not much else planned for this day)
Thursday 7th Apr:
Osaka Aquarium
Wing the rest of the day
Friday 8th Apr:
Osaka Castle
DenDen Town
DotonBori
Last day in Osaka so just relaxing and looking around at shops and stuff.
Saturday 9th Apr:
Head to Shibuya where our hotel is
Check out Hikarigaoka (Saw it in Digimon Adventure, Want to see what it looks like irl lol)
Just relax (nothing planned, maybe buy stuff I didn't pick up earlier)
Sunday 10th Apr:
Sunshine City in Ikebukuro
Revisit some places probably.
Monday 11th Apr:
Goodbye Japan
Looks like an awesome well-paced trip! I see we're in Kyoto around the same date range. I really hope we can still see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto when we go there!Finally got our Itinerary sorted. Hopefully none of this will be too much for one day. (many days I'll be getting very early starts though. I am not used to 5 - 6am wake ups haha)
I am SO excited though
No Higashiyama plans?
Well paced outside of how annoying it is to get from my hotel to other areas
haha.Not planned on Higashiyama but it and any other close by places will be considerations if we run out of things to do depending on day and region of course. Cherry Blossoms would be nice but I made sure to check Ueno in Tokyo (besides the Zoo) just because it's meant to be popular for Cherry Blossom viewings. Must get some good pictures of them! Still would love to see some in another area like Kyoto of course
Also on another note, we've went careful on how much money for food each day. 12,500 yen for 2 people each day. Will probably not reach that but it's just incase. (most expensive will probably be stuff like FF Cafe since we don't plan on doing any 'high class' (aka expensive) dining.
if planned correctly, I have around 106k yen for extras (buying stuff like the few games I KNOW I want, arcades, crane machines >.> I also have an addictive personality so hopefully that is enough XD)
I feel restless just typing stuff about this XD
Any suggestions on must-eat places in Tokyo and/or Kyoto? I'm going by myself, so won't need anywhere fancy...just good and hopefully not too expensive. If all else fails I plan on sticking to standard traveller's advice of "go where the locals flock to". Or I'll use Gurunavi.
That Tower Records absolutely destroyed my wallet when I went there (the first day).
Etrian Oddity
Member
Alright fellas, I'll be getting some good money once my SXSW check rolls in, so I'm gonna start pulling money aside for my vacation next year in Japan.
What's a good amount to shoot for? I know tickets are about $1200 round trip to Japan and the U.S., so am I looking for $2500 to be comfortable??
What's a good amount to shoot for? I know tickets are about $1200 round trip to Japan and the U.S., so am I looking for $2500 to be comfortable??
Zoe
Member
MikeHattsu
Member
At the airport now. Will be in Japan in about 3.5 hours.
