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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once

T

Tsundere

Banned
I've been having a blast so far, it's really a beautiful country. The portable Wifi is your best friend, with your cellphone/tablet of course. :)

Going to Tokyo Tower tonight! Just got back from Akihabara Festival.

If I had known ahead of time that there was an l'Arc-en-Ciel concert yesterday/today in Harajuku, I would have bought tickets... I only found out when I went to the skating rink!!! >_<

Edit: JR pass as well, Shinkansen is godly.
 
T

tokkun

Member
scarlet said:
I'm packing right now, still no itinerary, have no idea how to reach my hostels and hotel

and I'm overpacked lol
Click to expand...

I'm all for the idea of no itinerary travel, but I painstakingly plot the method of getting to my lodgings if I don't speak the language. How much are you packing? I only took a large carry on for two weeks, and was very glad for it. Just got hard to pack the omiyage for the trip home.
 
Garou

Garou

Member
Tsundere said:
If I had known ahead of time that there was an l'Arc-en-Ciel concert yesterday/today in Harajuku, I would have bought tickets... I only found out when I went to the skating rink!!! >_<
Click to expand...

Don't be sad, the concert was sold out quite some time ago and even many Japanese who wanted to go couldn't get tickets.
It was a great concert!! :p
 
S

scarlet

Member
tokkun said:
I'm all for the idea of no itinerary travel, but I painstakingly plot the method of getting to my lodgings if I don't speak the language. How much are you packing? I only took a large carry on for two weeks, and was very glad for it. Just got hard to pack the omiyage for the trip home.
Click to expand...

Gonna use 23" luggage, I bring like 8/9 shirts, 4 pants, 2 sweatpants, 13 underwears and undershirts lol.

I have problems.

And it seems I can't go to Ghibli, sold out already for my dates
 
R

Resilient

Member
Get excited peeps. You will have an absolute blast! Make sure to check out Tsutaya in Shibuya, the prices there are god like!!

Take less clothes! Laundries are everywhere and you can wash+dry for 500 yen and an hour or less! Backpack or bust, too!
 
T

Trojan X

Banned
When you get to japan just make sure you always dress to impress. Japan is like a 24hrs fashion show and since we are foreigners we stand out easily. So make sure you dress well no matter where you go. When i first came here i ended up not wearing half of the clothes i brought because they were too casual. Represent!
 
S

scarlet

Member
Trojan X said:
When you get to japan just make sure you always dress to impress. Japan is like a 24hrs fashion show and since we are foreigners we stand out easily. So make sure you dress well no matter where you go. When i first came here i ended up not wearing half of the clothes i brought because they were too casual. Represent!
Click to expand...

Well I'm asian, so pretty sure not gonna stand out in the sea of asian haha.

When I was in Hong Kong, people keep talking to me in Cantonese, asked me directions, they thought I was local.
 
A

abunai

Member
Hey guys.

I'll be going to Japan from May to September to do a research project for my MSc degree, and was wondering if someone could tell me information about train travel. I've been told the best way to get to where I am going (Keio University Institute for Advanced Biosciences in Tsuruoka) is:

Land in Narita -> Narita Express to Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station -> (JR Joetsu) -> Niigata Station
Niigata Station -> (JR Uetsu) -> Tsuruoka.

Would you think it's better to purchase a JR East pass for this? From what I can see, this doesn't cover the Uetsu line. Or would it be favourable to just purchase the three individual tickets from a JR East Travel Service Center in Narita Airport? (Can you even buy tickets for the N'EX, Joetsu and Uetsu in the airport?)

Thanks
 
R

Raide

Member
abunai said:
Hey guys.

I'll be going to Japan from May to September to do a research project for my MSc degree, and was wondering if someone could tell me information about train travel. I've been told the best way to get to where I am going (Keio University Institute for Advanced Biosciences in Tsuruoka) is:

Land in Narita -> Narita Express to Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station -> (JR Joetsu) -> Niigata Station
Niigata Station -> (JR Uetsu) -> Tsuruoka.

Would you think it's better to purchase a JR East pass for this? From what I can see, this doesn't cover the Uetsu line. Or would it be favourable to just purchase the three individual tickets from a JR East Travel Service Center in Narita Airport? (Can you even buy tickets for the N'EX, Joetsu and Uetsu in the airport?)

Thanks
Click to expand...

Not sure the JR East will cover everything you need. If I remember correctly is does cover the Joetsu/Uetsu Shinkansen. You will probably end up having to get multiple tickets to cover what you need. Max for 90 day stays thought. According to the website...

Access


Air:
Transfer from Narita airport to Haneda airport (Terminal 2) by limousine bus (60-100 minutes) Flight to Shonai (50 minutes) Bus/shuttle/taxi to Tsuruoka/IAB (20 minutes) :

Train:
Transfer from Narita airport to Tokyo station (a 53 minute ride using Narita Express train) From Tokyo station to Niigata (Joetsu Shinkansen) and one transfer to Limited Express train (Uetsu line) to Tsuruoka (Total about 4.5 hours)

Please see the following sites for prices and schedules:

Limousine bus: http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/

Narita Express: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/tickets.html

All Nippon Airways: https://www.ana.co.jp/

JR trains: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/index.html

Search tool for public transportation in Japan: http://www.hyperdia.com/
Click to expand...
 
H

histopher

Member
DCharlie said:
as mentioned - you need to get the NEX Narita express to Tokyo station - there are two "exit sides" - the Maranouchi and the Yaesu Exit. Yaesu is the one you want - the north exit is to the left as you head towards. You will come out near a place called Gran Tower (i think!) - just walk towards the busy road, there's a crossing there that will take you over it and then you are just a left turn down the busy street to get there.

One of the clients i work with is in Yaesu, i'm there 3-4 days a week - i'd be about 5 minutes from your location :O
Click to expand...

Thank you so much. Id be happy to shout you a beer dude let me know.

Leaving tomorrow!!!
 
T

Trojan X

Banned
scarlet said:
Well I'm asian, so pretty sure not gonna stand out in the sea of asian haha.

When I was in Hong Kong, people keep talking to me in Cantonese, asked me directions, they thought I was local.
Click to expand...


I'm sorry. What you said is absolutely true. It really won't make a difference for you because of your oriental ethnicity; you'll naturally blend in.

I know it is a touchy subject but, truth be told, I guess what I mentioned is more for the Desi, Arab, Black, and other ethnic groups. White, Mestizo and similar groups to be honest doesn't apply "too" much due to the way those groups are portrayed in Japan (look at Japan's fashion industry for a good idea) which is generally positive. Please, anyone, like I said, this is a touchy topic so please do not nitpick, put too much pride in the way, or read too much into my words which may cause you to twist what I am saying. Always remember that Japan is not a international country like UK or the US, so just represent by dressing well and decently, and catch yourself up on good manners in Japan before you attend so you can always leave a great impression. After all, that impression you'll leave behind will benefit you and everyone else in the future as you'll help change more Japanese' mentality towards those groups.

I hope you understand but if you don't understand then you "will" when you finally get here with open eyes.
 
Gromph

Gromph

This tag is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance...
Staff Member
Trojan X said:
I'm sorry. What you said is absolutely true. It really won't make a difference for you because of your oriental ethnicity; you'll naturally blend in.

I know it is a touchy subject but, truth be told, I guess what I mentioned is more for the Desi, Arab, Black, and other ethnic groups. White, Mestizo and similar groups to be honest doesn't apply "too" much due to the way those groups are portrayed in Japan (look at Japan's fashion industry for a good idea) which is generally positive. Please, anyone, like I said, this is a touchy topic so please do not nitpick, put too much pride in the way, or read too much into my words which may cause you to twist what I am saying. Always remember that Japan is not a international country like UK or the US, so just represent by dressing well and decently, and catch yourself up on good manners in Japan before you attend so you can always leave a great impression. After all, that impression you'll leave behind will benefit you and everyone else in the future as you'll help change more Japanese' mentality towards those groups.

I hope you understand but if you don't understand then you "will" when you finally get here with open eyes.
Click to expand...

I can agree more with you, thats why i always dress like i want :D

But i'm always polite and respectful :D
 
B

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
Trojan X said:
When you get to japan just make sure you always dress to impress. Japan is like a 24hrs fashion show and since we are foreigners we stand out easily. So make sure you dress well no matter where you go. When i first came here i ended up not wearing half of the clothes i brought because they were too casual. Represent!
Click to expand...

I kind of like that aspect of it. I'm Canadian, which is such a "sweatpants & hoody culture". You actually stand out and look like a fob if you dress too sharp. It's nice to go somewhere and get fancy ;)
 
T

Trojan X

Banned
BocoDragon said:
I kind of like that aspect of it. I'm Canadian, which is such a "sweatpants & hoody culture". You actually stand out and look like a fob if you dress too sharp. It's nice to go somewhere and get fancy ;)
Click to expand...

Of course! You definitely do not want to over dress. Just ensure that you look good whatever you wear. :) Wearing a dark hoody with baggy pants or whatever (you know what I mean) is definitely a big no-no though. Perfect way to get an immediate bad impression.
 
B

BGBW

Maturity, bitches.
Going to Japan tomorrow, but I'm going with a friend so a few compromises had to be made (will not get a chance to go to the Ghibli Museum ;__;).

Had a bit of trouble checking in this morning because my booking code or name kept throwing up an error. Eventually got in so I could choose my seat but first thing in the morning and just before a flight, errors like that are not what you want. Hopefully tomorrow will be fine.

Does anyone know where the stamp in Fukuoka airport is?
 
R

Resilient

Member
Trojan X said:
Of course! You definitely do not want to over dress. Just ensure that you look good whatever you wear. :) Wearing a dark hoody with baggy pants or whatever (you know what I mean) is definitely a big no-no though. Perfect way to get an immediate bad impression.
Click to expand...

It's true - I can't vouch for this enough. I'm generally pretty conscious about what I wear out at home. In Japan though...tenfold. Something about it, I can't really explain. But you'll understand when you get there! I wanted to wear tracksuit pants on the plane home, but I couldn't deal with wearing them around Narita Airport, so I just had to deal with it D:
 
R

Resilient

Member
BGBW said:
Going to Japan tomorrow, but I'm going with a friend so a few compromises had to be made (will not get a chance to go to the Ghibli Museum ;__;).

Had a bit of trouble checking in this morning because my booking code or name kept throwing up an error. Eventually got in so I could choose my seat but first thing in the morning and just before a flight, errors like that are not what you want. Hopefully tomorrow will be fine.

Does anyone know where the stamp in Fukuoka airport is?
Click to expand...

Can't answer the airport question.

Advice wise - don't let your friend hold you back! You don't need to be a complete dick, but the last thing you want is to miss out on things because the other person you are with doesn't want to go. It's perfectly okay to go solo sometimes! I went with 3 other people and if somebody wanted to do something, they just went and did it. That included 3am visits to Ichiran :D as well as extra visits on my part to Akihabara and Den Den Town, as well as less popular (but very interesting) places such as Nakano. So don't hold yourself back!!
 
B

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
I am so planning my next Tokyo wardrobe now... I'm thinking Iga-style vampire hunter hat with ruffled tux... Too much?
 
B

BGBW

Maturity, bitches.
Resilient said:
Can't answer the airport question.

Advice wise - don't let your friend hold you back! You don't need to be a complete dick, but the last thing you want is to miss out on things because the other person you are with doesn't want to go. It's perfectly okay to go solo sometimes! I went with 3 other people and if somebody wanted to do something, they just went and did it. That included 3am visits to Ichiran :D as well as extra visits on my part to Akihabara and Den Den Town, as well as less popular (but very interesting) places such as Nakano. So don't hold yourself back!!
Click to expand...
He suggested splitting off for two hours but honestly when it comes to museums I don't see myself wanting to rush through it. It's really the only compromise I made and I'm sure I'll likely visit Japan again in the future. My mother would like to go back there one day so a family trip is probably on the books.
 
T

Trojan X

Banned
Resilient said:
... Advice wise - don't let your friend hold you back! You don't need to be a complete dick, but the last thing you want is to miss out on things because the other person you are with doesn't want to go. It's perfectly okay to go solo sometimes! I went with 3 other people and if somebody wanted to do something, they just went and did it. That included 3am visits to Ichiran :D as well as extra visits on my part to Akihabara and Den Den Town, as well as less popular (but very interesting) places such as Nakano. So don't hold yourself back!!
Click to expand...

Ten thumbs up for this one. Completely agree. NEVER let your friends hold you back on anything unless you are planning to do something you may regret. For example, my friend went with his friend to Japan many moons ago and all my friend's friend wanted to do is play in the arcades and nothing else. Even when my friend hooked up with a nice Japanese girl who was will to show them around, all my friend's friend wanted to do was play arcade games such as Virtua Fighter. So what happened? They ended up mostly play arcade games and only went around Japan on odd days here and there. Never let your friend hold you back... if they hold you back then go alone, nothing wrong with that and your friendship won't end because of it. Of course, like I said, it all depends what you are going to do but you should all know what I mean.
 
J

Jabo

Member
Trojan X said:
I'm sorry. What you said is absolutely true. It really won't make a difference for you because of your oriental ethnicity; you'll naturally blend in.

I know it is a touchy subject but, truth be told, I guess what I mentioned is more for the Desi, Arab, Black, and other ethnic groups. White, Mestizo and similar groups to be honest doesn't apply "too" much due to the way those groups are portrayed in Japan (look at Japan's fashion industry for a good idea) which is generally positive. Please, anyone, like I said, this is a touchy topic so please do not nitpick, put too much pride in the way, or read too much into my words which may cause you to twist what I am saying. Always remember that Japan is not a international country like UK or the US, so just represent by dressing well and decently, and catch yourself up on good manners in Japan before you attend so you can always leave a great impression. After all, that impression you'll leave behind will benefit you and everyone else in the future as you'll help change more Japanese' mentality towards those groups.

I hope you understand but if you don't understand then you "will" when you finally get here with open eyes.
Click to expand...

Completely true! Everyone here is just super stylish. My fashion sense changed so much since the day I started living here.

Also if you guys enjoy partying and would love to hit up the biggest club in asia (or so they say) Don't forget to go to Ageha.
 
T

Tsundere

Banned
Gromph said:
There is a really nice place in Ikebukuru, but i dont know the name. Had been there a few times, and i dont think i even remember the way.

But is the best Ramen place i had been in Tokyo. :)
Click to expand...
Best ramen ive had in Japan so far was the Gogyo Burned Ramen in Kyoto.
 
A

ankuo

Banned
Hi all. Anyways after seeing south america, eu, Africa, and the middle east it's time for me to explore Asia. My plan atm is to spend 1 week in Tokyo, 3 days in Singapore, 4 days in hong kong, and 1 week in Bangkok. I will unfortunately be going solo this time. A couple of questions i have ive read this thread i got a general idea but anyways here it goes:

1. What is the nightlife in Japan like. Will it be easy to pull broads(language barrier i just see it being a huge issue and im not their for foreigners i talking about Japanese women and how much effort do i need to pull lol) and where should i go for this (not prostitution places i mean legit bars/clubs (what is the dress code like since i hear Japanese people are so fashion centrik i just keep having it in my head that they wear futuristic shit lol)?
2. I know this might sound ridiculous but i cannot stand fish/sushi. other then kobe beef anything else the Japanese are famous for and where can i find this?
3. is it possible to climb mount fuji as a casual thing or does it take the full 9 yards.

Thanks alot.
 
S

scarlet

Member
Burnt ramen is too far lol.
Spending my nights at the hostel, trying to make a decent plan for tomorrow.

It seems kyoto-inari-kyoto-nara-kyoto is simpler than kyoto-inari-nara-kyoto

I'm confused lol
 
T

Tsundere

Banned
scarlet said:
Burnt ramen is too far lol.
Spending my nights at the hostel, trying to make a decent plan for tomorrow.

It seems kyoto-inari-kyoto-nara-kyoto is simpler than kyoto-inari-nara-kyoto

I'm confused lol
Click to expand...

To get to Inari you get on the Nara line anyway... So you can always just do Kyoto->Inari->Nara->Kyoto..

MikeHattsu said:
Any pics you could share?
Click to expand...
Yep!
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Click to expand...
 
N

Nexus Zero

Member
Thanks to everyone who has contributed in this thread. I leave myself on Wednesday (from UK) and I've been following this for months. I'll have to take a second pass tonight and catch anything I may have missed.
 
S

scarlet

Member
I'm freezing and sweating at the same time. Blame it on the sun's heat.

Whoever says you won't sweat in 10 C, totally wrong.
 
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