[Travel] First Time in Japan. Tips?

Derbyshire Seagull · Apr 22, 2024

We left early December on trip of a lifetime. Had 3 months in Australia, 7 weeks in New Zealand and just at end of a week in Fiji.

Flying out to Tokyo today so time to move out of the comfort zone! Have 6:days in Tokyo (Asakusa), then 4 in Kyoto and 4 in Osaka. It's first time in Japan so any tips would be appreciated.

I'll have to see if I can catch Bournemouth game as Man city one will be 4 am local time. I have my Albion t shirts and hoping that mentioning Mitoma will help us if we get stuck,

Cheers in advance.........

MattBackHome · Apr 22, 2024

Stay well away from @Garry Nelson's Left Foot and you'll be fine...

Bozza · Apr 22, 2024

I can't offer any help at all, but your post has gone straight into my top 5 NSC "I'm on holiday" posts of all time.

pocketseagull · Apr 22, 2024

Nikko National Park is a short train ride from Tokyo if you want to escape for a day.

I'd highly recommend a trip to Hiroshima to visit the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Museum and a day at Miyajima Island, although this would mean cutting short either Osaka or Kyoto.

studio150 · Apr 22, 2024

You will have a great time.

If you have an interest in trains, Kyoto is the home of the Japanese National Railway museum'

All the temples and gardens are worth visiting.

Strange as it may seem, but you can see the Statue of Liberty in Tokyo.

Tokyo can seem busy but it is easy to get around, and if you do get lost, the locals all seem to be able to speak perfect English and are very helpful.

Just a few rules and local customs, only cross the road on a green man light, don't drop litter, or eat while walking or on public transport.

Herr Tubthumper · Apr 22, 2024

I’ve been to Tokyo and couple of times and Kyoto once.

There’s so much to do in both places it really depends what you’re into.

But if you fancy a fun boozy night out I recommend these two places.

http://www.unmissabletokyo.com/golden-gai

This is fun for food with post-war Tokyo vibes.

A Guide To Tokyos Piss Alley

Despite its less than charming name Piss Alley is totally worth a visit. Read our guide to this Tokyo gem whether you're looking for the best yakitori...

theculturetrip.com

Herr Tubthumper · Apr 22, 2024

Kitchen Town is fun if you want to look at plastic food. We have a very authentic rice and curry dish and a fried egg and a slice of toast gracing our apartment.

Kappabashi Street

Visitor guide for Kappabashi Street in Tokyo, where you can find plastic food samples and kitchen-related goods.

www.japan-guide.com

LamieRobertson · Apr 22, 2024

Bozza said:
I can't offer any help at all, but your post has gone straight into my top 5 NSC "I'm on holiday" posts of all time.

I had a day out in Swanage in February…would that make it into the top 5 million?

Herr Tubthumper · Apr 22, 2024

…and this museum is fascinating. I spent a full day in this place. Cool building as well

Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum

www.gotokyo.org

Beach Hut · Apr 22, 2024

Herr Tubthumper said:
…and this museum is fascinating. I spent a full day in this place. Cool building as well

Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum

www.gotokyo.org

Except it is shut for renovation till 2025

Seagull · Apr 22, 2024

Say Mitoma Ganbaré to someone! Go on the Shinkansen. The museum in Hiroshima is pretty powerful.

Derbyshire Seagull · Apr 22, 2024

Bozza said:
I can't offer any help at all, but your post has gone straight into my top 5 NSC "I'm on holiday" posts of all time.

I know. Just spending the money now whilst we can enjoy it and not planning to leave any behind.

Derbyshire Seagull · Apr 22, 2024

pocketseagull said:
Nikko National Park is a short train ride from Tokyo if you want to escape for a day.

I'd highly recommend a trip to Hiroshima to visit the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Museum and a day at Miyajima Island, although this would mean cutting short either Osaka or Kyoto.

Thanks. Will look at those.

Derbyshire Seagull · Apr 22, 2024

Herr Tubthumper said:
Kitchen Town is fun if you want to look at plastic food. We have a very authentic rice and curry dish and a fried egg and a slice of toast gracing our apartment.

Kappabashi Street

Visitor guide for Kappabashi Street in Tokyo, where you can find plastic food samples and kitchen-related goods.

www.japan-guide.com

Thanks. Not sure we have room in suitcases but will go take a look.

Colonel Mustard · Apr 22, 2024

- Marvel at the countless little differences like heated toilet seats.
- Visit department stores, and especially their stationery departments. They sell different items.
- If it’s still there, have a walk around the fish market in Tokyo.
- Visit some public parks to admire their formal gardens and plants. Doesn’t matter if you don’t like gardening. You may be lucky and find yourself there in blossom season.
- Sounds like you’ll be getting the Bullet Train to Kyoto. Enjoy. It’s a great experience.
- If possible, visit Hiroshima and the remarkable museum.
- Have a laugh at the drunken 'salary men'.

GrizzlingGammon · Apr 22, 2024

Have a bukkake.

Bob! · Apr 22, 2024

Bozza said:
I can't offer any help at all, but your post has gone straight into my top 5 NSC "I'm on holiday" posts of all time.

You mean there are 4 other I'm on holiday posts rivalling this one?

Who, where, when?

LamieRobertson · Apr 22, 2024

Bob! said:
You mean there are 4 other I'm on holiday posts rivalling this one?

Who, where, when?

He’s put his weekend in Blackpool in the top three

Derbyshire Seagull · Apr 22, 2024

Colonel Mustard said:
- Marvel at the countless little differences like heated toilet seats.
- Visit department stores, and especially their stationery departments. They sell different items.
- If it’s still there, have a walk around the fish market in Tokyo.
- Visit some public parks to admire their formal gardens and plants. Doesn’t matter if you don’t like gardening. You may be lucky and find yourself there in blossom season.
- Sounds like you’ll be getting the Bullet Train to Kyoto. Enjoy. It’s a great experience.
- If possible, visit Hiroshima and the remarkable museum.
- Have a laugh at the drunken 'salary men'.

Thanks for the advice. We do like looking in supermarkets and department stores....sad I know.

I think the blossom came early but sure the gardens will still look beautiful.

We booked the bullet train. It was busy as it's Golden Week but sorted that.

I'll report back.

BiffyBoy · Apr 23, 2024

Incredible country. I’ve never visited somewhere so respectful, efficient, and clean.

For Kyoto, I enjoyed Arashiyama and it was short 15 min train journey from the center https://www.insidekyoto.com/arashiyama-bamboo-grove. There’s also a cute town and different temples so you can spend a full day.

Definitely stay at a Ryokan (traditional hotel) if you get the chance https://www.insidekyoto.com/kyoto-ryokan

I’ve heard Nara is worth visiting and close to Kyoto (I didn’t get a chance but it looked great)

I was tight on time so skipped Mt Fuji, but you get an incredible view of it on the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto.

A different direction, but also recommend visiting the snow monkeys: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6028.html

Enjoy!

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