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[Travel] First Time in Japan. Tips?



Derbyshire Seagull

Active member
Oct 21, 2005
573
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.........
 










studio150

Well-known member
Jul 30, 2011
30,233
On the Border
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

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Jul 11, 2003
62,706
The Fatherland
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.

 
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Herr Tubthumper

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Jul 11, 2003
62,706
The Fatherland
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.

 






Herr Tubthumper

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Jul 11, 2003
62,706
The Fatherland










Derbyshire Seagull

Active member
Oct 21, 2005
573
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

Active member
Oct 21, 2005
573
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.

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




Colonel Mustard

Well-known member
Jun 18, 2023
2,240
- 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'.
 




Bob!

Coffee Buyer
Jul 5, 2003
11,632
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?
 






Derbyshire Seagull

Active member
Oct 21, 2005
573
- 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

Active member
Aug 20, 2012
208
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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