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2 weeks in Japan

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  • 07-04-2014 6:32pm
    #1
    Atavan-Halen
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 15,183 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    Hi, just looking for a bit of advice!

    I've managed to save up enough to fund a trip to Japan and am more than likely going to go in Sept/Oct this year but just have a few questions that those of you who've gone before can answer.

    First thing is booking. I've been looking at Unique Japan Tours and AWL Travel as they offer guided tour packages which is something I'd like to do. Anyone have any experience with either of these companies or know of any else? I was also looking at just booking flights and hotel through ebookers or something and going that way, but as I'll be travelling on my own I'd prefer to have things booked to do.

    Which brings me onto my next question which is travelling solo to Japan. I'll more than likely be going on my own as my friends either don't have the money or want to go. Any tips/advice for travelling solo In Japan? I know it'll probably be a culture shock and a bit disorientating when I get there but I'm pretty sure I could manage, and I know the Japanese people are super friendly/helpful.

    And finally, any tips on where to stay? I'm looking at staying in the Shinjuku area in Tokyo and then going on day trips from there. I'd like to take in Hiroshima, Mt. Fuji and Kyoto while I'm there. Basically all the touristy stuff!

    Thanks!


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    #2
    Links234
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,944 ✭✭✭✭Links234


    Atavan-Halen wrote: »
    And finally, any tips on where to stay? I'm looking at staying in the Shinjuku area in Tokyo and then going on day trips from there. I'd like to take in Hiroshima, Mt. Fuji and Kyoto while I'm there. Basically all the touristy stuff!

    Why just stay in Tokyo and take day trips? Why not have a night or two in Kyoto, or Hiroshima, or anywhere else you're interested in seeing? The time it would take to travel from Tokyo would eat up most of your day. Staying in Kyoto is a great hub of travel too, and while you're there you could take a day out in Nara. If you go to Japan, you have to see Nara, it's absolutely beyond beautiful. ;)

    Also, any reason for staying in Shinjuku specifically?
    I stayed in Ueno, which is central enough, just a few stops from Akihabara, and the underground is just so good in Tokyo it'll blow your mind. Andon Ryokan was where I stayed and it was a great little place, it was like staying in a museum itself.

    I never bothered with any tours or anything, just have a plan of things you want to do. Such as, today I'm going to Shibuya, tomorrow I'm going to see the Tokyo Tower and then go out for a few drinks in Roppingi that night, the next day it's Ghibli Museum (Or Bandai Museum if you'd prefer). Serious tip, give yourself time in a place, like you can't try and go to Akihabara for an hour or two then dash of and see somewhere else, you'd miss out on too much, ideally you'd want the whole day to soak up Akiba ;)

    Eat at Gonpachi, the famous 'Kill Bill' Restaurant in Roppongi! :D

    Any other advice you might need?


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    #3
    johnny_ultimate
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 29,094 CMod ✭✭✭✭johnny_ultimate


    We got great value on flights through Trailfinders (albeit part of a longer journey). Check them in town. Also don't assume the specialised sites will give you the best value - worth checking individual airlines to see what you'll get.

    Shinjuku doesn't really jump out as an ideal place to stay TBH. I've found Asakusa the best - some great hostels (K's House particularly, who also have hostels in Kyoto and Fuji, among other places) and handy transport wise. It's only two stops away from Akihabara Electric Town!

    Kyoto, Fuji and Hiroshima are not really day trips from Tokyo - the former two maybe (albeit I think you'd be too rushed in Kyoto especially) and Hiroshima definitely not as it's a good long trip down there. I think a lot of people have a tendency to just stay in Tokyo, which IMO is a big mistake in such a big, fascinating country. On the two separate months I spent there, I spent roughly three weeks traveling and a week in Tokyo, and I found that ideal. If I had two weeks, I'd spend a couple of days in Tokyo on either end and the rest visiting some of the other key places and taking the time to explore them properly. Kamakura is a must do day trip from Tokyo, ditto the Ghibli museum (although that won't take quite as much time). If you are going to be traveling, make sure to pick up a J-Rail pass. There's a 7 day one which would probably be ideal if you're splitting the time between Tokyo and elsewhere - it's expensive at 300 euro or so, but three bullet train journeys will cost that much anyway (non-shinkansen journeys take ages), especially if you're going as far as Hiroshima. It's worth spending a night or two in Osaka too - it's like a smaller, more manageable Tokyo.

    If you're going in Autumn / Winter, check if there's any fire festivals happening at the time. We went to the one in Sukagawa in mid-November, and it was a real highlight of our time there. And it would be a great time of the year to soak in the unique Japanese joy that is a proper onsen. Fujikawaguchiko has some nice ones if I recall correctly, certainly better then you'd get in Tokyo - although you'd want to stop in somewhere like Beppu to get the true real deal!

    Everyone travels differently - I like having a bit of freedom, and certainly try to avoid organised tours and the like in favour of doing my own thing. But I'm usually with a group, so it would definitely be different on your own - maybe some group stuff will ensure you're with some other people, which is always great (hostels are ideal for bumping into groups for karaoke and stuff too). Booking accommodation is your own call - definitely book your first few nights well before you leave. On longer trips I usually wing it a bit and having freedom to plan / adapt as I go based on how the trip transpires / advice of others, while still having hostels booked a few days in advance wherever possible. The problem there is you might miss out on some of the better hostels etc..., and if you're only going for two weeks there's no harm whatsoever having a fixed schedule to make sure you get the most out of your time there.


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    #4
    Links234
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,944 ✭✭✭✭Links234


    johnny_ultimate wrote: »
    (K's House particularly, who also have hostels in Kyoto and Fuji, among other places)

    Stayed in K's House in Kyoto, best hostel I've ever been at, better even than some hotels I've stayed in! ;)

    Oh and +1 on getting the JR Rail Pass, it's well worth it, and works for the JR lines on the underground too so amazing value.


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    #5
    Atavan-Halen
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 15,183 Mod ✭✭✭✭Atavan-Halen


    Thanks guys, great advice there! Reason I was looking at package trips and staying in the one place was that because I'd be going on my own I wanted to have everything planned and not end up lost or missing a train and being stuck on my own without accommodation, but I guess with some planning it can be done. I'll definitely be looking into staying in Asakusa. I picked Shinjuku as it seemed central enough from reviews of some hotels in the area.


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    #6
    johnny_ultimate
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 29,094 CMod ✭✭✭✭johnny_ultimate


    Links234 wrote: »
    Stayed in K's House in Kyoto, best hostel I've ever been at, better even than some hotels I've stayed in! ;)

    I've stayed in I think 4 K's Houses at least two times each, and would recommend the Kyoto, Fuji and Asakusa (main one, think there's two now) ones without reservation - all extremely nice, welcoming hostels with great social space. Hiroshima one is only so-so in comparison, but still a reliable and comfy place to stay. They're definitely the most reliable hostels I've found in the country.
    Atavan-Halen wrote: »
    Thanks guys, great advice there! Reason I was looking at package trips and staying in the one place was that because I'd be going on my own I wanted to have everything planned and not end up lost or missing a train and being stuck on my own without accommodation, but I guess with some planning it can be done. I'll definitely be looking into staying in Asakusa. I picked Shinjuku as it seemed central enough from reviews of some hotels in the area.

    Again, it's all up to you - it's a very easy country to get around even with the language barrier, so I can't imagine there'd be any issues if you're traveling solo. The staff at hotels, hostels and stations will always guide you in the right direction if there's any confusion. Just make sure to be on time for all transport - if it's due to leave at a certain time, it will leave at that time!

    Asakusa I'd recommend mostly because there's a better atmosphere and more to see around there. Shinjuku is central (you'll end up there a lot when getting trains), but I wouldn't consider it much more than a transport and business hub compared to other parts of the city. Asakusa offers plenty to see (there's a cool temple and market there, probably the liveliest in the city), good transport, great hostels, an excellent variety of food and isn't smack bang in the middle of a nightlife district (I'd be very wary of any 'hotels' you might stumble across in Shibuya or Roppongi :pac:). Also very easy to get to Narita airport from there. Mostly, it's nice to be able to pop over to Akihabara for an hour or two in the arcades and not have to worry about a long trek back :)


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    #7
    Atavan-Halen
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 15,183 Mod ✭✭✭✭Atavan-Halen


    Great stuff Mr. Ulitmate, and definitely want to check out Nara too Links.

    So I was thinking maybe doing 5 nights or so in Asakusa, a night or two in Hiroshima or Fuji and then to Kyoto for a couple of nights before back to Tokyo to fly home. Would you think that's a bit rushed to see everything in these areas? I would probably plan on going to Japan again and would love to go for longer however I can't at the moment, but would like to take in these things for my first time.


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    #8
    johnny_ultimate
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 29,094 CMod ✭✭✭✭johnny_ultimate


    I'd say that's very doable.

    Fuji you could manage with one night if you have no intention of actually climbing the mountain. Good food (amazing hotpots!), good views, good onsen - enough for a relaxing evening rather than rushing to get the bus back to Tokyo. There isn't a whole lot to do there outside the mountain (and some super rollercoasters, if you're into that sort of thing ;)) but it's an idyllic place to visit, no doubt.

    Kyoto you could probably manage in two or three days. Nara is a day trip from there, so you could fit that in too. Plenty of museums, shrines, pictureseque locales to visit there - you could definitely get most of the main stuff done in 48 hours.

    Hiroshima the city itself you could see in a day or two. Places like the bomb museum are pretty harrowing stuff, as you might expect, although outside that it's a fairly normal Japanese city. What you probably do want to do while you're there is a day trip (or at least afternoon trip) to Miyajima - home of the famous sometimes-semi-submerged red 'gate', as well as crazy amounts of wild deer and monkeys. A really unique place to visit, and I'd recommend getting the gondola up to the mountain top. Just remember Hiroshima is out of the way (around five hours from Tokyo, which isn't too bad I guess) so maybe split the trip if you can, both ways (Kyoto and Osaka are both along the way, I think).


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    #9
    MagicMarker
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 32,865 ✭✭✭✭MagicMarker


    Good thread, been thinking of heading to Japan myself.

    What kind of budget are we talking about for 2 weeks, all in?


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    #10
    Atavan-Halen
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 15,183 Mod ✭✭✭✭Atavan-Halen


    MagicMarker wrote: »
    Good thread, been thinking of heading to Japan myself.

    What kind of budget are we talking about for 2 weeks, all in?

    Well I was budgeting around €2k for flights and accommodation and then about €2k spending money, although I'll probably end up budgeting another €500 just in case. I'm probably over estimating a bit but it's not a holiday I want to scrimp on and want to be able to have the funds to do what I want :)


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    #11
    Atavan-Halen
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 15,183 Mod ✭✭✭✭Atavan-Halen


    johnny_ultimate wrote: »
    I'd say that's very doable.

    Fuji you could manage with one night if you have no intention of actually climbing the mountain. Good food (amazing hotpots!), good views, good onsen - enough for a relaxing evening rather than rushing to get the bus back to Tokyo. There isn't a whole lot to do there outside the mountain (and some super rollercoasters, if you're into that sort of thing ;)) but it's an idyllic place to visit, no doubt.

    Kyoto you could probably manage in two or three days. Nara is a day trip from there, so you could fit that in too. Plenty of museums, shrines, pictureseque locales to visit there - you could definitely get most of the main stuff done in 48 hours.

    Hiroshima the city itself you could see in a day or two. Places like the bomb museum are pretty harrowing stuff, as you might expect, although outside that it's a fairly normal Japanese city. What you probably do want to do while you're there is a day trip (or at least afternoon trip) to Miyajima - home of the famous sometimes-semi-submerged red 'gate', as well as crazy amounts of wild deer and monkeys. A really unique place to visit, and I'd recommend getting the gondola up to the mountain top. Just remember Hiroshima is out of the way (around five hours from Tokyo, which isn't too bad I guess) so maybe split the trip if you can, both ways (Kyoto and Osaka are both along the way, I think).

    Fantastic advice! Thanks a mill. Definitely lots of planning and thinking ahead to do. I'd love to visit an onsen, although I wouldn't be allowed into most of them as I have tattoos. I wouldn't be doing much climbing either, as I'd be going in October and I hear it's not really advised so some rollercoasters might be an option!


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    #12
    tampopo
    Registered Users Posts: 2,329 ✭✭✭tampopo


    The JR pass is valid for the boat that gets you across to Miyajima Island and the Torii Gate. Anything with JR on it will do. Not the Tokyo Metropolitan subway though afaik. Nor private train lines, like the Keikyu Line.

    Definitely make time for the Atomic Bomb museum. And the Atomic Dome.

    You could try Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo or if you're in the Fuji area.


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    #13
    yellowlabrador
    Registered Users Posts: 1,175 ✭✭✭yellowlabrador


    I'm hoping to go to Japan next year, partly to do some research and partly on a holiday. I also want to spend some time as a wooffer on an organic farm. My main worry is food. I'm not worried about things like squid but I have a wheat allergy and I've got the impression that a lot of japanese food is wheat based.
    I'm also going to travel on my own as a woman and am really looking forward to it.


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    #14
    shindig-jp
    Registered Users Posts: 386 ✭✭shindig-jp


    Atavan-Halen wrote: »

    And finally, any tips on where to stay?
    Thanks!

    There's an Irish dude who owns this place (looks like he's doing it up properly) https://www.facebook.com/luckystarkuki?ref=hl

    It's in Saitama and near the now famous (Anime Mecca) Washimiya Shrine.
    I believe he rents it out mostly as a base camp to people who do Urbex in the Saitama area. Drop him a message or give his page a like if you're not interested in visiting this year.


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    #15
    Royale with Cheese
    Registered Users Posts: 8,983 ✭✭✭Royale with Cheese


    I was there for three weeks on my own last year with a JR pass. I think I did:

    Tokyo - 6 nights
    Hakuba - 2 nights
    Fujikawaguchiko - 2 nights
    Kyoto - 3 nights
    Hiroshima - 2 nights
    Fukuoka - 2 nights
    Beppu - 1 night
    Osaka - 2 nights

    Tokyo was great, I'd give yourself at least 4 nights there.

    I only went to Hakuba to ski so you can cross that out.

    Fujikawaguchiko was nice, great scenery with some nice lakes to cycle around, good views of Mt Fuji too. Bit of a pain to get to with a JR pass though, had to pay for part of the way. I would recommend going here though, it's nice to get away from the cities for a day or two.

    Kyoto - I'd just come from south east Asia and was a little sick of looking at temples. There's loads to see around here though and I'd give yourself three nights. I did a day trip out to Nara from Kyoto, worth doing and doesn't take too long.

    Hiroshima - see the museum (which is very good) and leave. I'm not sure I'd even spend a night there if you can get away with doing a day trip.

    Fukuoka - not sure I'd bother. Nothing really stood out to me about the place that I hadn't already seen in other cities.

    Beppu - randomly ended up here after some people I'd met in Kawaguchiko were staying there. Quite a cool little town with a load of onsen to visit. Definitely something different to the big cities anyway, a bit out of the way if you're not already in region though.

    Osaka - only went here as this is where my flight was leaving from. Didn't do too much, not the prettiest part of Japan.

    Overall I really liked Japan but felt two weeks would have been enough for me. It's nowhere near as easy to travel in on your own as places like SE Asia, there's not that much of a backpacker scene. But if you're going there specifically on a two week holiday I doubt that would bother you as much.


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    #16
    johnny_ultimate
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 29,094 CMod ✭✭✭✭johnny_ultimate


    Royale with Cheese wrote: »
    Fukuoka - not sure I'd bother. Nothing really stood out to me about the place that I hadn't already seen in other cities.

    Oi, don't you diss one of the great ramen capitals of the world :P

    But yeah, we went to Fukuoka exclusively for delicious noodles, and it did not disappoint. Luckily there was also a sumo tournament on at the time which gave us something to do in between slurping!


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    #17
    Links234
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,944 ✭✭✭✭Links234


    Royale with Cheese wrote: »
    Osaka - only went here as this is where my flight was leaving from. Didn't do too much, not the prettiest part of Japan.

    I absolutely loved Osaka, and I seriously think that it's gorgeous, the urban areas are quite pretty in their own way and I have some truly amazing memories of my time there. It's one of the most vibrant, awesome places I've ever been ;)

    2157_01.jpg
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    nk5rcg5.jpg


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    #18
    Royale with Cheese
    Registered Users Posts: 8,983 ✭✭✭Royale with Cheese


    johnny_ultimate wrote: »
    Oi, don't you diss one of the great ramen capitals of the world :P

    But yeah, we went to Fukuoka exclusively for delicious noodles, and it did not disappoint. Luckily there was also a sumo tournament on at the time which gave us something to do in between slurping!

    I did get some Ramen there alright. Don't remember doing much else, was pretty glad when I heard the people I'd met in Kawaguchiko were nearby in Beppu. Jumped on a train and was there in a couple of hours.
    Links234 wrote: »
    I absolutely loved Osaka, and I seriously think that it's gorgeous, the urban areas are quite pretty in their own way and I have some truly amazing memories of my time there. It's one of the most vibrant, awesome places I've ever been ;)

    I went to see the castle, which was worth doing. Also did the big aquarium they have, although it was golden week when I was there and it was absolutely rammed. I also wandered through the city at night and came across one part where a load of girls were standing on a small bridge hassling the men who walked past? Do you know what that was about? It was like watching men in Italy hassle any decent looking girls they see, except gender roles reversed.


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    #19
    Caybar
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭Caybar


    Royale with Cheese wrote: »


    I also wandered through the city at night and came across one part where a load of girls were standing on a small bridge hassling the men who walked past? Do you know what that was about? It was like watching men in Italy hassle any decent looking girls they see, except gender roles reversed.

    Were they shouting "massaaji" by any chance? :)


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    #20
    osarusan
    Registered Users Posts: 16,552 ✭✭✭✭osarusan


    Atavan-Halen wrote: »
    Which brings me onto my next question which is travelling solo to Japan. I'll more than likely be going on my own as my friends either don't have the money or want to go. Any tips/advice for travelling solo In Japan? I know it'll probably be a culture shock and a bit disorientating when I get there but I'm pretty sure I could manage, and I know the Japanese people are super friendly/helpful.
    yellowlabrador wrote: »
    I'm hoping to go to Japan next year, partly to do some research and partly on a holiday. I also want to spend some time as a wooffer on an organic farm. My main worry is food. I'm not worried about things like squid but I have a wheat allergy and I've got the impression that a lot of japanese food is wheat based.
    I'm also going to travel on my own as a woman and am really looking forward to it.

    Tokyo - 3 or 4 days/nights is enough, although I seem to be the only person in the entire world who thinks there isn't much to do here.

    Hiroshima - A-Bomb museum is a very special place, worth a visit. I think it should be required for any leader of a country with nuclear weapons.　Miyajima is close also.

    Matsumoto - probably my favourite place in Japan. Beautiful city, lovely castle, fantastic views of the Japanese Alps, great countryside. All of Nagano is great.

    Hokkaido - just different from the rest of Japan, with so much space and a different climate, especially in winter. Places like Daisetsuzan are wonderful.

    Yokohama - worth a day trip to see the tallest building in Japan, and Chinatown too if you are interested. For me, the best thing in Yokohama is Sankeien gardens. A lovely escape from the city.

    It's a long way away from anywhere, but the Iya valley is a great place to spend time, as long as it's not in summer, when the heat is unbearable.

    And finally, Tachikawa, for no other reason that I live nearby and I'll be happy to go for a pint or two in the Irish pub, just in case you're feeling homesick. Actually, Showa-Kinen park is another rason to visit Tachikawa.


    @atavan-halen: Japan must be one of the easiest places in the world to travel in. Amazing transport. You can always book yourself into places like the Toyoko Inn which are pretty cheap, and decent accomodation for the price.

    @yellowlabrador: Yes, there is wheat in a lot of Japanese food, especially the fried stuff, which is often coated in batter. How strong is the allergy?


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    #21
    yellowlabrador
    Registered Users Posts: 1,175 ✭✭✭yellowlabrador



    @yellowlabrador: Yes, there is wheat in a lot of Japanese food, especially the fried stuff, which is often coated in batter. How strong is the allergy?

    Bad enough to have to carry an epipen just in case. My lips swelled up last time i touched a biscuit, so rather safe than sorry. I'm also very sick if I eat anything that was fried in contaminated oil. I manage quite well by only eating natural foods and cooking my own. I'm quite used to looking after myself as I've had allergies most of my life.


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    #22
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Travelling solo in Japan: learn to read Hiragana and Katakana. Have a phrasebook/map with you at all times. Very few people in Japan speak English. Station names outside of the main cities are rarely Romanized. Also use hyperdia.com to plan your journeys!


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    #23
    shindig-jp
    Registered Users Posts: 386 ✭✭shindig-jp


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Travelling solo in Japan: learn to read Hiragana and Katakana.

    When I'm driving solo in Japan amazingly every road sign has Romaji just the same as in Ireland , isn't that wonderful
    Have a phrasebook/map with you at all times. Very few people in Japan speak English.
    On the contrary, I speak Japanese but for some reason when I ask a stranger a question most people will try to answer in English , I put it down to my white skin and round eyes
    Station names outside of the main cities are rarely Romanized. Also use hyperdia.com to plan your journeys!
    Most travelers have discovered hyperdia since the birth of WWW. but why use only hyperdia


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    #24
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Every road sign? Did you drive off the main road? Hiragana at best.
    They may respond in English, but they can't speak it.
    Do you live in Japan, shindig?


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    #25
    RichyX
    Registered Users Posts: 2,221 ✭✭✭RichyX


    Links234 wrote: »
    I absolutely loved Osaka[/IMG]

    I'll be in Japan for 2 weeks and had been thinking of giving Osaka a miss.
    Sounds like a nice spot but I might focus on Tokyo and Kyoto.


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    #26
    shindig-jp
    Registered Users Posts: 386 ✭✭shindig-jp


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Every road sign? Did you drive off the main road? Hiragana at best.
    Why would i want to drive off the road ?
    Here's a road sign, can you point out the hiragana on it ?

    Have you noticed the Roman characters below the Kanji
    XkvbgUg.png

    They may respond in English, but they can't speak it.
    Could you rephrase your statement with the purpose of changing the detail so that it is clear and can be understood .
    Do you live in Japan, shindig?
    part of the year annually .

    I need to go back at least once a year to make my tax returns


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    #27
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    - I meant driving on smaller roads
    - They answer you in English, but they really can't properly understand or speak it.
    - Have you ever actually gotten out of the tourist bubble and lived here? Doesn't sound like it


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    #28
    dimcoin
    Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭dimcoin


    Go to Yokosuka where all the American servicemembers are out drinking. Befrind an American serviceman, get a tour of the US Navy's Pacific Might and Firepower. Get on a train and check out Yokohama that afternoon.


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    #29
    shindig-jp
    Registered Users Posts: 386 ✭✭shindig-jp


    Deleted User wrote: »
    - I meant driving on smaller roads
    - They answer you in English, but they really can't properly understand or speak it.
    - Have you ever actually gotten out of the tourist bubble and lived here? Doesn't sound like it

    Oh Okay , what ever you say , :confused: You're absolutely right ,


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    #30
    Atavan-Halen
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 15,183 Mod ✭✭✭✭Atavan-Halen


    Just thought I'd update on this. I went on the 7th of November until the 22nd and had one of the best experiences I think I'll ever have! I decided in the end to go for a self guided tour as being on my own I wanted to have a bit of freedom but also have an idea of where I was going and what I was doing. The company I booked through was Unique Japan Tours as they seemed to offer the best package for what I wanted. I went for the golden route tour which was great as it encompassed traditional Japan with the bright lights of modern Japan. I have to say the company was fantastic, they sent me out a very detailed pack before going with detailed maps, tickets, itinerary and were really helpful in any questions I had.

    Arriving in Tokyo was a surreal experience, having never travelled outside Europe before. A lot of people say it's like the first time they see New York if that helps in describing it. Seeing all the skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle was amazing. I was staying in Shinjuku for the first few nights in Tokyo which I thought was fairly handy. Close to the busy Shinkjuku station made it easy to get around to sights and areas I wanted to see, especially with a suica card for the subway. I did tend to wait until after rush hour work traffic before getting a train anywhere though just because I'm not really a fan of being pushed onto a train :P. Shinjuku was also ok for shopping with big department stores nearby for electronics and clothes, not to mention the whole shopping facilities in Shinjuku station also. I'd also recommend taking a visit to the Tokyo metropolitan government building as they have an observatory on the 45th floor where you can get great views of the city and Mt. Fuji if you're lucky.

    Tokyo was super easy to get around with pretty much all signs and station names in English. They also make the announcements on trains in English too. Great subway network means you can get to, and visit Harajuku, Akihabara, Asakusa and Daimon (where the Pokémon center is of course :D) in a day. Now that was just what I wanted to see myself of course you might want to see something else.

    Hakone was a nice break from the busyness of Tokyo with some amazing views and scenery, especially around November as the leaves are changing colour, so lots of lovely red hues to be seen. I was staying in a ryokan which was lovely and the hot springs were so relaxing. I was lucky to have a private hot spring bath in my room so I didn't use the public ones. I couldn't anyway as where I was staying didn't allow tattoos so that's something to keep in mind. I did the whole ropeway/cablecar trip which was incredible. Unfortunately that day it was really foggy so not a whole lot to see but I'd say it's even better on a clear day. You can get a hakone free pass which lets you ride the trains, cablecar and ropeway as much as you want so I'd highly recommend getting one of those. The food in the ryokan was very traditional with breakfast consisting usually of fish, rice, pickles and veg which was different! I'm not really a fan of pickles but in general the food in the ryokan and pretty much everywhere was delicious.

    (I've tried getting ramen again here but it's just not the same :( )

    Next was Kyoto which was nice. The best way I can describe it is like a mix of traditional Japan, modern Japan and Paris. It has this kind of chic vibe but still very laid back at the same time. The Fushimi Inari Shrine was incredible with the thousands of Torii gates. I did make it to the top too which was a bit of a trek but worth it for the lovely views you get of Kyoto on the way. They also had some light up shows at some of the shrines in Kyoto which was so lovely to go and see. Was also incredibly lucky to see some geisha and maiko shuffling about! It was like paparazzi as soon as some appeared. Also visited Nara for a day while in Kyoto which was so cool to see all the deer there. I didn't realise that there were so many walking around!

    Then moved on to Hiroshima which was an incredible place. The A-bomb dome, peace park and museum while harrowing were amazing to see. walking around the park has a certain atmosphere to it which I'd never experienced before.

    Also visited miyajima island, Takayama and matsumoto castle which I'll add more about at another time as this post is turning out to be way longer than I'd thought!

    Overall it was an incredible trip and feel so lucky and humbled to have experienced the country and culture. If anyone is thinking of going all I can say is go for it. I'd have no worries if you're on your own either as I felt totally safe everywhere I went. That's not to say I was careless as you always keep your wits about you, especially in a foreign country, but it was absolutely fine getting around on my own. The one or two times I was a bit lost anyone I asked for directions (by pointing at a map :P) was really helpful. Now the one thing I will say is that while everyone I met was friendly and helpful I did get a bit of a vibe that people were perhaps wary of me. Maybe that was just me or because Japanese people might tend to be a bit more reserved towards strangers/foreigners but it was something I noticed. Taking everything into account though it was truly amazing and I'm already planning another trip!

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    #31
    shindig-jp
    Registered Users Posts: 386 ✭✭shindig-jp


    I'm in Saitama at the moment, landed on the 24th November leaving on the 20th Feb back home to Ireland for another 9 months and hoping the water charges have been settled. I'm not a tourist I come here every year for three months, I just like to winter or spring sometimes here. It was great to see some photos of Konata's trip, I wish more Irish were to see this country and live in peace with our neighbours back home. I'd upload some photos but have forgot to bring a camera cable I'd left behind, never mind have asked for it to be posted to me . Very impressed to find this year that so many mini solar farms which have sprung up. I'll post pictures when I get my cable.


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