steventravel
Level 2 Member
Any recommendations on places to eat or things to see or do. My wife and I will be there from Oct 23rd to Nov 1st.
4 days is more funwow 3 years! we stayed there for 4 days and can't wait to go back...!
Matt, I have been curious: how good is your Japanese? I imagine the experience could be very different if you know more of the local language.Here's a trip report from the Mrs http://saverocity.com/trips/tokyo-as-a-tourist-this-time/
We lived there for about 3 years, and have since visited many times for work.
Not good. I went knowing none, and picked up a tiny bit. I could get around self sufficiently- eg commute, eat, etc, but not much more. So I had some basic grasp of Kanji to do that.Matt, I have been curious: how good is your Japanese? I imagine the experience could be very different if you know more of the local language.
We're leaving for Tokyo next Wednesday on ANA in F Class (so excited!). I can second Hyperdia as a JR resource -- it's a little odd to get used to using it, but ultimately an excellent resource.Also good for planning trains and travel is Hyperdia (http://www.hyperdia.com/en/) which gives additional customization options. I believe they have an app you can download as well.
The one thing I found invaluable was carrying a pocket Wifi device that gave fast internet virtually everywhere in Tokyo, it beats constantly searching for hotspots or paying for a separate plan. Agree with Matt about food, you can't go wrong. One recommendation: the Tsukiji fish market is where I had the freshest, most delicious sushi of my life, and is crammed with charming restaurants and shops worth exploring. Though people swear by going as early as possible in the morning, I went during normal lunch hours and you'll get nearly identical superb quality. My mouth waters just reminiscing about that food...
Matt, I have been curious: how good is your Japanese? I imagine the experience could be very different if you know more of the local language.
Are you flying out of ORD?We're leaving for Tokyo next Wednesday on ANA in F Class (so excited!). I can second Hyperdia as a JR resource -- it's a little odd to get used to using it, but ultimately an excellent resource.
@LordByran :
I'm curious where you got your pocket Wifi device? Is that something you bought locally or before you left the U.S.?
I don't know what type LordBryan used, but this is a fantastic idea, that I overlooked. Here is an article about it.We're leaving for Tokyo next Wednesday on ANA in F Class (so excited!). I can second Hyperdia as a JR resource -- it's a little odd to get used to using it, but ultimately an excellent resource.
@LordByran :
I'm curious where you got your pocket Wifi device? Is that something you bought locally or before you left the U.S.?
I'm just not sure I'll be able to stand waiting another week to go - we had planned this trip for last April but had to postpone because I changed jobs and figured they wouldn't be too happy if I went on vacation the second week. So this has been planned for a year!I fly out Wed morning. And my wife flys out Thursday morning.
We had to fly on the fancy plane and couldn't get tickets together.
I also ordered a card from the same company.
Kyoto is the last stop on the trip. We're seeing Tokyo, Nikko (for autumn leaves), Kanazawa, and then Kyoto. We've been to China three times (plus Hong Kong) but have never been to Japan!If you can get to Hakone and Kyoto, do it. Both are worth the trip. Kyoto is one of my favorite cities.
Hope you have a wonderful time! Both Nikko and Kyoto have wonderful UNESCO World Heritage sites worth visiting.Kyoto is the last stop on the trip. We're seeing Tokyo, Nikko (for autumn leaves), Kanazawa, and then Kyoto. We've been to China three times (plus Hong Kong) but have never been to Japan!
Thank you!Hope you have a wonderful time! Both Nikko and Kyoto have wonderful UNESCO World Heritage sites worth visiting.
+1 on the popcorn. Especially the strawberry flavored one. There are lines just for the popcorn...and it's worth it.And seek out the popcorn flavors!
Back from Japan and this tip turned out to be the best! Got ours from Global Advanced Communications and package was waiting for us upon checkin at hotel. It worked like a charm every day for a good 8-10 hours. Dropped it in the mail at Narita on the way out of the country. Absolutely fantastic idea, device, service, price, and company!@Road Humps: We rented from a website a few days prior to our departure (www.rentalwifi.com). Their prices are really competitive, I think it came to about $5-6 per day and was perfect for splitting between two people. Best thing was that the company shipped the device to the hotel we were staying out on the first night for free, but I also know you can pick it up from the airport if you let them know in advance.
The connection was reliable everywhere, even on the subway. The device itself gives 75 mbps and has enough charge to last a full day of use, but to be safe I also brought along a portable charger (saved us a few times on our trip!) The owners communicate in English as well, overall it was a very positive experience.
EDIT: Also, there was another company, Global Advanced Communications, that had similar pricing for pocket Wifi, but I think they're better known and were sold out when we requested.
@smittytabb Nikko was gorgeous! The ride up the mountain to the falls was not something I'd repeat (extraordinarily poor weather up there), but UNESCO sites were stunning.Hope you have a wonderful time! Both Nikko and Kyoto have wonderful UNESCO World Heritage sites worth visiting.
@Matt we got cheated on our visit to Harajuku! Was there on Halloween weekend and all the Harajuku Girls and cosplay guys were dressed up for Halloween -- hah! Who woulda thought?Here's a trip report from the Mrs http://saverocity.com/trips/tokyo-as-a-tourist-this-time/
We lived there for about 3 years, and have since visited many times for work.
Things to see:
Yoyogi
Harajuku
Ueno
Hon Kawagoe
Kamakura
Places to eat - everywhere...
Best tip:
Get a suica/passmo card and use Jorudan to plan your travel.
Glad you had a great trip. Kyoto is one of my favorite places. Did not have time for Nara, but hopefully next time! I took the train to Nikko and generally enjoy traveling by train in Japan.@smittytabb Nikko was gorgeous! The ride up the mountain to the falls was not something I'd repeat (extraordinarily poor weather up there), but UNESCO sites were stunning.
Nara near Kyoto was wonderful and awe-inspiring. If you're going to Kyoto, don't skip it! And don't let the deer see you buying the biscuits!
In my series of posts above I failed to mention our Japan Rail pass. An amazing bargain at $350/pp for a 7-day pass in Green Class. If you're on the fence about Ordinary or Green, spend the extra $100 for a Green Pass. You'll be very glad you did.Glad you had a gear trip. Kyoto is one of my favorite places. Did not have time for Nara, but hopefully next time! I took the train to Nikko and generally enjoy traveling by train in Japan.
oooo I've been meaning to try capsule hotels! I've had positive experiences with hostels but love the idea of a capsule for privacy!If you go to Kyoto, check out 9 Hours. It is a capsule hotel but very modern and new. Also, there is a very special kind of sushi that is only made in Kyoto that is worth trying. It is very expensive though. I tried it and wasn't too impressed but I know a lot of people that say it is the best in the world.