Quote:
Originally Posted by scottybuzz
If I go what do you suggest I visit?
Where should I go? what things should I try?
Whats the best sort of accomodation?
Cities worth going to?
Countryside worth going to?
Food to try?
Will someone who speaks and writes no japanese be able to cope?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scottybuzz
Haha, I can't wait. I think I am going to do it. I heard Tokyo is the 2nd or 3rd biggest cigty in the world
Hahaha, please write more, great info
Are there lots of English speakers there? I will try and speak the langauge at the moment I know 0%,. but will buy one of those quick speak guides and try it on the plane.
Also what are prices like other there for general things? Compare to like other cities if you can , like NY, London or Paris.
Love all your points. Will try and fit them all in !
Oh and importantly whats the weather like in July/August? My plan was to go to India this summer but the monsoon season put me off  |
I lived in Japan for five years and travel there every few years to see my in-laws.
Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world...
Start in Tokyo, and buy a rail pass so that you can visit other places easily. Many people speak English in Japan (especially the younger people), and getting around is relatively easy since many signs have Romanji (Roman characters) in addition to Japanese.
There are some relatively inexpensive translator devices that can help you out with useful phrases.
In Tokyo check out Asakusa (Kannon Temple), Akihabara (if you are into all things electronic), Shibuya (shopping and museums), Shinjuku (live sex shows and lots of Love Hotels), and Harajuku (especially on Sunday afternoon).
The weather is going to be hella humid, so carry a handkerchief to wipe yourself off with.
August is Obon festival season, so you should get plenty of chances to see some traditional festivals with music and dancing.
In August you can also climb Mt Fuji (it takes about six hours). I recommend that you hike at night so that you can see sunrise from the summit - it's a near religious experience you'll never forget.
Most Japanese people are polite and nice to foreigners (gaijin), however, there are some places that refuse service to foreigners, and sometimes drunk guys can be belligerent.
As for accommodations, I suggest you spend at least a night in a Ryokan, traditional inn. Other than that (unless money is no issue), I suggest you stay in Hostels or cheap hotels, and save your money for getting around, since Japan is an expensive country.
Other cities nearby Tokyo to visit include Kamakura (the Daibutsu "Great Buddha"), and Yokohama.
Next travel down to Osaka and Kobe. From there swing over to Kyoto and Nara (my favorite part of Japan).
Hiroshima is also an interesting place to visit.
Different cities are famous for various foods. If you like sushi and teriyaki, you will be in heaven. Also try some late night train station ramen, made to order.
The girls/women seem shy at first, but if they speak any English they will generally open up to you after a few minutes. There are lots of foreigners in Japan now, so you will likely meet people from all over the world.
Other than that, take lots of pictures...
Tanoshinde,
ADG