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Going to Japan for 10/14 days - advice?
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: England | San Francisco
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My girlfriend and I are planning to visit Japan for 10/14 days in ~August (if that is a good or bad time, let me know! - we're flexible)
Ideally we'd like to explore as much of Japan as possible - We love photography, shopping, and clicky tourist activities!
Any advice on where to go? Stay in Tokyo or travel around?
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we don't have time to stop for gas
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Yokohama, Japan
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It's going to be hot and humid. Almost any other time of year (minus the rainy season) would be more comfortable.
How much of Japan you see probably depends on your budget. It can be expensive to travel within Japan, though things like the JR Rail Pass help. If you plan to leave the Tokyo area I highly recommend it (note that you need to buy it before you enter Japan).
Another concern is the language. Outside of large cities and touristy areas you will probably find it hard to get around if you don't speak Japanese.
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Join Date: Sep 2000
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Yes, it will be mushiatsui (hot & humid). You wish it would just rain, but it won't. Fall is nice, as is March/April. May/June is the rain season.
Regardless, Tokyo is fascinating (Shibuya is my favorite - lots of youth culture) Akihabara (cameras/electronics), Shinjuku (more youth & dining), Ginza (great dining). Asakusa is great for beautiful streets & souvenirs. Temples & Shrines are dotted throughout - get a map for those.
Mt Fuji is worth the trip - stay at a Ryokan with an Onsen (Traditional Inn and Hot Springs), go to Kyoto, etc.... There are too many places to visit. Things are expensive, but quality is abundant.
But you should learn some of the language before going, even in Tokyo it is difficult without some basic Japanese. Anywhere else you are stuck - though people will try to help as much as possible.
Pick up a Japan Guide or browse the internets for more opinions. Also Reviews of vacations, hotels, resorts, vacation and travel packages - TripAdvisor
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Copenhagen
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Eat lots of udon.
We love […] clicky tourist activities
Try light switches.
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Oct 2002
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Where are good places to stay? Ideally cheaper than hotels so we can move about lots.
I'll buy a guide.
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we don't have time to stop for gas
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hong Kong
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No need to tip for anyone/service in Japan.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Also remember your mobile phone will not work in Japan, so if you need a phone you can rent one at the airport when you arrive, or just buy a phone card from a vending machine and use public telephones.
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Take lots of money as that long will eat a HUGE hole in your wallet.
The tips given by Osiris are good. Take a good pair of walking shoes and a camera.
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Grizzled Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New Zealand
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Rakuten is a great website for booking hotels. That aside, Toyoko Inn is a reasonably priced, fairly basic but decent hotel chain - they're all over Japan.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Feb 2002
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Buy the Japanese versions of your favorite albums for the bonus tracks.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Berkshire, UK
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Originally Posted by Randman
Take a good pair of walking shoes and a camera.
This is excellent advice- Cameras are almost impossible to find in Japan.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Apr 2003
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If you have time, try an onsen, just remember to read up on onsen etiquette before diving in.
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Originally Posted by Paco500
Cameras are almost impossible to find in Japan.
Well, not always cheap. Plus, if you have your own, you don't have to worry about setup or accessories do you.
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Addicted to MacNN
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Get a Magic Jack, if you don't want to pay for expensive calls back to your side of the globe.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
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Originally Posted by Randman
Well, not always cheap. Plus, if you have your own, you don't have to worry about setup or accessories do you.
I was just being silly, not critical.
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Originally Posted by Paco500
I was just being silly, not critical.
Also, lots of good food but willing to explore. Some of the best and not too expensive meals are businessmen shops. MMM, katsu curry don.
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