Going to Japan on the 5th, advice appreciated

I am going to Japan in a couple days. 8 days in Tokyo and 4 in Kyoto. I have a couple places I am def going to check out but was wondering if anyone have any suggestions about where to go and or tips once I am over there. Any advice would be appreciated.


Thanks in Advance

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Tokyo > Akihabara, of course. DS and PSP games (but not UMD movies) are region free, so they'd be good souvenirs if you don't wanna region hack your other consoles. Most retro stuff is region free, too.

Kyoto > Kinkakuji, the golden shrine, and Fushimi Inari, a humongous shrine with thousands of torii.

Have fun!

PS how is your Japanese? Just a few phrases can go a long way, so brush up a little. Y'know, "thank you" (arigatou), "sorry" (gomen), and "bathroom" (toire). Also, know the difference between the signs 男 and 女, men and women, as you may have to choose which bathroom to use at some point.

From CAG you'll get some great answers (like Akihabara above), but I think you should also do research online and plan an eventful trip with no down time no lazing around. Take tons of pictures, so you'll always have the memories.

There's so much to do in Tokyo alone (though Kyoto is considered more traditional and cultural) that if you plan well, your itinerary would be non-stop touristing.

[quote name='blaked569']From CAG you'll get some great answers (like Akihabara above), but I think you should also do research online and plan an eventful trip with no down time no lazing around. Take tons of pictures, so you'll always have the memories.

There's so much to do in Tokyo alone (though Kyoto is considered more traditional and cultural) that if you plan well, your itinerary would be non-stop touristing.[/QUOTE]


Yea I got a list of things, but wanted more direct opinions

Bring a lot of cash. Everything is so very expensive there. Learn lots of japanese pick up lines before going. The women there are Heavenly!!!!!!!!

Take lots of pictures and share with us.. since most of us will never take that voyage

I've been to Japan 4 times in the last 8 years and every time I try to do something new. It's cool you're going to Kyoto. I was there several years ago and loved it. People are so quick to recommend Akihabara (which worth a trip) but I prefer the more traditional Japan. Go out and eat the local food as much as you can. It's a bit intimidating but try as many different cuisines as you can. For some examples: ramen, sabu sabu, monjayaki, yakiniku, sushi, etc. If you're tired of Japanese food go find a Moss Burger, Mr. Donuts. Heck, even going to McDonalds in Japan is an experience just to see how happy the staff is.

I highly recommend going to a Hot Spring or Bath House. I can't stress this enough. Go to one. Of course I recommend the hot springs over a bath house but either will be a great way to immerse yourself into the culture. There's tons of bath houses in Tokyo. It's something many international people don't experience, and that's a shame. I guess getting nekkid is too much. My fondest experience was going to a hot spring near Mt. Fuji. It was a gorgeous day and a picturesque view of Mt. Fuji in front of me while I soak in the spring. Heaven

As for Tokyo, I'll recommend:

Asakusa - Most famous shrine in Tokyo, a bit touristy but worth the trip.
Shinjuku's Electric City - Entertainment district often featured in video games
Sunshine 60 in Ikebukuro - a huge shopping mall
Akihabara - Obvious choice, Super Potato is here. A kick-ass video game store but way over priced. I actually prefer going to a Book Off whenever I find one. The're all over Japan. I've found some great video game deals here.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - A very tall building in Shinjuku. The top has a great 360 view of Tokyo. Better than Tokyo Tower.
Studio Ghibli Museum - Not really a must but it's a cool place to visit.
Kamakura - Lots of traditional buildings and shrines. Great place to see some real Japanese culture. If you're lucky there may be a festival going on.
Yokohama - Port part of Tokyo. Ships, amusement parks, huge ferris wheel.
Tsukiji Fish Market - This place is an experience just to walk around and see all the different fish/seafood for sale. Just don't go in the morning, it's busy. Also a great place for restaurants if you want the fresh catch of the day.

If you see a tall, bald whitey punch him in the face then run screaming Wombat Forever!!!!

After reading your post, I too want to go to Japan.


[quote name='Rodimus']I've been to Japan 4 times in the last 8 years and every time I try to do something new. It's cool you're going to Kyoto. I was there several years ago and loved it. People are so quick to recommend Akihabara (which worth a trip) but I prefer the more traditional Japan. Go out and eat the local food as much as you can. It's a bit intimidating but try as many different cuisines as you can. For some examples: ramen, sabu sabu, monjayaki, yakiniku, sushi, etc. If you're tired of Japanese food go find a Moss Burger, Mr. Donuts. Heck, even going to McDonalds in Japan is an experience just to see how happy the staff is.

I highly recommend going to a Hot Spring or Bath House. I can't stress this enough. Go to one. Of course I recommend the hot springs over a bath house but either will be a great way to immerse yourself into the culture. There's tons of bath houses in Tokyo. It's something many international people don't experience, and that's a shame. I guess getting nekkid is too much. My fondest experience was going to a hot spring near Mt. Fuji. It was a gorgeous day and a picturesque view of Mt. Fuji in front of me while I soak in the spring. Heaven

As for Tokyo, I'll recommend:

Asakusa - Most famous shrine in Tokyo, a bit touristy but worth the trip.
Shinjuku's Electric City - Entertainment district often featured in video games
Sunshine 60 in Ikebukuro - a huge shopping mall
Akihabara - Obvious choice, Super Potato is here. A kick-ass video game store but way over priced. I actually prefer going to a Book Off whenever I find one. The're all over Japan. I've found some great video game deals here.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - A very tall building in Shinjuku. The top has a great 360 view of Tokyo. Better than Tokyo Tower.
Studio Ghibli Museum - Not really a must but it's a cool place to visit.
Kamakura - Lots of traditional buildings and shrines. Great place to see some real Japanese culture. If you're lucky there may be a festival going on.
Yokohama - Port part of Tokyo. Ships, amusement parks, huge ferris wheel.
Tsukiji Fish Market - This place is an experience just to walk around and see all the different fish/seafood for sale. Just don't go in the morning, it's busy. Also a great place for restaurants if you want the fresh catch of the day.[/QUOTE]

eat the local food.theres tons of great food in japan way better than any bs fast food. ask around for good places to eat or keep an eye out for long lines.

[quote name='TC']If you see a tall, bald whitey punch him in the face then run screaming Wombat Forever!!!![/QUOTE]

lmao if he does that he has to take video footage of it.

My husband and I are going on our belated honeymoon there in September. Can't wait.

geisha girls

Listen to Rodimus! I second Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, especially if you can get there on a clear day (fantastic view of Mt. Fuji). Speaking of Mt. Fuji, I've been there twice, and I can't say I recommend it. An old Japanese dude put it to me very eloquently; It's a mountain for looking at, not for climbing. The hot springs near it, on the other hand, are great.

I also second the bathhouse. I've been to dozens of them, and while it took a lot of getting used to, there's nothing quite like it as far as true cultural exposure goes. Go with a friend or host for your first time, if you're nervous.

From what I gather, if you get a katakana chart, you should be able to convert a lot of signs to Engrish. You can print one up from a Google Images search.

Stay at a Ryokan, it is a traditional Japanese Inn. Many have a onsen connected or at least the bath house that was referenced before. Your stay will most likely include a traditional Japanese meal using local ingredients all in a Japanese setting. It feels like you are staying at someones really nice house and being pampered with respect. I highly recommend staying at least one night - your experience may be better in Kyoto if staying in a slightly more rural area.

http://www.ryokan.or.jp/index_en.html

[quote name='Rodimus']
Tsukiji Fish Market - This place is an experience just to walk around and see all the different fish/seafood for sale. Just don't go in the morning, it's busy. Also a great place for restaurants if you want the fresh catch of the day.[/QUOTE]

I second this. Call me crazy, but I'd recommend going early in the morning when it's busiest. It's more fun to walk around when it seems more chaotic.

[quote name='Rodimus']

As for Tokyo, I'll recommend:

Asakusa - Most famous shrine in Tokyo, a bit touristy but worth the trip.

Akihabara - Obvious choice, Super Potato is here. A kick-ass video game store but way over priced. I actually prefer going to a Book Off whenever I find one. The're all over Japan. I've found some great video game deals here.

Kamakura - Lots of traditional buildings and shrines. Great place to see some real Japanese culture. If you're lucky there may be a festival going on.

Yokohama - Port part of Tokyo. Ships, amusement parks, huge ferris wheel.
day.[/QUOTE]


I second these choices, of the ones listed those are what I was able to do 2 summers ago and had a lot of fun.

EDIT: If you can check out a maid cafe, it is pretty fun/hilarious.

[quote name='Justme8800']Listen to Rodimus! I second Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, especially if you can get there on a clear day (fantastic view of Mt. Fuji). Speaking of Mt. Fuji, I've been there twice, and I can't say I recommend it. An old Japanese dude put it to me very eloquently; It's a mountain for looking at, not for climbing. The hot springs near it, on the other hand, are great.

I also second the bathhouse. I've been to dozens of them, and while it took a lot of getting used to, there's nothing quite like it as far as true cultural exposure goes. Go with a friend or host for your first time, if you're nervous.[/QUOTE]

Lucky you. I've been to the Government Building twice and haven't had the sky clear enough to see Mt. Fuji. But I agree, Mt. Fuji isn't necessary, especially if you're time constricted. It's kinda far and besides hot springs and restaurants there's not much to do other than look at Fuji-san. Anyways here's a picture I took last autumn of the Tokyo skyline from atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Thought I'd share:

I would stop by Akihabara and get some drinks in Shinjuku. Don't talk to nigerians. They will try to sell you something.

Meet dv8mad, ask his ex-wife's address, and punch her in the face, then run.

Do it for a fellow CAG.

[quote name='Ikohn4ever']Yea I got a list of things, but wanted more direct opinions[/QUOTE]

okay, fine - my suggestion would be to look up a good ramen place, and go there. after spending a year in japan, ramen (not the dry brick stuff) is one of my favorite foods. if you like sushi, there's a ing awesome sushi place on the top floor of Shibuya 109 (you may recognize this from TWEWY), a girls' fashion boutique. just skip all the floors until you get to the top.

In fact, a lot of the landmarks in TWEWY can be found in real-world Tokyo

[quote name='Rodimus']Lucky you. I've been to the Government Building twice and haven't had the sky clear enough to see Mt. Fuji. But I agree, Mt. Fuji isn't necessary, especially if you're time constricted. It's kinda far and besides hot springs and restaurants there's not much to do other than look at Fuji-san. Anyways here's a picture I took last autumn of the Tokyo skyline from atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Thought I'd share:

[/QUOTE]

Heh, that cracked me up. This is what it's supposed to look like, though I missed Godzilla.


[quote name='blaked569']In fact, a lot of the landmarks in TWEWY can be found in real-world Tokyo [/QUOTE]

That's an interesting way to put it. I would have said that a lot of the landmarks in real-world Tokyo can be found in TWEWY.

One last thing for the OP: you've probably already got this figured out, but ride on the Shinkansen bullet train, and snag a window seat. I'll never forget the first time I did. It feels like flying in a jet a couple feet off the ground. Unless, of course, you're from Europe, and high-speed rail is nothing new to you.

My girlfriend and I are going in September; very excited.

If you have an iPhone, the Teleport+ app is a great tourguide/video tutorials/maps combined into one nice package. It was $10 well spent for me.

I can't lie...if I went to Japan, I'd only go there to get my dick sucked....

That and to have foreigners take pictures of me because I'm black. Everything else....eh. I've had many friends who have went to Japan and they summed it up by saying if you ain't wanting to see a slew of weird things happening back to back...dont go

One said he was eating and saw a man go to a vending machine and buy some panties...and lick em. That's already too much for me!

I go to Tokyo a lot for business. I usually stay at Shinjuku, Yokohama and in Ginza.

I have done plenty of game hunts. Just about every major city has a Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera store. These are killer electronic stores with great prices.

The best Yodobashi is in Akihabara. It is massive. They have a massive gaming section. It is all new stuff. Lots and lots of accessories. The games are regional though (except DS and such). The toys are great as well. It is one of the last great places to get cool car stuff. Most toy stores are stuck on Gundam robots.

In Shinjuku, just above the train station is a small 6 story Yodobashi gaming/toy store. I spend hours in there. They have 3 large plasmas in front of the store right on the street playing demos. Across the street is one of the few bars I have seen with an outdoor patio on the street level. A great stop for a brew and people watching.

There are two great Bic Cameras. One is brand new in Shinjuku. It is right by the Yodobashi I mentioned above. Great toys and games. But only new stuff.

The other great Bic is in the Ginza by Tokyo station. If you go to this store you also need to cross the street and go to the Sony store. Pretty cool. And just a few blocks from there is the Tokyo version of Times Square. I'd recommend stopping by the Sapporo Bar as well for some non traditional bar food, haha. Toy Park is in Ginza as well, but way over priced.

If you want to find old school gaming look no further than Akihabara. You will not believe the small cool collectible stores you will find. I just bought an s-video adaptor for my N64. I needed another one.

Have fun.

But watch out for those red light areas. It is worse than Tijuana.

Just got back after spending a month in Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo. Tokyo was great. It was the only city we could find actual snack machines in. As others have said, avoid the Nigerians, or avoid Harujuku. People will be in your face trying to sell you stuff. But, go to the Adidas headquarters in Harujuku if you want and buy the winged adidas shoes.

Be courteous to everyone. Take your time when counting out money. Always schooch over on the train and make room and do not sit in the reserved seats. If you're caught staring, smile and say hello.

If you go to Akihabara, just go to a BookOFF. It'll say that. Great new and used games/consoles can be found here. Also, try looking for a flea market. There was one every Saturday morning in front of Shin-Osaka station. You can find many old consoles and games at these. At most stores you can get a gamecube package for about #$20 and an snes with supergameboy for $10-$20. Games are everywhere.

Visit an arcade and play the table flipping. It's awesome. Also visit some maid cafes, but do not get caught taking pictures of the girls.
I think we only went to the shopping districts in Tokyo. Went to Ginza, Shibuya, Harujuku, Akihabara, Shinjuku. Also went to Roppongi looking for some prostitutes but couldn't find any.

Edit: YOU MUST VISIT > Vie de France. Best bakery I've every gone to. I got addicted to their cinnamon rolls as well as melon soda and melon cream soda, and melon cream soft (icecream float)

[quote name='strongpimphand']I can't lie...if I went to Japan, I'd only go there to get my dick sucked....

That and to have foreigners take pictures of me because I'm black. Everything else....eh. I've had many friends who have went to Japan and they summed it up by saying if you ain't wanting to see a slew of weird things happening back to back...dont go

One said he was eating and saw a man go to a vending machine and buy some panties...and lick em. That's already too much for me![/QUOTE]

the japanese are definelty interesting people in that regard but its kinda cool how they can exist in 2 diff extremes. that said they have some of the oddest damn porn alive.

Outside of the things Rodimus said, take a stroll from Shibuya to Harajuku(one of the coolest places in Tokyo imo). Check out Ginza for its plush buildings. When I was there I caught a random free concert in the Yamaha building and then checked out its ridiculously expensive instruments and what nots.

In Kyoto, check out the Nishiki food market, everything else is probably easily found in any guide. Get some soy based ice cream and doughnuts! Check out my blog if you want to see how it went for me.

Find out if the Black Rose bondage themed hostess club is still around. It's in Tokyo. Hell if I remember where.

Good times, man. Very good times.

appreciate everyones input especially Rodimus

Hope yer having fun, Ikohn.

Oh, and go win me a Mr. Saturn plushie in one of the arcades over in Akihabara.

And then do what I did - play SF4 and only pick American characters. I was representin'.