First time to Japan... Advice please!!

CryssieJade on 09/10/2015 - 15:00

Hi All!!

Heading to Japan for a month in Feb.

Been wanting to go to Japan most of my life, and finally going!!

What do I need to know about everything? And where are some places that I absolutely have to go?

I like to think that I know Japanese culture quite well, having studied Japanese all through high school. I still remember a little bit of the language, and can read characters.

I will be skiing for at least 10 days of my month there, and flying return into/out of Osaka.

All advice appreciated, thank you!!

Travel

Comments

      • altomic on 09/10/2015 - 21:45
        +4

        but my favorite thing to do in a new country is go to the supermarket and stare and the packaging.

        OMG this. it's been my plan for years to one day create a coffee table book about supermarkets in different countries. everytime I go to a country (40+) I always visit local supermarkets and wander around - checking out the foods, the packaging, the checkouts, the customers, the staff, etc.

        • CryssieJade on 10/10/2015 - 10:15
          +1

          YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

        • skazclaw on 30/12/2015 - 05:16

          Yeah checking out the customers and staff ;)

        • eug on 30/12/2015 - 12:47
          +1

          @skazclaw: It looks like they place importance in hot staff after all. Seems like it promotes good communication.

        • skazclaw on 30/12/2015 - 15:59

          @eug:

          lmao japanglish. love it!

      • tanoshiiki on 09/10/2015 - 23:47
        +2

        It sounds so nerdy, but my favorite thing to do in a new country is go to the supermarket and stare and the packaging :p

        I love this too. Supermarkets gives you some more insight into how the people live there and what they consume.

        • gimli on 15/10/2015 - 10:14
          +1

          Nerd ta to get catalogues

        • hayne on 15/10/2015 - 23:31
          +1

          Go to a whitegoods retailer (like a Bing Lee equivalent). You'll love the inventiveness of the devices they have. I can't even remember all the things we gawked at - but dish racks with lids, heaters and fans to dry your dishes quicker, fridges with reach-in "mini-doors" so you can grab a beer without opening the fridge door, crazy toilet lids, etc. I remember things being designed so compactly, partially because Tokyo apartments are tiny so you need to make the most out of your space.

      • pandabun on 10/10/2015 - 09:22
        +3

        You won't gain weight while in Japan. We actually lost a fair bit and we ate a lot since the portion of the food is generous and yummy. The amount of walk you'll be doing is insane. Walking in Tokyo station feels like walking from town hall station to Wynyard in sydney. I was ecstatic every time we turned a corner as I thought the exit was there, til I see another long corridor with no exit in sight.

        • CryssieJade on 10/10/2015 - 10:18

          I'm half Italian, I can eat my bodyweight in carbs and still have room for 1st and then 2nd dessert.

          But yay, I'll lose weight!!

          Jk :p

        • tanoshiiki on 10/10/2015 - 16:05
          +2

          Not true. I managed to gain, despite lots and lots of walking :( It was too easy to just go to the downstairs combini (convenience store) and try a whole bunch of new snacks and also try the soft serve everywhere

        • CryssieJade on 10/10/2015 - 20:08

          @tanoshiiki:

          Yup, exactly what will happen to me :)

        • kimmylala on 11/10/2015 - 22:26
          +1

          @CryssieJade:
          I was constantly eating and drinking in Japan but lost 3 kg in the 2 weeks =)

        • CryssieJade on 11/10/2015 - 22:30
          +2

          @kimmylala:

          This comforts me :)

    • DeafMutePretender on 09/10/2015 - 22:25

      Especially outside the big cities, non-asian folks stand out more, which is actually nice when visiting Japan, as people will notice you but usually not stare or be rude. It's almost like being a very minor celebrity sometimes.

      Being a white man in countries like that is like being a god among men.

      • ItsMeAgro on 10/10/2015 - 10:57

        I didn't even date while I was there, but I got a lot more attention from attractive members of the opposite sex than I get in Australia.

        • jkcat on 11/10/2015 - 13:58

          It's historically reasoned, but yeah that's quite true.

    • anth0888 on 10/10/2015 - 22:29

      I dare you to order the 'nato' dishes from coco curry. My Japanese freind mentioned that Nato (Fermented soya beans) is an acquired taste, which tastes good but smells really foul. They were right hahaha, but it was an interesting experience.

      • ItsMeAgro on 10/10/2015 - 23:04
        +1

        I maintain that "fermented" is a euphemism for "rotten" when it comes to natto.

        After 2 years in Japan, I was still only able to eat one snotty little "bean" of it, and that was only when I had a whole bowl of rice to "wash" it down with.

        And I'm not a picky eater, either. While there I tried boiled chicken stomachs, raw fish, raw horse, raw goat, raw beef, wasabi, etc, etc.

        • anth0888 on 10/10/2015 - 23:09

          Raw horse!?! Yeah I didn't fancy it at all. I guess they might say its how people react to vegemite for Australians. lol.

  • tims on 10/10/2015 - 11:20
    +1

    Go to Yama-dera, shortish train ride south from tokyo. Some of the best temples/temple gardens I visited in Japan. Too much to see for day trip, stay in Yamadera or closeby Yamagata.
    If budgeting get to supermkts around 6pm where sushi etc is discounted, some 50% off.
    Recommend Toyoko inn chain - small rooms but good value incl breakfast. Maybe around A$85-90/night.

    • CryssieJade on 10/10/2015 - 20:09

      Awesome advice, thank you!!

    • cosmic on 11/10/2015 - 09:54
      +1

      Wait, Yamadera (Yamagata prefecture) is waaaaay north of Tokyo. Tohoku region (north part of main island) is generally not recommended for a first-timer as it's out of the way and there's a lot to see in Japan. "Shortish train ride south from Tokyo" I would've thought would be Kamakura.

    • letmecry on 14/10/2015 - 16:01

      south? I did check it's on the north side near Sendai

  • anth0888 on 10/10/2015 - 22:22
    +4

    Wifi wise I didn't appear to have issues. I found that almost every Starbucks (and thers tons of them) have free wifi which I connected to without a password. So I was a bit shifty and loitered around the front and managed to connect. Also all the tokyo metro stations have free wifi too, so its not as sparse as it appears.

    If you want good souvenirs in tokyo, I would buy in the Asakusa area and they have the temple there with a whole strip of food and souvenir shops. I found the souvenirs there very diverse, quirky and reasonably priced. But teh best place for souvenirs I found was the department store x supermarket x quirk store called 'don quijote'. Its like CRAZY and bought so much random stuff. Check it out!

    For good views of tokyo I wouldn't skip the tokyo sky tree but I found the environment more relaxed and peacful at the Tokyo government observation deck (free) near shinjuku. The best one I found was the Roppongi hills observation deck (look for the signs to the mori art museum). Its like a mixed shopping and entertainment precinct and on non windy days they ahve an open air sky deck. Its very modern and I had my own 'lost in translation' like moment there, just basking out and in awe of the views.

    Biggest tip I have is to email the official Japan tourism office in Sydney - http://jnto.org.au/about-jnto/contact/ - and request brochures about transport, atrractions and maps for the cities you plan to go. They literally send you a genereus pack of official FREE maps of the cities and also official guides in english. they're very comprehensive and have district by district profiles with atrractions and more. I found it 10 x better than any guidebook - and more concise too.

    Hope that helps!!

    • CryssieJade on 11/10/2015 - 13:09

      WOW…thank you :)))))

      • anth0888 on 12/10/2015 - 11:28
        +1

        I highly recommend the roppongi hills area. It was so nice!

      • anth0888 on 12/10/2015 - 12:25
        +2

        and the Daiso in Harajuku is amazing. 3/4 levels and 100 yen!!

    • rover on 13/10/2015 - 13:23

      I second the option of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building viewing gallery. A 10 minute walk from Shinjuku station, but there is a underground walkway with travelators (for all the public servants).

      For a more strenuous view, try walking up Tokyo Tower.

  • ItsMeAgro on 10/10/2015 - 23:08

    Ooh! look for Hyakuen shops too! (100 Yen shops). All the stuff you get at Daiso (and lots that you don't) is sold in those for 100 yen. Crazy what you can get there.

    • CryssieJade on 11/10/2015 - 12:57

      Hell yes!! I love cheap crap!!

  • OneJay on 11/10/2015 - 07:47
    +1

    I love the convenience store culture there and all the wonderful hot food on offer. Especially "Family Mart" because they play the Family Mart theme song every time the doors slide open.

    • CryssieJade on 11/10/2015 - 12:56

      This sounds like Heaven to me lol…

      I can pretend to have my own theme song!!

  • Randxyz123 on 11/10/2015 - 09:41
    +2

    Never been but I'm going this year as well. Apparently you need to carry your passport at all times.

    • ItsMeAgro on 11/10/2015 - 11:32
      +1

      And that reminds me - don't run afoul of the law while you're there. Sneaking weed in or getting drunk and disorderly and other minor-seeming indiscretions can get you much harsher punishments than in Australia. Like weeks in a spartan non-human-rights-convention-approved prison without being able to contact your family or even a lawyer, and/or a lifelong ban from entering Japan.

      There's also a spot in Tokyo I've never been too (I'm thinking Roppongi?) where there are scams to get you into some bar for a few drinks and then give you a crazy bill like $300.

      So google around a bit and avoid those. But I never experienced anything like that (and honestly was shocked when I found out, after I got back, that such things can happen in Japan).

      But generally, Japan seems to be a much safer country than Australia, in terms of crime, etc. And on the whole, people are more polite and considerate to strangers and foreigners.

      • CryssieJade on 11/10/2015 - 12:55

        Thanks for that info…I don't drink or smoke though, so no POW style prison for me :)

      • [Deactivated] on 12/10/2015 - 17:25

        japan seems to be a much safer country than Australia

        First of all, I wouldn't say that Australia is safe

  • zeroes n ones on 11/10/2015 - 10:12
    -8

    enjoy your trip as well as any chikan you encounter on the train :)

    im sure this trend will be catching on in sydney :( especially round the city circle during peaktime

    • CryssieJade on 12/10/2015 - 08:18
      +1

      Why on earth would you tell me to 'enjoy' a pervert on the train?? That's not okay!!

      I really don't want to get arrested for assault!!

      • pandabun on 12/10/2015 - 09:22
        +1

        If you are travelling with a male buddy, get him to shield you in busy train. Or if possible, avoid travelling at peak times. People will push and shove inside the train and you are literally like sardines in a can. Being assaulted in this situation is inevitable sadly. When I was there, I got my husband to stand in front of me while I have my back against the wall. Felt safer that way.

        P.s. My Asian female friends used to carry backpack really low so it covered her bottom.

        • CryssieJade on 13/10/2015 - 01:06

          I always travel solo, and like I said…my only concern is getting arrested for assault :p

        • zeroes n ones on 13/10/2015 - 08:50
          +1

          @CryssieJade: i apologize as my inner troll overode my intinct to inform you of the lesser known japanese culture known as Chikan as opposed to more palatable mainstream exported cultures like anime, manga or j-pop

          Chikans usually lurk on trains,
          most are men & most of the victims are usually female
          but NOT always….as the following video illustrates
          (fast forward past 1minute 10sec mark for those with ADHD)

          www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_CIA3fnal8

          that seems to be the exception, the typical scenario seems to be more like this

          www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FlNvzEX4eo

          that last youtuber has a playlist of advice she gives foreigners

          www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmOcQdc-76pxmPgWCu8PKHpRAVGTa…

          enjoy your trip

        • CryssieJade on 14/10/2015 - 08:32

          @zeroes n ones:

          'Let's pretend this papaya is my butt' (lols)

  • cosmic on 11/10/2015 - 10:16
    +1

    I recommend getting a Kansai Thru Pass or two since you're flying in/out of Osaka:
    http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_005.html
    The Kansai region is particularly dense with private railways (as opposed to the national JR network), that Pass can conveniently take you to all the major tourist destinations in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Koya-san, Kobe, Uji. You can easily make a 10~14 day itinerary just in Kansai using Osaka (Namba/Shinsaibashi) as a base.

  • sparkanum on 11/10/2015 - 10:57
    +1

    Lawsons chicken. That's lunch, dinner and breakfast sorted.

  • T-man on 11/10/2015 - 11:18
    +1

    You need to rent a wifi hotpot at the airport as wifi is not always available in Japan.

    Citibank dedit card or BankWest Qantas platinum card is your best friend ( no international fees )

    Your phone should be in silent mode and no vibration when sitting on the train as Japanese tents to sleep on the train.

    If you have to ask for a direction, just say the name of the place you want to go, don't talk too much as they don't understand much English.

    Osaka is a good destination for shopping, Tokyo is more expensive.

    • Mechanist on 12/10/2015 - 14:57
      +1

      Data sims are available and can get them before you leave for Japan.
      google travelsimsdirect. they have offers on here every now and again.
      Got a 14 day one myself. Very handy

      • eug on 13/10/2015 - 01:15

        Comst/docomo SIMs are also available here. I bought a 3GB/30day sim for $49.
        There's a nano sim in the pack, along with a nano to micro and full size adapter.
        You can top up in Japan if you run out.

      • MisplacedGaijin on 19/10/2015 - 07:23

        travelsimsdirect.com seems offline (just get the hourglass ?) … any other recommendations (that can deliver to an Aus postal address in 6 or 7 days ?

    • mrjazzieb on 13/10/2015 - 16:39

      Check out b-mobile for a 1GB/14-day data sim.

  • jaipaul16 on 11/10/2015 - 14:15
    +2

    i went to japan in feb last year, hi-5 :) here are the things i wish i knew beforehand (keep in mind i know not a single world of japanese so youll do better than me):
    - hire a pocket wifi from the airport. i was there for 3 weeks with wifi only at places i stayed. which isnt that bad but having it on the go wouldve helped a tonne esp with google maps
    - google maps works without internet (GPS). but the maps need to be loaded beforehand (i.e. zoom in on the place while on wi-fi) for orientation
    - feb is v cold, pack appropriately. 3 layers at least! the uniqlo puffy thin jackets work a wonder.
    - get the JR rail pass. unlimited travel on the bullet trains (shinkansen) which would normally cost you around 300+ a ticket i think… as well as their public transport network operated by JR (not all are JR but i recall tokyo uses a lot of JR, osaka not so much) but if you're not travelling tthrough the country a lot then maybe you can just get by with buses and trains
    - google maps is your best friend!!!!! i uses it to find all the stops and landmarks…
    - harajuku has great vintage shops- highly recommend
    - make sure the person u r travelling with is someone you get along with and know very well. the dude i travelled with i dont talk to anymore haha! but it was still the best trip ever. im going back in april :)
    enjoy mate

    ALSO withdraw money from 7-11. the fees arent that high (actually better than exchanging it at a local bank) just make surey oru atm card has a "maestro" symbol

    • Spentgecko07 on 11/10/2015 - 15:21
      +1

      You can download google maps before you even leave so you don't need to zoom in beforehand for online access.
      You can also do the same with Google translate which I advise.
      I read something about Japan rolling out free WiFi all over Tokyo somehow a few weeks back, try researching that.
      Don't miss the Osaka aquarium. Hands down amazing. I'm not even in to that stuff really but it was so well done….

      • jkcat on 11/10/2015 - 15:58
        +1

        Try to avoid Osaka kaiyukan/aquarium on weekends. Being pushed along by the crowd isn't quite enjoyable.

      • CryssieJade on 11/10/2015 - 22:35

        Oh, awesome!! Yeah, I don't really do aquariums, but I'll look into it for sure!!

        • pandabun on 12/10/2015 - 09:24

          Last time we went there, they had two whale sharks. They are amazing. I don't agree with captivity for huge animals but to see them so close is amazing.

        • CryssieJade on 13/10/2015 - 01:09

          @pandabun:

          Hence the reason I don't do aquariums…but I'll still look into it and make a decision that I'm happy with :)

    • CryssieJade on 11/10/2015 - 22:33

      Thanks for all that advice!! Definitely going to hit up those vintage stores!!

      For the record, I always travel solo, because I like me :)

      • jaipaul16 on 12/10/2015 - 18:40
        +2

        oh man how could i forget. i did airbnb for all accommodation. just make sure your paypal is active and is linked properly to an account with money. i recommend staying i nsharehouses. the managers are always very helpful and friendly. some even took us out to local low key joints! my favoruite place in japan was the hidde nsubmarine bar in osaka (google it!!) it is quite hard to find but well worth the effort. i kept my camera and laptop in the room and didnt feel paranoid at all. the other travellers are just like you i.e. wanting to see the country and v civilised and courteous people. also great wya to meet new interesting people from all walks of life.

    • CryssieJade on 13/10/2015 - 01:08

      Hi-5 right back to you…great advice!!

  • Stolniik on 11/10/2015 - 15:12
    +2

    You will absolutely LOVE IT over there and not want to come back! We went for two weeks, you can see our whole review here :)

    https://m.facebook.com/notes/snapshots-of-food/our-japan-tri…

    If you enjoy it let us know

    • centrelink on 11/10/2015 - 19:33
      +2

      I bet you offended those Australians who think its the best country in the world.

      • Stolniik on 13/10/2015 - 18:15
        +1

        Haha don't get me wrong, Australia is an amazing country. Perfect to grow up and a great lifestyle to love. But Japan just ticks all the boxes for us! Perhaps I should have said "we wanted to go back in a heartbeat!" :D

        • Koolbargain on 14/10/2015 - 11:32
          +2

          To be fair, Australia is a hole compared to Japan. You realise this when you return in the airport and see all the rude airport staff and bogans.

        • centrelink on 15/10/2015 - 00:26

          Don't need to defend yourself, when I came back from Japan, it felt so depressing it was like going back 20 years into the past in terms of technology.

    • CryssieJade on 15/10/2015 - 23:11

      This is great guys!!

  • lemontree on 11/10/2015 - 20:05
    +1

    If you're visting Hiroshima, you can hire bikes for free near the train station. I found it an amazing experiencing riding through the city, visting the Peace Memorial and Hiroshima Castle before finding respite in Shukkei-en Garden (you forget you're even in a city!). After you're pooped out there's awesome Hiroshima style okonomiyaki near the bike rental. I've been to Japan twice and the second time I went back to Hiroshima just for the okonomiyaki.

    If you're in Shinjuku, I highly recommend Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (I'm a sucker for gardens haha).

    Also don't forget to bring out your inner child and find a Pokémon center!

    • CryssieJade on 11/10/2015 - 22:37

      Hiroshima sounds beautiful :)

      I somehow missed the Pokemon boat…I think because I was a teenage girl when it came out, and I was/still am a Zelda nerd. There was never room for Pokémon after Zelda lols

    • eug on 12/10/2015 - 16:09

      If you're visting Hiroshima, you can hire bikes for free near the train station.

      Hmm, do you have more details on the free bike hire? I can only find paid ones online.

      • lemontree on 13/10/2015 - 21:01

        I can't seem to find it online. I just remember it was outside the train station next to stairs leading up to a popular okonomiyaki eatery.

        • eug on 13/10/2015 - 22:44
          +1

          Great, thanks! I'll post back if I find it next month.

        • eug on 28/12/2015 - 12:34

          @eug: Ok, I came back last month. I didn't find it, but didn't really look hard as it was raining.

          I ended up hiring bikes in Kawaguchiko and cycling around Lake Kawaguchi with Mt Fuji in the background. It was fantastic!

  • [Deactivated] on 11/10/2015 - 20:37

    I would love to go to Japan but honestly I would have no idea where to even begin

  • SydneyLockOutLaw on 11/10/2015 - 22:06
    +1

    Also, don't forget to bring some snow gears/jacket during that time.

    I remember going there in Feb 14, got caught in Tokyo biggest snowstorm (osaka also snow as well when i was there). http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-16/12-die-thousands-stran…

    I was wearing business coat and thermal back then.

    Also, Yoshinoya is love, Yoshinoya is life.

    • CryssieJade on 11/10/2015 - 22:38

      Wow, that is a hefty storm…lucky you got out!!

      Considering that I am going to Japan to ski for half of my stay, it would be a worry if I didn't bring my snow clothes :p

      What is Yoshinoya??

      • ItsMeAgro on 11/10/2015 - 22:47
        +1

        Yoshinoya is a Japanese fast-food place, but most of it is don (like a bowl of rice with something tasty on top) and stuff.

        • OzJD on 12/10/2015 - 00:23

          It's funny, I always eat Yoshinoya in Hong Kong, but never in Japan (yet)

        • CryssieJade on 12/10/2015 - 08:21
          +1

          I love rice with stuff!!

        • ItsMeAgro on 12/10/2015 - 09:32
          +1

          @CryssieJade:

          Your enthusiasm for Japan: 10/10
          Your enthusiasm for Japan with rice: 11/10

        • CryssieJade on 13/10/2015 - 01:11
          +1

          @mgowen:

          Food is my favorite thing ever in the whole wide world.

        • CryssieJade on 14/10/2015 - 00:43
          +2

          @exonerate
          I know this is (OFF TOPIC), but…

          '[–]comparativelysane: Did you mean distrusting or disgusting? I need to know to answer the question properly.

          [–]DO_U_EVN_SPAGHETTI[S]: The word I was looking for is dinosaur.'

          I'M PRETTY SURE THAT THIS THREAD WINS THE INTERNET.

  • Djent on 11/10/2015 - 22:47
    +2

    If you're visiting Kyoto, definitely go to Arashiyama and visit the monkey park and bamboo forrest.

    For weekend travel in Osaka, I'd recommend (if they still have them) getting a weekend subway pass as it allows for unlimited travel on subways for a cheaper price (basically pays itself off). I'd also recommend you to get a PASMO/SUICA IC card (basically a card you tap on and off for at ticket gates) for when you're travelling on lines which aren't covered by the JR Pass. Speaking of which, if you're going to Tokyo, definitely check out Odaiba (famous for the big Gundam there). Unfortunately your rail pass isn't valid for the entire line, but take the Yurikamome automated train to Odaiba. Got some pretty cool views on the train!

    • rover on 13/10/2015 - 10:21
      +1

      and the best way to get to Arashiyama is the on the river boat ride down Houzugawa from Tanba Kameoke.

      At the end of the boat ride you can also hire row boats.

  • 2ndeffort on 12/10/2015 - 09:45
    +1

    Dont tip anybody, they take it as an insult, as if you are saying their service isn't any good. I had a bar maid chase me out of a bar in Tokyo and 100 m up the street to give me back the tip i had left on the bar after a couple of whiskys.

    • stealthpaw on 12/10/2015 - 12:05
      +1

      Well, they generally don't take it as an insult - it's exactly the same as it is here (there is a lot of misconception about 'insulting things' in Japan). It is not a part of their culture so it's not required or expected - if you do then they are troubled because they feel guilty about taking money from a customer for no reason.

    • CryssieJade on 13/10/2015 - 01:12

      Hehe, I work in a bar.

      I don't give tips, but I expect them :p

  • sal78 on 12/10/2015 - 09:48
    +1

    feb is cold. the temples are prettiest in spring and autumn. the pretty temples in feb would be in the snowing regions. if i was going in feb, i would incorporate skiing.. best time to ski.

    have lots of change for the vending machines, we backpacked which was so much easier as we got the 14 day pass. we did kyoto, arashimaya, hirishima, miyajima, takayama, hakone, tokyo and osaka. it was at peak koyo season! imho more prettier than cherry blossom.

    onsen the best thing ever!

    disney will be very cold, to the point that its not fun. have had mixed reviews. my son was miserable and too cold and this was early dec. my friends that went skiing in feb said they only spent 2 hrs in disneyland because the kids were too cold and wanted to leave.

    we are going in eary dec for 10days

    tokyo, fujikawajiko, matsumoto, snow monkey, nagano, somewhere for skiing, tokyo. we want to see shirakawa falls, music forest, dec lights show, wasabi farm and matsumoto castle and 2 days of skiing for kids. then we are in odaiba for 4 days. its mainly kids holiday.. lots of onsen overload. want to get the perfect mt fuji photo with the red pagoda and snow capped.

    can anyone advice on driving? we r thinking of hiring a car from fujikawajiko for 5 days to go around nagano and fuji prefecture. all the sightseeing places are difficult to get to by bus and a lot of time wasting. it also works out a lot cheaper and we can be much more flexible with our itinerary. it will def be an experience!!

    • CryssieJade on 13/10/2015 - 01:22

      Music forest? This sounds Heavenly…never heard of it until now.

      I've decided to go to Universal Studios in Osaka instead of Disney. I heard Disney isn't that different to Anaheim, so I guess I've been there, done that.

      • sal78 on 13/10/2015 - 09:56
        +1

        it's kind if off the beaten track. you can plan it for another trip. did u inc hakone in your trip? worthwhile for 1st time.

        I highly recommend disneysea its the best in the world. japan disney is unique because of the food. all the cute shapes and jap food. like martian green tea moshi bun etc but its crazy busy. some days u cant even buy tix because its full at capacity. a quiet day in japan disney is a busy day in anaheim. the week im going there will be abt 90000 ppl. im thinking twice..probably ski disneyland and do disneysea. we are theme parked out. my kids have been to all disneylands already.

        • CryssieJade on 13/10/2015 - 10:17

          I don't really support places where animals are kept in captivity. I don't visit zoos, seaworld etc

          Looking into Hakone!!

  • DiscoJango on 12/10/2015 - 09:56
    +3

    buy your bullet train ticket in advance

    dont catch taxi's, walk. i found almost 90% of the interesting places simply by stumbling upon them whilst randomly walking around

    cheaper hotels are much more charming than fancy hotels (i stayed at a very cheap sleep on the floor place, a mid range "office worker" type hotel, and $700 a night park hyatt tokyo, the cheapest one was by far the best)

    avoid the warmer seasons

    try not to buy everything, there is too much cool stuff

    • CryssieJade on 13/10/2015 - 01:22

      I WILL BUY ALL THE THINGS.

  • dogboy on 12/10/2015 - 10:37
    +1

    Robot Restaurant in Tokyo is a pretty full-on experience - totally recommend it.

    • CryssieJade on 13/10/2015 - 01:24

      I have Robophobia, so that's definitely out. Thank you though :)

    • lemontree on 13/10/2015 - 20:59
      +1

      Robot Restaurant was fun however it's in the red light district and I remember being harassed by guys asking if I was looking for sex. If anyone is thinking about experiencing it, I'd suggest visiting it in the daytime. It was quite obviously run by yakuza as well haha.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 12/10/2015 - 14:31
    +2

    Buy some Mr Sparkle

  • rogsamsy on 12/10/2015 - 15:10
    +2

    Mister Donut (Misdo) is a MUST. Best doughnuts in the world.

    • ItsMeAgro on 15/10/2015 - 11:49

      Oh-way-oh!
      [nani nani nani] DONUTS!
      Oh-way-oh!
      [nantoka kantoka] DONUTS!

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