The Japan Thread

[zman13 178]

14 hours ago, Tailgate said:

Headed out in a month. Ten nights. Flying in and out of Tokyo.

Current thoughts:

Tokyo 3 nights

Kyoto 3 nights

Osaka 2 nights

Tokyo 2 more nights

Too much Tokyo? I don’t mind staying longer in three or two cities instead of four…and I also don’t wan to try and “see everything” in my first visit.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

 

Not too much time in Tokyo.

Figure out what kind of experience you want in Tokyo. It's such as huge city with so much to see, you can do almost anything. 

Do you want museums and temples? Alley bars and street food? Catch your fish restaurants and parasite museum? 

Edited April 16 by zman13

[Tailgate 2972]

11 minutes ago, zman13 said:

Not too much time in Tokyo.

Figure out what kind of experience you want in Tokyo. It's such as huge city with so much to see, you can do almost anything. 

Do you want museums and temples? Alley bars and street food? Catch your fish restaurants and parasite museum? 

Want to head to a day or overnight trip to Mt. Fuji. Is it possible in a day or should we stay a night near there. I heard it’s a beautiful area.

will for sure be hitting street food…any thoughts on that and seafood if you’ve got them. Thank you!

[zman13 178]

On 4/16/2024 at 12:56 PM, Tailgate said:

Want to head to a day or overnight trip to Mt. Fuji. Is it possible in a day or should we stay a night near there. I heard it’s a beautiful area.

will for sure be hitting street food…any thoughts on that and seafood if you’ve got them. Thank you!

For street food, we had good luck going to places with a crowd.

Recommending seafood is tough because there are a million options. I'd recommend looking for places close to where you will be, instead of traveling long distances to the restaurant. 

Tokyo to Mt Fuji and back to Tokyo, assuming you are not climbing, is doable in one day. It'll be a long day but it's possible. 

You can also stop at Mt Fuji on the way to Kyoto/Osaka and then continue to Kyoto/Osaka. You won't have to backtrack with that plan.

If you want to spend the night in the Mt Fuji area, I highly recommend staying at a hot springs inn (onsen) in the Hakone area. The area is beautiful (as you were told), the hot springs and inns are cool and it's a great detour. Seeing Mt Fuji is nice but the Hakone area was much more fun and enjoyable for us.

[Hank_Hill 17542]

Well, just got back. Holy fuck what an amazing place. I don’t think I’ve ever been this depressed to be home from a trip, and I live on Maui now. Rio was close but not quite like this. 

Edited April 21 by Hank_Hill

[Butch Had Not 2924]

On 4/17/2024 at 12:01 PM, zman13 said:

For street food, we had good luck going to places with a crowd.

Recommending seafood is tough because there are a million options. I'd recommend looking for places close to where you will be, instead of traveling long distances to the restaurant. 

Tokyo to Mt Fuji and back to Tokyo, assuming you are not climbing, is doable in one day. It'll be a long day but it's possible. 

You can also stop at Mt Fuji on the way to Kyoto/Osaka and then continue to Kyoto/Osaka. You won't have to backtrack with that plan.

If you want to spend the night in the Mt Fuji area, I highly recommend staying at a hot springs inn (onsen) in the Hakone area. The area is beautiful (as you were told), the hot springs and inns are cool and it's a great detour. Seeing Mt Fuji is nice but the Hakone area was much more fun and enjoyable for us.

[Hank_Hill 17542]

Didnt make it 5 days back before having to make a purchase. It’s no Toto, but my lease is up soon. 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 18269]

Following.  Japan is on the list.

[Brisketexan 103007]

Following.  Japan is on the list.

You probably oughta start by regularly power-washing your hoo-ha to get ready for those Japanese bidets. Pro tip.

[Chopper 15778]

Experienced Japan travelers - Roast this itinerary? Annoys me that there's 1 full day in Osaka but 2 in Kanazawa. Every other stop is 1 day.

 

Edited May 14 by Chopper

[GoneFission 2]

1 hour ago, Chopper said:

Experienced Japan travelers - Roast this itinerary? Annoys me that there's 1 full day in Osaka but 2 in Kanazawa. Every other stop is 1 day.

 

Well I would have used different colors/indicators for different travel methods on the map. Are you traveling by bus? Ferry? Train? No way of knowing really. 

[Chopper 15778]

3 hours ago, GoneFission said:

Well I would have used different colors/indicators for different travel methods on the map. Are you traveling by bus? Ferry? Train? No way of knowing really. 

It's a ship. I thought the lines in the water provided the answer to your question but perhaps not. It also has predetermined stops over which I have no control.

[alphahydro 332]

this might sound weird, but for me there are only a few places in the world that transcend the-stuff-there-is-to-do-there.  

japan is one of those places for me. 

i've been a handful of times, stayed in rural areas with locals who were friends of friends, been to big cities, etc. 

my advice is: 

1) 2 days minimum in tokyo

2) 3 days minimum in kyoto. 

3) it's not super easy, imo, to get a lot out of the more remote places without someone who speaks japanese

4) most importantly, i would go to just vibe.  i overplan most of my trips, but i would love to just hang out in tokyo and kyoto and just wander and do whatever comes up.  imo, it's not a place i would go with a massive itinerary, like how you might visit paris or rome for the first time.   i would go any season, explore randomly, and do whatever comes up. 

 

i don't mean to reply to chopper.  just saw this thread pop up and wanted to lay down my $.02  

[Gil Bang 25467]

I dabble in guitar for the past 50 years or so (and still suck), and I hate that I didn't hit any guitar shops in Tokyo.

[Ghost of LL 15225]

On 5/14/2024 at 1:23 PM, Chopper said:

Experienced Japan travelers - Roast this itinerary? Annoys me that there's 1 full day in Osaka but 2 in Kanazawa. Every other stop is 1 day.

 

October 1 on the Silver Nova?

Oooooh--fancy.

20 hours ago, alphahydro said:

this might sound weird, but for me there are only a few places in the world that transcend the-stuff-there-is-to-do-there.  

japan is one of those places for me. 

i've been a handful of times, stayed in rural areas with locals who were friends of friends, been to big cities, etc. 

my advice is: 

1) 2 days minimum in tokyo

2) 3 days minimum in kyoto. 

3) it's not super easy, imo, to get a lot out of the more remote places without someone who speaks japanese

4) most importantly, i would go to just vibe.  i overplan most of my trips, but i would love to just hang out in tokyo and kyoto and just wander and do whatever comes up.  imo, it's not a place i would go with a massive itinerary, like how you might visit paris or rome for the first time.   i would go any season, explore randomly, and do whatever comes up. 

 

i don't mean to reply to chopper.  just saw this thread pop up and wanted to lay down my $.02  

This . . . is really sound advice.  I hadn't really thought through the difference between Japan and, say, Rome or Paris.  But your thoughts mirror my own.

[Sweetnsourpoke 151]

On 3/26/2024 at 2:54 PM, Ghost of LL said:

 

Near Shinjuku, go over to Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley).  It's a two-block area of tiny bars along a very narrow alley.  I can't really explain it beyond that.

 

Good recommendation. Cool spots for yakitori with the salary crowd. 

Last time I was in Tokyo (2019), I took a stroll around Shinjuku and was blown away by the number of tourists. Heck, even Golden Gai.....gaijin everywhere. Tourism has really picked up. Twenty years ago, you'd rarely if ever see a tourist in one of those bars. 

[PRONG HORN 3085]

 

[Tailgate 2972]

Headed out tomorrow for 10 nights. Will report back.

Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka.

[midtown 3334]

Well there is a "The Japan" thread but this one looks more recent.  

My son is graduating HS and he is turning 18 this summer.  The only place I could get him excited about was Japan because he is really into cars and motorcyles.  well we both are.   July 7-16.  We fly into Osaka and out of HND a week later.  In fact we will be in Japan on his 18th.  He also loves to eat and I have an affinity for Japanese knives.   I own 4 including a Masamoto and Yu Kurosaki. 

Ill read through but anyone have any suggestions for dad and son.  I havent been to Japan in probably 8 years. 

Thinking

2 nights Osaka

3 nights Kyoto

3 nights Tokyo

 

Edited May 24 by midtown

[Tailgate 2972]

5 hours ago, midtown said:

Well there is a "The Japan" thread but this one looks more recent.  

My son is graduating HS and he is turning 18 this summer.  The only place I could get him excited about was Japan because he is really into cars and motorcyles.  well we both are.   July 7-16.  We fly into Osaka and out of HND a week later.  In fact we will be in Japan on his 18th.  He also loves to eat and I have an affinity for Japanese knives.   I own 4 including a Masamoto and Yu Kurosaki. 

Ill read through but anyone have any suggestions for dad and son.  I havent been to Japan in probably 8 years. 

Thinking

2 nights Osaka

3 nights Kyoto

3 nights Tokyo

 

Check out the sub Reddit /japantravel. I posted my itinerary and got some good feedback. Sounds like a good plan from the current looks of it…you will get good feedback on things to do with an 18-year old in those cities.

[alphahydro 332]

7 hours ago, midtown said:

Well there is a "The Japan" thread but this one looks more recent.  

My son is graduating HS and he is turning 18 this summer.  The only place I could get him excited about was Japan because he is really into cars and motorcyles.  well we both are.   July 7-16.  We fly into Osaka and out of HND a week later.  In fact we will be in Japan on his 18th.  He also loves to eat and I have an affinity for Japanese knives.   I own 4 including a Masamoto and Yu Kurosaki. 

Ill read through but anyone have any suggestions for dad and son.  I havent been to Japan in probably 8 years. 

Thinking

2 nights Osaka

3 nights Kyoto

3 nights Tokyo

 

idk anything about cars/motorcycles in Japan, but I'm sure there's some great stuff. 

on the food side, i'm sure you can get lots of good recs.  here are some more generic thoughts-just stuff that stands out in my memory. 

1. each town (every town(?), most towns(?), idk, tbh) has a special food or snack they are famous for.  i would definitely give it a shot in every town you visit.  i wanna say it was hamamatsu - has a lake that is supposed to be perfect for freshwater eel.  had some fresh, simply grilled unagi there that was insane.  haven't had unagi since that even comes close.   it's really cool (imo) to sample the snack each town is famous for, and different places are, for example, known for different types of udon (or ramen or whatever).  i would definitely sample the specialty in each town/prefecture/hood.
2. your favorite fish fresh from the fish market
3. spicy ramen shop in tokyo
4. tbh i've had mixed luck with kobe beef in japan.  i've had great stuff at random places and been let down at places supposedly known for it.
5. if you see a dessert that looks tasty, just buy it, imo.  one of the best desserts of my life was some random cream puff sold by a vendor outside of a zoo in tokyo.
6. i think these places are a trip.  sensory overload, which is part of the experience. lots of options. easy way to sample wagashi. https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/shopping/best-depachika-food-halls-in-tokyo prolly sounds dumb but this is like the tokyo version of a parisian cafe for me.  heh.
7. one the one hand, part of what makes eating in japan cool is the novelty.  like a major fast food burger joint has burgers where the bun is like sticky rice (https://www.mos.jp/menu/pdf/global_regular_menu.pdf) and there are all kinds of snacks and treats that seem exotic.  and those a great to sample.  so, imo, if you have a choice between the equivalent of the regular burger and the rice burger, get the rice burger, imo.  that's part of what makes it cool to visit japan.  the other thing that makes japanese food great is - if you go to a restaurant that the locals consider a nice place and order like a traditional fish soup - man, the flavors can be amazing.  so clean, pure, well balanced.  the craft that goes into traditional japanese broths is amazing. 

have fun!  

my daughter is 18 and her and her friend are going this summer also.  i'm very jealous. 

for dad and son, idk off hand, but i would prolly try to check out a baseball game and a sumo match. 

 

Edited May 25 by alphahydro
fixed link

[alphahydro 332]

a father-son activity that occurred tome in kyoto. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nijō_Castle

this is a castle in kyoto with floors called nightingale floors.  basically the floors creek/chirp when you walk on them.  teh guide explained that it was basically an alarm system for ninjas who would sneak attack at night ---the floors would alert the samurai bodyguards who would then pop out of hidden chambers in the walls and defend the inhabitants against ninjas. 

i remember how, upon hearing this, i imagined ninjas fighting samurai and was instantly transported to childhood. 

also, if you guys watch the show shogun before you go, no spoilers, but the castle is definitely related to a main character in teh show.  

[Gil Bang 25467]

I went to the Toyota museum outside of Tokyo.   Meh. 

[midtown 3334]

3 minutes ago, Gil Bang said:

I went to the Toyota museum outside of Tokyo.   Meh.

My son toured the Tundra plant in San Antonio when he was in 5th grade.  They have a mini museum.  We're covered there 😁

Bummer.  My son and I wanted to do the mario cart go carts in Tokyo but you have to have an international drivevrs license and turns 18 half way through the trip.

[Gil Bang 25467]

21 minutes ago, midtown said:

My son toured the Tundra plant in San Antonio when he was in 5th grade.  They have a mini museum.  We're covered there 😁

Bummer.  My son and I wanted to do the mario cart go carts in Tokyo but you have to have an international drivevrs license and turns 18 half way through the trip.

The international driver's license has an "effective date", which must be within 6 months of the "application date".  I'd call AAA, and ask them if they can issue one and make the effective date his 18th birthday. 

[midtown 3334]

3 hours ago, Gil Bang said:

The international driver's license has an "effective date", which must be within 6 months of the "application date".  I'd call AAA, and ask them if they can issue one and make the effective date his 18th birthday. 

Ill call and ask but everything is pretty specific that you can only apply if you are 18

 

Edited May 26 by midtown

[Sam Lin 3531]

The car museum to go to is the Nissan Heritage, especially if you have any love for the brand or for the Skyline GTR:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CRn86HEYznYHJSTo9

[Chopper 15778]

Has anyone stayed at the Tokyo Conrad, or nearby? If so I'd appreciate some restaurant recommendations.

[Superhero 8566]

We went in March. It's a TERRIBLE time to visit since everyone wants to see the cherry blossoms and there are a million tourists everywhere.

We did Tokyo for 2 days, Kyoto for 2 days, Osaka for a day, and back to Tokyo. We planned too much and it was tiring. Take the bullet train if you're going between cities, so much better than taking a flight.

 

In Tokyo, we visited the Tsujiki market which was over-crowded for a Monday nut worth the experience, teamLab Planets which was pretty cool but not a must see, the Gundam statue which apparently is gone now. Shinjuku IMO is a must, but prepare for crowds and sensory overload.

In Kyoto, we rented kimonos and took photos at most of the famous temples and the bamboo forest. We stayed at a traditional ryokan - Kyoto Inn Hokkaikan Ohanabo the close to the train station, and the experience was awesome. The owner was so friendly and full of energy. If I ever go back to Kyoto, I would definitely stay there again.

Our 24 hours in Osaka was also really rushed. We went to Dontonburi at night which had a lot of restaurants and shops, also went to Osaka castle to meet with my wife's coworker who she's never seen in person, just on Teams calls. We didn't get to see the inside of Osaka Castle, but the outside was pretty amazing

 

Overall I loved Japan, and had a fantastic but tiring trip. After you go there, you will be browsing the Bidet Meta Thread and never go back to wiping your ass with toilet paper.

[creeper 98]

2 hours ago, Chopper said:

Has anyone stayed at the Tokyo Conrad, or nearby? If so I'd appreciate some restaurant recommendations.

Stayed at the Conrad for a couple of nights a few years ago, at the end of a Tokyo / Kyoto / Tokyo trip.  Had dinner at Sushi Arai and Seizan.  Both were amazing, though I've heard Arai has become a difficult table.  That said, if you can get in it's a pretty short walk from the Conrad.

[Gil Bang 25467]

2 hours ago, Superhero said:

We went in March. It's a TERRIBLE time to visit since everyone wants to see the cherry blossoms and there are a million tourists everywhere.

We did Tokyo for 2 days, Kyoto for 2 days, Osaka for a day, and back to Tokyo. We planned too much and it was tiring. Take the bullet train if you're going between cities, so much better than taking a flight.

 

In Tokyo, we visited the Tsujiki market which was over-crowded for a Monday nut worth the experience, teamLab Planets which was pretty cool but not a must see, the Gundam statue which apparently is gone now. Shinjuku IMO is a must, but prepare for crowds and sensory overload.

In Kyoto, we rented kimonos and took photos at most of the famous temples and the bamboo forest. We stayed at a traditional ryokan - Kyoto Inn Hokkaikan Ohanabo the close to the train station, and the experience was awesome. The owner was so friendly and full of energy. If I ever go back to Kyoto, I would definitely stay there again.

Our 24 hours in Osaka was also really rushed. We went to Dontonburi at night which had a lot of restaurants and shops, also went to Osaka castle to meet with my wife's coworker who she's never seen in person, just on Teams calls. We didn't get to see the inside of Osaka Castle, but the outside was pretty amazing

 

Overall I loved Japan, and had a fantastic but tiring trip. After you go there, you will be browsing the Bidet Meta Thread and never go back to wiping your ass with toilet paper.

We flew out of NRT, and more than one passenger had a Toto bidet seat as a carry on.  They sold them right in the terminal.

[Mo Horn 8673]

Just booked tickets to fly to Tokyo for 3 days before we fly to Taipe to board a cruise next April. Cruise has several stops in Japan and China. Will keep an eye on this thread for ideas. 

[HornPhD 1309]

Flying to Japan on Saturday. 4 nights in Tokyo and 3 nights in Kyoto. Thanks for the recommendations provided. 

[Tailgate 2972]

Incredible country. We had an awesome time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

There is no bad or average food anywhere…at least we didn’t find any. Sushi mania…melts like butter everywhere we went.

Tips after going:

1. Schedule a Geisha show in Kyoto if you go there. Truly a cultural experience you won’t forget. There is an interpreter there for Q&A after the show.

2. Schedule a formal tea ceremony in Kyoto also. Do the one wearing a kimono they provide.

3. Grab a goshui-cho (accordion style book) at the first temple or shrine you visit and can get one. Collecting goshuin at each temple and shrine we visited was a lot of fun and very cool. You can only receive the hand drawn goshuin with these books. Great souvenir and something you’ll bring back on your next visit to keep collecting.

4. In Tokyo, Shibuya Sky is very cool on the rooftop. Try and reserve a few weeks out.

5. Do a street food tour in Osaka. A lot of fun and a lot of great drinks along the way as well.

6. Edited to ad stay at least one night in a ryokan. It’s been mentioned in this thread. A Japanese “hotel/house” where you are immersed in the culture. Breakfast and dinner are included and fantastic.

Will hit more rural areas on our next trip but can’t say enough great things about the people, the culture and all the incredible food we had. Happy to have been able to go and experience it with my youngest.

Edited June 16 by Tailgate

[Tailgate 2972]

On 5/26/2024 at 12:56 PM, alphahydro said:

a father-son activity that occurred tome in kyoto. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nijō_Castle

this is a castle in kyoto with floors called nightingale floors.  basically the floors creek/chirp when you walk on them.  teh guide explained that it was basically an alarm system for ninjas who would sneak attack at night ---the floors would alert the samurai bodyguards who would then pop out of hidden chambers in the walls and defend the inhabitants against ninjas. 

i remember how, upon hearing this, i imagined ninjas fighting samurai and was instantly transported to childhood. 

also, if you guys watch the show shogun before you go, no spoilers, but the castle is definitely related to a main character in teh show.  

Yeah….was unreal…felt, heard and experienced it in a few temples and saw the engineering diagram behind one. Smart people. No one getting in unless they are climbing on walls or ceilings.

[Chopper 15778]

3 hours ago, Tailgate said:

Incredible country. We had an awesome time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

There is no bad or average food anywhere…at least we didn’t find any. Sushi mania…melts like butter everywhere we went.

Tips after going:

1. Schedule a Geisha show in Kyoto if you go there. Truly a cultural experience you won’t forget. There is an interpreter there for Q&A after the show.

2. Schedule a formal tea ceremony in Kyoto also. Do the one wearing a kimono they provide.

3. Grab a goshui-cho (accordion style book) at the first temple or shrine you visit and can get one. Collecting goshuin at each temple and shrine we visited was a lot of fun and very cool. You can only receive the hand drawn goshuin with these books. Great souvenir and something you’ll bring back on your next visit to keep collecting.

4. In Tokyo, Shibuya Sky is very cool on the rooftop. Try and reserve a few weeks out.

5. Do a street food tour in Osaka. A lot of fun and a lot of great drinks along the way as well.

6. Edited to ad stay at least one night in a ryokan. It’s been mentioned in this thread. A Japanese “hotel/house” where you are immersed in the culture. Breakfast and dinner are included and fantastic.

Will hit more rural areas on our next trip but can’t say enough great things about the people, the culture and all the incredible food we had. Happy to have been able to go and experience it with my youngest.

Which food tour did you do in Osaka?

[Tailgate 2972]

6 hours ago, Chopper said:

Which food tour did you do in Osaka?

We did this one: https://www.getyourguide.com/osaka-l1204/osaka-shinsekai-food-tour-t315237/

The guide is awesome and knows all the locals. His heavy Australian accent threw me off at first but he’s been living in Osaka for a long time and knew the best places and dives.

[Superhero 8566]

On 6/12/2024 at 9:59 PM, HornPhD said:

Flying to Japan on Saturday. 4 nights in Tokyo and 3 nights in Kyoto. Thanks for the recommendations provided. 

Did you book the ryokan I suggested above?

They offered breakfast and dinner as extras. The food isn’t for everyone, but the prep and presentation was AMAZING!

 

Edited June 17 by Superhero

[Superhero 8566]

One other thing about Japan are the onsens. It’s their version of a public bath. You sit on a stool and scrub yourself clean, then dip into a hot pool. Do it before you go to bed and you’ll sleep like a baby.

My son loved the experience, especially when we sneaked up and dumped cold water on each other.

[midtown 3334]

On 6/16/2024 at 8:49 PM, Tailgate said:

We did this one: https://www.getyourguide.com/osaka-l1204/osaka-shinsekai-food-tour-t315237/

The guide is awesome and knows all the locals. His heavy Australian accent threw me off at first but he’s been living in Osaka for a long time and knew the best places and dives.

I booked this.  Anyone want to throw out a good first night dinner in Osaka?  We are staying near the Osaka Castle

 

[Superhero 8566]

Yelp’s tentacles have reached Japan. You can look up restaurants - a lot of reviews in English.

You can also take an Uber. It’s a taxi, with the differences being 1) it gives the address to  driver beforehand; 2) there’s a small markup. It’s worth the markup IMO so you don’t have to spend 5 minutes for the driver to input your address into your GPS.

The taxis are mostly purpose built Toyotas. Black and large inside for backseat comfort.

When you get into a taxi, count how many screens the driver has in front of him/her. 

[Superhero 8566]

In case it’s hasn’t been mentioned before. There WILL be a language barrier.

Download Google Translate and be prepared to use it.

If you are jumping into a taxi without booking it on Uber, better have the address (IN JAPANESE) because the driver most likely doesn’t understand English. 

[Sam Lin 3531]

For foreign locations, Google Maps has a little speaker icon next to place name that you can tap to play the pronunciation for taxi drivers.

[midtown 3334]

8 hours ago, Superhero said:

You can also take an Uber.

Ironically I had a credit in Yen for like 6 years on uber because I couldnt find my Uber in the Roppongi chaos

I remember the language barrier but didn't seem to have a huge problem with it

[Ghost of LL 15225]

On 6/10/2024 at 1:06 PM, Chopper said:

Has anyone stayed at the Tokyo Conrad, or nearby? If so I'd appreciate some restaurant recommendations.

We stayed there last March on the trip that gave rise to this thread.  Unfortunately, I don't have any specific recommendations for restaurants; just recommendations on areas.  Just on the other side of the Shimbashi train station (which is about a three block walk from the hotel) is the Shinbashi neighborhood.  It's full of little bars, restaurants, and izakayas that are worth checking out.  Particularly on a Thursday, when all the salarymen are starting to get their weekend drink on, the place becomes amazing.

Otherwise, for breakfast or lunch you definitely have to do the Tsujiki Outer Market, which is just one metro stop away (or a slightly longish walk).

Mrs.LL and I did eat at China Blue in the hotel.  It was exceptionally good and disappointing all at once.  I know that doesn't make any sense.  But that was the feel that both Mrs.LL and I came away with.

[HeHateMe 859]

10 hours ago, Ghost of LL said:

Mrs.LL and I did eat at China Blue in the hotel.  It was exceptionally good and disappointing all at once.  I know that doesn't make any sense.  But that was the feel that both Mrs.LL and I came away with.

I’m pretty sure my girlfriend knows exactly what you are talking about.

[HornPhD 1309]

On 6/18/2024 at 12:52 AM, Superhero said:

Did you book the ryokan I suggested above?

They offered breakfast and dinner as extras. The food isn’t for everyone, but the prep and presentation was AMAZING!

We did not as my wife’s sister booked our airbnbs awhile back. 

[HornPhD 1309]

We are back in Tokyo for one night before flying back home tomorrow. We are staying on the edge of the Tsukiji Outer Market. Arrived at the hotel around 1 and dropped off our luggage. My wife, kids, wife’s mom, my SIL, and my SIL’s kids all went to eat ramen. I had other plans.

After eating some tasty sushi at a sit-down restaurant, I found my favorite food stand. 

“Grilled tuna” on a stick and a draft beer for $1,000 yen ($6). I’ll be going back for lunch tomorrow. 

 

 

 

[Chopper 15778]

On 3/30/2023 at 11:29 PM, TheBryMan81 said:

If you go back, definitely need to do one day in Hiroshima and one day in Miyajima.

If you had one day to spend in Hiroshima, what would you do?

[TheBryMan81 2470]

14 hours ago, Chopper said:

If you had one day to spend in Hiroshima, what would you do?

Gosh this makes me miss Japan. 

For dinner, Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki is my favorite food of all time.

 

 

 

If it's baseball season, definitely catch a Carps game. The energy around Japanese baseball is DIFFERENT. Tickets can be hard to find, but if you plan far enough in advance, can maybe buy some online. This might be tough because when I did this, they mailed the tickets, so might need a Japanese address to mail these to. The baseball stadium is walkable from Hiroshima station.

If you want the history, Hiroshima peace memorial Park, the atomic bomb dome, and the museum. Very well done and somber museum about the atomic bomb from the Japanese point of view. Think Holocaust museum. Can easily take up a full morning or afternoon. When I took my wife to Hiroshima for the first time, this was a must. One stop down from Hiroshima station, but maybe a 30-45 minute walk instead if it's a nice day

For shopping/souvenirs, Hondori area is a must. Massive shopping area with multiple malls and souvenir shops. The PARCO mall there has a Shonen Jump Store and a Pokemon store for the kids or anime nerds in your life. This area is right next to the Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle. Took my wife shopping here after the museum.

Mazda museum is in Hiroshima as well. Never had a chance to go, but I've heard really great things.

Definitely had my fair number of days going to the castle/memorial Park, followed by Hondori, then night baseball game, just in time to catch the train back to Iwakuni.

Spoilered for length, but here's a list of restaurants in the area a friend and I put together (includes Sake breweries in Saijo and things to do on Miyajima Island)

Spoiler

Miyajima- 
Mt Misen Hike – allot >3h, go up by Daishoin Temple and down by the Deer Park, incredible views https://goo.gl/maps/3jWtj3q1hyF3DVqR7
Daishoin Temple https://goo.gl/maps/uEnbRS12kuf4qsaZ7

Floating Torri Gate https://goo.gl/maps/QuVTnWubjuGWfWtm8
Aquarium https://goo.gl/maps/1F7hdX5pTYikuSiM8
Miyajima Brewery https://goo.gl/maps/wAgnNsXJBcUdquty8
Gators Cajun https://g.page/miyajimagators?share

Hiroshima:
Castle https://goo.gl/maps/j2SAgMKxsQ89TQaw5
Atomic Dome https://goo.gl/maps/XUHj3aJNAs3r3m4G6
Peace Museum https://goo.gl/maps/iPqt3dEKGgpyLZTL9
Shrines worth visiting
https://goo.gl/maps/Di7E9ecvfHfosu3S7
https://goo.gl/maps/QkbBz5uLP2dzJCvn6
https://goo.gl/maps/Zd1LZMSigE4DHRRz9
https://goo.gl/maps/ESk8GNcEXfvag6Pa8
https://goo.gl/maps/mqfBYptkcYESfMA99
https://goo.gl/maps/dE3FTAFEon22iVsX8

Okonomiyaki https://goo.gl/maps/p74p9Y9zHYvdKuxb9
Graffity tacos and margs https://goo.gl/maps/kSunNu7c3qEx9Ug47
Happy Hour Drinks https://goo.gl/maps/vnuoTJUnv2Z9dUaC8
KeMBY’s Brew Pub https://g.page/kembyshiroshima?share
PizzaRiva https://goo.gl/maps/rJ22LyM7swbskwiV9
Soba https://goo.gl/maps/xhJi79VNDV7Yqmo57
Mac Bar https://goo.gl/maps/Bp7w3RqkLUxgncFJ8
Bar Revolucion https://goo.gl/maps/6B4Yf1TkCLkN9x7E6
Borrachos (good tacos, terrible margs) https://goo.gl/maps/6DEyxdCcUqLsDDHo9
Spicy Ramen https://goo.gl/maps/GWarocftB3fWSZvB8
Café Ponte https://goo.gl/maps/pqtEnefGiwtRME6E9
Rooftop Bar https://g.page/orizurutower?share
Bar Eight https://goo.gl/maps/5Ed1Z4fuhfr33TJj8

Saijo- small mountain town 1.5h north of Hiroshima on the local train line, most prolific sake brewing town in Japan. All have free sake tasting rooms and you can see how sake is made. 7 breweries within walking distance of the train station
Breweries:
https://goo.gl/maps/thDhQp8kgSP68rRE9
https://goo.gl/maps/zeNyy9GvedMRydyz8 (famous because Obama went here)
https://goo.gl/maps/AMtSbujieHFG4jm16
https://goo.gl/maps/71LZS2HAPX4igU4x9
https://goo.gl/maps/SopwvjRjYPvAbhLL7
https://goo.gl/maps/h63W8qXgeaowihNX8
https://goo.gl/maps/AU7BifqHyTvYoCrz6

decent ramen place https://goo.gl/maps/Qvs5EKPqnk81bWHg8

 

 

[Chopper 15778]

4 hours ago, TheBryMan81 said:

Gosh this makes me miss Japan. 

For dinner, Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki is my favorite food of all time.

 

 

 

If it's baseball season, definitely catch a Carps game. The energy around Japanese baseball is DIFFERENT. Tickets can be hard to find, but if you plan far enough in advance, can maybe buy some online. This might be tough because when I did this, they mailed the tickets, so might need a Japanese address to mail these to. The baseball stadium is walkable from Hiroshima station.

If you want the history, Hiroshima peace memorial Park, the atomic bomb dome, and the museum. Very well done and somber museum about the atomic bomb from the Japanese point of view. Think Holocaust museum. Can easily take up a full morning or afternoon. When I took my wife to Hiroshima for the first time, this was a must. One stop down from Hiroshima station, but maybe a 30-45 minute walk instead if it's a nice day

For shopping/souvenirs, Hondori area is a must. Massive shopping area with multiple malls and souvenir shops. The PARCO mall there has a Shonen Jump Store and a Pokemon store for the kids or anime nerds in your life. This area is right next to the Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle. Took my wife shopping here after the museum.

Mazda museum is in Hiroshima as well. Never had a chance to go, but I've heard really great things.

Definitely had my fair number of days going to the castle/memorial Park, followed by Hondori, then night baseball game, just in time to catch the train back to Iwakuni.

Spoilered for length, but here's a list of restaurants in the area a friend and I put together (includes Sake breweries in Saijo and things to do on Miyajima Island)

  Hide contents

Miyajima- 
Mt Misen Hike – allot >3h, go up by Daishoin Temple and down by the Deer Park, incredible views https://goo.gl/maps/3jWtj3q1hyF3DVqR7
Daishoin Temple https://goo.gl/maps/uEnbRS12kuf4qsaZ7

Floating Torri Gate https://goo.gl/maps/QuVTnWubjuGWfWtm8
Aquarium https://goo.gl/maps/1F7hdX5pTYikuSiM8
Miyajima Brewery https://goo.gl/maps/wAgnNsXJBcUdquty8
Gators Cajun https://g.page/miyajimagators?share

Hiroshima:
Castle https://goo.gl/maps/j2SAgMKxsQ89TQaw5
Atomic Dome https://goo.gl/maps/XUHj3aJNAs3r3m4G6
Peace Museum https://goo.gl/maps/iPqt3dEKGgpyLZTL9
Shrines worth visiting
https://goo.gl/maps/Di7E9ecvfHfosu3S7
https://goo.gl/maps/QkbBz5uLP2dzJCvn6
https://goo.gl/maps/Zd1LZMSigE4DHRRz9
https://goo.gl/maps/ESk8GNcEXfvag6Pa8
https://goo.gl/maps/mqfBYptkcYESfMA99
https://goo.gl/maps/dE3FTAFEon22iVsX8

Okonomiyaki https://goo.gl/maps/p74p9Y9zHYvdKuxb9
Graffity tacos and margs https://goo.gl/maps/kSunNu7c3qEx9Ug47
Happy Hour Drinks https://goo.gl/maps/vnuoTJUnv2Z9dUaC8
KeMBY’s Brew Pub https://g.page/kembyshiroshima?share
PizzaRiva https://goo.gl/maps/rJ22LyM7swbskwiV9
Soba https://goo.gl/maps/xhJi79VNDV7Yqmo57
Mac Bar https://goo.gl/maps/Bp7w3RqkLUxgncFJ8
Bar Revolucion https://goo.gl/maps/6B4Yf1TkCLkN9x7E6
Borrachos (good tacos, terrible margs) https://goo.gl/maps/6DEyxdCcUqLsDDHo9
Spicy Ramen https://goo.gl/maps/GWarocftB3fWSZvB8
Café Ponte https://goo.gl/maps/pqtEnefGiwtRME6E9
Rooftop Bar https://g.page/orizurutower?share
Bar Eight https://goo.gl/maps/5Ed1Z4fuhfr33TJj8

Saijo- small mountain town 1.5h north of Hiroshima on the local train line, most prolific sake brewing town in Japan. All have free sake tasting rooms and you can see how sake is made. 7 breweries within walking distance of the train station
Breweries:
https://goo.gl/maps/thDhQp8kgSP68rRE9
https://goo.gl/maps/zeNyy9GvedMRydyz8 (famous because Obama went here)
https://goo.gl/maps/AMtSbujieHFG4jm16
https://goo.gl/maps/71LZS2HAPX4igU4x9
https://goo.gl/maps/SopwvjRjYPvAbhLL7
https://goo.gl/maps/h63W8qXgeaowihNX8
https://goo.gl/maps/AU7BifqHyTvYoCrz6

decent ramen place https://goo.gl/maps/Qvs5EKPqnk81bWHg8

 

 

Thanks so much! Very helpful.