May go to Japan in the next couple of weeks, anyone know it well?
 

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?

:)

There was a really good thread about this a month or two ago, you may want to run a search and see if you can find it. Had all sorts of interesting information about traveling to Japan.

cool thanks!!

I have a few friends who lived there for over a year.

go to Tokyo, go down to the street and explore.

there is so much shit to do and explore i think making a plan would kind of defeat the fun of it.

they also have amazing transit system, i think they also run 24/7 (double check this). the trains are supposed to work like clockwork. like every 5 minutes. hop on a train, get off on a stop and go explore.

the chicks supposedly LOVE white guys there also.

i think when you hit a metropolis like that there is no need to make plans. because there is basically unlimited things to do or see.

I could write a few pages on this topic but I'll keep it to some short tips:

1) TRY and speak the language, as long as you put forth the effort it will be recognized and everyone will be friendly.

2) Go to a karaoke bar... I know that sounds kinda crazy but you will be the fucking STAR. You can sing better than a Japanese accent singing American pop songs... they will LOVE you and most likely everyone will be buying you drinks trying to get you to go back up there and sing more songs. Seriously, it's a blast...

3) If you're in Tokyo if a club called Gas Panic is still around, GO! Specifically if you're single. It's where all the out of country models and Japanese chicks go when they're looking to meet American guys... well worth your time.

4) Also in Tokyo you MUST visit the Harajuku district... it's where all the cosplay crowd and gothic lolita scene is, very cool, bring your camera.

5) Obviously if you're a sushi fan... now's the time to indulge! Fork over the cash and try some fugu too... probably the safest place to try some :)

6) Hit up a public bath house... it's a really cool experience!

7) Stay at a Love Hotel, they fucking rock and you can even get rooms that are themed :)

8) I would recommend visiting Kyoto Japan for all the of the temples and zen gardens in the area... a bit away from the city but worth every minute!

9) Here's some things to try that you can't find over here:
Daifukumochi ... or really any kind of Mochi they have ice cream mochi even.
Taiyaki ... the look like pancake fish and are filled with sweet bean... fucking awesome
Kobe Beef ... sure you can find it in the states as well but get the real deal while you're there, I'm a sucker for a good filet :D
Imma bail on this list here... so much to write about, hahah

10) If you like video games at all... stop into one of the million arcades if for no other reason than to people watch and experience some culture shock :D

11) Pachinko! Fuck yeah, so much fun... learn how to play before you go and know that the machines are rigged to pay out more money Friday and Saturday during the day... It drives up word of mouth advertising and brings more people in for the big nights... When/If you when and you cash out they'll give you some kind of token... Because of gambling laws you'll have to take your tokens to another building (usually right around the corner from the pachinko place) and redeem the tokens for cash. TONS OF FUN!

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 :(

What he said exactly. Pachinko is fucking hella fun.
Honestly, getting out into the countryside is worth it too.
If you have a license - drive. Hire cars are cheap, and you'll see so, so much.
Rail passes are expensive, and the train rides are fairly boring.

Hit up Akihabara when you're in Tokyo - great electronics / manga district.
Onsen (hot baths) - a must do.

Hm, Japan photos...

http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-1.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-9.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-12.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-15a.jpg
Mt Fuji in the background, find my friend... :)

http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-2.jpg

http://ninjito.com/images/2006-07-16/qx-girls-3.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-07-16/qx-girls-1.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-07-11/qx-temple-1.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-07-07/qx-tokyo-1.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-07-07/qx-tokyo-2.jpg

http://ninjito.com/images/2006-07-04/qx-gcans-2.jpg
Gcans, the tokyo flood protection system.. if you can get a chance to go here, go - it's fucking great.
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-8.jpg


have some others of schoolgirl uniform & used panty shops somewhere...

Woo, just found some lost photos that I've been looking for..

http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-16.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-17.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-18.jpg
http://ninjito.com/images/2006-09-23/qx-pano-19.jpg

If the buildings from the first photo look familiar, it's cos they're from the film 'Battle Royale' :)
Second is from the 'Sea of Trees' - if you've got a car and some serious balls, go check the place out. It is THE suicide spot of japan - and fucking creepy.
..then another photo of gcans.

amazing pictures, quantum-x :thumbsup

Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world. Bring tons of cash.

of course, go to kabuki-cho.

Funny that, you know. I ate very well when I was there, stayed nicely, hired cars etc, and I found it cheap as...

I went *crazy* on the Sushi. You won't find better than here. I spent $100 or more per person at a place that comes highly recommended.

Also, pork ramen. I went to Jungara in Tokyo.

Love the pictures as always QX. Just booked :) Going this August, can't wait!!!

Great info! Makes me want to go visit now :1orglaugh

Ha ha, that's what I was thinking after reading that, sounds like a great experience.

Great photos :thumbsup

I'd suggest getting a Japan Rail pass when you get there. After Tokyo, then Kyoto is worth seeing, particularly Nijo Castle and the Zen Garden. I also really liked Hiroshima, which is about five hours by bullet train from Tokyo. Mt. Fuji is very pretty if you feel like a day trip away from any big cities.

bump for the buzz!!

Japan rocks

how much per hour ? ?? ?:1orglaugh:1orglaugh

bring 3 times the money you think you will need.

fucking impressive photos!

nice pictures indeed, also very interesting may do some reading on the net later about japan, why not been side tracked most of the day...

been adding links with descriptions all day on my one site and trying to get them done LOL

Is anyone else going to be there at the same time? Would be cool to meet up

Love Japan

Few things I know about Japan:
- Country has highest life expectancy in the world
- Tokyo is the most populated city in the world
- Samurai and Sumo

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... :thumbsup

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

I love Japan and wish I can live there, but due to not speaking the language I would not be able to get work. Its busy like NYC with a ton of 7/11 stores. Most people do not speak English, but you can get by in Japan without having to speak Japanese. It is pretty safe compared to most countries. Just learn the currency and some basic words/sentences. The train ticket system can be tricky though.

I was just over there in October visiting my in-laws, they only speak Japanese.

It's still around in Shibuya, and god I HATE that place lol. You can pick up regular girls who are hotter than the bitches at gas panic in many other spots if you speak a little bit of Japanese :) :2 cents:

Just to say thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. I have actually printed it out and I am taking it with me.
Last bump for any more contributions.

awesome. I was looking for some info too :)

I hope you cut and pasted the pertinent stuff (minus nicks, etc).

Customs can get squirrely at times...

ADG