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I'm a 22 year old inexperienced traveler. Aside from a few states on the east coast I've been to Canada and the Netherlands. I'm planning a trip to Japan next year ( to provide ample time to save up the money >_<) to backpack a bit and I wanted to know if anyone who has visited Japan or lived there had any advice on where to go, or what to see? General tips on transportation, finding your way around, or just good sources for general information about cities. I'm interested in seeing the busy downtown areas of Tokyo, and some more residential areas as well. Any sort of scenic country side, or historical spots, museums etc. I want to take in as much as possible. Also since I have never flown over the Pacific Ocean I was wondering how the plane ride is. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answer
I both lived in Japan and visited many times. It's a great country for an inexperienced traveler in that it's safe and friendly (ignore the person who said don't mention you're American, Japanese people like Americans just fine).
The flight from the US is really long, but it can't be helped. My best advice is to pick an airline that has individual seat-back TVs so you can pick your own movies to watch. If you can afford it, you may also want to invest in a set of Bose noise-reduction headphones. They are fantastic.
Definitely read up on Japan and pick what sounds good to you. Common places that tourists visit in Tokyo are:
- Shibuya Crossing -- often featured in movies, this is typical modern Japan with millions of people and school kids hanging out. Lots of fun department stores as well -- try Tokyu Hands for home goods, my favorite.
- Tsukiji Fish Market -- nothing like seeing massive tuna's and eating fresh off the docks sushi
- Asakusa/Kappabashi -- nice temple and market street, typical of Japan, good for souvenirs -- visit nearby Kappadori where they make the plastic food displayed in restaurant windows -- fun to bring home a plastic beer bug or sushi plate. I also found a nice vendor in a stall who makes mobile phone handles with your name engraved.
- Yurikamome -- ride this elevated train on wheels with tires to Odaiba, not too many like it in the world. See Odaiba's man-made beach, small Statue of Liberty, and Sego gameworld
- Eat tako-yaki at a stand (fried octopus balls) -- you won't find that elsewhere!
- Find an onsen (hot springs bath) -- scrub yourself squeaky clean and then enjoy a dip in the bath with the locals
- Visit Shinjuku -- take any train line, and try to find your way out of the massive station. Have a drink at the Park Hyatt, made famous in the movie Lost in Translation.
- See a Kabuki theater or Noh play in their native land
Further afield:
- Climb Mt. Fuji in the summertime. Everyone should be able to say that they did it. It was a tiring climb, but when I looked around and saw 80 year old Japanese ladies making the climb, I got a 2nd wind. Bonus -- eat ramen at a shop up top before starting down.
- Visit Hakone -- Ride the switch-back train, funicular, ropeway, and pirate ship to get around Hakone. At Owakudani, eat kuro-tamago (black eggs) while looking at Mt. Fuji in the distance. End the day in an onsen before heading back to Tokyo.
- Visit Kamakura -- See old Japan, much closer than Kyoto. See the big shrine, shopping street, Pacific beach (crowded with locals in the summer), and big Buddha statue (enter Buddha's belly for a fee!)
- Visit Nikko -- home of a gorgeous gilded temple with the "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" monkeys and the grave of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa dynasty. Beautiful waterfalls are in the region as well -- try Kegon no Taki.
Tips for visiting Kyoto:
Kyoto is fantastic! The city evokes the old Japan which so many tourists flock to see, and is pictured in movies around the world. It is not uncommon to see maiko (geisha) walking the streets of the city in traditional garb.
Suggestions:
1) Sightseeing -- This is the main objective, and there are literally thousands of temples to see. If you have 2 days, I'd suggest dividing the city into 2 sides. On day one, visit the east side and central Kyoto -- Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkakuji (Silver Temple), Philosopher's Path, Nijo Castle, Gion district, Pontocho (small street next to river with mysterious restaurants). On day 2, head to the west side and see Kinkakuji (Gold Temple), Ryonaji (famous Zen rock garden), and Arishiyama (beautiful area of town with a bridge and much greenery). Note that Kyoto is a large city and you'll need to take a taxi or bus between most sites, unless you are a hard core walker who can handle miles at a time.
2) Eat dinner at a restaurant over Kamo River. You'll feel a part of the old town. If you can afford it, try a "kaiseki" restaurant, which will parade many beautiful and intricately formed small dishes before you.
3) Squeeze in a day trip. My favorite is Nara, which a short train ride away and is famous for a very large enclosed Buddha statue. There are also tame deer which wander freely. Vendors sell "shika sembei" or deer crackers to feed the deer.
4) Remember to check out Kyoto Station. It's one of the most interesting architectural sights in Japan. And the food hall in the grocery store in the basement is incredible -- you'll find better lunch boxes there than at many of the small cafes and noodle shops in the touristy zones.
Other pointers:
1) Learn a few Japanese phrases and basic counting -- it will help you a lot as many Japanese are shy and hesitant to speak English.
2) Learn the basic etiquette in Japan -- like taking your shoes off in homes and temples, don't stick your chopsticks upright in the rice bowl, etc.
Have fun!!
I both lived in Japan and visited many times. It's a great country for an inexperienced traveler in that it's safe and friendly (ignore the person who said don't mention you're American, Japanese people like Americans just fine).
The flight from the US is really long, but it can't be helped. My best advice is to pick an airline that has individual seat-back TVs so you can pick your own movies to watch. If you can afford it, you may also want to invest in a set of Bose noise-reduction headphones. They are fantastic.
Definitely read up on Japan and pick what sounds good to you. Common places that tourists visit in Tokyo are:
- Shibuya Crossing -- often featured in movies, this is typical modern Japan with millions of people and school kids hanging out. Lots of fun department stores as well -- try Tokyu Hands for home goods, my favorite.
- Tsukiji Fish Market -- nothing like seeing massive tuna's and eating fresh off the docks sushi
- Asakusa/Kappabashi -- nice temple and market street, typical of Japan, good for souvenirs -- visit nearby Kappadori where they make the plastic food displayed in restaurant windows -- fun to bring home a plastic beer bug or sushi plate. I also found a nice vendor in a stall who makes mobile phone handles with your name engraved.
- Yurikamome -- ride this elevated train on wheels with tires to Odaiba, not too many like it in the world. See Odaiba's man-made beach, small Statue of Liberty, and Sego gameworld
- Eat tako-yaki at a stand (fried octopus balls) -- you won't find that elsewhere!
- Find an onsen (hot springs bath) -- scrub yourself squeaky clean and then enjoy a dip in the bath with the locals
- Visit Shinjuku -- take any train line, and try to find your way out of the massive station. Have a drink at the Park Hyatt, made famous in the movie Lost in Translation.
- See a Kabuki theater or Noh play in their native land
Further afield:
- Climb Mt. Fuji in the summertime. Everyone should be able to say that they did it. It was a tiring climb, but when I looked around and saw 80 year old Japanese ladies making the climb, I got a 2nd wind. Bonus -- eat ramen at a shop up top before starting down.
- Visit Hakone -- Ride the switch-back train, funicular, ropeway, and pirate ship to get around Hakone. At Owakudani, eat kuro-tamago (black eggs) while looking at Mt. Fuji in the distance. End the day in an onsen before heading back to Tokyo.
- Visit Kamakura -- See old Japan, much closer than Kyoto. See the big shrine, shopping street, Pacific beach (crowded with locals in the summer), and big Buddha statue (enter Buddha's belly for a fee!)
- Visit Nikko -- home of a gorgeous gilded temple with the "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" monkeys and the grave of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa dynasty. Beautiful waterfalls are in the region as well -- try Kegon no Taki.
Tips for visiting Kyoto:
Kyoto is fantastic! The city evokes the old Japan which so many tourists flock to see, and is pictured in movies around the world. It is not uncommon to see maiko (geisha) walking the streets of the city in traditional garb.
Suggestions:
1) Sightseeing -- This is the main objective, and there are literally thousands of temples to see. If you have 2 days, I'd suggest dividing the city into 2 sides. On day one, visit the east side and central Kyoto -- Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkakuji (Silver Temple), Philosopher's Path, Nijo Castle, Gion district, Pontocho (small street next to river with mysterious restaurants). On day 2, head to the west side and see Kinkakuji (Gold Temple), Ryonaji (famous Zen rock garden), and Arishiyama (beautiful area of town with a bridge and much greenery). Note that Kyoto is a large city and you'll need to take a taxi or bus between most sites, unless you are a hard core walker who can handle miles at a time.
2) Eat dinner at a restaurant over Kamo River. You'll feel a part of the old town. If you can afford it, try a "kaiseki" restaurant, which will parade many beautiful and intricately formed small dishes before you.
3) Squeeze in a day trip. My favorite is Nara, which a short train ride away and is famous for a very large enclosed Buddha statue. There are also tame deer which wander freely. Vendors sell "shika sembei" or deer crackers to feed the deer.
4) Remember to check out Kyoto Station. It's one of the most interesting architectural sights in Japan. And the food hall in the grocery store in the basement is incredible -- you'll find better lunch boxes there than at many of the small cafes and noodle shops in the touristy zones.
Other pointers:
1) Learn a few Japanese phrases and basic counting -- it will help you a lot as many Japanese are shy and hesitant to speak English.
2) Learn the basic etiquette in Japan -- like taking your shoes off in homes and temples, don't stick your chopsticks upright in the rice bowl, etc.
Have fun!!
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