Japan

[hawkcub]

In the future I want to visit Japan. It just interests me. Anyone ever go? What are things to see?

My biggest worries are not knowing the language. From what I've read it's a difficult language to learn. But also read you may be alright in Tokyo and to a lesser degree Osaka.

From investigating it does surprise me it's not as cashless friendly like we are.

 

[The Tradition]

I would love to go there, too. Long ass flight, though.

 

[luvmyhawks]

Sorry to thread jack, but not only are we cashless friendly, but we are borderline cash unfriendly. At the movies the other night I went to get my son a soda. It was only like 4 bucks so I pulled out a $5 bill. The look on the cashiers face of confusion and then the fumbling around totally made it worth it.

Anyway, back to Japan. Never been but would love to go. I had some clients go and spend 3 weeks there. They said it was the best experience ever.

 

[GOHOX69]

Been there. Fun place, kind but weird people.

 

[Torg]

I went with a group of woodworkers a few years ago. Loved it. We were scheduled to spend 3 days in Kyoto, so I let them know that I wanted to take a separate trip to Nara and they said it was Okay, so I went solo to Nara. It was a bit intimidating, but everything went smoothly. I took trains and buses and got around Nara easily. there were tourist offices where folks spoke English.

My Dad was stationed in Nara in the late 40's. I was born at Fort Benning but when I got to the airport to go with the group I began to realize that I may have been conceived in Japan. When I got back to the states I researched it and sure enough I was conceived in Japan.

I loved the trip. Fascinating country. The trip was sponsored by a store in Berkeley, Ca. that sells Japanese hand garden and woodworking tools. Every day we would go to a number of Temples and also to the shops where they made the woodworking tools.

 

[Tenacious E]

In the future I want to visit Japan. It just interests me. Anyone ever go? What are things to see?

My biggest worries are not knowing the language. From what I've read it's a difficult language to learn. But also read you may be alright in Tokyo and to a lesser degree Osaka.

From investigating it does surprise me it's not as cashless friendly like we are.

Monitoring this thread. Family wants to go. I’m Luke warm because of the cost and time. Just not sure what would be compelling to see in person, relative to a different trip, like an African safari.

 

[hawkcub]

Monitoring this thread. Family wants to go. I’m Luke warm because of the cost and time. Just not sure what would be compelling to see in person, relative to a different trip, like an African safari.

Obviously someone who has been there can answer this better. But I did a quick comparison of Tokyo to NYC and the hotels were significantly cheaper in Tokyo. But I just looked at a couple and a couple of dates. That being said the flight seems like the biggest cost.

 

[GOHOX69]

Obviously someone who has been there can answer this better. But I did a quick comparison of Tokyo to NYC and the hotels were significantly cheaper in Tokyo. But I just looked at a couple and a couple of dates. That being said the flight seems like the biggest cost.

There are tons of hotels. Most are nice. Try the Prince hotel chain.

 

[BrianNole777]

My cousin went to Japan a few months ago and said it was fun. It's clean, safe and the food was good.

I went to China in 2008 with a tour group. Beijing and Shanghai. It was amazing. 15% of the people on the street stared at me like I was in the Beatles or something. They never saw a ginger before.

Beijing was great: the Forbidden City, Tianaman Square, Summer Palace and I walked on the Great Wall of China.

I've been to about 10 countries and China was my favorite because it was so different.

CSB.

 

[TDJ7]

 

[GOHOX69]

Oh yes. One thing. Japanese girls giggle. A lot. Half the time I wasn't sure I had a dangling booger or they wanted to bang me. They were super nice and one got me plum wine they had made at home.

On jal, more giggling. The flight attendants gave my brother and endless ice cream and about 15 bottles of sake and some Japanese hooch.

I went to a traditional Japanese wedding. Bride was stunning in her kimono and make up.

 

[BGHAWK]

Snow Festival in Sapporo. Cherry Blossom Festival in Hirosaki.

 

[HROT]

I played some pro ball at the end of my career in Japan. Initially, I struggled with the cultural differences.

But eventually, I found the deep wisdom of their ways and also found the deepness of the coach’s daughter. We won the pennant.

 

[hawkedoff]

Have been to Japan a few times. Take some time to understand how not to offend. They are a rule following people. It is a beautiful country and it is very easy to use trains.

Highly recommend Google translate. Will make your life much easier.

 

[TDJ7]

I played some pro ball at the end of my career in Japan. Initially, I struggled with the cultural differences.

But eventually, I found the deep wisdom of their ways and also found the deepness of the coach’s daughter. We won the pennant.

I heard you had a hole in your swing

 

[LBoogie28]

Have been a couple of times, enjoyed each visit thoroughly. Amazing food.

Places visited:
Tokyo
Osaka
Kyoto
Hikone

 

[Thunderlips71]

In the future I want to visit Japan. It just interests me. Anyone ever go? What are things to see?

My biggest worries are not knowing the language. From what I've read it's a difficult language to learn. But also read you may be alright in Tokyo and to a lesser degree Osaka.

From investigating it does surprise me it's not as cashless friendly like we are.

I went for a business trip about ten years ago and really enjoyed it. It’s a wonderful culture and the people are very respectful. Take the high speed train from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. See the Hachiko statue in Tokyo. Get a nuru massage from two chicks at the same time.

 

[seminole97]

My best friend just went during fall break (chaperone on school trip).

He said food was ridiculously cheap and good.

Japs also appreciate a clean butthole. He said even the most run down places had amazing toilets.

 

[bcherod]

In the future I want to visit Japan. It just interests me. Anyone ever go? What are things to see?

My biggest worries are not knowing the language. From what I've read it's a difficult language to learn. But also read you may be alright in Tokyo and to a lesser degree Osaka.

From investigating it does surprise me it's not as cashless friendly like we are.

I grew up there. Happy to talk about the experiences.

It greatly influenced my habits.

Just learn the simple things in Japanese. Anyone under the age of 50-60 speaks English.

 

[Thunderlips71]

Oh yes. One thing. Japanese girls giggle. A lot. Half the time I wasn't sure I had a dangling booger or they wanted to bang me. They were super nice and one got me plum wine they had made at home.

I’m 6’6” and was giggled at everywhere I went

 

[bcherod]

I have light hair and light eyes. I was frequently patted on the head.

I had a Japanese riding instructor, violin teacher, orthodontist and golf instructor.
I was 11 when we went and almost 17 when we came back.

It was during Vietnam and we were military brats.

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

 

[Breastman]

If you're really going to visit, now is an ideal time with the yen at 157 to the dollar. The most expensive city in the world is currently a lot cheaper.

Sadly, tourists have really discovered Japan recently. Can't go anywhere in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Kyoto, etc. without bumping into scores of gaijin. Twenty-five years ago, you practically had the city to yourself and a million locals.

By the way, there's a fairly new, budget airline called Zip Air that is a subsidiary of JAL. They only fly out of San Jose, San Francisco and maybe Seattle but they have great deals around Asia. https://www.zipair.net/en

 

[IMCC965]

Went a few months ago to attend my besties promotion to navy Commander. I'm going back with my wife, no pics, in five or six months before he transfers to Guam. The food is incredible. You can eat healthy just by going to 7-11. They don't mess around with good food. Totally spoiled and very disappointed in American fare when I got back. The Japanese are INCREDIBLY efficient in everything they do. When you take the train, the culture is to sit quietly and not disturb others. It's incredible. Everyone stands on the left side of the escalators in case someone needs to get through in a hurry. I spent most of my time in Yokohama and Tokyo. We were going to go to Hiroshima and Kyoto but there was a Cyclone making its way from south to north and they shut down the trains for a day or two. So that was cancelled. We'll do it when we go back. Don't worry about the language barrier, there's always someone who speaks English.

 

[DogBoyRy]

Have been a couple of times, enjoyed each visit thoroughly. Amazing food.

Places visited:
Tokyo
Osaka
Kyoto
Hikone

Solid list.
I go to japan almost yearly for work and those are my favorite spots.

 

[fezzador]

My cousin went to Japan a few months ago and said it was fun. It's clean, safe and the food was good.

I went to China in 2008 with a tour group. Beijing and Shanghai. It was amazing. 15% of the people on the street stared at me like I was in the Beatles or something. They never saw a ginger before.

Beijing was great: the Forbidden City, Tianaman Square, Summer Palace and I walked on the Great Wall of China.

I've been to about 10 countries and China was my favorite because it was so different.

CSB.

How was the street food? Chinese-American cuisine is fine and all, but from what I gather, they usually don’t bother deboning the meat in mainland China for example.

 

[HROT]

My only experience is running virtual half marathon training on treadmill through Tokyo,

But the trainer made it seem real interesting. With the stories of the Yakuza and the red light district.

A ton of arcades

 

[OrlandNole]

I spent 10 days with my sister's family when they were stationed in Yokosuka about 10 years ago. We spent a weekend in Tokyo and took a day trip to Mt. Fuji. The highlight was taking the bullet train to Kyoto and Hiroshima. Highly recommend. Both cities are very accessible via local transit/walking.

 

[jasonrann]

In the future I want to visit Japan. It just interests me. Anyone ever go? What are things to see?

My biggest worries are not knowing the language. From what I've read it's a difficult language to learn. But also read you may be alright in Tokyo and to a lesser degree Osaka.

From investigating it does surprise me it's not as cashless friendly like we are.

Do it.

I have not visited Japan, but went to China and Taiwan for about 15 years for work. They treat their visitors well, beautiful strong cultures and the food is amazing. You will not be disappointed.

 

[BrianNole777]

Do it.

I have not visited Japan, but went to China and Taiwan for about 15 years for work. They treat their visitors well, beautiful strong cultures and the food is amazing. You will not be disappointed.

Where in China did you go?

 

[BrianNole777]

How was the street food? Chinese-American cuisine is fine and all, but from what I gather, they usually don’t bother deboning the meat in mainland China for example.

I didn't eat any street food. I think our tour guide recommended against it because some of the places weren't hygienic.

We ate in restaurants and the Chinese food was similar to Chinese food in America.

I heard so many people say that Chinese food in China is different but it seemed similar to me...Peking Duck is Peking Duck.

 

[jasonrann]

Where in China did you go?

Spent tons of time in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Wuxi and Ningbo. Typically, would fly into Hong Kong and cross the border into mainland China at Shenzhen.

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

When I got back to the states I researched it and sure enough I was conceived in Japan.

So your Mom had your Dad turning Japanese while actually in Japan. That’s a loving wife for you.

Kidding aside, sounds like an awesome trip.

 

[seminole97]