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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:54:21 PM EDT
Headed to Japan for a couple of weeks in mid-June with my 15 year old kid. I've been twice before, but this is my first trip in 18 years. It is my understanding that in that time, foreign tourist visits have increased 10-fold so I would imagine quite a lot has changed. The biggest question I have is, will I need to reserve train tickets days ahead or is it no problem to turn up at the station, buy a ticket and hop on? Not doing the Japan Rail Pass this time as it is no longer worth the price. Will be in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Kyoto with side trips from each. Will use the shinkansen whenever it is available. Also, if anybody has any out of the way or oddball recommendations, I'd love to hear them. Have already seen most of the biggies in central Honshu and Kansai. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 8:59:55 PM EDT
[#1]
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:09:33 PM EDT
[#2]
I went in 2018 to Tokyo and Kyoto. Going again this summer. Tagged for info.
Kyoto I had the best Kobe A5 in my life. I’ll try and find the place because I’m going again. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:13:19 PM EDT
[#3]
Train tickets are easily had day of in most cases with the exception of holidays (check the calendar). For hard deadlines, I’d hit the kiosk the day before, but I don’t think it was necessary.
The digital art museum in Tokyo was wild and your kid will love it. Book tickets ahead of time: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/tokyo/ If you do Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, come at it from the trail in the bamboo forest to the south east. Long walk but worth it. |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:19:20 PM EDT
[#4]
Also, forgot to ask:
Do bands still play on Sundays at Yoyogi koen or is that not a thing any more? It was one of my most favorite things to do in Tokyo and my kid would love it but looking around on the internet, there's almost no info on it in the past 10 or 12 years. 
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:20:16 PM EDT
[#5]
@ToledoXJ
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NV, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:22:06 PM EDT
[#6]
Go see the Fukushima 3 eyed toads.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:22:24 PM EDT
[#7]
Kyoto is not too far from Nara (bowing deer were pretty cool). Sucks your som not just a bit older or would definitely recommend the Mario kart experience in Tokyo. I don’t think they had any two seaters but you can check. Just need an international drivers license though
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:27:23 PM EDT
[#8]
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:37:16 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JesseCJC: Kyoto is not too far from Nara (bowing deer were pretty cool). Sucks your som not just a bit older or would definitely recommend the Mario kart experience in Tokyo. I don’t think they had any two seaters but you can check. Just need an international drivers license though Have been to Nara and going back this time. Great town, one of my favorites. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 10:25:12 PM EDT
[#10]
I lived there for 11 years and had a car. Driven from the southern tip of Kyushu to the Northern end of Hokkaido, minus the ferry to Hokkaido of course.
Kyushu was always my favorite area. You could be hiking around an active volcano in the morning and on the beach in the afternoon. One of the most interesting things I came across was the kamikaze museum near the village of Chiran, Kagoshima. Utterly fascinating. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 10:27:14 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JesseCJC: Kyoto is not too far from Nara (bowing deer were pretty cool). Sucks your som not just a bit older or would definitely recommend the Mario kart experience in Tokyo. I don’t think they had any two seaters but you can check. Just need an international drivers license though Lol that shit is hilarious. I never paid to do it but I saw it a few times. Bummer you need an IDL tho, but well its japan. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 10:30:41 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Kraquine: I lived there for 11 years and had a car. Driven from the southern tip of Kyushu to the Northern end of Hokkaido, minus the ferry to Hokkaido of course. Kyushu was always my favorite area. You could be hiking around an active volcano in the morning and on the beach in the afternoon. One of the most interesting things I came across was the kamikaze museum near the village of Chiran, Kagoshima. Utterly fascinating. Yasukuni shrine has a similar section dedicated to the Kamikaze and other war criminals. I highly recommend it if you want to see a totally different take on history than what you might expect. The Kamakaze room tends to have people praying in it the few times I've been, which is a trip. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 10:36:36 PM EDT
[#13]
I was in Tokyo last week for 3 days working. Yen is at a historic low so great time for tourist. There are way to many in the city right now.
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Posted: 4/24/2024 10:37:15 PM EDT
[#14]
Don't go to Osaka. You need a permit to leave.
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ND, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 10:45:59 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Fulcrum-5: Don't go to Osaka. You need a permit to leave. And don't leave your ship unattended. |
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JPN
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Posted: 4/24/2024 10:55:50 PM EDT
[#16]
I live here in Tokyo. June is more than hot enough but at least there is only one holiday in June so you won't be competing with locals for train tickets - at least not more than usual. I try to advise people to avoid coming in June/July/August due to the heat but I guess you are already locked in.
I also advise people to avoid Kyoto as it is infested by tourists and is no longer what it used to be. I was voluntold by my Army Reserve leadership to act as navigator to Kyoto for a group who were here for an exercise in 2015. The only times I heard Japanese being spoken was when I was talking with the staff at restaurants/shops. I heard just about every other language being spoken in the crush of people around us. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By code99: Do bands still play on Sundays at Yoyogi koen or is that not a thing any more? Sorry to say but the Tokyo city government decided that this weekly event wasn't important enough and the streets are no longer blocked off on Sundays around that park. I have not heard if/where those groups went to after that changed. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:08:55 PM EDT
[#17]
For something really different, you could take the high speed ferry to Niijima Island from Tokyo and camp for a night. Can probably get everything you need for cheap at the Mega Don Quijote store in Shibuya. All your gear and boat tickets would probably be the same as a night in a hotel (just store your main luggage in a train station locker). It's a pretty cool island and will have a lot of surfers in June.
 Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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ND, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:11:30 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ronin76: I live here in Tokyo. June is more than hot enough but at least there is only one holiday in June so you won't be competing with locals for train tickets - at least not more than usual. I try to advise people to avoid coming in June/July/August due to the heat but I guess you are already locked in. I also advise people to avoid Kyoto as it is infested by tourists and is no longer what it used to be. I was voluntold by my Army Reserve leadership to act as navigator to Kyoto for a group who were here for an exercise in 2015. The only times I heard Japanese being spoken was when I was talking with the staff at restaurants/shops. I heard just about every other language being spoken in the crush of people around us. Sorry to say but the Tokyo city government decided that this weekly event wasn't important enough and the streets are no longer blocked off on Sundays around that park. I have not heard if/where those groups went to after that changed. I'm visiting in May. That's too bad about Kyoto, I was planning a quick 1 day tour from Osaka. What are the odds of Mt Fuji being visible? The interweb indicates spring-summer tends to be cloudy. Are the weather forecasts accurate such that I can change my plans with a couple days notice? |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:18:33 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ronin76: I live here in Tokyo. June is more than hot enough but at least there is only one holiday in June so you won't be competing with locals for train tickets - at least not more than usual. I try to advise people to avoid coming in June/July/August due to the heat but I guess you are already locked in. Tokyo during the summer isn't that bad heat wise. Also, he's coming from MS. 
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JPN
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:26:08 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By couchlord: What are the odds of Mt Fuji being visible? The interweb indicates spring-summer tends to be cloudy. Are the weather forecasts accurate such that I can change my plans with a couple days notice? Seeing Mt. Fuji is hit or miss unless you plan to climb it. If you do want to climb Mt. Fuji you have to make arrangements - as of this year they no longer allow people to just show up and climb it. There have been too many tourists and it was getting way too crowded - and too much trash. There are lots of other options for places to visit out in the countryside where you can get away from the tourist crowds. A cousin or mine visited last Oct/Nov/Dec and spent most of his time hiking all over the countryside - numerous spots between western Japan and the far northeast. He and his buddy were often the only non-Japanese staying where they were. Kanazawa is a good alternative to Kyoto. Lots of historic sites and fewer tourists (anywhere other than Kyoto would be fewer tourists). |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:46:29 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By couchlord: And don't leave your ship unattended. You may be required to build a fleet. |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:53:14 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ronin76: I live here in Tokyo. June is more than hot enough but at least there is only one holiday in June so you won't be competing with locals for train tickets - at least not more than usual. I try to advise people to avoid coming in June/July/August due to the heat but I guess you are already locked in. I also advise people to avoid Kyoto as it is infested by tourists and is no longer what it used to be. I was voluntold by my Army Reserve leadership to act as navigator to Kyoto for a group who were here for an exercise in 2015. The only times I heard Japanese being spoken was when I was talking with the staff at restaurants/shops. I heard just about every other language being spoken in the crush of people around us. Sorry to say but the Tokyo city government decided that this weekly event wasn't important enough and the streets are no longer blocked off on Sundays around that park. I have not heard if/where those groups went to after that changed. I hate to hear that about the bands.....my wife and I are still talking about that experience 18 years later. I'm from Mississippi. Heat isn't going to be a problem for me. If you've ever spent any time in the Deep South in Summer, you understand why.  I would have much rather made the trip in the spring or fall but June was the only time that was going to work for me. I'm more worried about rain....but we will come prepared for that.We're only doing 3 nights in Kyoto and will probably only really do 1 day there. I've been twice before so seen a good bit of it already and I don't want to get 'templed out', even as much as I love temples. Day trips to Hemeji and Nara are as important to me as Kyoto itself. To me, seeing Hemeji-jo for the first time was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.......and I've seen a lot. |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:54:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: code99]
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By couchlord: And don't leave your ship unattended. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By couchlord: Originally Posted By Fulcrum-5: Don't go to Osaka. You need a permit to leave. And don't leave your ship unattended. Good advice, Inglese |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:56:36 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Kraquine: I lived there for 11 years and had a car. Driven from the southern tip of Kyushu to the Northern end of Hokkaido, minus the ferry to Hokkaido of course. Kyushu was always my favorite area. You could be hiking around an active volcano in the morning and on the beach in the afternoon. One of the most interesting things I came across was the kamikaze museum near the village of Chiran, Kagoshima. Utterly fascinating. Would love to see Kyushu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and northern Honshu, just not enough time this trip. |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:57:57 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Harlikwin: Yasukuni shrine has a similar section dedicated to the Kamikaze and other war criminals. I highly recommend it if you want to see a totally different take on history than what you might expect. The Kamakaze room tends to have people praying in it the few times I've been, which is a trip. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Harlikwin: Originally Posted By Kraquine: I lived there for 11 years and had a car. Driven from the southern tip of Kyushu to the Northern end of Hokkaido, minus the ferry to Hokkaido of course. Kyushu was always my favorite area. You could be hiking around an active volcano in the morning and on the beach in the afternoon. One of the most interesting things I came across was the kamikaze museum near the village of Chiran, Kagoshima. Utterly fascinating. Yasukuni shrine has a similar section dedicated to the Kamikaze and other war criminals. I highly recommend it if you want to see a totally different take on history than what you might expect. The Kamakaze room tends to have people praying in it the few times I've been, which is a trip. I have been to Yakusuni shrine and the museum. Loved it. May have to go again this trip. |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 11:59:12 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Haves: I was in Tokyo last week for 3 days working. Yen is at a historic low so great time for tourist. There are way to many in the city right now. Yeah, I was very happy to hear about the exchange rate when I started to plan the trip. That's about a 50% change from my last trip. |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 12:00:17 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Fulcrum-5: Don't go to Osaka. You need a permit to leave. I only passed through Osaka in the past. This trip we are planning on at least an evening to gorge ourselves and walk around. |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 12:02:12 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By showmeballer: Tokyo during the summer isn't that bad heat wise. Also, he's coming from MS. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By showmeballer: Originally Posted By Ronin76: I live here in Tokyo. June is more than hot enough but at least there is only one holiday in June so you won't be competing with locals for train tickets - at least not more than usual. I try to advise people to avoid coming in June/July/August due to the heat but I guess you are already locked in. Tokyo during the summer isn't that bad heat wise. Also, he's coming from MS. Just read your post. I might need to bring a coat. 
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Posted: 4/25/2024 12:02:28 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ToledoXJ]
[#29]
@code99
https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/In-Japan-again-FINAL-PICS-4-30-Dog-back-home-passed-/5-2713679/ Kyoto was cool by umekoji park. Umekoji Potel is an awesome place to stay. Great hotel Train museum was outstanding I love Nagoya and no one else does. No tourists. Then again you could drop me anywhere in Japan and I'd love it. Tokoname was pretty neat. There is a bakery there I'd fly back for the melonpan rn My 1st trip just after Japan reopened post covid. Makes me sad it'll never be like this again. Kyoto was empty. Shibuya was NOT but it was almost all Japanese https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/-ARCHIVED-THREAD-My-trip-to-Japan-pics-/5-2613262/? Chatted with a Canadian couple on the way back and asked if they liked Osaka. The guys wife said "ever been to Niagra falls?" I'll continue skipping it |
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NC, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 12:05:29 AM EDT
[#30]
We went in October 2019. Saw Mt Fuji from the Shinkansen and once on a cable car. Purely luck, and only a fleeting glimpse in each case. Japan is a great place to visit.
 
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MS, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 12:28:32 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ToledoXJ: @code99 https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/In-Japan-again-FINAL-PICS-4-30-Dog-back-home-passed-/5-2713679/ Kyoto was cool by umekoji park. Umekoji Potel is an awesome place to stay. Great hotel Train museum was outstanding I love Nagoya and no one else does. No tourists. Then again you could drop me anywhere in Japan and I'd love it. Tokoname was pretty neat. There is a bakery there I'd fly back for the melonpan rn My 1st trip just after Japan reopened post covid. Makes me sad it'll never be like this again. Kyoto was empty. Shibuya was NOT but it was almost all Japanese https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/-ARCHIVED-THREAD-My-trip-to-Japan-pics-/5-2613262/? Chatted with a Canadian couple on the way back and asked if they liked Osaka. The guys wife said "ever been to Niagra falls?" I'll continue skipping it I followed your post about your most recent trip to Japan in real time. Very sorry about your dog. The only way I'm able to go on this trip is because my wife is staying home and taking care of our dogs. I've only spent time on layovers in the train station in Nagoya but every time I was there I wondered what it would be like to see what a 'normal' work-a-day Japanese city like Nagoya would be like. I know that we will transit through there going from Takayama to Kyoto. Any suggestions for something quick near the train station? |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 12:46:32 AM EDT
[Last Edit: The_Master_Shake]
[#32]
I was there in 2023
Pet cafes are awesome, the giant cross walk in Shibuya was worth seeing, wondering around Akihabara is always worth your time, and I didn't make it the last go but I hear their is a Sega Museum that's also pretty cool Other than that from my previous trips; Deer Island, Monkey Island, various hot springs, Fox sanctuary, and just the beautiful temples and castles are all great reasons to go. Walking around old buildings in Nagano while it was snowing was surreal A couple random pics on my phone  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 12:47:47 AM EDT
[#33]
Lets go to where the berol rapidesigns were made
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ND, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 1:04:08 AM EDT
[#34]
Does the Verizon international plan work well in Japan? I recently used it in Brazil and it worked well. I figure Japan should be at least that good, but the interweb's recommend renting a portable wifi router.
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Posted: 4/25/2024 1:07:29 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GlockfanUT: I was there last fall but spent all of my time on Okinawa. Damn, I want to go back! https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/111848/IMG_0042_jpeg-3197149.JPG I was on Okinawa for several months for work last year and have stood in that exact same spot lol. I too want to go back pretty badly. We may even have been there at the same time for a bit, I left at the end of October. If you go there again you have to go to Smokin Slabz BBQ, it's directly across the marina from your picture's point of view. Damn good barbecue and the owner is a solid guy, worked with him daily on shift, he runs the restaurant as a side gig and is an excellent cook. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 1:43:20 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By couchlord: Does the Verizon international plan work well in Japan? I recently used it in Brazil and it worked well. I figure Japan should be at least that good, but the interweb's recommend renting a portable wifi router. If you signed up for their international plan then yes Essentially Verizon has sister networks they connect to, so it's not Verizon just a local partner. It will tell you at the top of your phone what network you are connected to. No issues using this in Japan or actually any of Asia |
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WI, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 8:02:33 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By The_Master_Shake: If you signed up for their international plan then yes Essentially Verizon has sister networks they connect to, so it's not Verizon just a local partner. It will tell you at the top of your phone what network you are connected to. No issues using this in Japan or actually any of Asia Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By The_Master_Shake: Originally Posted By couchlord: Does the Verizon international plan work well in Japan? I recently used it in Brazil and it worked well. I figure Japan should be at least that good, but the interweb's recommend renting a portable wifi router. If you signed up for their international plan then yes Essentially Verizon has sister networks they connect to, so it's not Verizon just a local partner. It will tell you at the top of your phone what network you are connected to. No issues using this in Japan or actually any of Asia Do they charge an arm and a leg for it like AT&T does? When I’m in Taiwan, I just get a local SIM card or a portable cellular hot spot since it’s so much cheaper. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 8:06:22 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Miles_Urbanus]
[#38]
The Samuari Ninja Museum is Koyoto is really good. You can buy J-Rail pass same day. You have to activate it at a ticket counter (all the larger stations have them) if you buy it ahead of time anyway.
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Posted: 4/25/2024 8:09:35 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Harlikwin: Lol that shit is hilarious. I never paid to do it but I saw it a few times. Bummer you need an IDL tho, but well its japan. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Harlikwin: Originally Posted By JesseCJC: Kyoto is not too far from Nara (bowing deer were pretty cool). Sucks your som not just a bit older or would definitely recommend the Mario kart experience in Tokyo. I don’t think they had any two seaters but you can check. Just need an international drivers license though Lol that shit is hilarious. I never paid to do it but I saw it a few times. Bummer you need an IDL tho, but well its japan. IDL is easy to get. It’s just a translation / universally accepted piece that says your license is valid. AAA does them. Takes 15 minutes and a pic. |
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WA, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:54:35 AM EDT
[Last Edit: arrgr]
[#40]
Look up getting a Suica card on your phone. That came in handy for my recent trip. You can even use it at vending machines. We had both a phone with an international plan and rented a "pocket wifi" from the airport to use as a Hotspot. The pocket wifi for about $8/day was a lot faster and a better option.
I found it vastly easier to get around with English than my last trips 10 years ago. Where English didn't work use Google Translate. We either typed or scanned in things to translate and even used spoken translations a couple of times. Visit a Don Quixote store. Try a Family Mart fried chicken. Lastly there are a lot of content creators on YT and Instagram with tips on travelling to Japan. Found a few of those helpful. I also found a reddit sub /japantravel that had a lot of tips helpful. |
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USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:32:03 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ToledoXJ: @code99 https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/In-Japan-again-FINAL-PICS-4-30-Dog-back-home-passed-/5-2713679/ Kyoto was cool by umekoji park. Umekoji Potel is an awesome place to stay. Great hotel Train museum was outstanding I love Nagoya and no one else does. No tourists. Then again you could drop me anywhere in Japan and I'd love it. Tokoname was pretty neat. There is a bakery there I'd fly back for the melonpan rn My 1st trip just after Japan reopened post covid. Makes me sad it'll never be like this again. Kyoto was empty. Shibuya was NOT but it was almost all Japanese https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/-ARCHIVED-THREAD-My-trip-to-Japan-pics-/5-2613262/? Chatted with a Canadian couple on the way back and asked if they liked Osaka. The guys wife said "ever been to Niagra falls?" I'll continue skipping it |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:33:20 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By madwis15: Do they charge an arm and a leg for it like AT&T does? When I’m in Taiwan, I just get a local SIM card or a portable cellular hot spot since it’s so much cheaper. Yea it's Bonkers and not a good value. It's exponentially cheaper to buy data at the airport |
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ND, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:43:36 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By madwis15: Do they charge an arm and a leg for it like AT&T does? When I’m in Taiwan, I just get a local SIM card or a portable cellular hot spot since it’s so much cheaper. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By madwis15: Originally Posted By The_Master_Shake: Originally Posted By couchlord: Does the Verizon international plan work well in Japan? I recently used it in Brazil and it worked well. I figure Japan should be at least that good, but the interweb's recommend renting a portable wifi router. If you signed up for their international plan then yes Essentially Verizon has sister networks they connect to, so it's not Verizon just a local partner. It will tell you at the top of your phone what network you are connected to. No issues using this in Japan or actually any of Asia Do they charge an arm and a leg for it like AT&T does? When I’m in Taiwan, I just get a local SIM card or a portable cellular hot spot since it’s so much cheaper. Verizon International is $10/day. But somehow I had built up some sort of credit with Verizon and my 7 day trip was free. I don't understand the intricacies of my Verizon plan. But regardless, I've downloaded Japanese into my Iphone google translate app, I think I can download area google maps as well. So if I have connection trouble I won't be completely screwed. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 11:05:09 AM EDT
[#44]
Originally Posted By code99: Headed to Japan for a couple of weeks in mid-June with my 15 year old kid. I've been twice before, but this is my first trip in 18 years. It is my understanding that in that time, foreign tourist visits have increased 10-fold so I would imagine quite a lot has changed. The biggest question I have is, will I need to reserve train tickets days ahead or is it no problem to turn up at the station, buy a ticket and hop on? Not doing the Japan Rail Pass this time as it is no longer worth the price. Will be in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Kyoto with side trips from each. Will use the shinkansen whenever it is available. Also, if anybody has any out of the way or oddball recommendations, I'd love to hear them. Have already seen most of the biggies in central Honshu and Kansai. Here is a link to one of them. I think there are about a half dozen or so, based on the original and historical Ninja Clans or Families.. https://www.iganinja.jp/en/museum/index.html |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 4:53:23 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Harlikwin]
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By smullen: IF I ever get to Japan, I want to tour one or more of the Ninja Museums... Here is a link to one of them. I think there are about a half dozen or so, based on the original and historical Ninja Clans or Families.. https://www.iganinja.jp/en/museum/index.html Its pretty out of the way and more kid/youth oriented. Like, it will take you the better part of a day to get there by the local train. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 4:55:02 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By The_Master_Shake: Yea it's Bonkers and not a good value. It's exponentially cheaper to buy data at the airport yup totally true of most international travel, just buy a sim or pocket wifi. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 5:00:57 PM EDT
[Last Edit: KitBuilder]
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Harlikwin: Yasukuni shrine has a similar section dedicated to the Kamikaze and other war criminals. I highly recommend it if you want to see a totally different take on history than what you might expect. The Kamakaze room tends to have people praying in it the few times I've been, which is a trip. Who are the others? |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 5:10:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Harlikwin]
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By KitBuilder: @Harlikwin (or anyone) Who are the others? There is huge list of the "class A" war criminals enshrined there, Tojo for sure, some of the other big generals involved in various massacres etc. The kamikaze room also had a display of the garments and sword of some war criminal general that committed sepuku and his last words were I wish I only did more. At least last time I went. Its a pretty controversial place. And their revisionist take on history is also kinda fucked/interesting. The closest thing I can imagine in a western context is if after WW2 the Germans built a shrine to the WaffenSS. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 5:25:41 PM EDT
[Last Edit: PossumKing]
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By couchlord: Verizon International is $10/day. But somehow I had built up some sort of credit with Verizon and my 7 day trip was free. I don't understand the intricacies of my Verizon plan. But regardless, I've downloaded Japanese into my Iphone google translate app, I think I can download area google maps as well. So if I have connection trouble I won't be completely screwed. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By couchlord: Originally Posted By madwis15: Originally Posted By The_Master_Shake: Originally Posted By couchlord: Does the Verizon international plan work well in Japan? I recently used it in Brazil and it worked well. I figure Japan should be at least that good, but the interweb's recommend renting a portable wifi router. If you signed up for their international plan then yes Essentially Verizon has sister networks they connect to, so it's not Verizon just a local partner. It will tell you at the top of your phone what network you are connected to. No issues using this in Japan or actually any of Asia Do they charge an arm and a leg for it like AT&T does? When I’m in Taiwan, I just get a local SIM card or a portable cellular hot spot since it’s so much cheaper. Verizon International is $10/day. But somehow I had built up some sort of credit with Verizon and my 7 day trip was free. I don't understand the intricacies of my Verizon plan. But regardless, I've downloaded Japanese into my Iphone google translate app, I think I can download area google maps as well. So if I have connection trouble I won't be completely screwed. That $10/day on Verizon is for very limited data. Get the wifi box at the airport. You'll pay less, get tons of data fast, and everyone in your party can use it at the same time. It does take up some space but it's nothing if you are carrying a pack, which most travellers are. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 5:31:58 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Harlikwin: There is huge list of the "class A" war criminals enshrined there, Tojo for sure, some of the other big generals involved in various massacres etc. The kamikaze room also had a display of the garments and sword of some war criminal general that committed sepuku and his last words were I wish I only did more. At least last time I went. Its a pretty controversial place. And their revisionist take on history is also kinda fucked/interesting. The closest thing I can imagine in a western context is if after WW2 the Germans built a shrine to the WaffenSS. |
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