Traveling to Japan soon-- tell me about your best/worst experiences
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Anonymous
| DH and I are traveling to Japan in March without the kids. We will be staying in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kawaguchiko. This is my first time traveling to that side of the world and I'm both excited and nervous. Can you tell me about the best/worst aspects of your trips to these places? Any other general tips? |
Anonymous
Japan is wonderful. The people are friendly. The food is great and it has a great deal of natural beauty. You will have a great trip. Just expect some moments where you feel off balance. The culture shock is a completely different level if you are used to travel in Western Europe. There is a learning curve to use their trains/subways. Expect it to be a bit bewildering at times. English is also not nearly as widely spoken as in the west. (But there are plenty of English speakers in Tokyo and Kyoto) They |
Anonymous
| It's always a culture shock when you become a minority. |
Anonymous
I went many years ago. Older people in rural areas seemed fascinated by my blue eyes. I bought a huge hat to hide my eyes. re tips, put google translate in your phone. You point your camera at some text and it translates it instantly. It's fantastic for restaurants, museums and train stations. You might research if the Japan rail pass would save you money. I believe you have to buy it before you arrive there. |
Anonymous
Really? I didn't have that experience despite 30+ years of heavy international travel and 13 years of expatdom in non white countries. OP is going to Japan! She will be fine. I felt a lot more uncomfortable in certain American cities than anywhere in Japan. |
Anonymous
| Following! We are going in November! |
Anonymous
|
Worst experiences? Come on now!
I was a scientist in Japan and let me tell you if there wasn't strong career discrimination against gaijin I would love living there. Rotating sushi, Japanese curry, find tight bar in Shibuya, standing sushi bar, Asakuza street food, Ueno Park, see if you can find the school for Sumo. In Kyoto hand around the tea houses at sunset to see the Maikos |
Anonymous
| Trains are punctual. A 30 second delay gets the train driver in trouble. So always always get to the platform a few minutes earlier than you ordinarily might. |
Anonymous
| One more tip - the Japanese don't make eye contact while walking. It isn't being unfriendly just the way it is. Most Japanese are very insecure about their English skills so are shy to talk unless they have a few beers |
Anonymous
| Park Hyatt (Lost in Translation) and the old Tsukiji omakase at 4am. Both gone |
Anonymous
I went to a nude onsen in a rural area. There was a circle of lovely old ladies staring at me. It was very welcoming though |
Anonymous
|
Must follow local customs though but they are super friendly. They actually loved a blond lady in a yakuta and a family helped me tie my obi properly
They delighted in it and so did I |
Anonymous
| Google Maps is a great resource over there. If you are taking a taxi anywhere, show them the name of your hotel on your phone (example Four Seasons has the exact page for this sort of thing) as many do not speak or read english. Trains are insanely efficient and run constantly. Not sure if you have hired guides for some of the most popular spots but plan on doing things early before the masses. It can get incredibly crowded (can barely move) at some of the shrines midday. It is a special place! |
Anonymous
| Do be careful if traveling alone as a woman in rural Japan. That was still not super recommended. Japan is so safe that that came as a shock and I think it’s unfair but there had been a couple of cases. |
Anonymous
| I loved Japan and felt 100% safe. The only surprise was to see a male attendant in the ladies public restroom. Also need to carry a pack of tissues with you. |