Traveling to Japan soon-- tell me about your best/worst experiences

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it very expensive to travel around while paying for all meals and lodging? We have 3 teenagers so I always try to factor in costs for 5 people and food + lodging can really add up

Japan can be as expensive as you want it to be. You can get incredible food at Lawson's for $2 to $8 curry bowls to $1000 omakase. Lodging is the same. But you can definitely get amazing quality for both food and lodging for $50-100 per person per day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

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

Are you kidding? The trains are INCREDIBLY easy to use in Japan. They're so logical and easy to understand.

NP

They are easy once you get the hang of it, but, for instance, the Tokyo subway map is huge. It can be overwhelming at first. Especially when the crowds of riders come sweeping past you as you’re trying to figure it all out.

Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. The worst thing that ever happened to me there during about 6 or 7 total visits, was when a man pinched my rear end one time in a department store. But even then, I was more bemused than anything. Groping is a thing though, and that’s why there are female-only train cars. But even with that said, I always marveled at how safe it felt there. People would trip over themselves to return a stuffy or baby toy that would fall out of the stroller. Or anything else you might drop!

Are you 60+ years old?

Google maps works everywhere in Japan. Tokyo had the easiest subway system in the world. You just find you color line and figure out which letter and number you're going towards. That's it.

Oh you mean I need the red line for stop A15 or whatever. Ok, follow the sign for the red line where the numbers go up if I'm at red A02.


Come on now, it isn't Astro physics. Doesn't matter how big the system is. Use Google maps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it very expensive to travel around while paying for all meals and lodging? We have 3 teenagers so I always try to factor in costs for 5 people and food + lodging can really add up

You'll need at least 2 if not 3 hotel rooms. The average hotel room, as a 5'4" woman, I can put my arms almost from one side to another.

Food is as expensive as you make it. If you are going for the experience, it's going to be expensive. But you can get cheap Ramen and food from combinis.

My guess is that for 5 people it's $300-400/meal. American breakfast isn't a thing unless you eat at the hotel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

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

Are you kidding? The trains are INCREDIBLY easy to use in Japan. They're so logical and easy to understand.

NP

They are easy once you get the hang of it, but, for instance, the Tokyo subway map is huge. It can be overwhelming at first. Especially when the crowds of riders come sweeping past you as you’re trying to figure it all out.

Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. The worst thing that ever happened to me there during about 6 or 7 total visits, was when a man pinched my rear end one time in a department store. But even then, I was more bemused than anything. Groping is a thing though, and that’s why there are female-only train cars. But even with that said, I always marveled at how safe it felt there. People would trip over themselves to return a stuffy or baby toy that would fall out of the stroller. Or anything else you might drop!

Are you 60+ years old?

Google maps works everywhere in Japan. Tokyo had the easiest subway system in the world. You just find you color line and figure out which letter and number you're going towards. That's it.

Oh you mean I need the red line for stop A15 or whatever. Ok, follow the sign for the red line where the numbers go up if I'm at red A02.


Come on now, it isn't Astro physics. Doesn't matter how big the system is. Use Google maps.

NP. I’ve traveled a lot and routinely use subway systems abroad (as well as in NYC, where I live). I agree with the PP who said the Tokyo subway system can be overwhelming, even with Google Maps. There are English translations, but obviously Japanese is the primary language on the maps/announcements/signage, there are different entrances and tokens depending on which line you’re going to, and some lines are operated by different companies so you need a different type of ticket. And foreign credit cards aren’t accepted at the ticket booths so you have to use cash. It is doable and learnable of course, but I’ve never been so confused on a transportation system as I was on my first few days in Tokyo.

That said, Japan itself is amazing. I loved it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

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

Are you kidding? The trains are INCREDIBLY easy to use in Japan. They're so logical and easy to understand.

NP

They are easy once you get the hang of it, but, for instance, the Tokyo subway map is huge. It can be overwhelming at first. Especially when the crowds of riders come sweeping past you as you’re trying to figure it all out.

Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. The worst thing that ever happened to me there during about 6 or 7 total visits, was when a man pinched my rear end one time in a department store. But even then, I was more bemused than anything. Groping is a thing though, and that’s why there are female-only train cars. But even with that said, I always marveled at how safe it felt there. People would trip over themselves to return a stuffy or baby toy that would fall out of the stroller. Or anything else you might drop!

Are you 60+ years old?

Google maps works everywhere in Japan. Tokyo had the easiest subway system in the world. You just find you color line and figure out which letter and number you're going towards. That's it.

Oh you mean I need the red line for stop A15 or whatever. Ok, follow the sign for the red line where the numbers go up if I'm at red A02.


Come on now, it isn't Astro physics. Doesn't matter how big the system is. Use Google maps.

NP here. Is this snark necessary? I'm 60 and yes, I can use any technology just fine. I hope you're as healthy and capable when you're 60.

We're going to Japan for a month later this year and we're very excited - so I truly appreciate everyone who has provided great info here. Please keep it coming. Especially info on places to visit outside the main cities.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

PP with teens: Convenience stores in Japan have much better food than they do here and can be an easy way to top up ravenous kids between meals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

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

Are you kidding? The trains are INCREDIBLY easy to use in Japan. They're so logical and easy to understand.

NP

They are easy once you get the hang of it, but, for instance, the Tokyo subway map is huge. It can be overwhelming at first. Especially when the crowds of riders come sweeping past you as you’re trying to figure it all out.

Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. The worst thing that ever happened to me there during about 6 or 7 total visits, was when a man pinched my rear end one time in a department store. But even then, I was more bemused than anything. Groping is a thing though, and that’s why there are female-only train cars. But even with that said, I always marveled at how safe it felt there. People would trip over themselves to return a stuffy or baby toy that would fall out of the stroller. Or anything else you might drop!

Are you 60+ years old?

Google maps works everywhere in Japan. Tokyo had the easiest subway system in the world. You just find you color line and figure out which letter and number you're going towards. That's it.

Oh you mean I need the red line for stop A15 or whatever. Ok, follow the sign for the red line where the numbers go up if I'm at red A02.


Come on now, it isn't Astro physics. Doesn't matter how big the system is. Use Google maps.

NP. I’ve traveled a lot and routinely use subway systems abroad (as well as in NYC, where I live). I agree with the PP who said the Tokyo subway system can be overwhelming, even with Google Maps. There are English translations, but obviously Japanese is the primary language on the maps/announcements/signage, there are different entrances and tokens depending on which line you’re going to, and some lines are operated by different companies so you need a different type of ticket. And foreign credit cards aren’t accepted at the ticket booths so you have to use cash. It is doable and learnable of course, but I’ve never been so confused on a transportation system as I was on my first few days in Tokyo.

That said, Japan itself is amazing. I loved it.

It is not overwhelming. All the machines have English translations. You don't need to know the Japanese names of the stops, because they all are numbered with Roman letters and a number plus color. It's so, soooo easy. Exits are easy, Google maps will tell you which exit to take. You just follow the yellow signs with the exit number to get to the street you want.

Not hard. You all sound like Americans not used to major city public transportation. Tokyo is even easier than NYC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

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

Are you kidding? The trains are INCREDIBLY easy to use in Japan. They're so logical and easy to understand.

NP

They are easy once you get the hang of it, but, for instance, the Tokyo subway map is huge. It can be overwhelming at first. Especially when the crowds of riders come sweeping past you as you’re trying to figure it all out.

Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. The worst thing that ever happened to me there during about 6 or 7 total visits, was when a man pinched my rear end one time in a department store. But even then, I was more bemused than anything. Groping is a thing though, and that’s why there are female-only train cars. But even with that said, I always marveled at how safe it felt there. People would trip over themselves to return a stuffy or baby toy that would fall out of the stroller. Or anything else you might drop!

Are you 60+ years old?

Google maps works everywhere in Japan. Tokyo had the easiest subway system in the world. You just find you color line and figure out which letter and number you're going towards. That's it.

Oh you mean I need the red line for stop A15 or whatever. Ok, follow the sign for the red line where the numbers go up if I'm at red A02.


Come on now, it isn't Astro physics. Doesn't matter how big the system is. Use Google maps.

I’m the PP you’re addressing, and no, I’m not in my 60s. LOL

It never ceases to amaze me how offering a perspective on DCUM to an OP asking for help can bring out the snark in other posters. Like, I’m sorry I was overwhelmed the first time I visited the Tokyo subway? I certainly don’t think that’s an unusual reaction given that it’s the largest city on Earth. I’m aware of Google maps, and clearly, as I indicated multiple visits to Japan, I obviously found my bearings after awhile. But thanks for your advice!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

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

Are you kidding? The trains are INCREDIBLY easy to use in Japan. They're so logical and easy to understand.

NP

They are easy once you get the hang of it, but, for instance, the Tokyo subway map is huge. It can be overwhelming at first. Especially when the crowds of riders come sweeping past you as you’re trying to figure it all out.

Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. The worst thing that ever happened to me there during about 6 or 7 total visits, was when a man pinched my rear end one time in a department store. But even then, I was more bemused than anything. Groping is a thing though, and that’s why there are female-only train cars. But even with that said, I always marveled at how safe it felt there. People would trip over themselves to return a stuffy or baby toy that would fall out of the stroller. Or anything else you might drop!

Are you 60+ years old?

Google maps works everywhere in Japan. Tokyo had the easiest subway system in the world. You just find you color line and figure out which letter and number you're going towards. That's it.

Oh you mean I need the red line for stop A15 or whatever. Ok, follow the sign for the red line where the numbers go up if I'm at red A02.


Come on now, it isn't Astro physics. Doesn't matter how big the system is. Use Google maps.

NP. I’ve traveled a lot and routinely use subway systems abroad (as well as in NYC, where I live). I agree with the PP who said the Tokyo subway system can be overwhelming, even with Google Maps. There are English translations, but obviously Japanese is the primary language on the maps/announcements/signage, there are different entrances and tokens depending on which line you’re going to, and some lines are operated by different companies so you need a different type of ticket. And foreign credit cards aren’t accepted at the ticket booths so you have to use cash. It is doable and learnable of course, but I’ve never been so confused on a transportation system as I was on my first few days in Tokyo.

That said, Japan itself is amazing. I loved it.

It is not overwhelming. All the machines have English translations. You don't need to know the Japanese names of the stops, because they all are numbered with Roman letters and a number plus color. It's so, soooo easy. Exits are easy, Google maps will tell you which exit to take. You just follow the yellow signs with the exit number to get to the street you want.

Not hard. You all sound like Americans not used to major city public transportation. Tokyo is even easier than NYC.

Wow you’re really triggered by anyone expressing their feelings and experiences from navigating the largest city in the world. And you just sound insufferable. You have zero idea of where anyone on this forum has lived/visited. Seriously, this is DCUM. A lot of people travel a lot and to many places. But it’s clearly very important for you to think you’re just a superior traveler and the rest of us are just peasants!

[Anonymous]

Back to the topic: If you like whisky, you might enjoy one of the distillery tours, and some of them are in scenic locations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

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

Are you kidding? The trains are INCREDIBLY easy to use in Japan. They're so logical and easy to understand.

NP

They are easy once you get the hang of it, but, for instance, the Tokyo subway map is huge. It can be overwhelming at first. Especially when the crowds of riders come sweeping past you as you’re trying to figure it all out.

Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. The worst thing that ever happened to me there during about 6 or 7 total visits, was when a man pinched my rear end one time in a department store. But even then, I was more bemused than anything. Groping is a thing though, and that’s why there are female-only train cars. But even with that said, I always marveled at how safe it felt there. People would trip over themselves to return a stuffy or baby toy that would fall out of the stroller. Or anything else you might drop!

Are you 60+ years old?

Google maps works everywhere in Japan. Tokyo had the easiest subway system in the world. You just find you color line and figure out which letter and number you're going towards. That's it.

Oh you mean I need the red line for stop A15 or whatever. Ok, follow the sign for the red line where the numbers go up if I'm at red A02.


Come on now, it isn't Astro physics. Doesn't matter how big the system is. Use Google maps.

NP. I’ve traveled a lot and routinely use subway systems abroad (as well as in NYC, where I live). I agree with the PP who said the Tokyo subway system can be overwhelming, even with Google Maps. There are English translations, but obviously Japanese is the primary language on the maps/announcements/signage, there are different entrances and tokens depending on which line you’re going to, and some lines are operated by different companies so you need a different type of ticket. And foreign credit cards aren’t accepted at the ticket booths so you have to use cash. It is doable and learnable of course, but I’ve never been so confused on a transportation system as I was on my first few days in Tokyo.

That said, Japan itself is amazing. I loved it.

It is not overwhelming. All the machines have English translations. You don't need to know the Japanese names of the stops, because they all are numbered with Roman letters and a number plus color. It's so, soooo easy. Exits are easy, Google maps will tell you which exit to take. You just follow the yellow signs with the exit number to get to the street you want.

Not hard. You all sound like Americans not used to major city public transportation. Tokyo is even easier than NYC.

OK. You are much smarter and more worldly than us. You are the opposite of an American not used to major city public transportation. Happy?

[Anonymous]

this thread has brought out more obnoxious posts than most re: travel. yikes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Yes, it does happen. I recall an incident about a local man that killed a young woman and stuffed her body in a cave. It was picked up by the foreign news because the victim was white. Typically Japan is good at keeping it out of public eyes. Big reason: 8-10% of tourism contributes to their GDP.

[Anonymous]

One thing that was shocking to see was how some businessmen read pornographic manga openly on the train. They don't bother hiding it and it's all for the world to see.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Yes, it does happen. I recall an incident about a local man that killed a young woman and stuffed her body in a cave. It was picked up by the foreign news because the victim was white. Typically Japan is good at keeping it out of public eyes. Big reason: 8-10% of tourism contributes to their GDP.

I mean yes this stuff does happen but it’s frankly rarer in Japan than most places. Just use standard precautions like making sure someone knows what you are/who you’re with etc.

I travelled a lot in rural Japan as a young woman (on my own, staying in hostels, etc) and felt very safe the whole time.