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8/2/2013 1:42:31 AM
27
Things to do in Japan?
I plan to go to Japan around the end of march with my friend We plan to spend about a week and go to Tokyo and then Kyoto and maybe Nara, Osaka and Himeji. I am primarily going to go in the spring to see the cherry blossoms and it isn't blistering hot.
There is also a cool light festival around the same time in kyoto called Hanatoro but I think id miss cherry blossom season if I went since it is a week before they start blooming but it might be worth missing considering a guy that has been living there for 20 years says they almost always get rained out.. anyways I have a list of places I plan to go to within those cities and I was wondering if you guys have been there before or if you have some tips or cool places I could visit there.
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3 Replies1. Learn some basic Japanese phrases and how to read some signs for directions etc. Their train system is excellent for foreigners as it is colour coded. If you're staying in hotels then the front desk will provide any information or maps you may need so talk with them often. 2. Japanese culture dictates many simply won't talk in English to you as they don't want to be embarrassed at pronouncing things wrong, even though most speak English fairly well. Again learn some basic phrases, they're very big on please and thank you's. 3. Go to Akihabara, the electonics district. You will not be disappointed. 4. Go to Arcades and usually go to the back or top floor as most competitive games are in those locations. 5. Eat Teppanyaki & Tempura as it's a ton of fun on a night out too. 6. Ginza, the shopping district is a lot of fun, visit during day and night as it's quite a different place then. 7. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is where you can gain some special wishes from drinking the water and the temple is built around a waterfall. Too cool and a great walk around to get to the drinking part. In fact visit many temples as it's fantastic seeing/being part of the tea ceremonies and just insane detail to their gardens and temples. Special mention to Kotoku-in Temple for the Great Buddha statue. 8. If you're not shy then visit any "onsen" public bathing, usually these are natural hot springs that you soak in and strangers all get naked. It's actually very much a part of their culture so you'd do well to participate. 9. Buy just about anything from a vending machine, their hot chocolate in a can is actually decent. 10. Bullet train, enough said and you get lunch and drinks. I put my water glass on the window frame and it never looked like shaking or spilling at high speeds. Insane. 11. Sony HQ, always something cool on display in the lobby. 12. If you country customs / airline carrier allow it check out Japanese steel shops for swords, knives etc. Just brilliant works of art. 13. Sumo tournament, get there. 14. Eat at a Sushi train place, eat Ramen noodles and eat quickly there is a queue behind you for on street eateries. 15. Take a lot of money, Japan isn't cheap. Bonus 16. If you hike then visit Mt. Fuji.
