Advice for traveling to Japan

[CobaltFire]

I am looking for any advice for traveling to Japan, preferrably from someone who has. I am definately looking into renting a Skyline GT-R for a day if I can find one. I just have to drive it! I will be traveling to Nagakute, which is a suburb of Nagoya. Unfortunately this will be around Christmas, so I will not get to experience the Expo 2005 (my fiancee worked there for 2 weeks while she was at home, and is the star of one of the film festival films). I will also be going to the Toyota Museum, as that is near her home (where we will be staying most of the time). We are also thinking of taking a 1 week trip elsewhere in the country, and I am open to suggestions. She has not traveled much within Japan, so this should be interesting for us both. Travel will be by train, as I have never ridden one before. A bullet train ride is a must for myself as well. We are definately going to be going to an inn somewhere in the mountains that her family has gone to for years that is supposed to have an excellent hotspring and even better food and accomodations, while getting NO SIGNAL from any cell phones. Anyhow, I am asking you guys as I think it is more likely that the average person living in Hawaii will have traveled there than otherwise. TIA for any pointers/advice.

[Astroboy]

Originally Posted by CobaltFire

I am looking for any advice for traveling to Japan, preferrably from someone who has. I am definately looking into renting a Skyline GT-R for a day if I can find one. I just have to drive it! I will be traveling to Nagakute, which is a suburb of Nagoya. Unfortunately this will be around Christmas, so I will not get to experience the Expo 2005 (my fiancee worked there for 2 weeks while she was at home, and is the star of one of the film festival films). I will also be going to the Toyota Museum, as that is near her home (where we will be staying most of the time). We are also thinking of taking a 1 week trip elsewhere in the country, and I am open to suggestions. She has not traveled much within Japan, so this should be interesting for us both. Travel will be by train, as I have never ridden one before. A bullet train ride is a must for myself as well. We are definately going to be going to an inn somewhere in the mountains that her family has gone to for years that is supposed to have an excellent hotspring and even better food and accomodations, while getting NO SIGNAL from any cell phones. Anyhow, I am asking you guys as I think it is more likely that the average person living in Hawaii will have traveled there than otherwise. TIA for any pointers/advice.

Oh boy, glad you are going in December and not now. Terribly humid right now. Last year we went to Matsumoto and Nagoya. Let me compile some info of the places to see as soon as my walking encyclopedia "wealth of knowledge" wife comes home. You will no doubt love it up there!

Beasty has a tremendous amount of info on Japan also that I am sure he will share with you.
Astro

[The Beastmaster]

I used to spend time in Japan as I still have family in Osaka and Tokyo. Since it is winter, if you can get to the coastal towns, eat lots of the winter crab! The kani is tottemo oishii! I think it was called Echizen crab. Ryokans are great, but usually very pricey due to the cost of the kaiseki ryori. The hot springs are exhilirating especially if it is an outdoors one. Some places even have hot springs right outside your room. Nothing like relaxing in a hot spring overlooking the town or foliage below while surrounded by snow!

[CobaltFire]

Yes, this inn we are going to has them outside. That is a must for me as well, I have always wanted to go to a traditional japanese mountain inn with an outdoor hotspring. As for the crab, all I have to say is OISHII!!! I love crab! I will eat the heck outta crab while I am there. Has anyone else ever tried to rent a Skyline at all? It's not a must do, but I would like to drive one, as I will probably never get to here (unless I pick up an R32... God I want one).

P.S. I don't mean the 4-door, I mean the R34 GT-R...

[The Beastmaster]

If you are going to drive there, get used to driving on the wrong side of the road, shifting with your left hand and being pampered when filling up gas. Oh yeah, gas I probably @ $8 a gallon in Japan.

[kaliimc]

Not knowing much else to do in Japan based on my limited experience there I would recommend getting lost in Tokyo for a day and see the lights at night! I too would want to take the train, especially the bullet train up north somewhere.

Well, you are already planning to visit the Toyota manufacturer, why not others? Is Nissan to far out of the way? Check out the skyline on the assembly line.

I really enjoy experiencing the local foods, drinks, etc. so I normally know what kind of dining opportunities I have when I travel to a town or area. Some internet searches would help me in that area. Oh yea, when I go to Thailand, Vietnam and other countries I normally get the address and location of the local city or regional BMW dealership, just to check it out, maybe buy a shirt that says BMW of Thailand (they actually didn't have any shirts at that time...) or some crazy thing like that.

Lastly, if you were going by yourself we could start another thread on different places to go as a single person... uh, next time perhaps.

My apologies for not looking at you sooner today on Pearl, I was tired and worn out from dealing with lots of different sites today... just wasn't in the mood to acknowledge someone. Actually saw a car stop next to me and I thought, "hmmm this person wants to cut in.... I don't see anybody" thats all.

[kaliimc]

Oh, and if you do drive, its pretty easy because the Nihon-Jin are very organized, courteous, and mostly on the ball out there on the road. Plus you will always have someone in front of you to lead the way, and if you are in the city or in a built up area (most of the flat terrain) you will be in traffic a majority of the time and your speed will be pretty slow. Your S/O is your "guide" right?

[The Beastmaster]

Just say you're from Hawaii and you will be a God! AND if you are wandering around, stay away from those back alleys with the red lanterns hanging.

[CobaltFire]

Cool, thanks for all the advice so far. Kaliimc, don't worry about it, you looked pretty worn out. I actually stopped before I realized it was you, because I was going to compliment whoever it was on their car. After the "DINAN 5" badge and the color (which looks purple through polarized glasses) caught up with me (had just finished a 45 minute game of basketball and a 45 minute run), I realized it was you. Anyhow, I may have to check out the other manufacturers. I will definately stop by the BMW dealer there, hopefully I'll get a BMW shirt or something in japanese... My S/O will be my guide, and I think I'll do ok on the other side. I actually learned how to shift with my left hand before my right, as my mom wanted to make sure I had it down before she would let me into the drivers seat (I learned on a manual). Keep the suggestions coming!

[MauiM3Mania]

BM, did you talk with Teruko about Osaka? That's where she's from... not sure if any family is there.

[The Beastmaster]

Didn't talk to her about Osaka. I had no idea she was from the Kansai area. My cousins are in Tokyo or Chiba depending which house they are staying at, but I had a blast drinking with them at the Ginza. My other friends took me drinking there and it was lots of fun.

The only thing bad about Japan is my ex fiance follows me around whenever I am there. She followed me around in Kyoto and Tokyo.

[CobaltFire]

MauiM3Mania, do you by any chance have a Mac? Just curious, because I already have it ripped into my PowerBook.

EDIT: iTunes on a PC would work, too.

[MauiM3Mania]

She's not here now, but as I understand Osaka is where she was born and raised. Her business was based in Kyoto... she bailed after the earthquake, I need to get her in here to correct me.

Cobalt, I'm on an IBM, but have Itunes. Shoot it my way! -Scott

Originally Posted by The Beastmaster

Didn't talk to her about Osaka. I had no idea she was from the Kansai area. My cousins are in Tokyo or Chiba depending which house they are staying at, but I had a blast drinking with them at the Ginza. My other friends took me drinking there and it was lots of fun.

The only thing bad about Japan is my ex fiance follows me around whenever I am there. She followed me around in Kyoto and Tokyo.

[bimbum]

get ready to see more japanese temples, churches and castles than you ever imagined in fact get ready to see an army of japanese people and that's just when the light turns to "walk" hee hee. buy the week long train pass, will come in handy. also buy reserved seating on the bullets (shinkansen, hikari, etc.) it's the only way to fly. I went in august and that place was hotter than hawaii! I loved it since not a snow/cold person.

if in shinjuku, visit the keo plaza and eat at the top. or the bottom! see kabuki-cho. hiroshima memorial. shopping in ginza. climb mt. fuji. and of course... all those temples and castles! cool ancient towns too, I think one was named kamakura? nippon wa daisuki desu. so much to see and do. enjoy!

[AlwaysSilver]

How about visiting the Motegi Twin Rings racetrack in Ibaragi-ken? They have an awesome Honda museum there.

Don't think you'll find SkaGTR at a rental car agency - plus rent-a-cars are REALLY costly in Japan. I don't think the rental agencies have older cars like the R32 either.

If you are going to be there for New Year's Eve/New Year then you have to experience hatsu moude (first worship of year). See the thousands of people lining up at midnight at the shrines to wish for good luck in the coming year. Something different for sure!

You'll be there for bonenkai (end of year party) season so get ready to drink like you never have!

[AlwaysSilver]

Originally Posted by The Beastmaster

The only thing bad about Japan is my ex fiance follows me around whenever I am there. She followed me around in Kyoto and Tokyo.

It's not her that's the problem right? You have problems when her pop's peeps follow you around. (Guys who look like this > )

[The Beastmaster]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSilver

It's not her that's the problem right? You have problems when her pop's peeps follow you around. (Guys who look like this > )

That was in Hawaii. In Japan she shows up at the hotel in Kyoto in her AMG S500 or in Tokyo with the S600.

[anyone]

hey I`m in Tokyo, Japan right now and good luck renting a car cause parking here is insane, but there are plenty of skyline`s out on the roads, this place is beautiful and the people are nice and the food`s great, you`re going to love it.

[Hawaiiannights]

Wow I didn't even notice this thread until today and was ready to write a whole bunch of stuff but noticed many people already wrote about some of the things I was going to say. And have left alot of great comments!

I'm from Japan originally but have lived in the US (mostly Hawaii) for the majority of my life so am more americanized (and local eh?) then anything. But I still am fluent in Japanese and visit often and have been married to 2 Japanese women and who knows how many ex-girlfriends. I actually just came back from Tokyo 3 days ago.

The heat was just unbearable this time. I almost passed out from heat stroke. But since your going in December, on the other hand you may need to buy some winter clothes if you don't have any. And there is waaaay too many earthquakes in Japan lately...something is definately wrong. There was 3 just in the 2 weeks I was there. I'm actually from Fukoka which is down South and is more country then city, but I spend most of my time in Tokyo so know Tokyo the best.

I don't know the Nagoya area very well so don't know where to guide you but if you have any questions let me know. Like I said I just came back and have hundreds of friends and relatives that live throughout Japan including one in the Nagoya area.

Never heard of renting a Skyline but I don't see why they wouldn't. You may have a hard time finding a place unless you already did your research. And yes parking is insane. And you have to pay for every bridge, freeway, every anything you drive through. And Gas costs an arm and a leg, and you are not allowed to fill your own gas. An attendant has to do it for you...even though I heard they are starting to pick up on the self serve system. But 99% of Japanese people probably still don't know how to pump their own gas.
Oh an be sure you have an international drivers license. Japans drivers license works and is valid in the US but the US license is not accepted in Japan.

Also I need to ask if you are Asian looking or caucasion looking? because it can make a difference in certain places. Don't get me wrong as I am definately not predjudice, and most everyone in Japan is very nice to everyone, and they have gotten alot better compared to 20 years ago, but they are still somewhat of a predjudice country so will treat people who aren't Japanese or don't talk japanese a little different. ( I mean the regular people on the street and stuff, not people in the hospitality industry, hotels, etc.) Depending on where you go and what it is your doing. Then again there are the people who LOVE the foreigners and can't get enough of them. Just don't take it personal if someone is rude to you...its just how some of them are. And some places have signs that say no foreigners allowed. Oh but yes they love Hawaii, so tell everyone your from Hawaii

Food is awesome! I would say the best in the world but if your not used to it make sure you ask what your about to eat because you may be shocked. For instance a delicacy from where I come from Fukuoka is "Basashi" which is Raw Horse Meat, and "Mentaiko" Spicy Picked Fish Egg Sacks. Which both of them are very good and I love to eat. If you don't know, ask.

The country areas are beautiful and very relaxing and enjoyable if that is what you want to experience.....Temples, Mountains, Hot Springs, etc.
Then the Cities are wild and insane! I love Tokyo...its like New York City or LA but 100 times more crazy, crowded, and fun!! Everyone one is in such a rush even when you ride escalators you have to know which side to stand on. The left side is the side for people who just want to ride the escalator up, and the right side is for the people who are in a rush and will come running up the escalator. If your sticking out on the right and not moving you will either get knocked down or piss someone off big time.

Taking a side trip would be great! Fukuoka or Kumamoto in the South Side is beautiful with great food, mountains, hot springs, etc.
Osaka is close to Nagoya and is much like Tokyo but the people there are crazy!! hahah....my ex girlfriend tried to stab me after we broke up and she was from Osaka. they have a very strong dialect too so even Japanese people can't understand them sometimes...(kansai ben).... Then of couse Tokyo is wonderful, food, shopping, nightlife....a little gentlemen fun? hehe..
Hokkaido is great as well, but will be cold as shit in December.
Oh and the hotsprings are not co-ed, unless you happen to get a small private one. So if your not used to being butt naked in front of a bunch of guys who have their balls hanging out you may feel a little unconfortable. Oh and if you have large tatoos on you body, some hot spring "onsens" have a sign saying tatoos not permited. So in other words if you have a big ass dragon on your back your not getting in. And if you do, everyone will be looking at you and trying to figure out if you are Yakuza or not. And trust me the Yakuza is still around and you don't want to mess with them.

Which brings me to the subject of the "mens" nightlife. If you are planning on getting away from the fiance, and you are in to that kind of thing...you will be very pleased. But of course we won't get in to that here. If you want to know I can fill you in on alot of info, but you'll have to find the places yourself unless its in Tokyo. But don't just go in to anywhere. They have places that are made to sucker you in and rip you off. Even myself that can speak fluently got sucked into a bar in Tokyo once in Kabukicho. I got in the place and they confused me so much I had no idea how to get out, they also took away my shoes and told me I have to pay approx $700 to be in this place but once I pay I can get "full service" and all you can drink. I said forget it, and tried to get out of it then many guys showed up and they made it very clear to me I wasn't getting out unless I paid. But they don't use direct words but make the point clear. Your already in there so need to pay for the services of the place. Don't trust someone on the street that says he can take you to a good place for a small fee or if it sounds to good to be true it probably is.

Oh and trains. I love them! But if you've never riden one, you might not be used to them and may get motion sickness. I still do once in a while but my body adapts in a few days. The new bullet train has just been released and is suppose to be unreal fast! Superexpress I think? You'll see there is about 3 differnt types and different looking bullet trains...the more futureistic they look the newer they are probably. Oh and they aint cheap. Almost the same as buying a plane ticket. if you plan to ride alot of trains on the JR lines (which the shinkansen bullet train is) you should definately obtain a JR Rail Pass....its expensive but worth while. You can only purchase it while you are in the US and its only for non-japan residents.

Oh and watch out for the Japanese toilets! If you don't know how to use one don't even try. Personally I hate them and refuse to use them. And almost anyplace will have both Western Toilets and Japanes toilets. EXCEPT in the case you go somewhere thats real country then you most definately will have to learn to use a Japanese Style toilet! Or sometimes all the western stalls are taken and you need to take a dump now! and the only available open stall is the Jap toilet.....then.....gambatte.....hehe

Oh most public restrooms don't have papertowels or even soap. You need to carry a handkerchief (spelling?) or small hand towel with you at all times.

Oh and all Japanese are fricken drunks and love to drink...haha.....my grandma used to pour me beer when I was 12 and yelled at me when I said I can't drink. Be prepared to drink even if your not a drinker. If you are a drinker then have fun...but people will make you drink more then you every have before....people actually die in Japan from drinking too much and drowning in alcohol.

Thats what I can think of off the top of my head. Let me know if you have more questions. Didn't know so many people on this forum have been to Japan or know about Japan....wow.......

Jya ne...

[CobaltFire]

Cool, thanks Hawaiinnights. As for the prejudices, I am very aware of them, don't worry about it. For the nightlife, that won't be an issue. I am most definately not a partyer. The rail pass is already on the to-do list as well. I am very used to seeing naked guys (I'm in the Navy), and I am a bit scared of getting a tattoo. The toilets worry me a little, but oh well, I'll survive. Thanks for the long write up!

[808Cardinal87]

Originally Posted by CobaltFire

I am very used to seeing naked guys (I'm in the Navy),

[kaliimc]

I am confused also, this may be because I joined the Army and am unable to relate to the way the Navy "does" things. Can anyone tell me why the nametag goes on the right rear pants pocket?! Kinda reminds me of dogs when they sniff each other back there to find out more about each other...

Any explanations Tom?

[AlwaysSilver]

Originally Posted by Hawaiiannights

Food is awesome! I would say the best in the world but if your not used to it make sure you ask what your about to eat because you may be shocked. For instance a delicacy from where I come from Fukuoka is "Basashi" which is Raw Horse Meat, and "Mentaiko" Spicy Picked Fish Egg Sacks. Which both of them are very good and I love to eat. If you don't know, ask.

I thought basashi was more of a Kumamoto area delicacy. My Mom is also from Fukuoka so I have family all over Kyushu. Mentaiko definitely rocks! The stuff you can get here locally isn't that good though - Fukuya can't be touched! We always bring it in and my freezer (as my folks) is full of it.

Originally Posted by Hawaiiannights

Oh and watch out for the Japanese toilets! If you don't know how to use one don't even try. Personally I hate them and refuse to use them. And almost anyplace will have both Western Toilets and Japanes toilets. EXCEPT in the case you go somewhere thats real country then you most definately will have to learn to use a Japanese Style toilet! Or sometimes all the western stalls are taken and you need to take a dump now! and the only available open stall is the Jap toilet.....then.....gambatte.....hehe

When I use to visit my Grandma in Hakata, she would put comic magazines (same thickness as phonebook here) on each side to I could "do my thing". Still can't use Japanese toilets!

Originally Posted by Hawaiiannights

Oh most public restrooms don't have papertowels or even soap. You need to carry a handkerchief (spelling?) or small hand towel with you at all times.

This is an awesome tip! Good one. It'd be a good idea to buy a bunch of individual packet WetOnes before going to Japan. No soap so yeah maybe small bottle of hand sanitizer too. Hankie is a must (take a few)!

Originally Posted by Hawaiiannights

Oh and all Japanese are fricken drunks and love to drink...haha.....my grandma used to pour me beer when I was 12 and yelled at me when I said I can't drink. Be prepared to drink even if your not a drinker. If you are a drinker then have fun...but people will make you drink more then you every have before....people actually die in Japan from drinking too much and drowning in alcohol.

When I use to take Engineers from Ford/Motorola/GM/etc. to Japan I'd try to warn them but they'd always say they were not worried because the were college-style drinkers........little did they know. Every and ALL these guys were ralphing and most could not get up the next morning (which was a few hours after we finished drinking!).

[Astroboy]

Several places that we visited that I would recommend:

• The Nagoya Aquarium. First class operation. They have this HUGE tank that sports dolphins and a killer whale. People sit in a small stadium like seating and watch the show from above water or below water. Several television cameras film the show and broadcast it onto this huge “jumbo-tron” type screen so you can see close-up what happens. They also have a few beluga whales there that had just given birth when we visited. Many, many exhibits on several floors - aquariums with fish, poisonous frogs, poisonous everything, all sorts of creatures from around the world. Next door to the aquarium is a retired ice-breaker ship that ventured to the south (?) pole. It was suppose to have been one of the first or something like that. In any event, the aquarium is quite reasonably priced at approx $12.00 per person and can consume at least several hours of your time. Well worth it.
• The Science and Technology museum is also very worth your while. It is a concrete building, much like an office building here that has approximately, (hmmm) 7+ floors full of hands-on exhibits. Each floor has different theme, full of hands on exhibits and each very interesting. This place also can EASILY consume several hours to half a day of your time. The admission was approximately $6.00 or so. I am still baffled at how low the admission cost for these places were. Well worth the price.
• The Nagoya Zoo is also well worth your time. Great set up, many different animals that you would not normally see in this country. I can’t remember the price but think it was somewhere around $12-$15 or so.

Nagoya has this great quasi Yokan-Mochi snack. You will see it in many of the food sections of the stores there. It is sold in a rectangular bar size, a little narrower than a gold bar but longer. It comes in made with different ingredients and as a result comes in different colors. Great eating and you can easily get hooked on it.

We didn’t stay long enough to purchase a rail pass, but that would be the way to go if you are staying a while. We purchased individual passes as needed. Hawaiiannights pretty much nailed everything. I would have to agree that oddly enough, sometimes when you ride the train, nothing happens and it is smooth sailing, but sometimes it rocks from side to side depending on the terrain it covers and it did give me motion sickness on one ride. Other than that, it was great fun to see the scenery from the train window. Unless you don’t mind cigarette smoke, I would highly recommend the non-smoking car and even reserved car rather than paying slightly less for a smoking non reserved car. Once the headache comes on, it is hard to shake.

Interestingly enough, the Japanese men have the same concerns and inhibitions that Americans do. When you enter the onsens or ofuros, you normally have a washcloth size towel sort of subtly covering your area. Once in water, the cloth can be used to cover the top of your head or whatever.
I have pics if you want to see the aquarium as well as the science and tech exhibits. As you can see, we did mostly kid-oriented stuff. Red light districts were off limits for me as was alcohol.

Oh, almost forgot to comment about the toilets. Word of caution, if you have to use the japanese style of toilets, just make sure your pens, coins, pager, cell phone, wallet are secure before you squat. I lost a pen that way....
Have fun!
Astro

P.S. I'll probably be in Kyoto sometime in Dec....I think

[CobaltFire]

I do fine with the drinking, but I am a social drinker now, as I used to drink a bit too much (250ml of hard stuff with a 6 pack or so every night...). It just doesn't interest me as much anymore. I'll try new stuff, and I do like chuhai's (sp?). As for the naked guys in the Navy stuff, when you are on a little friggin tube under water, there isn't any such thing as privacy, so you get used to it. I also have to shower in the gym everyday, so there is that as well (work out every day there before work).