Things to do in Japan

[Cultured_Bogan]

Hi all,

I'm headed to Japan later in the year and while we've got about half of the itinerary sorted, wondering if anyone had done some awesome things there themselves that they'd highly recommend. Anyone who has ideas for good things to do in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka I'd really appreciate it if you share it.

Also, I really want to go to a Japanese Whiskey bar, anyone with hot tips on good ones would be great.

Cheers all.

 

[jirskyr]

I went to Hakone to try and see Mt Fuji. The bullet train was cool and the trip up the mountain and back down was good, but couldn't see Fuji at all due to fog. Anything you do in Tokyo is pretty good, all the obvious tourist stuff I mean (e.g. Meiji Shrine and Harajuku). For me it's as much of a "vibe" place as actually ticking things off a list - just walking around, observing, trying out all the things we don't have.

There's a free government building Tokyo City Hall, where you can go up to the Observation Deck for views of the city.

I used a Japan Rail pass the first time and it was good because it covered my bullet trains and also the JR Yamanote line (one of the main central lines - and also a big circle, so I used it a lot).

I was too hungover the day I planned to go to Kyoto, but Osaka was cool. It has a large aquarium if that's your thing, and one of the few whale sharks in captivity, but actually I found that part a bit sad because it's such a huge creature and the tank can never be big enough. Same with the manta ray they had. There's a very large outdoor pedestrian mall that's fun to walk down, getting shouted at to come in stores.

 

[TheDaBoss]

Japan is on one of my top places i want to visit..one of the main reasons is for the cherry blossoms, i suppose having a family who are photographers rubs off :grin:

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

We wanted to go for the Sakura Festival but it is in early April. It was too soon for us to go as the wife doesn't finish uni until August.

 

[Tigerdon]

the Snow fields are great this time off year.

 

[The_Patriot]

The cherry blossoms are cool .

 

[Tbone]

Watch the documentary Ramen Heads to get you fired up. It follows a few Japanese ramen chefs around vying for the title of ramen champion. These guys are ridiculously dedicated to their craft. They spend 3 days making a broth sometimes. Then go to one of the ramen shops mentioned in the doco. Most of them don’t take bookings and people que for ages to get in (or get a ticket in the morning the. Return for lunch).

If you can get into a sumo tournament I would highly recommend that too. Tickets are scarce even if it’s on. Amazing experience. I saw it in osaka.

Roppongi in Tokyo for ‘interesting’ nightlife. I’ve had a few interesting nights at Geronimo Shot Bar. Lots of westerners there. It’s only a small place with lots of buzz. Buy the house a round and they’ll bash the gong.

There’s also an area with tiny bars worth a look. It’s called Shinjuku Golden Gai.

If you accidentally find yourself in one of roppongi’s gentlemen clubs, you will be impressed with the level of commitment and customer focus on offer.