fortnight in Japan. any tips, to dos?

Well I just got back from Japan like.....2 days ago. I've been there like 7 times, so I know my way around a bit.


I say go to Kyoto, and stay in the area for at least 5 days. I went there my 2nd time in Japan, and I swear that I saw more of historic Japan at that time than at any other time. Very memorable. Spend 5-7 days there. On some of those days, make a side trip to Nara. It's the first capital of Japan, and you'll enjoy the deer walking around the streets.
Kyoto is the second (and previous) capital of Japan, and has a LOT to see. You won't be bored. There are a few world heritage sites in Kyoto itself!!!


Osaka is OK. It's boring, but I guess it's a good time to shop, eat Okonomiyaki (and its far more famous in Osaka and the Kansai region than, say, Tokyo), and go to Universal Studios Japan.


Tokyo? Go to Asakusa. Also go to Kamakura, which is a city in the Kanagawa Prefecture (and is beside Tokyo). Yokohama is the big city beside Tokyo, and I think it's the 2nd biggest city in Japan. Kamakura is only a short distance away (60-90 minutes, I'm guessing) by regular train. The trip may even be shorter than that. Shop in Shibuya. There's also an Apple Store there, although it's hard to find if you don't know your way around.


Are you there in August? There are so many fireworks festivals ('hana-bi') in Japan during the summer, you wouldn't believe it. There's supposed to be around 200 festivals in August alone!! I just went to a major festival in Suwa, and it's supposed to be one of the biggest, and best, in Japan. That probably makes it one of the best shows in the world!!!!

If you can find a show, go and enjoy it.

There really isn't much to see. There's a ship you can take around the harbour, but it's a bit boring.

I really don't know what I did there other than go to an area named Shinsaibashi for shopping. It's a sight to see anyway, I guess.

Oh, and at Shinsaibashi, right near Shinsaibashi station, there's a mini-area named America-mura (or America Village), which tries to sell all this American-style clothes and stuff. Theres even an American Apparel there, if I remember correctly. The Apple Store is around there as well, if you're interested. Apple is a great place to check the internet when you're in Japan.

Have a wonderful time, OP. Just arrived back after a two month vacation in Japan...now I gotta work!! Still have a valid visa for another 12 months Returning again soon.. but only after the US trip.

I hear your asking about Do's and Don'ts? There are non!! Just do everything and don't ever think about not doing something!!

NewGenAdam said:

I've got the DK guide book,

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Get a copy of the Rough Guide to Japan and leave the DK one at home

Other than that definitely get a Japanese Rail pass, just the train to/from Tokyo/Kyoto/Hiroshima means it'll pay for itself. Note however that you can't use Nozomi (the fastest) Shinkansen, but otherwise you should be able to just get on the train without a reservation - the unreserved carriages in my experience are generally pretty empty (though if you have a family a reservation might be worthwhile - you can easily get one at the ticket office). For when the trains go and how long they take look at the JR website, press the English button to look in English.

With regards to sights you can see my blog for what I got up to.

Abstract said:

Apple is a great place to check the internet when you're in Japan.

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If you have children I'd say that standard Japanese internet cafes were best avoided - unless upskirt shots of "schoolgirls" are your thing - and that was opposite Tiffany's in Shinjuku .