A Canon PowerShot that's nothing special but has worked very well for us. We've considered taking a second camera so we don't have to take turns.Mechcozmo said:
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Doctor Q in Japan
- Thread starter Doctor Q
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I've often wondered recently about going to Japan. Europe I can do (and have done do a small-ish extent) But Japan is so, well, different from what I'm used to, that I don't know how much I'd be able to handle it. Watching lots of anime and reading lots of manga can only help you so much 
Anyways, watch out for drunk turtles, zombie rain, Cool Things, and of course, sad girls in snow. If you get in trouble, you could always teach some English.
Anyways, would you care to pick up some tonkatsu sauce for me? I've been having a hell of a time finding some around here
Anyways, watch out for drunk turtles, zombie rain, Cool Things, and of course, sad girls in snow. If you get in trouble, you could always teach some English.
Anyways, would you care to pick up some tonkatsu sauce for me? I've been having a hell of a time finding some around here
I realized something else we have to do, which didn't occur to me before. We have to give the state of California our two cents each, absentee style. I'll be glad to miss the barrage of ads for and against every one of the countless propositions we always have on our ballots here.
In case we decide to eat or drink
Some language questions:
What's the difference between ocha (tea) and ryokucha (tea) and kocha (tea)?
What's the difference between gohan (rice) and raisu (rice)?
Is there a Japanese phrase for iced tea better than the adopted Western sound aisu ti? Is iced tea a Western import or is there a Japanese version?
Are there popular soft drinks to try instead of the same ol' Coke and Pepsi?
Is plum wine common in restaurants? What is it called?
Some language questions:
What's the difference between ocha (tea) and ryokucha (tea) and kocha (tea)?
What's the difference between gohan (rice) and raisu (rice)?
Is there a Japanese phrase for iced tea better than the adopted Western sound aisu ti? Is iced tea a Western import or is there a Japanese version?
Are there popular soft drinks to try instead of the same ol' Coke and Pepsi?
Is plum wine common in restaurants? What is it called?
Japan is awesome. Too many earthquakes for my taste tho <=/ My brother just got back from a 6 week stay earlier this summer and they had 8 quakes plus a typhoon.
Wait, I don't wanna freak you out.
So just enjoy the Sake!
Wait, I don't wanna freak you out.
So just enjoy the Sake!
Doctor Q said:
I'm only familiar with the gohan rice as it's the most common. The plum wine I think is Ume-shu it's pretty sweet but it's got a high alocohol content so be careful not to let that fool you. Check out the sushi while you're there. Contrary to popular belief, it's all about the rice. You don't have to go with the straight up Nigiri (the squishy raw fish), but there are some nice dishes with Nigiri in 'em.
...there that was much more supportive than the my last post
enjoy!
Doctor Q said:
ocha is Japanese tea, ryokucha is green tea (can be bitter.)
koucha is foreign tea; anything not Japanese, like earl gray, darjeeling, etc.
gohan is rice, but it also means a meal. For example gohan wo tabemasho means 'Let's go eat.'
raisu is just rice. Another word is kome.
Japanese ice tea comes with the sweetener separate which you can add in if you feel it's too bitter. I sometimes add it, but it's okay with out. Japanese ice tea is not like American stuff at all; much less sweet.
C.C. Lemon is pretty good, it's a lemon drink
Calpis Soda is a kind of yoghurt/milk drink. Calips SODA is the carbonated version, Calpis WATER is un-carbonated.
Pocari Sweat is a grapefruit like drink, very popular (among foreigners, too.)
Aquarius is another drink, similar to Pocari Sweat
many others, can't remember them now ...
I believe plum wine is called ume shuu. ume means 'plum'. There are lots of different kinds of alcohol over here, the Japanese LOVE it.
Today we went to visit a travel agency specializing in Japan and asked specifically about when Rail Passes expire. We were told that they work by date, not time, so a one-week pass activated at any time on a Wednesday is good until end of day the following Tuesday. Based on that, we've arranged our schedule to use it the maximum possible, namely inter-city travel while it's active and local travel on other days.
Thanks for the language tips given above. Some of the phrases I come to in my Japanese language reference book make me laugh, such as Taiju wa, dono kurai arimasu ka -- how much does he weigh? (Explanation: something you might say at a Sumo match.)
Thanks for the language tips given above. Some of the phrases I come to in my Japanese language reference book make me laugh, such as Taiju wa, dono kurai arimasu ka -- how much does he weigh? (Explanation: something you might say at a Sumo match.)
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Forgive me for not reading the whole thread carefully, but I think you'll just see or hear a pachinko parlor inevitably wherever you go. I've seen them in Kyoto and kind of across from it was an internet cafe with only Macs
You mentioned the Jidai Matsuri: yes, very interesting to see the period costumes. I recommend you enter the royal Palace before the parade starts because thats where they all come out from. You can mingle amongst the paraders get some really cool pix 'n kix by "chatting" with folks.
Unfortunately I've moved from Kyoto after 2.5 years. Landed in Fort Mill and after 6 months of job hunting, drove cross country to take a position in LA. I've been fortunate to wander the globe and the country, even in this era of "terrorism."
By the way, for all I know they are only in Kyoto, but maybe not: a sushi chain called Musashi. They have sushi/sashimi on conveyor belts that roll around you thought the restaurant. Just gawk, grab and gobble. It's pretty cool.
At one end of the Philosophers Path you'll find Rickshaws pulled by humorous, strapping young fellows, though they don't speak much English, but it might be fun anyway. Do check out Kiyomizu Temple though. and Hongganji Temple up the street from the Kyoto train station.
Good luck and have fun!!! Oh, and go to the Kamo River's banks and walk around. You'll see painters, musicians, kids and couples, particularly around Shijo. I'd rent a bike and cruise up and down the river.
The list could go on and on...enjoy!!!
Forgive me for not reading the whole thread carefully, but I think you'll just see or hear a pachinko parlor inevitably wherever you go. I've seen them in Kyoto and kind of across from it was an internet cafe with only Macs
You mentioned the Jidai Matsuri: yes, very interesting to see the period costumes. I recommend you enter the royal Palace before the parade starts because thats where they all come out from. You can mingle amongst the paraders get some really cool pix 'n kix by "chatting" with folks.
Unfortunately I've moved from Kyoto after 2.5 years. Landed in Fort Mill and after 6 months of job hunting, drove cross country to take a position in LA. I've been fortunate to wander the globe and the country, even in this era of "terrorism."
By the way, for all I know they are only in Kyoto, but maybe not: a sushi chain called Musashi. They have sushi/sashimi on conveyor belts that roll around you thought the restaurant. Just gawk, grab and gobble. It's pretty cool.
At one end of the Philosophers Path you'll find Rickshaws pulled by humorous, strapping young fellows, though they don't speak much English, but it might be fun anyway. Do check out Kiyomizu Temple though. and Hongganji Temple up the street from the Kyoto train station.
Good luck and have fun!!! Oh, and go to the Kamo River's banks and walk around. You'll see painters, musicians, kids and couples, particularly around Shijo. I'd rent a bike and cruise up and down the river.
The list could go on and on...enjoy!!!
I had some Pocari Sweat once, (wish I could get it nearby in bottles, instead of Boston, or shipped here as powder). I thought it was a little more lemon-y than grapefruit-y, but I rarely have grapefruit-flavored stuff so....5300cs said:
Anyways Doc, did you consider my request?
If you mean the tonkatsu sauce, will 50 cases be enough?Counterfit said:Anyways Doc, did you consider my request?
Today's tourist question: Is it always acceptable to take photos in public places or historic buildings or are there locations where it's considered inappropriate? Will anybody mind us taking photos of them and their families when we are out and about?
floatingspirit said:
Do you know how many "sushi train" restaurants there are around the world? Don't worry, they have these types of restaurants all over the world. Didn't you seen any of those in your....ahem...."wanderings" around the globe??
And Musashi is a pretty popular name for a Japanese restaurant. I know more than one, and none are a part of a restaurant chain as far as I know. All of them happen to be pretty good as well, but none of them serve food through the conveyor belt method.
Doctor Q said:
Good question, I don't know either but I will ask at a JR offie and see if I can get an answer for you.
Seems you got the answer to that one already - and I suspected it would be day not time
I was going to read all the posts before posting, but stopped short. i will add stuff after finishing later.
Might i suggest we have a MR member ghathering at eithre the Ginza or Shibuya Apple Store? IF you let us now your plans we can arrange to meet! I have only met one other MR member (that i know of, I may hhave run nt another and not realized he/she was a MR member!) a that was at the Shibuya Apple Store opening.
A MR gathering in Tokyo would be great....
Abstract said:And by "breathe the air," you mean "Log onto MacRumors because I'm addicted."
Don't worry, we understand.
And don't forget to use their Macs to upload your photos to. Bring a blank CD along, and all is well.
I don't know if they allow this? When I was in London a couple of months bak the Regent Street Apple Store would not let me connect my camera to transfer files to either my iMac public folder or to a CD. I ave had no need to do it in Japan so don't know about that...
Doctor Q said:I came to a clever tip in my research: to take advantage of jet lag to visit a fish market, like the Tsukiji market in Tokyo, in the very early morning, while you aren't sleeping anyway! Wholesale markets are best if you get there early when all the day's activities begin.
Our only plan for dealing with jet lag so far is that we scheduled very little the first day and a half, so we can stumble around in a daze while congratulating ourselves on finally making it to Japan.
I think they hav changed where you can wondr around in the Tsukiji fish market. I haven't been there for over 3 years.
As for jet lag..this works for me as I travel a bit (Japan-USA twice a year, Japan-Europe once a year, Japan Australia once a year, Japan-somewhere in Asia once a year) keep an irregular schedule a few days before leaving - by this i mean get up at different times and go to bed at different times, thus sleeping different hours.
Also, don't drink coffee/coke/stuff with caffeine or alcohol on the plane (a little of either should be fine) as this dehydrates you and your body can't relax till it re-hydrates. Do drink juice and water though (sparkling or flat should be fine).
What class and airline are you traveling? I ask because the meal selection is important. Stay away from seafood while flying and also avoid the heavy steak options. I sometimes contact the airlines in advance and tell them I am a vegetarian (especially when flying economy class) as the veggie meals are actually very good on most airlines, and very light.
And try to sleep a little on the plane - eat, take a nap, stretch, read/watch in-flight entertainment, take another nap, stretch a little more, eat again, then get off. basically, be like a hamster (well hamsters don't watch TV so the in-flight entertainment thing doesn't apply to them)
Are you a frequent flyer? If you can get an extra seat between the two of you that helps if you are in economy. When you check-in ask for a seat to be blocked if possible. They cannot guarantee it but when you do get one it makes the trip that much nicer (depends on how full the plane is). Also just before departure, when you think the plane is fully boarded ask one of the cabin crew if boarding has finished and the door is shut. If yes, you can see what empty seats are available if you want to make a move for more space. Don't wait till after take-off as you may be too slow for the extra space.
Ask for in-flight slippers, it is always better to fly without your shoes as this allows better circulation, and with slippers you do not have to put your shoes on-and-off every time you get up.
As for getting up, take a little walk up and down the aisle or stretch in the galley/toilet area between the naps I suggested above. Always stretch your arms and legs, it helps circulation.
Do your duty free shopping on the way back, you do not want to be lugging stuff around, unless it is alcohol that you will consume on your 361 city (296 starting with K) pilgrimage
More to come, I am off to see Fantastic 4 which opened in Japan yesterday.
iGary said:Man, the airfare is cheap these days, but lodging will KILL you there.
Have a great time DR Q; you'll love it.
Yeah and the price for a beer .... oh no, you are from California, must be same price
Have a good one!
That's a possibility. Who else is interested, assuming a good date/time can be worked out?iAlan said:
I agree with you but the Doctor and Mrs should think themselves lucky. Here in Japan most people are lucky to get more than 5 days off in a row. I know one student who spent 6 days in Spain and went to 8 cities. In fact they're going to see much more of Japan than the vast majority of Japanese people ever will.Abstract said:
Everywhere. Out in the suburban countryside where I live (Gunma prefecture) there are Pachinko parlours in the middle of nowhere. They are depressing places -- incredibly loud and full of smoke.Doctor Q said:
As a tech-head I'd agree that Akihabara can be fun but the big chain electronics stores are amazing too. Check out the Bic Camera (ビック カメラ) directly outside Tokyo station -- it's enormous and pretty cool.powermac666 said:
It's the only Apple store I've ever been to. <sniff>killuminati said:
No. They're pretty common. Ask for a coin laundry, pronounced "ko-i-no ra-n-do-ri" (コインランドリ－). i.e. http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/village_coinlaundry.htmlDoctor Q said:
In my experience, adapting to the local time from the minute you get off the plane is the best policy. So if it's bed time in Japan (get tanked if you have to) and go to bed no later than 12 or 1AM. If it's 9AM don't go to bed until at least 9PM, whatever the time back home. You may be tired and sleepy but the next day you should be pretty well adapated -- as long as you don't sleep in too long.sushi said:
Try drinking cold green or oolong tea. They make a nice change and both are miles healthier than soft-drinks (soda to you North Americans). Oolong tea is brownish and green tea is well, actually, kinda pee-yellow. Both are readily available from vending machines even when cola isn't.Doctor Q said:
If you want to try a soft-drink, you could try Ramu (ラム) which sometimes comes in a pretty cool bottle with a marble in the top. I'm pretty sure Ramu is considered a "cider" here which according to my tastebuds is virtually the same as Sprite or 7-Up. http://www.cammyfan.com/weekly-rant/ramu-soda.jpg
Food: Edamame, salted and boiled green soy beans -- fantastic with beer. If you like meat, you have to try yaki niku -- "Korean" BBQ. ¥100 sushi resatuarants aren't the best quality but they're fun and cheap. Various different Kit kat flavours. I could go on.
I'm interested in a Tokyo Apple store get together if the Doc wants to name a date we can work around.
Have fun.
i_b_joshua
Hi Doctor Q, it's great to hear that you've decided to head on over to The Land Of The Rising... erm... Support For the Liberal Democratic Party. You will no doubt have a great time. Many people are suprised at the very small amount of English around if you head out from the main places, but I recommend doing it. Most people are friendly and happy to help if you make an effort to communicate. Be sure to go to a local izakaya (Japanese-style drinking bar). Once everyone's had a few Asahi Super Dry down their belly, the world of 'Nomunication' opens all up around you!
The recent typhoon that hit our area caused some troubles to the water delivered to some of the spas in Hakone. If you're going there for that sole purpose, it would probably be wise to check it out.
I would have to say that my favorite place in Japan is the group of small islands off the coast of Okinawa (Taketomo-jima, Ishigaki-jima, Iriomote) Okinawa, but that would probably hike up the price of your tour a bit. Osaka is a great place for food too.
If you wander around the main cities a bit, you'll be sure to run into a pachinko parlor/red light district. Although, I'd probably rather spend the at the mac store in Ginza. (Pachinko is NOT fun).
Be on the lookout for 'Hope' and 'Peace' cigarettes!
Have a great trip.
The recent typhoon that hit our area caused some troubles to the water delivered to some of the spas in Hakone. If you're going there for that sole purpose, it would probably be wise to check it out.
I would have to say that my favorite place in Japan is the group of small islands off the coast of Okinawa (Taketomo-jima, Ishigaki-jima, Iriomote) Okinawa, but that would probably hike up the price of your tour a bit. Osaka is a great place for food too.
If you wander around the main cities a bit, you'll be sure to run into a pachinko parlor/red light district. Although, I'd probably rather spend the at the mac store in Ginza. (Pachinko is NOT fun).
Be on the lookout for 'Hope' and 'Peace' cigarettes!
Have a great trip.
Thanks yet again for the tips everyone.
Uh oh. I know there are more smokers per square inch in some parts of Japan than in all of California these days. Around here, smokers are chased out of public buildings by angry mobs of nonsmokers and forced to smoke out in the beautiful California sunshine. So I'm used to a smoke-free existence. Maybe I won't want to spend a lot of time in a Pachinko parlor after all, but I'll still want to see one in passing, and it sounds like that won't be hard to do. I got my Pachinko machine as a gift from my girlfriend years ago and she's now my wife. Perhaps that's cause and effect!i_b_joshua said:
Which way from the station?
I guess you need to come to California, where you can visit a different Apple store every week and not run out stores for 6 months!
That's good to hear. And if we happen to find one on a school campus, it's probably ever cheaper! We'll probably have to find one 2 or 3 times during the trip because we're taking such little luggage. I don't know how much I have to worry about the cost, but one tourist told me about ¥4000 for a hotel to wash a pair of pants.
That's sensible. And if I can start living closer to Japan time before I leave, that might help too.
Please do go on. I like hearing about the meals people like. I've only had edamame between rounds of sushi, never as a dish on its own. I'll try whatever we run into, meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, whatever. I expect that sometimes I won't know exactly what I'm eating, just whether or not I like it!
I was afraid you were going to say ... prices!beerpara said:
We'll no doubt end up with our noses in our phrase books more than once when we're in Kurama, Iga Ueno, Takayama, and Kanazawa. We purposely picked some non-metropolises to find out what Japan is really like. That's a lesson we learned in Hawaii. If tourists never leave Honolulu, they're missing Hawaii's real character.
If our phrasebook doesn't have the phrase we need, we'll use hand gestures to indicate typical tourist needs, such as "I was going to take a walk but it's very bright out today and one of my sunglass lenses popped out so I need a microscopic screw tightened except I left the glasses in my wife's backpack which is in a locker at the train station because we forgot to retrieve it after our side trip to the Folk Village." And other common expressions like that.
I didn't hear about that. We're heading up there more to see the scenery than for anything else. I assume we'll need warm jackets there. We'll try to stay away from the Teddy Bear store we read about, somewhere in the Lake Ashi area, since we're very susceptible to cute stuffed animals and are going to try very hard not to let any jump into our arms and force us to take them home.
We'll have to save Okinawa for our next trip to Japan, but we'll be in Osaka. Hey, are you implying there are cities that aren't great places for food? I'd better cross those cities off our list right away!
Today my wife got some info from JNTO about phone cards, cell phone rentals, pay phones, etc. In fact, so much information we haven't been able to wade through it all, so we still haven't figured out the smartest plan for calling home to the U.S. a few times a week to boast about our adventures.
Dr Q, I wish you have a great time in Japan.
Kyoto in November should be really great !
Leaves turn red and yellow,
oh the days when I lived in Kansai ...
Kiyomizu-dera and other temples in the autumn is
beyond description.
I'm afraid your visit will be a bit early for the autumn leaves, though...
Kyoto in November should be really great !
Leaves turn red and yellow,
oh the days when I lived in Kansai ...
Kiyomizu-dera and other temples in the autumn is
beyond description.
I'm afraid your visit will be a bit early for the autumn leaves, though...