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Just needing some advice on things to do and see in Japan.
Heading there in October for 2weeks, flying into Tokyo and out of Osaka.
Gonna visit a friend down in Nagasaki(south), so advice on anything in between or any pearls of knowledge of the country and traveling.
Cheers
Yeah, only for 13 years straight (living in Kamakura, which is itself a popular tourist spot for day trip from Tokyo)...there's a huge amout to see, do some web surfing and/or read a guide book and see what takes your fancy. The popular stuff is popular for a reason and you'll struggle to get much off the beaten track for language reasons (lots of people don't reall speak much english, though this is changing).
It will be pretty warm compared to the UK at that time of year but no longer full on summer heat, weather should be generally pleasant. If you can head into the hills there should be amazing autumn colours.
I thought Hakone was lovely, very traditional onsens (hot springs) if your into that kind of thing.
If you can get across to the Fujimi Panarama bike park its worth a crack, the hire bikes there are not too bad.
Yoyogi park in Tokyo is always worth a walk around on a Sunday for taking in the locals dressed up.
Japan is an amazing country, been to a few places around Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and on Okinawa but generally its all good and for getting around the train system is excellent.
Definitely make an effort to learn some basic lingo. It'll make your trip more fun, and the locals really appreciate it. English is not widely spoken, and even those who do speak a bit are reluctant to use it.
I assume you are getting a rail pass.
I was indifferent to Japan and ended up feeling the money could have been much better spent on an excellent European holiday. The food is weird! Generally you have to choose your meal from plastic mock ups on a stand outside the restaurant. And very often the food is served in squares so you have no idea what you're eating. Kyoto is worth a visit of course, the golden temple and the samurai house. Tokyo is overwhelming! Like I said a nice Italian beach holiday would be much better.
The food is weird! Generally you have to choose your meal from plastic mock ups on a stand outside the restaurant.
That's an odd conclusion. You certainly *can* do that. On the other hand you can eat whatever you like. Almost any type of food you can imagine, and generally of a high standard. Puts the UK food offering to shame.
Thanks for the insights,
Yeah will be getting a rail pass.
An Italian beach holiday isn't high on my places to go list.
I've heard the language can be difficult.
I've heard the language can be difficult.
Not that difficult compared to the other 'tonal' languages found nearby, a simple phrase book should see you OK and most Japanese I found love to have a chance to practice their English, in the major towns and cities that is.
The food is great, try everything, you will have a great time.