Lone traveler to Japan in April
Feb 22nd, 2015, 04:29 PM
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Lone traveler to Japan in April
Hey everyone, Stout here
I've been self studying Japanese language and culture for some time and I've decided to go and visit Japan for about a week in April. None of my friends want to go (or at least the ones who are polite enough that I'd take along with me), so it's just going to be me. I understand most of the dos and don'ts of the culture and I can speak enough Japanese to get by, but I'm also a big super awkward white guy, and I hear that April can be busy.
So far I'm planning on visiting Tokyo and/or Kyoto, and I'd like to see more of the culture while avoiding areas that would immediately peg me as a common tourist.
Can anyone give me some thought?
I've been self studying Japanese language and culture for some time and I've decided to go and visit Japan for about a week in April. None of my friends want to go (or at least the ones who are polite enough that I'd take along with me), so it's just going to be me. I understand most of the dos and don'ts of the culture and I can speak enough Japanese to get by, but I'm also a big super awkward white guy, and I hear that April can be busy.
So far I'm planning on visiting Tokyo and/or Kyoto, and I'd like to see more of the culture while avoiding areas that would immediately peg me as a common tourist.
Can anyone give me some thought?
Feb 22nd, 2015, 05:52 PM
#3
If you are a big awkward white guy",trust me, they will all peg you as a tourist no matter where you go.
So choose some places that appeal to you, and don't worry if people know you aren't local.
So choose some places that appeal to you, and don't worry if people know you aren't local.
Feb 22nd, 2015, 06:43 PM
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I travel solo intentionally -- it is a great self indulgence to be able to do what I want, when I want. 
As lcuy says, you WILL be identified as a tourist. And FWIW, my experience is that <u>many</u> people in Japan (and elsewhere) have gone out of the way to help me because they were impressed that I traveled alone to see their country and the things they treasure. So definitely, see what YOU want to see! Don't let your preconceptions of what Japanese people might think dictate your choices.
Be sure to consult this excellent source of info about travel in Japan:
http://www.japan-guide.com
And if you can get a copy, the horribly out-of-date "Japan Solo" guidebook has some GREAT maps and very extensive coverage. Just remember that it is old, so try to confirm any information it provides before you take it at its word. ;-)
If you can extend your time beyond one week, I don't think you'll regret it.
Hope that helps!
As lcuy says, you WILL be identified as a tourist. And FWIW, my experience is that <u>many</u> people in Japan (and elsewhere) have gone out of the way to help me because they were impressed that I traveled alone to see their country and the things they treasure. So definitely, see what YOU want to see! Don't let your preconceptions of what Japanese people might think dictate your choices.
Be sure to consult this excellent source of info about travel in Japan:
http://www.japan-guide.com
And if you can get a copy, the horribly out-of-date "Japan Solo" guidebook has some GREAT maps and very extensive coverage. Just remember that it is old, so try to confirm any information it provides before you take it at its word. ;-)
If you can extend your time beyond one week, I don't think you'll regret it.
Hope that helps!
Feb 22nd, 2015, 11:37 PM
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There's nothing wrong with being a tourist if you aren't an ugly tourist (and I'm talking about a boorish or insensitive one, not your appearance!!!) -- as MrWunrfl says, your knowledge of the language, customs and culture already ensure that you are not.
And places/ sites are often popular with tourists because they are well worth seeing, so it would be a shame to deny yourself these pleasures.
At the same time, I can understand a desire to see some of everyday Japan too. I'm not sure how best to do that in just a week. We felt we saw a little more of everyday Japan during our visit to Kyushu, where we self-drove in a rental car. I'm wondering if you choose to stay in a more residential or outlying suburb in Tokyo / Kyoto, whether that might allow you to experience more everyday life?
If you only have a week, I'd probably split it between Tokyo and Kyoto, with some (limited) day trips from each. If you try and squeeze too much into too short a time, I'm not sure you'll get to see much of anywhere.
I tried to learn Japanese for a few months before my second trip, I spent 20-40 minutes every morning 6-7 days a week ploughing through the rosetta stone but I gave up as I just wasn't learning anything useful (though hey at least I can announce the boys are swimming and this hat is my summer hat and that dog is far away).
Are there topics within Japanese culture that you are particularly interested in?
And places/ sites are often popular with tourists because they are well worth seeing, so it would be a shame to deny yourself these pleasures.
At the same time, I can understand a desire to see some of everyday Japan too. I'm not sure how best to do that in just a week. We felt we saw a little more of everyday Japan during our visit to Kyushu, where we self-drove in a rental car. I'm wondering if you choose to stay in a more residential or outlying suburb in Tokyo / Kyoto, whether that might allow you to experience more everyday life?
If you only have a week, I'd probably split it between Tokyo and Kyoto, with some (limited) day trips from each. If you try and squeeze too much into too short a time, I'm not sure you'll get to see much of anywhere.
I tried to learn Japanese for a few months before my second trip, I spent 20-40 minutes every morning 6-7 days a week ploughing through the rosetta stone but I gave up as I just wasn't learning anything useful (though hey at least I can announce the boys are swimming and this hat is my summer hat and that dog is far away).
Are there topics within Japanese culture that you are particularly interested in?
Feb 25th, 2015, 08:03 PM
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Thanks for the input everyone!
Well it appears I may change my plans to go with a friend in May, although it is not set in stone.
As far as interest goes, I like to just sort of explore. "Let the wind take me where it will" and see what happens, so that's why I was learning the language and culture so I can bail myself out when I get lost (I feel that it is polite to know anyway).
I'm pretty much happy if I meet some new people and see a few things.
OH! I do want to see some of the more science-oriented things, maybe museums or expos along those lines, does anyone know anything about that?
Well it appears I may change my plans to go with a friend in May, although it is not set in stone.
As far as interest goes, I like to just sort of explore. "Let the wind take me where it will" and see what happens, so that's why I was learning the language and culture so I can bail myself out when I get lost (I feel that it is polite to know anyway).
I'm pretty much happy if I meet some new people and see a few things.
OH! I do want to see some of the more science-oriented things, maybe museums or expos along those lines, does anyone know anything about that?
Feb 26th, 2015, 01:54 PM
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The great news is there is so much to see and do in Tokyo and Kyoto so it'll be perfect for exploring. I would recommend booking accommodations in advance, especially Kyoto.
I created a blog post with my itinerary, photos, recs (restaurants and lodging):
http://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2014/...and-kyoto.html
Enjoy!
I created a blog post with my itinerary, photos, recs (restaurants and lodging):
http://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2014/...and-kyoto.html
Enjoy!
Mar 14th, 2015, 05:35 PM
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Agree with what lcuy and kja have said. I found the Japanese people to be perhaps the absolute kindest people I have met on my travels. I still have a warm spot in my heart (as well as chuckle in my throat) thinking about the little Japanese grandmas who probably didn't speak a word of English but yet were jumping up and down and pointing when they realized I was getting on the wrong bus from Hakone back to Tokyo. I mean seriously, how sweet is that??
If you only go for one week, I'd actually skip Tokyo. I know that sounds crazy but in all honesty, the highlights from my trip in Nov. 2013 are mostly outside of Tokyo. I did love visiting the Kappabashi kitchen supplies district (twice!) but I'm a foodie and home cook and so that appeals to me. With just one week, I would fly into Osaka and take a train to Kyoto. You could probably spend the whole week there (I believe I was there 4 nights) but I would do 4 nights in Kyoto and then train down to Hiroshima and do a niight here and a night on Miyajima Island before heading home. I did not visit Nara but I recall kja loved it, so she could advise on that.
If you can swing it (I had 17 days), I would bump your trip up to 10 days, do 2 days in Tokyo, a day trip to Hakone to see Mt. Fuji (best viewing is from November to early Spring), and then Kyoto, Hiroshima and Miyajima.
If you only go for one week, I'd actually skip Tokyo. I know that sounds crazy but in all honesty, the highlights from my trip in Nov. 2013 are mostly outside of Tokyo. I did love visiting the Kappabashi kitchen supplies district (twice!) but I'm a foodie and home cook and so that appeals to me. With just one week, I would fly into Osaka and take a train to Kyoto. You could probably spend the whole week there (I believe I was there 4 nights) but I would do 4 nights in Kyoto and then train down to Hiroshima and do a niight here and a night on Miyajima Island before heading home. I did not visit Nara but I recall kja loved it, so she could advise on that.
If you can swing it (I had 17 days), I would bump your trip up to 10 days, do 2 days in Tokyo, a day trip to Hakone to see Mt. Fuji (best viewing is from November to early Spring), and then Kyoto, Hiroshima and Miyajima.
Mar 14th, 2015, 05:51 PM
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@ stout -- MinnBeef is giving you some great advice! If you can stretch your time in Japan, I don't think you would regret it. And MANY of us find Kyoto and other parts of "traditional" Japan MUCH more interesting than Tokyo. YMMV.
@ MinnBeef -- I don't think I've seen you around for a while. Hope all is well!
@ MinnBeef -- I don't think I've seen you around for a while. Hope all is well!
Mar 15th, 2015, 06:55 PM
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I agree strong with MinnBeef and kja. We did Nara as a day trip from Kyoto and loved it. And our time in Hiroshima and Miyajima was very special. I would also consider spending the whole week in Kyoto, but I think that's only because I have seen other places in Japan now and Kyoto, though not beautiful in an easy way, had one moment of loveliness after another and gardens that would make Eden envious.
Mar 16th, 2015, 04:18 AM
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If you plan to spend time in Tokyo, make sure to purchase a Suica card at Narita before heading into the city. You can use it on the subways and won't have the hassle of purchasing separate tickets. You add money to it as needed in machines in stations. It's well worth it.
Actually, figuring out the Tokyo subway system is a cultural experience in itself.
Actually, figuring out the Tokyo subway system is a cultural experience in itself.
Mar 16th, 2015, 10:30 PM
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I agree with MinnBeef that you might want to skip Tokyo, except maybe you could go to the fish market auction your first morning, and head out from there. Unfortunately, much of Tokyo was destroyed during WWII, so there are not many "old" sites in the city. If you do decide to stay in Tokyo, see if you can get into a suma wrestling practice, it's even more fascinating than a tournament. And a baseball game is a must, and Odaiba is fun as well for the Fuji TV building and the Toyota museum.
I agree that 2 -3 days in Kyoto is good. You can do the whole trail in Nara in a half day if you start early, and walk at a brisk pace.
If I were you, I would spend the rest of the time (2 -3 days) in Nagasaki. It's a bit of a schlep from Kyoto, but you can go onto the Hyperidia website, and find good train connections. It's a fun, beautiful international city, and you will feel very comfortable. It's my favorite, with Takayama a close second.
Regarding discomfort as a foreigner, I must mention that the Japanese with make you feel at ease. Both of my sons were exchange students in Japan, and they were treated like royalty. You will have a wonderful time, especially since you speak some Japanese. And remember, the older ladies are actually very friendly, try to strike up a conversation with one of them.
Enjoy!
I agree that 2 -3 days in Kyoto is good. You can do the whole trail in Nara in a half day if you start early, and walk at a brisk pace.
If I were you, I would spend the rest of the time (2 -3 days) in Nagasaki. It's a bit of a schlep from Kyoto, but you can go onto the Hyperidia website, and find good train connections. It's a fun, beautiful international city, and you will feel very comfortable. It's my favorite, with Takayama a close second.
Regarding discomfort as a foreigner, I must mention that the Japanese with make you feel at ease. Both of my sons were exchange students in Japan, and they were treated like royalty. You will have a wonderful time, especially since you speak some Japanese. And remember, the older ladies are actually very friendly, try to strike up a conversation with one of them.
Enjoy!
Mar 16th, 2015, 10:54 PM
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Isn't if fascinating that travelers differ so much in their experiences?!? Another bit of evidence that you really need to do your OWN research to see what suits YOUR needs....
Re: Tokyo: I did not visit the fish market and have no regrets about that -- not my thing. I also skipped sumo -- not my thing. And I certainly skipped a baseball game -- DEFINITELY not my thing. Yes, I'm sure that all of these things hold interest. With limited time (< 3 days), these were NOT my priorities! YMMV.
I disagree that 2-3 days in Kyoto "is good," Again, I thought 6 days insufficient. YMMV. You would to well to decide what YOU want to do / see / experience.
"You can do the whole trail in Nara in a half day if you start early, and walk at a brisk pace." I can not imagine the basis for this statement. I spent 2 full days in Nara and did not see everything I wanted to do there.
Re: Tokyo: I did not visit the fish market and have no regrets about that -- not my thing. I also skipped sumo -- not my thing. And I certainly skipped a baseball game -- DEFINITELY not my thing. Yes, I'm sure that all of these things hold interest. With limited time (< 3 days), these were NOT my priorities! YMMV.
I disagree that 2-3 days in Kyoto "is good," Again, I thought 6 days insufficient. YMMV. You would to well to decide what YOU want to do / see / experience.
"You can do the whole trail in Nara in a half day if you start early, and walk at a brisk pace." I can not imagine the basis for this statement. I spent 2 full days in Nara and did not see everything I wanted to do there.
Mar 17th, 2015, 10:12 AM
#16
Baseball, Tsukiji, and sumo are all great suggestions for a visit to Tokyo. I can give some input on those ideas if you are interested in any of that, Stout.
I don't know about science-related sites in Japan but would like to know about what you find. Your question about science prompted me to finally find out about Super Kamiokande. But the place does not accept tourists.
I don't know about science-related sites in Japan but would like to know about what you find. Your question about science prompted me to finally find out about Super Kamiokande. But the place does not accept tourists.
