Japan; a good destination for first-timers to Asia?
Nov 29th, 2006, 04:29 AM
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Japan; a good destination for first-timers to Asia?
My husband and I have contemplated visiting Asia off and on for the past two years, and usually end up choosing Europe over Asia at the end. We are now considering Asia again, and I just realized that visiting Japan in October will only be 50,000 AA miles. Upon research it seems that Japan is a beautiful country with quite a lot to offer. However, I'm worried about a few things.
First of all, I know that October is low season. I checked the weather stats and the temps and rainfall look okay. I don't know much about the weather in this part of the country. Is there a reason why October is low season? Would it still be okay to visit?
Second, I don't eat seafood of any kind. I'm a very picky eater. Not one of my favorite traits, but alas its true. I heard that this will be a big problem in Japan. Is this true? I never base my vacations around food, but I also don't want to starve while I'm there!
Third, will the language barrier be a huge problem? Obviously we don't speak any Japanese. We always make a point of learning a few common phrases, but I am a little nervous. We like to venture outside of the bigger cities and I'm worried that this will be a problem and it makes me a little nervous.
I'm very comfortable traveling to Europe, and we've done some off-the-beaten-path European trips, including a very recent trip to Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Slovenia, and handled everything just fine. However, for some reason Asia has always made us a little nervous and I'm not sure why. Any advice or suggestions that anyone can give would be very appreciated.
Thanks much!
Tracy
First of all, I know that October is low season. I checked the weather stats and the temps and rainfall look okay. I don't know much about the weather in this part of the country. Is there a reason why October is low season? Would it still be okay to visit?
Second, I don't eat seafood of any kind. I'm a very picky eater. Not one of my favorite traits, but alas its true. I heard that this will be a big problem in Japan. Is this true? I never base my vacations around food, but I also don't want to starve while I'm there!
Third, will the language barrier be a huge problem? Obviously we don't speak any Japanese. We always make a point of learning a few common phrases, but I am a little nervous. We like to venture outside of the bigger cities and I'm worried that this will be a problem and it makes me a little nervous.
I'm very comfortable traveling to Europe, and we've done some off-the-beaten-path European trips, including a very recent trip to Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Slovenia, and handled everything just fine. However, for some reason Asia has always made us a little nervous and I'm not sure why. Any advice or suggestions that anyone can give would be very appreciated.
Thanks much!
Tracy
Nov 29th, 2006, 04:48 AM
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Japan was our introduction to Asia - and it made me want to go back for more.
Every time I look at air fares and exchange rates, I drop my Europe plans.
I cannot answer for the out of the way places, we did the usual: Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. However we found those cities had signage in English. While the language barrier could be a problem, service is outstanding.
On a snowy day in Kyoto we stood outside in our winter clothing pointing at the plastic "food" while the waitress shivered and smiled. She never acted like she wanted us to hurry because she was freezing.
I think you can find food you will like, you'll just have to look a little harder.
October in Japan is beautiful. DS lived there twice for 2 years total. He thought October may have been one of the best months.
In Japan the national holidays and school holidays are the busy times. Be sure you time your trip so it does not coincide with any of these dates. Trains will be packed and it will be difficult to get reservations.
Every time I look at air fares and exchange rates, I drop my Europe plans.
I cannot answer for the out of the way places, we did the usual: Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. However we found those cities had signage in English. While the language barrier could be a problem, service is outstanding.
On a snowy day in Kyoto we stood outside in our winter clothing pointing at the plastic "food" while the waitress shivered and smiled. She never acted like she wanted us to hurry because she was freezing.
I think you can find food you will like, you'll just have to look a little harder.
October in Japan is beautiful. DS lived there twice for 2 years total. He thought October may have been one of the best months.
In Japan the national holidays and school holidays are the busy times. Be sure you time your trip so it does not coincide with any of these dates. Trains will be packed and it will be difficult to get reservations.
Nov 29th, 2006, 06:08 AM
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Japan was my first trip to Asia many years ago. You will be fine. On the food issue, I would not worry in the least, as it is easy to avoid seafood..think of all the sukiyaki and the ramen and heaps of other options. Hope this helps a tiny bit.
Nov 29th, 2006, 06:11 AM
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I can relate a bit to your apprehension about Asia, Tracy. I put off my first visit for years after having gone back to Europe time and time again.
I'll also tell you that I do love visiting Japan. The amazing contrast of a serenity that's embedded in the culture and a frenzy that filters through everyday life (especially in the cities) is extremely appealing to me. And the Japanese people that I've encountered have uniformly been wonderful. I've learned just enough Japanese to be polite and ask basic questions, and that has opened many many doors.
And October would be an excellent month to visit, especially in the Tokyo and Kyoto areas. Although the fall colors don't generally begin until November, the temperatures are comfortable and there will be plenty to do and see.
That said, I have also found Japan to be a more challenging place for me (as a Westerner) to visit than Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, or Bali (Indonesia). In Tokyo and Kyoto, a great many of the shops have signs only in Japanese, and many do not have display windows. While a few restaurants have English menus and others have plastic food displays, many restaurants only have Japanese menus. Especially if you have food restrictions, this can make a trip complicated. For a non-Japanese speaker/reader, it can be a bit intimidating.
Based on your post, I think you might be happier visiting a place where English is more widely used, and where seafood is less of a diet staple.
I'll also tell you that I do love visiting Japan. The amazing contrast of a serenity that's embedded in the culture and a frenzy that filters through everyday life (especially in the cities) is extremely appealing to me. And the Japanese people that I've encountered have uniformly been wonderful. I've learned just enough Japanese to be polite and ask basic questions, and that has opened many many doors.
And October would be an excellent month to visit, especially in the Tokyo and Kyoto areas. Although the fall colors don't generally begin until November, the temperatures are comfortable and there will be plenty to do and see.
That said, I have also found Japan to be a more challenging place for me (as a Westerner) to visit than Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, or Bali (Indonesia). In Tokyo and Kyoto, a great many of the shops have signs only in Japanese, and many do not have display windows. While a few restaurants have English menus and others have plastic food displays, many restaurants only have Japanese menus. Especially if you have food restrictions, this can make a trip complicated. For a non-Japanese speaker/reader, it can be a bit intimidating.
Based on your post, I think you might be happier visiting a place where English is more widely used, and where seafood is less of a diet staple.
Nov 29th, 2006, 09:52 AM
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We honeymooned in Japan the 1st 2 weeks of October this year. We chose Japan as our first Asian visit because it is so safe and we heard the people are quite welcoming and polite. We loved it.
First - october, we had 2 of 14 rainy days. Otherwise the weather was sunny, tempartures from mid 60s to upper 70s.
Also, don't believe that October is low season in Kyoto - we couldn't get a decent mid-rangy inn for 5 nights in a row and had to stay at 2 places - reserve well ahead. Then, the Takayama Fall festival is in early October, so reserve there if you want to go well ahead as well. Nikko, outside Tokyo is also not to miss, and I'd reserve there well in advance too! You can always change reservations within 3 days of arrival so nothing to lose.
As for food, they have all kind of variety everywhere - i'd say noodles and grilled/fried cutlets and chicken are far more prominent than high-end sushi. You will not starve
finally, language - at hotels almost everyone spoke a little engligh, and even if they did not, it just took a little longer to communicate. get one of those travel books with lots of pictures and learn some phrases like 'no seafood' and you'll do fine
First - october, we had 2 of 14 rainy days. Otherwise the weather was sunny, tempartures from mid 60s to upper 70s.
Also, don't believe that October is low season in Kyoto - we couldn't get a decent mid-rangy inn for 5 nights in a row and had to stay at 2 places - reserve well ahead. Then, the Takayama Fall festival is in early October, so reserve there if you want to go well ahead as well. Nikko, outside Tokyo is also not to miss, and I'd reserve there well in advance too! You can always change reservations within 3 days of arrival so nothing to lose.
As for food, they have all kind of variety everywhere - i'd say noodles and grilled/fried cutlets and chicken are far more prominent than high-end sushi. You will not starve
finally, language - at hotels almost everyone spoke a little engligh, and even if they did not, it just took a little longer to communicate. get one of those travel books with lots of pictures and learn some phrases like 'no seafood' and you'll do fine
Nov 29th, 2006, 10:23 AM
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Japan is a destination most travellers get to eventually but while all is new and strange, there is not really that much there and it is an expensive country. How about Thailand?
I would say 4-5 days in Bangkok, 2 days in Chiang Mai, and a week in Phuket on the beach. English is widely spoken, lots and lots to see, and any kind of food you want. Thailand is very cheap to stay and eat, lots to buy and it is safe there.
Sun from Oct to Apr so why not have a winter holiday and enjoy the sun while the people back home are freezing? I go shopping in Bangkok on xmas day, as I will be doing again this year.
I would say 4-5 days in Bangkok, 2 days in Chiang Mai, and a week in Phuket on the beach. English is widely spoken, lots and lots to see, and any kind of food you want. Thailand is very cheap to stay and eat, lots to buy and it is safe there.
Sun from Oct to Apr so why not have a winter holiday and enjoy the sun while the people back home are freezing? I go shopping in Bangkok on xmas day, as I will be doing again this year.
Nov 29th, 2006, 10:24 AM
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Thank you all so much for your advice. You've given us a lot to think about.
I am glad to see that October in Japan sounds nice. I just assumed something must be wrong because according to the AA Advantage customer service woman I spoke to October is the only month where the mileage rates drop from 65,000 to 50,000 miles.
I'm also happy to read that I won't starve if we choose to go there! And since I am so picky perhaps I could even come back from vacation thinner!
Thank you again. We are still looking into our options but your advice has been quite helpful.
Tracy
I am glad to see that October in Japan sounds nice. I just assumed something must be wrong because according to the AA Advantage customer service woman I spoke to October is the only month where the mileage rates drop from 65,000 to 50,000 miles.
I'm also happy to read that I won't starve if we choose to go there! And since I am so picky perhaps I could even come back from vacation thinner!
Thank you again. We are still looking into our options but your advice has been quite helpful.
Tracy
Nov 29th, 2006, 10:25 AM
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kaneda, your thoughts on Thailand are intersting as that is a destination we always consider when Asia comes to mind. Japan just came about in our minds because of the mileage discount, although we do have enough miles to go most places in Asia/SE Asia. Thanks for your comments!
Tracy
Tracy
Nov 29th, 2006, 01:38 PM
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There is not that much in Japan? Hmmm. That doesn't sound like Japan to me. Sounds like you really like Thailand, as many do on here, and prefer it over Japan. But to say there is not much in Japan is going too far, IMO. Maybe you didn't find it to your liking, but objectively there is a lot in Japan for a tourist. There has been enough there to get me there twice for a total of 4 wks., and I am planning another trip there.
Nov 29th, 2006, 02:31 PM
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kaneda must have visited a different Japan than I live in and that many here have visited. There is plenty to see in Japan, and something for just about everyone. It can be expensive or inexpensive, depending on the city you are in, what type of place you stay and where you eat...not unlike any other place you might visit. We find New York much more expensive than Kanazawa for hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants, for example.
If you like old style architecture and temples, Kyoto, Nikko, Kamakura, Takayama, Miyajima...they will all be of great interest to you. If you like countryside and rustic settings, the Nakasendo area, Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Karuizawa...they might be great for you. Big cities...Tokyo vibrates...I love a visit to Tokyo. Osaka and Nagoya are also big and interesting as cities. In the big cities are excellent museums for art, manga, technology and science. Smaller cities like Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Nagano, Shizuoka...they all are interesting, too...big city things on a smaller scale.
We've lived in Japan for 11 years. As for not eating fish, you will be able to find food without fish, but know that most Japanese foods are prepared using a fish based soup stock...so if you can't eat fish due to beliefs or allergy, you will need to be very careful about what you order in restaurants, and would need to maybe carry a card that says in Japanese that you absolutely cannot eat fish. You could easily find Italian, Indian, family restaurant type food that does not contain fish, though. You would not starve, but you would not be able to eat most Japanese food without eating fish. Some upscale restaurants will be able to prepare your food with shitake broth rather than fish broth, but you will need to reserve this ahead of time by one or two days...and the meal will be expensive, as a place that can and will do this is usually is a top kaiseki type restaurant. The local, local small family run shops will also prepare food as you like, but in most cases you will need to speak Japanese, and you likely won't find the places unless you live there or are introduced.
If you like old style architecture and temples, Kyoto, Nikko, Kamakura, Takayama, Miyajima...they will all be of great interest to you. If you like countryside and rustic settings, the Nakasendo area, Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Karuizawa...they might be great for you. Big cities...Tokyo vibrates...I love a visit to Tokyo. Osaka and Nagoya are also big and interesting as cities. In the big cities are excellent museums for art, manga, technology and science. Smaller cities like Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Nagano, Shizuoka...they all are interesting, too...big city things on a smaller scale.
We've lived in Japan for 11 years. As for not eating fish, you will be able to find food without fish, but know that most Japanese foods are prepared using a fish based soup stock...so if you can't eat fish due to beliefs or allergy, you will need to be very careful about what you order in restaurants, and would need to maybe carry a card that says in Japanese that you absolutely cannot eat fish. You could easily find Italian, Indian, family restaurant type food that does not contain fish, though. You would not starve, but you would not be able to eat most Japanese food without eating fish. Some upscale restaurants will be able to prepare your food with shitake broth rather than fish broth, but you will need to reserve this ahead of time by one or two days...and the meal will be expensive, as a place that can and will do this is usually is a top kaiseki type restaurant. The local, local small family run shops will also prepare food as you like, but in most cases you will need to speak Japanese, and you likely won't find the places unless you live there or are introduced.
Nov 29th, 2006, 02:40 PM
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You can usually find western breakfast food in Japan - there are egg and meat breakfast sandwiches, fruits, donuts, etc. There are a lot of meat and veggie and wonderful tofu dishes in Japan also. My daughter is vegetarian and it was not always easy to find food for her all the time. She was willing to eat fish broth. As Kim said, we ate a lot of Italian meals, and they were pretty good Italian meals too.
If you are a really picky eater, I imagine you have trouble traveling in other countries also? So this is maybe not just about Japan, it is more generally about being picky? Only you know how picky your eating habits are and whether you will be able to eat or not in Japan, after what you have been told here...
Thanks for the info on AA reduced miles in Oct. I have lots of AA miles to use and had no idea they reduced miles to Japan then.
If you are a really picky eater, I imagine you have trouble traveling in other countries also? So this is maybe not just about Japan, it is more generally about being picky? Only you know how picky your eating habits are and whether you will be able to eat or not in Japan, after what you have been told here...
Thanks for the info on AA reduced miles in Oct. I have lots of AA miles to use and had no idea they reduced miles to Japan then.
Nov 29th, 2006, 04:37 PM
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Thank you again for all of your comments. I do greatly appreciate it.
emd, luckily my pickiness hasn't been too much of an issue in my other travels. I thought that Croatia would be a problem, given that most restaurants have lots of seafood because of it being a coastal country, but we found Italian food/pizza everywhere so it wasn't a problem. I would never opt not to travel to a destination based solely on my pickiness, but it is something I do have to consider. And that being said, I do get adventurous every now and again and I like to try new things; its just that seafood is definitely not one of them.
In researching Japan there definitely didn't seem to be a lack of things to do. On the contrary, we saw so many things of interest. The country looks beautiful and filled with interesting sights, villages and landscapes.
Thanks!
Tracy
emd, luckily my pickiness hasn't been too much of an issue in my other travels. I thought that Croatia would be a problem, given that most restaurants have lots of seafood because of it being a coastal country, but we found Italian food/pizza everywhere so it wasn't a problem. I would never opt not to travel to a destination based solely on my pickiness, but it is something I do have to consider. And that being said, I do get adventurous every now and again and I like to try new things; its just that seafood is definitely not one of them.
In researching Japan there definitely didn't seem to be a lack of things to do. On the contrary, we saw so many things of interest. The country looks beautiful and filled with interesting sights, villages and landscapes.
Thanks!
Tracy
Nov 29th, 2006, 06:19 PM
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If it's not an allergy and you are able to eat fish in the form of broth, you will have no trouble at all eating. There is a huge variety of food that have no seafood in them other than the broth used for braising, boiling or making the soup. You won't taste fish at all, nor will you see it. But if you are allergic it will be a problem.
Nov 29th, 2006, 06:29 PM
#14
You won't starve and you need not go hungry in Japan, especially if you like noodles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabu_shabu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakitori
and more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_food
It can be intimidating, I guess, to find that you can't read the menu in a restaurant, but the good news is that there are plenty of restaurants! It would be a good idea to go to a Japanese restaurant where you live and try out some of the dishes. Don't need a menu if you know that you want oocha, ramen, and cocacora.
I was in Otaru, Japan, off the western tourists' beaten path and hungry. I stopped in one place and didn't see any pictures of food and asked to see a menu. It was Japanese and they did not have one in English. So, I didn't sit down but said thanks and left. I passed a couple of restaurants with sushi in the window and then smelled the unmistakeable scent of grilled beef coming from a place.
I walked in and took a look. There were a couple of guys at the bar (a food bar) eating grilled beef so I sat down and when the cook looked up from the other side of the counter I pointed to the dish in front of the guy next to me. Cook understood and put a dish in front of me with a flame on it. On top of the flame was what looked like a half of an American football, only steel. You put the meat on that to cook it.
As the cook was getting things ready he asked me a question, in Japanese. I had no idea what he was asking but I said "hai" (for "yes" in Japanese). I figured he was asking me if I wanted some thing and I figured, sure, whatever it is give it me (ketchup? grilled bat eyeballs? an extra napkin?). Surprise me. He chuckled and then put his hand up to his mouth as if drinking a beer. Then I understood and gave him my drink order: cocacora.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabu_shabu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakitori
and more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_food
It can be intimidating, I guess, to find that you can't read the menu in a restaurant, but the good news is that there are plenty of restaurants! It would be a good idea to go to a Japanese restaurant where you live and try out some of the dishes. Don't need a menu if you know that you want oocha, ramen, and cocacora.
I was in Otaru, Japan, off the western tourists' beaten path and hungry. I stopped in one place and didn't see any pictures of food and asked to see a menu. It was Japanese and they did not have one in English. So, I didn't sit down but said thanks and left. I passed a couple of restaurants with sushi in the window and then smelled the unmistakeable scent of grilled beef coming from a place.
I walked in and took a look. There were a couple of guys at the bar (a food bar) eating grilled beef so I sat down and when the cook looked up from the other side of the counter I pointed to the dish in front of the guy next to me. Cook understood and put a dish in front of me with a flame on it. On top of the flame was what looked like a half of an American football, only steel. You put the meat on that to cook it.
As the cook was getting things ready he asked me a question, in Japanese. I had no idea what he was asking but I said "hai" (for "yes" in Japanese). I figured he was asking me if I wanted some thing and I figured, sure, whatever it is give it me (ketchup? grilled bat eyeballs? an extra napkin?). Surprise me. He chuckled and then put his hand up to his mouth as if drinking a beer. Then I understood and gave him my drink order: cocacora.
Nov 29th, 2006, 07:51 PM
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Hi
My wife and I have travelled to Asia a few times and it is fun as it is quite different compared to Europe. We went to Japan last year and that was another fun experience as it felt like it was a country torn between the west and the east. I have posted a trip report with some pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/japan_tokyo.htm and I hope that you can find some general useful info there. Get in touch if you have any questions
Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
My wife and I have travelled to Asia a few times and it is fun as it is quite different compared to Europe. We went to Japan last year and that was another fun experience as it felt like it was a country torn between the west and the east. I have posted a trip report with some pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/japan_tokyo.htm and I hope that you can find some general useful info there. Get in touch if you have any questions
Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
Nov 30th, 2006, 01:29 AM
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Hi Tracy, I hope you make it to Japan its truly an experience, though sometimes I think of how when you travel to a destination you get out as much as you need or wish to receive. Deeep huh, however you will find Japan a country of amazing opposites modern and old, but to even entertain the thought of Japan being in the range of "not much there" would be an understatement of huge proportion.
It would also be unfair to compare a holiday to Japan to a holiday in Thailand as they are so different that a useful comparison would be difficult. Thailand is totally fun and interesting and full of history and culture also, however its a different kind of destination from the Japan I have seen on my relatively simple adventures there. Most Asian destination tend to be a little more closer to organised chaos than Japan. I say that in an affectionate way.
Why not try the local food,I am sure there are people in Japan that dont eat a lot of seafood, ( I have even eaten a raw shrimp and survived, though still not sure about the experience) however when in Rome... you never know if you never try
As for language issues, Asian countries dont speak English natively(obvious), but is you are polite and and make an effort you will get by regardless (generally). Most people under 40ish in Japan have taken classes in English at school. The pronunciation is another story.
I am sure that if you travel to Europe and find that within your comfortable budget zone you will not have any issues with surviving in Japan. (unless you like to buy large amounts of beer in a night club). If I had to compare prices of food and entertainment I would say its about the same as Australia.
Good luck and good travels
It would also be unfair to compare a holiday to Japan to a holiday in Thailand as they are so different that a useful comparison would be difficult. Thailand is totally fun and interesting and full of history and culture also, however its a different kind of destination from the Japan I have seen on my relatively simple adventures there. Most Asian destination tend to be a little more closer to organised chaos than Japan. I say that in an affectionate way.
Why not try the local food,I am sure there are people in Japan that dont eat a lot of seafood, ( I have even eaten a raw shrimp and survived, though still not sure about the experience) however when in Rome... you never know if you never try
As for language issues, Asian countries dont speak English natively(obvious), but is you are polite and and make an effort you will get by regardless (generally). Most people under 40ish in Japan have taken classes in English at school. The pronunciation is another story.
I am sure that if you travel to Europe and find that within your comfortable budget zone you will not have any issues with surviving in Japan. (unless you like to buy large amounts of beer in a night club). If I had to compare prices of food and entertainment I would say its about the same as Australia.
Good luck and good travels
Nov 30th, 2006, 05:25 AM
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Another place to get food is a bakery. They have as many savory goods as they do sweet.
Once we discovered this, we had several bakery breakfasts that were cheap and tasted good. They also tasted more like home - if you know what I mean. Sometimes when I travel I need that once in a while.
A grilled breaded pork cutlet is a staple. Does anyone know the name? I saw that at in at least 1/3 of the resturants.
Things to do - we had 15 days, 3 cities and didn't see half of what I'd read about (except in Hiroshima). It's not a beach vacation, it's an exploration & experience vacation.
Once we discovered this, we had several bakery breakfasts that were cheap and tasted good. They also tasted more like home - if you know what I mean. Sometimes when I travel I need that once in a while.
A grilled breaded pork cutlet is a staple. Does anyone know the name? I saw that at in at least 1/3 of the resturants.
Things to do - we had 15 days, 3 cities and didn't see half of what I'd read about (except in Hiroshima). It's not a beach vacation, it's an exploration & experience vacation.
