Summer Japan Trip Advice
Apr 4th, 2019 | 04:01 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 132
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Summer Japan Trip Advice
So I will start by saying that my cousin and I are both 18 (males) and live in Los Angeles. We are planning to take a trip to Japan for 12-14 days from June 12-26. We have never been to Asia, and I want to get some advice before our trip. I want to know what are the best cities to visit, or what cities that you strongly recommend to visit in Japan, the cheapest configuration of flight tickets, how the currency works (how much can get you what?), and overall cultural guidelines to be aware of as to not become a rude tourist. Thank you.
Apr 4th, 2019 | 05:46 PM
#2
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 25,720
Likes: 0
Lucky you: Traveling to Europe this summer with a cousin
Europe Summer 2019
and around the US with your sister in June
Summer USA Trip
and also in June, with a cousin to Japan.
Wow!
Study japan-guide.com, every bit of it.
Come back when you have an actual draft plan and specific questions.
Europe Summer 2019
and around the US with your sister in June
Summer USA Trip
and also in June, with a cousin to Japan.
Wow!
Study japan-guide.com, every bit of it.
Come back when you have an actual draft plan and specific questions.
Apr 4th, 2019 | 06:47 PM
#6
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,049
Likes: 50
Kia is right. Read over the Japan guide and come back with at least a framework we can help you improve.
(IF this is legit - still have some doubts. People have tried really REALLY hard to help you, gone above and beyond - but this is definitely a moving target)
(IF this is legit - still have some doubts. People have tried really REALLY hard to help you, gone above and beyond - but this is definitely a moving target)
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Apr 5th, 2019 | 05:31 AM
#8
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 12,332
Likes: 0
For flights I like to use google flights to search, then I book on the airline website.
From LAX I see non-stop flights to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (closer to the city) mid June for around $1000 on various airlines. (United, Delta, American, ANA, or JAL) You could also do multi-city, into NRT, out of Osaka (airport code KIX) so you wouldn't need to backtrack to Tokyo but that may cost more. I believe there are non-stop flights from Osaka to LAX.
Japan is actually quite easy to get around. The subway and train system is excellent. There are signs in English, including electronic signs on subways that tell you what the next stop is. English, is widely spoken in tourists areas but you will definitely encounter many people who do not speak English. Learning and using even some basic Japanese phrases. Numbers, please, thank you, excuse me, "do you speak english?", etc will go a long way to not being a rude tourist. Being mindful of other's space, being mindful of your appearance and speaking volume are also good rules to follow.
One thing that took me a while to get used to was the crowding. I've not been to Japan in over 10 years, but back then it was common for people to get packed into subway cars like sardines. In some stations there were helpers who would push people in so the doors would close. Ditto for lines/crowds at subway turnstiles - if you are timid you won't get in line. If you are claustrophobic then you may not like the mosh pit atmosphere.
As for food, I loved sampling street food - small vendors/shops you'll find all over any city. You may find that those vendors are not proficient in English, but if you are willing to give it a try you can find some delicious local food at a decent price. See what other people are buying and try the same, or ask someone if they can help you order.
Currency. Not sure what you mean "how does it work". One $US is roughly equal to 100 yen, so think of it this way. When you see a price, think of it in cents. 500 yen = 500 cents, or $5. As in the US and Europe credit cards are widely accepted, but no everywhere. Places like street food vendors may prefer to deal in cash. You can bring some (small amount, maybe $100 or $200 worth) Japanese yen with you, then use an ATM card to withdraw more from an ATM when you get there. Even 10yrs ago I never had a problem getting cash from an ATM but I'm sure others can weigh in with more recent experience.
From LAX I see non-stop flights to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (closer to the city) mid June for around $1000 on various airlines. (United, Delta, American, ANA, or JAL) You could also do multi-city, into NRT, out of Osaka (airport code KIX) so you wouldn't need to backtrack to Tokyo but that may cost more. I believe there are non-stop flights from Osaka to LAX.
Japan is actually quite easy to get around. The subway and train system is excellent. There are signs in English, including electronic signs on subways that tell you what the next stop is. English, is widely spoken in tourists areas but you will definitely encounter many people who do not speak English. Learning and using even some basic Japanese phrases. Numbers, please, thank you, excuse me, "do you speak english?", etc will go a long way to not being a rude tourist. Being mindful of other's space, being mindful of your appearance and speaking volume are also good rules to follow.
One thing that took me a while to get used to was the crowding. I've not been to Japan in over 10 years, but back then it was common for people to get packed into subway cars like sardines. In some stations there were helpers who would push people in so the doors would close. Ditto for lines/crowds at subway turnstiles - if you are timid you won't get in line. If you are claustrophobic then you may not like the mosh pit atmosphere.
As for food, I loved sampling street food - small vendors/shops you'll find all over any city. You may find that those vendors are not proficient in English, but if you are willing to give it a try you can find some delicious local food at a decent price. See what other people are buying and try the same, or ask someone if they can help you order.
Currency. Not sure what you mean "how does it work". One $US is roughly equal to 100 yen, so think of it this way. When you see a price, think of it in cents. 500 yen = 500 cents, or $5. As in the US and Europe credit cards are widely accepted, but no everywhere. Places like street food vendors may prefer to deal in cash. You can bring some (small amount, maybe $100 or $200 worth) Japanese yen with you, then use an ATM card to withdraw more from an ATM when you get there. Even 10yrs ago I never had a problem getting cash from an ATM but I'm sure others can weigh in with more recent experience.
Apr 5th, 2019 | 07:13 AM
#9
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 132
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Thank you J62 so much! This was exactly what I was looking for. I have seen a ton of videos of people getting squeezed into train cars with white gloves, rows and rows of delicious street food, natural sites like the Nara Deer parks, and an Anthony Bourdain episode on Japan. All this did was get me even more excited for Japan and the trip. While I am not a big fan of seafood, I love all other kinds of japanese foods and desserts.
Apr 5th, 2019 | 07:38 AM
#10
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 12,332
Likes: 0
As 18 year old males the 2 of you may also be curious about another cultural experience common in Japan, hostess bar or clubs, or in general the whole bar/club scene in many areas especially the Ginza district.
In entertainment areas where there can be bars on every floor of every building, seemingly one after another it's common for there to be English speaking non Japanese guys, often Africans on the sidewalks trying to talk you into bars with special offers/coupons, etc. Maybe they get a commission, I don't know.
It could be either enticing or off-putting, depending on your mood. I don't have any advice other than to know what you're getting into before you jump. I've never felt unsafe even, but keep your wits about you nonetheless.
In entertainment areas where there can be bars on every floor of every building, seemingly one after another it's common for there to be English speaking non Japanese guys, often Africans on the sidewalks trying to talk you into bars with special offers/coupons, etc. Maybe they get a commission, I don't know.
It could be either enticing or off-putting, depending on your mood. I don't have any advice other than to know what you're getting into before you jump. I've never felt unsafe even, but keep your wits about you nonetheless.
Apr 5th, 2019 | 07:55 AM
#11
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
As 18 year old males the 2 of you may also be curious about another cultural experience common in Japan, hostess bar or clubs, or in general the whole bar/club scene in many areas especially the Ginza district.
In entertainment areas where there can be bars on every floor of every building, seemingly one after another it's common for there to be English speaking non Japanese guys, often Africans on the sidewalks trying to talk you into bars with special offers/coupons, etc. Maybe they get a commission, I don't know.
It could be either enticing or off-putting, depending on your mood. I don't have any advice other than to know what you're getting into before you jump. I've never felt unsafe even, but keep your wits about you nonetheless.
In entertainment areas where there can be bars on every floor of every building, seemingly one after another it's common for there to be English speaking non Japanese guys, often Africans on the sidewalks trying to talk you into bars with special offers/coupons, etc. Maybe they get a commission, I don't know.
It could be either enticing or off-putting, depending on your mood. I don't have any advice other than to know what you're getting into before you jump. I've never felt unsafe even, but keep your wits about you nonetheless.
I definitely will be looking into other forms of cultural experiences. Are there a lot of more adult-oriented places in Japan? If so, what are some recommendations?
Apr 5th, 2019 | 12:37 PM
#12
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 132
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I also have to start adapting my palate for seafood. I usually dont eat seafood or sushi for that matter, and seaweed isn’t my favorite. I have tried sushi a few times but it never really caught on, but maybe that was because of the restaurant and not the dish itself. I do like crab legs or in general very mild fish like salmon.
Apr 6th, 2019 | 05:36 PM
#13
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,537
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I would avoid bars with touts out front enticing you in, especially 2nd floor spots. These are many times rip off joints sometimes tied to organized crime groups. Of course not all clubs and bars are like that, just use common sense and trust your intuition as mentioned by J62. If you wouldn't go in someplace at home, don't do it when traveling in a foreign country.
Apr 9th, 2019 | 01:06 AM
#14
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
We visited at the same time of year. Prepare for hot and very humid.
Osaka is not very interesting. I'd drop it in favor of any number of places, for example Nara.
Public transportation is excellent, including the famous bullet trains. Before you rule out those festivals, you should find out how long it will actually take to get to those locales. However, many Japanese towns have summer festivals, so it is totally possible that you can find some to attend without a long train ride.
You really should buy a guide book, or borrow one from a library.
Osaka is not very interesting. I'd drop it in favor of any number of places, for example Nara.
Public transportation is excellent, including the famous bullet trains. Before you rule out those festivals, you should find out how long it will actually take to get to those locales. However, many Japanese towns have summer festivals, so it is totally possible that you can find some to attend without a long train ride.
You really should buy a guide book, or borrow one from a library.
