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#1
07-14-2007, 12:23 PM
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Going to Japan
Wife and I are taking a 2-week trip to Japan next month. I've never been, don't speak the language and am looking for tips from people who've been. Some thoughts I have so far:
* We definitely plan to spend some time in Tokyo and Kyoto. Any other cities we should plan trips to? Any other daytrips that are worthwhile? How about good places to stay? Worth doing the "Japanese inn" thing? * Restaurant/nightlife recommendations are appreciated. We're pretty adventurous when it comes to food and money's not much of an object, so fill me in on the balla places. * Definitely want to catch some Japanese baseball while we're there -- it's one of the reasons we're making the trip. Besides the Tokyo Dome, any other must-see stadiums? What's the deal with those synchronized cheering sections? Any way I can get hooked up with one and make an ass of myself? * Tips on places to see bizarre Japanese pop culture very much appreciated. If there's somewhere we can see the world's biggest Pokemon or something similar, I'm all about that. * Wife is a karaoke fiend (she's good) and is psyched to be visiting its birthplace. Do they have places where you perform in front of the whole bar, or do we need to hook up with a group of drunk Japanese businessmen and get a private room? * I realized we'll be in the country during the anniversary of V-J Day, and plan suitable American celebration. I'll definitely be wearing a Joey Chestnut t-shirt all day, but other suggestions (that won't get me jailed or deported) are welcome. So help me out OOT. Trip report w/ pictures will follow when I return. 
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#2
07-14-2007, 12:27 PM
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Re: Going to Japan
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#4
07-14-2007, 04:08 PM
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Re: Going to Japan
[ QUOTE ]
you should check out the silver beats http://www.silverbeats.com/english/index.html [/ QUOTE ] D, Did you see them with the Killers? They got a standing o at the show I saw. fyc
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#5
07-14-2007, 08:54 PM
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Re: Going to Japan
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] you should check out the silver beats http://www.silverbeats.com/english/index.html [/ QUOTE ] D, Did you see them with the Killers? They got a standing o at the show I saw. fyc [/ QUOTE ] yeah, they really were very good
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#7
07-15-2007, 05:59 PM
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Re: Going to Japan
[ QUOTE ]
Question for anyone who's been to Japan, What are good places to go if I'm looking to meet/ hook up with girls? Does Japan have a bar/club scene like America? [/ QUOTE ] Tokyo has a pretty sick clubbing scene in the Rapungi (sp?) district. I think hooking up may be difficult, as the Japanese are generally shy.
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#8
07-16-2007, 12:45 AM
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Re: Going to Japan
Look for the clubs near military bases. That's where the Japanese women who want to meet Americans flock to. Almost impossible not to score.
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#10
07-14-2007, 01:57 PM
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Re: Going to Japan
[ QUOTE ]
* We definitely plan to spend some time in Tokyo and Kyoto. Any other cities we should plan trips to? Any other daytrips that are worthwhile? How about good places to stay? Worth doing the "Japanese inn" thing? [/ QUOTE ] A day in Yokohama (about 45 min. by train from Tokyo) would be worthwhile. Visit Chinatown, Motomachi, Minato Mirai, Minato no Mieru Oka Koen, Foreigners' cemetary (gaikokujin bochi), etc. I would definitely recommend staying at a Japanese Inn (called "ryokan") if you get a chance, preferably while in Kyoto. Ideally, look for one that includes a hot springs ("onsen"), and at any rate, make sure to to visit an outdoor hot spring while there. Kamakura (just outside of Yokohama) is another nice area, but probably redundant if you're going to be visiting Kyoto. In Tokyo, some of the more interesting districts are Shibuya (young hip area that is unbelievably crowded), Shinjuku (likewise crowded, where you'll find Tokyo's red light district), and Ginza (Tokyo's upscale area). [ QUOTE ] * Restaurant/nightlife recommendations are appreciated. We're pretty adventurous when it comes to food and money's not much of an object, so fill me in on the balla places. [/ QUOTE ] No specific restaurant suggestions, but make sure to experience a kaiseki meal (often served at the ryokan). This is a light, artfully prepared, multicourse traditional Japanese meal not to be missed. Another Japanese staple is the "izakaya," or Japanese eatery and bar. Some of these are chains, others are hole-in-the-wall dives, but they all offer a wide range of little dishes to be enjoyed with beer or sake (nihon-shu). A place called "Watami" is one such izakaya chain. Be sure to experience any of the many Japanese bread and cake bakeries found anywhere and everywhere, which are almost without exception fantastic. Also, the lower floor of any major department store is usually dedicated to a wide variety of food offerings, and just browsing these is a cool experience. [ QUOTE ] * Tips on places to see bizarre Japanese pop culture very much appreciated. If there's somewhere we can see the world's biggest Pokemon or something similar, I'm all about that. [/ QUOTE ] Check out the Harajuku section of Tokyo, especially on Sunday mornings, for a bizzare gathering of costume players (cosupure)and other bizzare fashions. Akihabara in Tokyo is basically the electronics capital of the universe, and there is also much to see there in the way of anime, etc. [ QUOTE ] * Wife is a karaoke fiend (she's good) and is psyched to be visiting its birthplace. Do they have places where you perform in front of the whole bar, or do we need to hook up with a group of drunk Japanese businessmen and get a private room? [/ QUOTE ] More karaoke places provide private rooms ("boxes") for you to sing your lungs out with no fear of embarrassment. There are also karaoke lounges, called "snacks," where patrons can sing in front of one another, and here is where you'll find your drunk businessmen (and money-loving "hostesses). I'd opt for the karaoke boxes. Japan is amazing. I'm sure you'll have a great experience.
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