A race around Japan

[CaptainCurtis]

Time to wrap-up Hakone. This place is seriously beautiful, and great for those looking to get out of the big cities that Japan has to offer. Yes it was a somewhat touristy, but if you plan your days carefully you can avoid the masses quite easily. While I didn't do the sums, I would highly recommend the Hakone Freepass - it's essentially your single ticket to unlock the region. There are options to go further towards Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji, but I didn't have the time.

One thing that I would call out about my time in Hakone - myself, and a number of people I met, struggled to find restaurants to eat at. A number were closed for some reason. The first day I was there was a public holiday (Respect for the Aged Day), but I ran into the same issues on the second day, so I question whether that was the issue. I would recommend choosing a hotel that has a restaurant, so at least you have a contingency.

I ended up having my last dinner at Hakone Kitchen & Bar - a very small restaurant with just 4 tables. The beef was tasty, and thankfully the raw chicken was sold out.



The hotel I stayed at, Hakone Yutowa, was in a great location and conveniently located a short walk to Gora station. This place is massive though, so if you're after a personable stay at a ryokan, this isn't for you. The facilities were top notch though, with male and female public baths, plus two private baths that could be used for 30 minutes at a time (these could not be reserved, but on both days I never had to wait more than 15 minutes). Snacks were offered from 3-7PM, while drinks and desserts were available from 7-10PM. There were a number of lounges to relax in, and an outdoor area with a foot bath and a gas fire. Breakfast again was a mix of Western and Asian fare. My room, a standard twin room, was thankfully a little larger this time.



Next stop, Nagoya for the F1. I'm not 100% sure if I'll need daily updates, but stay tuned. If anyone has restaurant recommendations for Nagoya, please let me know!

 

[drron]

We cruised on the pirate boat 39 years ago.
In Nagoya lots of places to eat around the JR station.

 

[CaptainCurtis]

Starting to find the language barrier much more difficult outside of Tokyo. Staff at restaurants speaking minimal English, and just speak to you in Japanese even though it’s clear you don’t speak the language. Interactions such as checking in and purchasing tickets for a train, for example, are getting harder. How quickly can duolingo sort me out??

 

[drron]

Have you got a translation app on your phone? Was introduced to this in 2007 in Akita. Had a long chat with a fellow walking around the castle and it's cherry blossoms with a young Japanese fellow who had one on his phone. I have 2. One is better for the written word - ie point your phone at a menu in Japanese and see the English and one better for the spoken word.
Just google translation apps. There are a lot. So far only used them here but will be giving them a great work out in the next 8 months with 4 trips to japan.

 

[trendwhore]

Nagoya is the home of Tebasaki fried chicken wings so hit up a Yamachan or similar and get your fix! Also known for Chicken sashimi if you're game..

 

[CaptainCurtis]

Day 6 - Nagoya

A slower, largely travel, day today. Checked out of the hotel fairly early, and was back on the Hakone Tozan Train to Odawara, with a short transfer in Hakone-Yumoto. I arrived at Odawara with about 40 minutes until my train - it would have been nice to get to Odawara Castle, but I was more than happy to wait it out at the station. My ride for the day was a Hikari Shinkansen on the Tokaido-Sanyo line, taking just 1 hour and 7 minutes on a non-stop service to Nagoya.

A few snaps are from the Tozan Train.




Here was the route and the train.




Top speed for the trip.



Now at the beginning of the train ride, I put in my airpods and started catching up on some podcasts I had missed. I had more or less tuned out, when luckily I looked out the window and chanced upon this view of Mount Fuji. Incredibly lucky, as a minute or so later we were into a tunnel.

 

[CaptainCurtis]

Have you got a translation app on your phone? Was introduced to this in 2007 in Akita. Had a long chat with a fellow walking around the castle and it's cherry blossoms with a young Japanese fellow who had one on his phone. I have 2. One is better for the written word - ie point your phone at a menu in Japanese and see the English and one better for the spoken word.
Just google translation apps. There are a lot. So far only used them here but will be giving them a great work out in the next 8 months with 4 trips to japan.

I tried the Apple Translate app once, and found it totally inadequate. I'll need to try a few others.

 

[drron]

I agree the Apple app translator is useless.

 

[pagingjoan]

I tried the Apple Translate app once, and found it totally inadequate. I'll need to try a few others.

Try VoiceTra.
One of our guides used it, as did a couple of restaurants we visited, where there was no English spoken.
It seemed to be quite effective, on my limited exposure.

 

[cosi]

Yes, Japanese food can get tiresome Did the Italian chef make you spaghetti or pizza?

You have to be joking - so many choices and styles of food.

Does not matter who made the Italian - it would be very good, because Italian food is the second my popular cuisine in Japan.

 

[pagingjoan]

You have to be joking - so many choices and styles of food.

Agree! Just brilliant.
I am missing the food so much!
The hotel breakfast spreads alone would suit me for any time of day.

We ate in a broad range of places, from six or seven dollars a head for a delicious and filling meal, through to top of the line kaiseki splurges.
They were just wonderful.

I can't face the local versions here in Melbourne just yet.

 

[pagingjoan]

Day 6 - Nagoya

A slower, largely travel, day today. Checked out of the hotel fairly early, and was back on the Hakone Tozan Train to Odawara, with a short transfer in Hakone-Yumoto. I arrived at Odawara with about 40 minutes until my train - it would have been nice to get to Odawara Castle, but I was more than happy to wait it out at the station. My ride for the day was a Hikari Shinkansen on the Tokaido-Sanyo line, taking just 1 hour and 7 minutes on a non-stop service to Nagoya.

A few snaps are from the Tozan Train.

View attachment 344601
View attachment 344600View attachment 344599View attachment 344598

Here was the route and the train.

View attachment 344597
View attachment 344603

Top speed for the trip.

View attachment 344602

Now at the beginning of the train ride, I put in my airpods and started catching up on some podcasts I had missed. I had more or less tuned out, when luckily I looked out the window and chanced upon this view of Mount Fuji. Incredibly lucky, as a minute or so later we were into a tunnel.

View attachment 344605

And my glimpse last week!

 

[CaptainCurtis]

Question for anyone that’s been to Gero/Takayama - I’m leaving Nagoya on Monday morning, heading up to Takayama for 2 nights. Would you recommend stopping in Gero for a few hours on the way, or should I just head straight in to Takayama?

 

[desafinado74]

Since you are heading to Kanazawa later on, I recommend taking a day trip to Shirakawa go village , and strolling through Kanazawa's Samurai District ( You can also visit a real Samurai house that has been converted into a museum )

And this Italian restaurant near Kanazawa station is worth a visit :

Pizzeria e Trattoria Da TAKE

 

[Stilltouring]

Sounds like a great experience! I did notice that the first floor entrances were not well guarded, particularly earlier in the day. I'm not too sure how well I'd do though sitting on the floor mats instead of a proper chair...

When we were in Tokyo last , we had a guide fr the Tokyo Free Guide, she was an expert with all things Sumo . She bought the tix for us before our arrival ( she paid first ) , took us to lunch nearby and gave us all info re the wrestlers, even their private lives . Absolutely unforgettable!

 

[love_the_life]

In Kanazawa, Ninjadera (Ninja Temple) is interesting. Tours only in Japanese (when we were there) but folder with English info passed around. Fascinating place. Some info here Ninjadera (Ninja Temple)

 

[CaptainCurtis]

And my glimpse last week!
View attachment 344678

Great snap!

Since you are heading to Kanazawa later on, I recommend taking a day trip to Shirakawa go village , and strolling through Kanazawa's Samurai District ( You can also visit a real Samurai house that has been converted into a museum )

And this Italian restaurant near Kanazawa station is worth a visit :

Pizzeria e Trattoria Da TAKE

My plan was actually to take the bus from Takayama to Kanazawa, and make a stop in Shirakawago. I'll need to check out the bus schedules though when I get to Takayama. More appealing than the 2hr+ train via Toyama.

I've added the restaurant to my list, thanks!

In Kanazawa, Ninjadera (Ninja Temple) is interesting. Tours only in Japanese (when we were there) but folder with English info passed around. Fascinating place. Some info here Ninjadera (Ninja Temple)

Added to my list, thank you!

 

[desafinado74]

Great snap!


My plan was actually to take the bus from Takayama to Kanazawa, and make a stop in Shirakawago. I'll need to check out the bus schedules though when I get to Takayama. More appealing than the 2hr+ train via Toyama.

I've added the restaurant to my list, thanks!


Added to my list, thank you!

Have fun ! Kanazawa is one of my favourite Japanese cities. So underrated as a destination and the seafood there is amazing. Kenrokuen Gardens is a lovely attraction too, especially during autumn in early to mid November.

 

[CaptainCurtis]

I arrived into Nagoya at around 11:30 and made the short walk to my hotel, Sanco Inn Grande Nagoya. I dropped off my bags, and with 3 hours to kill until check-in, I jumped on the train down to the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Train fans will seriously love this place. Wikipedia tells me they have 39 trains on display, and I believe it. The range was seriously impressive, with early iterations of the shinkansen, locomotives and a seriously cool maglev (TIL: stands for magnetic levitation). There were a number of exhibits (although many did not have English translation) and also a range of interactive simulators. I believe an English audio guide is available, but I did not use it.

Class C62 steam locomotive - manufactured 1948, top speed 129km/h




300X Shinkansen (Class 955 Experimental) - manufactured 1994, top speed 443km/h


MLX01-1 Superconducting Maglev - manufactured 1995, top speed 581km/h. The maglev runs while being levitated by electromagnetic forces created between the coils in the guideways and the superconducting magnets on the vehicle. It's able to run faster than trains due to the absence of friction created when the wheels of regular trains run on rails.



A few others from the main floor.




This sign at the entrance gave me a laugh, not sure what the alternative was. The Japanese sure love their warning signs and instructions - you arrive in your hotel room, and there are often at least 10 placards left around the room with warnings or instructions.

 

[CaptainCurtis]

It was then back on the train to the hotel, who graciously allowed me to check-in 13 minutes early. Up to the room for a rest after a tiring week, before heading to MUSH Nagoya for dinner. They have a seriously impressive range of international wines, although I went for a beer. Beef cheek was pretty tasty, although a little overdone. English was minimal.