Japan Tourism for independent travellers

[mrs.dr.ron]

One of the things I like to do in Japan, is walking down the "shopping street" in larger towns. Usually it is a pedestrian walking street, no cars ! and I find the kimono shop. They make beautiful kimonos out of beautiful silk. Usually there is a box of material offcuts - which are cheap ! I have bought plenty of these and have made bags out of them, great if you do patchwork. When covid hit I made masks for family/friends when masks were scarce !! So if you can sew check it out !

 

[karen blancfield]

One of the things I like to do in Japan, is walking down the "shopping street" in larger towns. Usually it is a pedestrian walking street, no cars ! and I find the kimono shop. They make beautiful kimonos out of beautiful silk. Usually there is a box of material offcuts - which are cheap ! I have bought plenty of these and have made bags out of them, great if you do patchwork. When covid hit I made masks for family/friends when masks were scarce !! So if you can sew check it out !

I also bought a lovely top made from an old kimono, modern style that fitted, so I know to watch for that kind of small designer shop now too.

I know you’ve been many times so would love to hear of special places. Gardens won’t be at their best but we still love them.

 

[karen blancfield]

and thank you too for offering the details of your fave sushi place. Also open to any suggestions you have for Kanazawa (we have 2-3 days). Plus we are skiing for 2 weeks. I am so so so happy right now....

Looking back at photos, we made a beeline to Omichi market for an early lunch, and basically found a cafe that had a bit of a queue and went there. The photos don’t show an identifying feature sorry.

Places we loved included Kenrokuen gardens, DT Suzuki museum that was a stunning building and very peaceful, the Higashichaya old town, the castle. We also somehow found a traditional tea house we spent an hour in but I’ll have to work out how we found it in a side street. We had plenty to do, it was hot and steamy in August and the Uan Hotel was just fantastic in style.

 

[karen blancfield]

Looking back at photos, we made a beeline to Omichi market for an early lunch, and basically found a cafe that had a bit of a queue and went there. The photos don’t show an identifying feature sorry.

Places we loved included Kenrokuen gardens, DT Suzuki museum that was a stunning building and very peaceful, the Higashichaya old town, the castle. We also somehow found a traditional tea house we spent an hour in but I’ll have to work out how we found it in a side street. We had plenty to do, it was hot and steamy in August and the Uan Hotel was just fantastic in style.

Couple more things…
The Old Site of Mr Kuranda Terashima’s House is the lovely 18th C local Shogun’s house, address 10-3 Otemachi

And we enjoyed both Modern Art Museum and Gold Museum.

 

[clifford]

My recent experience with JAL and HND suggests I wouldn't recommend a visit to Japan in the near future. They just aren't ready for it. Too much aversion to foreigners atm. They bring Covid...

 

[karen blancfield]

My recent experience with JAL and HND suggests I wouldn't recommend a visit to Japan in the near future. They just aren't ready for it. Too much aversion to foreigners atm. They bring Covid...

Have you visited before? We are very happy to wear masks etc and be respectful visitors. Any specific examples of what happened to you there?

 

[Pele]

My experience last month in Japan was very good. I say that now is exactly the time to go as there are basically no international tourists. I wear a mask everywhere in Australia so wearing one in Japan was no change for me.

 

[drron]

I would love you to do a TR of your trip as at the end of 2023 we are spending Christmas with the family in Japan. not a time of year that we have travelled much in Japan but did spend a few days in Tokyo one December on our way to the USA. surprised by the amount of Christmas decorations.
Areas that I have enjoyed. The 5 Lakes district around Kawaguchigo. It is at the base of Mt. fuji. We have been but unfortunately the weather didn't co operate. Apparently December has clear skies. Lots of things around the area.

Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji’s Beautiful Lake

Kawaguchiko is one of the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, in Fujikawaguchiko City in the heart of Yamanashi prefecture. Located to the north of the sacred mountain, the view on Fuji-san is breathtaking which makes...

www.kanpai-japan.com

Lake Biwa not far from Kyoto. We were there in spring so plenty of flowers. plus a visit to Hikone castle. much more to see though.

The Only Lake Biwa Itinerary You're Going to Need

Lake Biwa is one of my favorite day trips from Kyoto. My Lake Biwa itinerary is all you'll need to plan your own excursion!

japanstartshere.com

Kyoto is a good place to stay though with many day trips possible.

Sendai. Apparently in December they have a festival of light. Also a train trip out to Matsushima with a couple of interesting temples and lovely oysters.

https://livejapan.com/en/in-tohoku/in-pref-miyagi/in-sendai_matsushima/article-a3000002/

Though the weather in sendai in december is said to be miserable.

Weather in Sendai (Honshu) in december: Temperature, Rainfall, Sunshine... for December 2024! - Japan

Is the climate in Sendai (Honshu) (in Japan) in december good? Discover the weather forecast in december 2024 to prepare your trip.

www.whereandwhen.net

Another thing I like are the unusual trains. We rode a "joyful" train from Akita to Hirosaki which has another lovely castle and gardens. Though we went in cherry blossom time and it is fantastic then.

のってたのしい列車 ポータル＞リゾートしらかみ（橅／青池／くまげら）：JR東日本

Hirosaki Castle - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

There are others.

The 10 Best Scenic Train Journeys In Japan - Japan Rail Pass

An excellent way to see the beauty of Japan’s countryside is by taking the train. Below are some of the best train routes to enjoy the country’s natural scenery. You can use your Japan Rail Pass to enjoy the views on many of these routes. 1. Hisatsu Line (Kumamoto Prefecture to Kagoshima...

www.japanrailpass.com.au

For us older folk many of the gardens are free for seniors or discounted considerably. Usually if over 65.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

The 100 Yen shop !! I never knew I needed so many 100 Y things !! OMG you can not go in and come out without buying something !

 

[cosi]

My recent experience with JAL and HND suggests I wouldn't recommend a visit to Japan in the near future. They just aren't ready for it. Too much aversion to foreigners atm. They bring Covid...

I totally disagree with your comments.

My Japanese business colleagues and now close friends cannot wait until we can be together for many "Kanpai" (translates to cheers) with some great food and much laughter.

The demand to fly to Japan from anywhere in the world will exceed the availability of seats on planes.

Gaijins (foreigners) will be welcomed with open arms post covid.

Post automatically merged: Nov 2, 2022

The 100 Yen shop !! I never knew I needed so many 100 Y things !! OMG you can not go in and come out without buying something !

You need to a extra suitcase for all the things you can purchase for AUD$1.10

 

[karen blancfield]

I would love you to do a TR of your trip as at the end of 2023 we are spending Christmas with the family in Japan. not a time of year that we have travelled much in Japan but did spend a few days in Tokyo one December on our way to the USA. surprised by the amount of Christmas decorations.
Areas that I have enjoyed. The 5 Lakes district around Kawaguchigo. It is at the base of Mt. fuji. We have been but unfortunately the weather didn't co operate. Apparently December has clear skies. Lots of things around the area.

Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji’s Beautiful Lake

Kawaguchiko is one of the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, in Fujikawaguchiko City in the heart of Yamanashi prefecture. Located to the north of the sacred mountain, the view on Fuji-san is breathtaking which makes...

www.kanpai-japan.com

Lake Biwa not far from Kyoto. We were there in spring so plenty of flowers. plus a visit to Hikone castle. much more to see though.

The Only Lake Biwa Itinerary You're Going to Need

Lake Biwa is one of my favorite day trips from Kyoto. My Lake Biwa itinerary is all you'll need to plan your own excursion!

japanstartshere.com

Kyoto is a good place to stay though with many day trips possible.

Sendai. Apparently in December they have a festival of light. Also a train trip out to Matsushima with a couple of interesting temples and lovely oysters.

https://livejapan.com/en/in-tohoku/in-pref-miyagi/in-sendai_matsushima/article-a3000002/

Though the weather in sendai in december is said to be miserable.

Weather in Sendai (Honshu) in december: Temperature, Rainfall, Sunshine... for December 2024! - Japan

Is the climate in Sendai (Honshu) (in Japan) in december good? Discover the weather forecast in december 2024 to prepare your trip.

www.whereandwhen.net

Another thing I like are the unusual trains. We rode a "joyful" train from Akita to Hirosaki which has another lovely castle and gardens. Though we went in cherry blossom time and it is fantastic then.

のってたのしい列車 ポータル＞リゾートしらかみ（橅／青池／くまげら）：JR東日本

Hirosaki Castle - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

There are others.

The 10 Best Scenic Train Journeys In Japan - Japan Rail Pass

An excellent way to see the beauty of Japan’s countryside is by taking the train. Below are some of the best train routes to enjoy the country’s natural scenery. You can use your Japan Rail Pass to enjoy the views on many of these routes. 1. Hisatsu Line (Kumamoto Prefecture to Kagoshima...

www.japanrailpass.com.au

For us older folk many of the gardens are free for seniors or discounted considerably. Usually if over 65.

Oh I knew I could rely on you! This info is amazingly helpful, thank you. And 3 of the 4 of us will be sticking our hand up for free entry

It’s our 5th trip and so far these are where we have visited, plus Hokkeido

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kanazawa,Himeji, Hiroshima, Matsumoto, Nikko, Obuse, Nagano, Takayama,

We’ve booked to stay at Haneda as we arrive after midnight via Manil, so a long flight. That’s as far as we’ve got so it’s a clean slate. With a JR Pass, we can do whatever we like. I’ve got a feeling New Year will be busy so we need to work out where we want to be for that, possibly Osaka as I read it’s lively at NY.

The Trip Report is a good idea, and I have learned handy things from others.

Much appreciated. It’s a terrific forum.

Post automatically merged: Nov 3, 2022

The 100 Yen shop !! I never knew I needed so many 100 Y things !! OMG you can not go in and come out without buying something !

What about the amazing range of cosmetics in those huge shops! I can fill a day easily just looking!

 

[rginoz]

My recent experience with JAL and HND suggests I wouldn't recommend a visit to Japan in the near future. They just aren't ready for it. Too much aversion to foreigners atm. They bring Covid...

My recent experience was very different. I was in Tokyo last week, for a short stopover en route to the US. Flew JAL from SIN to HDA and then JAL from HDA to JFK. Both flights were great, no issues for foreigners. Immigration on entry to Japan at HDA was a little slow with our early morning arrival, but done with good grace. Local people were friendly, for example, offering advice on which subway train to choose. We had no problems in the restaurants and shops - everyone was welcoming. So I'm looking forward to our next stay in Tokyo at the end of November, when returning to Australia.

 

[Buzzard]

With all this talk about travelling in Japan, is there a recommendation for a SIM card to use whilst there? I need to organise something for our April holiday.

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

With all this talk about travelling in Japan, is there a recommendation for a SIM card to use whilst there? I need to organise something for our April holiday.

I generally get a pocket wifi device. Really good rates for data and can connect multiple devices. Pick up at airport post office and drop it in a post box before you go...

 

[Pele]

With all this talk about travelling in Japan, is there a recommendation for a SIM card to use whilst there? I need to organise something for our April holiday.

If your phone can use one then get an e-sim. I put a post on the phone thread in the forum.

 

[karen blancfield]

If your phone can use one then get an e-sim. I put a post on the phone thread in the forum.

I’m wondering if Optus $5 a day roaming will be ok in Japan, I’ve been happy with it this year in NZ, Singapore, UK and Italy. Partner can hotspot. The wifi routers have always been good in Japan but maybe this time I’ll just go with the Optus deal, as long as Japan is covered.

 

[RealtimeY]

Agree with @Pele, eSIMs are really convenient and may work out better than roaming depending on how long you're going for. Keep in mind you can always receive SMS for free with roaming with Optus.

Take a look at esimdb
The Ubigi plans may be of interest - I'm going to be getting the 10GB for my trip in December.

1GB	30 days	$6.23
3GB	30 days	$12.46
10GB	30 days	$24.93

 

[karen blancfield]

Agree with @Pele, eSIMs are really convenient and may work out better than roaming depending on how long you're going for. Keep in mind you can always receive SMS for free with roaming with Optus.

Take a look at esimdb
The Ubigi plans may be of interest - I'm going to be getting the 10GB for my trip in December.

1GB	30 days	$6.23
3GB	30 days	$12.46
10GB	30 days	$24.93

Much cheaper option so I’ll look thanks.

 

[cosi]

With all this talk about travelling in Japan, is there a recommendation for a SIM card to use whilst there? I need to organise something for our April holiday.

I have always used Lemon Mobile with great success for a data sim card.

I insert the sim into my mobile during the flight, so once mobiles are allowed to be turned on, I have access to wi-fi.

SIM cards, eSIMs, IoT solutions, SMS services and more

I see they are now doing esim.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I have always used Lemon Mobile with great success for a data sim card.

I insert the sim into my mobile during the flight, so once mobiles are allowed to be turned on, I have access to wi-fi.

SIM cards, eSIMs, IoT solutions, SMS services and more

I see they are now doing esim.

eSims are the way to go then you can keep your local sim as secondary (etc) to receive txts and calls from australia if necessary, and use the new country esim for main outgoing stuff. They all seems to have wifi calling now as well (well, most of them),