Anyone here been to Japan

[Teh_Bandwagoner]

Again I ask how long you'll be there. Let us know and I'm sure some of us here could put together a good itinerary for you!

[TheCommodoreAfro]

Originally Posted by Byrns

Lots of good stuff already posted. While you're there, and if one is going on, check out a Sumo Tournament! Pretty cool and a lot of fun! Tickets available at the local Family Mart.

There isn't a tourney at the end of August but there is one in September. Not sure how long you'll be around but there's an outside chance you can catch a few matches. Mind you, if you want you can always head to a baseball game or a J-League match instead. Nothing says Japan like eating curry and rice or fried noodles while watching a sporting event...

[TheCommodoreAfro]

Originally Posted by Muta

By the way Commodore, good posts. I'm extremely jealous you live and work over there... lucky guy.

Having to work in Japan is the penance one pays to live here. The rest is good fun.

[kdogg]

My highlights:

Sensoji Temple - Asakusa
Shinjuku
5:30 am tuna auction - Tsukiji Fish Market (Must see IMO)
Sony building - Ginza
Harajuku
Shibuya Crossing - CRAZY!
Day trip to Nikko

Take the subway to get around. It is just soooo efficient, and cheaper than Cabs.
________
Extreme Q Best Temperature

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Byrns

Lots of good stuff already posted. While you're there, and if one is going on, check out a Sumo Tournament! Pretty cool and a lot of fun! Tickets available at the local Family Mart.

Just don't sit too close

[COGENT]

LOVE Japan!

I went there last August and just loved it. HOWEVER, be warned, it is incredibly hot there in August... 35 - 40 degrees celsius with 98% humidity. I sweat the whole time... like dripping sweat. I could change my shirt 10 times a day and it still wouldn't be enough... and I am just an average white guy, 6' 185 lbs. Worst part is, they barley sweat so it make you look even worse. With that said though, it is legal to walk around with an open beer and you can typically find a machine on most street corners... so grab an Asahi super dry and enjoy it.

All in all... Tokyo is incredibly big so unless you have months to spend there you won't even be able to scratch the surface. I would recommend Shinjuku, Harjuku, and Shibuya... all pretty amazing places. The one thing you must do is Kareoke... one of the funest things I have ever done.

Ok, I have to stop because I can on forever about Japan. Have a great time but seriously, be very careful with the heat .

[the_only_turek_fan]

Thanks guys!!! I used pretty much 90% of the suggestions in this thread. Should be a fun time. Will post some pictures when I get back.

[Jing]

I was also looking to head to japan in aug. Is the language barrier quite severe? Will I be able to get around on the subway by myself? Should I look into a guided tour if traveling by myself?

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by kdogg

My highlights:

Sensoji Temple - Asakusa
Shinjuku
5:30 am tuna auction - Tsukiji Fish Market (Must see IMO)
Sony building - Ginza
Harajuku
Shibuya Crossing - CRAZY!
Day trip to Nikko

Take the subway to get around. It is just soooo efficient, and cheaper than Cabs.

That is remarkably similar to what I did when I was there....Don't forget Ueno Park and Akihibara Electric Town!

[HOZ]

Originally Posted by Jing

I was also looking to head to japan in aug. Is the language barrier quite severe? Will I be able to get around on the subway by myself? Should I look into a guided tour if traveling by myself?

Most signs are in English, very logical and I see no problems about you getting around on your own. Also grabbing a Lonely Planet book and doing your own tour is better.

[Byrns]

Originally Posted by Jing

I was also looking to head to japan in aug. Is the language barrier quite severe? Will I be able to get around on the subway by myself? Should I look into a guided tour if traveling by myself?

My wife and I went to Tokyo earlier this year, and we don't speak any japanese. We never had any problems getting around (lots of English signs), and we went to a lot of restaurants that had pictures on the menus.

I'd also recommend picking up the following 2 books.
http://www.amazon.ca/Tokyo-City-Atla...217351&sr=1-13

and

http://www.amazon.ca/Japanese-At-Gla...7217663&sr=1-3

Both were really helpful when we were there.

[TheCommodoreAfro]

Originally Posted by Jing

I was also looking to head to japan in aug. Is the language barrier quite severe? Will I be able to get around on the subway by myself? Should I look into a guided tour if traveling by myself?

In major centres you won't have a problem. Bilingual signs, train announcements and a critical mass of tourists has made it pretty easy to get along.
If you head out to the sticks you may think you'll run into problems, but in my experience what the people in the rural areas lack of in terms of language ability they make up for in sheer hospitality, so you never feel totally out of place.

Oh, and one more Tokyo suggestion - Nezu. Great old neighbourhood that's off the beaten tracks.

[Jude]

Baka Gaijin!