Visiting Japan

[Animeniax]

Hey guys, turns out that I might be visiting Japan for this Spring break. (March 13-21)

Any recommendations on where to go, how to get there, where to sleep/eat, etc?

Oh oh, I was thinking of visiting Japan for spring break this March 13-20 too! Are you traveling by yourself or with a group? I was going to meet up with a friend there but he has pretty much bailed. I'd be happy going alone, but maybe we can meet up sometime during our trips.

You should visit Tokyo/Kawamura/Yokohama of course, and Osaka (it's like NY and Boston respectively), Fukuoka if you have the time since it's way far south, Hiroshima to remember, Miyajima Island for the otorii, Kobe for a steak dinner (pricey but worth it), and Furano/Biei in Hokkaido for either fun in the snow or the lush lavender fields, and to enjoy the hot springs. March is a great time for sakura viewing/hanami but it will be crowded, and we'll be a week or two early for blooming season.

If you're serious about this, it will be about $2500. That's around $1k for airfare, $300 for a rail pass for 1 week, $500 for hotels (cheaper if you share) and the rest for meals and souvenirs.

[Sapphire]

Oh oh, I was thinking of visiting Japan for spring break this March 13-20 too! Are you traveling by yourself or with a group? I was going to meet up with a friend there but he has pretty much bailed. I'd be happy going alone, but maybe we can meet up sometime during our trips.

You should visit Tokyo/Kawamura/Yokohama of course, and Osaka (it's like NY and Boston respectively), Fukuoka if you have the time since it's way far south, Hiroshima to remember, Miyajima Island for the otorii, Kobe for a steak dinner (pricey but worth it), and Furano/Biei in Hokkaido for either fun in the snow or the lush lavender fields, and to enjoy the hot springs. March is a great time for sakura viewing/hanami but it will be crowded, and we'll be a week or two early for blooming season.

If you're serious about this, it will be about $2500. That's around $1k for airfare, $300 for a rail pass for 1 week, $500 for hotels (cheaper if you share) and the rest for meals and souvenirs.

OMG you seem to know a lot, why don't you come with us and be a tour guide? It's not set in stone whether I am going or not, but me and a few friends are seriously planning to go. I am personally looking at Delta airlines since I have a LOT of miles on it and can probably get a huge discount. My friends definitely want to go to Akihabara and wig out there lol. I want to get some hot clothing as well. But I also really want to hit the beautiful spots and fine dining. We were thinking sleeping in a hostel or something since that is said to be cheaper?

How exactly do you travel when you go? Tell me more!

[Animeniax]

Nah, it's just I've been three times, and miss it a lot as it's been 2 years since my last trip. Now that I'm learning the language, I want to visit again.

I don't really want to go in a group because I won't be able to do the things I want to without worrying that others aren't enjoying themselves (the things I love about Japan aren't the same as what most pop culture fans of Japan like, eg. I need about 1 hour in Akihabara before it's time for something else).

Hostels are definitely cheaper, but if you share rooms in a business or budget hotel it's a much better experience and not that expensive. However the Japanese charge by the occupant, not by the room, so even if you try to fit 4 people in a room, the savings won't be that good.

One of the things I enjoy about Japan are public baths/hot springs (usually full nude). Unfortunately there aren't many co-ed places so it wouldn't be as interesting going in a group.

You get from city to city mostly by train and around town by subway or trolleys/buses (in the large cities). Taxis are expensive but necessary in smaller towns. Renting pedal bikes is fun in smaller towns too.