View Full Version : Me. Japan. Soon. Help!
Hey guys, I'm going to be spending Nov. 16 - Dec 4 in Japan as a visitor. About half of that will be stationary with family, and the rest will be traveling around. No set agenda yet, but I'm probably getting a 21-day tourist rail pass.
Any recommendations for stuff to do while I'm there?
Other than seeking the Ancient One.
I don't really know much about Japan, in practical terms, although I could tell you about its economy and scientific strengths... lol. Not real useful, huh?
It's called being book-learned.
Apparently my friends want to go to a live show of some Japanese boyband (uh, I didn't ask for details... lol)... and they want to go to some hot springs somewhere... yeah, I dunno.
They'll want to go to anime shops. Please... help!!
Any help would be much appreciated. :embarass:
Draconic
10-24-2006, 01:34 PM
Go to Kumamoto, in the mountains of Kyushu, in a cave behind a Zen temple. You will be in the cave called "Reigendo," and you will be looking at the Book of Five Rings as painted by the legendary swordsman, Musashi Miyazaki, in his final days. Musashi Miyazaki is the founder of the Ichi Ryu Ni To (One School, two swords) style of swordfighting. Take many pictures, and give them all to me.
ThirdMarioBro
10-24-2006, 01:41 PM
If it were me, I'd probobly just go spend the whole trip in "certain district" of Akihabara. *shrugs*
If you're interested in their ancient culture, visit shrines and whatever. If you like the modern culture, take a good tour of their city life. The cities there are divided into districts that reflect what they can offer. For example, there's districts where they sell electronics to the max. Then there's districts (mostly in Tokyo) where you'll find...quite odd characters. Cosplay is commonplace in those districts.
Other than that, there's not much to say. I've never been to Japan myself, so I wouldn't know what's good.
Oh, and if you come across a Hello! Project shop (they're usually hard to find, but in case you do), take many pictures inside for me, please.
I'm not sure, but I think not everyone wears clothes at the hotsprings. So, be prepared to see something objectionable.
Anarky
10-24-2006, 04:27 PM
I strongly suggest you go up to a random person and yell "KAWAII BAKA!!!" or "HIROSHIMA!" into their faces. Instant fun for everyone.
discordiatookie
10-24-2006, 04:31 PM
I strongly suggest you go up to a random person and yell "KAWAII BAKA!!!" or "HIROSHIMA!" into their faces. Instant fun for everyone.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
i'd be on the look out for a Nintendo shop! and i'd buy tons and tons of cool ass Nintendo merch...
and i'd probably stay in quite often just watching their mental tv shows! cos lets face it, japanese telly is just nuts!!!
Katie
10-24-2006, 04:34 PM
The only person I know that ever went to Japan said that he had great fun out one night at a restaurant letting people suggest what he should order next. He couldn't read the menu....anyways, they tried to "make the American sick" but he really would eat anything.
He used to laugh so much when telling that story :D
Myself, I'd want to see Mt. Fuji. Looks like a really nice hike.
I found This site (http://www.japanvisitor.com) for you
Dr. Doom
10-24-2006, 04:36 PM
I bet they sell real life little japanese girls at the airport gift shop.
Anarky
10-24-2006, 04:38 PM
Or here's a true classic and the reason why I love japanese tourists so much. They're usually real bricks. So when you talk to them, grunt or snort in between sentences. When they ask you why you're doing that, then tell them that "in my place this is a holy tradition. We do it every sunday (or whatever day it is)". Then you walk off, trying not to laugh about the fact that they're going to grunt and snort at the next american they meet.
I did that once to a guy, it really worked.
Kid A
10-24-2006, 05:03 PM
Go to Kumamoto, in the mountains of Kyushu, in a cave behind a Zen temple. You will be in the cave called "Reigendo," and you will be looking at the Book of Five Rings as painted by the legendary swordsman, Musashi Miyazaki, in his final days. Musashi Miyazaki is the founder of the Ichi Ryu Ni To (One School, two swords) style of swordfighting. Take many pictures, and give them all to me.
I was there some years ago. Pretty idyllic place. And I spent some minutes for meditating at the grave of the old master. :P
In your place I would ask some local people for nice places in the suburbs. If they should understand you I bet they'll happily send you to the oddest places. Also some festival are interesting. I once was as a firework-festival-thing. They sold much delicious food and shot for some hours constanly firecrackers in the air.
Sewer Bull
10-24-2006, 05:09 PM
I strongly suggest you go up to a random person and yell "KAWAII BAKA!!!" or "HIROSHIMA!" into their faces. Instant fun for everyone.
Or sing their national anthem. (http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/bukkake.php)
cowabunga14
10-24-2006, 09:27 PM
If I were you, I'd look for places that have pachinko machines and play those for a while cuz I know they're quite addictive...:nod: You could also look for ninjas (if they're still around) and stuff that has to do with feudal Japan. Samurai armor will look stylish even if don't wear it.
Peanut
10-24-2006, 09:32 PM
If I went to Japan I would just hit up as many insane electronic and game stores as I possible could.
GK Punk
10-24-2006, 10:45 PM
Just say that you love Marty Friedman. Everyone there does.
Hannah
10-24-2006, 10:56 PM
Bring Lain back a little school girl, plz.
Wow, thanks everyone for the suggestions! You guys rock. :)
Go to Kumamoto, in the mountains of Kyushu, in a cave behind a Zen temple. You will be in the cave called "Reigendo," and you will be looking at the Book of Five Rings as painted by the legendary swordsman, Musashi Miyazaki, in his final days. Musashi Miyazaki is the founder of the Ichi Ryu Ni To (One School, two swords) style of swordfighting. Take many pictures, and give them all to me.
That sounds awesome. My friends would love something like that (so would I).
One of my friends is an artist & drummer. And we've all been to the Japanese art exhibits & cherry blossom festivals in DC. So anything having to with art/culture is cool.
Except that my uncle is demanding I get dressed up as a geisha.
Uncle has an interesting sense of humor.
Kid A, my cousin said there's some kind of holiday on the 24th, so maybe some festival will be happening then in. I'll check it out. Thanks!
If you're interested in their ancient culture, visit shrines and whatever. If you like the modern culture, take a good tour of their city life. The cities there are divided into districts that reflect what they can offer. For example, there's districts where they sell electronics to the max. Then there's districts (mostly in Tokyo) where you'll find...quite odd characters. Cosplay is commonplace in those districts.
Other than that, there's not much to say. I've never been to Japan myself, so I wouldn't know what's good.
Oh, and if you come across a Hello! Project shop (they're usually hard to find, but in case you do), take many pictures inside for me, please.
Hmm... cosplay... that might be interesting.
I'm positive that I'll have some time in Akiba district of Tokyo... I'll probably spend the weekend in Tokyo as soon as I arrive. I don't like shopping, but I do need a digital camera & an mp3 player, so we'll see.
What's a Hello! Project shop? Nobody who I know knows what that is, but I'd be happy to check one out if I can find it! Is there one in Tokyo or Akita, or within day-trip distance from Akita?
I'm not sure, but I think not everyone wears clothes at the hotsprings. So, be prepared to see something objectionable.
True. It's NAKED TIME! But not co-ed. Er... well, for the most part. :tsurpris:
The only person I know that ever went to Japan said that he had great fun out one night at a restaurant letting people suggest what he should order next. He couldn't read the menu....anyways, they tried to "make the American sick" but he really would eat anything.
He used to laugh so much when telling that story :D
Myself, I'd want to see Mt. Fuji. Looks like a really nice hike.
I found This site (http://www.japanvisitor.com) for you
I plan to go to a sushi bar and just let the chef pick things for me. I need to learn the japanese words to do that. I hope he won't try to make me sick! :lol:
I'd love to hike Mt. Fuji, but they advise against it this time of year. Apparently Japanese winters have heavy snow-fall and that makes it dangerous. I'm willing to risk it (because I'm nuts) but my friends won't.
Thanks for finding that site.
If I were you, I'd look for places that have pachinko machines and play those for a while cuz I know they're quite addictive...:nod: You could also look for ninjas (if they're still around) and stuff that has to do with feudal Japan. Samurai armor will look stylish even if don't wear it.
Haha... C14, I will be sure to look for ninjas, just for you. ;) But Pachinko? Is that one of those slot-machine dealies?
Maybe there's a good museum with the feudal stuff. I have no idea where to get Samurai armor, but now that I think of it, I'd be willing to buy that type of thing. I mean, I hate ordinary souvenirs, but that's just plain awesome.
Can anyone think of stuff I should be on the lookout for? Maybe a weapon or an instrument...?
Just say that you love Marty Friedman. Everyone there does.
*polishes "I :heart: Megadeth" button*
Bring Lain back a little school girl, plz.
No problem! I'll save room in my carry-on.
Draconic
10-25-2006, 01:11 PM
It would rock so much to be in an '80's hair-metal band in Japan right now... :D *commences dream sequence* They still get groupies, right?
Katie
10-25-2006, 06:53 PM
ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww hair band groupies :P
Iris, I need you to take pictures of the snow monkeys. They always look so cute on TV. :D
BigApple3AM
10-25-2006, 10:27 PM
Have a blast, sounds like it'll be an awesome experience.
Thanks Ectocooler. :D
Snow monkeys...? If I see any I will take pics.
I still need to know what a Hello! Project shop is.
It's a shop that sells Hello! Project (http://wiki.theppn.org/Hello%21_Project) stuff. They're pretty well-hidden, but you may be able to find one, especially if you're going to Tokyo.
Hmm... I think I found one... but jeez you weren't kidding about well-hidden! It seems to be in a little alleyway in Harajuku district.
Somewhere in here:
http://www.jpop.com/hara2.jpg
hehe
Now I've gotta find Reigendo cave... :) It's like a treasure hunt...
Can anyone think of stuff I should be on the lookout for? Maybe a weapon or an instrument...?
Bring plenty of money for shipping. Try to take weapons on the plane, and they'll give you the option to travel in a pine box. :blanksta: That wouldn't be cool. Oh! And, my point earlier was that you need to be prepared to see sagging naked bodies at the hot springs. It's like an old folk's home without clothes, I'm told.
NAKED TIME! in the old folks' home. I don't have a problem with that. It's the men peeing in public I don't want to see. :lol: Oh woe to my prudish American sensibilities! It is all too much! *faints*
You can put weapons in checked luggage. It wouldn't be a problem. I'm not about to try carrying something like that through security!
I don't know what to get though. Which means I probably won't get anything. That's why I'm asking for ideas.
Get some beastly ninja weapons or something...or go with the traditional katana. I guess you could go TMNT and get some sais or some junk. I dunno. Just get something.
Sewer Bull
10-26-2006, 01:22 PM
Get some beastly ninja weapons or something...or go with the traditional katana.
Wouldn't it cost like hell?
I didn't say to get a f'n BLACKSMITH to forge you one! Just get one! God, Rob, you're so dumb. We're gonna e-fight later.
Sewer Bull
10-26-2006, 02:14 PM
I didn't say to get a f'n BLACKSMITH to forge you one! Just get one! God, Rob, you're so dumb. We're gonna e-fight later.
Like this one?
http://www.discountcostumes4u.com/images/products/dg18142.jpg
$12.05! And I'm going to quarter you with this shining plastic babe later on.
Is that some kind of sexual innuendo? Here in America, we use different words to describe homosexual intercourse.
Dr. Doom
10-26-2006, 02:28 PM
lyk butsecks amirite
Sewer Bull
10-26-2006, 04:06 PM
Is that some kind of sexual innuendo? Here in America, we use different words to describe homosexual intercourse.
The tongue ever turns to the aching tooth, Sir.
Eh... thanks for the souvenir 'help'. lol
Ssthayonara ssthuckers. :)
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