Me. Japan. Soon. Help!

[iris]

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.

[Draconic]

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]

If it were me, I'd probobly just go spend the whole trip in "certain district" of Akihabara. *shrugs*

[愛]

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.

[gobo]

I'm not sure, but I think not everyone wears clothes at the hotsprings. So, be prepared to see something objectionable.

[Anarky]

I strongly suggest you go up to a random person and yell "KAWAII BAKA!!!" or "HIROSHIMA!" into their faces. Instant fun for everyone.

[discordiatookie]

Originally Posted by Anarky

I strongly suggest you go up to a random person and yell "KAWAII BAKA!!!" or "HIROSHIMA!" into their faces. Instant fun for everyone.

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]

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

Myself, I'd want to see Mt. Fuji. Looks like a really nice hike.

I found This site for you

[Dr. Doom]

I bet they sell real life little japanese girls at the airport gift shop.

[Anarky]

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]

Originally Posted by Draconic

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]

Originally Posted by Anarky

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.

[cowabunga14]

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... 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]

If I went to Japan I would just hit up as many insane electronic and game stores as I possible could.

[GK Punk]

Just say that you love Marty Friedman. Everyone there does.

[Hannah]

Bring Lain back a little school girl, plz.

[iris]

Wow, thanks everyone for the suggestions! You guys rock.

Originally Posted by Draconic

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!

Originally Posted by Lain

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?

Originally Posted by gobo

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.

Originally Posted by Katie

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

Myself, I'd want to see Mt. Fuji. Looks like a really nice hike.

I found This site 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!

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.

Originally Posted by cowabunga14

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... 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...?

Originally Posted by Michi heavenly6

Just say that you love Marty Friedman. Everyone there does.

*polishes "I :heart: Megadeth" button*

Originally Posted by Hannah

Bring Lain back a little school girl, plz.

No problem! I'll save room in my carry-on.

[Draconic]

It would rock so much to be in an '80's hair-metal band in Japan right now... *commences dream sequence* They still get groupies, right?

[Katie]

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww hair band groupies

Iris, I need you to take pictures of the snow monkeys. They always look so cute on TV.

[BigApple3AM]

Have a blast, sounds like it'll be an awesome experience.