Japan

[uncgriff]

Never been.
Flying out today. 15 days Tokyo, kyoto, Osaka.

First big trip I have ever gone on where I did not have anything on my personal agenda. We are doing a Mt Fuji day trip, Hiroshima and omakase sushi

Anything else I should definitely not miss?

 

[sringwal]

Went a few years ago for the first time. Stayed in Tokyo, the mountains, and Kyoto. I love Kyoto.

Going again next spring, just in time for the end of cherry blossom seasons. Will be spending most of the time in Tokyo and Nara - which is between Osaka and Kyoto and includes a famous deer park.

If you have time while you are in Tokyo, stop by St. Luke's hospital (the building is particularly beautiful at night) and check out the Teusler House and plaque dedicated to my great-grandfather, Rudolf Teusler, who funded the building of the hospital.

Here's a link about the history of the hospital, including my family's role in its creation, and some photos.

https://hospital.luke.ac.jp/eng/about/history/index.html

Hospital itself:


A recreation of the Teusler family home, right outside the hospital:



A plaque dedicated to my grandfather

 

[Batt Boy]

enjoy. beautiful. amazing food. amazing culture.

biggest shock to me was the almost absolute teamwork towards harmony. you can be different, but still courteous there.

 

[Icky Mettle]

If there are any giant monster sightings, it’s best to avoid the urban areas as they tend to destroy much of the infrastructure, creating substantial risk of injury or death.

 

[Gmonet]

Kyoto is the best. The temples are otherwordly. Go to see the Teddy Boys in Yoyogi park in Tokyo if you can, so entertaining.

Tsukiji fish market at 5am in Tokyo for the best sushi you'll ever eat.

 

[Kingpin]

Public transit is outstanding. Use Google maps to get around anywhere by bus, train, subway. Works seamlessly. Amazing country. Consider visiting Nara and Miyajima Island near Hiroshima.

 

[Rock]

I cannot tell you how envious I am you are going. Japan is far and away my most desired international location to visit.

 

[heelinhell]

Never been.
Flying out today. 15 days Tokyo, kyoto, Osaka.

First big trip I have ever gone on where I did not have anything on my personal agenda. We are doing a Mt Fuji day trip, Hiroshima and omakase sushi

Anything else I should definitely not miss?

My younger daughter has been a world traveler visiting Cuba, Japan, Iceland, Morocco, Costa Rico, Canada and Mexico ( of course ) and other countries.

She says in Tokyo :

Visit Harajuku for shopping
Eat the weird but tasty ice cream flavors... saki,wasabi,sesame
Go to to the Kawaii Monster Cafe
Take a day trip to Nara to feed the deer and see the giant Buddha
Visit the Tsukiji fish market

 

[rodoheel]

I cannot tell you how envious I am you are going. Japan is far and away my most desired international location to visit.

I think it would probably be in my top 3 too, in terms of places I haven't been before. Not necessarily in order:

1. Australia/New Zealand
2. Japan
3. Iceland

 

[heelinhell]

I think it would probably be in my top 3 too, in terms of places I haven't been before. Not necessarily in order:

1. Australia/New Zealand
2. Japan
3. Iceland

My world traveler daughter tells me Cuba was her favorite by far followed by Iceland which she has visited twice and Morocco

 

[Geisterfahrer]

If you have time in Hiroshima go to Miyajima Island, it famously has the big Torii gate in the water. Cool older buildings, good food and off the tourist trail.

In Tokyo it’s fun to go to a listening bar, where some old codger with a giant ass record collection and a good sound system spins vinyl and serves simple drinks. Also recommend popping into the tiny bars and restaurants like Golden Gai in Shinjuku. People are really friendly and it’s like you walked into Midnight Diner on Netflix (great show if you’re a Japanophile).

Also in Tokyo check out Shimo-Kitizawa. Really cool neighborhood with outdoor record markets, tons of great shops and a Bear Pond cafe, some of the best coffee arguably in the world.

 

[JCTarheel82]

@uncgriff a couple weeks from now...

 

[gregh1]

"temple stay" may sound hokey but a visit to a temple at koyasan (Mt Koya) was a neat experience. It's a bit off the beaten path. Even if you didn't stay in a temple, Mt Koya itself (primarily the cemetery) was a big highlight for us. The journey was actually fun, though a teeny bit daunting- 4+ hrs of trains involving something like 6 legs including the cable-car up the mtn.

 

[HesNaughtHere]

Spent two weeks in Japan in May this year. Really really incredible place and the people there were so kind.

Im not sure if you can still get reservations, but Saihoji temple in Kyoto was one of my personal highlights

Saihoji | Kokedera (Moss Temple)

The official website of Saihoji Rinzai Zen Temple, which is registered as a World Heritage site. The Garden of Origins and Journeys. Visits to the temple must be reserved in advance.

saihoji-kokedera.com