Heading to Japan, What Are Some Must Do Activities? Must Eat Food?

sween64 on 15/08/2024 - 22:54
Last edited 16/08/2024 - 09:47 by 1 other user

I'm heading to Japan for two and a half weeks at the end of October in to November. I'm a 36 year old male travelling solo. What are some must-do activities whilst I'm there? And what are some dishes I have to eat?

Activities
Suggestions I've put in my itinerary so far:

  • WB: The Making of Harry Potter
  • Bonsai Village, Omiya
  • USJ/Super Nintendo World
  • Manga Museum, Osaka
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  • Kibune to Kurama Walk
  • teamLabs Planets
  • Halloween Parade/Party

As you can kind of tell I'm planning to head to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and around Kanazawa. I'll be travelling by train.

Some additional ideas I haven't made room in the itinerary for just yet:

  • Baseball match
  • Sumo wrestling
  • tea ceremony
  • cycling tour
  • Fuji-Q rollercoasters
  • temple walking tour

Food
Some dishes I'd like to try:

  • Sake and Hida Beef, Takayama
  • Seafood Donbori, Kanazawa
  • Omi Beef, Sukiyaki, Omihachiman
  • Dotonbori Street food

Any suggestions, tips or comments are welcome. Thanks!

Travel Asia Japan

Comments

  • jv on 15/08/2024 - 23:07
    -8
    Must-Do Activities
    1. Visit Temples and Shrines: Explore the historic temples and shrines in Kyoto, such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
    2. Experience Cherry Blossoms: If you're visiting in spring, don't miss the cherry blossom season. Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto are great spots.
    3. Explore Tokyo: Dive into the vibrant culture of Tokyo. Visit Shibuya Crossing, the bustling streets of Shinjuku, and the quirky shops in Harajuku.
    4. Mount Fuji: Take a trip to see the iconic Mount Fuji. You can hike it or enjoy the view from nearby locations like Hakone.
    5. Traditional Festivals: Attend a traditional festival, such as the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori.
    6. Relax in an Onsen: Experience a traditional Japanese hot spring. Hakone and Beppu are famous onsen towns.
    7. Visit Hiroshima: Learn about history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
    Must-Eat Foods
    1. Sushi: Try fresh sushi at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant or a high-end sushi bar.
    2. Ramen: Enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen. Each region has its own style, like tonkotsu in Fukuoka or miso in Sapporo.
    3. Tempura: Taste crispy tempura, which is lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables.
    4. Okonomiyaki: This savory pancake, often filled with cabbage, meat, and seafood, is a must-try in Osaka.
    5. Takoyaki: These octopus-filled balls are a popular street food, especially in Osaka.
    6. Kaiseki Ryori: Experience a traditional multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients.
    7. Matcha: Enjoy matcha-flavoured sweets and drinks, especially in Kyoto.
    8. Yakiniku: Grill your own meat at a yakiniku restaurant.
    9. Unagi: Try grilled eel, often served over rice.
    10. Mochi: These chewy rice cakes come in various flavours and are a delightful treat.
    • sween64 on 15/08/2024 - 23:45
      +9

      I'm not visiting in Spring, thanks ChatGPT

      • jv on 16/08/2024 - 00:09
        -2
        Autumn Must-Do Activities
        1. Autumn Foliage Viewing: Late October to November is perfect for enjoying the beautiful autumn leaves. Visit places like Kyoto's Arashiyama and Nikko for stunning views.
        2. Visit Temples and Shrines: Explore historic sites such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
        3. Explore Tokyo: Experience the vibrant culture of Tokyo. Don't miss Shibuya Crossing, Shinjuku, and the quirky shops in Harajuku.
        4. Mount Fuji: Take a trip to see the iconic Mount Fuji. You can hike or enjoy the view from nearby locations like Hakone.
        5. Traditional Festivals: Attend autumn festivals like the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto or the Shichi-Go-San festival.
        6. Relax in an Onsen: Experience a traditional Japanese hot spring. Hakone and Beppu are famous onsen towns.
        7. Visit Hiroshima: Learn about history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
        • WatchNerd on 16/08/2024 - 00:51
          +14

          Congratulations on figuring out how to use ChatGPT.

          • SBOB on 16/08/2024 - 07:22
            +13

            @WatchNerd: Chaptgpt copy paste responses should be considered off topic/spam

            • jv on 16/08/2024 - 09:31
              -1

              @SBOB:

              copy paste responses

              I type my responses.

              • WatchNerd on 16/08/2024 - 09:37
                +1

                @jv: Adding ** to either side of words isn't really typing.

                • jv on 16/08/2024 - 09:44

                  @WatchNerd:

                  isn't really typing.

                  It's shift-'8' on the keyboard

                • Clear on 16/08/2024 - 10:23
                  +2

                  @WatchNerd: jv hasn't mastered the art of copy and paste yet. He types everything out from chatgpt.

        • ForkSnorter on 16/08/2024 - 07:18

          Autumn foliage in Kyoto is in full swing in mid-late November, sometimes overlapping into early December. For Autumn leaves, I would head to Japan starting in early-mid November. Would be disappointing to miss it by a week or two. The further North you go, the earlier the peak Autumn leaves. Some places North of Tokyo start in October.

      • theHMASfriendship on 16/08/2024 - 06:19
        +5

        Don’t you mean ChatJVT??

    • payless69 on 16/08/2024 - 07:04

      He is from Melbourne and surely never ever heard of Sushi?

  • WatchNerd on 15/08/2024 - 23:09

    I'm a 36 year old male

    I thought you were born in 1964 because of your username.
    Anyway I've heard the watch stores are worth a visit. Unfortunately I've never been but I think @rosebank has.

    • sween64 on 15/08/2024 - 23:46
      +4

      That username is inspired by the Nintendo 64

  • donga100 on 15/08/2024 - 23:23
    +2

    Sumo is fantastic but I think you will find it difficult to fit in your itinerary. The November basho starts on 10th November and is in Fukuoka which is a fair distance away from where you are currently planning to visit. You will need to set your alarm to book tickets when they become available on 14th September at 11AM (Melbourne time).

    Alternatively, you could visit a training session in Tokyo.

    • sween64 on 15/08/2024 - 23:49
      +1

      Yeah unfortunately I'm between tournaments but I'll try to make a training session.

  • CyberMurning on 15/08/2024 - 23:29
    +1

    Kabukicho

  • AustriaBargain on 15/08/2024 - 23:45
    +2

    I couldn't go to Japan without visiting bathhouses. Normal bathhouses I mean, to relax in.

    • Slinky0111 on 16/08/2024 - 00:00
      +3

      This x 1000. Going to an onsen os an o credible experience. Not talking about an onsen on top of a hotel. Head out into the mountains where the water is pumped into from hot springs.

      I wouldn't go out looking for certain foods, you will most likely stumble across most dishes and styles out and about. Street food is exetremely safe to eat. Miso soup is served with pretty much every meal. Can almost guantee you wont like it the first time, but persevere through it, try it again, and again. But by the 4th or 5th time you start to think "this isn't too bad"

      • CyberMurning on 16/08/2024 - 11:36
        +1

        Head out into the mountains where the water is pumped into from hot springs

        Any of those near osaka kyoto?

    • payless69 on 16/08/2024 - 07:05

      Normal in Japan means dynamic pricing. Free if naked and tattoo free. A charge for every rag and a higher charge per tattoo.

  • hornbill on 16/08/2024 - 00:12

    Natto

  • AussieDaddy on 16/08/2024 - 00:23
    +1

    Your best bet is to join a few of the most popular/active Facebook groups re visiting Japan. I have been to Japan for two weeks in June and those FB groups came in handy. And if you haven't already, make sure you book your hotels/hostels/onsens etc now, as well as other main attraction places you wanna visit. Enjoy your trip.

    PS: Just in case you might wanna know the places I visited, just the usual ones: Tokyo, Yokohama (which is just part of Tokyo imo), Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji (just for the castle) etc.

  • dtc on 16/08/2024 - 00:30
    +2

    • Manga Museum, Osaka - is in Kyoto I think. Its a serious museum, if you are expecting colourful displays of manga dolls then this isnt it. If you want an exhibition on the impact of manga on feminism in the Japanese Army in the 1960s, then its your place

    • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - not worth it, way too packed. Have a look at the one in Kodaji temple near Kiyomizudera

    the garden in Kanazawa is surprisingly interesting. So is Shinjuku gyoen.

    Fushmi Inari is popular but worth a visit.

    Stay in a ryokan for a night and have kaiseki meals. Its $$$ but very memorable.

    In Tokyo wander around some of the less touristy areas like Ikebukoro, Shimokitazawa or Daikanyama (if you are cool).

    Check out japanguide.com. Its one of the best tourist resources for any country and has pretty much everything you need in terms of transport, what to see, how to get there etc

  • djones145 on 16/08/2024 - 06:39
    +1

    u a mario kart fan?
    go karting in the middle of the road in mario theme was pretty nuts. klook has it

    • sween64 on 16/08/2024 - 09:08

      Thanks. My friends did this but it looked like a knock off. More like furries driving in Karts.

      • Clear on 16/08/2024 - 10:26

        Nintendo sued them all so no more Mario costumes. You don't really get to sightsee as you're focusing more on the road and the locals hate it.

        Still I have fond memories of getting separated from the group due to break downs and having to ride back solo from Shibuya to Tokyo Bay.

  • kolorijo on 16/08/2024 - 07:11
    +3

    Akihabara if you are big on anime

    Nara if you want to interact with deers https://youtu.be/UTc3P_L-DyQ?si=dlAuIJAAGhbsevIM, you can watch interesting mochi making https://youtu.be/TaqOFAzcjzA?si=qlUzWJiut6g-cntL

    FujiQ is a must if you enjoy theme park, make sure you got the fast passes for all the rides that you want, it is packed even in weekdays.

    Fushimi Inari https://youtu.be/ckIX5T0TlTE?si=WCnEqjV-DD5vbGok

    Arashiyama https://youtu.be/UHuNovDNngc?si=29bmHzxiWohS_IBE may not be worth it, but if you go, don't spend too much time, get your pictures and move on.

    Shirakawa Go since you're already going to Kanazawa area.

    2 and half weeks is short if you're visiting those areas - you may not be able to visit them all, so make sure you plan your trip properly (I use excel when planning my trips).

    This is from my trip last year with 7 days JR Pass visting Kyoto, Takayama & Nagano https://youtu.be/5B9JWki_Ix4?si=n3uNfwysU3N4ESad

  • ForkSnorter on 16/08/2024 - 07:37
    +2

    Tokyo:
    Kabukicho (Shinjuku) at night
    Tokyo Imperial Palace Gardens
    Tokyo National Museum (Ueno)
    Shinjuku Gyoen Garden (if peak autumn leaves season)
    Skytree observatory (view from the top is phenomenal, although I wouldn't bother on a cloudy/hazy day)

    Osaka:
    Osaka Castle

    Kyoto:
    1. Kiyomizudera, and any of the other famous temples (walking from one famous temple to another one is a good way to experience Kyoto, but you can't cover many in one day because they're all spread around the city)
    2. Any of the day trips to famous mountain/temple walks outside Kyoto
    3. Avoid the cliche spots like Fushimi Inari Shrine (literally some posts painted red with a million people taking selfies), and Arashiyama bamboo forest (a 5-minute walk through some bamboo with a million people taking selfies).

    Worth doing in peak Autumn leaves seasons: The lakes around Mt Fuji.

    Food to eat: A lot of takoyaki and okonomiyaki, agedashi tofu (deep-fried tofu), famous ramen restaurants, Japanese curry restaurants, famous obento places, restaurants/hotels that do good Japanese breakfasts, and any good sushi restaurants including kaitenzushi. Don't bother: tempura, yakitori, yakiniku, donburi, Japanese coffee

  • Sinnerator on 16/08/2024 - 08:40

    JAY WALK

  • Ryanek on 16/08/2024 - 08:50
    +2

    Head to the Ginza district and pick up a nice watch as a reminder of your trip.

  • bitesized on 16/08/2024 - 08:57
    +1

    Two suggestions:

    1. If you plan to visit anywhere ticketed, please book tickets in advance. For example, TeamLabs now needs 4 days advanced booking to get your desired timeslot. And go karting around the Shibuya streets probably gets booked out weeks ahead.

    2. For Osaka, I recommend Universal Studios. If you are a rollercoaster fan, the Flying Dinosaur one of the best (and most insane) rides in the world.

    • freeb1e4me on 08/11/2024 - 23:46

      Do you book these online?

      • sween64 on 09/11/2024 - 08:34

        I booked teamLabs direct, did have an issue, I suspect it was blocking the Macquarie debit card, worked fine with Latitude credit card.

        I booked USJ via Klook. TeamLabs is also on there, availability is different though.

  • DingoBilly on 16/08/2024 - 09:07
    +2

    Be aware that Kanazawa is a fair bit off from your other locations. If you do find time to be an issue, I'd drop it as its quite a distance away from the rest.

    Otherwise there's plenty of different itineraries out there and needs to be tailored to you.

    I personally think Tokyo is majorly overrated and would spend 2 days there tops. It's just a big city.

    Kyoto is worth spending at least 5 days in. Osaka is probably only worth 2 days or so, there's not much there. Then I'd throw in a bunch of places like Nara, Hiroshima and Hakone as they're along the way/close enough to your intended spots.

    • Darkscythe on 16/08/2024 - 10:58
      +1

      It all depends on how you want to get to Osaka - I got a Hokuriku Arch pass and went to Osaka via Kanazawa, stopping at Nagano along the way. Worked out significantly cheaper than getting the rail pass. That said, I wasn't wowed by Kanazawa but loved Shirakawa as a day trip so it was worth it.

      • sween64 on 16/08/2024 - 11:32

        I was going to go via that rail route on the way to Osaka/Kyoto. Stopping at Toyama, Takayama, Kanazawa, Omihachiman.

        • Darkscythe on 16/08/2024 - 12:08

          Was a good trip. My only regret was I should have done it as a one way trip to Osaka via Hokuriku over 7 days and then gone back to Tokyo directly (via a flight or separate Shinkansen) to save time. Instead, I did it via Hokuriku going from Osaka to Nagano in 1 day which is about 5 hours by 2 trains. Saved cash but wasn't worth it.

          • sween64 on 16/08/2024 - 13:23
            +1

            @Darkscythe: I'm going to take the more direct Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo (about 2 hours) on the return journey.

  • Hardlyworkin on 16/08/2024 - 09:10
    +3

    Do a nomihoudai followed by karaoke with random strangers, pass out on the pavement then go to the fish market for breakfast.

    • rumblytangara on 16/08/2024 - 10:18

      That is only acceptable if OP is going to be bringing a tatty business suit and a briefcase to pass out with.

  • Taro Milk Tea on 16/08/2024 - 09:11
    +1

    If you go to Japan and not eating Tsukemen and their Udon, you are missing out big times!

    • Darkscythe on 16/08/2024 - 10:56
      +1

      Had been to Japan 5 times and never tried tsukemen since the last trip and can't believe it took so long… so good

      • Taro Milk Tea on 16/08/2024 - 11:06
        +1

        You can find many good ramens here in Australia - but I have never found any Tsukemen here in Australia that has the same quality in Japan.

        • CyberMurning on 16/08/2024 - 18:25

          Any good in osaka kyoto ?

  • Tiredman on 16/08/2024 - 10:26
    +1

    If you are a gamer, check out Super Potato in Akihabara. I picked up a few vintage Gameboys and games. Cool as! Boy i'm jealous! although we just went last year.

    • Clear on 16/08/2024 - 10:58
      +2

      To add onto that Hard Off, Hobby Off and Book Off (normally combined stores) are the best/cheapest for used games. The further you get out of Tokyo the better. I've found some amazing gems in rural areas. Surugaya and Traders are worth a mention in Akihabara.

      The flea markets around Tokyo are good too. Ohi Racecourse has vendors with boxes and boxes of games.

      • sween64 on 16/08/2024 - 11:34
        +1

        Don’t tempt me in to buying a Jap region Nintendo 64…

        • Clear on 16/08/2024 - 11:37

          Prices have skyrocketed due to the weak Yen and tourists cleaning them out. I was buying grade A RTX 2080's for ~A$250 late 2023 and a couple months ago they're all $380+.

          You can still find plenty of Nintendo/Gameboy games for anywhere between $1 and $10 in a lot of the Hard Off/Hobby Off stores if you look around.

          • Darkscythe on 16/08/2024 - 11:59

            @Clear: Yeah, it's got really bad the last few years - lots of tourists buying them up for resale which is disappointing.

            • Clear on 16/08/2024 - 12:09

              @Darkscythe: I'm guilty of being one of them, but in my defence it was like 3 GPUs and in really, really rural areas.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 16/08/2024 - 11:28
    +1

    Eat: Whale, Dolphin, Orca. Desirably, eating all this off a naked model.

    • donga100 on 16/08/2024 - 13:57

      I guess if you want to experience it Japan is the best place. Personally I found whale a bit underwhelming. Haven't tried orca or dolphin but expect them to be similar.

  • PrinceOfWhales on 16/08/2024 - 12:14
    +1

    I consider TeamLab a disappointment during my last trip but of course YMMV. I'll suggest you do some research / read both ends of reviews, before allocating half of your precious day in Japan towards it.

  • Whensday on 16/08/2024 - 12:47
    +2

    I did the Kurobe Gorge Railway as a side trip and thought it was great, totally worth the trip if you're travelling on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
    The garden in Kanazawa was the main reason I was in the area, but I thought Himeji Castle and the adjacent Koko-en garden were outstanding, and could easily be done on a side trip from Osaka. Koko-en was my favourite garden in Japan.

    • sween64 on 16/08/2024 - 13:24

      I was considering the Gorge but not sure if I'll have the time. I've read the train itself is a good experience, do you agree?

      • CyberMurning on 16/08/2024 - 15:08

        Currently, the service operates between Unazuki Station and Nekomata Station (an intermediate station)
        where are they? i mean near what city? osaka ? kyoto? i just want the onsen part, going to osaka/kyoto/nara/kobe this time

  • JIMB0 on 16/08/2024 - 13:27

    Visit the Camry factory.

  • Godot on 16/08/2024 - 15:05

    I enjoyed Kanazawa. Very different to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Hire a car for the day and go to the Noto Peninsula, kenroku-en is stunning, Omicho is huge, millions of other things to do just like everywhere else…

  • WatchNerd on 16/08/2024 - 15:39

    Do you like cats? There's a whole island full of them.
    Do you like deer? There's a park full of them.
    Do you like monkeys? There's a hot spring full of them.

  • nsta8487 on 16/08/2024 - 17:32
    +1

    If you like coffee there are a lot of very good (but pricey) speciality coffee shops in the cities you are visiting.

    • Glitch (a couple in Tokyo, one in Osaka). If you go to only one of the places in this list I would pick a Glitch as it is a unique experience, but coffees here start at 1,100 yen and go up to 40,000. Coffees at the other places below will set you back anywhere from 600-900 yen.
    • Leaves, Tokyo. A top-20 in the world roaster. Probably the nicest and most caring retail staff I encountered on my trip.
    • Kurasu, Kyoto (they have a few stores, the Matcha here was extremely good).
    • % Arabica, Kyoto. Great location right on the river, iced lattes were amazing.
    • Fuglen (does cocktails at night which I can also recommend), a few locations in Tokyo
    • Latte Art Mania, Tokyo. Coffee itself is solid but not exceptional, you basically go here for the novelty of charcoal-coloured coffee and elaborate latte art.
    • Weekenders in Kyoto is also meant to be great, but I didn't get a chance to visit.
    • sween64 on 17/08/2024 - 17:40

      I do like coffee! Thanks for all the suggestions, I’ll be sure to check a few of them out.

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