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Sake brewery/onsen tour from Fukushima across to Niigata.
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Feb 22, 2018 04:26
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Yeah Niigata or Shikoku is pretty much all that's left.
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Feb 22, 2018 05:36
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Besides the above options for summer: Nagano Yamagata onsen tour Akita, including the west side Kamikochi
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Feb 22, 2018 17:56
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Thanks for the ideas. I had thought about Kumano Kodo (I guess I don't consider that Kyoto/Osaka) but I'd want to camp, rather than stay in arranged accommodations - yes, I would have a full set of camping gear with me for Fuji Rock (who wants to go to FRF? Let me know!) - but that doesn't seem very easy to do. Similarly, I had though about doing parts of the Shikoku Henro but that seems to be mainly along roads - not exciting - and also the same thing with camping. I've seen people say that it's "okay" to camp as long as you're discrete but I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable with that. But if there are places to camp, even if it's designated camp spots, that would be awesome to do, I think. Visiting a bunch of distilleries would be fun and I could get myself a JR Pass to travel all over. Has anyone done a bunch of these? I've got a week to fill, so I could probably hit up 4-5 good ones.
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Feb 22, 2018 22:41
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I guess you said not Hakodate, but Hokkaido is still a good option. Why not visit Sapporo, drive down via Otaru to Shakotan, and then maybe take the trip through Abashiri (or southern path) via Setsuzan to Shiretoko? You can drop by Nikka on the way near Otaru.
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Feb 22, 2018 23:36
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Unless you're really dedicated or want to include shōchū, a distillery crawl would be tough. There's too much distance between them
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Feb 23, 2018 03:57
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totalnewbie posted:Thanks for the ideas. There are henro paths through the mountains that you can take. Most people don't anymore, but they exist and are generally useable. There aren't a huge number of designated camp grounds, but there are plenty of places where it is acceptable to camp. The local people have a long tradition of kindness to henro and they won't call the cops on you or anything.
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Feb 23, 2018 05:29
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LyonsLions posted:There are henro paths through the mountains that you can take. Most people don't anymore, but they exist and are generally useable. There aren't a huge number of designated camp grounds, but there are plenty of places where it is acceptable to camp. The local people have a long tradition of kindness to henro and they won't call the cops on you or anything. This is promising. I've tried looking for places that detail which sections are better for hiking and/or camping but haven't found much aggregated information. Does anyone know of a good resource for that kind of specific information? zmcnulty posted:Unless you're really dedicated or want to include shōchū, a distillery crawl would be tough. There's too much distance between them Well I was thinking I could put some real mileage on a JR Pass and basically make that the whole trip, i.e. go to a distillery, check it out, and then come back and hang out but maybe not. ntan1 posted:I guess you said not Hakodate, but Hokkaido is still a good option. Why not visit Sapporo, drive down via Otaru to Shakotan, and then maybe take the trip through Abashiri (or southern path) via Setsuzan to Shiretoko? You can drop by Nikka on the way near Otaru. I really want to avoid trips where I have to drive. I get enough of that here, though I recognize that one of these years, I'm going to have to do some driving.
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Feb 23, 2018 06:16
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If you have other things to do it's totally possible to fit in sake hopping. I think I visited eight last time I was in Japan, along with a couple miso makers.
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Feb 23, 2018 06:18
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totalnewbie posted:This is promising. I've tried looking for places that detail which sections are better for hiking and/or camping but haven't found much aggregated information. Does anyone know of a good resource for that kind of specific information? Lots of info on camping to be found: https://followingthearrows.com/2014/09/22/list-of-free-or-cheap-accommodation/ Which section is better is going to depend on what you want to see and how much time you want to spend. The Tokushima temples can be done fairly quickly, if you don't have much time. The Kochi coast temples take you along a really scenic route. Western Kochi into Ehime is supposed to be the most mountainous and difficult, aside from the temple at Ishizuchi in northern Ehime. Southern Ehime is supposed to have some of the most interesting (and weird) temples. There is a ton of information put out by local groups about their local temples, but unfortunately not much of it is coordinated or put together for the whole route. One of my friends came back from the pilgrimage with a huge stack of pamphlets and guides she got from local groups along the way that she wanted to put into a website, but just never got around to it. I would look through a general site like this and see what section appeals to you: http://www.shikokuhenrotrail.com/ and then look at local sites for more info.
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Feb 23, 2018 07:35
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Just wanted to chime in and say the Kawasaki warehouse/kowloon walled city arcade thing isn't really worth the trip from Tokyo unless you're on your way to Yokohama or something. It's cool for the first 30 seconds and then it's just another multi story arcade/pachinko parlour. Not sure if it's been dialed back since it orginally opened but it's not super impressive. I'm in niseko for snowboarding now, which is very impressive.
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Feb 23, 2018 14:30
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Laserface posted:I'm in niseko for snowboarding now, which is very impressive.
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Feb 23, 2018 15:35
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I went to niseko 10 years ago and furano this Christmas. My niseko knowledge is probably out dated but furano was a very nice small town for skiing. I stayed in furano town so I had to catch a bus or taxi to the hill and met some cool people along the way and found some local hangout restaurants Snow and facility wise both niseko and furano had amazing lifts and runs and snow
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Feb 23, 2018 16:05
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Just learned that I will regretfully be missing the "Eat Beef and Scream" competition: http://yufuin.or.jp/global/modules/pico/index.php?content_id=34
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Feb 23, 2018 17:16
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holy gently caress i need to go to that
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Feb 23, 2018 18:47
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totalnewbie posted:I really want to avoid trips where I have to drive. I get enough of that here, though I recognize that one of these years, I'm going to have to do some driving. The corollary to that is that while trains are amazing in Japan, a lot of the amazing places outside of major cities require a car to get to. It also speeds up travel significantly if you are sticking to a particular area and not doing a drive all the way from Tokyo to Fukoka or something, as you are not bound by once or twice-per-hour trains in the countryside. Like about 6-7 years back when I started to mostly go to the countryside, I pretty much swore to drive every trip because it made things so easy. Also, assuming that you are from the US or Canada, Japan is positively the easiest driving I've ever done. People are incredibly polite and obey passing lanes for real. Also, Michi no Eki + SAs are quite amazing, and folks basically stop doing the "NIHONGO JOUZU DESU NE" completely at them because why the hell would a foreigner drive if they haven't lived in Japan before.
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Feb 23, 2018 18:56
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ntan1 posted:The corollary to that is that while trains are amazing in Japan, a lot of the amazing places outside of major cities require a car to get to. It also speeds up travel significantly if you are sticking to a particular area and not doing a drive all the way from Tokyo to Fukoka or something, as you are not bound by once or twice-per-hour trains in the countryside. Like about 6-7 years back when I started to mostly go to the countryside, I pretty much swore to drive every trip because it made things so easy. Yeah, I lived in the Japan countryside (Japanese standards) so I'm well familiar with what's available by car vs. train. But just a personal choice for now, I'm sure I'll be driving on some trips later on.
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Feb 23, 2018 23:13
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Question Mark Mound posted:Have you been anywhere else for snowboarding in Japan? I've been to Hakuba and Appi and would love to go back some time and check out the other resorts. I did hakuba a few years ago. The resorts there have much longer runs than what I have experienced so far of niseko. We are staying at moiwa which has a small hill just a few steps from our lodge, and mostly it is not groomed. So far I have ridden at moiwa, annupuri and grand hirafu with the latter being my favorite. We might head out to rusutsu in the next few days but it's hard to pass up cheap riding seconds from our doorstep. Niseko is where you go for deep powder, hakuba if you don't get off piste as much and want longer runs. Hakuba is getting no shortage of powder this season either though.
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Feb 24, 2018 00:20
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If you want powder without the crowds you should check out Rusutsu.
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Feb 24, 2018 01:45
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Awesome, thanks for the tips!
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Feb 24, 2018 18:08
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ntan1 posted:The corollary to that is that while trains are amazing in Japan, a lot of the amazing places outside of major cities require a car to get to. It also speeds up travel significantly if you are sticking to a particular area and not doing a drive all the way from Tokyo to Fukoka or something, as you are not bound by once or twice-per-hour trains in the countryside. Like about 6-7 years back when I started to mostly go to the countryside, I pretty much swore to drive every trip because it made things so easy. Michi no ekis are my favourite part of driving in japan. There are some publications devoted solely to them
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Feb 24, 2018 23:57
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Pachinko/slot machine question. I don't know if anyone keeps up with the uh, "scene" there but did anyone know if the metal gear snake eater pachislot game (or any konami game themed machien) could still be found at parlors or whatever you call them I'm in the states so I have no way of finding out for myselfO
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Feb 26, 2018 22:25
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Question Mark Mound posted:Have you been anywhere else for snowboarding in Japan? I've been to Hakuba and Appi and would love to go back some time and check out the other resorts. I'm living in Niigata and pretty snowboard crazy. Some recommendations: in Yuzawa (a quick bullet train from Tokyo) Kagura Mitsumata is a mellow tree/bowl/back country playground, off-piste riding is completely allowed. Hakkaisan Ski resort is a little north of Yuzawa and is the steepest resort I've seen in Japan. With fresh snow it's incredible, with no snow it'll be mogul mountain runs everywhere. The Myoko area has a lot of snow (check snow japan...it's unreal) and some good variety in terrain. Suginohara in Myoko has the longest cruising runs with great trees, and Seki Onsen is 2-lift local club ski area that's completely unpisted and free-for-all. Hiuchi Charmant is another hidden gem between Itoigawa city and Myoko that is a compact go-where-you-want powder haven. The other iconic resorts are kind of spread out. Nozawa Onsen is the Kyoto of ski resorts--cute town, good snow, good layout, super busy. Zao Onsen in Yamagata is the quieter rural version and is a good destination spot with snow monster trees and huge pistes but sometimes slow lifts. If you're adventurous Hakkoda Ski resort in Aomori is probably Japan's wildest ski resort and a great spot to just get out on a wild mountain. If you're in Nagano again and want to go a bit off the beaten bath, the hidden ninja village Togakushi is a pretty atmospheric little down
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Feb 27, 2018 01:23
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Alan Smithee posted:Pachinko/slot machine question. I don't know if anyone keeps up with the uh, "scene" there but did anyone know if the metal gear snake eater pachislot game (or any konami game themed machien) could still be found at parlors or whatever you call them Finding them would require going into pachinko parlors, which if you haven’t been are noise and tobacco smoke machines fueled by old dudes playing 5 yen slots. Your time would be better spent finding videos on YouTube of the machines instead. Like so: https://youtu.be/sUz-rSjcrIQ “But I’m a fan I want to experience them—“ No, trust me, you don’t.
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Feb 27, 2018 01:28
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It's a research thing. I wanted to know what was currently there now
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Feb 27, 2018 01:33
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This site kindly has a full list at the bottom of every machine currently in-store at a big local chain. https://www.p-world.co.jp/sp/hall.cgi?dir=ehime&file=super-nikko Sweet lord, there are even Gyoza no Ohsho and Ring themed machines. https://www.p-world.co.jp/sp/kisyu.cgi?code=8205 https://www.p-world.co.jp/sp/kisyu.cgi?code=8414
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Feb 27, 2018 04:49
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Sweet lord is that website japanese%20webdesign.htm edit: lol 2268 validation errors
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Feb 27, 2018 05:17
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Travel planning question! Planning a trip in Autumn to spend 4-5 days in Tokyo and 7 days outside Tokyo, very interested in visiting Kanazawa and Takayama. We like historical architecture and relaxing in the country. I'm split between two itineraries for the 7 days: Route 1
- Is Kurobe Alpine Route going to be crazy packed on weekdays during autumn leaves season? Same with Mt. Koya? Still worth it? - Does Route #2 sound exhausting? Anything to cut? - Which one sounds best to you?
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Feb 27, 2018 06:31
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Mongoose posted:I'm living in Niigata and pretty snowboard crazy. Some recommendations:
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Feb 27, 2018 10:06
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Mongoose posted:If you're in Nagano again and want to go a bit off the beaten bath, the hidden ninja village Togakushi is a pretty atmospheric little down Any ideas of what Togakushi is like in the fall? Saeku posted:Travel planning question! Planning a trip in Autumn to spend 4-5 days in Tokyo and 7 days outside Tokyo, very interested in visiting Kanazawa and Takayama. We like historical architecture and relaxing in the country. I'm split between two itineraries for the 7 days: Route 1 is significantly better than Route 2, partially because Nara is very crowded, Koyasan is now too popular (and the attraction of it isn't really that authentic anymore). However, you should still modify your itinerary to actually suit the order properly. Do: Tokyo to Kurobe (Nagano side) Kanazawa Takayama Okuhida Matsumoto Tokyo In that or reverse order. ntan1 fucked around with this message at 21:08 on Feb 27, 2018 |
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Feb 27, 2018 21:02
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ntan1 posted:Any ideas of what Togakushi is like in the fall? I've only been in Summer but I imagine fall would be excellent. Of course fall leaves would be great if they line up with your trip (you can check leaf reports online). The town is famous for the shrine in the town that's nestled in the ancient cedar woods about a 40 minute hike from the town itself. It's a mountain village in Nagano, so the local gourmet options line up with that--soba, apples, wild mushrooms and "mountain vegetables". Togakushi is one of the most famous spots for soba in Japan. Especially in Autumn, tempura and soba plates (any season other than Winter is great actually) because Kabocha squash, maitake mushrooms and sweet potatoes will be in season. The most famous soba shop in Togakushi is Uzuraya--basically you'll have to go early, get a reservation, then come back a few hours later. Of course weather and weekday vs. weekend will completely change the waiting time. Everything in Tokagushi closes early, so I'd plan to make an earlyish day of it.
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Feb 28, 2018 01:14
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Mongoose posted:I've only been in Summer but I imagine fall would be excellent. Of course fall leaves would be great if they line up with your trip (you can check leaf reports online). The town is famous for the shrine in the town that's nestled in the ancient cedar woods about a 40 minute hike from the town itself. It's a mountain village in Nagano, so the local gourmet options line up with that--soba, apples, wild mushrooms and "mountain vegetables". Togakushi is one of the most famous spots for soba in Japan. Especially in Autumn, tempura and soba plates (any season other than Winter is great actually) because Kabocha squash, maitake mushrooms and sweet potatoes will be in season. The most famous soba shop in Togakushi is Uzuraya--basically you'll have to go early, get a reservation, then come back a few hours later. Of course weather and weekday vs. weekend will completely change the waiting time. Everything in Tokagushi closes early, so I'd plan to make an earlyish day of it. Ty for the info. Was heavily thinking about going there because of perfect Kouyou timing. Sorry to bust your boat, but like every mountain town makes claim to having the most famous soba. Nagano has Shinshu style, which is legit good, but at this point I've been to enough mountain towns that I'm a bit unfazed by it. Also, Kabocha and Maitake are in season 100% of the year here where I live. PS: This still isn't going to detract me from visiting.
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Feb 28, 2018 02:04
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ntan1 posted:Ty for the info. Was heavily thinking about going there because of perfect Kouyou timing. No boats bursted. I spend most of my time in little mountain towns, so I know where you're coming from. I'd argue that even among "the most famous soba" claiming mountain town soba shops some are better than others, and Uzuraya is legitimately better than 95% of them (in my clearly subjective opinion). Everyone who's eaten a pink mealy tomato in January knows yearly availability is not the same as in season year round. Anyways, if you like food it's a good place. If you care more about the scenery, it's still a good place. If you want to do kitschy stuff, go take a shuriken throwing lesson at the ninja dojo and have a good time.
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Feb 28, 2018 03:05
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Mongoose posted:Everyone who's eaten a pink mealy tomato in January knows yearly availability is not the same as in season year round. CA is legitimately an exception to this with a lot of produce. For example, farmers markets strawberries remain extremely sweet all the way from February to October, and tomatoes have a ripe season all the way from June to November. We also no joking have some ridiculous mushroom cultivators. The story goes that apparently all of these talented mushroom cultivators started off by supplying magic mushrooms, but eventually got out of that market after they realized they could make a gigantic profit on normal mushrooms. Kabocha's main season is between July and November here, but stores well and still tastes quite good out of season. Certain Sansai in Japan however are still not possible to find here though, so that's where the difference lies.
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Feb 28, 2018 08:11
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I just finished 9 days in Hokkaido and here's my ranking of resorts from best to worst. Rusutsu Hirafu Moiwa Annupuri Niseko village. NV is expensive as gently caress to ride and so was the food. Not only that it's really limited in how you can ride to get around. Rusutsu has the best terrain by far. Endless side stashes and nice long groomers with so much great off piste you'd never get bored. We skipped lunch both days there to keep riding. Moiwa is good since it's cheap as hell and if there is fresh snow, plenty of deep stuff to ride. Quiet as too. Hirafu we only rode at night but was super fun. Annupuri is ok but nothing amazing.
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Feb 28, 2018 08:31
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Yeah Rusutsu owns doesn't it. Once you get off that first mountain it's practically deserted by Japan standards as well.
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Feb 28, 2018 08:49
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How stupid is it really to go over the New Year? I'm formulating a nebulous plan to go for about 3 weeks starting Dec 29th (arrive Tokyo). I know that Shinkansen are basically completely packed, but is it possible to travel "against" the crowded direction? I want to do something like: - Tokyo, visit some temples, stay until Jan 1 or 2, do a Lucky 7. - Move on to Kamakura, do the Kamakura 33 (2-3 days?) - Continue to Osaka and check that out; also do the 13 Buddhist Sites (2-3 days?) - On to Koyasan for a night. I know someone just wrote it's no longer authentic, but I kind of want to see it anyway. At this point I should be out of the congested New Year period, but it also gets a little more nebulous. I've been pondering heading over to Shikoku, checking out the first 5-6 temples of the Shikoku 88, then heading back to Wakayama and on to Kii-Katsuura, check out the Kumano Sanzan temples, and return to Tokyo via Ise and Takaomachi (Takaosan). That only works if the ferry is operating, of course, but it appears it is. All of this sounds like a lot of travel, but since it gets dark early and I have little to no interest in night life, travelling in the late afternoon/evening is fine with me. The main insecurity I have with this idea is whether I'll be able to get to Kamakura/Osaka without being squeezed into an even more unshapely mess.
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Feb 28, 2018 09:28
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It sounds really, really, really, really stupid. Unless you have some fetish for standing in lines and having your feet stepped on.
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Feb 28, 2018 09:32
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Ok, go after the first week of January, got it (or November, I guess)
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Feb 28, 2018 11:00
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How quickly can someone with a Japanese Passport + Jūminhyō open a bank account in Japan and is anything else required?
Busy Bee fucked around with this message at 12:49 on Feb 28, 2018 |
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Feb 28, 2018 12:32
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