Japan - what to see?

[nice1guv]

Looks like I might be heading to Japan with the missus in a couple of months time for a couple of weeks holiday.

I am currently researching what/where/how but as usual with a new place there are just so many places to go and differing opinions.

I'm looking for some direct experience with places that can't be missed and things that should be experienced.

Tokyo seems the logical place to fly into and start with.

We love culture and history and are not afraid to be immersed in it.
So things like temples, gardens, hot springs and any other advice would be appreciated from those that have been to Japan before.

[MickS]

VISIT JAPAN 2011 WINTER

Learn to speak Japanese, Japanese lessons, plus hiragana and katakana talking page!

Tokyo Disneyland.

My son loved Kyoto. And make sure you stay in traditional Japanese accommodation. I have some notes I could email. Alternatively, send a PM to Boxer.

[Ferret]

Don't miss Nikko, get out of the endless Japanese city. Ancient shrines / temples + gardens, good scenery (lakes, water falls, mountains), quirky Japanese village. Easy to reach by train from Tokyo. So much to see, easy to spend two days there I reckon. If you’re going in winter time, rug up, there will be snow around Lake Chūzenji and probably in Nikko itself.

Daughter lived in Japan for a while, quite close to Nikko. I found it easily the most enjoyable place of all I saw in Japan (aside from the ski centres, that is )

[VladTepes]

Toyota factory ?



ROFLMAO

[LSD_AUTOMOTIVE]

Definitely Kyoto...you could go to one of the onsen if that's your thing...a hot spring bath/spa.
OH I'm jealous! Definitely stay in a Ryokan if possible (traditional inn)... when are you going? See if there are any festivals on. (eg. if you went in spring, sakura festival would be awesome, esp in somewhere like yoyogi park).
If you want to see a bit more of the contemporary culture you could check out some of the Harajuku characters.

one day I will get to go.

Edit. [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_festivals"]Japanese festivals - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia@@AMEPARAM@@/wiki/File:Crystal_Clear_app_kedit.svg" class="image"><img alt="Crystal Clear app kedit.svg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/Crystal_Clear_app_kedit.svg/40px-Crystal_Clear_app_kedit.svg.png"@@AMEPARAM@@common s/thumb/e/e8/Crystal_Clear_app_kedit.svg/40px-Crystal_Clear_app_kedit.svg.png[/ame] for festivals

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Toyota factory ?



ROFLMAO

Mc DONALDS

[clubagreenie]

Stay in a ryokan, visit toyota museum, can get there by bullet train so ticks another box. The fish auctions and markets are something to behold. Be prepared to pay a few thou a kilo for tuna. Kabuke, (not bukkake), sumo, eat and drink youself silly each evening with the businessmen at the small local diners. Once they know you're australian you'll be set. It's almost coming into spring so you might get lucky depending on how mild the winter is and see some great gardens.

[LSD_AUTOMOTIVE]

Kabuke, (not bukkake).

lol

Kabuki maybe...think you distracted yourself

I'm not sure where would be best for a tea ceremony...mm chanoyu I think it is. A Ryokan might be best for it.

[Vern]

snoooooooooow
thats where i'm spending my 40th
(got 3 years to wait)

[jc109]

Just returned from there not quite two weeks ago.

Fantastic holiday!

As already suggested, Kyoto for old Japan and Tokyo for the new.

In Kyoto stay at a Ryokan for at least a part of your stay, and sign up for the included dinner. It makes the experience. Spot Geishas (but don't hassle them in any way), and visit temples and castles to your heart's content. Definitely go to Arashiyama and its Bamboo Grove. Such a beautiful part of the world.

If you have the time climb Fuji San, but if not check out a place called Hakone. Great views of the mountain from cable cars, zig-zag-style trains, and a 'quaint' (kitsch) boat ride on a lake. Round trip wioth all transfers etc. And don't buy a package at your hotel but instead purchase your all-in-one ticket at Odawara Stn (much cheaper).

In Tokyo go to the Fish Markets (Taijiki?). Be there by 0500. No trains until 0500, so you may want to take a cab, but they're expensive. Have breakfast there after the auctions. It doesn't get fresher.

Speaking of seafood, I took a train from Tokyo to Niigata for the day just because I could simply to try their seafood. Picturesque journey and great change of pace from Tokyo. Great food too, but nothing much to do in the city.

Back in Tokyo, grab a drink up on the 54th floor (IIRC) of the Park Hyatt. Great view of the city at night. Scenes from 'Lost in Translation' shot there for good reason.

Asakusa made for a good day too. Nice old temple and ancient stalls selling the best souvenirs and artwork that I saw in my travels. Close to town.

Make sure you visit Harajuku. Make it a weekend if possible so you can catch all the outrageously dressed kids. It's good fun. Be prepared to wander back-streets. The best stuff is out of the way.

I was told that Kamakura is a good place to visit too but ran out of time. It's past Yokohama and apparently is a former capital. Another taste of old Japan. Giant gold Buddha.

I hope you like a drink. Especially Sake. It's a great way to meet the normally reserved locals.

Anyway, you'll have a blast whatever you do. Good luck.