If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#21
|
|||
|
|||
Chris Kuan wrote:
Our advice may change slightly based on exactly which days you are in Japan. For instance, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (not "Minatara") is closed on Tuesdays! And the cosplayers in Harakjuku only come out on Sundays (just outside the entrance to the Meiji Shrine). ah, thank you for the tip. i should have mentioned the days of the week i'd be there. so, if i went to the Ghibli, it would be on a Friday... phew! but this means i miss the cosplayers =( (well, i guess this means I can leave my anime costume at home! LOL!) So... Meiji Shrine is by Harajuku? Bob M mentioned that above, I might have to visit that temple instead of one of the others... will have to get my location names straight... I keep getting them mixed up! (Askausua and Akasuka... Mitaka and "Minatara!") The subway + rail system in Tokyo seems overwhelming because there is so much choice. Note that the "train" system is run by Japan Railways ("JR") and is separate from the multiple subway lines so you can't necessarily go to the big "train station" (usually JR) in a suburb and expect the subway platforms to be right next to the JR platforms. But they'll be nearby in the station complex. The convenience of the subways is that they serve the smaller suburbs and criss-cross Tokyo in several places, saving much time. Just think of it as a big game of Snakes and Ladders and the subway map might be a bit easier to follow :-) Thank you for clarifying that! I was getting really confused! The maps of the train/subways make it look even more complex, and the maps don't tell how far everything is from one another! On a purely selfish note, as you come down from Toyko Tower, a couple of the floors of the podium are shopping arcades. Mostly crap souvenirs, but there is a "Donguri Kyowakoku" store there, which sells all manner of Ghibli goods - the store's name means "Acorn Republic" or some such, which of course is a Totoro reference. If you can wheedle 15 minutes in the store from the tour guide, it's got stuff which even the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka doesn't carry - official products of course, but the store in the Museum is rather small - and crowded as heck. You can easily spend 20 minutes in the Museum just queueing up. Beleive me, I've spent (literally!) far too much time there (^_^); Oh!!! great tip! If the Ghibli tix don't happen, at least I can get great Ghibli merch! Maybe Tokyo Tower must be done after all... just for the giftshop... I could always meet up with the group later? Mmm... if you are going to see the Imperial Palace and the temples in Kyoto, you *could* skip these. In Toyko, you will only see the East Garden because the actual Palace area is only open a couple of days per year. The gardens are OK and there's one or two small historical sites. Same for Asakusa Kannon (the one with the huge iconic lantern at the entrance). But really, you've paid for the tour already and it's only taking up one morning. And you can still use the last half of "Day 2" in Tokyo to do some independent sightseeing I found out the two days that the Imp. Palace is open... it's Jan 2 and Dec. 24, LOL! and now that Tokyo Tower is the only one I really really want to do, and it's first on the itinerary (that gift shop!!) I might adjust a little bit. Or just take the tour, since it's only the morning. Or move on to Ginza so I can get to Shinjuku/Akihabara/etc. one of the other shopping districts and get to see them! Day 4 Tokyo/Kyoto- transit will probably have the evening free, thought we'd roam Gion. Sounds like a good idea :-) If you get there just after lunch, I'd say head out to Kiyomizudera straight away, and then Gion (it's pretty close by) in the evening. Oh, great idea! =) I hope we get there soon enough. What's the latest you'd say we should get in Kyoto and settle into the hotel before heading to Kiyomizudera? That is one heck of a trip :-) By the way, where are you travelling from? That jet lag might hit on the morning of "Day 2" and you might appreciate being led around by a tour guid while in a semi-dazed state rather than having to navigate an unfamiliar city on your own:-) LOL. I forgot to tell you, I'm actually going to be in Asia for a while, before getting into Japan. I'll be in the Philippines for 11 days prior, so I am really hoping to be sort of accustomed by then. But I'm not of the most hearty disposition (if this were anime, I'd be the girl that always faints and asks, "Is it anemia?") so maybe I better not get too ambitious! But this is something I've always really wanted to do, I've always wanted to go to Japan... and since I start working this year, I don't think I'll be able to go to Asia again for at least 5 years, and there's just so much I want to cover! I just wish I had a couple more days... right now I'm only getting tiny bits of fashion, anime and history! |
#22
|
|||
|
|||
|
#23
|
|||
|
|||
|
#24
|
|||
|
|||
wrote in message oups.com... Can you still drop the tour? It's easy to get to and explore the Asakusa Kannon Temple by yourself, and the market street leading up to it is very interesting - you might want more time in that area, which also includes many traditional Japanese craft shops. The Imperial Palace and most of the park surrounding it are closed to visitors except for two days a year, and the closest you can get the rest of the time is a distant glimpse of the Palace from one corner of that park, so I wouldn't really call it a must-see experience for someone on as short a schedule as you are. Were the original poster not also going to Kyoto, I would probably be more encouraging when it comes to the Asakusa Kannon temple - with Kyoto on the agenda, though, there's far more to look forward to there. On my last visit to Asakusa Kannon, I found it crowded and with not much to offer except for tourist-trap shops. The surrounding area DOES offer some traditional craft shops, but to see those you often need to be willing to abandon the tour group and strike out on your own. (On the last trip I mentioned, I took a hand-held GPS with me, and got a fix on Ueno station when there. After that, I took the subway out to Asakusa Kannon, and then was able to wander the streets while walking back in the general direction of Ueno - passing through Kappabashi- dori on the way. I know I saw a lot more of what I would find personally interesting doing that. For that matter, my personal preference is just to wander around on my own, so that I can get farther away from the "tourist stops" and more out in to the "real" city.) Asakusa Kannon itself, by the way, is not the original, but a post-WWII reproduction (as is the case with most such sights in Tokyo). The history buff wishing to see authentic, original Japanese temples and other such buildings will again do far better in Kyoto. "Day 3 Tokyo (free day) AM: would like to go to Ghibli Museum in Minatara. I have to get to Shinjuku station from Roppongi, I think." Just a reminder - it would again help if you could tell us which hotel you'll be staying at, so that it will be easier to plan with your "base of operations" in mind. Shinjuku Station is actually NOT right on the subway system - it's easier to get to via the JR surface lines. The nearest subway stops are a little ways west of the station. Shinjuku Station itself is a must-see, especially around the morning and evening rush hours, as it is then one of the busiest in the world (if not THE busiest). Never heard of that museum. There two excellent museums in Tokyo itself that you might want to consider - the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which tells Tokyo's history, and the Tokyo National Museum, which is the premier collection of traditional Japanese art. "On the way back, I think I might stop by Nakano for anime shopping if time permits or I might have to skip and move onto Shinjuku or Shibuya or Harujuku in the evening. B/c I need to do one of those!!! However, this is all depending on whether I even get the tix to the museum." You'll also be able to get your anime fix in Kyoto - I just wish I could remember the name of the store! It's in one of the major downtown shopping arcades - anyone else know which one I'm talking about? Bob M. |
#25
|
|||
|
|||
wrote in message oups.com... Can you still drop the tour? It's easy to get to and explore the Asakusa Kannon Temple by yourself, and the market street leading up to it is very interesting - you might want more time in that area, which also includes many traditional Japanese craft shops. The Imperial Palace and most of the park surrounding it are closed to visitors except for two days a year, and the closest you can get the rest of the time is a distant glimpse of the Palace from one corner of that park, so I wouldn't really call it a must-see experience for someone on as short a schedule as you are. Were the original poster not also going to Kyoto, I would probably be more encouraging when it comes to the Asakusa Kannon temple - with Kyoto on the agenda, though, there's far more to look forward to there. On my last visit to Asakusa Kannon, I found it crowded and with not much to offer except for tourist-trap shops. The surrounding area DOES offer some traditional craft shops, but to see those you often need to be willing to abandon the tour group and strike out on your own. (On the last trip I mentioned, I took a hand-held GPS with me, and got a fix on Ueno station when there. After that, I took the subway out to Asakusa Kannon, and then was able to wander the streets while walking back in the general direction of Ueno - passing through Kappabashi- dori on the way. I know I saw a lot more of what I would find personally interesting doing that. For that matter, my personal preference is just to wander around on my own, so that I can get farther away from the "tourist stops" and more out in to the "real" city.) Asakusa Kannon itself, by the way, is not the original, but a post-WWII reproduction (as is the case with most such sights in Tokyo). The history buff wishing to see authentic, original Japanese temples and other such buildings will again do far better in Kyoto. "Day 3 Tokyo (free day) AM: would like to go to Ghibli Museum in Minatara. I have to get to Shinjuku station from Roppongi, I think." Just a reminder - it would again help if you could tell us which hotel you'll be staying at, so that it will be easier to plan with your "base of operations" in mind. Shinjuku Station is actually NOT right on the subway system - it's easier to get to via the JR surface lines. The nearest subway stops are a little ways west of the station. Shinjuku Station itself is a must-see, especially around the morning and evening rush hours, as it is then one of the busiest in the world (if not THE busiest). Never heard of that museum. There two excellent museums in Tokyo itself that you might want to consider - the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which tells Tokyo's history, and the Tokyo National Museum, which is the premier collection of traditional Japanese art. "On the way back, I think I might stop by Nakano for anime shopping if time permits or I might have to skip and move onto Shinjuku or Shibuya or Harujuku in the evening. B/c I need to do one of those!!! However, this is all depending on whether I even get the tix to the museum." You'll also be able to get your anime fix in Kyoto - I just wish I could remember the name of the store! It's in one of the major downtown shopping arcades - anyone else know which one I'm talking about? Bob M. |
#26
|
|||
|
|||
"koneko" wrote in message ups.com... Oh, great idea! =) I hope we get there soon enough. What's the latest you'd say we should get in Kyoto and settle into the hotel before heading to Kiyomizudera? If you get in to Kyoto by early afternoon, you would still have time for Kiyomizudera and the Gion area. Hopefully, you'll be at a hotel in the station area (I can personally recommend the Hotel Granvia, which is run by JR and is actually IN the station), so check in as quickly as you can then take a taxi to Kiyomizudera. The temple itself is far more interesting than any you would see in Tokyo, and then you can walk down the hill into the eastern side of Kyoto's downtown area. The walk down is lined with tourist shops, by the way, although many of these do have some interesting goods. The Gion area and the shopping arcades nearby will be a good place to wrap up your evening, and there is certainly no shortage of good places to eat there. With only a couple of days in Kyoto, you're going to have to scramble the next day, but I would definitely recommend including Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo) and the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) on the agenda. If possible, and if you like a pleasant walk which passes by a number of interesting temples, the "philosopher's walk" (Tetsugaku-no-michi), which is again back on the eastern side of town, is a good choice. Again, the JNTO office just a couple of blocks north of Kyoto station is a great source of tourist information and assistance. Bob M. |
#27
|
|||
|
|||
"koneko" wrote in message ups.com... Oh, great idea! =) I hope we get there soon enough. What's the latest you'd say we should get in Kyoto and settle into the hotel before heading to Kiyomizudera? If you get in to Kyoto by early afternoon, you would still have time for Kiyomizudera and the Gion area. Hopefully, you'll be at a hotel in the station area (I can personally recommend the Hotel Granvia, which is run by JR and is actually IN the station), so check in as quickly as you can then take a taxi to Kiyomizudera. The temple itself is far more interesting than any you would see in Tokyo, and then you can walk down the hill into the eastern side of Kyoto's downtown area. The walk down is lined with tourist shops, by the way, although many of these do have some interesting goods. The Gion area and the shopping arcades nearby will be a good place to wrap up your evening, and there is certainly no shortage of good places to eat there. With only a couple of days in Kyoto, you're going to have to scramble the next day, but I would definitely recommend including Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo) and the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) on the agenda. If possible, and if you like a pleasant walk which passes by a number of interesting temples, the "philosopher's walk" (Tetsugaku-no-michi), which is again back on the eastern side of town, is a good choice. Again, the JNTO office just a couple of blocks north of Kyoto station is a great source of tourist information and assistance. Bob M. |
#28
|
|||
|
|||
"koneko" wrote in message oups.com... This sounds sort of neat! My only question... is it a bit... stinky? Not at all! FRESH fish does not have that unpleasant "fishy" smell, and you won't find it any fresher than here. Be sure to wear good walking shoes that will be able to cope with wet surfaces, though, as there is a lot of water and ice around. This is, to me, a must-see that is somewhat off the usual tourist trail. I would also put the Meiji Shrine somewhere into the plan as well. Can you tell me why you like this site better than the Imperial Palace? Well, for one thing, the shrine itself is at the end of a fairly long and peaceful walk through a woods (you'll have a hard time believing you're still in the middle of a big city!), and unlike the Palace you actually get to go into the grounds and walk in and around the temple buildings. The Meiji Shrine is also often the site for various community events - when I was last there, a flower show was in progress, just for one example. Check the local calendars or with the concierge at your hotel to see if there's anything interesting scheduled while you are there. I would also be more willing to skip the Palace if, like you, I knew I was going to be in Kyoto soon anyway, and could see the palace and castle that are there instead. Bob M. |
#29
|
|||
|
|||
"koneko" wrote in message oups.com... This sounds sort of neat! My only question... is it a bit... stinky? Not at all! FRESH fish does not have that unpleasant "fishy" smell, and you won't find it any fresher than here. Be sure to wear good walking shoes that will be able to cope with wet surfaces, though, as there is a lot of water and ice around. This is, to me, a must-see that is somewhat off the usual tourist trail. I would also put the Meiji Shrine somewhere into the plan as well. Can you tell me why you like this site better than the Imperial Palace? Well, for one thing, the shrine itself is at the end of a fairly long and peaceful walk through a woods (you'll have a hard time believing you're still in the middle of a big city!), and unlike the Palace you actually get to go into the grounds and walk in and around the temple buildings. The Meiji Shrine is also often the site for various community events - when I was last there, a flower show was in progress, just for one example. Check the local calendars or with the concierge at your hotel to see if there's anything interesting scheduled while you are there. I would also be more willing to skip the Palace if, like you, I knew I was going to be in Kyoto soon anyway, and could see the palace and castle that are there instead. Bob M. |
#30
|
|||
|
|||
"Shinjuku is defn the more "electronics" shopping area, I gather? I was
wondering, what are the dept. stores like in this area? I am wondering if I can skip Shibuya and do Shinjuku instead... Tell me, how does Ginza compare with Shinjuku?" Shinjuku has some electronics and camera stores, but the main electronics area is Akihabara, where store after store sells electronics. Ginza is the place for luxury shopping, but other than that there's no reason to go there. Shibuya has one ultra-luxury department store called Bunkamura, but the rest of Shibuya is aimed at teenagers - record stores, Internet/manga cafes, T-shirt stores... Shinjuku has some huge department stores, which tend to be mid-range rather than luxury. " in Tokyo on W-Th-F... Friday night should be a good time to catch Harajuku, right? Is Harajuku closer to Shibuya? The youth culture sounds really fascinating too!" Harajuku is pretty dead on friday night though...it's about a 20-minute walk or 3-minute train ride from Shibuya. If you do want to try to see the youth culture, the places to go are the 109 Building in Shibuya, and the entrance to Yoyogi Park near Harajuku Station. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Your Blessings in my trip to Japan | FamousDave | Asia | 41 | March 6th, 2005 09:18 PM |
Japan rail pass/Osaka-Kyoto trip | Not the Karl Orff | Asia | 0 | September 25th, 2003 06:58 PM |
Getting to know people in Japan | thegoons | Asia | 0 | September 14th, 2003 09:06 AM |
Getting to know people in Japan | HH | Asia | 0 | September 12th, 2003 05:53 AM |