Shiranne and I will be going on a vacation to Japan from October 12 to November 3. During that time, we’ll be staying in the following areas. We’ve got a few schedule constraints because of Jewish holidays, but hey that’s cool:
October 12 – 14: Minato, Tokyo
We’ll be near Chabad Tokyo and celebrating Sukkot.
October 15 – 16: Takayama, Gifu
We’ll probably hike in both Kiso Valley and Shokawa Valley, and check out the Doburoku Festival.
October 17 – 19: Shinjuku, Tokyo
Chillin for Shabbat, seeing them crazy Harajuku folk, and perhaps seeing Shugo Tokumaru in concert.
October 20 – 21: Chuo, Kobe
Celebrating Simchat Torah, but probably also squeezing in a visit to Osaka Castle and Nara.
October 22 – 25: Shimogyo, Kyoto
Staying for a long time, but probably traveling to Iga-Ueno for a day to see the ninja museum. Checking out the A-Bar upon a friend’s suggestion. Also trying to catch the Jidai and Kurama matsuris.
October 26 – 27: Minami, Hiroshima
Stopping off at Kurashiki, and visiting Miyajima Island.
October 28 – Nov 3: Chiyoda, Tokyo
Our last stop; staying for a week. Probably doing a lot of traveling, a few destinations being Himeji, Hakone, Akiyoshidai, Hiraizumi, Mashiko. Also try to go to the Meiji Shrine fall festival. We’ll be staying really close to Akihabara, which should be some geeky fun.
So that’s the skeletal structure! How expensive!!! If anyone has any suggestions feel free to throw ’em out there.
Here’s our shit on a map!
What’s keeping you from partying during the Goddy McGod stuff? Just a reminder that roaming aimlessly in cool neighborhoods is almost always the best tactic for finding cool things.
No one comes to the Northern part of Japan past Tokyo area! Booo :/ (I wouldn’t blame you I guess, hehe. Nothing as famous in comparison)
Actually, I was originally thinking we could stay in Yamagata; I heard that there were some awesome hikes there. Also, Hokkaido. But it didn’t work out.
We might still go north, especially since we’re not moving every single day. A day-long trip to the north is totally possible.
Woo Japan! Enjoy yourselves and eat traditional Japanese baked sweet potatoes for me. It seems like that time of the year is the right time for baked potatoes.
Um, take full advantage of the 100 yen shops if you want to save money. (Or 99 or 88 yen shops, for that matter.) Avoid buying clothes because clothing is so expensive over there and everything is in Engrish anyway. The train system might be a little confusing, but if there are English maps, it should be okay. Don’t buy anything at the airports, you can find them cheaper at other places. If you find a Tokyu Hands Department Store, you should check it out, they have a lot of neat practical things for decent prices. Avoid corndogs in Japan, they suck. Fast food in Japan is actually a lot better than it is here. You don’t have to go to an expensive fancy restaurant to get quality food. They probably have better food at the hole in the wall restaurants. Saizeriya Family Restaurant has REALLY cheap food, so go there if you’re low on money and hungry. Denny’s is actually expensive, so avoid it.
Ummm, I don’t know what else to tell you. But enjoy your trip and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask! : D
Oh, that was me. I dunno why I wasn’t logged in.
the fact that there’s a tokyo chabad is freaking awesome