What to do?

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

Hello everyone,

I will be in Japan on a tour from Oct 2 to 10 and extending my stay in Tokyo till Oct 12. I was wondering if any one could give me some recommendations.

I have free time in Kyoto from the evening to explore.

I have free time in Osaka from the afternoon to explore and find some where for dinner.

I have free time in Hiroshima City for two days from the afternoon to explore and find some where for dinner.

And to finish I have a day and a half in Tokyo.

Any recommendation would be great (Arashi related, Otaku related, shopping, something for a first timer to Japan).


Thank You for any help ~^.^~

Comments

[kawaling.livejournal.com]

Hi! I can only speak about Osaka because I've lived there for 3 months this past spring... However, I advise you to explore the area near Nanba station! There's a road called Shinsaibashi (a covered road near the Toho cinema building) FULL of shops! It goes on and on with shops and restaurants, so you have to check that out. Don't forget to try takoyaki and okonomiyaki while in Osaka ;) If you like sweets there's a shop called Sweets Paradise, it's an all you can eat for cakes! It's really yummy...even though it might cause you stomachache, better be careful :) However, there's a Johnny's shop in Osaka! It is not big like the one in Tokyo, but it is less crowded. If you are interested in official shop pics you should go there!
As far as Kyoto is concerned, I've been there quite a few times as tourist and I can only advise you my three favourite temples: Kyomizudera, Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji. The road which leads up to Kyomizudera is full of traditional shops and ice parlours (you have to try green tea ice cream!). Unfortunately, the other two temples are a bit far from the centre, I don't know how much time you have to reach them. The underground in Kyoto is not well developed, they rely mainly on buses...and the routes are a bit complicated!
However, have fun! I'm sure Japan won't disappoint you!!

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

Thank You (≧∇≦)/

You and the tour package are in complete sync.
Wish i had come here first about planning a trip to Japan. Could have save some money by not using a tour package (/□＼*)・゜

I will definitely try the takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Always wanted to try the real one not like here where it from frozen.

＼（＾ ＾）／ *hug*

[kawaling.livejournal.com]

Sorry >< I guess I focused on the simplest attractions. If you get bored strolling around Shinsaibashi (I don't think that's possible, it's full of shops even underground around stations!!) you have to check the Osaka castle and the Osaka jo-hall (when I went there they were holding a Kis-My-Ft2 concert!! I saw a lot of merchandise)
Again, have fun! *hug*

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

No need for sorry (^_−)☆

I am a fan of Kis-My-Ft2 too.
Will definitely look for Osaka jo-hall, just so I can say i was there （＾_＾）

Looking forward to my trip more and more (❁´◡`❁)

Thanks again ヽ(‘ ∇‘ )ノ *hug*

[berniechan.livejournal.com]

If you're on tour I'm pretty sure they'll send you to Shinsaibashi for shopping (or the general area, Dotonbori for the neon sign guy etc etc). The JE shop is located in Shinsaibashi and a quick google will get you very comprehensive directions there. It closes at 6pm, so just take note if you're headed there. I think you'll probably have Osaka Castle in your itinerary? It's okay, but IMO Himeji Castle is much nicer, though it's under construction now.

In Kyoto:
Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji are kind of far from each other....(and everything else, kind of). Grab the day bus pass (probably may already have it, idk) and travel around by bus. They move in kind of a loop? If you only have the evening, I'd suggest just go get a nice dinner (I got one in the Gion area, but a tad pricey) and then shop nearby... lots of shops there, kind of like Shinsaibashi shopping street.

Tokyo:

Shopping: Harajuku's Takeshita street (walk the whole street and look out for timed sales, go upstairs to the idol shops and the neighbouring clothes shops, 6 storey Daiso). Food nearby, in the direction of the stadium/shrine/JE store: Ramen, Curry Rice, Goemon Pasta, Steak, Yakiniku, McDonalds

Otaku Stuff: Akihabara (Maid Cafes, etc etc)
Animate, Mandarake (various places all over Japan)

I honestly wouldn't bother with Sweets Paradise because I found the cakes and food (pasta/curry) rather mediocre. Plus you kind of get bloated from eating so much cake that the money you paid isn't that worth it...

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

Thank You ｡◕‿◕｡

I completely forgot about checking up on business hour for the area (-_＼)

Thanks for the heads-up about Gion, the tour package recommended the area for dinner.

Love sales, so will definitely go down to Takeshita street.

Most do Maid Cafe, do you know of any that would be more "comfortable" with someone who only has a little grasp of the Japanese language?

＼（＾ ＾）／ *hug*

[berniechan.livejournal.com]

Sorry for the late reply!

I remember the maid cafe I went to in Akihabara, with my friend and we were very obviously foreigners. When we looked interested in going to the cafe, the staff were very nice and tried to speak in English. If I'm not wrong, they also have English menus. (The name was Mai Dreamin, and it's the biggest chain maid cafe store in Akihabara I think, though it's very "plain" and "straight forward" kind of maid cafe.)

If you want the fantasy setting/tsundere/other more special ones, you could google first for their names/general location. (There's a cool magical boarding school type one in Ikebukuro called Acasius that's cheaper for women, and was very small and cosy. I'm not sure if it's the same cause it's been 2 years since I went. It's still there, though.)

I'm not sure if any would be more comfortable with low levels of Japanese mastery though they've probably all had their fair share of curious foreigners in Akihabara. (just know first hand that they charge an hourly fee, and the food isnt exactly cheap. My friends didn't know that and got annoyed/felt cheated when they went.)

Also: I suggest you go in the evening ish time, cause thats when more people visit these cafes so you could watch them buy the special services and enjoy them without paying!

EDIT: The staff is generally really nice. So far the two I went to all had staff trying very hard to speak to me in English even if their very bad at it. The menus are pretty straight forward, some have pictures. Try the sets that sometimes come with free things like a polaroid w maid of choice or a lucky dip!

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

No worries,

Thank You for the info about how maid cafe charge an hourly fee, I had no ideal they did that.

I will definitely look more into the maid cafe but it great to know that they are are willing to try they best to cater to foreigner.

Thanks for all the info and tips.

\^.^/ *hug*

[kerrol.livejournal.com]

I'd recommend trying both the Osaka and Hiroshima okonomiyaki. They are very different and then you can have a favourite! In Hiroshima, there are lots of counter okonomiyaki places where you sit up and they cook it for you. They are very friendly, communal places if you are alone.

If you aren't going to Miyajima as part of your tour then definitely go.

In Tokyo, try Nakano Broadway. It's a huge shopping mall/arcade filled with shops that cater to every mania and obsession. Heaps of otaku stuff plus a few good shops with Johnnys good. I like it much better than the shops around Harajuku because the Harajuku shops mostly have cheap crap - photos off the internet printed onto key holders, cards etc. The shops at Nakano Broadway are more concert goods, old fan club newsletters, advertising posters etc. Even if you resist buying, it's worth having a look around :) There are two shops. One is more older Johnnys like SMAP and Tokio, the other one had loads of Arashi stuff.

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

Thank You (*≧▽≦)

Glad to know that I don't have to worry about feeling awkward eating alone and now I have a goal of creating "faves" on this trip (✿◠‿◠)

Miyajima not on the tour, got to look that up.

Thank for the heads-up about Harajuku and Nakano Broadway. Got to be careful what I spend my money on. Will keep in mind when shopping.

＼（＾ ＾）／ *hug*

[daredemojanai.livejournal.com]

i recommend you to visit kiyomizudera temple and eigamura, both place located in Kyoto.
in Kiyomezudera, there is many shop along the street to the temple, and you can find many interesting stuff and foods on those shops. I bought most of souvenirs in these shops, since the price is relatively cheaper than Tokyo. :D
in Eigamura, we can visit Toei Animation Museum, watch some ninja show, and walking along the filming set with ancient Japan theme.

for anything that Johnny's related, i once found a shop in Takeshita street that sells anythings related to Johnny's, such as photo, concert official merchandise, album, etc.
i also buy an Arashi lightstick for 5x10 concert and keep it as my collection. :)

well, i'm sorry that i cant be much help, since i only came to Japan once. But you don't have to worry, because Japan is a very friendly country for visitors, there's signboard everywhere and various public transportation that operate almost 24 hours a day.
Enjoy your time in Japan ! :D

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

Thank You (●⌒∇⌒●)

I have souvenirs to buy for co-worker at two different jobs, family, and friends so if I can save a dollar than would help a lot.

I love ancient Japan theme anything, love classics stuff in general ~^.^~

No need for any sorry, you have been a big help

＼（＾ ＾）／ *hug*

[beastlover.livejournal.com]

There's a really awesome restaurant in Kyoto called Shi Shin. The owner said there was a Facebook page for the restaurant but I haven't gotten around to looking for it yet. The owner speaks really good English and his goal for the restaurant is kind of a back to basics simple approach. The best edamame I've ever eaten came from there. Definitely check it out if you have time.

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

Thank You （＾ｖ＾）

Will look into Shi Shin.
Love edamame (/^▽^)/

[j-halo7.livejournal.com]

I suppose the tour will bring you to Gion in Kyoto but maybe you can explore the streets of Gion even more during your free time in the evening. There's a lot of restaurants there so pick any for your dinner.

Also, along the main road of Shijo Dori, after the Gion Shijo train station, there's a shop called Kagizen Yoshifusa that has very nice warabi mochi. It has a bright red "banner" across its entrance.

Walk further down and there's a street called Hanamikoji Dori. Inside, there's also a shop called Kyo Kinana which specializes in kinako products. Their famous product is kinako ice cream.

Oh! And if you're interested in learning more about tea ceremony, there's an English-speaking restaurant owner that conducts a class explaining tea ceremony and letting you try your hand at it. It's located in a neighbourhood though but relatively easy to find. If you're interested, PM me and I'll give you the details. Advance booking is necessary btw and minimum 2 person for a lesson.

For Osaka, if you like to try a public bath, maybe you can visit a bath house complex called Spa World. It's an entire building with many baths with different themes.

Or just shop around the Dotombori area. I ate at a fantastic and cheap yakiniku restaurant there.

Tokyo wise, besides those mentioned by others here, perhaps you can try and find someone here to bring you to Aiba's family restaurant.

Or you can visit a planetarium if your country doesn't have one like I did. I visited the one in Sunshine Plaza but note that all commentary is in Japanese but it's still cool.

Or why not take a train to Yokohama? I've not been there yet but seems like there's plenty of things to do there.

Have fun on your trip. :) PM me if you want more information on the shops (except for Aiba's family restaurant).

[dontwantmeback.livejournal.com]

In Hiroshima, definitely get to Miyajima if it's not part of your tour. You can't go without seeing one of Japan's three most beautiful sights :D

Other than that, I was a fan of a place called Hondori when I lived there. It's a shopping street, easily accessible by streetcar from Hiroshima Station. You'd easily be able to find a place to eat nearby, too. Not too far off there's a resturant where Kanjani8 filmed during Kanjani Map. I can't remember what it's called off the top of my head though :( Also, on the third or fourth floor of Hiroshima Station itself there's a cafe that has the world's most adorable parfaits! If you want sweets that come shaped like bears, that's the place to get them.

I don't know if you're of age, but if you are there's also a great bar in the Hondori area called Southern Cross. It's run by a guy from New Zealand and serves some Western foods that actually taste right. If you're after something more Japanese, a few blocks from Yokogawa Station is an izakaya called Tougetsu. I can't guarantee you'd be able to get in without a reservation, sometimes people reserve the whole restaurant for parties and it's pretty small to begin with, but a friend of mine works there and it's a popular hangout among exchange students from my university.

Oh! Also!

Peace Park of course! There's the atomic bomb dome and the peace memorial museum that are a must see! Very depressing, though.

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

Thank You (●⌒∇⌒●)

I love cute things (❁´◡`❁) I have got to check out the cafe.

I am a real lightweight when it come to alcohol but I will keep it in mind if I start to miss western food ≖‿≖

I don't think Miyajima is on the tour but Peace Park is, will look up Miyajima you're the second person to recommended it.

Thanks again ＼( ｀.∀´)／ *hug*

[kangxy67.livejournal.com]

Go to Aiba's restaurant! :D I've not been there though, so I cant help with directions. Search or ask around; I'm sure someone will have it. (:

In Osaka, I'm sure you'd already have Dotonbori somewhere in your itinerary. Other than the main street, there are shops at the side along the river. There is a ramen store at the corner, right next to the main street. It's a long history, and it pretty fantastic too. You could have dinner there. ^^ On the other side of the river, you'll see this brightly lit shop with a penguin on it. Go and take a look at that place! It's full of interesting quirky stuff!

I'd recommend Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. It's right outside Harakuju station, really convenient. I love that place. Definitely will make a trip there everytime I get to go to Tokyo. So far, I've see sumo wrestlers and a traditional wedding taking place there! And then, yes, Harajuku, Omotesando Hills and you can walk to Shinjuku from there instead of taking the train to take a look at the place. Asakusa, Ginza, Shibuya etc. If your tour dates coincide with Arashi's concerts, go to the concert venue and soak in the atmosphere even if you cant go in. I did that before, and had a blast! It was at a stadium though, so we could hear music and were listening in, trying to guess the songs and singing to them.

Also, try this place called Ameyoko at Ueno. It's an awesome shopping district! Loads of things to look at! I love shopping there! Clothes, accessories, bags everything! There's even a wet market there!

I hope you have fun! I had loads fun! :D

[mokona-chu.livejournal.com]

WOW Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ

Thank You for all the tips.
The way you describe everything make me feel like I am there asking you for direction on the street, I love it ♡＾▽＾♡

Didn't think to check out if there would be any concert around the time I be there, but I am going back to Japan in 2014 for Arashi 15yrs Anniversary.

Hoping to be able to get a ticket to a concert then, but still think it will be fun just to be there for the occasion.

Thanks again, ＼( ｀.∀´)／ *hug*