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PaperclipPerfector  21d ago (text post)   2002 thread views

Wellness Wednesday for April 24, 2024

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Calling all Japan enthusiasts. Help me plan a trip to Japan.

Weebs not welcome and you must have been to Japan

I think I have a somewhat detailed outline of what I want. The point of this post is for travellers with past experience telling me of things that I would want, but don't even know exist. Also, I would like to be mansplained on what the main cities are known for and their vibes. I know all the names, but they are the same as Toyota, Nissan and Suzuki to me. I.e I am ignorant and might make a few "drive from NYC to LA in a day" errors.

Boring Details:
  • Where: Tokyo and Hokkaido.
  • Duration: 10-14 days.
  • During Late December - Early January. We don't care if it's cold, please don't comment on that.
  • Visitors: Me and my friend, both 26-year-old males.
  • Budget: Obviously as low as possible. No more than 3000-4000 USD.
  • Both of us can drive manual transmission cars.
  • We are okay with sharing a hotel room (even a bed, as long as it's not a single bed).
What we want to do: (Convince me otherwise, or give tips/reccomendations)
  • Eat Sushi, Ramen, Tonkatsu, Wagyu, curry, yoshoku and almost all the Japan-exclusive food I can think of. Yes we do want to visit 7-11 and Lawsons.
  • Drive JDM cars. (There are many rentals)
  • Visit Akihabara.
  • Visit car meets.
  • Ski. (Hence Hokkaido)
  • Do more as opposed to see more.
  • At least one natural feature, Mount Fuji?
  • At least one historical museum/feature.
  • At least one really cool place/museum/whatever.
  • At least one bar with a "cool" crowd. Yeah we don't speak Japanese, but we are willing to try our luck :), We don't need to pick up women or any of that stuff, just socializing with locals is fine.
  • Drive over public transit, bullet trains for long haul trips are fine.
What we don't care for: (Convince me otherwise if you think so)
  • Weeb shit.
  • Luxury. I don't need fancy 5 star hotels. As long as they don't have bedbugs, and we can sleep the night, that's enough.
  • History or culture. Not interested.
  • Scenic pictures.
  • Fancy stuff. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants are preferable to Michelin-starred dining, unless the experience will be truly exceptionally life changing.
  • Onsen or any other "relaxing" thing. Both of us are fit&active and would rather prefer to walk around all day aimlessly than sitting in a jacuzzi or whatever.

I would second a recommendation to go to the onsen, especially an outdoors one - it's a sensory experience just as much as good food and good drink, and particularly in the winter, after a day of winter sports. It's the cap to an active day, not an alternative.

Also, try some different teas while you're there, possibly paired with Japanese sweets. Traditional Japanese sweets are low-sugar, frequently containing a bean paste where a Western pastry would put a fruit filling, and often meant to pair with a cup of tea. The "afternoon snack" is just as valid a gourmet goal as the lunch and dinner. I picked up a taste for green tea from my time in Fukuoka.

Yeah, I might change my mind on the onsen if its preceded by a day of winter sport.

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