Try the shinkansen if you're going out that way. I've been on it a few times and it's the smoothest transportation I've ever had doing...anything. The train from Osaka to Kyoto takes 15 minutes. It's the closest thing to teleporting I've ever experienced.
Go feed some deer in Nara. They're adorable.
I don't know if you're into it, but Tokyo has a huge experimental music scene. There's a venue called Otooto in Setagaya I really like. Lots of improvising jazz musicians or electronic shows featuring modular synthesizers. It's in Setagaya.
Asakusa is the place in Tokyo to go if you're into old fashioned stuff. Sensouji Temple is there, it's 1400 years old. There are market stalls and old fashioned houses. It's chill.
If you're going up to Hokkaido, go take the cable car up Mt. Moiwayama if they're open. You get a cool view of Sapporo up there.
If you're heading out to Osaka, I really like the Mozu Tombs. I like old graveyards I guess.
I'd really recommend learning at least the fundamentals of Japanese before you go. It's rare to meet someone who speaks fluent English just out and about. But because of Japanese social norms, they will pretend they speak English even when they don't, making encounters really frustrating if you just need directions.
Try the shinkansen if you're going out that way. I've been on it a few times and it's the smoothest transportation I've ever had doing...anything. The train from Osaka to Kyoto takes 15 minutes. It's the closest thing to teleporting I've ever experienced.
Go feed some deer in Nara. They're adorable.
I don't know if you're into it, but Tokyo has a huge experimental music scene. There's a venue called Otooto in Setagaya I really like. Lots of improvising jazz musicians or electronic shows featuring modular synthesizers. It's in Setagaya.
Asakusa is the place in Tokyo to go if you're into old fashioned stuff. Sensouji Temple is there, it's 1400 years old. There are market stalls and old fashioned houses. It's chill.
If you're going up to Hokkaido, go take the cable car up Mt. Moiwayama if they're open. You get a cool view of Sapporo up there.
If you're heading out to Osaka, I really like the Mozu Tombs. I like old graveyards I guess.
I'd really recommend learning at least the fundamentals of Japanese before you go. It's rare to meet someone who speaks fluent English just out and about. But because of Japanese social norms, they will pretend they speak English even when they don't, making encounters really frustrating if you just need directions.
Thanks for the great ideas & tips!
tell us about your trip when you get back!