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Posted: 9/2/2023 11:07:34 AM EDT
EDIT: If anyone cares I'll add pics my kid sends if  think they are interesting. Lots of cars most likely

My kid is attending college here at Aichi University for a year and I decided to help get him settled at his apartment as an excuse to come back. Took Canada air into Haneda airport.

Rough start.  Starting to get sick. This may be a “how to navigate covid outside the US”thread. We shall see.

Plane took off 30 minutes late so we got in late enough for me to miss office hours for the JR line railpass.  We forgot a USB charge brick so our WiFi boxes aren’t charging overnight.  You’re gonna want your phone for this trip.

Hotel played dumb about our Hotel.com. reservation and I couldn’t pull it up on my dead phone.  My kid’s Japanese saved the day.

It’s really great to see Tokyo again but I’m too busy and fucked up at the moment to enjoy it.

If I can gut it out, Nagoya for a few days after the 4th then back to Tokyo alone before heading home (@ronin76)

More to report after some more sleep.

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Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:11:24 AM EDT
[#1]
At first I wondered how I missed days 1 - 4. Then I noticed day .5 rather than 5

Good luck!
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:15:48 AM EDT
[#2]
Hope you feel better soon - during most of the time when I was visiting Hokkaido in 2018 and staying at a swanky hotel I was feeling ill, which pretty much ruined that segment of the trip.

Looking forward to seeing more reports of your trip (and feeling a bit envious right now)…

Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:16:07 AM EDT
[#3]
Enjoy.  Send pictures of you drifting downtown
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:38:56 AM EDT
[#4]
Dang, you've been twice before I've managed to take my first trip.

I leave Idaho on the 18th, layover in SFO overnight and then take JAL to Narita on the 19th thou with crossing the date line I won't be there until the 20th which is still the 19th for my family back home.. it's my first trip overseas and that is messing with my mind. I had to remember to book my hotels in Japan starting on the 20th and not the 19th.

Feel better!
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:56:49 AM EDT
[#5]
I was in Tokyo staying in Jimbocho the last time I was there in 2019.  Can't wait to go back again!
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 2:57:52 PM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Dang, you've been twice before I've managed to take my first trip.

I leave Idaho on the 18th, layover in SFO overnight and then take JAL to Narita on the 19th thou with crossing the date line I won't be there until the 20th which is still the 19th for my family back home.. it's my first trip overseas and that is messing with my mind. I had to remember to book my hotels in Japan starting on the 20th and not the 19th.

Feel better!
View Quote

Time difference has me all fucked up ordering hotel reservations and returning. Getting sorted now

I am looking at my trip in Dec as a college visit and this trip as dropping my kid off on the 1st day. We have a lot to do.  Banks, phones, apartment supplies, Inkan etc.  hope we get to enjoy.  Its  a little stressful now
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 2:59:10 PM EDT
[#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Enjoy.  Send pictures of you drifting downtown
View Quote

I just watched that documentary.  You can barely cross the street with all the drifting EVOs and Supras everywhere.
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 2:59:29 PM EDT
[#8]
Get some Fanta melon soda and cocos for me.
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 4:49:12 PM EDT
[#9]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Get some Fanta melon soda and cocos for me.
View Quote

motherfuckin Crunky is on the menu
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 4:56:24 PM EDT
[#10]
Make sure to ask strangers how to get to the station.

CAN YOU TELL ME HOW TO GET TO THE STATION?

Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:08:14 PM EDT
[#11]
Random stupid pic dump. It’s 11am. I’m sick and it’s a kiln outside. I’ve eaten nothing but garbage while out doing side quests: getting yen, rail passes, SIM card etc.

1st meal was Mericadonalds because nothing around the hotel is open until 10am at the earliest. Night time is crazy. It’s dead during the AM

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Room is small and has a great view

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Bathroom is functional

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I should have ate at eggslut

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Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:12:29 PM EDT
[#12]
Eggslut.  Is that CoC7?

Are the Japanese masked?
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:14:28 PM EDT
[#13]
Spent an hour at the JR south office getting Shinkansen tix. It’s like a friendly DMV that not everyone can afford to use so the clientele is nice

Some random street pics on the way. It’s hot like walking into an explosion.

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We stopped at MR Donut. Kid wanted donuts. So far I have eaten McDonald’s, a CRUNKY bar and Mr. Donut

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I’m the fatest guy here

I did see some awesome bento but in this heat you better be ready to eat it quick

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Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:17:33 PM EDT
[#14]
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:17:35 PM EDT
[#15]
Some cars from this AM

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SVJ Aventador

Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:18:05 PM EDT
[#16]
Safe travels! That is one of my bucket list countries for the food and immersion.
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:19:30 PM EDT
[#17]
Get some saki flavored Kit Kats. My daughter was in Japan for the month of April and brought me back some of those. I liked 'em.
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:52:06 PM EDT
[#18]
My wife and I just got back from Japan today. Moving our son into his college out in Kofu. Pocket wifi is a must to get train schedules on Google maps. Airport, Terminal 3 Bottom level, right next to where you pick up the wifi is a delivery company that will deliver luggage to hotels so you don't have to lug it on the trains or monorail. We got the 2 week JR passes.

We stayed in Ginza for 2 days, Kofu for 3, Osaka for 3, 5 days back in Kofu and the last night we stayed at the Royal Park at Haneda Airport.

Let me know if you have questions. Jetlag is a bitch for 2 days. You will fall asleep at 6pm and wake up at 3am lol

Mos Burger is the Japanese McDs. Lawson is the convenient store. There are beer vending machines everywhere. Individual meals are sold everywhere.
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:58:16 PM EDT
[#19]
If you hit up any auto aftermarket places. I need some lug nuts
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 10:59:59 PM EDT
[#20]
Can you find me a Japanese license plate for a Honda van?
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:09:23 PM EDT
[#21]
I'm heading over on Oct 6th. I'm already planning another trip next year. Going to do a motorcycle tour probably around Hokkaido.
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:11:40 PM EDT
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Can you find me a Japanese license plate for a Honda van?
View Quote

I need one for an EG and a DC2.
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:14:42 PM EDT
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
My wife and I just got back from Japan today. Moving our son into his college out in Kofu. Pocket wifi is a must to get train schedules on Google maps. Airport, Terminal 3 Bottom level, right next to where you pick up the wifi is a delivery company that will deliver luggage to hotels so you don't have to lug it on the trains or monorail. We got the 2 week JR passes.

We stayed in Ginza for 2 days, Kofu for 3, Osaka for 3, 5 days back in Kofu and the last night we stayed at the Royal Park at Haneda Airport.

Let me know if you have questions. Jetlag is a bitch for 2 days. You will fall asleep at 6pm and wake up at 3am lol

Mos Burger is the Japanese McDs. Lawson is the convenient store. There are beer vending machines everywhere. Individual meals are sold everywhere.
View Quote

Wish I could stay longer. This chest thing is kicking my ass and wasting time.
I'll do the luggage thing next time. I hear 7/11 does that service too. Ronin76 suggested we use the shuttle bus for the big hotels to get close to ours. I guess that is free too.

Gonna crash again and get up and try to find real food later
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:16:21 PM EDT
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I'm heading over on Oct 6th. I'm already planning another trip next year. Going to do a motorcycle tour probably around Hokkaido.
View Quote

I want to send my wife over in Dec. to see the kid. I'll come again if I can afford it. still paying off the 1st trip

Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:18:36 PM EDT
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
My wife and I just got back from Japan today. Moving our son into his college out in Kofu. Pocket wifi is a must to get train schedules on Google maps. Airport, Terminal 3 Bottom level, right next to where you pick up the wifi is a delivery company that will deliver luggage to hotels so you don't have to lug it on the trains or monorail. We got the 2 week JR passes.

We stayed in Ginza for 2 days, Kofu for 3, Osaka for 3, 5 days back in Kofu and the last night we stayed at the Royal Park at Haneda Airport.

Let me know if you have questions. Jetlag is a bitch for 2 days. You will fall asleep at 6pm and wake up at 3am lol

Mos Burger is the Japanese McDs. Lawson is the convenient store. There are beer vending machines everywhere. Individual meals are sold everywhere.
View Quote
Wife and I visited Borneo, via Taiwan (Taipei).  I don't recall any jetlag.  Also few Singapore AL non-stop, 15 some hours.

One day I'll visit Japan.  Hopefully the beer options include a good IPA. I believe Japan likes their booze
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:21:37 PM EDT
[#26]
You’re making me want to cancel my Mediterranean cruise and go to Japan instead next year

I love traveling! I go somewhere overseas every year, I hope your son has “too much fun” with the locals
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:22:47 PM EDT
[#27]
In!
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:24:38 PM EDT
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

I want to send my wife over in Dec. to see the kid. I'll come again if I can afford it. still paying off the 1st trip

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm heading over on Oct 6th. I'm already planning another trip next year. Going to do a motorcycle tour probably around Hokkaido.

I want to send my wife over in Dec. to see the kid. I'll come again if I can afford it. still paying off the 1st trip

I think of my trips as how many OT days do I have to work to pay for them. I budgeted $3500 for this upcoming trip and with flights, hotels, JR pass and pocket wifi, I'm at $2200 right now. Plenty left over over in the budget for food, drinking (I don't drink much) and whatever else.

I really wanted to stay at least one night at a capsule hotel but at 6'5, I doubt I'd fit.

Jetlag shouldn't be a problem since I work overnights already. I go to work on the 5th and will be leaving work at 3:30 am to head to the airport on the 6th.
Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:27:03 PM EDT
[#29]
Drink a Chuhai for me.


Link Posted: 9/2/2023 11:28:06 PM EDT
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Wife and I visited Borneo, via Taiwan (Taipei).  I don't recall any jetlag.  Also few Singapore AL non-stop, 15 some hours.

One day I'll visit Japan.  Hopefully the beer options include a good IPA. I believe Japan likes their booze
View Quote


I got real familiar with chochu and Nihon-shu (sake). If you just order sake they look at you like you are retarded because all alcohol is called sake. Bourbon selection is poor. Four Roses and Jim Beam. Japanese whisky is big but I'm not a fan of the flavor. Asahi and Sapporo are everywhere. They do like their beer. I has a few dark beers that were excellent at a Yakitori place while eating meats on sticks.
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 5:10:41 AM EDT
[#31]
Coedo is local beer. I hope to drink eventually but I had gout recently so I’m gunshy. Also pretty sick now.  I just slept until 6pm since noon.  Gonna trust my body needs it
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 5:28:30 AM EDT
[#32]
In Yokohama right now. Hot and humid!
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 8:04:57 AM EDT
[#33]
Still day one. Dragged our asses out of bed and grabbed food

Kid got karage but hated it.  My spicy chicken was good.  Indian guy with Korean food.

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Saw this as we left

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Popped into 7/11.  Kid got a sandwich and I grabbed a strong zero.  Tastes just like sprite.  I bet I’d think I could drive after 5 of these.  Lol

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Link Posted: 9/3/2023 8:26:43 AM EDT
[#34]
Welcome back!

Yeah, Japan is hot from June through September. I waved off a couple people who originally wanted to visit in July/August. Not recommended. It's actually starting to cool off these last few days.

Being sick while travelling is a bad deal. I'm sorry to hear you picked up something along the way here.

Looking forward to catching up with the OP on his trip back through Tokyo.

Oh, about the hotel shuttle buses - they are not free but a lot easier if you are draging a bunch of luggage. And once you board your bus from the hotel (when heading to the airport) you cannot get lost and you can just relax and enjoy the view.
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 9:48:28 AM EDT
[#35]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Welcome back!

Yeah, Japan is hot from June through September. I waved off a couple people who originally wanted to visit in July/August. Not recommended. It's actually starting to cool off these last few days.

Being sick while travelling is a bad deal. I'm sorry to hear you picked up something along the way here.

Looking forward to catching up with the OP on his trip back through Tokyo.

Oh, about the hotel shuttle buses - they are not free but a lot easier if you are draging a bunch of luggage. And once you board your bus from the hotel (when heading to the airport) you cannot get lost and you can just relax and enjoy the view.
View Quote


Oh hey man.  I’ll email when I head back to Tokyo.  Hopefully feeling better by then.  Wish I could find some aspirin or Excedrin.  Combini near me don’t seem to carry it.
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 10:04:23 AM EDT
[#36]
I lived in Kanta Mura and Negishi Heights back during elementary school years.
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 10:34:09 AM EDT
[#37]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Spent an hour at the JR south office getting Shinkansen tix. It’s like a friendly DMV that not everyone can afford to use so the clientele is nice

View Quote


Do you know about the smartEX App? It lets you buy Shinkansen tickets from your phone.

https://smart-ex.jp/en/index.php

Originally I wanted to visit in October buy my cousin who lives in Osaka said to come in September so I booked my trip for the end of September. I'm really hoping that in 2 weeks it will start cooling off.
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 10:36:02 AM EDT
[#38]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Oh hey man.  I’ll email when I head back to Tokyo.  Hopefully feeling better by then.  Wish I could find some aspirin or Excedrin.  Combini near me don’t seem to carry it.
View Quote


Gotta go to an actual drug store for most stuff like that

https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/yzoky8/a_brief_guide_to_otc_cold_and_cough_medications/
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 11:57:49 AM EDT
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Do you know about the smartEX App? It lets you buy Shinkansen tickets from your phone.

https://smart-ex.jp/en/index.php

Originally I wanted to visit in October buy my cousin who lives in Osaka said to come in September so I booked my trip for the end of September. I'm really hoping that in 2 weeks it will start cooling off.
View Quote


Having a jr pass waiting in japan for me and my kid not being eligible made that not an option.  

Also The 1997 website navigation and the 4character allowed password requirement kept me from wanting to enter my visa numbers
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 12:15:59 PM EDT
[#40]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Having a jr pass waiting in japan for me and my kid not being eligible made that not an option.  

Also The 1997 website navigation and the 4character allowed password requirement kept me from wanting to enter my visa numbers
View Quote


Ah yeah I decided against the JR Pass for my trip, it just didn't make sense for where I'm going and now I get to use the Nozomi Shinkansen and the Kesei Skyliner.

You can have an 8 character password, at least on the app.
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 12:26:44 PM EDT
[#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
My wife and I just got back from Japan today. Moving our son into his college out in Kofu….

Mos Burger is the Japanese McDs. Lawson is the convenient store. There are beer vending machines everywhere. Individual meals are sold everywhere.
View Quote


I was pretty impressed with MosBurger!!!

My last trip to Japan, my hotel was right next door to Kofu Castle.

Link Posted: 9/3/2023 4:58:58 PM EDT
[#42]
Day 2.5.  Sick AF.  Zero stars. Would not recommend
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 5:06:47 PM EDT
[#43]
COVID?
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 5:08:39 PM EDT
[#44]
Shinjuku? I've heard tale that the city is filled with demons.
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 5:17:14 PM EDT
[#45]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
COVID?
View Quote


Day 3.  Blasting headache. Dry cough. Some drainage. Fatigue. Cold I think.
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 5:17:51 PM EDT
[#46]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Shinjuku? I've heard tale that the city is filled with demons.
View Quote

Just my head at this point
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 9:11:29 PM EDT
[#47]
Slogged to higarashi Shinjuku station to Shinjuku station. Connected with the Chuo line to Tokyo station. Sitting on the bullet train platform waiting to head to Nagoya.

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Slamming OJ wherever I can find it

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Link Posted: 9/3/2023 9:17:02 PM EDT
[#48]
I'd like to visit Japan. If you need any classic Harleys snap a picture. Enjoy
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 9:17:56 PM EDT
[#49]
I do not travel, hardly leave the farm..lol. But i really want to go to japan(shame I’m married tho)..i think it stems from my love of jap stuff like kubota and Honda/Kawi/Suzuk/yammii bikes even though i mainly own ktm..

Plus, as a kid. I was a ninja. I watched all things ninja, maybe even with my karate gi and bo staff or bow and arrow.. was such a geek.
Link Posted: 9/3/2023 9:26:26 PM EDT
[#50]
He some yaktori in piss alley

Was just there last month. Love Tokyo.  See if you can get on the Mario kart tours.
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