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So I'm going to Japan this May to visit my brother, he's been stationed at NAF Atsugi for about half a year now and is looking forward to seeing some family and taking his first chunk of leave in a while. The first week is what we have in writing from his command for leave, and we have it pretty planned out. (I have a 14 day JR rail pass lined up for myself) and it was originally just going to be that week, but my mother wisely pointed out that if I'm going for a week and spending the money on the plane ticket. I might as well go for two weeks and really stretch my legs out. My brother and I have Tokyo fairly well covered (the weekend I get there there's even a big shrine festival!) and we're going to run out on a day trip to Hiroshima. I know we have some Japanese , expats living in Japan, and some generally well traveled dakkaunauts around, so my question is, where to next? I like the sound of a hot springs, and I hear Japanese beaches are quite pleasant as well. In general I tend to try to get the actual culture and skip tourist traps if at all humanly possible.
It's worth noting that I speak practically no Japanese. (I can apologize, say hello and ask where the head is and that's about it) my brother had informed me that he'll be providing me with all the stuff the Navy hands out to make sailors and Marines slightly less offensive gaijin then normal. So hopefully that'll help.
I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
If you've got the time, head north. I did nearly 8 years at Misawa, and I couldn't think of a better place. N. Japan is drastically differant from the Tokyo region. Much more laid back, and less cancer in the air from the millions of vehicles running at all hours of the day.
Misawa and lots of the surrounding region also has all of it's road signs in English, with the strong American presence. If you do decide to go, let me know and I'll tell you some of the best places to eat.
Used to have a house in Japan but now I am back in the UK however with a Japanese wife of 16 years I am fairly familiar with a lot of the good stuff.
If you are going to Hiroshima it is worth taking a side tour to Miyajima island which is nearby.
While going back to Tokyo, consider a day or two (or three) in Kyoto and Nara. A night in a ryokan (traditional inn) is an interesting visit in Kyoto.
Some people like Osaka. I have never been there myself but it could be worth a visit as Japan's second city. It could be put into a Hiroshima-Kyoto journey.
However, with a 14 day JR pass you can afford to go to those places as extra trips.
Some of the best onsen are in the Hakone mountain region around Lake Ashino. It can easily be reached from Tokyo on the Odakyu line. Atsugi is on the Odakyu line so it would be easy. There is a castle at Odawara near Hakone, and boat trips and mountain walking and cable cars, etc. Several nice museums including a museum of toys and an outdoor sculpture museum. Get yourself a Pasmo card for easy ticketing on Odakyu and the greater Tokyo area.
I also recommend taking the slow train from Fujisawa to Enoshima and Kamakura, also part of the Odakyu line system. It can easily be done as a day trip from Atsugi but if you want to visit both places it may be better to stay one night or go twice, depending on timing and money.
If you go north-east from Tokyo you can easily get to the Nikko area which has loads of temples etc. including the mausoleum of the first Tokugawa shogun. There are onsen in the region too.
Try to avoid the Golden Week holiday in early May if you can. Half the population is on the move and prices for hotels are at their peak.
If your brother can provide a cultural and language crib that should help you over the rough spots. While English is widely sign-posted it is less widely spoken though typically it is easy to make yourself understood when trying to spend money!
djones520 wrote: If you've got the time, head north. I did nearly 8 years at Misawa, and I couldn't think of a better place. N. Japan is drastically differant from the Tokyo region. Much more laid back, and less cancer in the air from the millions of vehicles running at all hours of the day.
Misawa and lots of the surrounding region also has all of it's road signs in English, with the strong American presence. If you do decide to go, let me know and I'll tell you some of the best places to eat.
We'll see if we get up there, my brother and I will probably break a map out at some point and start planning, where should we go for chow? (It's my fervent belief that food is the heart of all culture)
Killkrazy thank very you for your detailed advice and suggestions, we were actually looking at some ryokan, though not in Kyoto, but we're probably gonna adjust the Hiroshima trip out to something a bit longer. I was aware of Golden Week, thankfully I'm going in late May and leaving in early June, it's a pity I'm missing the Cherry blossoms though. Nikko sounds interesting as well. The travel will depend a little, my brother isn't too worried about money, he's like me and saves well, and he's about to be on the boat for a couple months so he'll quickly recoup his losses, but I wouldn't want to be too hard on him just because I'm abusing my JR pass.
Culture wise I'm not too bad though I won't call myself experienced or an expert. I'm taking my time and studying though, last thing I want to be is one of "those" Americans. I actually don't know how my brother's Japanese is, but I'd guess it's pretty poor still. He hasn't had a chance to really start studying, plenty to learn for work first.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/03/28 14:13:33
I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
Cherry blossoms are two weeks early this year so they will be gone by early April, as it happens.
A lot of overnight trips can be done fairly economically by using a local travel agent -- Japan Travel Bureau -- to set you up with deals. Of course it is easier if you have a Japanese friend to do the explaining.
In terms of the culture if you just learn important phrases like please, thank you, I don't speak Japanese, and the key behaviours (like wash and rinse outside the bath) then just be normally polite and not shouty and you will get along fine.
There is two restaurants that I'd highly suggest, and a few other various places that are good (mind you, this is in Misawa, I don't know squat about other parts of the country).
Sapporo Ramen (more popularly known as Yellow House Ramen). Best ramen in the city, they cook it Sapporo style, as the name suggests. It could be found on the SE outskirts of the city. I can give you better directions if you do decide your going to go.
Cheese Roll Noodle Shop. Best place in town to get cheese rolls since Companions closed about a decade ago. They have also been recognized as one of the best yakisoba places in the country. Price is fair, and they accepted American, at least they did 5 years ago, not sure if anythings changed. It was in a bit of an alley towards the center of downtown.
Best chinese food place in town would be Karimba's. Many would tell you The New Sauno, but trust me Karimba's is where it's at. Located just a little ways up the road from the ramen shop I mentioned.
If your looking for silly food, Pizza and Curry. At the very end of White Pole Road (maybe a differant color now, I first knew it as Green Pole, and then it got changed to White), on the second floor of a shop. Their curry is made in varying levels of spice, numbered 1-25 and then X, XX, XXX. I only ever went up to about 15. XXX is one of those things you do when your trying to show how large your nuts are, while showing how small your brain is.
But Misawa would be a good place for you two to stage out of. Stay at the inn on base, and then you can go visit Hachinohe, Sapporo, Lake Towada, etc... tons of great things to do up there.
KalashnikovMarine wrote: So I'm going to Japan this May to visit my brother, he's been stationed at NAF Atsugi for about half a year now and is looking forward to seeing some family and taking his first chunk of leave in a while. The first week is what we have in writing from his command for leave, and we have it pretty planned out. (I have a 14 day JR rail pass lined up for myself) and it was originally just going to be that week, but my mother wisely pointed out that if I'm going for a week and spending the money on the plane ticket. I might as well go for two weeks and really stretch my legs out. My brother and I have Tokyo fairly well covered (the weekend I get there there's even a big shrine festival!) and we're going to run out on a day trip to Hiroshima. I know we have some Japanese , expats living in Japan, and some generally well traveled dakkaunauts around, so my question is, where to next? I like the sound of a hot springs, and I hear Japanese beaches are quite pleasant as well. In general I tend to try to get the actual culture and skip tourist traps if at all humanly possible.
It's worth noting that I speak practically no Japanese. (I can apologize, say hello and ask where the head is and that's about it) my brother had informed me that he'll be providing me with all the stuff the Navy hands out to make sailors and Marines slightly less offensive gaijin then normal. So hopefully that'll help.
Good lord. If I had a week in Japan, I'd definitely try to find a way to spend some time in a traditional martial arts dojo. Once in a lifetime opportunity.
A friend of mine went to Japan 2 years ago (from memory) and he loved the whole 4 weeks he was there. He did mention though that he and his group had trouble getting into a few restaurants due to exposed tattoos on arms and necks. Could be something to keep in mind when eating out.
Good lord. If I had a week in Japan, I'd definitely try to find a way to spend some time in a traditional martial arts dojo. Once in a lifetime opportunity.
True, but with any luck I'm being accepted as a disciple by Iwakabe Hideki Sensei of Muso-Shinden-Ryu Iaido this fall, so I can get traditional training without the plane ticket.
Snrub wrote: A friend of mine went to Japan 2 years ago (from memory) and he loved the whole 4 weeks he was there. He did mention though that he and his group had trouble getting into a few restaurants due to exposed tattoos on arms and necks. Could be something to keep in mind when eating out.
Yeah I was wondering about that, good thing my brother and I both have out ink well covered.
I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
Snrub wrote: A friend of mine went to Japan 2 years ago (from memory) and he loved the whole 4 weeks he was there. He did mention though that he and his group had trouble getting into a few restaurants due to exposed tattoos on arms and necks. Could be something to keep in mind when eating out.
It is the yakuza connection.
I hope you will not have trouble in onsen.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/03/28 20:51:07
Snrub wrote: A friend of mine went to Japan 2 years ago (from memory) and he loved the whole 4 weeks he was there. He did mention though that he and his group had trouble getting into a few restaurants due to exposed tattoos on arms and necks. Could be something to keep in mind when eating out.
It is the yakuza connection.
I hope you will not have trouble in onsen.
ooh... that could be an issue :-\
DR:80+S++G+M+B+I+Pwmhd11#++D++A++++/sWD-R++++T(S)DM+ Ask me about Brushfire or Endless: Fantasy Tactics
I lived here for two years. Takachiho in Northern Miyazaki. It is just on the border of Kumamoto Prefecture, by the Aso-san region. If you only have two weeks, it is a bit of a mission, but well worth getting to Kumamoto, Aso and Takachiho, in my opinion.
Kyoto and Osaka are both great. I'd recommend Kyoto for sightseeing and Osaka for nights out. The two are very close together and you can do both as practically a single trip.
In Tokyo, don't skip Harajuku. Also, a wise man climbs Mt Fuji, but only a fool climbs Mt Fuji twice...
Not exactly PC to suggest this, but I suggest finding yourself some female company so you can experience the... fun of a Love Hotel. (I mean pull a girl in a bar or club, by the way, not hire a prostitute, but you'll undoubtedly have to turn some pimps away at some stage)
Though guards may sleep and ships may lay at anchor, our foes know full well that big guns never tire.
Snrub wrote: A friend of mine went to Japan 2 years ago (from memory) and he loved the whole 4 weeks he was there. He did mention though that he and his group had trouble getting into a few restaurants due to exposed tattoos on arms and necks. Could be something to keep in mind when eating out.
It is the yakuza connection.
I hope you will not have trouble in onsen.
I don't have enough coverage or color in my ink to be mistaken for Yakuza ^^; well I'll just hope for the best on that score.
*writes down Heartland Bar*
Heh that sounds like an amusing trip even if I just play catch and release all night. My brother and I were gonna hit Roppongi any way so now we have a destination in mind. We're not the worst looking white guys in the world either so we should do fine.
Takachiho looks gorgeous Fifty, pinning that one to the potentials board.
I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
Snrub wrote: A friend of mine went to Japan 2 years ago (from memory) and he loved the whole 4 weeks he was there. He did mention though that he and his group had trouble getting into a few restaurants due to exposed tattoos on arms and necks. Could be something to keep in mind when eating out.
It is the yakuza connection.
I hope you will not have trouble in onsen.
I don't have enough coverage or color in my ink to be mistaken for Yakuza ^^; well I'll just hope for the best on that score.
*writes down Heartland Bar*
Heh that sounds like an amusing trip even if I just play catch and release all night. My brother and I were gonna hit Roppongi any way so now we have a destination in mind. We're not the worst looking white guys in the world either so we should do fine.
Takachiho looks gorgeous Fifty, pinning that one to the potentials board.
It doesn't matter, I don't have much ink but I've been turned away at onsen before. It's the social stigma. The further outside a city, the stronger the reaction in my experience. Sad, I wanted the Jigokudani (hell valley: some onsens are located in "hells" or natural springs areas) experience but at least I got to see the monkeys after climbing the freaking mountain in all that snow.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/03/29 01:00:20
Six mistakes mankind keeps making century after century: Believing that personal gain is made by crushing others; Worrying about things that cannot be changed or corrected; Insisting that a thing is impossible because we cannot accomplish it; Refusing to set aside trivial preferences; Neglecting development and refinement of the mind; Attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do
Go to backstreet Onsen in Kyoto and if you get really lucky you might even get to share a tub with a full-on Yakuza. That was an interesting experience.
Though guards may sleep and ships may lay at anchor, our foes know full well that big guns never tire.
Heh my buddy who's stationed on Oki ran into one in a bar. Friendly guy apparently, kinda reminded him of meeting hells angels he said, intimidating at first, and you're aware they're dangerous, but not bad guys over all. Apparently the guy they met was even nice enough to force another patron to apologize to them for insulting him (my buddy) and his girlfriend. (Something extremely xenophobic and unkind was muttered apparently)
I think however that's one cultural experience I can afford to skip, also like hanging out with Hell's Angels.
I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
KalashnikovMarine wrote: Heh my buddy who's stationed on Oki ran into one in a bar. Friendly guy apparently, kinda reminded him of meeting hells angels he said, intimidating at first, and you're aware they're dangerous, but not bad guys over all. Apparently the guy they met was even nice enough to force another patron to apologize to them for insulting him (my buddy) and his girlfriend. (Something extremely xenophobic and unkind was muttered apparently)
I think however that's one cultural experience I can afford to skip, also like hanging out with Hell's Angels.
I went camping with some Japanese friends in the Chi-Chi-Bu area and was sunning myself on a rock after bathing in the river (clothed by this time) when a group of Yakuza with a couple of chimpura walked by. They stopped and said hi and practiced the little English they knew while I did the same with the little Japanese I knew. Turns out they were picknicking nearby with their families. Nice folks. Though they did joke about my one tattoo a bit but it was good natured ribbing.
Six mistakes mankind keeps making century after century: Believing that personal gain is made by crushing others; Worrying about things that cannot be changed or corrected; Insisting that a thing is impossible because we cannot accomplish it; Refusing to set aside trivial preferences; Neglecting development and refinement of the mind; Attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do
I would suggest to skip the beaches, they are not worthy in my opinion unless you go to Kyushu or Okinawa plus around the Kobe area displaying tattoos is forbidden now
M.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/03/29 03:48:53
Jenkins: You don't have jurisdiction here!
Smith Jamison: We aren't here, which means when we open up on you and shred your bodies with automatic fire then this will never have happened.
About the Clans: "Those brief outbursts of sense can't hold back the wave of sibko bred, over hormoned sociopaths that they crank out though."
Wow... well I suppose it makes sense considering tattoos in Japan are primarily connected with gang activity... depending on your views of the U.S. Marines I suppose mine could be said to be similar. Probably not much different then ordinances against "throwing colors" in some cities. Well except this directly inconveniences me of course.
Speaking of Kobe I almost walked out a restaurant the other day, they said they had a kobe beef burger, I was more upset about the insult to my intelligence then the lie itself. Implying they could get it is laughable enough, that the burger didn't cost a couple hundred bucks just proves it. Though I suppose as a lover of food and cooking I could also take umbrage that they'd use Kobe beef for a freaking hamburger.
KalashnikovMarine wrote: Heh my buddy who's stationed on Oki ran into one in a bar. Friendly guy apparently, kinda reminded him of meeting hells angels he said, intimidating at first, and you're aware they're dangerous, but not bad guys over all. Apparently the guy they met was even nice enough to force another patron to apologize to them for insulting him (my buddy) and his girlfriend. (Something extremely xenophobic and unkind was muttered apparently)
I think however that's one cultural experience I can afford to skip, also like hanging out with Hell's Angels.
I went camping with some Japanese friends in the Chi-Chi-Bu area and was sunning myself on a rock after bathing in the river (clothed by this time) when a group of Yakuza with a couple of chimaera walked by. They stopped and said hi and practiced the little English they knew while I did the same with the little Japanese I knew. Turns out they were picknicking nearby with their families. Nice folks. Though they did joke about my one tattoo a bit but it was good natured ribbing.
Interesting, had to be initially a little hair raising eh? I'm not worried about Yakuza when they're off the clock, I assume they want to go home or get out of town and chill too. During their work hours is of course an entirely different matter.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/03/29 04:20:39
I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
It's something that happens because snob people are usually not very bright . Kobe beef is a certain type of beef that has been brought up in the Kobe area and it's expensive mainly because producers take care to limit supply (but not that much if you know to skip the fancy places), and suffers from the same issues than GW figures. Because it's the "best" must be expensive and if it's not expensive it cannot be Kobe beef.
On the other hand Tajima beef (the cattle variety) is more widespread, it's currently exported to other countries and probably it's what that restaurant offered as it's cheaper due to not having to pay for the trademark and ofc most people wouldn't know one from the other as it's esentially the same cow, just born at the wrong side of the line So the restaurant calls it Kobe beef, banks on snobbiness to covee up the difference and everybody is happy (except for people that really know their stuff) but if the restaurant was legit they were not offering a really inferior meat.
M.
Jenkins: You don't have jurisdiction here!
Smith Jamison: We aren't here, which means when we open up on you and shred your bodies with automatic fire then this will never have happened.
About the Clans: "Those brief outbursts of sense can't hold back the wave of sibko bred, over hormoned sociopaths that they crank out though."
I thought the Kobe beef was not just a regional thing but also diet and care, I saw some show where they were given beef and massages and listened to music.
Or have I been hoodwinked?
Also, you may find this video helpful. Just make sure there's noone else around... at all...
Wagyu (Japanese cattle) is the name for the style of beef raised in Kobe and other areas. It is sometimes called Wagyu in western restaurants. There are Wagyu producers outside Japan.
Another example of the Japanese ignoring the rest of the world and losing the chance to get an "Appellation Controlee" mark on their genuine local products.
Personally I think Wagyu is wasted in a burger and should be eaten in sukiyaki.
Kilkrazy wrote: Wagyu (Japanese cattle) is the name for the style of beef raised in Kobe and other areas. It is sometimes called Wagyu in western restaurants. There are Wagyu producers outside Japan.
Another example of the Japanese ignoring the rest of the world and losing the chance to get an "Appellation Controlee" mark on their genuine local products.
Personally I think Wagyu is wasted in a burger and should be eaten in sukiyaki.
Amen to that last part. There is actually an American breed of Wagyu but I haven't tried it yet so can't attest to the quality.. http://wagyu.org/
Automatically Appended Next Post:
MeanGreenStompa wrote: I thought the Kobe beef was not just a regional thing but also diet and care, I saw some show where they were given beef and massages and listened to music.
Or have I been hoodwinked?
Also, you may find this video helpful. Just make sure there's noone else around... at all...
Ah Vermillion Pleasure Night, funny show.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/03/29 15:47:55
Six mistakes mankind keeps making century after century: Believing that personal gain is made by crushing others; Worrying about things that cannot be changed or corrected; Insisting that a thing is impossible because we cannot accomplish it; Refusing to set aside trivial preferences; Neglecting development and refinement of the mind; Attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do
- 1000; 3-2-0 
So the restaurant calls it Kobe beef, banks on snobbiness to covee up the difference and everybody is happy (except for people that really know their stuff) but if the restaurant was legit they were not offering a really inferior meat.
