10 replies to this topic

[ShadowLink64]

こんにちは! I am going to Japan soon for two weeks, and I was wondering if anyone familiar with the country/culture had some suggestions on what to do there. I will be staying in Kyoto for most of the time for a conference, but will be in Tokyo for four days for shopping/doing whatever. I only know very simple Japanese phrases/numbers/etc., so reading Kanji is out of the question.

 

Akihabara is definitely on my list of districts to visit in Tokyo, as is that giant fish market thing, and some temples. There's lots of temples to see in Kyoto from what I hear.

 

Know of any interesting things to try when I am there? I do want to step out of my comfort zone a bit though.

[Keil]

Here's my advice from my experience in living in Nagayo for 2 and a half months

• Japanese people are humans too. They're no different from the human trash you see in the west. Treat them with equal disrespect.
• They will judge you quietly no matter how polite and perfect you believe yourself to be just because you're a foreigner
• Forget everything you learned in any Japanese class/music videos/gameshows/anime/stereotypes. Don't trouble yourself with culture. 
• If you must do something, remember how to say "please", "thank you", and "I'm in your care/treat me well" 
• Be true to your primary culture. NEVER try hard to integrate yourself into their culture. The people at the hotel/public area will accommodate TO YOU. 
• Don't be a flailing fucktard of a foreigner trying to speak Japanese. Speak English as much as possible. They know English. Quite well. 
• If you plan to say ANYTHING in Japanese, at all costs, say it with a straight face.

all with love and care~ Have fun! 

[Waser Lave]

Don't mention the war.

[tsuna27]

Im currently a college student in tokyo.

I was born in kyoto so i can help you out.

 

Kiyomizu Temple.

Im pretty sure youve seen this somewhere. The view is fantastic. the trail that leads to there is super old style japanese

http://www.japan-gui...om/e/e3901.html

 

Kinkakuji Temple

This temple was built by one of japans high class guy to show how wealthy he is by making it all in gold

http://www.japan-gui...om/e/e3908.html

 

If you gonna be in kyoto July 1st

http://en.wikipedia....ki/Gion_Matsuri

i dont think youll still be in japan durring the parade but hey looking at the giant car thing is pretty cool too.

 

Tokyo.

not sure what your interested in but 

Tsukiji is the fishmarket. if you wanna check out the actual auctioning of fishes you gotta get there around 5am. or you can get there early as you can when you wake uo and they still would have fresh fish that shops will love to prepare for you.

 

If your going Akihabara check out a place called Asakusa. if you take the "Tsukuba Express" trainline youll pass stop at Asakusa before going to Akihabara.

in Asakusa they have a huge buddist temple 

http://en.wikipedia....g/wiki/Sensō-ji

 

then from there you can walk or take a train (1 stop) to the Tokyo Sky Tree (its the second tallest structure in the world) take a look around there and go to akihabara!

 

Pm me if you need to know something id be glad to help!

[Honey]

For the tourist attractions tsuna already mentioned everything you should check in these 2 weeks.

 

But the most Japanese don't speak English! Even in Tokyo you'll meet people who won't understand anything you say.

In case that you need some help or information make sure that you have something to write. Pen and paper, your phone ....

We learn English by reading grammar books and learning vocabular but with this we don't understand spoken English *sigh*

 

And there are 2 types of Japanese.

The friendly, open-minded ones, who will do everything to help a lost foreigner even if they don't speak English.

And the anxious ones. You'll meet them at the country sides or smaller town. They're really afraid of tall, blond foreigners.

So don't be surprised if the run away when they see you  ^_-

 

Maybe you should visit a Izakaya? It's quite fun there

[Syntax]

Save a picture of where you're going so if you meet someone who doesn't know how to speak english you can point to the picture and mime asking for directions.

[luvsmyncis]

They're really afraid of tall, blond foreigners.
So don't be surprised if the run away when they see you  ^_-

I also wouldn't be surprised if they ran TO HIM trying to take a picture with him and then they bow and say "Thank you, Napoleon. GAH!"

[KaibaSama]

If you like manga, the manga museum is nice. (can't remember if that's in Tokyo or Kyoto though)

Tokyo Zoo is good too.

Akihabra is a wonderful choice. (you might find a maid cafe or two, my cousin and uncle found one).

The Japanese have built malls underground as well, so I'd recommend checking that out.

As for temples, don't visit too many you'll get bruned out with them. 

Try the food, I love Japanese food and having it cooked by the Japanese makes it taste wonderful. 

 

~Source of Info, I've been to Japan twice.

[Elindoril]

Club MOGRA

Be prepared for weeaboo stuff.

[tom12]

never been... Would love to go , your lucky!!!!! my suggestions are simple : HAVE FUN! take lots of pictures(like they do here LOL!), make lots of memories, and above all enjoy some awesome authentic japanese food!!!!!!!

[Galadriel]

talking point: Spirited Away.