Going to Japan - DPChallenge Forums

06/07/2005 02:24:39 PM · #1

It looks like I'll be going to Japan with a friend during the last two weeks of September this year. We'll be spending one week in and around Sapporo on Hokkaido with a mutual friend (and his wife) and then the second week we're looking to travel down on the main island (trying to decide between train, plane or ferry), hitting at least Tokyo and Kyoto with possible side trips to Nara and Hiroshima. We've already ruled out climbing Mount Fuji as it will be too late in the season. Can I get some recommendations on places to visit and the best way to travel? Perhaps some links and personal observations?

If it helps, we're both people who consider ourselves as having an appreciation of history and would probably be drawn to sites that are important to Japanese culture.

I figure this is a well traveled crew and I could benefit from someone else's hindsite.

Oh, yes, and I'll take plenty of pictures! I'm saving up for a wide-angle lens to take with me.

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

06/07/2005 02:35:01 PM · #2

Pick me up a Zeiss distagon 21mm please ;-)

HAVE FUN!

ergo

06/07/2005 02:38:19 PM · #3

Originally posted by milo655321:

trying to decide between train, plane or ferry

TRAIN!!!

Silver palace, golden palace, Daigoji temple and Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple) and Karensansui in Kyoto, Horyuji temple in Nara, Sengakuji (where the 47 ronins were buried) in Tokyo...etc...etc.

Sumo festival???

Jealous, have fun.

Message edited by author 2005-06-07 14:39:09.

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D

06/08/2005 12:28:00 AM · #4

Thank you, rgo. I've copied your stuff down. Bumping for the other side of the world crowd (especially Japan).

mcrael

Nikon D300

06/08/2005 12:30:26 AM · #5

I just returned in April from a 2 week vacation in Japan. I was tied to the Gifu City area though because I was visiting my sister who had just had her 2nd baby.

You must go to Kyoto and visit the historical landmarks, such as the famous castle of "Shogun", the Golden Pavilion, and other of the many temples in the city. Kyoto is the ancient capital city of Japan, Tokyo is the modern capital city. Notice that both names have the same letters. Coincidence?

Anyway.... I toured 5 or 6 Kyoto attractions by tourist bus tour.($120 US for a 6 hour day.) While time at each location was limited, I learned a lot about Japan from the tour guide, and saw more locations than if I had attempted to go around myself to see them.

Take also, the opportunity to just walk around the neighborhood where you will be visiting. Gifu City is not a pretty city, but it was amazing what one could stumble across as you turn a corner. Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are quite plentiful, as are the local cemeteries. Not what I had in my minds eye when I went. I came back with over 2000 pictures, some of which I hope to post for online viewing soon. (Just finished a major overhaul to my web site....).

As for travelling, Japan Rail Pass might be something for you to consider. You might have to buy that before you enter the country, and make sure the pass will take you where you want to go. I opted not to buy one because I didn't think I'd get my moneys worth out of it.

I think the Expo might still be open when you go. You should check that out too. It's in Nagoya.

mcrael

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D

06/08/2005 12:31:37 AM · #6

Oh .... and I must say - I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Japan. I plan to go back again some day....

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

06/08/2005 12:39:04 AM · #7

Milo - if you are hitting Narita then I would love to hook up with you both and show you the Narita Temple and Boso-no-Mura (Japanese traditional village) I live in Chiba and would be happy to meet you anywhere, let me know please.

The best way to travel IMO is Shinkansen (fast train) flying MIGHT be cheaper and of cause faster.

06/08/2005 10:09:05 AM · #8

Thank you, mcrael. Kyoto is already something that is definitely on our list of places to see. I've been leaning towards taking the train as it will allow us to see more countryside and perhaps engage in more conversations with our fellow travelers. When I've traveled abroad, I've always enjoyed the conversations, however struggled, with the local people.

alionic, thank you so much for the offer. There are plenty of things that are still up in the air about the trip and we might just take you up on it.

My friend, a former roommate, is a cinematographer trying to break into the business in Hollywood and the guy we're visiting is one of his other former roommates. We both have different sets of acquaintances/friends in Tokyo, so we're trying to fit in as much and as many people as possible. We're in the process of exchanging e-mails to plan exactly what we want to do. It's funny; he e-mailed me about the new digital camera he wants to get before the trip.

risu81

Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Nikon

06/08/2005 11:01:23 AM · #9

I would suggest taking the train or ferry from Hokkaido to Aomori. Lake Towada is absolutely beautiful. Late September should put you there at a good time to see all the beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges of the changing leaves. You can take a bus tour up to the lake that stops at all the popular scenic sites to take pictures.

If you really want to climb a mountain while you are in Japan, you might still be able to climb Mt. Iwaki near Hirosaki in Aomori. It offers a wonderful view an expansive valley.

If you go to Kyoto, make sure you visit Ryoanji and Arashiyama. Ryoanji is one of the most famous rock gardens in Japan. While you are in the Kansai area you should also try to attend a Hanshin Tigers baseball game if you can. It will definitely be an eye-opening experience, even if you do not like baseball.

Like mcrael mentioned, you should get the Japan Rail Pass, especially if you are going to be staying in Japan for several weeks or will be doing a lot of traveling. It won't help you on subways or private railways, but train fares add up.

Hope these ideas help.