yeah i meant Aeon AND high class malls hahahaha. Certainly wouldn't lump Aeon in "high class malls"

I've only been to smaller Aeon marts/ supermarkets, not the departmental store version - so I have no idea. Just don't recall having to pay for any plastic bags in Japan.

Guess I'll find out next month

Yeahhhhh. It's partially work, so not very free-and-easy. It's a tour, and we're going up to Mito and Yamagata from Tokyo, then back using Shinkansen. Its an unexplored territory for me but from what I noticed and shared by the tour, Yamagata is really quiet and nothing much to do.

But its okay, its still Japan hahahahahaa and when else can you enjoy staying in 4 Star Hotel @ Japan? #cantaffordonmyown #notgonnacomplain

Amitabha. I foresee problems in the trip as well but lets embrace what may come. As long as I don't start cursing in Japanese (as the group are local Malaysians)

Yes if I'm on Free & Easy hahaha. I know Zaou area is very attractive but there'll be no time for all that because the tour arrived Yamagata in the evening, then check-in and dinner.

Next day morning, abit of time after breakfast to tour around Kajo Park & Central and then early lunch, factory visit. Factory visit ends approximately 4pm. A short visit to Nanukamachi and Gotenzeki Street, then dinner and back to Hotel.

The following day its breakfast, check-out and then take the shinkansen back to Tokyo. So based on this timing its a bit difficult to explore far; only able to roam around nearby area.

So that's the cons of it. Not expecting much as it's a work trip anyway

Since we're staying in Metropolitan Hotel in Yamagata, in my free time will use it to explore the street and nearby shops that are within walking distance. So anyway just sharing the Yamagata itinerary here for your input (if any):

3rd. DAY
TSUKUBAHITACHIOTAYAMAGATA
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Morning:-
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast and check out hotel, visit to Kairakuen Market Garden. It is a Japanese garden located in Mito, Ibaraki, Japan. It is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Proceed to Hitachiota.

Afternoon:-
Japanese Set Lunch.
Visit to Ryujin Great Suspension Bridge. It is one of the biggest suspension bridge in Japan. Continue our journey to Yamagata.

Evening:-
Japanese Set Dinner.
After dinner, check in hotel.
Note: Tonight prepare sending big luggage to Haneda Airport by luggage truck services.

4th. DAY
YAMAGATA FACTORY VISIT
Morning:-
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, proceed to visit Kajo Park and Kajo Central
(free observation deck).

Afternoon:-
Japanese Set Lunch.
Proceed for Factory Visit. (Appointment by own arrangement).

After factory visit, continue to visit Nanukamachi and Gotenzeki Street.

Evening:-
Japanese Set Dinner.
After dinner, proceed back to hotel.

5th. DAY
YAMAGATA TOKYO 
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner / On Board
Morning:-
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast and check out hotel, walk to Yamagata Station
for Bullet Train to Tokyo Station. (Approximate 2.40 hrs)

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Aug 14 2017, 09:59 AM

As most of them mentioned, don't use a JR Pass. Just get the SUICA/ PASMO IC cards for convenience of travelling from one place to another. The card can also be used like a Touch N Go. You can buy food from konbini such as Family Mart, 7-11 etc and pay with your SUICA/ PASMO.

Basically SUICA is issued by JR and PASMO is by Tokyo Metro, both can access each other's line and almost all the major rail stations/ network in Tokyo. You can get any of the card at the station and a deposit of 500yen is required when you get the card. Once you have it, all you need to do throughout the trip is just to top up the card when the credit runs low (top up available in all the stations via machine). When you return the card (in airport), you'll get your 500yen refund.

You may want to check this out too:
https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/common-ques...or-a-suica-card
http://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/

Hahahaha your list have covered most of the major attractions. Since you're there for autumn viewing, I will recommend the Shinjuku Gyoen 新宿御苑 (entrance fee 200yen for adult). Worth a visit for autumn foliage. But towards end November was just like the time I went last year, and autumn was coming to an end that time. So manage your expectation; there'll still be beautiful leaves here and there but a lot had fallen off by then.

Other places you can consider going:

- Nakano Broadway: For shopping and anime enthusiasts
- Akihabara: Worth dropping by for a visit
- Yoyogi Park: Its just next to Meiji Shrine; you can pack lunches and picnic at the park. I find it a very pleasant experience
- Tokyo Station: Souvenirs, shopping, food - go down to Basement
- Odaiba: New Gundam is almost up, hopefully in time for your time - but also go there for breath taking night view at the Decks
- Ginza: Get to Chuo Dori on a weekend morning, around 11am and enjoy the car-less road at Chuo Dori, as its closed for pedestrians - landmark: Uniqlo
- Mt Takao: If you like nature - its a vVery pleasant hike with beautiful views and chairlifts/ cable car to ride, much to see as well. Info: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3029.html

Have not stayed in Hakone or Nikko, but it is very nice to stay in a ryokan. So choose one (be it Hakone or Nikko) and splurge for the night

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Aug 14 2017, 10:57 AM

Its one of my favourite place, and I always drop by there whenever I'm in Tokyo ...while my friends shop in Uniqlo, I'll just sit down and be amazed by my surroundings.

Last year when I went in Nov, they close off the road at 11am. I remember the time coz was there too early, so we strolled along nearby streets and stopped by Lawson for some snacks before heading back close to 11.

If its some other season then I have no idea. Let me validate it next month since the tour will bring us there, I'll ask the guide.

Yeah maybe I was looking at Malaysia time loll!!!

But wow I didn't know 中央通り秋葉原地区 is also closed off at certain time for pedestrians. Think I usually avoid 秋葉原 on weekend especially Sunday as it'll be crowded. Next time must go on Sunday ady to check out 秋葉原の歩行者天国。

Yeah I kinda agree. I checked the photos of both Akihabara and Shinjuku's pedestrian heaven but it didn't look as attractive as the one in Ginza hurhur. The "feel" is a little different. Its alright, better not to make too much pre-judgment and just enjoy it before commenting

Wow nice! There are others too: https://tokyocheapo.com/shopping-2/fashion/...o-flea-markets/
Haven't had a chance to visit flea market yet, hope I could catch one next time.

You'll face no less issues in Tokyo. Even in Shinjuku station (one of the main station), I have encountered station masters who could not speak English hahaha. But they're still very helpful.

Guides are expensive but if its not an issue for you then it's fine. Otherwise few things you can do is - use translator (Google translate), body language and learn few basic Japanese words. The experience will be enriching.

Have not been to Hokkaido, but an acquaintance told me its not too different than the situation in Tokyo where most could not converse in English. However, they are still able to communicate via translator and body language.

I can only comment on Nagoya HAHAHAHA. Its a pleasant city, so enjoy your shopping and sight seeing.

Shopping street - Osu Kanon (there's also a temple nearby)
Shopping district - Sakae area
Visit the Nagoya Castle

Sadly the Nabana no Sato night illumination no more ady in Kuwano. Otherwise really well worth going.

For 2 weeks, 100,000yen is a little tight. You'll still have to pay for transport, entrance fee (if any), rides or tickets (if any), food, souvenirs/ shopping etc.

Will suggest that you bring at least 150,000yen for 2 weeks to be safe. The amount is not including your shinkansen ticket right?

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Aug 15 2017, 06:06 PM

Ain't much to do in Nagoya, those are the popular/ top places ady if you like cars, check out the Toyota Automobile Museum. Atsuta Jingu is also worth a visit, its bigger than Osu Kannon temple and there's a popular kishimen there.

Anyway for food, I'd recommend you try Nagoya's specialty - Misokatsu. Its chicken katsu but addon Nagoya's red miso sauce. It's not bad, I enjoyed it although a little salty.

Recommended place:

Yabaton Honten (the HQ/ main shop)
3-6-18 Osu, Nakaku, Nagoya 460-0011, Aichi Prefecture
Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-21:00
Cost: 1,000-2,000yen

Other Nagoya specialty: Tebasaki (fried chicken wing) & misonikomi udon. If you have the time, try them.

Gosh you're right, its pork katsu. I kept thinking it's chicken because katsu.

Malaysia you can rarely get pork katsu, it's most chikin katsu

In fact, there's only 1 place that friend found, which serves tendon. Ahhhh Daikokuya tendon... my comfort food

Maybe coz too used to Malaysia style. It's always chicken katsu here. In Japan yes, pork is more common. Brain didn't switch to Japan mode

The other one is kushikatsu, it's also piggy but in skewers. You can check Yabaton's menu here: http://www.english.yabaton.com/#menulist

Was there before 7pm but there's already a queue. It wasn't a long wait thankfully because the Honten (main branch/ HQ) is pretty big.

As for the eel, yes it was in our list but didn't manage to go for 2 main reasons:
1. We were in Atsuta Jingu on New Year's Day, a lot of shops and restaurants were not open.
2. We did came back to Nagoya last 2 days before flying off, but had plans for other places so we didn't go back to the Atsuta area.

Our trip was:
Nagoya (3 nights) -> Takayama (1 night) -> ShirakawaGo (1 night) -> Nagoya (2 nights)

While we didn't manage to do a lot of things, I think one of the best day trip we did was Kiso Valley (about an hour+ from Nagoya). It was quiet but the hike was interesting. Nature, history and appreciation for old town... I find that our trip had a good closure with the visit.

sacwoc Now in HK. I'm sure you can ask him about HK cup noodles. HAHAHAHA!

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Aug 17 2017, 09:38 AM

chinti are you talking about Nakano station/ Nakano Broadway area/ street?

The one Fyonne found is in Setagaya, 30min by car to Nakano broadway.

Tutup kedai liao.



This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Aug 17 2017, 11:46 AM