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 Travel To Japan V11, Nippon here we come!

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midnightsunray
post Jan 21 2018, 08:24 AM

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Anyone knows if Tsukiji Market's outer area will be closed as well for April 2018? I went for the tuna auction in 2016 but I didn't manage to spend much time exploring the entire market. I heard that there is good pork katsu don (aside from just sushi and sashimi) at the outer area.

Also, is it best to change to Japanese Yen now or wait till cherry blossom season? Since I'm going to Tokyo early April, I feel that I can wait for the ringgit to climb higher against the Yen first but I would love some of your opinions.

Thanks!
midnightsunray
post Jan 23 2018, 02:33 PM

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QUOTE(sweet_pez @ Jan 21 2018, 01:02 PM)
Tentative news said relocation happening in 2018 Sept-October.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2017/10/2...d/#.WmQehHPmhnE

English translation at the bottom of article.

And no one can speculate the exchange rate for yen. Its good price now so suggest that you change some to keep.
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Thank you @sweet_pez for the info and recommendation.

I'll monitor the currency exchange for the time being.
midnightsunray
post Jan 25 2018, 05:03 PM

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QUOTE(midnightsunray @ Jan 23 2018, 02:33 PM)
Thank you @sweet_pez for the info and recommendation.

I'll monitor the currency exchange for the time being.
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I just changed some money. The rate is now RM35.80 for 1000yen.

Been checking it regularly for the past two weeks. It's the lowest I can get from Uptitle.

Note that they don't have notes smaller than 10,000yen.
midnightsunray
post Jan 26 2018, 06:22 PM

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QUOTE(yom@m@ @ Jan 26 2018, 03:11 PM)
weird question: can onigiri (salmon/tuna - no mayo) survive on an 8-hour long flight? how long can it last unrefrigerated?
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Yes, it can survive on an eight hour flight. Just that it will become room temperature by the time you reach Malaysia.


midnightsunray
post Jan 31 2018, 05:04 PM

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Hey peeps,

Is Muji considerably cheaper in Tokyo compared to Malaysia? Thought of getting a luggage bag from Muji in Tokyo during my cherry blossom trip.
There's Muji cafe too, right? Is it any good?

Also, just curious...how large is the coin luggage storage in Tokyo Station? The last time I went there in 2016, the bigger lockers were fully taken up and I think it only fits 24cm luggages? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Arigatou gozaimasu, minna-san. Domo onegaishimasu.
midnightsunray
post Feb 1 2018, 09:59 AM

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QUOTE(tohff7 @ Jan 31 2018, 11:39 PM)
Usually it's about the same price. I doubt it will be a lot cheaper.

Locker dimension - http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/pdf/info_coinlocker.pdf
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I was hoping Muji will be cheaper in Japan. Oh well.

Thanks for the info on the locker dimensions! smile.gif
midnightsunray
post Feb 2 2018, 07:04 PM

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QUOTE(sacwoc @ Feb 1 2018, 10:26 AM)
Go to Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku, and you have loads of luggage bag to chose....though will be a bit more expensive. If not you can go to Ginza chuo-dori that sells for 5000yen.
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Thanks for the recommendation!

I can't wait for my trip biggrin.gif
midnightsunray
post Feb 18 2018, 05:25 PM

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QUOTE(deodorant @ Feb 16 2018, 01:35 PM)
Tsukiji market is so international now. Weekday morning super crowded but with at least 60-70% tourists. Even the shopkeepers also know how to shout greetings in Chinese / English. I don't know if I like the change cos it feels really touristy now.

Also at the market, saw this pretty looking inari sushi, really very pretty but wahlao, expensive but horrendous, really disgrace to Japan.

user posted image

Throwback temperature during snow monsters viewing.

user posted image
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Tsukiji Market's donburi was disappointing when I had it there. The sashimi don which also had sea urchins was not only pricey but sub-par to Malaysia's Oribe.

You are right, it's very touristy now. When I went to the tuna auction in 2016, most of the people were from Europe or the States. Hardly any Asians. I went during cherry blossom season.

In 2001 when Japan still required a visa, you can still see the 'authenticity' of Japan, minus the crowd and gaijin. Also, hospitality was much better as well.

I'm not going to attempt to go to any touristy sites if I can when I go to Japan again in April. My initial plan of theme parks have been scrapped.

Having said all that, Japan still holds a special place in my heart wub.gif
midnightsunray
post Feb 20 2018, 03:14 PM

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@sweet_pez The spoiler link to the 7 Days Tokyo trip itinerary is broken. I can't access the spoiler link to common phrases too.
midnightsunray
post Feb 24 2018, 01:00 PM

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QUOTE(teng_08 @ Feb 23 2018, 08:24 PM)
Hi guys,

I'm currently searching for my flight tickets to Japan (travelling in Nov). Tentative Travel Date: 3 - 20 Nov 2018

This will be my 2nd trip to Japan. Travelling with my wife (3rd trip) and kid (1st trip).

So far I found Singapore Airlines to be the cheapest option at MYR 4,366.30 (2 adults; 1 child). Do u guys think the price is ok?

[attachmentid=9614803]

Places that we plan to go are Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, Kawaguchi, Yokohama (day trip) and maybe Zao village.
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That's a good deal. You can also try ANA and JAL to get the full Japanese experience. On ANA and JAL they serve bento boxes that are really good. I got my tickets via ANA two years ago for RM1.5k per pax. My upcoming trip via JAL is RM1.9k which I felt is expensive but at that time it was cheaper than ANA.

ANA's in-flight service is impeccable. The air stewardess are not only friendly but pretty as well (FYI I'm a straight girl) XD

This post has been edited by midnightsunray: Feb 24 2018, 01:01 PM
midnightsunray
post Feb 28 2018, 12:03 AM

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Konbanwa minnasan,

I don't know if this is the right thread to post in. Mods, I leave it up to you to remove or relocate this post. Anyway, I'm going to Tokyo in April and I have booked the Airbnb accommodation in Shinjuku.

The address was in Japanese so I asked for the English version. When I typed the English address in Google Maps I couldn't get the directions from Shinjuku Station.

All I got was 'unnamed roads' which is flabbergasting because I've gone to Japan many times and Google Maps is my Bible to get around. I don't know if it's my browser or if it's a technical error but I tried it for a couple of days.

Anyone faced similar situations before? I want to ask my host but I think it's not really her fault if Google Maps can't show me directions to the accommodation.
midnightsunray
post Mar 2 2018, 12:05 PM

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Thanks for helping out guys! I'll contact my Airbnb host closer to the date.

I can only read and write hiragana so it's quite hard to understand the kanji and katakana in Google Maps Japan.


midnightsunray
post Mar 3 2018, 11:48 AM

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QUOTE(aeviis @ Mar 2 2018, 02:06 PM)
hi =) wanna ask probably when is ANA and japan airline promo? tq
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I don't know exactly when but I think you should subscribe to their newsletter for updates. JAL's promo was announced through email when my mother signed up as a member. So best way to find out is to be in their mailing list.

Hope that helps!
midnightsunray
post Mar 3 2018, 06:01 PM

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QUOTE(tohff7 @ Mar 3 2018, 01:00 PM)
If RegentCid is still admin, he gonna scold you all keep asking airfares here haha

April is peak period, so usually there’s not much promo by ANA. Also, you wouldn’t want to risk it till last min to buy ticket. RM1.5-1.7k should be a good price for ANA Tokyo flight.

Sometimes there a Buy 1, 50% off 2nd ticket for Visa cardholders but the travel period is usually just a few months ahead
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Yeah, it's quite unpredictable for JAL or ANA promos. I got RM1.5k for ANA in April 2016 so I guess I was lucky.

For me, I prefer Japanese airlines over AirAsia because I don't want to worry about paying for luggage or food. It's not because I'm atas or what. If you can afford to fly to Japan, it's best you have a good experience from KLIA to Narita, Haneda or any airports in Japan.

TBH, I've never taken AA to Japan before but I took AA to Korea twice. It was not a good experience so if can, I will avoid AA.

BTW, the currency exchange from RM to Yen has risen quite high these past two weeks. Nasib baik I already bought my Yen but my mum still wants to buy more.

Anyone been to Kabukicho in Shinjuku? I heard there is good ramen restaurants there. I'm going with my 60 plus year old mum so I don't know if it's appropriate since it's a red light district.

We are ramen freaks so I think I'll be hunting down ramen-ya throughout my trip. Normally, I go for tonkotsu soup base as I find it's the most tasty.

Let me know! Thanks smile.gif
midnightsunray
post Mar 5 2018, 02:43 PM

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QUOTE(sweet_pez @ Mar 3 2018, 11:57 PM)
Well... as long as its related to Japan, I have no issue  unsure.gif
Most people who had been to Tokyo would not miss Kabukicho. Its relatively safe and fine, not as per your image of Chow Kit (I guess?). Dont worry and just bring your mum there. At the most you will see some yakuza but they are not an issue if you dont cause trouble.

Also, be careful not to fall for "cheap" buffet or eat-all-you-can in the area. Some of them are scams.
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Alright, thanks for the tips!
midnightsunray
post Mar 9 2018, 05:26 PM

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QUOTE(jojo_g2 @ Mar 9 2018, 12:51 PM)
Thanks for the tip. Wll look into how to integrate it into the itinerary.
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In 2016, I took a solo trip to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. It was only nine days but I woke up at 7AM and went back to the Airbnb at 12AM everyday. I managed to catch all the attractions I was planning to go including food, shopping, temples, museums, parks, etc.

So, I don't think it's a problem. Also, I took the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kansai area and flew back to Malaysia from Narita Airport.

What I would recommend is to have a pre-planned schedule and use it as a guide. Google Map every street you are planning to take. Make sure you get the train times right. Then you can make full use of your trip.

midnightsunray
post Mar 10 2018, 05:39 PM

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QUOTE(ScivanShimitar @ Mar 10 2018, 02:07 PM)
Hey guys below is my itinerary for my solo spring trip from 31st March to 13th April. I will be based in Tokyo for 7 days and Kyoto for 7 days, will be doing some daily trip with JR pass like Kamakura , Nara, Osaka and Nagoya.

Day 1 - 31st March
Arrival HND > Shinjuku Stn> Booth Netcafe Shinjuku

Day 2 - 1st April - Activate Tokyo Metro Pass (¥1500)
Morning Coffee > Shinjuku Gyoen > Meiji Jingumae Stn > Wicked Snow Kakigoori > Takeshita Street > Tower Records Shibuya > Shibuya Crossing > Airbnb checkin > Nakameguro > Bnb

Day 3 - 2nd April
Bnb > Akihabara > Bic Camera > Liberty > Deranan > Wandering around Akiba > Ameya Yokocho > Ueno Park > Bnb

Day 4 - 3rd April
Bnb > Tsukiji >JUMP Shop Tokyo Stn > Chidorigafuchi Ryokudo > Nogizaka Stn. > Zepp Diver City > Roppongi Hills > Mori Garden >Bnb

Day 5 - 4th April - Activate JR Pass
Bnb > Kamakura > Tsurugaoka Hachimangu > Enoshima > Enoshima Southern Coast > Cave > Sea Candle Tower Sunset >Bnb

Day 6 - 5th April
Bnb > Nagoya Castle > Bookoff Super Bazaar > Yamazaki River > Meeting friend for another kakigoori > Bnb

Day 7 - 6th April
Bnb > Jr to Otsuki Stn > Kawaguchiko > Wandering around the lake > Chuureito Pagoda > Free night activity at tokyo > Bnb

Day 8 - 7th April
Bnb > Meet friends > Shinkansen to Kyoto > Gion Tsujiri Kyoto Stn > Check in Kyoto hostel > Maybe a little bit of rest or some free activity

Day 9 - 8th April
Hostel > Osaka > Kema Sakuranomiya > Osaka Castle > Dotonbori > Hostel

Day 10 - 9th April
Hostel > Yoshinoyama Nara > JR Yoshinoguchi > Yoshino Stn > Hike/cable car > Go back before 3pm > Free > Hostel

Day 11 - 10th April
Hostel > Saga Arashiyama > Sagano Romantic Train 2 way > Rent bike > Togetsukyo Bridge > Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street > Nijo Castle > Free > Hostel

Day 12 - 11th April
Hostel > Philosopher's Path > Ginkakuji > Eikando > Fushimi Inari > Hostel

Day 13 - 12th April
Hostel > Kyoto Train Museum > Nishiki Market > Heian Shrine > Kiyomizudera > Maruyama > Hostel

Day 14 - 13th April
Check out hostel > Buy souvernir > KIX

Transport Cost breakdown
Day 1 - Day 4 total fares in Tokyo ¥4000
Day 1 - Day 4 non Tokyo Metro fares ¥2010
Day 2 activate Tokyo Metro Pass ¥1500
Tokyo Metro pass fare total from day 2 to day 5 ¥1980 (¥1980-¥1500=¥380) save ¥380
Day 5 activate JR Nationwide pass ¥29110
7 days JR trip fares ¥30660 (¥30660 - ¥29110= ¥1150) save ¥1150
Non JR fares from day 5 to day 11 ¥6840
Day 12 to Day 13 Fares ¥3940

Grand total including pass ¥43400

Im looking for suggestion and advice on whether my trip is doable and is there any way that I can save more on public transformation. I'm attaching the detailed breakdown of the trip in the excel file.
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Looks very packed per day. Not sure if you can fit everything especially during cherry blossom season. There are a lot of tourists and long queues so do factor in that.


midnightsunray
post Mar 12 2018, 11:35 AM

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QUOTE(ScivanShimitar @ Mar 10 2018, 06:30 PM)
Hi would you be kind enough to point out on which day seems to be too packed for you so I can consider another option and make adjustment?
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Overall it seems packed so I can't pinpoint exactly which days. Maybe you can try taking one or two items out from each day and spread out throughout the trip. For example if Day 2 has 10 items, remove one and put it to Day 3.

Just a suggestion. If you think you can visit all places in the schedule, go for it smile.gif
midnightsunray
post Mar 13 2018, 12:30 PM

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QUOTE(_ChAoS_ @ Mar 13 2018, 09:33 AM)
Full bloom is predicted to be so early this year in Tokyo? hmm.... last year i was there at 30th March and it was only just starting a little...
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I hope that I will be able to hanami this year. I'll be going to Shinjuku Gyoen on the first week of April.
midnightsunray
post Mar 18 2018, 11:15 AM

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Cherry blossoms have already started blooming in Tokyo. My trip is beginning of April. Hope I'm still able to catch it.

Based on your experience, has any of you ever caught the blooms after the forecasted date?
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