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"JAPAN" a Japan Travel Page by tigerjapan

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"JAPAN" a Japan Travel Page by tigerjapan

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tigerjapan   
Too much of a good thing is wonderful.


Real Name: Tim Field
Lives In: Tokyo-to, JP
Member Since: Oct 08, 2004
VT Rank: 666

 

Page Views: 1,357            Last Visit to Japan: -      

JAPAN

by tigerjapan - last update: Feb 21, 2005

Okonomiyaki in Asakusa
Living in Japan is one of the greatest things I have ever done. I decided to move here because i wanted to experience something totally different, to challenge me and remove me from my safety zone. It certainly did that!

One of the greatest things about Japan is how much of it's traditional world still exisits. Yes, Japan is a economic superpower of the modern world, but it holds onto it's heritage and traditions still.

I live in Tokyo, which is a neon-light filled hi-tech city, but even here i can still feel and see the remains of ancient Japan. I live in the ***amachi district, which is the original downtown area of Edo (original name for Tokyo). I chose to live here because it still has a tradtional feel and i like being able to walk around small streets with temples and old wooden houses. If i want the neon-craze a la 'Lost In Translation's' Japan, then i can jump the subway (or my bike) and head into Shibuya or Shinjuku.

Japan is an expensive place to visit, but there are ways to make your yen stretch: stay in smaller Japanese Inns or cheap Ryokans, eat cheap noodles or from smaller cheap restaurants (Japanese lunch sets are very reasonable) and buy a rail-pass in your home country.

Japan is like no other asian city. If you have a chance to come, take it!
Pachinko Spruker
If you are coming to Tokyo (or you live here) and want to save money I suggest you get one of these;

http://www.tokyocoupons.com/a.php?b=tf2102&c=index_en.htm

Anyway, just for fun here is a list of places i have been so far:

Kanto Region;

TOKYO
NIKKO
HAKONE
IZU
MT. FUJI & SURROUNDING AREA
CHICHIBU
KAMAKURA

Central Honshu Region;

INUYAMA
NAGOYA
TAKAYAMA
NAGANO

Kansai Region:

KYOTO
NARA
OSAKA
OKAYAMA
HIROSHIMA
MIYA-JIMA

Kyushu Region;

NAGASAKI

I still have so many places to see in Japan. These are not necessarily the best places to visit, just where I have have been.

If i had to recommend one area over another i would tell all tourists to deffinately see the KANSAI region first (Nara, Kyoto, Osaka). If you have a limited time, this is your best introduction to Japan.
Japan is not a difficult country to travel in. Signs are written in romanji (which means using the Roman script) and more and more information is becoming avaialble in English (and other langauages). You may find yourself using a lot of gesture to get your point across, but the Japanese are very friendly and you'll find them willing to try to understand, communicate and help. Never let the language barrier put you off.
Asakusa's Sensoji Gojuunotou

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"East meets West like nowhere else, traditional aspects of Japan, okonomiyaki and Japanese beer"
Cons:"Expense!!! But cheaper with: http://www.tokyocoupons.com/a.php?b=tf2102&c=index_en.htm"
In A Nutshell:"Japan is a must-see for any travel junkie!"
tigerjapan's Japan Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 8 - Photos: 7
 
Restaurants
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 1
 
Nightlife
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
Off The Beaten Path
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
Transportation
Tips: 3 - Photos: 3
Local Customs
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
 
Packing Lists
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Shopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips
Tips: 2 - Photos: 3

Comments for tigerjapan about Japan
orib Mon Mar 3, 2008 20:20 UTC
 Careful about taking medicine to Japan though, they have anti-stimulant drug laws the prohibit the importation of some commonly prescribed allergy and sinus medications!
SallyJesseRaphael Sun May 7, 2006 03:08 UTC
 Best nightlife overview I have read so far. Tokyo sounds like fun!!
urban4est Sat Feb 12, 2005 04:42 UTC
 nice page. I don't think when u were a kid there were such bento. little meat . Didn't see Nihon no Hata Bento, rice with pickled plum. Onigiri was typical in the 70's. Sekihan or rice with dried fish. kids today don't know how good they have it.
Kojidaiyo Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:29 UTC
 great bento page!!
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