Best length of time for first trip

[MMM]

What do you think the best length of time is for a first trip to Japan?

[JayT]

two weeks
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[GTJ]

Two weeks. Any more might start getting rough financially and socially.

[FeyOberon]

Having never been, I don't know that I really qualify to respond. That aside, it seems like a month or so would be ideal. There would be so much to take in, and I don't like to rush.

What is your opinion, MMM? I would put a lot more stock in that than in whatever I pull out of the air.

[MMM]

I am sometimes surprised by people that say "I am taking my first trip to Japan and I am going for a month" or "6 weeks" or even "90 days".

Two weeks would the perfect length of time for a first trip. With two weeks you can do a ton and never have the time to experience culture shock. I think at three weeks or beyond you have essentially "moved" to Japan, and the flight home can seem very far away, which can cause panic attacks and anxiety when in a place a foreign country as different as Japan.

[alanX]

First trip?

Good question, MMM.

I'd have to say it depends on the housing arrangements.

If it's a hotel, then about a week.
If it's a guest house, then maybe a month.
If it's a friend, then heck, stay your whole 90 day tourist period.

I'm looking at it at a financial setback point of view.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by alanX

First trip?

Good question, MMM.

I'd have to say it depends on the housing arrangements.

If it's a hotel, then about a week.
If it's a guest house, then maybe a month.
If it's a friend, then heck, stay your whole 90 day tourist period.

I'm looking at it at a financial setback point of view.

I am looking at it from the mental state and fun point of view.

[alanX]

Originally Posted by MMM

I am looking at it from the mental state and fun point of view.

Well then the 1 week-2 week hotel stay would be best bet.

[FeyOberon]

Originally Posted by MMM

Two weeks would the perfect length of time for a first trip. With two weeks you can do a ton and never have the time to experience culture shock. I think at three weeks or beyond you have essentially "moved" to Japan, and the flight home can seem very far away, which can cause panic attacks and anxiety when in a place a foreign country as different as Japan.

Ah, you mention some interesting points that I hadn't really considered. My original reaction was "3 weeks," but then I thought I would round out my answer.

And I was mostly considering the question funds not withstanding, to treat it objectively. If I ever actually got the opportunity to go, money would certainly restrict my stay.

It's encouraging to think that "less is more," so to speak.

[iPhantom]

I voted two weeks but any length of time would be appropriate as long as freaks with asian fever like me fulfill their dream there.