Advice for Backpacking in Japan
 

Yes, yes... some may call me insane, stupid or whatnot... but I aim to backpack in Japan for a couple weeks during April/May (Whenever my exams finish...)

First order of business... does anyone know any efficient ways to deal with airfare? I haven't seen any topics during my two days of lurking... so... ideas?

Next, I checked out the hotels topic - that was immensely helpful - no questions needed.

Three... I'm under the impression that Tokyo is small - tiny - miniature. Would it be practical to walk everywhere? I mean, I live in Toronto and I bike/blade everywhere 'cause everything's just so close. Then again... I have biked out to Aurora, up Yonge street...

Next... what exactly should I bring - I want to travel as light as possible. Chances are, I'll be wearing some of my custom clothing so I can just stuff everything I need in a pocket. However, there's the question of toiletries, a change of clothes, etc. As much as I like traveling light, I enjoy being clean.

That brings up another question... I have rather long hair and I've seen that the last summer in Japan was absolutely scorching... should I depart with my hair? Being Canadian an' all... the heat really irks me.

A list of awesome places to eat would be helpful. The only condition is that I absolutely detest seafood (yes, yes... I know that this trip is a rather terrible combination for this...). Hopefully, I'll be able to pick up some recipes, though. Learning is good.

Err... what else...? I was wondering if I should see some other places like Osaka and Kyoto. I'm a double major in religion and philosophy and a minor in East Asian Studies (Japan)... so... I figured I should check out some temples. In fact, I'm contemplating spending a few days there as a monk (layman).


On another note... is there anywhere I should scout for snowboarding? I mean, I'll be heading over there for an exchange trip that coming September school-year... it'd be absolutely awesome if I could board a bit while I'm there.


I think that's all, for the moment.

Wow... I've never associated Tokyo with being small... There are about as many people in the greater Tokyo area as in the whole of Canada. Walking to train stations would be practical, because it could take you many hours to walk from Shibuya to Asakusa, for example....

Please say you were kidding!

I think he is referring to the "Tokyo" as in Tokyo area around the station. Its insane to say tokyo is small, just look at the crazy transit map

And while you enjoy your rollerblading and biking in Canada (I am from Markham myself, so i do bike a lot), you don't want to make yourself stand out, "making a statement" in japan is not advisable. So do spend some time researching how everone else dress and act before making a decision on how you will travel

backpacking is doable, I've done it before, but its not easy, we only took about 4 days worth of clothing, thinking that we can just use coin laundry.. but we end up haing to buy a few t shirts and jeans when we were there.

I am not sure what do you mean by an "Efficient way to deal with airfare"? You mean how to pay for it, or how to search for a flight? To search for a flight, you can either go with JTB Canada, they are just off of Carlton and Yonge, or IACE travel, which I don't know their actual location, I usually just purchase E-Tickets form them

The hair thing, its a personal preference, I always keep my hair short because i sweat a lot and can't sleep with long hair, and the heat will be worse in Japan comparing to Toronto, its not just hot, its humid....

Not sure how you will "pick up" recipes on the trip, I copy most of my recipes online. You can find TONES of Japanese food recipes, and if you can read japanese, use Google.co.jp, it makes it just that much more authentic.

Japan is not just only about seafood, whoever told you that is ignorant, if you don't like it, you always have other non-seafood choices, for most of my trips, we actually rarely have any seafood, seafood is something that you really have to go to specific places for, most restaurante around will serve non-seafood items

Snowboarding, you will have to go to Furano for the best snow... but i believe there are some palces around Aomori for it too

I persoinally beleive that to really travel Japan, Tokyo shouldn't be your focus. Instead you should spend more time in places that is filled with more culture and history, so yes Kyoto will be a good choice. Osaka offer almost everything that Tokyo has to offer, plus good food. Yokohama, along the bay area has a lot of historic background that you can investigate into

I agree with Godwine, I'd visit the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc) instead of Tokyo. Much more variety and historical places, hiking, etc.

For clothes, bring what you want and do laundry when it gets dirty. If you are small enough you can even buy more clothes there.

There are lots of non-seafood Japanese food... look for donburi, tonkatsu, kara'age, yakisoba, etc.

Snowboarding is best somewhere in the Japan Alps.

Shouldn't be scorching or overly humid at that time in Tokyo. So you'll survive just fine heat wise. I actually did a trip up to Tokyo from Osaka at the end of May 2007 and wished I'd bought a jumper with me as it was cooler than I expected. Down south it might be warmer, but the bulk of the heavy summer weather doesn't really kick in until June really. Anticipate rain (and possibly shedloads of it) if you hit the end of May/June time.

Yes the central area is small, No the whole city is MASSIVE. As in, you can sit on a train for 40 mins and still not really cross the city. Are ~things~ there small? In terms of road width, yes, so if you do skate be aware of your surroundings and remember, pedestrians have right of way and they won't get out of your path. You'll have to wait or go around them.

Travel towel, small padlock (combination not key), get an all-in-one skin/hair/clothing soap (lush's solid shampoo's are perfect for this) so you can at least wash out socks and things in the sink. Bear in mind hostels don't really like you hanging laundry around the room but many offer a cheap laundry service, although primarily only in bigger places. Phrasebook/dictionary and map that has BOTH romaji (latin letters) and kanji. If you don't speak or read much Japanese having both will be more useful than just romaji if you need to identify a sign or ask directions. Shoes that ideally come off easily- it's a faff doing laces all the time if you're visiting temples/houses etc. Maybe A piece of paper that lists any important allergies/medical info in Japanese, in case of emergency. If you're out in the sticks, or a smaller town, sometimes it can be harder to find an english speaking doctor, so in the worst case scenario that you need immediate attention having that info to hand is essential. Coin purse. waterproof coat.

I would certainly consider seeing Kyoto if you're a religion major, and Nara or Hiroshima/Miyajima rather than Osaka. Some of the oldest and most important shrines and temples are in these cities, and (I'm lead to believe) somewhat different to the ones in Tokyo.

Hours? It takes hours to get from Shibuya to other districts? Erm... scaling was never a specialty of mine... but seriously... I figure that Japan is incredibly tiny compared to Ontario... I figure that it'd be a walk in the park... I guess not... I'll still walk everywhere, probably. That's insanity for you, at its height, mind you.

Also, what's so bad about "making a statement"? I do that here and I haven't been shot, kidnapped, reprimanded, etc. yet... I mean, my hair is down to my posterior, that draws attention as is, and I don't think I'll have the heart to take a blade to it.

When I say "efficient" I'll be honest and say "cheap". I'm not a huge stick in the mud with spending a bit, but I'll save where I can. JTB looks pretty awesome for smart flights, though. Thanks.

The question of heat is: it may be alright for you, but is it alright for me? I've earned the nickname "snowman" among friends. If I'm out any more than I am, during the summer, I'm sure I'll melt.

As for recipes... I think I went ahead of myself... it's not like there are English recipe books... over there, I mean.

As for seafood - it's not all they have, for sure; but, it's no small part of their diet, I think.


Sweet snowboarding direction. I'll be sure to check 'em out next school year.


I've gotta take note of all these places and do some personal investigation... it'll be a long while before I can get to that... curse university studies!


Specifically, Sam's comment on being small enough to fit into their clothes... that's a blow to the ego, if I've ever seen one. I may be half Japanese, and short... but I have a strong build. Japanese people, being the twigs they are... it'd be tight, methinks... I'll just retreat to my corner now...



Hm... so... what I gather is that I'll probably take two other sets of clothes, other than the ones I would wear...

a coin pouch for the yen coins...

a travel towel...

soap/shampoo/conditioner mix...

a phrase dictionary...

and a lock...

[quote=Swordmaster;830905] Hours? It takes hours to get from Shibuya to other districts? Erm... scaling was never a specialty of mine... but seriously... I figure that Japan is incredibly tiny compared to Ontario... I figure that it'd be a walk in the park... I guess not... I'll still walk everywhere, probably. That's insanity for you, at its height, mind you. The entire country of Japan is about 1/3 the size of Ontario.

I guess I am confused as to what you want to do. Are you wanting to backpack Tokyo, or get out there and see more of the country? Backpacking Tokyo seems a little silly, to me. I am not sure why you would want to walk everywhere spending all day getting from one place to the next when you can get there for $1.50 in 10 or 15 minutes. It isn't like most of Tokyo is really beautiful to look at.

Since you asked, it makes things harder for other foreigners living in Japan when people come over and draw a lot of attention to themselves. It isn't a big deal.

April/May should be fine....June it starts getting warmer.

I guess the more important question is, where are you planning on cooking?

You can easily survive in Japan without ever eating fish.

They aren't all twigs. Trust me.

Just curious, where are you planning on staying at night? Backpacking in Japan is different than in Europe. You can't just sleep on a bench or put up a tent in the park. I guess I am not understanding the plan well.

Well, all that I am saying is to avoid anything (action, the way you dress, the way you speak etc) that attract attention. Being a foreigner stood out enough as is

Err... I suppose I really should just get a rail pass and take the train...

As for cooking... I was originally just thinking about picking up recipes and bringing them hope to make - but it doesn't really work too well since I wouldn't be able to read the recipe. That, and I can just search it up over here...

I hope they don't have weird temperatures like we did over here...

As for the fact of them being not being complete twigs... that's a relief... I can get extra clothes!

As for staying the night, I looked at some of the hostels - they look rather well-priced for this frugal university student. Although, I will intend to stay at a ryokan for a night in the very least.


As for being a foreigner... there's not way they'll know, unless I keep this terrible tan and open my big mouth.

not if you are planning on staying in Tokyo the whole time. It would be a waste of money.

You mean "home", but home where? There are tons of Japanese recipe books in English, but where are you going to be cooking in Japan?

You will be pegged as a foreigner from a mile away by your hair, clothes and the way you walk.

Oh beans... I'll have to watch my grammar... being hyped up on sugar isn't the best of states, methinks...


In any case...

I'm pretty sure I'll be traveling a good deal since I'm going with my cousin.

In terms of home, I mean home-home. Home-here.

And... that another stake to the heart. Seriously... people like taking shots at my ego, as of late...

I didn't know that we have a particular way of walking, though? Clothing-wise... I'm rather plain... I doubt I can be identified as much? And, the hair... it's... straight and long, and dark brown...? I think I'll be able to blend in...

Check out these cook books. They are pretty good:

VERTICAL

I hope I didn't take a shot at your ego.

Yes, westerners have a particular way of walking. It is different from how Japanese (or at least urban dwellers) walk.

Your hair is down to your rear, right? And your clothes may be plain, but they will be different. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Japan as a country is roughly a good way to being half the size of Europe. It's maybe small compared to China, but it's still big, and considering you're only going for 2 weeks or so, disorganised traveling will eat up all your time and waste it.

My Canadian friends survived and they were all from Calgary. You'll be fine.

BZZT. Wrong! There are lots! Look around in big bookstores in Tokyo or Kyoto and there'll be at least a handful of translated books; some are even dual language. I bought several while I was in Japan.

It's more common than you might find somewhere landlocked, but it's by no means unavoidable, unless you're actually full on allergic when you might have more issue with trace seafood. Contrary to popular believe, some japanese people hate seafood too, and they survive just fine.

Sweet, English cook books (hopefully they'll be sweeter).

Vertical? There are tall Japanese people? They're probably of mainly Korean/Chinese descent... if there were a pureblood Japanese person taller than I... my Japanese half wouldn't mind... but heck... the black and white ego in me would have shrunk two sizes too small.

Ie, ie. Don't worry about it, I just like joking around. If it was that easy to take shots at my ego, I'd be one pessimistic person.

A way of walking... hm... I shall need to study this "Japanese-way of walking"...

And, yes... my hair is down to my rear. Well... my upper thigh...




I still can't get it through my head that Japan is actually pretty big... I mean... if you look at everywhere else, it's... squint-worthy.

Calgary? It's hot over there... heck... I was dying during the summer over here.

The question of seafood... I'm not allergic to it... so I suppose I could try some seafood dishes... if I like the stuff and get addicted to it, like teriyaki, I shall blame you...

I wonder if I'll need more things for backpacking...

I think I should probably have a plan, too...

I agree with MMM, I'm an American, and my Japanese teacher tells me that no matter how much I study about Japan and learn Japanese, I will automatically be labeled as a 'gaijin,' which I've come to terms with. Just like when Japanese girls huddle in groups, and giggle at every small thing they come across, and take an insane amount of pictures, Japanese will be able to tell you are a tourist. I mean, you just walking around with a backpack and nothing else is a sure sign. And living in a Ryokan, as well as hotels, is also a sure sign.

And Japan is pretty large. I was surprised about that too, but it's roughly the same size as California. In Tokyo, you probably want to take the subway. I mean, I'll be staying in Asakusa, which is kinda near the center, is a 42 minute walk from Akibara, which is about 3.4km away. And Shinjuku, Shibuya, and everything else is much farther away. You can get an all-day rail pass to use the subways all day, no matter how many times. This is pretty convenient.

I'm also staying in Japan during April, going from April to the beginning of May, and I'm staying near Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. Hope to see you there!

Japan is about the same size as California. Would you walk everywhere in California? Here are some pictures of urban Japan:



Cities can stretch as far as the eye can see, and can be a confusing tangle of unlabeled streets that all look similar. I walked and biked quite a bit in Japan, but it really isn't a minuscule country... the trains are vital for getting around.

Vertical is the name of the publisher. Otherwise I have no idea what you are talking about.

Several feet longer than 99.9% of non-homeless Japanese men.

Where in the world are you looking? Squint-worthy? If you think it is that miniscule, why are you going there in the first place?

Ack... I guess it really is pretty big... that's not daunting, in the least...

As for being a foreigner... I suppose it isn't too bad if I attract friendly attention... I guess I'll make the most of being a foreigner.

What are you saying Nakamura? We could go together! (Everyone knows that if I go alone, it'll be MegaTokyo all over again...)


As for my hair... do you think there are many/any Japanese people with hair that long?



My reason for going to Japan - I'm not going because it's big. I'm going because it's awesome. It'll be a good prelude to my studies during my stay and about Japan.

What can I say? I'm adventurous.

I have definitely seen guys and girls with hair that long in Japan, not common, but they are out there....

Trust me, they can spot a foreigner from miles away. I speak the language, although may not be proper grammar, but nevertheless, I speak the language. I dress like they do... and as a bonus, I am oriental. BUT, they can still tell I am not locals.. even without talking to me. People who do walk up to me (Sales people) either start speaking mandarin or English to me........

You're joking, right...?

That sounds like a sixth sense for foreigners...

Hopefully my hair will grow a bit more over the next year...

Especially in places like Tokyo, just because they can spot you as a foreigner a mile off doesn't mean that anyone cares.

*boot to the ego* My japanese uni has a rugby team. All 100% Japanese, and yes, pretty tall. And broad. And there was the 6' trannie guy too. and numerous girls my hight (I'm 5'5ish). And a lot of short people too.


Let's face it, that's not really common MOST places.

Is it? I was misled then. They told me it was like... minus stupid degrees C. -40 or something.

Teriyaki isn't seafood; it's the name of the sauce. :P I'm not taking the blame if you become a chicken teriyaki addict.

They won't care if I'm a foreigner? I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing...



On another note... my ego is dying here... why couldn't I have been a bit taller instead of stronger? Geeze... genetics has twisted ways of compensating.

And, yes, I think my hair is rather unique (eccentric!).


Concerning temperature... do you have any idea how cold -40 celcius is?! That's... brilliant... Although, I'm good in -10 to 10 celcius. Not too hot, not too cold - and I can wear something over my t-shirt without burning up!

I do realize that teriyaki is the name of the sauce.
I also admit, I'm addicted to teriyaki - yes, I'm addicted to the sauce.
Speaking of which, I'll be making some chicken (stirfry teriyaki, of course) for dinner.

Teriyaki~


I should probably start scouting flight tickets now...

Ok, i went and looked up the average temperatures in Calgary- my friends are dirty liars. :P -15 is more usual. Tokyo apparently rocks from -2 to 30ish. BBC - Weather Centre - World Weather - Average Conditions - Tokyo

If you want to enjoy the sights without being bothered or harassed, it is a good thing.

If you have an outdated fantasy that you will be treated like a rock star by glossy-eyed Japanese fans, then it is a bad thing.



The sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce they sell in N. America is different than teriyaki in Japan.

Only -2 at best? Geeze... I'm going to burn up over there... I'm sure I'll be more comfortable during the exchange...

As for foreign situations... I'd love to have some little, unexpected incident. Things like that are what make the world interesting.



The topic of teriyaki... whether it's from a fast food-esque teriyaki chain; some small family-owned Japanese restaurant; or my own sauce - I love 'em all.

I mean, who doesn't?




I wonder if they have any good thai restaurants over there... I wonder if their curry is the same as it is over here...

I am not sure what you mean. Every step you take is going be a little unexpected incident.

It sounds to me you just want to go over to get attention or cause trouble, if thats the case, I would recommend to not go to Japan....

I wouldn't mind being seen as a tourist, I hear Japanese people are pretty nice. Even if they do ignore you, you can just do your own thing (as long as you're not being disrespectful or annoying). I'd love to teach English to some college students in exchange for getting free meals! My friends who go there always tell stories about being asked at every place how to say something in English. I'm not worried about being a 'gaijin' at all, even though I'll try to 'fit in.' Sometimes, it just doesn't work...

Yeah, I go to Japan in January, and stay 'til May. Got my ticket already for $1,200, and staying in Tokyo for New Year's. I'm excited! But definitely, I can meet up with you after I study in Hikone, which gets out on April 18th. Woo! I'm also planning my trip at Kimani's Travels if you'd like to see what resources I used.

Basically, if you stick out, you stick out. So what. You can still enjoy being in another country. You don't need to 'fit in' to find friends in Japan, or develop connections.

Well... you know... bumping into a famous idol or something - it's an experience.


Attention and causing trouble? Hah... what a way to write me off... Nah, I'm not going over there just for trouble - I'm not quite the delinquent one may think. Well, I hope not. I probably look like a delinquent, though... but I assure you, I'm rather awesome. Ego +1


Awesome, Nakamura! You can be my flotation device! Now I don't have to worry about getting lost... Just kidding - my sense of direction is pretty good if I do say so myself. I think I'll take you up on that tip and look at Kimani - thanks.


Now, back to readings...

Can you name an idol you would be excited to bump into?

Who are you talking to?

Err... not in particular, but I'd be excited if I bumped into Shion Tsuji - I'd have the chance to ask her if we're related somehow.

It really doesn't matter if they're an idol or not - it'd be cool to have something random like that.


As for Nakamura, I'm referring to Shiki. Bun-Bun (in reference to her display picture).

Tokyo is not small, but you can cover the more interesting parts on foot, taking a train, subway, or bus if necessary. I often go on hikes or bike rides around the city. On Monday I spend the day walking in Shinjuku, then took the train to Kanda, and from there I walked to Yurakucho to get my hair cut, then Ginza to get groceries at Mitsukoshi, then to Tsukiji to take a few pictures, and then to Tsukishima to have monjayaki for late lunch. Then I walked home, and ended up spending about 7 hours on my feet.

The weather in April will not be hot, it may in fact be a little chilly then. If you come early enough (the first week) you can enjoy the cherry blossoms, but later in the month or May will still be pleasant. June is the rainy season, and July it becomes truly hot and humid, so avoid those months if you can.

Don't knock seafood, it tastes better in Japan than it does in other countries, due to the different types used, and the preparation. Otherwise you can find plenty of places which serve beef, chicken, or pork.

There are Buddhist temples where one can spend the night, or even several nights, for a small fee. But these temples are not very common, and you usually have to book in advance. I am thinking of spending a couple of weeks at a Zen Buddhist retreat next summer, getting the experience to live as a regular monk. I am not a Buddhist, but all are welcome.

The best deals on airfare tend to be found at the usual internet travel sites. I used to use priceline.com, where I could bid on tickets. You might need to make an extra stop or two on your trip, but you can save as much as 50% on the quoted price.

For carrying hour stuff, get a good quality backpack, and make sure you wear it properly. The weight of the pack is supposed to be carried by your hips, and not your shoulders. I've done many years of hiking and climbing, and I took a class on how to set up a backpack/rucksack at the US Army's Ranger school. You might be surprised at how much you can carry in a properly set up pack.

You don't need to bring anything special. For long hikes I like to wear decent quality Asolo boots, jeans or shorts, and an old scout shirt. You should also bring a pair of comfortable sneakers or athletic shoes, and shower shoes/flip flops. Sunscreen is a must, and a hat and sunglasses won't hurt. Don't bring any knives, the laws in Japan are pretty strict. It's easy enough to buy any kind of knife here, but anything bigger than a keychain type Swiss Army knife could get you into trouble in the unlikely event that you are questioned by the police.

For mountain hiking you'll find plenty around Tokyo. Takao-zan is the most popular, and it has a variety of trails, some easier than others. There are also several trails in other parts of Kanagawa which are less than an hour from metro Tokyo. You can find a list of maps on the internet.

Dude...

I don't know what about your post I liked... but... I'm feeling pretty awesome about this, right now.

Seven hours is pretty awesome exercise, and it isn't insane. Sounds great!
Chilly sounds nice, too. Perfect for someone like me.

I guess I'll try some seafood over there... I'm surprised you convinced me with such a short statement...

For temple visits - I've been looking into quite a few recently. They look to be a bit more expensive than a hostel, but they look like a pretty interesting experience, all the same.

I'll have to check out your reference site...

Backpack... backpack... backpack... my dad used to go out and rough it quite often. I can probably use his old stuff.

As for knives... err... I'm not really the type of person to carry arms. I've already got a perfectly fine weapon biologically built into me - my body! Woohoo!


You've been pretty optimistically awesome about this, San. Thanks.

no prob, but if you're looking for a flotation device, try not to rely on me, I don't swim very well ^_^ But hopefully, after three months, I'll at least know how to ask for directions (and understand the directions).

Hah. Right, right. I can swim pretty well in foreign waters, but it'd be nice if you can cover me where I fall short. I can't wait!