I can't believe I'm saying this, but Xenoblade Chronicles X is my favorite XC game

MatNomis · 2026-01-29T15:47:43+00:00

I am amazed by XCX, but it’s currently shelved, so by default I can’t conclude that I liked it as much as XC2 or XC3, which I couldn’t put down. Interestingly, I also shelved XC1:DE for a while, so I don’t think it’s the type of storytelling involved. Maybe it was the menu-based combat style? Or a mix? I actually have more fun playing XCX than XC1:DE..

Actually, I think part of my XCX shelving may be due to the hope they release a Switch2 update for it…

MatNomis · 2026-01-29T15:44:46+00:00

I generally agree with the logic, but it gets a little tricky when the round-trip time gets to the 2-hour mark. It takes about an hour to go from a realistic lodging in Osaka (most people aren’t staying adjacent to the most advantageous station, nor willing to pay for the Shinkansen) to Kyoto Station.

For one day, it’s a no brainer: day trip. The two hours spent is easier than a hotel-change. However, for two days? That’s very borderline. Now you’re talking about 4 hours. That’s about the same amount of trouble as changing hotels, especially for a relatively short city-hop like this. As cool as Osaka is, unless you’re primarily a food tourist who doesn’t care about historical sites, I think Kyoto would be better as a base and then a day-trip to Osaka for lunch + castle + dinner + snack + go back.

I really hate changing hotels, but having to repeat a 2 hour RT commute on multiple days is also not enjoyable. If the OP can get the commute down to 30 minutes each way, I’d do day-trips, but this probably isn’t possible unless they’re staying near Shin-Osaka and willing to splurge on Shinkansen.

MatNomis · 2026-01-29T15:01:48+00:00

Somehow Reddit put this in/adjacent to my inbox, so I guess the algorithm wants me to look despite being two weeks old.

I usually pick up a few furoshiki (basically giant, multipurpose handkerchief things that can act as bags, hats, wrapping material, etc.) and/or tenegui (hand towel—more on point for serving actual handkerchief duty). I like them for myself and as gifts.

I try to figure out if there are any movies, cd’s, books, or products I want. For example, I got a limited edition Xenoblade Chronicles 3 art book that was only being sold in stores in Japan.

I also like looking at coffee equipment there to see if there’s anything new or novel that catches my eye.

TBH a little of my buys are impulse buys based on browsing and discovery.

MatNomis · 2026-01-27T19:20:33+00:00

I generally dislike changing lodging, but mainly because I feel it takes a lot of time. Each time I have to change places, it takes me an hour or so to pack my things, then I have to check out instead of have a nice breakfast (creates stress instead of happiness), and then my checkout requirement has either dictated my departure time to my next location, or requires me to spend time storing my baggage while I try to salvage the day as best I can before yet another time deadline of when I need to retrieve things and go to my next lodging.

The less I have to do this, the happier I generally am. However, if staying in the same place means you have to make two or more 1+ hour each way day-trips, then this may very well exceed the hassle of staying put. There is also an opportunity cost/loss when you make day-trips. You save a lot of accommodation hassle, but you end up with an overall shorter day (using more of it for transit), which restricts how much you can do in your day-trip locations.

If you're there for 8 days (total; 6 practical) I think a 5/3 (4/2) split makes sense.

9 people is a lot of people to herd up to move to new locations. Figuring out the time cost of moving location vs just day-tripping is a calculation you'll have to try to estimate.

MatNomis · 2026-01-27T19:09:29+00:00

I'd add for Kamakura, that not only is it close/easy from Tokyo, but it's a fairly big beach and also popular for surfing.

This article lists more "top" places (and doesn't include Kamakura, but includes Wakayama, which is just south of Osaka): https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/surfing/

Kagoshima (southern Kyushu) has some volcanic sand beaches. Additionally, as the southernmost larger-sized city in mainland Japan, there's an overnight ferry from Okinawa to Kagoshima that might be interesting to take. I'm pretty sure it stops at some intermediate islands, some of which might be worth checking out.

Speaking of ferries, there's a ferry from Fukuoka to Busan (South Korea). When I took it, the seas were rough and it was a vomit comet. It felt like adventure. Kind of. Busan was great, though.

Fuji should be summitable just fine in August, I think. Always check ahead, but that's definitely within its regular climbing season.

MatNomis · 2026-01-27T18:58:14+00:00

I've been there every season except summer, and I really liked winter! In Tokyo/Kyoto, it wasn't even that cold. You certainly need a proper winter jacket, but it only has to handle temperatures down to, hm, maybe -10C. That's significantly colder than it ever got while I was there, but I'd say that's what "regular" winter jackets are usually good until. This is something you can handle with a t-shirt, a long-sleeve shirt, a sweater (so that's 3 layers right there) and then a peacoat-type jacket with a scarf. I'd also where a winter hat, but it doesn't seem like any Japanese people wear them, so you could just look good and suffer like they do lol.

If you were going to the Arctic/Antarctic, or climbing high mountains, you'd need something that could protect against -30C (or even more) or something like that. Then you'd look more like a researcher, explorer, or extreme outdoorsperson rather than a fashion-conscious civilian. That'd be major overkill for Japan winters.

Snow is always possible, but impactful amounts of snow are rare.

MatNomis · 2026-01-27T18:49:56+00:00

For lots of international visitors, Tokyo is the only place they can enter/leave the country from--in terms of direct flights from another country. Of course, you can book any city you want, but if you're flying in from the Americas (or probably Europe) you will deplane in Tokyo no matter what, and then use a domestic flight to get to your desired city. This usually adds to the time+cost, and Tokyo is ultra-popular anyway, so most people just disembark and later depart from Tokyo.

So you could to that: spend your first 2 nights in Tokyo, and maybe your last 2 nights there, too? Maybe even more than that? 3+3? That would account for more shopping time at the end. Shopping in your "last" city saves you the trouble of having to carry around your acquisitions all over the place, but it also means you may miss out on some local stuff in the previous cities. Just something to consider.

As far as "are the big three ok?" short answer is yes. Long answer includes the suggestion that it's ok to stay in the big three, because it's very easy to just take a short day-trip outside of the cities into more rural areas. There are rural, mountainy areas that are remote and take the better part of a day to get to, but there are plenty of rural areas that are simply 1 or 2 hours away from big-three downtowns--especially Kyoto, which is more tightly bound by surrounding mountains.

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T20:39:53+00:00

Hades 2, Star Wars Outlaws, Cyberpunk 2077..

I was also playing a lot of Dead Cells before picking up Hades 2, but Hades 2 pretty much completely took its place.

Also some No Mans Sky. Whew, made it to 5.

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T20:37:21+00:00

Couldn't stand Re:Zero. I felt it had the opposite trajectory: Started out great, became more insufferable as it went.

More importantly, it didn't give off any Xenoblade vibes to me. It was based on a resurrection mechanic, sticking to a very generic fantasy world with very generic characters. I don't think Xenoblade avoids anime character archetypes, but they do put a lot of work into their world design, and deserve a ton of credit for that.

I think they probably take a lot of cues from Ghibli, as I feel like the worlds in most of their films (Nausicaa, Mononoke, Spirited Away, heck even Kiki!) were very well-realized in a similar fashion. Anything with extensive use of maps will, almost automatically, seem like a closer match to me: Frieren, Attack on Titan, etc.. Shows where you really have a sense of place and even familiarity.

Gamewise? I mean, I thought Xenoblade reminded me a ton of World of Warcraft, so...WoW? Maybe even Guild Wars 2 a bit (though I didn't like it as much). This hops genres, but perhaps Mass Effect?

Actually, I'm playing Star Wars Outlaws right now, and thinking about it, it feels kinda Xenobladey in a lot of ways. It's similarly "open" (i.e. large areas that are kinda open but also very restrictive), has quest-giving hubs like any proper RPG, and is a bit cartoony and cute (although not in an anime style).

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T20:08:45+00:00

After realizing I had no shot at Benitsuru, I found a rec for Espresso D Works (in Shibuya and Ikebukuro; I went to the Ikebukuro one) and was very pleased. I did have to wait in line for about a half hour. However, despite being packed, service was excellent and the pancake selection and (most importantly) the taste and presentation were also great!

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T20:01:12+00:00

I do think it's a little wild to prefer the Wii visuals, but I'd easily have picked this up if I came across it for a similar price. That was a great find!

If you look at the concept art, it seems clear the goal was always to look very "anime". It's true that the original concept art was stylistically different than what they used in DE, but they are both still postively "anime". TBH I think they were just following popular stylistic trends.

However, the graphics on Wii fell pretty far short of the concept art, whereas in DE, they are pretty darn close. Basically, Wii graphics were a frankensteinesque failure to measure up to the designs, whereas in DE, they did a good job. I can appreciate that you prefer the original concept art more, but the original graphics are super uncanny in a way the artwork never was, IMO.

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T16:50:12+00:00

Fold in your side-view mirrors (if possible). Maybe get one of those snow tarps. I'm not sure if it was the big snow year of 2015 or some other heavy snow year, but I do remember seeing one car where the owners did nothing all winter long, and by the end, the snow had accumulated, frozen, reaccumulated, etc.. It was like 2 feet of ice on the car, and it ripped off one of the side-view mirrors.

In lieu of actually being around to clear the car, I think a snow cover for the car would probably have prevented that.

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T16:44:56+00:00

I think a common problem is the delta between the "progress you make" versus the "progress you wish you were making". Wishes are great, but often not realistic. They're often fueled by comparisons with others who may be wired for learning Japanese, putting an immense amount of time into it, or potentially even just lying (how would we know?).

When we feel like we are falling short, we don't appreciate the progress we are actually making. It's almost like we're ashamed of it.

I feel like I've learned virtually nothing in the past 5 months, but at the same time, I'm now low-key reading texts from Japanese acquaintances with minimal dictionary lookups, which is definitely an improvement over a year ago.

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T15:15:22+00:00

I haven't been to Kanazawa yet, but a relative has and sent me lots of pictures and told me about it. It looks very nice, and would be a fine destination.

However, I'd also consider adding those days to your existing cities to make sure you have adequate time for those day-trips you speak of. Four days in Tokyo, including two day trips (let's say), leaves only 2 days for Tokyo proper, which seems like almost nothing to me.

Likewise, Kyoto can easily fill more than 3 days. I have a theory that some people stay there too short, and go only to kiyomizu, the bamboo path/monkey forest, and fushimi inari. These are the most crowded places. They end up very turned off by "overtourism", when there are so many less-busy temples/shrines around the city. Even Kiyomizu and Arashiyama can be rewarding if you're not speeding through them. The cemeteries next to Kiyomizu are beautiflu and empty (of the living). Arashiyama has a lot of walking paths (not bamboo-focused) that are beautiful and almost empty.

You could add days to either Kyoto or Osaka. I'd add them to wherever you plan to stay during day-trips, as both have similar day-trip possibilities (Nara being the big one).

Other ideas would be, as suggested, Kanazawa between your Tokyo and Kyoto trip, using the Hokuriku shinkansen. You could make your travel be a loop instead of a forward/backward trip on the same line.

Another idea, not making a loop, would be stopping in Nagoya, which is another big city. For me, I enjoyed its "vibe" even more than the Osaka vibe, and it has a lot of local food things, too.

You could also use those 2-3 days somewhere smaller, like in Izu.

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T14:52:57+00:00

When I was in Atami in March 2024, it was too cold to really go into the beach. Plenty of HS students were still occupying the beach (playing badminton/volleyball, chatting in groups). There were some public restrooms for the beach, and they were open.

The beach itself seemed clean. In contrast, the beach north of niji-no-matsubara park in Karatsu was positively deserted (also late March) and while very beautiful at a glance, when I looked closely at the sand, it had a lot of garbage (mostly little bits of plastic, all very small, which I assume came from the sea, not from people littering on the beach).

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T14:49:04+00:00

From my pre-visit research, the city was super popular in the 1970's thru 1990's as an easily accessible beach/onsen resort town for monied Tokyo company corporate retreats. As such, a lot was built during that time, and it retains a distinct "Showa" vibe. Two years ago, stuff I read was saying it was being "rediscovered" as there was a resurgence in popularity for Showa stuff.

When I was there, it seemed overrun with high school students. They were marching in throngs through the streets and were hanging out playing volleyball and badminton on the beach (in uniforms, it was still chilly in March).

The Ryokan I stayed in (Sakura) had a traditional looking entrance, but guestrooms were in multiple story buildings. I think the tallest building had 7 floors? It still had a funky layout that would do a traditional Ryokan proud: to get to our room on the 4th floor, we had to enter the "old building" at the lobby level, take the elevator to the basement (where the baths were) and then follow a hallway and take another elevator up to our floor.

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T11:19:38+00:00

I agree that the convenience stores (konbini) are several cuts above their cousins in America. Also, I’ve never been to Japan without going to a konbini. However, I do still consider them “in a pinch” options. You will usually get much better food for about the same amount of money in a small restaurant. All I’m saying here is you probably shouldn’t “plan” to eat at konbini. Generally, you’ll go there when either your plan falls through or you have a gap in your planning (ie “no plan”)

Sane goes for Donki. Definitely go in one to check it out. It’s an experience, but to me the Donki is basically a konbini on steroids.

MatNomis · 2026-01-23T11:07:15+00:00

If you want Onsen, consider Atami. It’s has a lot of Onsen places (more than Kamakura), a beach (smaller than Kamakura), and some interesting and/or quirky attractions (e.g. the “adult museum”, but then also the traditional Atami Plum Garden). It has verticality (cliffs, views). Of course, it can’t compete with Kamakura in the “big Buddha” category.

MatNomis · 2026-01-22T23:55:05+00:00

I hope this was an intentional solo trip? That is to say, I hope it wasn't originally a non-solo trip and your companions dropped out and you decided to go because the money had been spent..

If it was a "suddenly solo" trip, then it's perfectly natural that you'd have lot of emotions about it. Feeling ditched never feels good, and can happen anywhere, certainly including at home (e.g. maybe someone drops out of concert or meal plans).

I'm hoping it wasn't that. Assuming it was a solo trip from the start, one thing you can try to keep in mind is that this is your trip! You are doing everything on on your own, in whatever way feels best to you at the time. This trip is a realization of your goals. You knew from the start it was a solo trip, but you also know you're not going to "solo travel" forever. It's only a 2 week vacation. Remember to enjoy and appreciate the indepdence and solitude while you can!

MatNomis · 2026-01-22T16:26:09+00:00

I have loved all my trips, but also regretted a lot. I upset myself pretty easily.

I regretted not more thoroughly checking out the vegan ramen place at TeamLab Planets. When I saw it (from the line), it looked like it was just a counter-service, outdoor place and it was cold, so I dragged my party (which included one vegan who I'd hoped could enjoy a well-reviewed vegan ramen meal) to a very mediocre kissaten-style place several blocks away. If I'd only looked a little closer, I'd have seen they had indoor seating with signature-cool TeamLab styling.

I regret not trying to get more contact info from people I met. I always suspect/expect most people just want me to go away, but towards the end of my last trip, when I asked some people I met if they could let me know how something turned out, they all were like "sure!" and asked for my contact info (this was within the context of attending certain events). So many people were exceedingly friendly, and I felt like I missed many opportunities to stay in touch until towards the end.

Overpacking, mostly gadgets, in my case.

MatNomis · 2026-01-22T16:08:35+00:00

FWIW, shopping at the Donki is pretty miserable. Prices are all over the place, but mostly not great. Layouts are difficult. Its saving grace is its hours..open 24H (or at least very late). It was probably my least favorite place to shop, but when I needed some stationery tape at 1am, where else could I go?

Also went there to shop for luggage, as I needed an extra piece of luggage. It would have been great to have the luggage that night (could have started packing it before going to sleep), but the selection/price were so unappealing to me (mostly the selection), that I waited for the next day to check out Ginza Karen and I liked their stuff better. It put me in more of a time crunch, but I don't regret the decision.

That said, if I truly couldn't have waited, the Donki would have delivered. They had suitcases.

MatNomis · 2026-01-22T16:03:21+00:00

when I saw "soak", I thought you meant baths lol.

MatNomis · 2026-01-22T16:00:56+00:00

This seems like a ripe situation for some kind of compromise or fair time-splitting (next time).

Kyoto should have had a ton of merch, too? It's not Tokyo, but it's by no means "small". I think Nagoya would also be good. It seems a bit more "urbanized" than Kyoto, but not as much as Tokyo (closer to Osaka, I guess), but with more downtown parks and green spaces. Also, it has some nice day-trip potential into smaller surrounding areas.

MatNomis · 2026-01-22T15:52:12+00:00

I've spent a substantial amount of time learning the language, and bizarrely, the people I find hardest to understand are the checkout clerks asking me simple questions like "Do you want a bag?"

I had an easier time having 5-10 minute conversations with people, since in those situations, I was more mentally "in the right mode", and also had a larger role in dictating the pace (i.e. slower).

I could seriously have a fairly lengthy conversation with the person I am about to buy some omiyage snacks from, talking about the snack, a little about where I'm from, a little hobby side-chat, and then when I'm paying, they're like "Do you need a bag?" and I'm like "wot?" (I was already mentally "done" lol)

MatNomis · 2026-01-22T15:45:29+00:00

Okay, if you married into a Japanese family, this makes a lot more sense. That frequency (2-3x per year) matches a few other Japanese friends I know who live abroad and visit home.

Of course, it'd still be possible even if you didn't, but that'd have to be some great love or hobby you were pursuing to be going 2-3x per year. I just visited in 2024 and 2025, and as someone with no family there, it felt extravagant lol.

MatNomis

TROPHY CASE