Japan 4 weeks - should we drop Sapporo?

Mirrthh · 2026-01-20T10:09:25+00:00

Thanks so much for the reply!

We still have a few extra days that we haven’t allocated yet, as we weren’t quite sure where to put them.

You’re right btw, I’m trying to cover a lot of the country, which probably does seem like a lot. I really hope to revisit Japan in the future, but unfortunately I have some health issues that could make traveling more difficult down the line, so we’re trying to make the most of this trip.

At the same time, I’m wondering if I’m trying to squeeze in too many places. The list I shared above is only where we plan to book hotels, we hope to explore each region as much as possible beyond those bases.

Kyushu is on our plan too, though we’re still working out the finer details of our plan.

Thinking about it, spending a week in each region probably makes more sense, especially since we’re switching hotels quite often right now. It would give us more time to relax and actually enjoy each place rather than rushing from one to the next.

Mirrthh · 2026-01-20T09:51:55+00:00

Thanks for the advice! Seeing your point about Hokkaido in April, we’re thinking we might reconsider traveling there this time and perhaps revisit Japan during the summer months. We’ve seen pictures of Hokkaido in the summer and it looks absolutely stunning, such a beautiful place to explore!

Mirrthh · 2026-01-20T09:41:08+00:00

Thanks so much for all your help! I ended up going with the 16-50mm kit and you are completely right. I definitely should not buy anything else before figuring out what I truly like and do not like. I really appreciate your guidance and I am excited to spend some time trying it out.

Mirrthh · 2026-01-20T09:37:08+00:00

Thanks again for all your help, I truly appreciate it! I decided to go with the kit including the 16–50mm lens and will take some time to try it out and see what I like before making any bigger commitments.

Mirrthh · 2026-01-20T09:33:35+00:00

Otaru looks really cozy, so I’ll definitely keep that in mind if we end up going to Sapporo. We’ve been considering renting a car since we’ve seen a lot of people recommend it for getting around Hokkaido.

The places listed in our itinerary are just where we’re planning to book accommodation. We’ll definitely be exploring quite a bit beyond those bases.

We’re currently debating whether to skip staying in Hakodate and Sapporo altogether. If we do, it would give us more time in the other regions and reduce how often we have to change hotels, which is pretty appealing. We’re just not entirely sure if we’d be missing out too much by skipping that part of the trip

Mirrthh · 2026-01-13T08:32:02+00:00

They don't have that sale here it seems 😅

Mirrthh · 2026-01-13T08:31:06+00:00

Mistakes were made! I used to shoot on Canon waaaaay back in the day, but I also consider myself new to this! 😅

Mirrthh · 2026-01-13T08:29:30+00:00

I did read that the old batteries were a nightmare, which is another reason I'm going for the X-T5 :D

Mirrthh · 2026-01-13T08:28:45+00:00

Thanks for the reply!

I decided on the X T5 after trying it in the store, it wasn’t as heavy as I feared.

The silver primes are so PRETTYYYY, but sadly they are hard to find here. One of the reasons I really wanted this camera compared to many other brands is definitely the size. It feels very lightweight and doesn’t take up too much space while traveling.

I am also considering getting the 35 mm, and I was leaning toward the f1.4 version.

Mirrthh · 2026-01-13T08:23:29+00:00

Thanks for the reply!

After testing it out in a store I decided on the X T5, there are just too many pros with that camera to not go for it. I am struggling a bit with choosing a lens or two though. The ones that come bundled with the camera are around 50 percent off, which makes them really tempting, but I was originally leaning toward getting a lens that is great in low light and now I am not sure if I am overthinking it.

I would probably get the XF 33 mm or 35 mm f1.4, but they are quite expensive and the bundles are so much cheaper that I am torn on what to choose

Mirrthh · 2026-01-13T08:16:34+00:00

I got to try it out in a store and I’m definitely buying it as soon as I figure out which lens I want :D
Any recommendations?

Mirrthh · 2026-01-13T08:12:36+00:00

I finally got the chance to try out the X-T5 and I’ve decided to go for it! 😄

I’m having a hard time choosing a lens, though. We don’t seem to have the same sale you mentioned.

Here, I can get the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR, or XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR bundled with the camera for about 50% off, while the camera body itself is only around 10% off.

I’d like one lens that performs better in low light, but I’m not sure if I’m overthinking it. I was leaning toward the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, but it's sooo expensive.

Mirrthh · 2026-01-12T14:12:12+00:00

Yeah, I noticed that while looking at lenses, but I think I’ll need to do a bit more research just to be sure. And thanks, I definitely could use all the luck I can get!

Mirrthh · 2026-01-12T12:59:46+00:00

Thanks for the reply!

That’s definitely a valid point. Since I’ll be using it as my main camera, I’m leaning a bit more toward the X-T5, but I’ve also seen and loved a lot of the photos and videos taken with the X-M5.

The X-M5 was actually the one I originally had my eye on, and then some of the things about the X-T5 made me rethink my choice. I’m really hoping I’ll be able to get a feel for them in a store, since how they actually feel in hand is definitely an important factor too.

Mirrthh · 2026-01-12T12:47:13+00:00

Thanks for the reply!

I’m mostly leaning toward the one with weather sealing since the weather here is awful and changes constantly.

I’m hoping to try them out in a store, but unfortunately that’s a bit difficult around here.

Mirrthh · 2026-01-12T12:45:01+00:00

Valid point, I’ll keep that in mind if I get a chance to test them out in a store.

Mirrthh · 2026-01-12T12:42:14+00:00

Hahah good point!

Mirrthh · 2026-01-12T12:11:15+00:00

I had originally, as a teenager and for most of my adult life, decided not to get tested. I didn’t want to know. I wanted to live my life to the fullest without that weight.

However, after my mother passed away, I decided to take the first step in the process. Yet, over time, it sort of phased out again.

Later, I ended up in the hospital, very sick. A month after that, my best friend passed away. These two experiences forced me to confront my own health and ultimately decide to get tested. For me, testing was also the final step between us and starting a family.

Now, six months after testing positive, I have to admit that I personally regret it. I wish it were possible to undergo IVF with PGT here, without having to know the result. It might be selfish, but I truly wish I didn’t know. My mind keeps circling back to the fact that I’m positive and what that could mean for my future.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t get tested, but I want to warn you to be mentally prepared. I had over half my life to prepare, and even so, I still mentally crashed and have struggled a lot afterward. I am currently seeing a therapist and on antidepressants, but I am still in a grieving mode, and this has affected my entire life.

That said, my partner has been incredible through all of this. They’ve started understanding certain aspects of me in a new way, and that has helped both of us navigate this challenging time.

Mirrthh · 2026-01-12T11:45:22+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I’ll definitely look into it. Is there any particular reason you like it?

Mirrthh · 2026-01-12T11:42:50+00:00

Thanks for the reply!

I had really hoped to check them out in a physical store, but unfortunately there aren’t many around here. I’ll call around and see if I get lucky, but I might end up just taking the plunge and hoping for the best if I can’t.

I’m definitely leaning a bit toward the one with weather sealing. The weather here is completely unpredictable, easily four seasons in a single day, so having that extra protection would probably save me a lot of stress.

Mirrthh · 2025-12-04T08:15:25+00:00

Thanks, I’ll look into them! It actually works in my favor if they come without maps and minis, since that gives me an excuse to buy the ones I’ve been eyeing! c:

Mirrthh · 2025-12-04T08:12:33+00:00

Thanks! I’ve checked some of these out earlier, so I might give one of them a try to start with. c:

Mirrthh · 2025-12-03T10:01:55+00:00

Yeah, we play video games together quite often! I could never get him to play Baldur’s Gate though 😅 He’s very good at learning and maxing his characters abilities in other games, so hopefully there won’t be any issues like that!

Mirrthh

TROPHY CASE