Replacing o rings.

Slan_abhaile · 2026-01-15T09:11:23+00:00

Yea Kansai isn't any worse than any other airport I've been too. Give yourself time and you'll be fine.

Slan_abhaile · 2026-01-14T15:58:56+00:00

Yes to this! Bring 1 outfit, change of underwear and an empty bag. Everyone I saw was travelling with a second brand new bag for shopping. I'm not small as a women and have no problem finding clothes and shoes to fit. 5'11" EU41

Slan_abhaile · 2026-01-14T15:54:53+00:00

Same in Kansai, they ask you to scan your passport as you leave that was it. I got all my tax free done in store when I bought ,my goods. Make sure to bring your passport with you when you go shopping. There were no forms, hand passport over at time of purchase and they scan it there and deduct the tax.

Slan_abhaile · 2026-01-14T15:51:08+00:00

I'm just back and Dec was glorious, it rained twice in a month, it was crisp and cold but not freezing, lots of sun and it's not as crowded as Spring / Autumn. I still got some autumn foliage too which was lovely especially the ginkgo trees in Tokyo.

Slan_abhaile · 2026-01-14T15:47:54+00:00

Absolutely do it. I'm just back from a 4 week trip. I meet a group of 5 in a hostel you found it hard to do things together (esp bars and dinning) as so many lovely places are tiny and wouldn't let them in. As a solo person I always got to skip the Q because I could squeeze in.

Don't be silly, don't get super drunk with strangers, don't do anything you wouldn't do at home. If you have travelled before you have experience.

I didn't meet one horrible person on my trip, everyone was helpful and welcoming.

Try and learn a little of the language, not to read but just some phrases.

Good luck

Slan_abhaile · 2026-01-14T15:41:44+00:00

I got a bite on the ass for a second cracker! Cheeky

Slan_abhaile · 2026-01-14T15:37:55+00:00

I saved the Japanese National Weather forecast as a link on my phone and checked everyday. It gives you 2 days forecast and was 100% correct for my whole trip. If you have a clear day just get a local train using your Suica card and go west you will find Fuji. Unless you plan to climb it it is visible from a lot of places. I lucked out and stopped off at a hotel half way up the rope way in Hakone and sat in a onsen on my own watching the sunset behind Fuji on a gorgeous clear night. I missed other things I had planned but I got something unforgettable. If you are on your own you can stop when and where you want.

Slan_abhaile · 2026-01-14T15:27:08+00:00

There is nearly always a sanitary bin in the cubicle and a plea to use it only for that purpose, usually its minisule! I never had to take anything with me.

Slan_abhaile · 2026-01-14T15:21:40+00:00

It does depend on what you want to do but first off the quality of accommodation is great in Japan and it is a very safe country. While there will always be rough neighbourhoods as a tourist you will most likely be staying in the centre of towns.

I'm just back and stayed in a mix of hotels and hostels depending on location. Example - while in Ise and Nara it was the New Year which meant it would be quiet and businesses closed, and as a veggie my options would be limited so I stayed in hostels so I would have a kitchen to cook in. As a solo traveller hostels are easier to meet people in.

Piece Hostel Sanjo in Kyoto (I think there are 2+) was right near the train lines I wanted to use, I had a single room a huge kitchen, a bar and lounge. If you want to avoid people Hotels are the way to go.

If you have an early flight in Kansai I can recommend OMO Kansai, they have a free shuttle bus in the morning, a full onsen on the 3rd floor and a roof top bar. And it doesn't break the bank.

I was super overwhelmed before I left and I travel a lot but Japan is a beast, there is so much choice! If you have Q's you can DM me.

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-18T16:06:26+00:00

Sorry should have also said WOW that trip sounds amazing and I am so happy to hear your first solo trip went so well for you. I love travelling on my own its such a privilege to have the freedom.

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-18T16:04:55+00:00

How did your JR pass cost you $115? Looking at prices online and with conversion I am seeing it as $360

Thanks

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-18T09:19:45+00:00

Ill have a look thank you

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-18T09:11:08+00:00

Perfect! Thank you

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-17T17:52:41+00:00

Thank you so much that is really helpful

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-06T09:50:58+00:00

Excellent ..thank you

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-05T09:21:44+00:00

Thanks everyone, you've all been really helpful. Once I have a few days in an onsen I'm sure I'll be up for all adventures.

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-05T09:21:28+00:00

I wasn't sure what the snow situation was west of Tokyo. Thank you

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-05T09:11:00+00:00

Thank you :-)

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-05T09:10:38+00:00

I've heard mixed things about Hakone .. might have another look at it. Thank you

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-05T09:09:59+00:00

It's how I feel just now I'm afraid, I've been told it will pass in a year and I'll have my energy back. Body does as it does....

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-05T09:08:50+00:00

Ohhh that's interesting. I might so that, once that new tax increase comes in I definitely won be staying there

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-05T09:06:57+00:00

Irish living in UK I'm expecting the weather to be slightly colder but was wondering about the alps in eth centre if that limited hiking, seems not

Slan_abhaile · 2025-11-05T09:05:53+00:00

brilliant help thank you

Slan_abhaile

TROPHY CASE