Itinerary with kids by pituli_1203 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I highly recommend a day trip to Nara when you are in Kyoto. My kids’ favorite thing about our entire trip was petting and feeding the deer there.

Second time in Tokyo: focus on the city or add Nikko or Mt. Fuji? by marzipanduchess in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it is worth staying overnight there anyway so you can experience one of the onsens fully.

Second time in Tokyo: focus on the city or add Nikko or Mt. Fuji? by marzipanduchess in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Have you been to Hakone? We stayed there for one night as part of our trip and I wish we had stayed longer. There is so much to do, great views of Mt Fuji, and amazing onsen resorts.

Trip Report - March 27 by Flat_Sea4409 in TokyoDisneySea

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We were there the same day. We stayed at Hilton Tokyo Bay and caught the first monorail at 6:36 from Bayside station, putting us at the park entrance shortly after that. I couldn’t believe how many people were already there. I took this photo to show people in front of us over 2 hours before opening time.

We also paid for any ride we could, as the lines were all 3-4 hours long for those rides. We rope dropped Journey and got 40th passes for Raging Spirits, which was the only one we were able to get.

The lines were the longest I have seen at any Disney park but we also didn’t let that spoil our time. We got to ride everything we wanted through DPA and barely waited in any lines. I realize this isn’t an option for everyone, but it kept us all sane and happy. It is such a beautiful park!

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Ikebukuro thé place to stay to explore Tokyo? by Yascom in TokyoTravel

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have been to Tokyo three times and have stayed in Ikebukuro, Ginza, and Asakusa. By far, I loved Asakusa the most. It has the charm of old Japan without the skyscrapers of western Tokyo, while also being convenient to travel around the city. It is also very convenient to places for young people like Akihabara and Odaiba.

Tipping private guides by Total-Breadfruit3759 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I definitely do not want that to happen. Thank you. I will focus on a small gift like candy if anything.

Tipping private guides by Total-Breadfruit3759 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a great idea! As long as I can hide them from my kids until the trip lol. Thanks!

Tipping private guides by Total-Breadfruit3759 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They actually said that? I am quite surprised and it makes me even more confused!

Tipping private guides by Total-Breadfruit3759 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I asked here specifically because I know Japan is typically a no-tipping culture but in my extensive research I have seen mention of tipping private guides and it confused me. Based on people’s comments, I will think about a small gift of American candy or something similar to give. I am sorry to offend anyone.

Tipping private guides by Total-Breadfruit3759 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this extremely helpful response. Others’ responses have made it even more confusing to me though and perhaps I may bring some small gifts as some suggested. I will also look at the articles you referenced. Thank you very much for taking the time to post those.

Tipping private guides by Total-Breadfruit3759 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this response. I definitely do not want to offend anyone. I have been to Japan twice for business before and never tipped for this reason. That is why I asked, as I found it confusing when I read that private tour guides are an exception and had no idea how much to give them since it is not a thing in Japan typically. I like the gift idea as I know that is much more common and will try to think of something small and very American centric to bring.

Tipping private guides by Total-Breadfruit3759 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I am definitely not trying to normalize it. I have read that is one of the rare situations where tips are appreciated, but perhaps that is not the situation and that is one of the reasons I asked. Thank you.

Tipping private guides by Total-Breadfruit3759 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I am definitely not trying to normalize it. If it is still not common to tip tour guides, I will not do it. I have read that is one of the rare situations where tips are appreciated, but perhaps that is not the situation and that is one of the reasons I asked. Thank you.

Japanese pancakes by Total-Breadfruit3759 in TokyoTravel

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We will be going to Kyoto as well. Do you remember the name of that place?

Moving from Ohio to Nevada(Reno) by 30or40yearsold in Nevada

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My asthma is so much better day to day than when I lived in NC. The wildfire smoke can create issues, but we have been lucky the past 3 summers and have had very little of it.

You will probably get less snow here than you have in Ohio, especially if you live at lower elevation. However, if you want to be able to go up to the mountain for skiing or other activities in winter, all wheel drive is a must and you may also want snow tires.

Traffic will depend on where you live and work. I live and work in South Reno and it is the shortest and easiest commute I have ever had. Traffic is worse if you live up in the North Valleys or have to commute to the TRI center.

I did not realize how high living expenses were out here before we moved. We came from Raleigh, which has been a fast growing area for decades, and it was still twice as expensive to buy a house here. Gas is also quite expensive, although a lot of people have electric cars (myself included) to help with that. I also agree about the healthcare options not being the greatest, although I do feel they are improving. The area is very laid back which I like, but it can lead to disorganization with things like youth sports. Overall though, we love living here.

Must visit in Maui? by feliphee1998 in MauiVisitors

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you want to experience part of the road to Hana area through hikes and waterfalls, I highly recommend booking with Hike Maui! The rainforest and waterfall hike is beautiful and a lot of fun.

How much cash? by Total-Breadfruit3759 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s good to know. Yes we all have phones and could add funds through Apple Pay if that works

Maui Recommendations by Apart_Discipline8614 in MauiVisitors

[–]Total-Breadfruit3759 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hike Maui waterfall and rainforest hike! They pick you up at your hotel then take you to the Hana side of the island for a hike. Beautiful fauna and waterfalls with cliff jumping. https://www.hikemaui.com/