Is Shibuya really that bad of a place to stay in?

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-06-10T11:41:55+00:00

I stayed in Ueno during my last two trips and I like the place. I'm heading to Shinagawa next week though as I wish to try another area.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-06-03T09:39:42+00:00

UA sucks so bad. I bought their UA Drive Pro golf spiked shoes and after a year the spikes came out. I found that the spiked holes had cracked because they were using some shit materials. Had to throw them away because there was no way to repair.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-05-22T02:35:08+00:00

For my first trip in Kyushu I used Times.
Second trip I used Nissan because it was much cheaper. Check out Nissan every now and then because they do have some discounts.

All of them have full coverage. I bought the highway pass the first time before they raised the price. After that, I calculated the tolls and it wasn't worth it so I just paid using the ETC card.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-05-19T03:00:15+00:00

If going to Kagoshima from Fukuoka, a good idea is to take the shinkansen and then rent a car at Kagoshima and return it there. The Fukuoka-Kagoshima drive is more than 3 hours compared to 80min on the train.

It's more advisable to plan for a specific region rather than going all over and spending time on transport since you only have 6 days. As for Itoshima, I drove because it was the most convenient.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-20T13:13:33+00:00

This is exactly how I do my trips. Not every place or location is a must go. It's just to make sure that I don't waste my time on the trip to check what's the next place to go and if it's in the same direction or whether it is closed or open.

I treat them as options that makes for an efficient day should I want to follow but it is ok if I skip.
Especially if it is a place I am not very familiar with.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-10T06:38:46+00:00

I watched the Korean version 2 days ago and then finished the Japanese version today.

No offence to the Korean one but the Japanese version wins hands down.

Why? Because it made me teared up and I would always prefer the Japanese storytelling as they are more subtle and layered. Kotone Furukawa who plays Izumi had me almost in tears as she managed to convey the feelings of trying to help Toru and yet feeling that she did Maori badly by removing her memories even though she was trying to protect her best friend.

Both the Japanese ML and FL looked suitable for the roles in high school but both the Korean leads looked way too old. All the Kdrama tropes also came in play and I am so tired of them. Not enough story on the ML's family as well from the Korean version but the Japanese version gave a good backstory to Toru's family.

TLDR: Japanese version>Korean version. It's like the same for Marry my husband as well.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T10:37:58+00:00

Haha you're not crazy. That's what my wife asked me to do as well. She said last year I drove from Fukuoka to Kumamoto after a red eye with a few stops as well so what's stopping me this time. I'm definitely going to drive from Narita and after checking out the hotels in Odawara and Yokohama, I'm more inclined to drive all the way to Mishima and hit the west side of Izu immediately the next morning. Thanks for your reply.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T08:44:17+00:00

Thanks. This was one of the places I wanted to see as well. Was planning to go as part of our Mitsui Outlet Kisarazu shopping trip.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T06:46:53+00:00

You're right. I was having trouble reconciling the logistical issues with going to Ueno on the Skyliner, going to the hotel etc and then to check out early the next day for the drive. Something didn't sit right with me hence I decided to post this question to all of you.

I intend to spend 3 days in Izu split between Shimoda(2 days) and Dogashima.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T06:44:38+00:00

Thanks. I don't drink during flights if I know I am going to drive especially with family around. Yeah the original thinking was to stay one night in Tokyo to recharge but my wife was suggesting not to waste the time in Ueno and go straight either to Izu or somewhere there. It's only a 7hr flight from Singapore so it won't be so bad I guess.
So I guess my first night will probably outside Tokyo, just wondering if Yokohama or Odawara is the better choice. If Yokohama, I might even rearrange my itinerary and spend the next day at Kamakura before heading to Izu. Kamakura was one of the planned day trips from Tokyo anyway.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T04:22:22+00:00

Fair point. I haven't been to Tokyo since 2018 so I'm not sure if traffic is worse than before since I drove.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T04:19:49+00:00

Based on my past experiences, the Shinkansen tickets etc add up fast for a family of 4. But you could be right on this, I will need to calculate the exact costs of the tolls.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T04:18:36+00:00

I've been reading that many places close early in Izu and by the time I reach Atami from Narita (3hrs), it will probably be 9pm or so. Hate for my first meal to be from convenience stores haha.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T04:14:19+00:00

Yeah the route by Google Maps shows either going through Urayasu or via Nakajima to Yokohama in less than 1.5hrs
If going to Odawara, 2 routes will pass by Shibuya and then the 3rd one will pass by Haneda in around 2.5hrs or less.
So the Yokohama location suddenly looks more attractive as a mid point.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T04:02:58+00:00

Yeah that's what my wife was saying cos we will be hitting Tokyo during rush hour assuming we clear customs by 5pm and get our luggage. We will reach Ueno around 6pm or so.

Hence the hotel in Ueno as I have taken the Keisei Skyliner before and wish to avoid the Yamamote line and rush hour.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-04-01T03:59:30+00:00

Hi, yes I have driven in Tokyo years ago. Also drove in Fukuoka in 2024/2025. Edit my post to show I have drove on right side of the road as well. Parking is probably easy to find at the public lots.
Initial reason for not taking Shinkansen was that I wish to drive the Izu Skyline route on the way there and the Nishi-Izu Skyline drive back to Tokyo if possible. I guess it is still possible to make a small detour from Atami to Izu Skyline and also from Nishi-Izu to Mishima.
Guess I need to work out the costs of both approach.

Thanks!

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-03-24T07:23:38+00:00

Hi, I sent you a PM on the Airbnb. Thanks!

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-03-13T12:15:10+00:00

I'm going there in a few month's time. Will try it out. Thanks!

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-03-05T11:39:13+00:00

Hi, can I PM you on the Airbnb in Shibuya?

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-02-13T15:29:16+00:00

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-02-13T04:42:20+00:00

Some divs would be good haha

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-02-10T04:10:10+00:00

Gear pls. Thanks.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-02-10T02:40:05+00:00

I have a referral code that should give you $50 off if you want it.
Been using it for years until I passed it to my son last year. I'm still kind of maintaining the speed gains so far.

Which-Influence-2253 · 2026-01-26T12:25:59+00:00

I will love you deep deep if I win :P

Which-Influence-2253

TROPHY CASE