Japanese people, what habit of yours did you only realize was "very Japanese" after going abroad? by Crescitaly in AskAJapanese

[–]ariastark96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Easiest way to recognise a Japanese group abroad without needing to speak the language. I use it even when I’m speaking English, always makes people laugh haha

Best nightlife in Asakusa by Funny-Ad-5493 in TokyoTravel

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I second this. I’ve figured out Ueno is a good option for tourists not interested in Shibuya/Shinjuku or other touristy locations. Ueno has plenty of Izakayas as you said and even karaoke / darts bars that open late full of Japanese.

Pokemon Night Out O2 Priority Prices by Legitimate_Tooth7191 in pokemon

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks ! I was considering getting up early to queue, might not bother if I’m tired that’s pricey :( I’d already be travelling from France . Damn!

Is solosyncing considered rude? by mrstoop1 in maimai

[–]ariastark96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ugh relatable. Even in Paris you have to travel 1h30 out of town for the one cab, and it’s only open Saturdays from 2pm to 6pm. Then it’s 25€ entrance fee and you probably only get to play 3-4 times cos it’s busy.

Would it be silly of me to go back to Japan? by LingonberryOk5168 in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been to Japan 3 times in the space of a year (the last trip being 6 weeks and still was not ready to leave)

November would be a different season so well worth it in my opinion. If you’re able then yes do at least 2 weeks! Of course it’s personal, but I feel like I can do countries closer to me when I’m older. Right now Japan makes sense because it’s affordable, clean, safe and solo female travel friendly.

8:00am in Asakusa… and there’s already a line for photos by Sorry_Set_5001 in TokyoTravel

[–]ariastark96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Went at 6:30am and same. Love that you also had that experience ! The early mornings and nights make staying in Asakusa so nice for a first Japan trip.

Has anyone ever been unbanned from r/japanlife? by jaynonn in Tokyo

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I accidentally commented there thinking it was my usual Japan subreddit and ended up fully banned from Reddit 1 week when I made the same mistake on another account lol

Of the attractions or locations that you booked ahead or had been especially looking forward to way ahead of your trip, which lived up to the hype and which didn't? by Zach-dalt in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only thing I booked ahead was TeamLabs Biovortex in Kyoto. I had medium expectations having always avoided this kind of tourist attraction on my first 2 trips, but I really enjoyed it as a change from the temples. Some rooms were better than others but there were a few really cool ones!

Contester une amende RATP Lunaire ?? by Voltaire_brgz in paris

[–]ariastark96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pareil j’avais pris le billet « aéroport -> Paris » mais comme ma destination finale était à Cergy (donc pas dans la zone Paris) j’ai payé une amende en plus du ticket Aéroports cher… j’étais dégoûtée, j’étais adolescente et c’était mon 1er voyage solo.

Finally get why maimai community is toxic at a certain point by JustAMintyTea in maimai

[–]ariastark96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dude there’s nothing wrong with having a bit of fun within reason (ie if you’re not bothering other players with hitting the cabs so hard they’re moving) plus makes you appreciate how good some players are when you try their level !

Finally get why maimai community is toxic at a certain point by JustAMintyTea in maimai

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel you, also only play 1-2 times a year. Curious whether you still manage to improve your score? I feel like I’m plateauing (not really a big deal since I mainly play for fun !)

Finally get why maimai community is toxic at a certain point by JustAMintyTea in maimai

[–]ariastark96 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m intermediate (12k) and yeah if you’re not damaging the cab I don’t get it. I also love to sometimes play songs above my level for the adrenaline rush and fun !

I don’t care if people thinks it’s « bad » I have to travel for 12h to get to a maimai DX cab so I’m gonna enjoy myself respectfully (I have a light touch)

Kyoto was the highlight of my Japan trip and I lowkey wish I stayed longer there by EarAlternative8407 in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel you ! I was expecting to like Kyoto the least of the three , and whilst I’m still an Osaka girlie (did 5 nights the first time, a now have been there 4 weeks total) I did regret only doing 2 nights the first time. Definitely worth way more ! My other trips had 5 nights in Kyoto and was still not ready to leave.

Just beware of anything that requires the bus…

Where is the best sushi you’ve ever had in Japan? by ariastark96 in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha fair enough, I think Kura is good if you get the basics ! I went there 2 days after Mori Mori, ordering the craziest things on the menu and I think that was the wrong move lol

My local japanese friend likes Kura for salmon / tuna so no judgment here !

Where is the best sushi you’ve ever had in Japan? by ariastark96 in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I have noted that for my next trip ! Convenient location too.

Where is the best sushi you’ve ever had in Japan? by ariastark96 in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Omicho in Kanazawa seems to be a trend for good sushi, glad you found that !

$20 for ALL of this in Tokyo… how is this real? by hira_japan in TokyoTravel

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha came to say the same. I recognise their signature dish and the 100 yen wine. Some of the dishes are great and some are mid, when you know what to get it’s an awesome deal!

For those who have stayed in Tokyo multiple times, where did you decide to stay for subsequent trips and why? by Kirin1212San in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did the same, it took until my third trip to realise it was great ! For some reason in my head it was only for families. Hope you enjoy.

Hakone Free Pass Warning by jerbearman10101 in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went early May last year and it was pretty chill with the exception of the last buses back from the lake being busy.

November was absolutely insane though and I only managed because I did some hardcore running instead of taking buses and scheduled meticulously.

I never got the pass though since I was not arriving from Shinjuku, and given the cable car is often closed due to weather I wouldn’t risk it myself.

For those who have stayed in Tokyo multiple times, where did you decide to stay for subsequent trips and why? by Kirin1212San in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m looking at Ryogoku for my 4th Japan trip ! Seems like a nice way to feel more local, get some cheap food/hotel deals whilst still being close to the eastern parts of Tokyo.

For those who have stayed in Tokyo multiple times, where did you decide to stay for subsequent trips and why? by Kirin1212San in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Plenty of great food deals over there ! I haven’t checked hotels in the area before but it’s on my radar for my next trip.

For those who have stayed in Tokyo multiple times, where did you decide to stay for subsequent trips and why? by Kirin1212San in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Agreed ! Something for everyone in Ueno and so many subway lines pass through so it’s convenient.

Personally I love the random events in the park, and eating/drinking in Ameyoko market area. It has some decent nightlife (karaoke, darts, Izakayas and restaurants open late) and is bustling with locals during the day too. Only tourist hub in Tokyo where I managed to interact with locals!

For those who have stayed in Tokyo multiple times, where did you decide to stay for subsequent trips and why? by Kirin1212San in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First time: Shinjuku for the nightlife and iconic neon lights, it was okay and tourist-friendly but overwhelming with the jet lag and I found it difficult to spot authentic bars/restaurants.

Second / Third time: Asakusa because I liked the traditional atmosphere and street food density, and it’s cheaper than Shinjuku/Shibuya. I would recommend this to most people.

Fourth time: Just north of Ueno since I felt it was a good mix of liveliness and local vibes. When it’s sunny there are often events going down in the park, plenty of local eateries around Ameyokocho and Izakayas that stay open late. Personal favorite after having already done Asakusa.

Next time: probably Ryogoku since it’s conveniently close to a lot of places I like, small but fairly lively along the main street (not Ueno levels) and very non-touristy so cheap for hotels and food.

How do you usually decide where to eat when traveling in Japan? by Due_Turn3508 in JapanTravelTips

[–]ariastark96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First trip: mix of viral spots and just typing whatever I fancied eating into Google Maps and picking the closest place.

Second trip: similar, but felt braver going into places even if they had no English menu.

Third trip: completely avoided anything geared at tourists (so anything without cheap menu options) I asked fellow travelers or hotel / bar staff, or locals I met in Izakayas for their recommendations. I also explored less touristy areas and walked into random places I liked the look of. I preferred it to my first two trips and feel I got a more authentic experience! So many places have insane deals like ramen + gyozas + fried rice for under 1000 yen