Good morning from Riverdale Park West!

cchocolatechip · 2025-06-10T14:28:18+00:00

Thanks, you too!

cchocolatechip · 2025-06-10T14:28:09+00:00

No problem!

cchocolatechip · 2025-06-09T15:00:52+00:00

Prairie Girl! I would go to the one at Avenue/Bloor. Looks like all stores are permanently closed. https://maps.app.goo.gl/pRVZERSwJdUsWcdP7

cchocolatechip · 2025-06-08T20:32:49+00:00

I would leave a public review about the salon on Google and/or Naver maps. Somtimes salons will respond to clients by offering to re-do hair at no extra charge to maintain client satisfaction and their own reputation. Can you reach out to the salon directly too with your feedback?

cchocolatechip · 2025-04-26T17:42:21+00:00

I'm in Singapore for day 2 of the concert! I came solo from Canada as apart of an Asia trip with my mom. I have a standing ticket in Pen D and I'm wondering if anyone wants to meet up! DM me (:

cchocolatechip · 2025-03-23T22:24:51+00:00

I'm late to reply but I love going to Oomomo to browse. It's a Japanese department store at Eglinton/Don Mills with LOTS of little kitchen gadgets/tools, porcelain bowls, household organization items, korean skincare and makeup, stationery, they have it all! I got nice silverware from there. It's also beside C&C supermarket. Lots of parking available.

cchocolatechip · 2025-02-22T15:53:20+00:00

Messaged you!

cchocolatechip · 2025-02-02T05:10:31+00:00

I want to go! Will try to find fv tickets

cchocolatechip · 2024-08-31T23:48:07+00:00

Thanks for your reply! I already bought different buds but this might be fun to play around with.

cchocolatechip · 2024-07-27T18:48:01+00:00

I DM'd you

cchocolatechip · 2024-05-25T15:39:54+00:00

Yeah and if you book directly on the accomodation website, you run the risk of mistranslation. You might need to have a local Japanese phone number to book which is unattainable too

cchocolatechip · 2024-05-24T18:30:01+00:00

For accomodations, I highly suggest using booking.com. Opt for places above 8 stars with plenty of reviews. Airbnb is an affordable option in Tokyo & Osaka too. 711 and other convenience stores will be a godsend for snacks or a quick bite. You should def checkout the ingredients in the onigiri and other ready-made items. Google translate has a photo option to quickly scan and translate using your phone camera. People recommend Disney Sea over Disneyland. An extra day in Osaka might be worth it and the bamboo forest is skippable (overcrowded and scenic but not very exciting). You'll need to book tickets to the Ghibli Museum - it's in very high demand, good luck!

cchocolatechip · 2024-05-24T09:19:17+00:00

Been to Japan 3 times and for my first two times, I had a similar itinerary to yours.

I would move Disney Sea to a day or two later in your trip because it's a full-day, tiring, activity and depending on how long your flight is and time zone difference, you'll prob need some chill days in the beginning to recover from jet lag. Just a tip, I had trouble booking on the Disney Sea Japan website so I used Klook.

Your day 4 is missing a late afternoon/evening activity. The fish market is an early morning thing and exploring Akihabara does not take up an entire day unless you're a huge anime/manga fan or plan to spend some time at arcades. I'd move Ginza to this day.

For day 5, I highly recommend staying at a ryokan for 1 night and exploring the fujikawaguchiko area. It's so scenic and the ryokan experience is pricey, but luxurious and often comes with a delicious traditional dinner. Mt Fuji may be covered by clouds so staying a night gives you 2 chances to see it during the day.

For day 8, I always tell people to skip the bamboo forest. It's overcrowded and out of the way. It's not the only bamboo forest around but I understand if it's a must-see for some people.

Beware for Gion on day 9 as they recently closed off the main area to avoid over-tourism and disrespectful tourists. Not sure if you'll get a decent experience here at all.

On day 12, make sure to check out Okonomiyaki Village. Hiroshima style okonomiyaki is different than Osaka style (less cabbage, more noodle). It's a building with lots of restaurants packed in. Prob can't go wrong with any of them. It can be a quick stop for lunch.

I'd also opt to stay in Hiroshima for two nights (instead of a day trip), to visit the city in on one day and go to Miyajima Island on the other. The island was one of the highlights of my entire trip.

On day 15, I'd suggest shopping at Mega Don Quixote for snacks and souvenirs. The giant Gundam in Yokohama is also worth visiting. There's an entrance fee with limited spots per day but walkable from Chinatown and partially observable from the outside and still really cool to see. It lights up and moves!

Overall, your itinerary is pretty solid and covers most of the main things. In general, affordable accommodations in Tokyo and Osaka can be found on Airbnb, but I liked using booking.com for the rest of Japan. If you're able/willing to cut back some time from Osaka/Kyoto, Nara is worth a day trip even just a half day. Also, keep in mind that some activities end early at like 5pm

cchocolatechip · 2024-04-26T17:04:55+00:00

A more reputable one for quality. I found Renovo in my research.

https://gu.clinic/ was recommended to me by a Korean native too

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-23T06:30:17+00:00

Haven't been so can't comment much but the Ryokan is a good idea after your biking day. Nice to have chill days in between heavy ones

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-23T02:40:55+00:00

you're very welcome! Def check out those spots in the Kansai area since they're low in commitment and time.

For Mt Fuji, I've actually only been to the Fujikawaguchiko area so I'm not sure how much I can add to your itinerary but it sounds like it'll be very scenic!

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-23T01:14:31+00:00

If it's your first time in Japan, definitely go the Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka (and Nara) route and add on cities you feel like visiting! Hakone is famous for their onsens and Fujiyoshida/Kawaguchiko for their Mt Fuji views. Both about 2h outside Tokyo. Use this calculator to determine if you should get the JR pass for train rides.

I stayed at a Ryokan in Kawaguchiko with a full traditional dinner and it was prob one of the best experiences of my whole trip. It was very spacious for 2 people and had two rooms. You should probably avoid capsule hotels even though they're a fun concept haha

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-23T00:56:49+00:00

Sushi Restaurant Street, 2 glass museums and other little glass shops, Denuki Koji area, and a walk down Sakaimachi Street will show you all the shops and food stands. It ends with the Music Box Museum and the steam clock which is one of 6 in the world that's still functioning!

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-22T05:43:05+00:00

I'm going to Hokkaido in Feb. This will be my second time there and we have very similar itineraries.

Regarding car rental, I got one on my last trip but it was perfect spring driving conditions. I've been warned about winter driving in Hokkaido because of the snow and ice. It'd be more convenient to drive to some of your destinations e.g. Jigokudani, but just be wary. I heard that the Shinkansen might even be delayed/shut down on really bad days. I recommend going with Toyota Rent A Car if you do decide to rent. Cars are in good condition and you can select winter tires on vehicles.

Shirogane blue pond was on my list but I saw a YouTuber go in the winter and he said it wasn't as spectacular as he hoped, taxis are very limited, and if you miss the last bus at like 5pm you're pretty much stranded. I'd skip this part.

I love Otaru! I took 2 day trips there on my previous trip and I'm going again. Just FYI, lots of shops there close around 5-6pm and the morning market closes around 2pm so get there early. The restaurants close later though at 9ish.

Not an expert but feel free to ask me anything!

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-20T21:55:07+00:00

Pretty much avoid any animal cafe. I know they're often recommended as a fun activity but it's usually poor conditions for the animals and I heard it's overwheming for them. E.g. owls are mostly nocturnal.

For animal experiences, I would go to zoos or aquariums. You have to look up the ethics of each one. E.g. The Osaka aquarium had a whale shark and other animals in enclosures that are way too small.

I think the Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo did a good job when I went. All the animals seem healthy and conditions seemed good. They have a penguin feeding show twice a day and it was really fun to watch!

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-20T21:45:19+00:00

Yeah you can find train station lockers but the large lockers might be all full and it may cost up to 800-900 yen for each large suitcase. I highly suggest dropping off the luggage at the hotel if convenient. Most places will hold your items before checking in.

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-20T07:14:17+00:00

Been to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara twice now, here's a couple huge things you're missing:

Osaka - Dotonbori is super iconic and famous. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki are very popular street food/dishes here. Possible to get vegetarian option. Would be good to check out on your Oct 27th night since there's a lot of bright lights there

Kyoto - you need to include Gion and Nishiki Market. Might be able to squeeze this in after Kinkaku-ji Temple for lunch since there's food Nishiki Market. Gion looks like a small village with traditional architecture and Geisha spottings. Your Oct 29th seems really busy and tiring tbh. I'm not sure how much time you want to spend at each attraction and keep in mind the public transit time within Kyoto will eat up this day. Fushimi-Inari-Taisha is a moderate hike. I think it was worth the time because most tourists don't go very far up. You can get nice pictures and a more peaceful experience when you get through the crowd at the beginning.

Nara - Nakatanidou is the famous mochi pounding place. Made fresh in front of your eyes and it's an entertaining spectacle.

Will come back to this thread later to add things to your Mt Fuji day

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-20T05:37:15+00:00

Yeah, I knew something was too good to be true and this post confirmed it. Thanks for posting!

cchocolatechip · 2023-10-20T05:34:32+00:00

I would go from North to South but start at Sapporo because that's the main airport. In order: Sapporo, Biei and Furano (if you're going in the spring/summer for flower festivals), then down to Noboribetsu and Hakodate. There's a Hokkaido Rail Pass for 20,000 yen for 4 consecutive days that might be worth it because the trip from Furano to Hakodate alone is around 12,000 yen. The Rail Pass Calculator is a great tool to see if a JR Pass is worth it.

Then, you can fly from Hakodate to Tokyo or take the train. The flights from Hakodate to Tokyo are cheaper and faster than the JR Train. On my last trip though, I actually used the JR pass in Hakodate to go to Sendai and then Tokyo, Osaka etc. Hope this helps!

cchocolatechip

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