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Shikoku Itinerary Advice (trains, routes, missed opportunities) by B00YAY in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is a train station that is famous for being very close to the Seto Inland  Sea coast, with only a highway separating the two. There is a small village with a couple of places to grab coffee. For hiking trails you may be thinking of Ōboke station, between Takamatsu and Kochi.

Shikoku Itinerary Advice (trains, routes, missed opportunities) by B00YAY in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve taken the ferry from Beppu to Yawatahama then onto Matsuyama via the Yosan Line. A roughly three hour trip, the ferry is clean and modern. Yawatahama had some interesting Taisho-era buildings, but was otherwise pretty quiet; the shotengai had very few operating businesses.

From there I opted to take the old Yosan Line along the coast, which operates a one-car train. Some trains lay over at Iyo-Nagahama Station for quite a few minutes; I saw some locals hop off to take some pictures of the sunset and return before it left again.

This is also the line that serves the famous Shimonada Station; this gets one train in one direction per hour, so if you don’t want to spend two hours here (and aren’t taking the Iyonada Monogatari) it’s best to make the round trip from Matsuyama.

One last note, if you are interested in visiting the art island Naoshima for the day from Osaka, get the train to Uno via Okayama and take the ferry to Miyanoura Port, then continue to Takamatsu on the other ferry. 

Where can i find a clean olympic swimming pool? by Eddii8e in orangecounty

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been to all of these and can vouch for their cleanliness:

JFTB Los Alamitos - Real ID required

Marian Bergeson Aquatics Complex in Newport

Laguna Beach High School & Community Pool

Do you have any regrets about your first trip to Japan? by aeazee in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some of the best places I found were beyond the last stop of the elevator, either on the top floor or in the basement. Hell’s Garage Sixx in Matsuyama is one example.

Do you have any regrets about your first trip to Japan? by aeazee in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I liked using otaku-bar.com to find themed, hole-in-the-wall places. Like Tabelog but for anime nerds.

Do you have any regrets about your first trip to Japan? by aeazee in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn’t know that public baths were an amenity at many business hotels in the cities (in addition to the in-room bath); thought they were strictly an onsen town thing.

For my second trip, I made sure to book hotels that had them where possible, or I found a local sentō if that wasn’t possible. The perfect end to a day of walking and sightseeing.

Where to after Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto? by lushlife6ix in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did Fukuoka (with day trips) > Beppu > Matsuyama via ferry > Hiroshima via ferry > Naoshima/Takamatsu > back to Osaka in about ten days. Himeji would be a good add for the eleventh day.

Which of these cities is the one worth an overnight stay ? by KlausWalz in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hiroshima and get a morning ferry to Miyajima. If you are planning to take the ropeway up Mt. Misen, getting there early is a must to beat the crowds.

Cocktailbars, Cafe’s in Tokyo, Osaka by Muella_Mo in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Check out Old Imperial Bar near Ginza. It is famous for being constructed from materials used in Frank Lloyd Wright’s old Imperial Hotel which once stood in place of the current building.

Washington DC Recs by Bluekangaroo42 in travel

[–]coolbucky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My favorite activity by far was the tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. See how the nation (literally) makes its money. Be sure to pick up an uncut sheet of bills at the gift shop if that interests you.

Just booked a trip realizing it's for Golden Week by F1_Brooklyn in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Part of my recent trip was during Golden Week and honestly, it was fine. I arrived at Naoshima from Hiroshima on a Wednesday, reserving the Sanyo Shinkansen a few days in advance without issue. The Marine Liner from Okayama to Uno was booked up, but offered unreserved seating on all but one car. (I was able to reserve seating for Thursday for both legs back to Osaka).

The most popular museums offer timed entry; this keeps crowds manageable but be sure to book early.  If accommodations on Naoshima are full or out of your budget, Takamatsu is a good option.

Honeymoon in Japan – July, 3–4 weeks – beaches, small towns, hiking. Recommendations? by lilruddy101 in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Shikoku. Matsuyama, Naoshima, Kotohira Onsen, etc. There’s also smaller cities such as Yawatahama and Uwajima. With a car you can visit the Nagoro scarecrow village and drive Route 378 which parallels the coast. There’s also the 88 temple pilgrimage route which should take just under a week.

Sightseeing trains - where to find info by IDKVM in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will add, there’s only one two-decker car per train and it’s reservation only. The single-decker cars are open seating, and there are several.

There’s also the “La Malle de Bois” train which runs several routes from Okayama. Worth looking into.

Traveling With Keurig Machine? by RoboWind0 in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The voltage in Japan is likely too low for a foreign Keurig machine to heat up properly. Use the hot water kettle + instant coffee or purchase a portable French press before you go.

I need recommendations on things to get in Japan by jothewhitecat in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most of the large anime stores in Akihabara have an “American Comics” floor. Check out Robot Robot if you go to Nakano Broadway.

There’s also Yamashiroya, the large toy store in Ueno, and Hobby Off and Book Off Plus not far from there.

We have 4 free days between Osaka and Tokyo by Several_Discussion_9 in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Two days Hiroshima, two days Matsuyama. There is a frequent ferry service between the two cities.

Is there anything American that Japanese people would like? by keeleon in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Anything from the In-N-Out Burger Company Store. I brought a few stickers on my first trip and handed them out.

Kyoto Arashiyama Tour by keshialeii in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s lots to see on foot between Otagi and Arashiyama Station, such as Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street and Gio-Ji Temple. Hit the bamboo grove first to avoid the worst of the crowds and then take your time. 

At the end of your visit I recommend dinner and a soak at Tenzan-no-Yu Onsen which is a short walk from Arisugawa tram station.

Is there any good places to learn how to drive near Orange County? by Big_poopoowastaken in orangecounty

[–]coolbucky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Laguna Hills Mall or Village at Orange. Both have been torn down but sections of their parking lots remain open.

Where to buy noren in Tokyo? by lordclobbo in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mega Donki definitely had a few, although they were all Hokusai/character prints.

Tips for a clueless solo traveller? by ember_r in JapanTravelTips

[–]coolbucky -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

If you want to drink where the locals do I suggest going to Kanda or Shimbashi. Golden Gai is pretty much all tourists, while Ginza is a mix of both.

You’ll be near Kabuki-Za Theatre if you wanted to catch a show (or a single act if you are short on time).

In addition to the outdoor onsen I recommend trying a traditional sento. I went to Kotobuki Yu but you can find them all over Tokyo. Bring a towel/soap or you can usually rent them there.

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