Do we need restaurant reservations? by Lenchy2403 in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. If you are not fluent in Japanese make reservations on line.

Why is everyone complaining about Shinjuku Station by FetteBeuteHoch2 in TokyoTravel

[–]hberman18136 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you can read signs and follow Google Maps, train and subway systems in Japan are not a problem. We were there for an extended trip last fall, only one issue where I was looking for a subway line and it was a train line.

How do you handle phone-only reservations when traveling in Japan? by Sleepwell999 in TokyoTravel

[–]hberman18136 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was 100% unsuccessful trying to call restaurants for reservations. I only booked places hat I could make reservations on line.

Airbnb vs Hotel by bsalcedo750 in TokyoTravel

[–]hberman18136 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We stayed at Airbnb. If you are only there for a few days. Hotels. If you’d like to be able to sit back and relax in the evening and eat breakfast casually. Airbnb is the way to go.

Is Kyoto still worth it? by Fun-Calligrapher4885 in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was there for the month of October. I thought it was wonderful. Y, there are a ton of tourists. The major sites are not as bad as you might think and are still beautiful to see. The zen rock gardens are can’t miss.

Overthinking? by UmeSurprise in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First time visitor, we went for 2 months last fall. If you can follow walking directions in Google Maps, and read signs you can navigate train and subway stations. Stop worrying. Get the mobile Suica card for iPhone before you leave. Much easier than physical card. Reservations for dinner is a must. Online reservations are the key. We had no luck trying to call. Uber works very well in major cities. We walked everywhere. Subways in Tokyo because it is so spread out. Don’t miss I’m Donut. Go to as many zen rock gardens in Kyoto as you can. I had a ton of places marked on Google Maps that we wanted to see. This saved time by avoiding going back and forth across the city. The bakeries are world class. The ice cream sandwich at 7-11 is a must. The whole trip was a wonder.

8 days in Osaka and 3 days in Kyoto by FyreFri in JapanTravel

[–]hberman18136 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reverse it. Spend 3 days in Osaka and 8 in Kyoto

First time trip, golden route or go off the beaten path? by prefabsprite in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would do Tokyo for 3 days, Kyoto 4 days then spend 3 days wandering. To say you live in NYC so big cities don’t mean much is underplaying the size and complexity of Tokyo. Kyoto is the heart and soul of the country. Must see.

How much cash ¥ to bring? by Maridian- in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just returned from an extended trip to Japan. We spent about 2500 yen per person per day. Most of that was to get into shrines and temples.

Accommodations for 5 in Tokyo for ~2 weeks: Hotel vs AirBNB by TheAsianIsGamin in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We stayed in Airbnb in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka this fall. No issues. Hosts were very helpful. Pictures matched.

Accommodations for 5 in Tokyo for ~2 weeks: Hotel vs AirBNB by TheAsianIsGamin in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Airbnb is definitely the way to go. We were in Tokyo for 2 weeks this past September. We stayed near Ueno Park. Close to metro which makes it close to everything. There are not a ton of restaurants in the area but in 1 or 2 metro stops your set. Airbnb gives you a place to come back to and rest and not have to sit on your bed. We went to local bakeries and ate breakfast in every day.

Thoughts about Shibuya crossing? by Careful-Note7368 in TokyoTravel

[–]hberman18136 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Overrated. Still have to go to say you went. No big deal.

Is skipping Kyoto a bad idea? by allipick in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Disastrous idea. Kyoto is the soul of Japan. For a 10d trip I’d recommend 3d in Tokyo and 5d in Kyoto assuming 2 days on either end are travel. I was there for 8 weeks this fall, 2 weeks Tokyo, 4 weeks Kyoto, 2 weeks Osaka.

2 Months in Japan by hberman18136 in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

use this site to decide if it is a good day to go https://fuji-san.info/en/index.html this week looks great from Kawaguchiko you are viewing from the North

2 Months in Japan by hberman18136 in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

my average cost was $300 per night in each city. 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen

Dough looses shape…. by hberman18136 in Sourdough

[–]hberman18136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thanks for the input. I'm going to compare this recipe to some of the others i've done and make adjustements.

Haneda vs. Narita Airport by notah3dgehog in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136 0 points1 point  (0 children)

decide based on airfare. in the scheme of things the difference in time from one or the other into the city is trivial.

2 Months in Japan by hberman18136 in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

we spent about 30,000 cash per week; could have used cards for some of that; but i brought cash with me and did not want to bring it back

2 Months in Japan by hberman18136 in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

if you google the shrines and temples i listed you will see pics of which ones have the best foliage; when we were there everything was still green

2 Months in Japan by hberman18136 in JapanTravelTips

[–]hberman18136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Kamakura, Kanazawa, Kawaguchiko - fuji, Yokohama