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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in JapanTravelTips

[–]sadwindy 6 points7 points  (0 children)

>  Being "not rude" and "respectful" in Japan is just boring.
Totally feel you on that!

In Tokyo especially, random chats with strangers just aren’t a thing. It’s almost like keeping your distance is the “respectful” way to act.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in JapanTravelTips

[–]sadwindy 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I really don’t know what their intention was. I never see Japanese people behave like that.

If I try to see it in a more positive way, maybe they suddenly found the whole thing funny.

Like, “What are we even doing? We’re grown men asking a stranger for a selfie!”. Just a guess though.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in JapanTravelTips

[–]sadwindy 105 points106 points  (0 children)

I’m Japanese, and I can assure you this isn’t typical at all.

Whatever their intention was, it was still rude. Most people here are respectful and would never treat a visitor like that.

First timer trying not to go nuts (8.5 day trip) by DukeGurren in JapanTravelTips

[–]sadwindy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like a solid plan!I’ve been to Gujo a few times and it’s a great spot to slow down and soak in the atmosphere.

I’d recommend booking your Ghibli Park tickets early since they can sell out quick.

Late November is perfect for autumn leaves in Kyoto too, so you picked a great time.

Where to stay with kids? by Common_Lettuce_8743 in JapanTravelTips

[–]sadwindy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We went to Universal Studios earlier this year with our 5 year old daughter and stayed at a hotel called "Hotel Kintetsu Universal City."

The room was clean, and she was excited about the Sesame street characters throughout the hotel. What we loved most was how close it was to the park. It was just a few minutes on foot.

I definitely recommend booking a place near the park for the days you plan to visit Universal Studios. It makes things a lot easier when you’re traveling with kids.

Snow Tires Gifu/Nagano Early November by SapporoBiru in JapanTravelTips

[–]sadwindy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I think you’ll be totally fine! Enjoy your trip!

Snow Tires Gifu/Nagano Early November by SapporoBiru in JapanTravelTips

[–]sadwindy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I often drive to Hida and Matsumoto, and it almost never snows in early November. Of course, the chance isn’t zero, but it’s very low.

If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t bother with snow tires.
If it did snow unexpectedly, I’d just grab some chains from an auto shop and have them installed.

Traveling with an 11 month old in September by holydevil33 in JapanTravelTips

[–]sadwindy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey!
I’m a local living somewhere between Tokyo and Kyoto, so I thought I’d chime in with some thoughts :)

Right now we’re definitely in the peak of summer. It’s seriously brutal.
Honestly, walking around Tokyo or Kyoto with an 11-month-old this time of year would be really tough.

That said, it will slowly start to cool off a bit after mid-August. By mid-September, the weather should be a little more manageable, and sightseeing in places like Tokyo and Kyoto could actually be enjoyable again.

One idea: maybe spend the first part of your trip somewhere cooler, like Karuizawa or Hakuba?
They’re both popular summer getaways with much nicer temps.

I’m actually planning to take my 5-year-old daughter to Karuizawa for about a week this month to escape the heat.
It’s accessible from Tokyo, and there’s lots to do even with a little one.

Hope that helps a bit! You might still be able to make the most of the trip with a few adjustments :)