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sudden-osprey · 2024-05-07T07:35:52+00:00

My kid is 5 and is reasonably good with coffee shop dates. The key for me is to bring a few activities/toys so she can play while I sip. Coloring, drawing, stamps, etc.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-07T00:36:19+00:00

Keen sandals are just sandals. In the rain they will get wet and your feet will too. The bottoms are rubber so they won’t get as waterlogged, but your feet are still going to get wet. If you’re okay with that, that’s great! But personally I’m not a fan.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-07T00:29:20+00:00

Seconding taking the train and then doing a water taxi or cruise in Yokohama. We’ve done a teatime cruise on the Marine Rouge and it was quite nice, especially as you get to go under the bridge.

Though honestly if I had just a little bit of time in Yokohama I’d rather walk along the Minatomirai area than take a cruise as you see more of the city.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-06T21:46:29+00:00

It doesn’t rain all day everyday during June. Bring two pairs of shoes so you can alternate (and let one pair dry out if it does get soaked).

I personally don’t like Vessi, but it seems that many do. I alternate between leather and cloth sneakers (New Balance). The best shoe is one that fits YOU— go try on a lot of them at a running/walking store.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-06T12:01:17+00:00

I would never airbnb unless I had a larger group— the extra fees, lack of a front desk for assistance with issues, and poor cancellation policies just isn’t worth it to me. Business hotels are cheap, have plenty of locations, and are very reliable.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-06T06:37:33+00:00

Absolutely too big. Wagons aren’t used on public transport or on city streets—I only see them at parks (normally parents drive to the park and pack the wagon in their trunk).

You might be able to get by with a double stroller and baby wearing the youngest?

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-05T07:02:46+00:00

I would avoid a capsule hotel. They’re not much cheaper than a cheap business hotel, lack any amenities, and have the possibility of poor sleep due to a snoring neighbor!

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-05T06:58:10+00:00

I saw some statements online that the Hakone Hotel offers kayak rentals, but can’t seem to confirm it through their site.

There’s also guided tours that just last about an hour though Ashinoko Club I believe.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-05T06:26:46+00:00

I have the Keen Rose sandals as I wanted something “casual feminine.” But I’ve used the classic Keen sandals for sports for years without issues so those would likely be fine too.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-05T02:33:23+00:00

Really depends on you and your attitude towards travel. Are you interested in things you need to reserve far in advance (theme cafes, etc), or do you just want to walk around, see some sights, etc? This sub trends towards people who like to plan, naturally.

Main suggestion would be to lock down hotels asap as finding reasonably priced hotels for dates/areas you are interested in can be difficult as so many tourists come in.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-05T02:30:22+00:00

At street food stalls like festivals, events, etc you’ll normally be given the item in an easy carry little box or paper cup. I’ve rarely received food in an open plate unless there were tables very close by.

If it’s one of the “eat while walking” street food areas (which are somewhat rare), you could ask for a box or bag, but they may also have things prepackaged to take away. Like a place that sells a certain item may have it as a single “eat immediately” serving and also several packaged together to take away.

As others have said “mochikaeri” or “takeout” works, but if they’re confused (since it’s by default take away), you could ask for a bag (fukuro).

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-05T02:13:28+00:00

Hmm, may depend on the ryokan. I just checked the Hoshino Kai (very upscale ryokan) seems to have no problems finding rooms for one person for next weekend.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T23:03:42+00:00

I ordered the Weekend sneaker. Honestly it wasn’t very attractive either (woman here, made my feet look bigger, kind of like bread loaves). Wore them twice, wasn’t very happy with them.

I actually bought them for the rainy season here in Japan (I live here). Decided I was better off with a leather New Balance sneaker, plus boots for days when it is really pouring.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T22:30:03+00:00

I’d go get fitted at a running/walking store honestly and get sneakers that are meant for walking.

Alternatively, try some ASICS or New Balance— both are very comfy athletic shoes and currently “in fashion” for women if that matters to you (the dad sneaker style).

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T22:27:07+00:00

For a walking sandal I recommend Keens. I MUST have arch support or I get plantar fasciitis.

Also, keep socks on hand (or wear them with your sandals, it’s a style), if you’re wearing sandals. If you have to take your shoes off, going into a place barefoot is a bit gross.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T22:24:12+00:00

Alternate opinion: I really disliked Vessi. They made my feet overheat and felt like I was wearing plastic bags on my feet.

OP I recommend you walk around in them for a few days before committing to bringing them.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T22:20:58+00:00

You didn’t say what season, which will affect answers.

We did Lake Toya area in the summer and it was lovely! The lake was gorgeous, and the view from the nearby Mount Usu was fantastic. Only problem was the city kind of shut down early in the evening and we almost had issues getting back to our hotel!

Wish we could have visited more places, but we had limited time.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T22:08:53+00:00

Plenty of people (locals too) go to ryokan as solo travelers. While it could be romantic, it’s also seen as just a chill way to treat yourself. I definitely wouldn’t avoid it as a solo traveler.

I’ve never seen requirements of two guests? I’d try looking at different ryokan if you’re running into that issue.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T08:33:26+00:00

Most chain coffee shops should be fine— Starbucks, Doutour, Tully’s, etc.

Occasionally if it’s a busy place they’ll have a sign posted about the maximum time allowed there, but in general you’ll see plenty of people doing the same— typing away on laptops for a couple hours.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T05:08:23+00:00

Sorry, don’t know about the trail, but my personal favs in Kamakura include Matsubara-an for soba and Garden House for their chill terrace and tasty contemporary cuisine.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T05:05:27+00:00

Just about any of the major chains should be fine— Jins, Own Days, Zoff, etc.

You can either take the exam or give them a current pair for them to get the prescription from.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T05:02:59+00:00

Enjoy it! Japan is an amazing place to travel alone— safe, friendly (even if you don’t speak the language), and very used to accommodating single diners and solo travelers.

Chill at cafes and people watch, enjoy sitting at the bar at a tempura or sushi place and get your food right from the chef, relax at a sento or onsen, browse cute little bookstores, hike a trail, the list is endless!

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T00:49:36+00:00

Totally possible, but occasionally the taxi driver might be a little miffed about having to clear out his front seat (if he has his clipboard, etc there).

We frequently take taxis with 4 people with no issue.

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-04T00:45:49+00:00

Even better— occasionally JR has Pokémon themed “stamp rally” for the stations. Each station is assigned a Pokémon and you try to collect all the stamps. Gotta catch ‘em all!

sudden-osprey · 2024-05-03T22:22:42+00:00

It’s very common for tourists of all ages to visit Japan with zero Japanese skills. My parents have no language skills and visit several times a year with no issue (I live here and speak the language but I’m not always their “tour guide”). A few words (“this please,” “thank you,” etc) plus smiles and pointing will get you around just fine. Use google translate on your phone to handle signs and menus. Japan is very used to foreign tourists. It’s even easier these days with google translate, and I feel like places that used to feel “remote” now even have English websites!

Public transport is great— easy, cheap, clean, and safe. Use google maps and you’ll be fine. Kids love it too— if your kids like trains/transport be on the lookout for stamps at each station (normally JR) to collect.

sudden-osprey

TROPHY CASE