Job Discussion Forums

PO1 · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 136

Last year when I was in Japan, my two big vacations involved Kyoto and Tokyo. I'll be living in Kanagawa prefecture this time around, so I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for good places to visit in the area outside of the obvious. I like all sorts of different types of trips (relaxing ones, historical, big city shopping, natural) so any kind of recommendations would be great.

Also any easy, cheap trips to other countries nearby? (China, Korea, Australia, etc.)

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

Kyushu.

I hear the Chiran kamikaze museum is worthwhile, although not for obvious reasons.

Nagasaki, Aso-san, Miyazaki (home of Chicken Nanban), Kagoshima - the Satsuma rebellion, Fukuoka (great place for food and partying).

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

Kyushu is nice. I want to get some Miyazaki time myself before I leave next year. I also want to go hit some raw horse in Kumamoto.

I know it's near to Tokyo, where you said you often went, but Hakone and the surrounding resort/beach area is probably my favourite place in Japan.

I also loved Korea. I've been there twice, with the last time being for a week at Christmas. By far the best Christmas I've had (aside from family Xmases). Cheap as chips too, if you go before Xmas eve (I went on the 22nd) and leave before New Years eve. My return was something like 2 man and the hostel (Mr Sea- highly recommended) was only 3000 yen a night for a double room.

natsume · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 409 Location: Chongqing, China

I've done Hida-Takayama and Shirakawa-go last summer, and on the other side of the hill, Matsumoto last winter, both awesome. Takayama is a very cool little town, I want to see it in winter.

Izu penninsula is great.

I like mixing it up as well. Considering a Matsumoto/Nagano/Tokyo trip, or alternately a Matsumoto/Takayama/Kyoto trip, this New Years.

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

well I suppose it depends on what kind of things you like to do and see. There is so much to see in Japan, so much history, so much good food and intersting culture

Cool Teacher · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 1:41 pm Post subject:

Hokkaido!

I went to a place called Otaru which is really nice! Very Happy

I loved it and the scenary! Smile

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

It's a good 10 hour flight to Sydney from Tokyo, so I wouldn't call it "nearby". South-East Asia, especially Thailand, Bali and Vietnam, are a bit closer (all about 7 hours), and are popular places for Japan expats to visit. Closer are Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan etc.

As for inside Japan, there are endless choices. Have a look at a site like www.japan-guide.com and see what appeals. I am a big fan of Ishigaki island in Okinawa prefecture myself.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

Hajijojima in the Izu Isles is nice. Especially if it's you and a Gf or whatever. Very private, and kinda quaint. There's scuba and a some nice swimming.

PO1 · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 136

Thanks for the suggestions. I was looking for comments from people who have been in Japan for a while and may know some hidden spots most guidebooks or websites don't mention. I haven't heard of most of these places, so that's what I wanted!

Thanks!

Rakuten · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 67 Location: Japan

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

Raw horse is awesome, don't be scared!