Job Discussion Forums

[Generasian X]

Nevermind

[Glenski]

How to explore Japan to the fullest? Become a resident, of course. Now, since that may not be practical, a lot depends on your financial situation and work obligations.

Are you working in Japan now? If you are a tourist, I suggest looking at www.lonelyplanet.com for advice from the world travelers.

I'm not sure just what your situation is, so if you explain it better, perhaps we can give you better advice.

[homersimpson]

In theory, if you are a resident you cannot use a rail pass. When you purchase the rail pass outside the country you don't actually get the pass until you arrive in Japan and hand over your proof of purchase. They will check your passport and see that you have a working visa which would NOT make you a tourist. That's assuming you're able to buy it in the first place (as your passport is supposed to be checked prior to purchase). However, notice I prefaced this reply with the words "in theory." In Japan there are very strict rules (that often go unenforced). But, you'd be taking a pretty expensive ($236-481) risk.

[Generasian X]

Sounds like good advice to me, thanks guys!

[buffy]

Generasian X,
If you are living here and want to really explore slowly and have the time there is something called the Seishin 18 kippu. You buy a series of them and with each one you can ride local JR trains (not shinkansen) for a day. It is a really cheap way to go and some of the local trains out in the boondocks are great, it is also a good way to meet people. you can hop on and off and also see where the train takes you in the evening and stay at that place. I forget the price, but maybe 1,800 a day.....

[Generasian X]

That's sounds like a winner!
I'll look into it.
Thank you!

[The Gipkick]

Seriously, the best way to explore japan is by mountain bike. Yes, do take the train for long distances and ferries to cross over to islands, but if you really want to smell the flowers, hear the sounds of drums banging in remote and ancient temples, hear the laughter of children and greet the smiles of the elderly, a mountain bike is really the only way. As Japan is very mountainous and there are lots of paths to get lost on, I think a mountain bike is ideal. It is also a quiet machine so you can actually hear the many sounds around you. It is also slow enough and exposed enough so you really get in touch with the elements--both human and climactic. Just imagine climbing the vertiginous mountains of Shikoku and smelling the persimmons; stopping by an angry river and going for a dip and then seeing an old village woman watching you and laughing hysterically. Ahh, Japan. The question really is do you have the time?

[Mike L.]

Gipkick has it figured out.

I've travelled all over Hokkaido, Chiba Ken, Kyoto and parts of Kyshuu by bike.

Hokkaido is great for it's nature, smooth rides and at times tough climbs followed by long fast downhills. Camping on the beach or staying in a cheap Minshuku make it affordable too. After the intial investment in gear that is.

All of Japan has something to offer when seen by bike. People are friendly with cyclists and you are free to roam where you please. Japanese drivers, even truckers in tunnels, are quite tollerant of cyclists.

I highly recommend a hybred bike, slick tires that are wider than road bike tires but narrower than mountain bike ones.

You can get a smooth ride, have road shocks and travel in relative confort.

Brands like Giant, Specialized and others can be had for as little as 40,000 yen. You can even bag them for planes or trains. A tarp, duct tape and bungy cords will do it.

The mountain bike, fitted with smooth tires, would be ideal for a real long trip, Soya Miasaki to Sata for example, though since they tend to be very sturdy.

Good luck!