Japan (credit card, hotel, limousine)

[NihonKitty]

Hmm romanji in english words yes. Japanese are trying to spell some japanese words according to english rules (c before e = etc), but that is not correct. Hiragana has corresponding romanji therefore there is technically only one way to spell japanese words. Arigatou is arigatou, not arigato or anything else, there is a hiragana at the end of "u" etc.

[SilkCity0416]

I would love to visit Japan.

I love Japanese history, language, and especially the culture.

I even took a Japanese language class back in the Spring. It wasn't nothing major, just learning some new words, numbers, phrases, sentance structure, etc.

I would like to visit, but I'm at a lost as to where to start first.

For some reason, I'm not too interested in visiting Tokyo, first.

I would however, like to see Kyoto and Osaka.

[5chevin5]

Silky...

More then likely coming from NYC (my hometown!) you would fly into Narita, which puts you much closer to Tokyo (though actually quite far out of the city). I don't know how easy it would be to fly into Kansai from New York, but there may be a way? It is a pretty big city Osaka (by US standards) so there could be a direct flight.

So hypothetically being close to Tokyo, you might as well start here, then its fairly easy to get your bearings and travel to Kyoto or Osaka.

Both cities I like for different reasons, but I couldn't imagine spending too much time in either, just my opinion.

Osaka (to me) is much more blue collar, real and actually slightly grittier then Tokyo. People are honest, hardworking and very forward which is nice. My business partner lived there for 9 years and says nothing but good things about the people, but they are "wired" different then Tokyo..(in a good way!) They have a real zest for life and enjoy having a good time. And of course Okonomiyaki!!
It's a big port city and not exceptionally pretty to look at compared to Kyoto, which is stunningly beautiful in places.

Kyoto is gorgeous and quaint. Not a huge city by Japan standards, but great for a day or two. The temples and cultural areas are really interesting and a must for someone visiting Japan.

Both areas have positives and negatives (as with anywhere in the world) but one thing that is a constant in Japan is.. Food! Always great food to be had, especially when you try regional specialties.

I think both Osaka and Kyoto are no more then a few days each...then you would be ready to explore more of Japan and maybe even Tokyo. Really though, if you come here with an open mind, patience and a genuine passion to learn more about Japan (which it sounds like to me) It will change you....There is something very magical about this place, and I'm honored, despite my poor Nihongo skills, everyday I'm allowed to stay here.

I think many people have an idea or image of Japan that is sadly misinformed or bias, until someone has been here, and really taken a moment to attempt to understand without any preconceived ideas, they just don't know.

Bon Voyage
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[NihonKitty]

Osaka is basically the size of NYC but cleaner/safer. Osaka is known as the dirtiest and most dangerous city in japan but by american cities it would be very clean and safe for a city of its size (metro has around 20 million). I also prefer Osaka over Tokyo. Tokyo is too orderly and serious at times..

[5chevin5]

I think some people cannot fathom how big these "metro" areas are compared to the US.
There is virtually no separation between Tokyo/Saitama/Yokohama/Kawasaki....a massive area of buildings and people. Same for Osaka/Kobe....just huge....and tall!

I would get in a bullet train and travel half an hour outside Tokyo station and still be in 20-30 story buildings... It's crazy! ...

I agree Osaka looks like once you figure it out, could have more fun there. Tokyo has a few places of "dis-order" though...just out of sight and takes a local to show you.

Hope you make it over Silky..
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[SilkCity0416]

I also want to travel to Sendai, and Fukuoka.

Sendai looks amazing. I love nature and I would love to see all those trees in the fall.

Fukuoka looks wonderful, too.

Though, from what I've read, it gets really hot down there in the summer.

I hate hot weather! Have anyone been to these two cities, too? What is it like over there?

[Randomstudent]

some useful phases may be (that I can remember off the top of my head)

Choto mate kudasai (hold on a sec)
Mou ichido Onegaishimasu (could you repeat that)
Ikura desu ka (how much money?)
Konbanwa (good evening)
Otearai wa dochira desu ka (where is the restroom)
and of course O genki desu ka? (are you well/how are you doing)

[eskercurve]

Originally Posted by 5chevin5

Silky...

Osaka (to me) is much more blue collar, real and actually slightly grittier then Tokyo. People are honest, hardworking and very forward which is nice. My business partner lived there for 9 years and says nothing but good things about the people, but they are "wired" different then Tokyo..(in a good way!) They have a real zest for life and enjoy having a good time. And of course Okonomiyaki!!
It's a big port city and not exceptionally pretty to look at compared to Kyoto, which is stunningly beautiful in places.

Kyoto is gorgeous and quaint. Not a huge city by Japan standards, but great for a day or two. The temples and cultural areas are really interesting and a must for someone visiting Japan.

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I really want to visit Osaka with my wife one day. A number of mutual friends we have come from there. Then we go back to Hakone and soak in some hot springs.

If you like historical and cultural immersion, and check out Kyoto, hop on a train and go to Nara. Nara was an ancient capital and buddhist and shinto temples are abound. The ancient city was modeled after modern-day Xi'an in China (which made sense for the day, as ancient Japanese nobility modeled their dress, writing, and language after Chinese).

You also get to feed the random deer wandering around (but don't snub them, or else they'll bite you!).

[dougie86]

Originally Posted by eskercurve

You also get to feed the random deer wandering around (but don't snub them, or else they'll bite you!).

LOL
Thanks for the warning.

[5chevin5]

Originally Posted by Randomstudent

some useful phases may be (that I can remember off the top of my head)

Choto mate kudasai (hold on a sec)
Mou ichido Onegaishimasu (could you repeat that)
Ikura desu ka (how much money?)
Konbanwa (good evening)
Otearai wa dochira desu ka (where is the restroom)
and of course O genki desu ka? (are you well/how are you doing)

Dont forget

"Nama biru kudosai"

especially in these hot muggy days of summer, a draft Yebisu is wonderful!

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