Ask MetaFilter

I'm planning my first trip to Tokyo in March! I'm excited! What's AirBnb like in terms of prices and locations compared to hotels/hostels? Anyone have any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by storybored around Tokyo, Japan at 10:10 PM - 7 answers

We want to take our 3 month old to Japan. Should we go ASAP or wait for better weather? [more inside]
posted by tealcake around Japan at 3:25 PM - 10 answers

We're visiting family in Japan next month and will have a week in Kyoto. We've got historical/cultural/tourist sites figured out, but would like recommendations for food. [more inside]
posted by SirNovember around Kyoto, Japan at 9:23 AM - 8 answers

Mefites in Japan: What's the way out of this payment... difficulty? [more inside]
posted by ctmf around Japan at 8:28 PM - 12 answers

I'll be in Japan for 8 days, starting 10/25. Help me fill those days with awesomeness! [more inside]
posted by evil otto around Tokyo, Japan at 2:21 PM - 12 answers

Difficulty level: no giant tuna auctions. Help me make the most of my free weekday morning in Tokyo! I travel to Japan once or twice a year for work - yay! I never get any free time to do anything - boo! [more inside]
posted by chocotaco around Tokyo, Japan at 8:41 AM - 4 answers

What are some good English-language walking/biking (i.e. not bus) tour operators in in Tokyo and Kyoto? [more inside]
posted by cosmic.osmo around Japan at 11:50 AM - 8 answers

My dad passed away suddenly in July after slowly declining for about a year. He had a specific request that we were unable to fulfill in time and we are trying to make that right. I have a very quick stop to make in Tokyo where I can get these items, but I need recommendations on hotels and the best department stores. [more inside]
posted by knottedknickers around Tokyo, Japan at 11:51 AM - 2 answers

My wife and I are visiting Japan soon and would like to visit interesting shops or design studios that specialise in uncommon and/or beautiful products, specifically for homewares, textiles and children’s toys and decor. We’re interested in contemporary design and want to get a feel for the modern Japanese aesthetic. [more inside]
posted by timshel around Japan at 2:06 PM - 9 answers

We're going to Japan! From December 25-January 15th, to be precise, and are overwhelmed with the possibilities! Where should we go? [more inside]
posted by telophase around Japan at 2:57 PM - 12 answers

What are some good hostels in Tokyo and Kyoto for a solo traveler? [more inside]
posted by cosmic.osmo around Japan at 10:18 PM - 11 answers

We (two non-Japanese speaking adults, perhaps with JR Passes) will be in Hiroshima on the morning of January 5. I fly out of Narita T1 at 14:00, she flies out of Narita T1 at 18:00. What is the best way to get there in time, given the fact that we will have bags and it's the end of a big holiday travel period there? [more inside]
posted by mdonley around Japan at 3:20 AM - 7 answers

We'll be in Tokyo between December 27-January 2 at the tail end of our honeymoon, right in the middle of the New Year holidays. Help us add a ryokan stay and onsen relaxation to our itinerary! [more inside]
posted by harujion around Tokyo, Japan at 11:42 AM - 6 answers

This is the appliance in question. I'm aware that Tokyo's electrical system is 100 volts at 50 Hz, but I'm not sure how that applies to this rope light kit, which is rated for (according to the instructions) 120V, 60Hz, and 100 mA. Does the low current/wattage (12 watts) mean it will work anyway, due to some transformer inside, or is it just not going to be compatible?
posted by Maximian around Tokyo, Japan at 2:29 PM - 3 answers

Thanks to some ridiculous flight deals, a friend of mine and I are headed to Japan for two weeks. The catch/opportunity: the flight is next February. There's probably a bunch of really neat things to do in Japan that unfortunately have huge waiting lists or need to be planned well in advance, right? For once in my life, we are those people planning well in advance! So what neat things with long waiting lists should we sign up for now? [more inside]
posted by chrominance around Japan at 11:56 AM - 11 answers

Entering the country without an onward ticket, wanting to be flexible. [more inside]
posted by wolfr around Japan at 11:15 AM - 7 answers

My good friend and I will be in Japan this August for two weeks! Most of the time we're staying at budget ryokan, but for our last night in the country we wanted to find someplace more special....and convenient to the airport. [more inside]
posted by Narrative Priorities around Narita, Japan at 5:18 PM - 7 answers

I'm headed to Oita, Japan next weekend for a short trip. Any recommendations on which towns to visit, or suggestions for specific restaurants or non-onsen activities?
posted by spamandkimchi around Oita, Japan at 3:53 AM - 2 answers

Hello all, I'm looking at being in Takayama for Obon Festival this year, but I can't find any information on the dates they celebrate it or what exactly they do for it. I've searched in both English and Japanese, but my Japanese-language search skills are terrible. Any information you all could provide would be extremely helpful! Thank you. :) Best, Joe
posted by Televangelist around Takayama, Japan at 10:06 AM - 3 answers

The Obon festival occurs in both July and August in Japan, with different regions choosing different dates. I'll be in Tokyo in August, but Tokyo celebrates in July... does anyone have any recommendations for where I should travel in Japan for the days of the Obon festival that would be celebrating in August? :) Can bullet train anywhere. Bonus points for great scenery and extensive Obon celebrations.
posted by Televangelist around Tokyo, Japan at 9:51 PM - 9 answers