Tokyo / Fukuoka / Sapporo (Japan ) - Massage / Sauna / Places To Visit (Compiled)

[Guest TY]

Does Anyone know about sauna in Sapporo Northest part of Japan ?

Anyone hear about "Kiraku Kaikan" sauna in Sapporo?

[Andy@Tokyo]

Does Anyone know about sauna in Sapporo Northest part of Japan ?

Anyone hear about "Kiraku Kaikan" sauna in Sapporo?

There are 2 in Sapporo,as the guide book shows, near the main train station.

Kiraku kaikan is another chain sauna in Japan. While 24 kaikan operates in Tokyo, Kiraku kaikan operates in other parts of Japan. Entry process might be involved an additional step. I heard that u need to purchase a membership card at the entrance on ur first entry.

[Guest TY]

There are 2 in Sapporo,as the guide book shows, near the main train station.

Kiraku kaikan is another chain sauna in Japan. While 24 kaikan operates in Tokyo, Kiraku kaikan operates in other parts of Japan. Entry process might be involved an additional step.

Thank Andy, So troublesome(I heard that u need to purchase a membership card at the entrance on ur first entry.)

Are they welcome foriegner because the website didnt'state also how much for membership card ?

[Andy@Tokyo]

Sry TY, i havent been before. Could u provide the website for u saw?

[Guest TY]

OK

The website is( www.akinet.ne.jp/kiraku/ )

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hi TY,

I looked through the website.

Noticed that the discount coupons have some english words written.

Hence, if u are going within that period (when the coupon is valid) why not print it out and show it at the entrance.

Think there is a high chance that u can get in. worst come to worst is they say no.. but i guess there is nothing much to lose. Moreover, u might meet some Jap PLUs there. Good luck and let us know the outcome ya?

Best

P.s if i got any info later, would post again.

Edited August 14, 2009 by Andy@Tokyo

[Guest TY]

Thank You Andy ,I going Sapporo this coming mid of November to see snow...

[Andy@Tokyo]

Summer time is said to be the season to climb Mt Fuji, and during this period people of all ages from all over the world arrive in Japan with one main aim - to ascend the highest Mountain in Japan. For me, this has been something i wanted to do while I am still here. And i did it.

Mt Fuji is 3776m tall and she once tried to enter the world's heritage but was refused coz it was littered with trash.

Fortunately, i didnt find her dirty at all during my climb. we were all asked to bring our own trash back and i think most of the visitors respected that rule.

To be Cont'ed....

[taxme7]

Cool

I may visit Japan in Oct. Can I climb Fuji San at that time?

[Andy@Tokyo]

taxme7..

Oct can climb, but u need to equipped with other gears for the snow/ice and if u are climbing for the first time, under snow condition, u need a special guide too. July to Aug is for the general crowd.

[castaway]

Hi,

Anyone here used to travel to Japan - Tokyo can advise me :

- Where is the cheapest hostel in Tokyo ? Normally, how much does it cost ? I used to see some hostels in Japan (Amazing Race in Japan) have sleeping slots, very very small, just enough for 1 person. I wonder do you know where ? and how much ?

- How much for food per day in Tokyo (just enought to survive, in Budget - no restaurant pls)?

- How is transportation in Tokyo ? Should I buy Rail Pass or just buy ticket per trip is cheaper ?

- What is weather in Tokyon in Oct (beginning) ? Still have red leaf ???

- Is there any other beautiful city around Tokyo (just 1 day trip) ? How much for ticket ?

I hope I did not ask too much. I saw many questions about bar and sauna so I wont ask again, but will read it later.

[Andy@Tokyo]

The climb was totally unplanned for- i was busy and my friends organized it on my behalf as this might be my last chance to climb Mt Fuji. Yes, next year this time I might not be in Japan anymore. Hence, this trip is more of a trip of recollection and moving on. To reflected on what i had achieved (not recounting the number of Jap daddies conquered) during my stay in Japan and to get signs on where to proceed. Well, it didnt really work out. I had to walk with and cheer one/two of my friends, who wasnt conditioned for the long hours of hectic hike. Furthermore, some cute DADDIES who were also climbing kept me distracted through out the ordeal.

I found out about the schedule and cost of this trip while we were waiting for the bus at shinjuku.

In summary,

It costs 9600 Yen and this includes the bus ride to and fro plus entry to an Onsen after our climb.

The bus left shinjuku at 7pm and we reached the 5th station of Mt Fuji at 1030pm.

The climb started at 11pm and we were all at the 8th station to watch the sunrise at 430~500am.

There was a jam (too many people) at the 9th station and i reached the top at 6am.

The descend was at 7am and i reached the end point (5th Station) at 11am.

The bus left at about 145pm. Those that were late had to pay for their own transport back and would miss the onsen.

To be Cont'ed...

[taxme7]

Hi CA

Around Tokyo >> you can try Nikko (about Yen4,800 if you take the limited express Shinkansen) and Kamakura (this is the place where you can find the Big Buddha, cost about Yen2,000). Both need one full day each.

JR Pass >> if you intend to go other cities eg Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya etc, then it is advisable to purchase the JR pass.

Food >> Don't think you can find any budget food in Tokyo. Average about S$12 per bowl of a decent ramen.

Hostel >> not sure. I stay in hotel.

Shopping >> Superb.

Hope this is useful.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hi,

Anyone here used to travel to Japan - Tokyo can advise me :

- Where is the cheapest hostel in Tokyo ? Normally, how much does it cost ? I used to see some hostels in Japan (Amazing Race in Japan) have sleeping slots, very very small, just enough for 1 person. I wonder do you know where ? and how much ?

The avg cost for hotels in Tokyo is ard 7000~9000 (single). But those capsule hotels can be really cheap e.g. check this out http://www.asakusa-capsule.jp/english/

Recently, i learnt of a site where u can book for hotels in japan with discounts.

But the site is in japanese http://www.jalan.net/

If u can manage it i think u can get pretty good rates.

- How much for food per day in Tokyo (just enought to survive, in Budget - no restaurant pls)?

Go for Sukiya (すきや）　Matsuya　(松屋）、 Yoshinoya （吉野家）　i.e the chain restaurants. These would be cheaper. The ones i mentioned would cost 400~700 per meal, which is ard 6 ~ 9 singapore dollars?

- How is transportation in Tokyo ? Should I buy Rail Pass or just buy ticket per trip is cheaper ?

Like taxman says, if u are only traveling withing toyko no need to get rail pass. However, u might wan to purchase the one-day-use-all-u-can pass for METRO lines. Get a SUICA, it is convienent (works like an e-link card)

- What is weather in Tokyon in Oct (beginning) ? Still have red leaf ???

Different parts of tokyo is different, be it yellow or red leaves. I check this site.. sry it is in japanese http://kouyou.nihon-kankou.or.jp/

However, this is not difficult to nagivate through. just need to click on the place u are going and see the color indication for the leaves.

- Is there any other beautiful city around Tokyo (just 1 day trip) ? How much for ticket ?

hakone, nikko, kusatsu, kamakura. For prices, check with ur tour agency, or key in the places i mentioned and do a search online. sry, i dont know the definate answer for price.

Edited August 19, 2009 by Andy@Tokyo

[castaway]

The avg cost for hotels in Tokyo is ard 7000~9000 (single). But those capsule hotels can be really cheap e.g. check this out http://www.asakusa-capsule.jp/english/

Recently, i learnt of a site where u can book for hotels in japan with discounts.

But the site is in japanese http://www.jalan.net/

If u can manage it i think u can get pretty good rates.

Do you know any hotel with 7-9000 ? Just in case

Thanks for sharing this Capsule hotel, I really like it, it looks clean and safe too. 3000 Y is a little expensive because I found a bed in hostel only 2000 Y. But may be I will try one night there to see/feel how it is. ... just dont like the open public bath ... but with straight guys ... uhm :whistle:

This is 2000 Y hostel I found through internet :

http://www.cheap-accommodation-tokyo.com/e/company.html

Could you tell me based on these addresses, which one is near city centre and gay bars/clubs/saunas ? I will be there during weekend so may be want to check it out. In Tokyo, should I stay in quiet residential or crowded ?

Go for Sukiya (すきや）　Matsuya　(松屋）、 Yoshinoya （吉野家）　i.e the chain restaurants. These would be cheaper. The ones i mentioned would cost 400~700 per meal, which is ard 6 ~ 9 singapore dollars?

Yes, thanks for this information. :thumb:

A friend told me one apple costs 14 S$

Like taxman says, if u are only traveling withing toyko no need to get rail pass. However, u might wan to purchase the one-day-use-all-u-can pass for METRO lines. Get a SUICA, it is convienent (works like an e-link card)

I DO want to go to Kyoto for 1 day or buy a tour to Mt.Fuji, do you know where I can buy tour ?

I heard the bullet train to Kyoto is quite ex, around 100-150 US$, is there any other cheaper way ?

I think within Tokyo, I will us SUICA card as you advised.

Different parts of tokyo is different, be it yellow or red leaves. I check this site.. sry it is in japanese http://kouyou.nihon-kankou.or.jp/

However, this is not difficult to nagivate through. just need to click on the place u are going and see the color indication for the leaves.

Thanks for this information, I will check it out.

hakone, nikko, kusatsu, kamakura. For prices, check with ur tour agency, or key in the places i mentioned and do a search online. sry, i dont know the definate answer for price.

Thanks for this information, I will check it out.

[castaway]

Around Tokyo >> you can try Nikko (about Yen4,800 if you take the limited express Shinkansen) and Kamakura (this is the place where you can find the Big Buddha, cost about Yen2,000). Both need one full day each.

Hi Taxme, Thanks for this information, I will check it out.

JR Pass >> if you intend to go other cities eg Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya etc, then it is advisable to purchase the JR pass.

Do you mean that by using JR Pass, I can travel within Tokyo, within Kyoto and from Tokyo to Kyoto and vice verse by same 1 or 2 day pass ?

How much does it cost ? How long does it take from Tokyo to Kyoto by JR ? Is JR same as bullet train ?

Hope this is useful.

Yes, actually it is very useful.

Thanks alot for you and others sharing information.

[taxme7]

Hi CA

JR Pass >> 7 days pass costs Yen28,300 (about S$430). Yes, you can travel within tokyo and outside of tokyo as long as the train is operated by JR Group. You can use it to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours) and vice versa by Shinkansen. You can choose a 7 days pass, 14 days or 21 days.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Do you know any hotel with 7-9000 ? Just in case

Thanks for sharing this Capsule hotel, I really like it, it looks clean and safe too. 3000 Y is a little expensive because I found a bed in hostel only 2000 Y. But may be I will try one night there to see/feel how it is. ... just dont like the open public bath ... but with straight guys ... uhm :whistle:

This is 2000 Y hostel I found through internet :

http://www.cheap-accommodation-tokyo.com/e/company.html

Could you tell me based on these addresses, which one is near city centre and gay bars/clubs/saunas ? I will be there during weekend so may be want to check it out. In Tokyo, should I stay in quiet residential or crowded ?

The Hotel i recommended before in this forum is http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/index.html

pls check it out.

Castaway, the hostel its a good find, if u dont mind room-sharing. The access to that hostel, including the time from the hostel to the airport/shinjuku, is available in the website u gave me. There is only one address. Pls also read the gay bars/clubs/saunas threads for the area/s u are interested it. Coz generally depending on the type u like the area u go is different.

I dont understand ur question regarding quiet residential or crowded.

I DO want to go to Kyoto for 1 day or buy a tour to Mt.Fuji, do you know where I can buy tour ?

I heard the bullet train to Kyoto is quite ex, around 100-150 US$, is there any other cheaper way ?

I think within Tokyo, I will us SUICA card as you advised.

Night buses would be the cheaper option.

I normally use the japanese site to search and book buses. But with ur question, i found this site http://www.bus-channel.com/English/tokyo.html

Edited August 20, 2009 by Andy@Tokyo

[Andy@Tokyo]

What do u need for the Climb?

1) Cap (to secure the headlights and block the glaring sun)

2) Headlights (for night climb)

3) Sweater (At the top of Mt fuji temp ranges btw 4~10oC.)

4) Fluids (Water/energy drinks) 1L. If u carry too much, its too heavy.. If u dont carry any at all u have to buy there.. Costs 300~500yen per bottle.

5) Stick (To buy at the 5th Station. Optional. I find that it helps me during the climb)

6) Small towel

7) Breakfast and snacks (I brought with me 3X rice balls but still it wasnt sufficient. Hence i had ramen (700 yen) at the 8th station)

8) Camera (I forgot to bring mine... duh.. But i took pics from my friends' one. would include these pics later)

9) Slippers (After the descend, i slipped into more 'comfortable' wear.. my foot deserve the break)

10) Plastic bags (To keep ur trash, one have to bring back our own rubbish)

Attire- i found jogging pants and short sleeve shirt/polo T quite comfortable for the climb. dont go wearing ur fav jeans.

Edited August 20, 2009 by Andy@Tokyo

[castaway]

Hi CA

JR Pass >> 7 days pass costs Yen28,300 (about S$430). Yes, you can travel within tokyo and outside of tokyo as long as the train is operated by JR Group. You can use it to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours) and vice versa by Shinkansen. You can choose a 7 days pass, 14 days or 21 days.

Thanks for your information, taxme7. It sounds that I dont need to buy JR pass anymore because I wont travel until 7 days , do they have 1 day pass or something like that ?

[castaway]

The Hotel i recommended before in this forum is http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/index.html

pls check it out.

Yes, I will check it out. If my friend joins me then may be we will try to find a hotel is better solution , if not I will stay in capsule.

I found 2 websites with more pics, it looks so funny

http://www.yesicanusechopsticks.com/thesequel/capsule/

http://www.yesicanusechopsticks.com/capsule/

I read from some other websites that if really want to save cost, actually I can go to some comic bookstore and sleep there have you heard about it ?

or I can go to some internet cafe shop, it has bigger room compared to capsulate and cost only around 10-15 US$ while capsulate is around 30 US$.

or LOVE hotel

Castaway, the hostel its a good find, if u dont mind room-sharing. The access to that hostel, including the time from the hostel to the airport/shinjuku, is available in the website u gave me. There is only one address. Pls also read the gay bars/clubs/saunas threads for the area/s u are interested it. Coz generally depending on the type u like the area u go is different.

It has only 1 address because it is main office, when we arrive there, they will bring us to the hostel so funny about Japanese ...

I dont understand ur question regarding quiet residential or crowded.

I asked this question because in the website of hostel I posted previously, different hostel stayed in different places where is crowded of being near city centre while other in quiet residential area. So which one is better ? Quiet means far, boring, unsafe ? Crowded means noisy ?

Night buses would be the cheaper option.

I normally use the japanese site to search and book buses. But with ur question, i found this site http://www.bus-channel.com/English/tokyo.html

Thanks again Andy@Tokyo, I will check it out or may be will ask the hostel when arriving.

Do you know any "gay" Onsen around Tokyo ? I may be want to try ... is it expensive ?

Your information and taxme7 are really great !!!

Edited August 20, 2009 by castaway

[Andy@Tokyo]

I read from some other websites that if really want to save cost, actually I can go to some comic bookstore and sleep there have you heard about it ?

or I can go to some internet cafe shop, it has bigger room compared to capsulate and cost only around 10-15 US$ while capsulate is around 30 US$.

I heard about them but i dont know the price. Would rather sleep in proper beds, hence never thought of checking them out. would post again if i could find out more.

It has only 1 address because it is main office, when we arrive there, they will bring us to the hostel so funny about Japanese ...

ok, noted but the guest houses and office are all at the same district i.e. Nakano. i think they are close by.

I asked this question because in the website of hostel I posted previously, different hostel stayed in different places where is crowded of being near city centre while other in quiet residential area. So which one is better ? Quiet means far, boring, unsafe ? Crowded means noisy ?

I think this is a question of personal preferences and i dont equate quiet to far, boring or unsafe. Moreover, the guest houses are all in the same district hence, i dont see any differences between them. Anyway, convenience is of a higher priority to me.

Do you know any "gay" Onsen around Tokyo ? I may be want to try ... is it expensive ?

Onsen = Nope. Sentos/ Public baths = yes. I posted on the public bath before.

Edited August 21, 2009 by Andy@Tokyo

[taxme7]

Thanks for your information, taxme7. It sounds that I dont need to buy JR pass anymore because I wont travel until 7 days , do they have 1 day pass or something like that ?

One day pass to Kyoto????? Hmmm.......... don't think so lah

The fare from Tokyo to Kyoto (by Hikari) is about Yen26,000.

I would recommend you to look for a proper hotel with nice bed to sleep. It is worth the money.

[Guest gast]

JR (Japan Rail) passes are worthwhile only if you intend doing a lot of travelling between cities e.g. from Tokyo to Kyoto or Tokyo to Kobe or Tokyo to Sapporo. They are not a cost savings if you are only intending to take a single trip or if you intend to travel within Tokyo most of the time. The JR line in Tokyo goes in loop around Tokyo - the lines that criss cross central Tokyo belong to other rail companies meaning you will not be able to use the JR pass.

On the matter of accomodation, with travelling around Tokyo, you will get tired. A good nights sleep is important. Capsule hotels are mostly clean and relatively safe - just make sure you secure anything that needs to be secured. A friend had money stolen out of his wallet - he was silly enough to leave his wallet in his pants and his pants out. Also watch that you do not leave your pants and wallet in your pants if you are going to the wash room. You might think you are going to be away for a short while but that is the opportunity that thieves take.

As both Andy and Taxme said, there should not be any problems with food. There are many places that sell what I would say is more than a good meal to get by - a bowl of rice, a bowl of miso soup, some pickle, a handful of chicken or pork stir fried with onions, free tea. Between 600 to 800 yen. If you enjoy your fruit and veges then forget it, Tokyo/Japan is not the place for that however you can get one eighth of a sweet pineapple on a chopstick for 100 yen in the Ueno markets (Ameyoko).

I have always enjoyed Tokyo - hope you do too. Happy Travelling.

[castaway]

The fare from Tokyo to Kyoto (by Hikari) is about Yen26,000.

I would recommend you to look for a proper hotel with nice bed to sleep. It is worth the money.

Oh my god, 26k Yen, so expensive ... let's see if it is worth.

I cant sleep well if I pay around 100 S$ for hotel but can deeply if it is only 1500 Yen :thumb:

But thanks for your information ...

[castaway]

JR (Japan Rail) passes are worthwhile only if you intend doing a lot of travelling between cities e.g. from Tokyo to Kyoto or Tokyo to Kobe or Tokyo to Sapporo. They are not a cost savings if you are only intending to take a single trip or if you intend to travel within Tokyo most of the time. The JR line in Tokyo goes in loop around Tokyo - the lines that criss cross central Tokyo belong to other rail companies meaning you will not be able to use the JR pass.

On the matter of accomodation, with travelling around Tokyo, you will get tired. A good nights sleep is important. Capsule hotels are mostly clean and relatively safe - just make sure you secure anything that needs to be secured. A friend had money stolen out of his wallet - he was silly enough to leave his wallet in his pants and his pants out. Also watch that you do not leave your pants and wallet in your pants if you are going to the wash room. You might think you are going to be away for a short while but that is the opportunity that thieves take.

As both Andy and Taxme said, there should not be any problems with food. There are many places that sell what I would say is more than a good meal to get by - a bowl of rice, a bowl of miso soup, some pickle, a handful of chicken or pork stir fried with onions, free tea. Between 600 to 800 yen. If you enjoy your fruit and veges then forget it, Tokyo/Japan is not the place for that however you can get one eighth of a sweet pineapple on a chopstick for 100 yen in the Ueno markets (Ameyoko).

I have always enjoyed Tokyo - hope you do too. Happy Travelling.

Thanks for sharing your information, gast

For accommodation, I will stick to hostel with 4 bed dorm, the hostel email me said they have 1400 Yen/bed so it is good enough for me (capsule is still expensive to me ).

I have no worry about food anymore, wont buy fruit :clap:

[taxme7]

Oh my god, 26k Yen, so expensive ... let's see if it is worth.

I cant sleep well if I pay around 100 S$ for hotel but can deeply if it is only 1500 Yen :thumb:

But thanks for your information ...

I agree that the price is abit steep.

Btw, it is about Yen26,000 for 2-way.

Enjoy your trip.

[castaway]

thanks again, taxme7.

Just a whispering question , could you advise which bars/saunas are for younger guys like 20s and 30s ? Hunk sounds :thumb: ... may be just for eye looking only ... because I have read all posts about Japan's guide here even know the procedure in sauna but mostly are for daddy and chub types ...

If I stay in this hostel :

7min from Higashi-Nakano station(JR Sobu-line, Subway Oedo-line), and 15min from Nakano station(JR Chuo-line, Sobu-line, Subway Tozai-line).

Is it walking distance to any gay bars ? Is Shinjuku around my hostel (I heard somewhere about Chome or Dome) ? If I come back after midnight ? Can I still catch the metro or need to take taxi which I am sure damn ex ...

Do they have bar/sauna wearing some thing like kimono for men ? I find it is quite cute.

[Guest gast]

ust a whispering question , could you advise which bars/saunas are for younger guys like 20s and 30s ? Hunk sounds :thumb: ... may be just for eye looking only ... because I have read all posts about Japan's guide here even know the procedure in sauna but mostly are for daddy and chub types ...

If I stay in this hostel :

7min from Higashi-Nakano station(JR Sobu-line, Subway Oedo-line), and 15min from Nakano station(JR Chuo-line, Sobu-line, Subway Tozai-line).

Is it walking distance to any gay bars ? Is Shinjuku around my hostel (I heard somewhere about Chome or Dome) ? If I come back after midnight ? Can I still catch the metro or need to take taxi which I am sure damn ex ...

Do they have bar/sauna wearing some thing like kimono for men ? I find it is quite cute.

24 Kaikan in Shinjuku caters for the younger crowd. Goodle for a map and instructions on getting there. Dont hope to ask on the street when you are there - chances are either people do not know the area well enough or dont understand you.

The Chome that you have heard about is Shinjuku-San-Chome, the gay area. There is also Shinjuku-Ni-Chome, not gay at all - lots of tall office buildings.

Odaiba is a man made island just off Tokyo. On it is an a recreation of an EDO era town and onsen. Open from 11am to 9am the next day. Entry per adult is about 2,900 yen. When you arrive, you are requested to change into a Japanese Kimono/Yukata. Have a look at this link http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/higaeri/english/aboutus.html .

[Guest cubby]

Hi guys,

Will be in Tokyo for a few days and will have some time to myself over the weekend. Am not planning to go to saunas, but am looking for bars that welcome foreigners in areas other than Shinjuku 2-chome. I know most bars in Japan are type-specific(my stats 173cm, 100kg). I hear that Ueno is popular for bears, chubs and older guys, but i fear getting lost there. Anyone know of any friendly bars there where i would be welcome? Thanks in advance!

[castaway]

Thanks, gast ... I see the link, it looks very interesting ... I will try to buy a (short) kimono for men so I can wear at home in Singapore ... do you know where and how much ???

I found the bus company going between cities in Japan, the price is very reasonable so may be I will try to go to Kyoto by bus then I can save 2 nights from dorm by sleeping in the bus :clap:

http://willerexpress.com/bus/pc/3/top/index

Hope I can find its station in Shinjuku.

And also want to share a guide website to say everything about travelling in Japan, they even rate the places .. really useful ...

http://www.japan-guide.com/

Thanks again everybody :clap:

[Guest gast]

Thanks, gast ... I see the link, it looks very interesting ... I will try to buy a (short) kimono for men so I can wear at home in Singapore ... do you know where and how much ???

Hope I can find its station in Shinjuku.

Hmm.. not too sure where to get the Yukata. I have seen them in department stores and was actually given a pair to be used as sleeping/lounge wear but since I sleep in the nude , i declined. Good time to buy coming up as the shops will be stocking summer weight clothes now. The short Yukata comes with pants and no, I dont think they are long enough for you to wear without the pants . I think they might cost about SGD30 a pair. Perhaps Andy will know how much and where.

Give yourself some time to look for the station in Shinjuku. And dont be late - the buses will leave exactly on time.

Hope you have fun.

[Andy@Tokyo]

The short Yukata comes with pants and no, I dont think they are long enough for you to wear without the pants . I think they might cost about SGD30 a pair. Perhaps Andy will know how much and where.

The short yukata/kimono i suppose should be called jinbei　甚平　。Those are very cheap.. from 13 singapore dollars?

[AsianSon05]

Nikko/kusatsu area would be good for one night stay too. But if u looking for man, head for the bars or saunas, or etc. hehe.

let me know if we could meet up for a drink or wat.

Best

Hmm, hi there Andy! Been reading you wonderful and colourful posts about your Japanese adventures, and i must say that i envy you somewhat..hehe! Your keen explorative and useful travel tips are very helpful and an eye opener for all of us on B_W! I personally cant thank you enough! :clap: So, hmm, what are you exactly doing all the way in the Land of the rising "sun" / or is it our below member always "rising" as well? :whistle: Wah-- All those georgeous, lonely Jap Daddies/uncles to feast one's always horny/ sexual needs in terms of mind body and soul on! :oops:

How i wish that i were there somehow feasting on some of my own! Well, i am very serious about flying off to Japan, but hardly-ahem know anybody-- so i was wondering if you can be so kind as to guide me/meet up in tokyo for say a couple of days and go daddy hunting?! wonder if November is the right time to visit? Cheers and you can PM me at my

usual email address: y33boon83@yahoo.com

Cheers and hope to hear fm you soon! :thumb:

[AsianSon05]

Edited September 7, 2009 by AsianSon05

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hi there,

Thanks for ur kind message. I cant be ur 24h-guide. but if u read my posts, u would know that i meet up with BWers whenever time permits. my pm and mailing address are also available in my profile.

Best

[AsianSon05]

Hi there,

Thanks for ur kind message. I cant be ur 24h-guide. but if u read my posts, u would know that i meet up with BWers whenever time permits. my pm and mailing address are also available in my profile.

Best

Yup! Noted, and of course i wont be unresonable and make you my "24-hr" japan guide slave That i wouldnt do... hehe. Anyway, ill PM you when or if i am nearing my trip.

Its most likely sometime in November, so we can see what happens from now till then! Cheers, Andy! Please kindly tell us if you have other interesting and titlating/hearbreaking tales of jap daddies for us to share? Would appreaciate it! :clap:

[Andy@Tokyo]

Sure. Looking forward to hear from u then

[legoboy]

Hi ppl,

Would like to ask whats the season going to be like in Late Nov to early Dec in Tokyo?

Wats' the suitable attire? E.g. winter wear..

Is Mount Fuji near Tokyo??

Regards,

Legoboy

[Samson82]

Would like to add my comments as I was at Mt Fuji too reaching the peak on Singapore's National Day, a double triumph for me and my fellow climbers.

I naively agreed to climb Mt Fuji when a friend shot a email and the reason I signed up was I just needed a break. But of course fortunately or unfortunately I was not aware of what the whole climb would turn out to be except I was repeatedly told to train up for the climb, which I did unfervently.

Unlike Andy, my troup actually sets off in the afternoon around 2pm at the 5th Station, the so-called base station where the climb usually starts. As that was the peak season, there were scores of people not unlike the spectator crowd going to watch a football match at the stadium.

But the wonderful thing about traveling in Japan is the folks there are so civilised and considerate you hardly feel the presence of the crowd. In fact, my friends and I were making more noise than those folks there.

The climb up is certainly quite pleasant as the weather progressively turn cooler as you ascend. I found the walking stick particularly useful; in fact, some even bring along 2. Do invest in proper and good walking sticks as the "cheapo" stick that my friend brought broke half way and he had to endure the rest of the climb as when you are higher up, you realise you have to use more of your knee and lower thigh to provide the impetus for the next move. A good pair of hiking shoe is a must and you would appreciate it when you see folks who wore jogging shoes, slippers, leather shoes, walking shoes slipping and not able to break a fall easily. In fact, I would advise to go to shops that specialise in selling mountain hiking gears and those stuff that you purchase are worth every cent of it.

The journey up somehow broke my troup into 2 as we ended up with the roughly fast and roughly slow group but we were mistakenly unconcerned because we thought we had the power of the telephony technology. It caused a moment of anxiety as at one point when we tried to get everyone to merry up again, we failed due to our handphones not registering any signal. But all was well when somehow one of us managed to send out sms through a deceptively weak signal and the other party managed to reply.

We rested at the 7th Station Lodge - this is an experience. You pay a 5 star hotel price for a bunk space that squeeze 12 folks lying down with no room to even turn sideway. Army bunks are a luxury in comparison. We rested there for about 2 hours before we continue the final ascend up to the 8th station, purportedly the peak of Mt Fuji. We set off around 11pm. The climb at night is another experience as you have to turn on the headlight to see where you are climbing. It helps if you just keep following the folks in front also.

One thing to note for those who have not done high altitude. There is this syndrome that may hit some of you called the Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This has something to do with lack of oxygen. I was affected by it slightly as I began the climb to the 8th station. You experience headaches and a bit of giddiness. Prior to the climb, I was advised of 2 preventive measures - one is to take Diamox and follow the consumption schedule prescribed and the other which folks in mountainous regions in China use called Hong Jing Tian (红景天). I took the latter during the climb but still the AMS hit me. It actually spoils the fun of your climb. And the cold weather at the peak makes matters worse.

Anyhow, I managed to keep up and reached the peak in good time and quickly took a retreat at one of the refreshment lodge and sat next to a stove for warmth. The sun rise turned out to be a disappointment as there were too much cloud making the sun fuzzy and undefined. Anyhow, it was still a great feeling that an untrained person like me could have managed it. The view around the peak is enough to wash away the fatique and discomfort.

Of course naive me thought the worse is over. I was of course wrong. The descent is another story requiring another set of skill set. The descent was deceptively easy at first look but it was far from it. The ground was strewn with loose small stones. This meant that there is a high tendency for one to slide or glide with each step. So you must be on alert at all times to stop-brake-stop-brake. I liken this to a traffic jam except that you are the vehicle itself. Many folks slipped and fall.

If the descent is just for a short while, I think it would have been a bearable ordeal. But the descend was a long zig zag path and the 7th station was no where in sight till about 1.5 hour later. And then you discovered you still have to repeat this for another 1.5 hour or so before you can smell the 5th station. I recalled asking myself at one point why I was there in the first place.

Anyhow, I managed with some of my friends to reach the base and eagerly boarded the bus that took us back to the hotel where we just simply headed for the onsen. Heavenly Bliss to the nth power........

It has been said, to climb Mt Fuji for the first time is a wise thing to do but you must be foolish to do it twice. How true, how true...

Andy, sorry we couldn't cross path as I wrote to you earlier that I would be climbing like one or two days earlier. We will catch up the next time I come over.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hey Samson82,

Nice narration. I agree that once is enough. But, if got special reasons, i dont mind doing it again haha.

Hope to catch up with u next time then.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

All:

Sry for the delay of putting up the photos.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Legoboy, i moved ur post from 'mt fuji - the climb' to here. Seems more appropriate under this topic.

Nov - Feb is winter dear.

Mt fuji is >3h away from tokyo.

[legoboy]

Legoboy, i moved ur post from 'mt fuji - the climb' to here. Seems more appropriate under this topic.

Nov - Feb is winter dear.

Mt fuji is >3h away from tokyo.

Andy@Tokyo, noted and thanks for your info.

[Guest another]

are electronics (i.e. dslr camera) cheaper in japan compare to sg? will you have problems with them in terms of voltage difference or will most of them be auto-volt? which part of japan should you go for cheap electronics - equivalent of sim lim square without the fear of being taken advantage?

[Andy@Tokyo]

another,

I was always told that the cams and the lenses here are cheaper.

The plug used is different but i dont think one would have problems with the voltage. i could charge my (Japan made) handphone when i was back in singapore and in japan, i am using some singapore-made appliances. Here prices are more or less fixed (i.e. no worries of being taken advantage of). i check this site to compare prices between shops Japan electronics. howeverm its all in japanese... hope u can still manage by looking at the pics and chinese characters.

akihabara is the equilavant of sim lim square but much much bigger.

[oralb]

imagine a orchard road filled with sim lim square, that's Akihabara!

I have friends purchased mobile phone from Japan and used it in Singapore, no problem as well, choose the 3G type or GSM type. Japan has another type WCDMA which may post an issue using here.

The drawback is of coz everything is in Jap, from the keypad to instructional manual. There are some model with English display, you may want to ask the store to help you to set before coming back.

Warranty is another issue, but some brands like Sony carry International warranty, so that more or less cover that.

[castaway]

Night buses would be the cheaper option.

I normally use the japanese site to search and book buses. But with ur question, i found this site http://www.bus-channel.com/English/tokyo.html

Hi Andy,

This website for the night bus to Kyoto is great (price), I checked but when I try to buy ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto, I dont know how to purchase, they are all Japanese Language. Do you see any sign of English on the web ?

Thanks in advance.

[Guest another]

imagine a orchard road filled with sim lim square, that's Akihabara!

I have friends purchased mobile phone from Japan and used it in Singapore, no problem as well, choose the 3G type or GSM type. Japan has another type WCDMA which may post an issue using here.

The drawback is of coz everything is in Jap, from the keypad to instructional manual. There are some model with English display, you may want to ask the store to help you to set before coming back.

Warranty is another issue, but some brands like Sony carry International warranty, so that more or less cover that.

will they be cheaper there compared to the website that andy gave or to amazon japan?

[Andy@Tokyo]

the site gives the prices of the items at each store (most stores). u can compare the prices to see which is cheaper.

castaway, would get back to u when i get back .. need to go out liao

[castaway]

Hi,

Anyone can advise if I can bring some fruits or cakes from Singapore into Japan ? Is there any strict regulation like Australia ?

[Guest Asperger]

hi, just checking. is it true that people with tattoos are not allowed in many bath houses / onsens in japan? i m not necessarily talking about the yakuza type all-over tattoos but only singular ones on some parts of the body. i m asking cos i ve got a biggish tattoo on my left shoulder and am wondering i should even try to enter the baths, should i visit japan.