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

[takeitoff]

 

 

I checked the website but I hardly found any fares for $128. I guess they were snapped up already. 

 

 

The tsuyu season is over so I don't think there should be much rain. Even if there was, the rain is not very heavy. 

Why not bring an umbrella instead?

 

Personally, the best two I stayed were at Urban Inn Kamata & Touganeya Ueno. Business Inn Okabe @ Kawasaki was good too but it's only convenient if you are flying home from Haneda.

Staff-wise, Touganeya Ueno was quite good. They can speak English, considering how I saw foreign tourists staying there.

For the closeness, I liked Okabe because I think it is run by a family so they really helped me along the way.

(Made me feel that if you speak Japanese, some Japanese can be as friendly as Taiwanese people.)

 

For the big hotels, laundry service is quite costly. However, for some business hotels, there are some automated washing machines and dryers. (Probably 100 - 300 yen per time.)

Even if there aren't such machines, there should be some coin laundry shops.

 

Oh I was looking at it also, but the promo was only for Oct and Nov, which I'm not able to take leave so I decided to forget about it. I really wanted to try Scoot's 'Business' class though.

[Enelym1978]

ANA just announced today that they are offering special intro rates because they are starting Singapore-Tokyo service with their reinstated B787. Now.... who actually still trusts those planes haha?

They advertise at $300++. Couldn't find if it is return but I guess it is. Taxes must be around $300-400 maybe? ANA is a very nice airline and I flew on their B787. But that was before all the technical problems...

[takeitoff]

Oh yes I was considering ANA too. It's return, but then it's also an Oct/Nov promotion too. I really like ANA too. Their surcharges are quite high though, adds up to $400 so the ticket is actually cheaper than the fuel surcharge lol. I've only been on their refurbished 763 and 77W and I've to say they were really good flights.

 

I booked CX in the end, stopping by HK on the way back.

[Guest Guest22]

For those who want something different in terms of accomodation, maybe they can try www.airbnb.com

[Guest Guest22]

Takeitoff, when is your trip to Japan?

[Phil]

ANA just announced today that they are offering special intro rates because they are starting Singapore-Tokyo service with their reinstated B787. Now.... who actually still trusts those planes haha?

They advertise at $300++. Couldn't find if it is return but I guess it is. Taxes must be around $300-400 maybe? ANA is a very nice airline and I flew on their B787. But that was before all the technical problems...

Just choose an airline operating Airbus...

OK, let's be honest, all the modifs on B787 have been certified by FAA and EASA... It should be safe!

But you are right, so many problems!

[Enelym1978]

At $705 I'd rather fly ANA than Scoot for a bit less

 

The B787s are only good when in 2-4-2 configuration... the "new" 3-3-3 is a bit cramped....

 

ANA has good schedules though to Tokyo:

 

NH902 Dep. SIN at 00:55 Arr. NRT 08:30

NH112 Dep. SIN at 08:25 Arr. NRT 16:10

NH152 Dep. SIN at 22:20 Arr. HND 06:00 (more expensive though)

 

NH111 Dep. NRT at 10:45 Arr. SIN 17:30

NH901 Dep. NRT at 17:20 Arr. SIN 23:50

NH111 Dep. HND at 23:30 Arr. SIN 06:15 (more expensive again)

 

 

My picks if price is not the issue: NH152/NH111

Best way to maximize your stay in Japan. You get a full day on arrival and you get to enjoy your last day till the end.

 

And the B787 is so much better than those older B777 and A333 from SQ for example, with comparatively good entertainment system and service.

And yes, Boeing "fixed" its 787 but if you see recently, lots of issues... Qatar, JAL, ANA....

Edited September 25, 2013 by Enelym1978

[takeitoff]

I wouldn't necessarily prefer Airbuses though. The AF 330 that crashed in the Atlantic is scary, seems mechanical. But I still have faith in the 777.

 

And yes that's why I've mentioned before that the Japanese airlines are the way to go SIN-TYO. SQ has more flights, but on the return only the Haneda redeye really works. The US airlines are ok flying back, but really sucks on SIN-NRT. And every ANA flight I've been on has used a nice nearby gate at Changi too lol.

 

I'm doing 9 Jan SIN-HKG-KIX, 17 Jan HND-HKG, 20 Jan HKG-SIN. Managed to carry forward my leave! I am quite excited that HND-HKG is on a nicely refurbished 744 which might just be my very last 747 flight.

Edited September 25, 2013 by takeitoff

[takeitoff]

-repeated post-

Edited September 25, 2013 by takeitoff

[Guest Guest22]

Takeitoff, next time you should time it such that the department stores have their New Year sales, which are mostly on 3 Jan. Lots of lucky bags promotion. Popular ones sell out within a few hours.

[Phil]

 

I wouldn't necessarily prefer Airbuses though. The AF 330 that crashed in the Atlantic is scary, seems mechanical. But I still have faith in the 777.

 

And yes that's why I've mentioned before that the Japanese airlines are the way to go SIN-TYO. SQ has more flights, but on the return only the Haneda redeye really works. The US airlines are ok flying back, but really sucks on SIN-NRT. And every ANA flight I've been on has used a nice nearby gate at Changi too lol.

 

I'm doing 9 Jan SIN-HKG-KIX, 17 Jan HND-HKG, 20 Jan HKG-SIN. Managed to carry forward my leave! I am quite excited that HND-HKG is on a nicely refurbished 744 which might just be my very last 747 flight.

 

Air France flight 447 Rio Paris crash was probably not caused by mechanic failures, from what I heard...

Anyway, I don't sell Airbuses.

Have a nice trip!

[takeitoff]

Air France flight 447 Rio Paris crash was probably not caused by mechanic failures, from what I heard...

Anyway, I don't sell Airbuses.

Have a nice trip!

 

Eh I thought the AF 330 crashed because of some sensors provided faulty readings that caused the autopilot to take some inappropriate measures? That's what I heard. And the QF 330 that plunged mid-flight between SIN and Perth was also because of some autopilot problem (something like that).

Edited September 25, 2013 by takeitoff

[takeitoff]

Takeitoff, next time you should time it such that the department stores have their New Year sales, which are mostly on 3 Jan. Lots of lucky bags promotion. Popular ones sell out within a few hours.

 

But I don't like the idea of not knowing what I buy! It just feels weird to me. I was there over Christmas/New Year once and I have to say I got inspired by the locals to eat KFC for Christmas lol.

[Guest Guest22]

But I don't like the idea of not knowing what I buy! It just feels weird to me. I was there over Christmas/New Year once and I have to say I got inspired by the locals to eat KFC for Christmas lol.

Nowadays many of the lucky bags can be opened for viewing, or have the contents listed clearly. So you will know what you are getting.

[takeitoff]

Oh really? Wow things change quite quickly. I think the last time I was there during new year was 2009.

 

I didn't like it then because, ok how do you put it, I really did feel 'alone'. (And I was actually traveling with family)

 

I usually cannot be bothered to plan trips with people because nothing pisses me off more than indecisive people, and I am not patient enough to wait while people make up their minds. So since around early 2011 I've mostly travelled alone. I do tell people my plans and if they want to they can join, but if not I'm fine going alone. So far I've been to 14 countries alone in almost 3 years, and there has only been one place in which I really did feel alone. Which was Tokyo. Somehow I think it's just the crush of humanity there that drives it into you. (Which is why I would think that the only reason why I don't feel alone in HK is that it is too similar to SG, but I'm digressing.) Or else it might be that it's a polite place but not a warm/friendly one.

 

I'm ok with being and feeling alone, but it's something about the Christmas and New Year period in Japan that makes it feel more pronounced. From what I understnad Christmas is spent either with your partner or close friends, and New Year with your family. Which is why you don't really get to go to a pub or izakaya and talk to people. Also, it doesn't help that in winter the Japanese just love releasing sappy ballads.

 

So yup. I like Tokyo, even during winter, but not during the Christmas/New Year period.

Edited September 25, 2013 by takeitoff

[Phil]

Eh I thought the AF 330 crashed because of some sensors provided faulty readings that caused the autopilot to take some inappropriate measures? That's what I heard. And the QF 330 that plunged mid-flight between SIN and Perth was also because of some autopilot problem (something like that).

You are right, pitot tubes (airspeed) were not de iced and sent wrong info to the computers, but... you always have the possibility to desactivate the autopilot and come back to manual flying.

Well, I don't like to discuss that in detail; maybe I have not all the datas...

I wish you a pleasant and safe trip.

[Guest Guest22]

Takeitoff, wow, 14 countries in almost 3 years. Did you happen to make some new friends while visiting the countries.

Thanks for sharing why you do not like to visit Japan during the Christmas and New Year period. On the flip side, the beautiful illuminations during Christmas period makes it romantic for people who visit with their partner.

[keroberos]

Oh really? Wow things change quite quickly. I think the last time I was there during new year was 2009.

 

I didn't like it then because, ok how do you put it, I really did feel 'alone'. (And I was actually traveling with family)

 

I usually cannot be bothered to plan trips with people because nothing pisses me off more than indecisive people, and I am not patient enough to wait while people make up their minds. So since around early 2011 I've mostly travelled alone. I do tell people my plans and if they want to they can join, but if not I'm fine going alone. So far I've been to 14 countries alone in almost 3 years, and there has only been one place in which I really did feel alone. Which was Tokyo. Somehow I think it's just the crush of humanity there that drives it into you. (Which is why I would think that the only reason why I don't feel alone in HK is that it is too similar to SG, but I'm digressing.) Or else it might be that it's a polite place but not a warm/friendly one.

 

I'm ok with being and feeling alone, but it's something about the Christmas and New Year period in Japan that makes it feel more pronounced. From what I understnad Christmas is spent either with your partner or close friends, and New Year with your family. Which is why you don't really get to go to a pub or izakaya and talk to people. Also, it doesn't help that in winter the Japanese just love releasing sappy ballads.

 

So yup. I like Tokyo, even during winter, but not during the Christmas/New Year period.

 

I don't like christmas and new year period in tokyo too. Actually more for christmas than new year though. Makes one feel VERY lonely and bleh   

 

And yes, the christmas illuminations are very nice. Blue-ish LED lights galore. But only if you're going to see them with your partner. Seeing all the couples queueing up to take pics makes one sad. 

[darkflame]

I don't like christmas and new year period in tokyo too. Actually more for christmas than new year though. Makes one feel VERY lonely and bleh   

 

And yes, the christmas illuminations are very nice. Blue-ish LED lights galore. But only if you're going to see them with your partner. Seeing all the couples queueing up to take pics makes one sad. 

 

Actually one of the things on my bucket list is to be at Tokyo Tower at midnight on New Year's Eve.

Preferably with my partner.

Fulfills my Japanese drama fantasy.

[Guest tokyo drifter]

i'll be in tokyo on new year's eve -alone...

[Guest Another]

I will be in Tokyo during the New Year period (before and after). Travelling alone.

[keroberos]

Actually one of the things on my bucket list is to be at Tokyo Tower at midnight on New Year's Eve.

Preferably with my partner.

Fulfills my Japanese drama fantasy.

 

hhehe. Countdown at tokyo tower! That's cool! Then start the new year with a deep kiss

[darkflame]

hhehe. Countdown at tokyo tower! That's cool! Then start the new year with a deep kiss

 

Inspired from this anime hehe. After 19:20.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdwlyB2QmuE&list=ELC5r3KONfnZU&index=12

[Guest Another]

Darkflame, perhaps you could update the scenario to the present day, by doing the countdown at Skytree Tower instead.

[takeitoff]

By the way if anyone is heading to Japan anytime soon you might want to try the fried soup at KFC. Fried corn potage.

 

My Japanese friends were talking to me about it and it sounds quite awesome actually. I got the impression that it is a sticky liquidy creamy corn nugget from them. But they were waxing lyrical about it. And it's only available for a limited time damn.

[Guest Waxing]

By the way if anyone is heading to Japan anytime soon you might want to try the fried soup at KFC. Fried corn potage.

My Japanese friends were talking to me about it and it sounds quite awesome actually. I got the impression that it is a sticky liquidy creamy corn nugget from them. But they were waxing lyrical about it. And it's only available for a limited time damn.

Can't help but notice the use of the phrase "waxing lyrical". Seldom see good choice of phrases nowadays.

[Guest Tootsie]

Finally going to Japan on Wednesday! Well b busy taking in the sights and shopping. Will see if I can squeeze in some cruising time.

[takeitoff]

Can't help but notice the use of the phrase "waxing lyrical". Seldom see good choice of phrases nowadays.

Oh I'm sorry that I generally tend to use words that exaggerate the meaning. The soup was not all that life changing actually, but apparently still really good.

[darkflame]

Darkflame, perhaps you could update the scenario to the present day, by doing the countdown at Skytree Tower instead.

Not really a fan of Skytree lol

[Guest Another]

Not really a fan of Skytree lol

Darkflame, I guess you are not a size queen after all.

[darkflame]

Darkflame, I guess you are not a size queen after all.

 

Not about size. I love sizes.

But the design for Skytree is really horrible. :/

[darkflame]

日本の同性愛者情報/場所/サウナなどの任意の最新の更新プログラム

 

新しい情報があるかどうか私に知らせてください 

 

http://www.gclick.jp/

 

どうぞよろしくお願いします。

[alien]

Wondering wht is the handphone network in japan? Their network only support 3G sim card with smart phone or 3G sim card with any type of phone?

[doddysapta]

iPhone and other smartphones work here precisely like what we have in Singapore. Meaning your spore smartphone will work provided you have activated roaming service.

I notice local people in Tokyo use their typical Japanese phones with 3G as well.

Another option is to get the pocket/mobile wifi, to make you stay online.

[Guest Guest]

iPhone and other smartphones work here precisely like what we have in Singapore. Meaning your spore smartphone will work provided you have activated roaming service.

I notice local people in Tokyo use their typical Japanese phones with 3G as well.

Another option is to get the pocket/mobile wifi, to make you stay online.

 Thanks doddysapta. If I wanted to use my phone but get a local chip to make local calls, is that an option? Appreciate your advice. I will be in Tokyo for 2 weeks and dont expect to make many local calls. Am staying at places where I will have access to wifi so am going to use my smartphone to check my e-mails, etc.

[doddysapta]

I dont think you can get a prepaid simcard, as telcos require alien/resident card to register it.

You're welcome

[Enelym1978]

yeah very difficult to find prepaid SIM cards in Japan because most of their phones do not even use SIM cards It's like Verizon in the US, it's not on GSM or something like that. They recently have SIM cards because of the iPhones mainly... correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Best and easiest is to get a pocket wifi router. Kinda expensive for just a day or two. Otherwise, pay roaming to your local operator. It's a flat fee for unlimited data.

[eurus246]

I am planning a trip to Japan early next year so I did a bit of research on this. Seems like selling voice SIM to foreigners is prohibited for security reasons. Data SIM is another matter. You can get it here http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/

[doddysapta]

Yes enelym1978 i think you're right abt sim card.

For pocket/mobile wifi, can consider this one: www.globaladvancedcomm.com

They have different device with different speed. The cheapest is abt ¥4000 for the first 4 days + ¥300/day there after.

You can collect the router in airport, and put it in the envelop provided for by the company and simply drop it at post box (even in aiport) to return it.

Anyway many people in Japan make use of telco's email (which will pop in their mobile's screen everytime there's a new message), FB or LINE to contact each other. Unless one needs to call land line, otherwise wifi will suffice.

[alien]

Yes enelym1978 i think you're right abt sim card.

For pocket/mobile wifi, can consider this one: www.globaladvancedcomm.com

They have different device with different speed. The cheapest is abt ¥4000 for the first 4 days + ¥300/day there after.

You can collect the router in airport, and put it in the envelop provided for by the company and simply drop it at post box (even in aiport) to return it.

Anyway many people in Japan make use of telco's email (which will pop in their mobile's screen everytime there's a new message), FB or LINE to contact each other. Unless one needs to call land line, otherwise wifi will suffice.

Seems like a gd deal?! But the data is unlimited or chargable? Can tis router be use in ipad?

[alien]

iPhone and other smartphones work here precisely like what we have in Singapore. Meaning your spore smartphone will work provided you have activated roaming service.

I notice local people in Tokyo use their typical Japanese phones with 3G as well.

Another option is to get the pocket/mobile wifi, to make you stay online.

Meaning i need to have a 3G phone? Can i use 3G sim card on a non smart phone?

[doddysapta]

I'm not sure of that. What I know you cant get prepaid sim card unless you're a resident.

[doddysapta]

Seems like a gd deal?! But the data is unlimited or chargable? Can tis router be use in ipad?

I think this one is unlimited data but there are different size of speed. And can be shared with up to 10 devices (ipad, laptop, smartphones etc).

[Enelym1978]

I get my pocket wifi from this place: http://www.rentafonejapan.com/Mobile-Internet.html

 

Same concept as above: they deliver anywhere: airport post office, hotel for example. The return is included, they will give you a pre-paid envelope. Just put your device in it and drop it at the airport post office.

Make sure you order them at least a week in advance, they run out very very quickly.

 

As Doddy explained, there are usually two speed available.

 

Type A) 3G network, up to 300kb/sec. JPY 5900 for the first week (about $75), then JPY 300 per extra day, unlimited data, up to 5 devices simultaneously, which is way enough for one or two persons sharing during a trip.

 

Type B) Broadband, up to 40Mb/sec but usually around 10Mb/sec. JPY 6900 for the first week (about $89), then JPY 300 per extra day, unlimited data, up to 5 devices.

 

 

The rental charge also includes delivery and return postage to us (within Japan).

Generally we send phones to the customer's hotel or other address as requested.
We can also send to the post office at the airport you arrive at for you to pick up there, or to any other post office in Japan. For more details click here
Next day delivery is usually possible at no extra cost if we receive orders by 7 pm Japan time (2 pm for airports).
Same-day delivery is usually possible to hotels on weekdays for major metropolitan areas (Tokyo/Nagoya/Osaka/Kyoto etc) if we receive the order in the morning - there is an extra charge of Yen 1000 for this.
If you prefer delivery to be made your home/office address before you arrive in Japan, this can be arranged for an additional charge of Yen 1000. We like to receive the order at least 10 days before departure in this case - delivery should be just 3 days to most major countries, but there are sometimes hold-ups in customs.
We send phones in a small padded bag, which also contains a battery charger, return envelope, and simplified operating instructions.

 

These are excellent and cheap solutions for stays longer than 3 days. If you're only staying a weekend or 3 days, you're better off subscribing to your local operator's DataRoam Saver Plan.

Singtel for example charges $20 per day for 3G roaming, unlimited. The day starts at midnight and ends at midnight.

Do your math

[alien]

Wondering the dataroam plan which charge $20 per day, how reliable will the signal? If cannot receive well then the money wld be wasted.

Edited October 11, 2013 by alien

[darkflame]

Personally, I was satisfied with B-mobile as I could get access to unlimited data for 14 days (thought my trip was only 9 days).

The downside is that I had to keep switching the sim card to check if I had any sms from home.

B-mobile also told me that returning the SIM was not necessary.

 

Next time I will bring two phone devices to Japan.

My main smartphone and my former flip phone.

 

If you are going in a group, the pocket wifi may be good.

[casper]

I was in Japan last month for 7 days and i have used Singtel Databridge for my internet usage... So far no problem with the connection even when i was over at Mt. Fuji area...

[alien]

I was in Japan last month for 7 days and i have used Singtel Databridge for my internet usage... So far no problem with the connection even when i was over at Mt. Fuji area...

Singtel databridge? Same as the data roaming saver plan?

[casper]

Singtel databridge? Same as the data roaming saver plan?

Yes...They are the same... Unlimited usage for $20 a day.. Time starts from 00:00 till 23:59 everyday...

[Guest Learning]

By the way if anyone is heading to Japan anytime soon you might want to try the fried soup at KFC. Fried corn potage.

My Japanese friends were talking to me about it and it sounds quite awesome actually. I got the impression that it is a sticky liquidy creamy corn nugget from them. But they were waxing lyrical about it. And it's only available for a limited time damn.

Saw your posting in the Members forum about needing to use Japanese one week later. Can't reply to that thread as I am not a member. Why not try one of the language schools and ask them to arrange intensive sessions over a few evenings? I am quite optimistic that they can do so. But be prepared to spend maybe $80 per hour of lesson.