Remove this Banner Ad

Travel Japan

🥰 Love BigFooty? Join now for free.

basashi said:
There is no comparability at all.

I spent three years eating my way through as much of the cuisine as I could and I continue to do so for more than a month every year. For the life of me, I cannot find anything in Australia that is really even similar to the Japanese stuff. The expensive places are some of the worst.

I have four shops in the country I would go to – one in Melbourne, two in Sydney and one in Perth.

Even they have to approximate things quite a lot. None of them would last a week in Japan.


You can’t even get the ingredients in Australia – let alone the quality. (Japanese supermarkets withdraw produce from sale when it is fresher than the most of the produce our supermarkets receive.)
Click to expand...


Maybe I just have a particularly undiscerning palate. Mostly I've travelled/eaten with a mate who lives and works there, so haven't been forced into tourist traps. I've had generally very good meals, a couple of great ones, and a few ordinary ones, but nothing that ever made me redefine my conception of food or anything.
 
heading to Tokyo next month and was hoping to have a tour of a dragon ball Z/ pokemon ect tour which the country has made famous. Anyone done anything relating to these things or suggest any ideas?
 
ohhhBigMalcho said:
heading to Tokyo next month and was hoping to have a tour of a dragon ball Z/ pokemon ect tour which the country has made famous. Anyone done anything relating to these things or suggest any ideas?
Click to expand...


I've not been there, but the Studio Ghibli Museum is well regarded. It's the anime studio that produced Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, etc. Apparently a very interesting museum just in terms of its design, etc. But the studio's films are very famous, too.
 

Log in to remove this Banner Ad

basashi said:
There is no comparability at all.

I spent three years eating my way through as much of the cuisine as I could and I continue to do so for more than a month every year. For the life of me, I cannot find anything in Australia that is really even similar to the Japanese stuff. The expensive places are some of the worst.
Click to expand...
i don't know if i'd bother going to japan if i could get a good bowl of ramen in aus. :D
 
basashi said:
Sorry

This all sounds very cranky

Japanese food is important to me and it is a major bugbear in my week to week existence here.

I always feel like I am missing out and every time I go back I can't believe how good it is over there.

It is a raw nerve with me.

Of the next 100 things I want to eat, at least 90 aren't available here in any acceptable form.

We are planning to spend more time over there.

I don't mean to be offensive but it is a problem I think about every single day.
Click to expand...

I think you're a little bit obsessed.
 
I'm heading to Osaka for 10 days In Jan-Feb, gonna be cold. I've bought a railpass and will head to Hiroshima and Kyoto daytrips. Already have plans to do the temples etc, and have a bunch of restaurants lined up, but I am open to suggestions for other things for those that have been there. I would like to go to Mt.Fuji but I think is's too far a daytrip. So yeah, travelling solo, with what little Japanese I can learn until i leave, god bless google translate!
 
Mt.Fuji shouldn't be too far if you use the bullet train? I also don't think Osaka gets that cold. Been to Nagoya/Osaka many times in winter and to be honest, it's been pretty much like a Melbourne winter (not Hokkaido!). You'll eat well in Osaka.
 
deathevocation said:
Mt.Fuji shouldn't be too far if you use the bullet train? I also don't think Osaka gets that cold. Been to Nagoya/Osaka many times in winter and to be honest, it's been pretty much like a Melbourne winter (not Hokkaido!). You'll eat well in Osaka.
Click to expand...
As far as I can gather from Hyperdia, it's 3 or so hours to get close to Mt.Fuji, then buses to get to it, about 5 hours all up so I may do an overnight if I want to climb (probably biting off more than I can chew). I think I'll get the Hotel to look into it for me, I have 10 days so plenty of time, but depending on what a hotel there would cost, maybe. I consider anything less than 10c freezing!
 
You won't be able to climb Fuji at that time of year. I think climbing season runs from June-September or something along those lines. You can drive up to around the 5th station, which is still pretty spectacular (and cold!). There is an tourist center slightly further down, I think.

Have a look at Japanican, which is a branch of JTB. They do heaps of tours, and will probably have a overnight one from Osaka. The Fujisan tours usually include a boat cruise on one of the lakes and a few other bits and pieces. You can book online and their cancellation conditions are reasonable.

If you are heading to Hiroshima, it is worth taking the ferry (covered by your JR Pass) to Miyajima. It's a very pretty place. A couple of beautiful temples/shrines as well the deer and and the floating Torii gate are worth a look.

If you aren't already doing it, take a day trip out to Nara. If you are into ninja-things, take a further trip from Nara to Iga Ueno.

I would take the time while in Osaka to check out the Aquarium (it's a local train from Osaka, not covered by JR, but still cheap enough). It really depends on what you want to see as to how you organise your time. I see a lot of castles and castle ruins during my trips. The Japan Guide website is great one for planning what you want to see.

You will be fine with zero Japanese around the areas you are going. Loads of English signage and announcements on trains etc. The weather shouldn't be too bad. You can probably expect temps of 5-8 degrees during the day. It's pretty brisk, but just beautiful - best time of year to be there as far as I'm concerned. The first time I went it snowed in Osaka, but the second time I didn't see snow until I moved into the Alps. I also went in September/October of this year and found I much preferred the winter weather over early Autumn. The weather won't put a dint in much that you decide to do.

Whatever you do, you'll have a great time. The people are lovely if you make an effort to do the right thing, especially when you are on your own! Smiles get you a long way in Japan, I've found!
 
Griffiness said:
You won't be able to climb Fuji at that time of year. I think climbing season runs from June-September or something along those lines. You can drive up to around the 5th station, which is still pretty spectacular (and cold!). There is an tourist center slightly further down, I think.

Have a look at Japanican, which is a branch of JTB. They do heaps of tours, and will probably have a overnight one from Osaka. The Fujisan tours usually include a boat cruise on one of the lakes and a few other bits and pieces. You can book online and their cancellation conditions are reasonable.

If you are heading to Hiroshima, it is worth taking the ferry (covered by your JR Pass) to Miyajima. It's a very pretty place. A couple of beautiful temples/shrines as well the deer and and the floating Torii gate are worth a look.

If you aren't already doing it, take a day trip out to Nara. If you are into ninja-things, take a further trip from Nara to Iga Ueno.

I would take the time while in Osaka to check out the Aquarium (it's a local train from Osaka, not covered by JR, but still cheap enough). It really depends on what you want to see as to how you organise your time. I see a lot of castles and castle ruins during my trips. The Japan Guide website is great one for planning what you want to see.

You will be fine with zero Japanese around the areas you are going. Loads of English signage and announcements on trains etc. The weather shouldn't be too bad. You can probably expect temps of 5-8 degrees during the day. It's pretty brisk, but just beautiful - best time of year to be there as far as I'm concerned. The first time I went it snowed in Osaka, but the second time I didn't see snow until I moved into the Alps. I also went in September/October of this year and found I much preferred the winter weather over early Autumn. The weather won't put a dint in much that you decide to do.

Whatever you do, you'll have a great time. The people are lovely if you make an effort to do the right thing, especially when you are on your own! Smiles get you a long way in Japan, I've found!
Click to expand...
thanks for the heads up on Mt.Fuji and the others. Might still be worth a trip up to 5th station tho. Aquarium was on my list for sure. I won't be traveling alone now, my mate got a leave pass from his missus. So much to do, 10 days is becoming too short by the day. As for the cold, layers and a beanie.
 

Remove this Banner Ad

I've been in Japan the past 3 months and am living in Kobe. For those who don't know where that is, it's around 30min away from Osaka by train. It's kind of different because I'm living here and am not a tourist but I definitely think the Kansai region is worth checking out. The best thing really is that Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto are so close to each other that you can literally check out three amazing cities in one or two days.

Kyoto has the history feel to it - and I'm not really interested in temples and all that but it is truly amazing. The local food there is divine too.

Osaka is a modern city with plenty of shopping ! They have a Universal Studios which is near the centre of the city and again food is great.

Kobe is probably the least appealing of the three but I promise you, it's worth opening up the wallet a bit here at a steak restaurant to enjoy the world's best beef, Kobe beef. You'll never have experienced anything like it in Australia and it's truly a delight.

The language is certainly a barrier here and if I didn't have my Japanese skills I'd be struggling. I certainly recommend learning a few set phrases and words. From what I have experienced, the locals don't have much confidence in speaking English so some basics are needed.
 
Planning to go for a month next year, Any suggestions on what time? My period i can go is anytime from april/november. Would love snow but my main reason is i want to go and view places like Mt Fiju/Onsen and mount Koya which look surreal
 
The heat is summer is quite oppressive. I struggled with the humidity in late September/early October, but it all depends on how anti-summer you are, I suppose. Summer is the only time of year you can climb Fujisan though.

You will get autumn colours in November, if you are lucky, which would be beautiful around Koyasan.

Sakura (cherry blossoms) in April, beautiful but hellishly busy as the Japanese love their Sakura as much as the tourists do. If you go during this time, avoid Golden Week because you will struggle to book trains etc. as it's the only time where Japanese public holidays line up enough for people to get away - which during Golden Week they do en masse!
 
MR said:
I've been in Japan the past 3 months and am living in Kobe. For those who don't know where that is, it's around 30min away from Osaka by train. It's kind of different because I'm living here and am not a tourist but I definitely think the Kansai region is worth checking out. The best thing really is that Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto are so close to each other that you can literally check out three amazing cities in one or two days.

Kyoto has the history feel to it - and I'm not really interested in temples and all that but it is truly amazing. The local food there is divine too.

Osaka is a modern city with plenty of shopping ! They have a Universal Studios which is near the centre of the city and again food is great.

Kobe is probably the least appealing of the three but I promise you, it's worth opening up the wallet a bit here at a steak restaurant to enjoy the world's best beef, Kobe beef. You'll never have experienced anything like it in Australia and it's truly a delight.

The language is certainly a barrier here and if I didn't have my Japanese skills I'd be struggling. I certainly recommend learning a few set phrases and words. From what I have experienced, the locals don't have much confidence in speaking English so some basics are needed.
Click to expand...


I have lived in Japan for four years and Kansai for three. Osaka is a great city, but I still tend to get lost whenever I am around the more populated areas. I would recommend the aquarium; the nightlife and shopping around Nanba and Shinsaibashi; Universal Studios Japan (if you go on a school day); Osaka Castle; the seedy underworld of Shinsekai and South Osaka; Spaworld; Nipponbashi which is Osaka's electronics town; Tsuruhashi (Korea Town); and countless other places. The Dingoes start training in Osaka after Australia Day. :)

Kobe is also an awesome city. Sanomiya is great fun with lots of cool restaurants and bars; Harborland is amazing and you should definitely try and go up Kobe Tower and check out the Kawasaki Museum which is just underneath it; the old foreign residences in the north part of the city are really interesting; the earthquake museum in Nada is a massive eye opener...

Then throw in Nara, Wakayama, West Hyogo, Kyoto, etc. Kansai is an area 1/3 the size of Tasmania with more people than Australia. You will definitely be able to entertain yourself for as long as you like in Kansai.
 
Griffiness said:
The heat is summer is quite oppressive. I struggled with the humidity in late September/early October, but it all depends on how anti-summer you are, I suppose. Summer is the only time of year you can climb Fujisan though.

You will get autumn colours in November, if you are lucky, which would be beautiful around Koyasan.

Sakura (cherry blossoms) in April, beautiful but hellishly busy as the Japanese love their Sakura as much as the tourists do. If you go during this time, avoid Golden Week because you will struggle to book trains etc. as it's the only time where Japanese public holidays line up enough for people to get away - which during Golden Week they do en masse!
Click to expand...


Thanks for the Info, im not bothered about heat/humidity. Looking around november because i do want to see some snow
 
JapanFootball said:
I have lived in Japan for four years and Kansai for three. Osaka is a great city, but I still tend to get lost whenever I am around the more populated areas. I would recommend the aquarium; the nightlife and shopping around Nanba and Shinsaibashi; Universal Studios Japan (if you go on a school day); Osaka Castle; the seedy underworld of Shinsekai and South Osaka; Spaworld; Nipponbashi which is Osaka's electronics town; Tsuruhashi (Korea Town); and countless other places. The Dingoes start training in Osaka after Australia Day. :)

Kobe is also an awesome city. Sanomiya is great fun with lots of cool restaurants and bars; Harborland is amazing and you should definitely try and go up Kobe Tower and check out the Kawasaki Museum which is just underneath it; the old foreign residences in the north part of the city are really interesting; the earthquake museum in Nada is a massive eye opener...

Then throw in Nara, Wakayama, West Hyogo, Kyoto, etc. Kansai is an area 1/3 the size of Tasmania with more people than Australia. You will definitely be able to entertain yourself for as long as you like in Kansai.
Click to expand...
me and my mate arrive in osaka on 29th Jan. When/where are you training? Would be interesting to come along and watch a session.
 

🥰 Love BigFooty? Join now for free.

I'm heading there not next February but in 2015. I have plenty of recommendations from my brother and friends who have been to Honshu but I don't know anyone who has been to Hokkaido. I'll be there when the Sapporo Snow Festival is held, has anyone been there or Hokkaido in general? Thorn Tree Forums are good but a few tips from around here wouldn't go astray either.
 
Heading over at the end of January for about 7 days before Uni starts. Going to Tokyo for 2 days and then Nosawa Onsen for 5 or so. Anyone been to Nosawa before?
 
basashi said:
There is no comparability at all.

I spent three years eating my way through as much of the cuisine as I could and I continue to do so for more than a month every year. For the life of me, I cannot find anything in Australia that is really even similar to the Japanese stuff. The expensive places are some of the worst.

I have four shops in the country I would go to – one in Melbourne, two in Sydney and one in Perth.

Even they have to approximate things quite a lot. None of them would last a week in Japan.


You can’t even get the ingredients in Australia – let alone the quality. (Japanese supermarkets withdraw produce from sale when it is fresher than the most of the produce our supermarkets receive.)
Click to expand...


Interested to know which Japanese restaurant in Perth you rate? I love Japanese cuisine and was planning on going to Japan this summer but funds and timing of new job meant we settled for Malaysia instead. But hopefully will go next year so I'll keep my eye on this thread.
 
electricfeel said:
Interested to know which Japanese restaurant in Perth you rate? I love Japanese cuisine and was planning on going to Japan this summer but funds and timing of new job meant we settled for Malaysia instead. But hopefully will go next year so I'll keep my eye on this thread.
Click to expand...
Last time I lived in Perth was a few years ago.
Yamahara-san had just closed his own shop and taken a job on the sushi counter at Satsuki in Subiaco. That was the last time you could sit at a proper counter and eat Japanese style sushi, prepared by a properly qualified Japanese sushi chef. At Satsuki, he was working with a general restaurant menu..... so the range was very limited. also, the shop had a lot of salmon on the menu, which is not a real part of top end edo mae sushi. (Good sushiyas in ginza / shimbashi dont even have it in the shop). But the rice was perfectly prepared and the fish quality was better then what I can get on the east coast.
The place I go back to in Perth every time is Jun izakaya on hay St. It is the only izakaya in Australia that has the look, feel menu and atmosphere of an izakaya. It is a yakitori izakaya and they have imported a glass deflector grill from Japan, the menu is arranged in the Japanese style and ordering is done Japanese style. In quaint shitamachi Japanese style, they have their own counting system. It is best to go with a Japanese person or a Japanese speaker to order for you.
In Melbourne I recommend Akatombo in Prahran. In Sydney I recommend daruma in Haymarket for izakaya style, sushi studio in neutral bay and kisuke Willoughby. All of these places are not designed for westerners to go and eat California roll or indulge in a ything the masterchef idiots would recognize. They are full of Japanese people enjoying something from home.
 

Remove this Banner Ad

Remove this Banner Ad

🥰 Love BigFooty? Join now for free.

Back
Top Bottom