When someone tells you they’re going to Japan, you automatically assume they’ll just be doing the usual Tokyo thing – you know, IRL Mario Kart racing, hitting up the Robot Restaurant, ruining cochleas at a karaoke bar – the works.
But some people yearn for a lil’ more than the stock-standard itinerary for their overseas adventure. I mean, you want to make sure your annual leave was well and truly worth it, and not just because you were able to escape your office cretins for a limited time, right? Anyway, below’s what you should consider for your Japan holi – courtesy of my colleagues who have lived to get the tale – on top of the Tokyo usual, of course.
HIT UP A SPORTING GAME, ANYWHERE ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Soccer and baseball are big bloody deals in Japan so get amongst it you shall. Between the two seasons you should be able to catch at least one no matter what time of year you visit.
“They have huge crowds supporting / chanting through the whole game with massive flags and songs. You can bring your own beer into the stadium and they give you paper cups as you go in to pour it into, so that there’s no glass. But if you forget? There are people walking around the stadium with kegs on their backs. They will come right up to your seat and give you an ice cold beer for 500 yen.” – Simon Knox.
“I’ve never seen a more polite sporting match. I went to the baseball and the home crowd was 95% of the stadium but all sat quietly while the away team were batting so the away supporters cheers could be heard.” – Chloe Patterson
DIP INTO NOZAWA ONSEN
You can’t very well go to Japan without dipping your bod into an onsen. However, make your choice wisely.
“Nozawa onsen is the most beautiful little village with onsens (natural hot springs) all around the town. Is a really authentic skiing village which serves as a great antidote to the massive and Aussie dominated ski fields of Niseko.” – Anna Lawrence.
There is also a snow monkey park here so yes, done.
SOAK UP THE VIBES IN OSAKA
Osaka gets seriously rave reviews for just being itself. Cute.
“Osaka is a phenomenal city – if Tokyo is Paddington then Osaka is Newtown. There’s a bunch of great restaurants there and it’s also really close to a number of beautiful feudal castles. There’s also a 24 hour arcade and fun centre there – they’ve got everything from Mario Kart to batting cages and segue riding courses.” – Jack Colquhoun.
GO SHOPPIN’ + MORE IN KYOTO
“Randomly, Kyoto has amazing vintage op shopping. It’s also a super traditional town and the epicentre of cherry blossom season.” – Chloe.
“Kyoto is an obvious choice, tonnes of temples, the bamboo forest and plenty of monkeys too.” – Jack.
“Kyoto is also a really mad city it’s not very far from Osaka. It’s famous for its temples and shrines. Pontocho is a laneway running down the city, next to a canal, which has heaps of small restaurants and cool bars to visit.” – Simon.
CHECK OUT THE WILDLIFE IN NARA DEER PARK
I meannnnn, who doesn’t have a nostalgic affinity for deer thanks to Bambi? Located in the city of Nara – at the foot of Mount Wakakusa – Nara Park is one of the oldest parks in Japan and was established way back in the 1300s. It’s open 24 hours. Rumour is the deer are everywhere, so you don’t need to go searching. Simples!
Side note: if you’re on the fast train (Shinkansen) you can get to all of this list within 3-4hours. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Are you keen? Student Flights are holding a comp right now for the chance to win a trip for two to Japan, open until May 6, 2018. What’s it include? Oh, you know, just return flights, Topdeck‘s 7-day Japan Express Trip (Highlights: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka), $2k Travel Money Oz Currency Pass for spending money and a $1K Student Flights gift card. Sounds damn neat. Enter here.
