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Calling all Japan enthusiasts. Help me plan a trip to Japan.
Weebs not welcome and you must have been to Japan
I think I have a somewhat detailed outline of what I want. The point of this post is for travellers with past experience telling me of things that I would want, but don't even know exist. Also, I would like to be mansplained on what the main cities are known for and their vibes. I know all the names, but they are the same as Toyota, Nissan and Suzuki to me. I.e I am ignorant and might make a few "drive from NYC to LA in a day" errors.
Boring Details:
What we want to do: (Convince me otherwise, or give tips/reccomendations)
What we don't care for: (Convince me otherwise if you think so)
Man why are you even going there?
All of this contradicts yourself. If you just want to eat sushi, curry, and ramen you can do that at home. Also uh driving in Hokkaido in winter, or in the middle of Tokyo, is... not the best. Whatever, just get drunk and go to Rapongi like every other 20 something male tourist does and then go skiing.
You are completely discounting the JDM car scene. We are car guys, that enough is reason to visit Japan. Everything else is a nice to have addition.
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I would second a recommendation to go to the onsen, especially an outdoors one - it's a sensory experience just as much as good food and good drink, and particularly in the winter, after a day of winter sports. It's the cap to an active day, not an alternative.
Also, try some different teas while you're there, possibly paired with Japanese sweets. Traditional Japanese sweets are low-sugar, frequently containing a bean paste where a Western pastry would put a fruit filling, and often meant to pair with a cup of tea. The "afternoon snack" is just as valid a gourmet goal as the lunch and dinner. I picked up a taste for green tea from my time in Fukuoka.
Yeah, I might change my mind on the onsen if its preceded by a day of winter sport.
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I can recommend you an interesting pub. It's cowboy themed, ran by an old Japanese gentleman that's obsessed with country music. It's tiny, seats like 5 people at once, so it's likely it will be just the 2 of you + the owner there, but it's worth it if you wanna sing some country songs and hear about owner's country music lore (went to America, was in a band, etc.). Name is 'PINE FIELD', address: 3-2, yotsua, shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Owner's name is SunShine Matsuno.
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I was an exchange student to the Tokyo area, so I can recommend some food an activities iconic to Japan: Food: Yoshinoya beef bowls are quintessential japanese comfort food. Unagidon at a fancier place is worth the price. You'll typically get a full set of food to go with the delicious eel. Okonomiyaki a savory pancake that your make yourself on a griddle in the center of the table. Gyoza places make for a great mid-day or after dinner snack. Natto, fermented soy beans. This one is very hit or miss with people, but like Chicago and Malort, you have to try it at least once. Sushi, make sure to try at least one Uni (sea urchin). Good flavor and texture but can be pricy to eat a lot. Zenzai/Oshiruko, sweet bean paste soup with toasted mochi rice cakes. Best after a day of skiiing, delicious like a warm mug of hot cocoa Western Fast Food, hear me out. They have some really interesting twists and Japan-only items at McDonalds, KFC, Denny's, donuts, etc. Melonpan/Onigiri/Katsu Sandwich are all found at any convenience stores. Yakiniku, restaurant with a grill in the table, you order and cook what you like to dip in sauces. Great for relaxing after a long day. Shabu-Shabu, basically hot pot, see yakiniku. Vending machines for the experience get some corn soup, coffee, or something else fun. Careful, some of them come out quite hot. Don't wander and eat/drink though. Stand around the vending machine to finish it or take it with you to your destination to drink/eat there. Umeshu, plum-liqueur, is one of my favorites. Get it on the rocks, a sweet, smooth drink with just enough plum bitterness to round it out. Try raw egg on something at least once, because you can, salmonella free.
Activities: Fuji is a good climb but outside of the summer climbing season, climbing is not usually allowed. Random street festivals are worth stopping at for fun carnival type games and food (common foods: takoyaki, balls of dough with octopus. dorayaki, fish shaped dough with sweet bean paste. Yakisoba, fried noodles with sauce). Karaoke can be fun if you find a good group, although might not work if it just the two of you unless you find a group of other tourists or locals to join Tokyo Tower is a good place to see Tokyo from The trains are both an experience and very convenient in the Tokyo area. Especially to go to places like Akihabara. Cars in the Tokyo area are going to be a huge hassle with very narrow streets and difficulties parking. New Years is big, so you might be able to see some parades, festivals, or events. If you can, try for one to see them make mochi the traditional way (team of guys hitting cooked rice with wooden mallets) Visit at least one temple and one shrine. Just copy the Japanese people for the customs of how to wash hands, enter the spaces, etc. Buy an Omamori or luck talisman(temple) and Omikuji, paper fortune (shrine). You keep the Omamori but the fortune you only keep if it is good, otherwise you tie it to the provided area to let the shrine hold it for you. Ok, technically, you donate and they give you those things.
Thanks for the recommendations. I might try all of them minus the natto. And yes Unagi and Uni, won't miss those.
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As a former Hokkaido resident, I can at least advise you on some of the fun to be had there. As an aside, I personally don't enjoy Tokyo at all, but if it's your first time then it is fine. It certainly has the most stuff in general.
Cars are obviously the best way to get around Hokkaido, as trains are much more limited than in the south. I'm not sure how familiar you are with winter driving, but all cautions apply. The island gets extreme levels of snowfall at times.
For skiing, Niseko is the biggest one, very touristy but just as popular with the locals. There are a couple of ski resorts in the area, Grand Hirafu being the flagship. It's a fantastic mountain, good backcountry areas, spacious lifts, and mind blowing powder if you can catch it. Mt. Yotei is known as Hokkaido's Fuji and is available for backcountry tours, but it's a spectacular sight even if you dont ski it. Other favorites of mine (bearing in mind they are fairly out of the way) are Furano and Kamui ski links. Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Kokusai are good options right outside of the city.
Unfortunately hiking isn't an option in winter, but definitely look into snowshoeing if that's your thing.
For food, soup curry and jingisukan "Genghis Khan" are favorite Hokkaido specialties. Also, Hokkaido ramen is far superior to mainland stuff, especially if you like miso ramen. There is a "ramen alley" in Sapporo with a bunch of popular options. You can also get a great bowl at Chitose airport if you can't wait.
Susukino is the nightlife hub in Sapporo, but you might want to range a bit further out for a quieter izakaya experience.
Don't knock hitting the onsen after a long day of skiing, it's pretty unbeatable especially if you have access to outdoor baths which are wonderful in the winter.
Seicomart is the Hokkaido exclusive conbini so check that out for sure.
In general, Hokkaido is pretty spread out so be mindful of drive times compounded by winter conditions. If you have other specific areas in mind I can share what I know.
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