I will be travelling to Japan (for the first time) for a month next March. First two weeks I’ll have a friend and we’ll be hitting Kyoto, Osaka, Koya-san for a night (thank you Reddit friends), and finishing the last week in Shibuya. For my next two weeks, I thought change of scenery (and a slightly cheaper hotel) may be a good opportunity. I’ve narrowed it down to the Dormy Inn’s in Ikebukuro, Kasuga (Korakuen), and Asakusa (the Onyado).
I’m a big fan of food, roaming around, greenery/the outdoors, anime/manga, karaoke/music, and unique experiences. Since I’ll be solo and this will be my second two weeks, it’d be nice to have a good amount to do/explore walking distance throughout the day or a short public transit away, they don’t have to be major POIs/tourist spots since I’ll likely hit most with my friend. I pretty much have nothing big planned.
These all seem like happening places. Senso-ji seems like it might be a bit too touristy (crowded, shops may charge higher prices, etc.)? Also a bit further away from other “main” districts, however touristy can be good for things to do/food. Korakuen is the cheapest option by a decent amount ($2k), seems a bit older/outdated with a location offering a bit less to do right out the door and a potentially different vibe (due to TD being like a theme park). Looks like a couple parks/gardens. Could result in more transit trips. Ikebukuro appears the most interesting; aside from the mall and anime shops, it has lots of restaurants, some small parks and places like Round1 open 24 hours. I believe transit basically stops around 12am, not that I’d always be out that late.
I’d love to hear about any experiences in the areas, particularly for solo travellers or those who went on longer trips. On the ending leg of your trip, where would you rather be? If you had nothing planned, which place would you stay? If you wanted to transit the least, which place would have the most to do/see?
Also, when discussing “nightlife”, can someone please clarify what it means? I don’t drink, but I’d like the option to roam around late at night or stumble across things to do/see. Not sure if “nightlife” equates to bars/drinking only. I understand the “cities” and temple close before 8pm.
by DesignerFearless