Plan on going to Japan next year, I know it’s a ways out but I’ve been diving deep into research in preparation so I can figure out all the things we want to do and go see. I have a few questions and I’m hoping to get some input from any experienced travelers or locals. Will be traveling with my same sex spouse for context.
I’ve seen threads on this in the past, but we’re planning on landing in Tokyo and going straight to Kyoto. The thought here is we’d end our trip in Tokyo (5 days or so) so that I don’t have to worry about lugging around all the stuff I buy. Anything I should be aware of with this strategy?
I’m a huge Pokemon fan so definitely planning to do pokemon center, cafe, and trying to find any good shopping for pokemon cards or other stuff. Any recommendations on good shopping or other pokemon related experiences? Our general locations will be Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone, Okayama and Hiroshima.
I have a tattoo so I know that I’ll be limited to public onsens. That being said, really trying to find an upscale Ryokan that has a private open air mineral bath and Kaiseki. Does anyone have recommendations on where to look to find something like this? Hoping to do one or two nights in a Ryokan. We were looking at Hakone but open to other locations.
Thank you very much in advance. This reddit is a gem and hopefully I can get some good insight to continue my planning.
by GayRunescaper
2 comments
1. Only feasible dependent on the time you land in Tokyo. Since you’re already at the airport, a flight is a possibility. It’s also a long day which is fine for some, not fine for others. You probably should plan on being in Kyoto about 5 hours from when you land, depending on which airport. Haneda would be slightly less.
I don’t think there would be any discrimination from the same sex aspect. PDA in Japan is taboo and that would be the only time you would find an issue, if any.
As for Hakone, not all public onsens here accept tattoos. I know Tenzan Onsen does, but there is a restriction. If you’re by yourself (or two people “by themselves”) you won’t have an issue. I have a tattoo and have never had an issue there.
Ryokan prices vary quite a bit. Yumoto or Gora are the two areas in Hakone I would recommend the most. Yumoto is at the base of Hakone, where as Gora is near the top. I would recommend Gora if you had a choice.