27m is spending January in Japan. As he will be spending his birthday there (probably that day in Kinosaki Onsen) I wanted to buy him an experience there. It may be something he can only do in Japan (like cooking course for ramen or mochi or a massage in the Onsen) or something related to manga/anime (he’s a big fan). I was thinking maybe of an experience cliché in mangas (he reads really a lot, likes Komi can’t communicate and K-on! and the Ghibli classics: Princess Mononkke, Spirited away and Kiki delivery service)
I would be very thankful for all the advices!
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/18s32du/birthday_gift_for_japan_traveller_and_manga_lover/
5 comments
There are a lot of anime themed cafes and restaurants in Japan. Perhaps you can find a cone close to where you are staying and bring him there.
When you refer to Kinosaki Onsen, I guess you guys will be staying in the Kansai region? You can also try visiting Den-Den Town https://insideosaka.com/den-den-town-guide/
Maybe take him to the real highschool K-On was based on! They have lots of KeiOn stuff there
You’re in Kinosaki that day?
– Go up the hill
– The shrine is to the thumbsized god of onsens and the monk who brought forth the 7 springs there
– The cafe at the top has Michelin starred coffee and one of the most beautiful views at sunset from its garden deck
– There’s a prayer spot next to the cafe where you can try to throw a stone through a target hole to get your wish granted
– The town is known for crab and it’s crab season for a little while yet
– It also has a ton of sweets, ice cream and onsen eggs of varying qualities
– There is a small ghibli store near Matsugami (which does great onsen eggs) perhaps you can get him something from there?
– Spend the night onsen hopping (7 hot spring pass is good to get if your accommodation doesn’t provide it to you), snacking and if it’s the weekend, watching the fireworks
Kinosaki is somewhere where I have been treated possibly the best in my life by a hotel/ryokan. My ex and I were given a Yukata to wear around town and they arranged a private and beautiful dining experience after I told them it was her first time in Japan and she loved food. If you ask your accomodation or even reach out to the local tour office, they might not go as far but they’ll have amazing suggestions
Without meaning to sound pretentious – Japan IS the experience. I was planning on going home this year but the decision to extend my work contract was an easy one
If you go through Tokyo on a different day, the Ghibli museum is amazing. Also the Manga museum in Kyoto is one of the best I’ve ever been to. It’s inside an old renovated school, which will be give any anime fan a kick.