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dogdays21

Kouhai
3 Sep 2020
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Hello! Japan has always intrigued me - from movies and other media programs, to a friendship with a Japanese exchange student in high school, to an amazing solo trip filled with unforgettable sights and experiences as many years ago. Many aspects of Japanese culture resonates deeply with me, and since I can't live there I plan on visiting again soon, once the pandemic is under control. In addition to learning the language before I go this time, I hope to gain further insights into its history, culture, and other aspects of all things Japanese (including living there as a expat/foreigner) from this forum. And perhaps forge a few new internet friendships with like-minded travelers along the way.🙂
 
You have come to the right place for any and all kinds of info on Japan. Members and staff all always glad to give help when possible. Info here goes back over 15 years so JREF is kind of like a big encyclopedia. Hopefully you will get to return there soon.
 
You have come to the right place for any and all kinds of info on Japan. Members and staff all always glad to give help when possible. Info here goes back over 15 years so JREF is kind of like a big encyclopedia. Hopefully you will get to return there soon.

Yes, there is certainly an abundance of information waiting to be read. Like a veritable buffet of all things Japanese!
 
Thanks Thomas. My dream Japan holiday would involve touring the countryside via bike, hike, and paddle. Followed by a well-deserved soak and delicious meal at a gorgeous onsen. 🙂
Open to any and all suggestions as I further explore this site.
When I lived there I went on a few motorcycle trips and, as you said, one really great thing about Japan is that you can go just about anywhere and have easy access to an onsen or sento. So, if you're into camping you could find a spot to camp and not worry about bathing because your destination the next day might be a relaxing onsen.
 
When I lived there I went on a few motorcycle trips and, as you said, one really great thing about Japan is that you can go just about anywhere and have easy access to an onsen or sento. So, if you're into camping you could find a spot to camp and not worry about bathing because your destination the next day might be a relaxing onsen.

I bet your experiences there provided some good fodder for interesting journaling. Camping sounds wonderful but bringing over all the gear is a hassle, unless I rent it all in Japan.
 
I bet your experiences there provided some good fodder for interesting journaling. Camping sounds wonderful but bringing over all the gear is a hassle, unless I rent it all in Japan.
Actually I didn't camp all that much. Usually I stopped at hostels which is even better because you can meet and interact with other travelers.

That makes me wonder , do they still have a branch of Maine's L.L. Beans in Japan now ??
Probably not. I never saw LL Bean in Japan.
 
Agree, staying in hostels is a great way to meet fellow travelers and make travel buddies. I enjoyed it in my university backpacking days, but am worried I may have aged out now. Are hostels popular amoungst all age groups and classes in Japan? It would be fun to intersperse it with some ryokan stays. Good for the budget too, especially after paying for the airfare to Japan from the US.
 
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Agree, staying in hostels is a great way to meet fellow travelers and make travel buddies. I enjoyed it in my university backpacking days, but am worried I may have aged out now. Are hostels popular amoungst all age groups and classes in Japan? It would be fun to intersperse it with some ryokan stays. Good for the budget too, especially after paying for the airfare to Japan from the US.
Mostly popular with young, budget conscious people but there's no reason why you shouldn't stay at hostels if you want to.
 
Welcome to the forum! Jref is like a home away from home. I think you'll like it here.

Japan is definitely an amazing place. It has character everywhere you go. The more language you know, the more you can really savor the different spices that make up the feast that is Japanese culture. I hope you can visit again soon!
 
Welcome to the forum! Jref is like a home away from home. I think you'll like it here.

Japan is definitely an amazing place. It has character everywhere you go. The more language you know, the more you can really savor the different spices that make up the feast that is Japanese culture. I hope you can visit again soon!

Thanks Mikawa. Wholeheartedly agree about how knowing (even basic conversational level) language of a country totally elevates the traveler's experience. I figure by the time the pandemic is under control and global tourism resumes, I will probably be completely fluent in Japanese. 😋
 
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