Japan

[Seymour M Hersh]

On 28/03/2024 at 23:31, Sydney said:

I go there once or twice a year for work.  I can't really provide advice about flights and hotels, but the advances in phones and being able to take a photo of signs/menus etc and having them translated into English on my screen has been very helpful.    Tokyo is a bit intimidating at first, but once you get used to it, it's a brilliant place.  The tiny bars in Golden Gai are great fun. https://tokyocheapo.com/food-and-drink/quick-guide-golden-gai/

 

The food is generally terrific, and I strongly recommend finding a couple of little local restaurants that you feel comfortable in.  Having a spicy Hokkaido curry (https://livejapan.com/en/in-hokkaido/in-pref-hokkaido/in-sapporo_chitose/article-a1000434/) and a few beers is one of my favourite things to do when I am there.

 

Kyoto is well worth a few days as well.  The Japanese tourists dressed up in geisha outfits (with boyfriends being dragged along usually also dressed up, but not always do happy about it) are a bit weird.

 

In general, it is a country I very much enjoy spending time in.

 

A good, friendly soup curry restaurant near Tokyo Station is here (and they sort of speak english) https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXW9Xi3wqT34s8658

 

I read that Kyoto is trying to curb tourists. No idea if it's all tourists or the ones you are referring to. As an aside I'd love to visit Japan.