Need to know more about Japan from the experts here

[motion]

I've been all over Japan on multiple occasions in the past 2 years. LOVE it. Taking Mrs. Motion in April for 10 days. It will be her first time there. We'll get the week JR Pass and travel around as much as we can. Main focus is Tokyo and Kyoto, but we'll check out a ryokan in the mountains and an onsen town, too. I've done this before and really dug the experience.

I'm pretty intimidated by the culture and their, uh, 'derision' for Westerners. I'd like to know how to gracefully access more of the culture, and if its possible at all. In the past, I've relied on Tripadvisor recommendations for hotels and restaurants, but find them to be crowded with Westerners, which to me, dilutes the experience. I'd like to visit more of the 'underground' of Kyoto and Tokyo... the intimate restaurants and bars that most Westerners don't get to see.

Any tips on how to do this? I have a bunch of questions....

What are all the funky spaceship-like buildings in the backstreets of Shinjuku, Tokyo?

How do we get into a small restaurant in the Gion district of Kyoto? The ones with the geishas along the river?

How do we enter a small restaurant or bar with no Westerners present?

Questions, questions I know we have some experts here, so thought I'd throw it out.

[Bill Douglas]

She's blonde isn't she. Don't take her on the train during rush hour.

[JavaBrewer]

I'm far from being a Japan expert but have traveled there quite a bit. From what I have personally experienced, and been told by residents, there are some really great bars and restaurants that are not open to non Japanese folks. The test is walking up to places with the geisha's out front who quickly step indoors as you near. I really like visiting Japan and would love to bring my wife but so far she's not all that interested. I have had much more success finding and accessing the local hangouts when I have a local by my side.

[GWN7]

"Need to know more about Japan from the experts here"

Not a expert but Japan just told the World Court to stuff it and they are going to resume Whaling "for Scientific purposes" This year.

The fact they sell and eat the 350 whales they are planning on killing isn't their primary reason.

[Cajundaddy]

Certainly not an expert but..
I suggest a local guide to gain access to deeper levels of Japanese culture. I think most people of Japan actually like western culture, especially from the USA, but they really don't like feeling like a circus attraction to western tourists. Many doors remain closed unless you have established a relationship first.

We housed 4 Japanese exchange students over the years and it was a great way to better understand their culture. We stay in touch with 2 of them and have been invited to come over for a visit. So far my wife has little interest in going there though.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

I really like visiting Japan and would love to bring my wife but so far she's not all that interested.

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

So far my wife has little interest in going there though.

Wow, that sucks. I guess I should feel fortunate that my wife would love to go as would I.

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

Certainly not an expert but..
I suggest a local guide to gain access to deeper levels of Japanese culture.

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

I have had much more success finding and accessing the local hangouts when I have a local by my side.

Absolutely, you need a local with a guest pass to provide the introduction. Or you'll have a hard time of it.

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

I think most people of Japan actually like western culture, especially from the USA

That was my experience. I was in Japan twice. The first time I was probably too young to really see it that well, but the second time, I definitely saw it. I ended up in Tokyo on a school trip and had many, many people approach me that were very excited that I was American that wanted to practice their English. I think mostly, they were just really happy to talk to an American.

[motion]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

She's blonde isn't she. Don't take her on the train during rush hour.

Do they still grope?

[motion]

Thanks for all the info, everyone. I agree that a guide might be the best way, so I'll look into that.

[Seahawk]

There are a few ways to gain a deeper access into a country, pretty simple stuff.

I know I brought this up before, but for you I would recommend becoming a guest speaker. I have done it in unmanned systems and it works great in terms of gaining access to locals and local flavor.

Take a look at the categories in this link: Finding a keynote speaker for your conference or event

You are perfect for a few of them. There are hundreds of companies that match unique topics to speaking engagements all over the world.

Honestly the only other way to get where you want to be in Japan is to do what my son did: Language institute and stay with a local family for 6 weeks

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by motion

Do they still grope?

Yep.



Not me personally.



I have a pretty Dutch girl buddy who said "YES they do."

[pcardude]

Originally Posted by motion

I've been all over Japan on multiple occasions in the past 2 years. LOVE it. Taking Mrs. Motion in April for 10 days. It will be her first time there. We'll get the week JR Pass and travel around as much as we can. Main focus is Tokyo and Kyoto, but we'll check out a ryokan in the mountains and an onsen town, too. I've done this before and really dug the experience.

I'm pretty intimidated by the culture and their, uh, 'derision' for Westerners. I'd like to know how to gracefully access more of the culture, and if its possible at all. In the past, I've relied on Tripadvisor recommendations for hotels and restaurants, but find them to be crowded with Westerners, which to me, dilutes the experience. I'd like to visit more of the 'underground' of Kyoto and Tokyo... the intimate restaurants and bars that most Westerners don't get to see.

Any tips on how to do this? I have a bunch of questions....

What are all the funky spaceship-like buildings in the backstreets of Shinjuku, Tokyo?

How do we get into a small restaurant in the Gion district of Kyoto? The ones with the geishas along the river?

How do we enter a small restaurant or bar with no Westerners present?

Questions, questions I know we have some experts here, so thought I'd throw it out.

I might be able to help get you get into a real geisha bar but it's really expensive. Be prepared to drop 5 grand.

Shinjuku is going to have westerners no matter what. But still fun.

[dan79brooklyn]

You can visit us in Okayama! I'll take you to some interesting places.