Visiting Japan

[peterd]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm going to be visiting Japan in March with my son and I would appreciate any suggestions you may have on museums, shrines and shops to see Nihonto. We're likely to be visiting areas around Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Tokyo.

 

Many thanks,

Peter

[Ken-Hawaii]

Hi, Peter:

I envy you! You're heading for an area with SO many choices, that it will be hard to decide. Let me start by highly recommending the Bizen-Osafune Sword Village in Okayama. My wife & I spent an afternoon there, & it totally changed what we collect. Here's one link, http://en.japantravel.com/okayama/osefune-sword-museum/358, but there are many others. Try to visit on the day when they are actually forging blades!

 

Ken

 

[Brian]

Search the forum for visiting Japan. Tons of info. You will love it.

[Yoshimichi]

In Tokyo, I would suggest: 

• Sengakuji Shrine (Where the graves of the 47 Ronin are located. Don't miss seeing it, if you can)
• NBTHK Sword Museum
• Tsuruta-san's Aoi-Art sword shop (just around the corner from the NBTHK)
• Yasukuni Shrine/museum (they have a cool little flea market every Sunday)

In Kyoto, I would suggest:

• Kyoto National Museum (they have been having some great sword exhibitions recently)
• Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Great flea market the 25th of each month)
• Kiyomizu-dera shrine (incredible!)
• Nijo Castle (there is a small sword shop right across the street, on the corner)

Cool Castles worth seeing:

• Himeji Castle (The biggest of the top five...an easy day trip from Kyoto)
• Matsumoto Castle (Great matchlock collection; a beautiful castle, moat, and grounds-a good day trip from Tokyo)
• Hikone Castle (Scenes from the series "Shogun" were shot there) 

You might be able to see the Cherry blossoms, depending on when you will be there in March. I have not been to Osaka or Nara. Have a great trip. You will really love it.

 

Regards,

Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi) 

[peterd]

Thanks everybody especially Bill

 

Looks like there is plenty to see and do on my trip to Japan.

[CSM101]

There is an exhibition in the Sword Museum in Tokyo: Masterpieces in the Museum´s Collection until 31.03. before closing and reopening in January 2018.

 

http://www.touken.or.jp/english/index.html

 

 

Uwe G.

[Guest Rayhan]

Here is my to do list for you:

Tokyo first

It's a must to go to Tsukiji and even more on time in the weeeee hours of the morning:

1)
Tsukiji Fish market is renowned for being the busiest and most profitable fish market globally. almost 1.1 Billion dollars in sea food is traded on a anual basis from this site, and the most expensive tuna in history was sold here at over 1 Million dollars (the restaurant that bought it also has an outlet in the market,Sushi Zanmai restaurant). The best time to go there is before 5am (around 4 since they only allow a limited number of spectators on the trading / auction floor at a time) If you miss that window then fear not it is still a wonderful experience from around 9:30 to 11 am (closing time) and the restaurants will be serving fresh fish till late. The market around Tuskiji is well worth the long walk and here you will find all ingredients used in Japanese cuisine as well as some great places to buy the famed Japanese knives. All the sushi joints are great but Zanmai is a famous one.

 

Please ask your Hotel to check if they are closed for the move

2)

For good Japanese knives, I would rather recommend the shop named Kamata in Asakusa district since the pricing and selection is better (don't forget to engrave your name on your personal knife )

3)

The Meiji Shrine is revered for the famed emperor credited with bringing Japan into the modern age and ending the rule of the samurai warrior class. It is a beautiful place to visit year-round and if you are lucky you will get to see a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony happening live. Do not forget that when entering a shrine in Japan you must perform the purification ceremony at the well before the entrance to the shrine (purification ceremony basically means washing your hands with the wooden goblets provided, please make sure to use the water from the spring fountain and not from the basin area as many foreigners make this mistake, also cleanse your mouth with a little water on the lips, please do not sip or take water into your mouth from any springs, it is not filtered). 

Right next to the Meiji shrine are two great areas for you to check out:

Harajuku! Yes, this hustle and bustle area of Anime, modern art and street fashion is always on the go. Harajuku street has two sides to it but follow the crowds and you will be fine, in Japan remember that walking is on the left side (not because they drive that way but because in the past walking on the left would mean that there was little chance of bumping into a Samurai's swords when passing by) so follow the crowd down to the end and then turn and back up so you can see all the shops and sights. Feel free to ask the cosplay dressers to take pictures together, they are used to it and it means you acknowledge their efforts.

Omotesando! This is the main shopping street for the younger crowds with all the big brands. Check it out but its super touristy.  

4)

Next up would be the Imperial palace and the gardens: There are regular tours going on here and it is possible to tour the grounds however I would recommend a tour guide for this portion of the trip since the hotel recommended guides can get you access to the palace (it is worth a try, you can confirm this with the concierge before booking the guide) 

5)

The Japanese Sword Museum (I visit every time I am here in Tokyo) If you would like to see some swords up close and personal then I recommend one sword tradesmen / women that will help you but please keep a few things in mind before handling the swords.

Swords are revered as the soul of the warrior in Japan and should be handled with respect. When receiving a sword, the cutting edge should be turned to be face you and the same when handing it back keep the cutting edge towards you, turning the cutting edge towards the tradesmen is not advised as it is a threat and the reaction may be nasty. When holding the sword only hold from the handle (Tsuka, pronounced Ts-ka) never touch the bare blade with your hands as the oils in your fingers will rust the carbon steel and the owner may ask you to leave the shop and pay for the polishing before doing so. Never hold the sword close to your face since breathing on it is also damaging and insulting not to mention they are very sharp. 

For Swords:

1)   Aoi Art Japan

4-22-11 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku,

Tokyo, 151-0053 Japan

 

The Sword Museum is right next to them so go check that out too!

Please ask permission before taking pictures 

6)

Shibuya and Shibuya crossing is next with the must do opportunity for a selfie on the crossing and shots of the crossing when it is a busy work day, lunch time breaks or closing hours are the best time to see the organized chaos that is the crossing. One of the best vantage points is the Starbucks overhead (be fast the staff don't like photos being taken there) there is a hidden spot at the Excel Hotel (lobby level, sneak to the area where they have their restaurants and you will find a few windows that make great birds eye view photos, don't get caught )

7)

Ok time for the tourism shopping souvenirs and such from TOKYO! It is Asakusa, the area that has a great temple to visit as well as the famous Nakamise street which is representative of the old Edo era stalls. Follow the street to the end and there will be shrine and temple to visit, but not before buying some Japanese art and souvenirs. Please do not buy the wood block prints here they are overpriced, in fact all of Tokyo wood blocks are overpriced, wait for Kyoto! What you can try here is.... if you have the risk-taking appetite ...FUGU! Yes, the best Fugu restaurants in Tokyo are in Asakusa: Tora Fugu Tei and Genpin Fugu (I think this one opens late) are the places to try puffer fish. It is deadly poisonous so if going with your partner then you should try the meal first (being protective and all) wait 30 seconds to a minute, if you still feel your legs then you can dig in, if not....well..... Just kidding, but do not try if you feel uneasy at the door itself.

Asakusa is home to the last 45 to 50 Geisha in Tokyo.

There are amazing tea shops in Asakusa area as well as some hidden restaurants so walk around and get lost for an hour or two

Ginza is great for shopping but on a Sunday in the afternoon they close the road and open it to pedestrians only.

Lastly for your Tokyo trip I will add one shrine that I have only gone with my family and alone since it is very special but I will let you enjoy the tranquility. The shrine of the 47 ronin. Yep, It is a true story, a tale of loyalty and sacrifice, it is known as Sengakuji temple, if you go please do light incense and take time to view the shrine, please do not buy the tourist trap swords and ornaments there...

9)

Now Tokyo food / Restaurants: 

1) The Fugu mentioned above (if you are adventurous, don't do it if unsure) Lunch or dinner average spend 50-60 USD per person

2) Tofuya Ukai, set under the Tokyo tower, lunch or dinner, average spend is 120 USD per person 

3) Kozue In the Park Hyatt (lost in Translation) amazing view go for lunch average 65 -75 USD per person

4) Akasaka Kikunoi is just a must for dinner average spend 120 USD - a must try even if only once!

5) Roppongi Robataya is all action and great for dinner, please beware that the drunkest couple / individual in the room has to make the Mochi...pick a weekend so it is happening inside.

To be honest I have never had a disappointing meal in Tokyo so any restaurant will have something to offer just drop in and take the culinary leap!
 

Now Kyoto 3 Days! Spring is the season of renewal!

Kyo-to the old capital (as opposed to To-kyo the new capital) is steeped in a very bloody history of war and conflict as well as having deep roots in tradition. Honestly you will feel the difference when you arrive. 

If travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen then take seats on the right side of the train, if the weather is good you will see Fuji San around 45 minutes into your journey (estimate)!

Restaurants:

1) Hoshinoya has an amazing Kaiseki restaurant. There is also a very cool and quaint whisky bar in the hotel grounds but I will let you ask around and find it, great for a round of amazing Japanese whisky.

2) Shabu Shabu- Lots in Kyoto! 

3) Kichisen- I take my Japanese food seriously - this is serious Japanese food

4) Chihana in Gion – Love this palce!

5) Hyotei - ask for a private room

6) Takesebune - tempura 

7) Hafuu - steak!

Kichisen - quaint 

9) Ghiottone - Italian incase kaiseki is popping out of your ears by day 3 

Places to go and see:

Start with the Kiyomizudera Temple. If you are going in Spring the valley will be cast in an emerald green which is a sight you will never forget. Have tea overlooking the valley before you leave.

Your taxi will drop you at the entrance below the entrance you will see a steep road lined with traditional art shops. these shops should be visited after the temple tour on the way out and feel free to pick up pottery art from famous artists of Japan or Wood block prints. Actually from here feel free to wander the city from the steep path down to town, get lost along the way and many beautiful activities may find you such as making your own pottery guided by a master potter or the antiques street Shinmonzen (incredible art and wood blocks) or Furumonzen (antiques from 100's of years ago, swords too:))

Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji literally the Silver and Gold temples are sights to see and romantic is there aren't too many tourists

Fushimi Inari Shrine is magical and a good workout, get all the way to the top and make a wish  

The Bamboo forest is also romantic but has a deep meaning for those who love the Samurai since during the Bakafu wars many great battles happened in the Bamboo forest

Gion district is an amazing place to walk around and famed for its geisha

That is Just a few from me- Have a great Trip!

[David Flynn]

Ueno is a must, first you have Ueno Koen, which is also home to the National Museum and the Zoo.  Also in Ueno is probably the best shopping area in Tokyo, Ameya Yokocho.  For a night out, try Golden Gai Shinuku.

[IJASWORDS]

Thanks Rayhan, you just saved me a lot of money! I was planning a trip to Japan, BUT your description was so GOOD that I felt like I was really there!! Have you thought about being a travel writer? Your description was first class. Neil.

[Guest Rayhan]

Thank you for your kind words Neil. Nothing beats being there and I am lucky to have gone on a few occasions. 

 

I will definately consider the travel writing position, but my subject matter on sword hunting as a central focus might not be for everyone   , lol 

 

Rayhan Perera

[raaay]

Hi Peter

 

One tip if I can , get your self a Japanese JR-rail pass it will save you a fortune on train fares, purchase in the UK and get activated at the

Airport train station on route to Tokyo if that's going to be your base !

[Brian]

Well written Rayhan. May turn that into a FAQ answer to the question in the official FAQ.

[Guest Rayhan]

Agreed with the rail pass, it is must!

 

Brian- Please feel free to use the text as you wish, I think we might have a few typos and additional information to add but anything I place on here is for everyone, no problem.

 

Rayhan Perera