Visiting Japan this Christmas

[johnb]

Hi, I'm off to Japan this Christmas...my second visit, the first being a three day business trip 20 years ago. We are thinking of staying in Tokyo for two weeks but a friend suggested we go to Kyoto as well.

I'm actually keen to visit some antique markets to see if I can pick up any bargains :D . Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

John B.

[John A Stuart]

Hi John, You will be hard pressed to find a bargain in Kyoto, if you mean cheap. The value of antiques is a well known quantifiable and priced accordingly. You get what you pay for. Markets may be a better place to find something you may consider a bargain. Best of luck. John

[johnb]

Thanks John, yes, I was thinking about markets, I remember seeing a very nice Kabuto in a market when I was in Japan 20 years ago. I kept working out the exchange rate and couldn't believe how cheap it was. So I assumed I was doing the math wrong and didn't buy it. (I was low on funds...then and now!) However, when I was home I was doing my sums correctly...I've been kicking myself ever since.

DO you know whether the Markets in Kyoto more interesting than the ones in Tokyo?

 

JohnB

[John A Stuart]

I am biased, as I like Kyoto more than Tokyo. Try Kobo san at Toji, 21st of the month; Tenjin san at Kitano-Tenmangu on the 25th; Hyakumanben at Chion on the 15th. There are lots of newly made arts and crafts at these markets and lots of games as well (like the carney). Big crowds. John

[johnb]

Thanks John, most appreciated.

 

JohnB

[Brian]

Hmm..that's where we differ John

I won't bother with Kyoto again, but I love Tokyo. I had no luck at all with Kyoto, and they only have one decent antiques-type market a month, whereas Tokyo always has a few, including the Yasukuni market every Sunday. I love doing the antiques markets in Japan, and found many listed in Tokyo. Kyoto is sleepy, upmarket, expensive and not very much in the way of Samurai or sword stuff. Just my 2c.

 

Brian

[johnb]

I have already been informed that "You're not going to spend 2 weeks dragging us round sword shops are you?" So I'd better be careful.

 

JohnB

[Henry Wilson]

These are the homepages of the two main sites in Tokyo for antique markets. Check for up dates as you get closer to going to Tokyo..

http://www.t-i-forum.co.jp/english/

http://www.bigsight.jp/english/general/ ... ender.html

 

There are lots of smaller ones at the following places:

*Araiyakushimae Temple near Araiyakushimae station (seibu Shinjuku line) on the first Sunday of every month

*The shrine near Mozen Nakachuo station (Tozai line) on the second Sunday of each month (if i recall)

*knock yourself out:

http://int.kateigaho.com/mar04/antique-stores.html

 

 

If you are in Tokyo, you should:

*visit Kamakura (temple hopping)

*the National museum in Ueno (compact display of lots of Japanese art including swords)

*go to Kabuki. (Love it) http://unmissabletokyo.com/kabuki-za

*Go to Nikko

*Stay in ryokan (Kamakura area is nice for that)

*Go to Kawagoe and see what Old Edo looked like.

*Fukugawa Edo museum

http://www.tokyo-cci.or.jp/sangyokanko/english/051.html

http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=5

 

I have only been to Kyoto once and it managed to rain solid for the whole 4 days.

Book a royal visit in Kyoto well in advance (and hope it doesn't rain)

https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/kyoto.html

 

The usual places in Kyoto are worth the time in my opinion.

*Sanjusangendo (my favourite)

*Ninnaji

*Ryoanji

Etc etc

 

The Kyoto museum was closed when we went, for refurbishing. I want to return to have a visit. I might be open by Christmas so check it out.

 

Have a nice trip.

[johnb]

Wow Henry...I really appreciate your effort. that's so very kind of you.

 

Thank you.

 

John B