With regard to travelling I have two dreams, one is to visit USA, and then especially New York and the 'holy tempel of arcades': Funspot in Laconia, New hampshire. This dream will come true one day. The other dream is to visit Japan, togehter with my wife. And of course I would not only like to make it a cultural and nature trip but I want to check out the well known arcades and other game related areas (while my wife is shopping). And with a bit of luck this 2 or 3 weeks holiday could happen this year. But I need some advice: - what is the best time of year to be in Japan, mainly with regard to the weather. - Besides Tokyo and Kyoto, which places are also worth a visit (not only hobby related, but also cultural and nature related) - what is the best/cheapest way to get to Japan from Europe (Netherlands)? - what is the best/cheapest way to travel once in japan? - which recommendations are there with regard to good, but not too expensive hotels? - which places are a must visit if you are into (arcade) gaming? - where are the best shopping areas for my wife (she loves nice clothes, bags, shoes etc.)? - where can the best restaurants be found for typical Japanese food? - other advice?
> which places are a must visit if you are into (arcade) gaming? Akihabara, electronic city, for sure. Pretty sure other members got more detailed Hints.
- what is the best time of year to be in Japan, mainly with regard to the weather. > Sakura time is nice and pleasant and maybe just after that (end of March > Mid April I guess) - Besides Tokyo and Kyoto, which places are also worth a visit (not only hobby related, but also cultural and nature related) Maybe Hiroshima - what is the best/cheapest way to get to Japan from Europe (Netherlands)? Probably a KLM flight direct - what is the best/cheapest way to travel once in japan? Get http://www.japanrailpass.net/ - which recommendations are there with regard to good, but not too expensive hotels? Try the Grand Hanzomon - which places are a must visit if you are into (arcade) gaming? SHINJUKU and AKIHABARA - where are the best shopping areas for my wife (she loves nice clothes, bags, shoes etc.)? SHINJUKU, GINZA, HARAJUKU, SHIBUYA - where can the best restaurants be found for typical Japanese food? hmm if you want sushi go to Tsukiji (there is a famous fish market), otherwise you can eat typical Japanese food most places and it will be good - other advice?
Seeing as you're a fellow dutchmen, check out www.shiranai.com . It's a non profit group trip that my friend organizes twice a year and it's quite good, you're pretty much free in whatever you wanna do as well. They can also advice you/help you with booking if you decide to go alone.
Still cold. End of April first of May is the best. Hands down. Anywhere other than Japan. Yeah -- just throw a rock. You can get good Japanese food just about anywhere and on just about any budget.
