Advice for Backpacking in Japan

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

You're joking, right...?

That sounds like a sixth sense for foreigners...

Hopefully my hair will grow a bit more over the next year...

Especially in places like Tokyo, just because they can spot you as a foreigner a mile off doesn't mean that anyone cares.

[Columbine]

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

Vertical? There are tall Japanese people? They're probably of mainly Korean/Chinese descent...

*boot to the ego* My japanese uni has a rugby team. All 100% Japanese, and yes, pretty tall. And broad. And there was the 6' trannie guy too. and numerous girls my hight (I'm 5'5ish). And a lot of short people too.

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

And, yes... my hair is down to my rear. Well... my upper thigh...

Let's face it, that's not really common MOST places.

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

Calgary? It's hot over there... heck... I was dying during the summer over here.

Is it? I was misled then. They told me it was like... minus stupid degrees C. -40 or something.

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

so I suppose I could try some seafood dishes... if I like the stuff and get addicted to it, like teriyaki, I shall blame you...

Teriyaki isn't seafood; it's the name of the sauce. :P I'm not taking the blame if you become a chicken teriyaki addict.

[Swordmaster]

They won't care if I'm a foreigner? I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing...



On another note... my ego is dying here... why couldn't I have been a bit taller instead of stronger? Geeze... genetics has twisted ways of compensating.

And, yes, I think my hair is rather unique (eccentric!).


Concerning temperature... do you have any idea how cold -40 celcius is?! That's... brilliant... Although, I'm good in -10 to 10 celcius. Not too hot, not too cold - and I can wear something over my t-shirt without burning up!

I do realize that teriyaki is the name of the sauce.
I also admit, I'm addicted to teriyaki - yes, I'm addicted to the sauce.
Speaking of which, I'll be making some chicken (stirfry teriyaki, of course) for dinner.

Teriyaki~


I should probably start scouting flight tickets now...

[Columbine]

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

Concerning temperature... do you have any idea how cold -40 celcius is?! That's... brilliant... Although, I'm good in -10 to 10 celcius. Not too hot, not too cold - and I can wear something over my t-shirt without burning up!

Ok, i went and looked up the average temperatures in Calgary- my friends are dirty liars. :P -15 is more usual. Tokyo apparently rocks from -2 to 30ish. BBC - Weather Centre - World Weather - Average Conditions - Tokyo

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

They won't care if I'm a foreigner? I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing...

If you want to enjoy the sights without being bothered or harassed, it is a good thing.

If you have an outdated fantasy that you will be treated like a rock star by glossy-eyed Japanese fans, then it is a bad thing.

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

I do realize that teriyaki is the name of the sauce.
I also admit, I'm addicted to teriyaki - yes, I'm addicted to the sauce.
Speaking of which, I'll be making some chicken (stirfry teriyaki, of course) for dinner.

Teriyaki~


I should probably start scouting flight tickets now...

The sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce they sell in N. America is different than teriyaki in Japan.

[Swordmaster]

Only -2 at best? Geeze... I'm going to burn up over there... I'm sure I'll be more comfortable during the exchange...

As for foreign situations... I'd love to have some little, unexpected incident. Things like that are what make the world interesting.



The topic of teriyaki... whether it's from a fast food-esque teriyaki chain; some small family-owned Japanese restaurant; or my own sauce - I love 'em all.

I mean, who doesn't?




I wonder if they have any good thai restaurants over there... I wonder if their curry is the same as it is over here...

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

As for foreign situations... I'd love to have some little, unexpected incident. Things like that are what make the world interesting.

I am not sure what you mean. Every step you take is going be a little unexpected incident.

[godwine]

Originally Posted by Swordmaster

Only -2 at best? Geeze... I'm going to burn up over there... I'm sure I'll be more comfortable during the exchange...

As for foreign situations... I'd love to have some little, unexpected incident. Things like that are what make the world interesting.



The topic of teriyaki... whether it's from a fast food-esque teriyaki chain; some small family-owned Japanese restaurant; or my own sauce - I love 'em all.

I mean, who doesn't?




I wonder if they have any good thai restaurants over there... I wonder if their curry is the same as it is over here...

It sounds to me you just want to go over to get attention or cause trouble, if thats the case, I would recommend to not go to Japan....

[MuRaSaKiiNkI]

I wouldn't mind being seen as a tourist, I hear Japanese people are pretty nice. Even if they do ignore you, you can just do your own thing (as long as you're not being disrespectful or annoying). I'd love to teach English to some college students in exchange for getting free meals! My friends who go there always tell stories about being asked at every place how to say something in English. I'm not worried about being a 'gaijin' at all, even though I'll try to 'fit in.' Sometimes, it just doesn't work...

Yeah, I go to Japan in January, and stay 'til May. Got my ticket already for $1,200, and staying in Tokyo for New Year's. I'm excited! But definitely, I can meet up with you after I study in Hikone, which gets out on April 18th. Woo! I'm also planning my trip at Kimani's Travels if you'd like to see what resources I used.

Basically, if you stick out, you stick out. So what. You can still enjoy being in another country. You don't need to 'fit in' to find friends in Japan, or develop connections.

[Swordmaster]

Well... you know... bumping into a famous idol or something - it's an experience.


Attention and causing trouble? Hah... what a way to write me off... Nah, I'm not going over there just for trouble - I'm not quite the delinquent one may think. Well, I hope not. I probably look like a delinquent, though... but I assure you, I'm rather awesome. Ego +1


Awesome, Nakamura! You can be my flotation device! Now I don't have to worry about getting lost... Just kidding - my sense of direction is pretty good if I do say so myself. I think I'll take you up on that tip and look at Kimani - thanks.


Now, back to readings...