Going to Japan and China, what to see?

[theeedude]

I will be flying into Tokyo on 2/3 then out to Beijing on 2/9 then out to Shanghai on 2/16, then back to US on 2/23.
It's pretty much going to be a backpacking trip.
I haven't actually planned where I am going to stay in Japan and Beijing, but it's probably going to be cheap hotels from hostels.com, they have single rooms too.
http://www.hostels.com/en/find...yo&ChosenCountry=Japan
Shanghai, I have friends at.
From Tokyo, I may go to Kyoto for a couple days as well.
Anyways, people in the know, please help me plan out 6 days in Japan starting and ending in Tokyo and 7 days around Beijing. Of course I want to see Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, various palaces, maybe museums, etc.
You know, get my culture on.
Also, do I need to get shots for China if I plan to stay in the major cities?

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: senseamp
I will be flying into Tokyo on 2/3 then out to Beijing on 2/9 then out to Shanghai on 2/16, then back to US on 2/23.
It's pretty much going to be a backpacking trip.
I haven't actually planned where I am going to stay in Japan and Beijing, but it's probably going to be cheap hotels from hostels.com, they have single rooms too.
http://www.hostels.com/en/find...yo&ChosenCountry=Japan
Shanghai, I have friends at.
From Tokyo, I may go to Kyoto for a couple days as well.
Anyways, people in the know, please help me plan out 6 days in Japan starting and ending in Tokyo and 7 days around Beijing. Of course I want to see Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, various palaces, maybe museums, etc.
You know, get my culture on.
Also, do I need to get shots for China if I plan to stay in the major cities?

"what to see?"

Yum yum girls

 

[sdifox]

Find "Built it Myself" and introduce him to the business end of a 2x4.
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...id=38&threadid=2140217

 

[Caecus Veritas]

sleeping at saunas are a good way to cut back on hotel costs in china. plus, you'll find it to be more luxurious and comfortable (i.e. at many saunas, if you get a full body massage, costing about $20, you can sleep in a private room with TV and all after the massage)

 

[KeithTalent]

Kyoto bored me to tears, I would have much rather spent more time in Tokyo and Osaka. However, I was there to eat & party and was not really concerned about sightseeing too much (aside from some of the usual suspects).

In Tokyo, as long as you are near the train (which it's kind of hard not to bne), everywhere is easily accesible, so don't worry about getting around out there. The most fun I had in Tokyo was when I just picked an area, then went and explored it. The best spots in my opinion were Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ginza. Akihabara was kind of fun too because there were a tonne of cool places that sell cheap electronics.

Ueno was ok, but kind of boring, though I was there before everything opened, so that could explainwhy thought it was boring. There are a couple of cool museums in there though if that's what floats your boat.

Tokyo tower is boring; skip it unless you have to have a view over the city (it's not that great though).

Palace gardens were nice.

One of the coolest places in town is the fish market (I forget the name, it starts with a T) but make sure you go bright and early to see all of the fresh fish coming in and getting bought and sold, then you can hit up one of the vendors for one of the freshest fish meals you've ever had.

If I think of anything else I'll post it.

KT

Edit: it's Tsukiji fish market.

 

[Juno]

don't visit a guy named 'build it myself.'

 

[Dari]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Kyoto bored me to tears, I would have much rather spent more time in Tokyo and Osaka. However, I was there to eat & party and was not really concerned about sightseeing too much (aside from some of the usual suspects).

In Tokyo, as long as you are near the train (which it's kind of hard not to bne), everywhere is easily accesible, so don't worry about getting around out there. The most fun I had in Tokyo was when I just picked an area, then went and explored it. The best spots in my opinion were Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ginza. Akihabara was kind of fun too because there were a tonne of cool places that sell cheap electronics.

Ueno was ok, but kind of boring, though I was there before everything opened, so that could explainwhy thought it was boring. There are a couple of cool museums in there though if that's what floats your boat.

Tokyo tower is boring; skip it unless you have to have a view over the city (it's not that great though).

Palace gardens were nice.

One of the coolest places in town is the fish market (I forget the name, it starts with a T) but make sure you go bright and early to see all of the fresh fish coming in and getting bought and sold, then you can hit up one of the vendors for one of the freshest fish meals you've ever had.

If I think of anything else I'll post it.

KT

Edit: it's Tsukiji fish market.

Hmmmm...I LO00VE fish. I may have to stop there the next time I'm in Japan. Do they have something similar in Osaka?

 

[theeedude]

Originally posted by: Caecus Veritas
sleeping at saunas are a good way to cut back on hotel costs in china. plus, you'll find it to be more luxurious and comfortable (i.e. at many saunas, if you get a full body massage, costing about $20, you can sleep in a private room with TV and all after the massage)

Happy ending?

 

[theeedude]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Kyoto bored me to tears, I would have much rather spent more time in Tokyo and Osaka. However, I was there to eat & party and was not really concerned about sightseeing too much (aside from some of the usual suspects).

In Tokyo, as long as you are near the train (which it's kind of hard not to bne), everywhere is easily accesible, so don't worry about getting around out there. The most fun I had in Tokyo was when I just picked an area, then went and explored it. The best spots in my opinion were Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ginza. Akihabara was kind of fun too because there were a tonne of cool places that sell cheap electronics.

Ueno was ok, but kind of boring, though I was there before everything opened, so that could explainwhy thought it was boring. There are a couple of cool museums in there though if that's what floats your boat.

Tokyo tower is boring; skip it unless you have to have a view over the city (it's not that great though).

Palace gardens were nice.

One of the coolest places in town is the fish market (I forget the name, it starts with a T) but make sure you go bright and early to see all of the fresh fish coming in and getting bought and sold, then you can hit up one of the vendors for one of the freshest fish meals you've ever had.

If I think of anything else I'll post it.

KT

Edit: it's Tsukiji fish market.

Actually, a friend of mine who was there like 20 years ago told me to go to the fish market too.
And he said Shinjuku was good place to stay. I will check out these other places too.
Is it relatively safe over there? Are there bad areas to avoid, and how bad are they?

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Kyoto bored me to tears, I would have much rather spent more time in Tokyo and Osaka. However, I was there to eat & party and was not really concerned about sightseeing too much (aside from some of the usual suspects).

In Tokyo, as long as you are near the train (which it's kind of hard not to bne), everywhere is easily accesible, so don't worry about getting around out there. The most fun I had in Tokyo was when I just picked an area, then went and explored it. The best spots in my opinion were Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ginza. Akihabara was kind of fun too because there were a tonne of cool places that sell cheap electronics.

Ueno was ok, but kind of boring, though I was there before everything opened, so that could explainwhy thought it was boring. There are a couple of cool museums in there though if that's what floats your boat.

Tokyo tower is boring; skip it unless you have to have a view over the city (it's not that great though).

Palace gardens were nice.

One of the coolest places in town is the fish market (I forget the name, it starts with a T) but make sure you go bright and early to see all of the fresh fish coming in and getting bought and sold, then you can hit up one of the vendors for one of the freshest fish meals you've ever had.

If I think of anything else I'll post it.

KT

Edit: it's Tsukiji fish market.

Actually, a friend of mine who was there like 20 years ago told me to go to the fish market too.
And he said Shinjuku was good place to stay. I will check out these other places too.
Is it relatively safe over there? Are there bad areas to avoid, and how bad are they?

I walked around Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto at all hours, in all areas and never had a problem. I never once felt even remotely unsafe. There may be unsafe areas, but I never found them.

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Kyoto bored me to tears, I would have much rather spent more time in Tokyo and Osaka. However, I was there to eat & party and was not really concerned about sightseeing too much (aside from some of the usual suspects).

In Tokyo, as long as you are near the train (which it's kind of hard not to bne), everywhere is easily accesible, so don't worry about getting around out there. The most fun I had in Tokyo was when I just picked an area, then went and explored it. The best spots in my opinion were Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ginza. Akihabara was kind of fun too because there were a tonne of cool places that sell cheap electronics.

Ueno was ok, but kind of boring, though I was there before everything opened, so that could explainwhy thought it was boring. There are a couple of cool museums in there though if that's what floats your boat.

Tokyo tower is boring; skip it unless you have to have a view over the city (it's not that great though).

Palace gardens were nice.

One of the coolest places in town is the fish market (I forget the name, it starts with a T) but make sure you go bright and early to see all of the fresh fish coming in and getting bought and sold, then you can hit up one of the vendors for one of the freshest fish meals you've ever had.

If I think of anything else I'll post it.

KT

Edit: it's Tsukiji fish market.

Hmmmm...I LO00VE fish. I may have to stop there the next time I'm in Japan. Do they have something similar in Osaka?

Tsukiji is one of a kind. Definitely go next time you are there.

KT

 

[Caecus Veritas]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: Caecus Veritas
sleeping at saunas are a good way to cut back on hotel costs in china. plus, you'll find it to be more luxurious and comfortable (i.e. at many saunas, if you get a full body massage, costing about $20, you can sleep in a private room with TV and all after the massage)

Happy ending?

well.... i can't promote illicit actitivies but...

depends. if you want a general what to do/price breakdown on saunas and karaoke bars and such, go ahead and send me a PM. i haven't been to beijing for a while (but was in china couple of times this year) so i don't have specific places/prices. but a general guideline will help you not to get ripped off. btw, are you traveling with someone or are you just by yourself? if you can't speak chinese and it's your first time, it's gonna be real hard. i usually have a local friend or a hired private taxi to take me around.

EDIT: for grammer

 

[Caecus Veritas]

also... plan on spending one entire day to see the forbidden city. totally worth it. there's also the.. i think it was called the summer palace - pretty cool too. it'll probably take about half the day. (keep in mind that daylight may still be pretty short up there)

i think the great wall was the biggest disappointment. you take a crappy bus ride for about an hour or so, and then you gotta take a cable car all the way up. and finally, what do you see - a wall running to your left and to your right.

another place of interest is the bejing university. i don't know if they still allow visitors but try to sneak in. their campus is beautiful. also, right across from the university, there's a whole bunch of eatery places i think you'll find interesting.

 

[uhohs]

concerts and maid cafes

 

[theeedude]

In Beijing, what are some good areas to stay in that are in close proximity to various attractions, reasonably safe, and have some reasonably priced hotels (<$50 / night)

 

[mooglemania85]

Originally posted by: uhohs
concerts and maid cafes

Has anyone managed to steal you this yet?

 

[uhohs]

not yet.

 

[Kaieye]

I would stay in Tokyo for five days because there is so many things to do. I would definite spend one day visiting Kamakura and Yokohoma for one of those five days. Other than what others have said, Google Ghibli museum, Odaiba, Harajuku(sunday only),Asakusa,etc. There is a website that has the days that Tsukiji is opened (I believe it closes twice a month).

Anyways, YHPM in terms of a suggestion where to stay.

 

[0roo0roo]

dont breath too deeply

 

[Caecus Veritas]

Originally posted by: senseamp
In Beijing, what are some good areas to stay in that are in close proximity to various attractions, reasonably safe, and have some reasonably priced hotels (<$50 / night)

wang jing is the place to be, i hear.

btw, you're gonna regret every single yen you spent in japan once you hit china

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
dont breath too deeply

Yes.

 

[CorCentral]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: Caecus Veritas
sleeping at saunas are a good way to cut back on hotel costs in china. plus, you'll find it to be more luxurious and comfortable (i.e. at many saunas, if you get a full body massage, costing about $20, you can sleep in a private room with TV and all after the massage)

Happy ending?

When you leave, there's a Good Luck cat giving you the "Hile Hitler" sign and a fortune

 

[mooglemania85]

Originally posted by: Caecus Veritas

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: Caecus Veritas
sleeping at saunas are a good way to cut back on hotel costs in china. plus, you'll find it to be more luxurious and comfortable (i.e. at many saunas, if you get a full body massage, costing about $20, you can sleep in a private room with TV and all after the massage)

Happy ending?

well.... i can't promote illicit actitivies but...

depends. if you want a general what to do/price breakdown on saunas and karaoke bars and such, go ahead and send me a PM. i haven't been to beijing for a while (but was in china couple of times this year) so i don't have specific places/prices. but a general guideline will help you not to get ripped off. btw, are you traveling with someone or are you just by yourself? if you can't speak chinese and it's your first time, it's gonna be real hard. i usually have a local friend or a hired private taxi to take me around.

EDIT: for grammer

Given the sensitive nature of the content of your post, I found that part rather funny.

 

[LongCoolMother]

Definitely check out the Temple of Heaven! Important cultural and historical site. Summer Palace, too. Definitely do research on these sites before visiting. In fact, China is so culturally and historically rich that it would be worth your while to ready study up briefly on ancient and classic Chinese history just to get the most out of your trip. Just seeing them without any idea on the history or background of these places would be a shame-- like seeing the liberty bell or the Alamo without knowing what the big deal is.

I actually found the Great Wall a very good experience. We took nearly the entire day, from around noon until 6pm hiking it. It was really quite beautiful in the fall, with the rolling hills and all. There are many popular tourist spots for the Great Wall. I can't recommend any specific ones (I forgot), but you might want to look into that as well. Some are more "look and go" touristry, while others are more involved and adventurous.

 

[theeedude]

I will be staying at Dong Dan hotel in the Dong Cheng district, which is supposed to be close to the touristy stuff.
Also... In Japan, the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, do I need to reserve a seat, or walk up to the train station is OK?