Japan Master Thread

[Dan]

There is also the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery tour not too far away. https://www.suntory.com/factory/yamazaki/

Miyajima is a picturesque island to spend the night with lots of ryokan/traditional style inns although I can't imagine any that take points. During the day, it's ok but feels very much like a tourist trap with lots of selfie-stick wielding people. At night, you have the whole island to yourself including stunning views of the floating Torii gate. There is a place where you can learn calligraphy, tea ceremony and kimono wearing that is surprisingly authentic/not kitschy. https://okeiko-japan.com/en

In Hiroshima, visiting the Atom Bomb Dome is a poignant experience you will never forget. A little further out, there is a nice day trip to a rabbit-filled island called Okunoshima. Its origins are also in WWII. https://voyapon.com/rabbit-island-hiroshima/

Thanks!
Yamazaki has been full for a while unfortunately.

The calligraphy lesson says "Activity take place in 300-year-old Zen temple." Is the temple active? I'm assuming that's a no-go?

[ReadsTheT&C]

I visited back in 2018 so take this with a grain of salt but I don't believe the building where they do the activities themselves is a temple. It seemed a very typical Japanese style farmhouse with tatami mat rooms. There was a reception at the front that took credit card. That being said, in doing some quick googling it looks like where they do the activities is on the grounds of a temple but that's not unusual in Japan. Religious groups are often large landowners. The staff were all Japanese women dressed in kimono. The house itself possessed no religious connotations that I recall.

On visiting temples/shrines, Rabbi David Horwitz at YU provides a nice write-up that although not authoritative should help point you in the right direction. http://www.yutorah.com/lectures/lecture.cfm/720745/rabbi-david-horwitz/halakhah-in-the-land-of-the-rising-sun-challenges-and-strategies/ He goes over the differences between Shinto/Buddhist and temple grounds vs shrines themselves.

[Dan]

I visited back in 2018 so take this with a grain of salt but I don't believe the building where they do the activities themselves is a temple. It seemed a very typical Japanese style farmhouse with tatami mat rooms. There was a reception at the front that took credit card. That being said, in doing some quick googling it looks like where they do the activities is on the grounds of a temple but that's not unusual in Japan. Religious groups are often large landowners. The staff were all Japanese women dressed in kimono. The house itself possessed no religious connotations that I recall.

On visiting temples/shrines, Rabbi David Horwitz at YU provides a nice write-up that although not authoritative should help point you in the right direction. http://www.yutorah.com/lectures/lecture.cfm/720745/rabbi-david-horwitz/halakhah-in-the-land-of-the-rising-sun-challenges-and-strategies/ He goes over the differences between Shinto/Buddhist and temple grounds vs shrines themselves.

Seems to be sold out, so moot for now.
But thanks for your help!

[Dan]

Who wants to come to Japan on Tuesday to split a kosher omakase Japanese meal from a celebrity chef

[myb821]

I would consider it if anyone else is and would want to do some sightseeing around Japan after.

[mmgfarb]

Who wants to come to Japan on Tuesday to split a kosher omakase Japanese meal from a celebrity chef

Meal is Tuesday night?

[tavster]

Who wants to come to Japan on Tuesday to split a kosher omakase Japanese meal from a celebrity chef

So 2 days notice for a diner in Japan? 
You don't plan ahead or you don't want people to be able to join? 

[Dan]

So 2 days notice for a diner in Japan? 
You don't plan ahead or you don't want people to be able to join? 

I can't be the only one that books international flights within an hour of departure

Plus, Japan just dropped their PCR requirements!

[Dan]

I can't be the only one that books international flights within an hour of departure

Plus, Japan just dropped their PCR requirements!

[tavster]

IINM flights from Europe to Japan are extra long these days given the closing of Russian airspace

[Yehoshua]

It's a pretty quick trip from LA, to bad I can't come on Tuesday

[ReadsTheT&C]

Who wants to come to Japan on Tuesday to split a kosher omakase Japanese meal from a celebrity chef

I'm down. Tokyo or bust! Might even bring the eyshes chayil.

[Dan]

Leaving the PH Kyoto now. What a hotel, sad to leave this place!

[theyankel]

Who wants to come to Japan on Tuesday to split a kosher omakase Japanese meal from a celebrity chef

back for shabbos ?

[myb821]

Anyone know how ot buy tickets to the tokyo giants baseball team if they are sold out online.

[ReadsTheT&C]

Anyone know how ot buy tickets to the tokyo giants baseball team if they are sold out online.

Tokyo Dome is the worst place in Japan to see a ballgame. Terrible sightlines, not a great avira and all in all just a lackluster experience.
You are much better off going to Jingu Stadium to see the Swallows or even Yokohama, Saitama or Chiba.
Obviously if the Giants are the only ones in town while you're here then make the best of it but you'll have a much better time elsewhere.
There is not exactly a Japanese version of Stubhub. This is the closest but it's all in Japanese and even with Google Translate turned on is still a bit wonky: https://www.ticket.co.jp/
Your best bet is searching 金券 on google maps and going to the shop in person. Thankfully, the prices tend to be reasonable as anti-scalping laws are quite strict.

[awardflyer]

Who wants to come to Japan on Tuesday to split a kosher omakase Japanese meal from a celebrity chef

Looking forward to report as this is on my itinerary (need a chef)! Heard you met my legendary points aunt. We’re you aware it’s golden week when booking lol?

[Dan]

Heard you met my legendary points aunt. We’re you aware it’s golden week when booking lol?

She's great!
Only booked a day before going, so nope.

[Dan]

I'm down. Tokyo or bust! Might even bring the eyshes chayil.

Nice seeing you and thanks for the goodies and the ride!
Always great to put a face to another DDFer

[Dan]

Major shout out to @hgeek23 for his incredible Japan itinerary suggestions and tips!