Japan Master Thread

[Something Fishy]

[lansky]

Any recent DPs on bringing food into the country? I'll need to self-connect NRT to HND and I'll have a week's full of food for a group.

I whent in April no problem

[tavster]

I whent in April no problem

Also with meat?
No problem as in they didn't catch you? Or no problem as in nobody cares?
Thanks

[AJK]

@AJK 

Lolololol

[Something Fishy]

Any recent DPs on bringing food into the country? I'll need to self-connect NRT to HND and I'll have a week's full of food for a group.

So I can actually get a United flight to HND. Question is if I can rely on them to interline my bags to an ANA flight...

[Dan]

So I can actually get a United flight to HND. Question is if I can rely on them to interline my bags to an ANA flight...

United is the best US carrier for interlining IME.
AA and Hawaiian are horrendous.

[Something Fishy]

So that might be my answer then.

[Dan]

@AJK 

I brought in meat on previous trips to Japan with no issue, so didn't even research it this time.

We had 2 bags of food when we noticed the signs warning of 3 years jail time and massive fines for bringing in any meat or chicken. AJK and I had a quick debate between declaring it or risking it.

In the end, we decided to risk it and I went first. I was immediately pulled over and told to hand over my passport and put my bags (including my Polar Bear bag) on a table.

I had my first ever panic attack. I felt the fight or flight sensation. Wondered if I was going to wind up like the bochurim in Japan. Couldn't even breathe as the agent asked me...if I was carrying any gold or bullion.

Gold or bullion? Erm, nope, none of that.

OK Mr. Ereff, have a nice visit to Japan.

[Dan]

FWIW, the shliach to Kyoto later told me that the worst they do is take away your meat if they catch you.

[lansky]

Also with meat?
No problem as in they didn't catch you? Or no problem as in nobody cares?
Thanks

yes. No problem as in no one asked me and second time in 2 years not having a problem

[tavster]

FWIW, the shliach to Kyoto later told me that the worst they do is take away your meat if they catch you.

That's something I can live with.
Officially it's a $20k fine - that I can't afford 

[Something Fishy]

So that might be my answer then.

Sigh, ANA availability is gone 🤣.

Nunu back to the drawing board.

[Dr Moose]

Figured I'd post a few notes from my trip...

Arrived very early in the morning in HND and didn't really find any quiet place to daven. Since it was early and had time to kill, I figured I'd store my carryon in the airport ($4 for the day) and took a taxi to Chabad (Chana's place).

I only took taxis and didn't use the trains, I was lazy. Downloaded an app that came up by google maps - taxis and it worked great.

On the way to Chabad I realized that my neither of our phones had service (T-Mobile). Spent too much time on the phone (wifi calling) with them and they didn't help at all. e-sim Airalo was the savior of the day.

Chana was closed and nobody was around (Shul was unlocked) so we left.

Shibuya was not impressive to us. Very similar to Kikar Shabbos. Wasn't that busy when we were there.

Akihabara - I probably missed what everyone talks about. We saw thousands of the arcade games with claws (if you grab the prize you get it) and department stores full or figurines and stuff from many many arcade games. But we didn't see the games themselves. Maybe someone can post a better location for others.

Asakusa & Yasakuni Shrine - Was very interesting to us. Lots of souvenir stores and different food stalls. The architecture in the area was old Japanese style and interesting. I think it was a holiday and there were a lot of girls/women in traditional dresses (kimonos?).

One of the taxi rides was long and we asked the driver to show us the sights. Took us past the palace grounds, skytree, tokyo tower, main train station and some other sites. Very worthwhile

Most don't speak english. Used Google translate.

Went back to Chana's Place for lunch. Food was very good. They didn't have anything chicken related. we had a burger / fries / chumus/felafel platter.

Went back to HND and relaxed/showered in ANA lounge.

The taxis took credit card, or did you have to exchange to yen?

[ReadsTheT&C]

Taxis in Tokyo take credit card.

[Dr Moose]

Taxis in Tokyo take credit card.

Thanks.

One thing that doesn't always take credit card are the subway stations. Some had while others didn't.

[tavster]

Hesitating between Grand Hyatt Tokyo and Conrad..

I have a booking at Conrad and the hotel seems nicer and better location, but GH just released basic suites during my dates, so I could use a SUA

First world issue, admittedly

[PBaruch]

Hesitating between Grand Hyatt Tokyo and Conrad..

I have a booking at Conrad and the hotel seems nicer and better location, but GH just released basic suites during my dates, so I could use a SUA

First world issue, admittedly

Not considering the Andaz?  We stayed there and loved it. 

[tavster]

Not considering the Andaz?  We stayed there and loved it.

It's sold out during my dates

[ReadsTheT&C]

It's sold out during my dates

GH in a much better location.

[shmuels2]

I'm planning a trip to Japan and I seem to remember a a great DDMS TR from a couple years back but can't find it now. Am I remembering correctly and was it taken down?