Japan Master Thread

[DeerFeet]

Anyone with recent experience bringing Pom (or any frozen cooked meals) into HND? To declare or not to declare, that is the question.

[tavster]

To declare or not to declare, that is the question.

I think the more relevant question is: to get caught, or not to get caught 

[ReadsTheT&C]

Anyone with recent experience bringing Pom (or any frozen cooked meals) into HND? To declare or not to declare, that is the question.

Declaring will get your food taken away so not really sure how that would benefit you. If you don't declare and are caught, there can be sanctions. I got caught bringing in blueberries and raspberries by accident. The dog smelled my bag while we were waiting for our luggage. The officers took them away and that was that. They didn't ask for my passport or anything.

Then again, there are big signs at immigration and customs in English with illustrations that spell out the penalty for bringing in meat products which includes potential fine and imprisonment. It really just depends on your risk tolerance. If everything is parve/milchig, you'll have no issue and no need to declare.

[PlatinumGuy]

was my feeling as well, at least for shabbos, figure that kyoto would be nicer for walking around
As of now, we plan on being in tokyo for 3 days, then kyoto area for 6 days, and then fly out to a nearby country for the continuation

Even 24 hours in Tokyo is too long.

[Dan]

was my feeling as well, at least for shabbos, figure that kyoto would be nicer for walking around
As of now, we plan on being in tokyo for 3 days, then kyoto area for 6 days, and then fly out to a nearby country for the continuation

Tokyo also has beautiful gardens hidden within the chaos and there's something magical about that. Just around the corner from the Westin Miyako near Chabad was a lovely free garden to stroll though.

Why go to another country before exploring Hiroshima, Hokkaido, or Okinawa?

[Dan]

Anyone with recent experience bringing Pom (or any frozen cooked meals) into HND? To declare or not to declare, that is the question.

From what I was told (after I didn't declare and got through despite being selected for secondary), they typically only confiscate if caught.

YMMV.

[tavster]

From what I was told (after I didn't declare and got through despite being selected for secondary), they typically only confiscate if caught.

YMMV.

I'm going there is a few weeks BH
Will let you know 

[DeerFeet]

I'm going there is a few weeks BH
Will let you know 

Good luck! @PlatinumGuy why the Tokyo hate? I have 5 days in Kyoto and 8 days in Tokyo (Pesach - 4 days of CH)...

[PlatinumGuy]

Good luck! @PlatinumGuy why the Tokyo hate? I have 5 days in Kyoto and 8 days in Tokyo...

It's just a big boring city. Not really that different than NY and there is nothing you can't see in a few hours. It's only a popular destination because of Japanese food but that is very difficult to get Kosher.

[tavster]

Good luck! @PlatinumGuy why the Tokyo hate? I have 5 days in Kyoto and 8 days in Tokyo (Pesach - 4 days of CH)...

I'm also doing a few days in Tokyo, in addition to Kyoto etc
When you have kids, Tokyo makes a lot of sense

[Drago]

Tokyo also has beautiful gardens hidden within the chaos and there's something magical about that. Just around the corner from the Westin Miyako near Chabad was a lovely free garden to stroll though.

Why go to another country before exploring Hiroshima, Hokkaido, or Okinawa?

E/t in japan is pretty pricey, and all things being equal, we'd prefer being in a nature setting with hikes, waterfalls, beautiful airbnbs, etc. Plus, the weather isn't ideal when we'll be there.

On a long'ish trip, those extra costs can add up fast

[DeerFeet]

I'm also doing a few days in Tokyo, in addition to Kyoto etc
When you have kids, Tokyo makes a lot of sense

Just bringing DW and toddler. Is your trip before Pesach? Keep us posted!

[tavster]

Just bringing DW and toddler. Is your trip before Pesach? Keep us posted!

Yes, 10 days before Pessah.
Then doing Pessah in Thailand
Happy to send my itinerary

[SSLPhD]

It's just a big boring city. Not really that different than NY and there is nothing you can't see in a few hours. It's only a popular destination because of Japanese food but that is very difficult to get Kosher.

Lol. No.

I spent about a week exploring Tokyo, and could easily go back for another week or two.  Plenty we wanted to do but didn't get to.

[Joe4007]

ANA has much better food than JAL. Should be Hermolis or local Chabad food.

ANA vs. JAL J overall?

[PlatinumGuy]

Lol. No.

I spent about a week exploring Tokyo, and could easily go back for another week or two.  Plenty we wanted to do but didn't get to.

Would love to hear what you did

[Dan]

ANA vs. JAL J overall?

I've only flown them in F. They're both excellent, but the edge goes to ANA.

[Drago]

Struggle to find non electrically opened doors in airbnbs
What have you done in the past? hotels only?

[PlatinumGuy]

Struggle to find non electrically opened doors in airbnbs
What have you done in the past? hotels only?

There's usually a manual override if you message the host

[Dan]

Struggle to find non electrically opened doors in airbnbs
What have you done in the past? hotels only?

Even hotels in Japan can be very tricky.