Japan Master Thread

[raccah]

Yeah really did not want to check luggage

[raccah]

So as far as you know, there is no kosher store for stuff, you go to normal stores and find American goods with the hechsher, correct??

[Dan]

So as far as you know, there is no kosher store for stuff, you go to normal stores and find American goods with the hechsher, correct??

Email the shluchim there?

[PieRSquare]

If you want to stock up you should plan to make one trip to Costco. You can find a variety of nosh (same types of things you find in the states) and possibly imported kosher bread.

Israeli wine is availible in some liquor departments of Bic Camera (Normally the Yurachuko store near Ginza has) but it may not be mevushal. Costco sometimes also has an Israeli wine.

Random grocery stores may have a few imported products and the International Stores (Kaldi, Nissin, National Azabu) will have a lot but it can be expensive.

[raccah]

Email the shluchim there?

I did, not much response from them,very slow, but that is life

[raccah]

If you want to stock up you should plan to make one trip to Costco. You can find a variety of nosh (same types of things you find in the states) and possibly imported kosher bread.

Israeli wine is availible in some liquor departments of Bic Camera (Normally the Yurachuko store near Ginza has) but it may not be mevushal. Costco sometimes also has an Israeli wine.

Random grocery stores may have a few imported products and the International Stores (Kaldi, Nissin, National Azabu) will have a lot but it can be expensive.

Thanks! So, a camera store has Israeli wines? This store?
http://www.biccamera.co.jp.e.lj.hp.transer.com/shoplist/shop-014.html

I doubt I can call them and ask - does anyone there talk english?

Thanks!

[PieRSquare]

Thanks! So, a camera store has Israeli wines? This store?
http://www.biccamera.co.jp.e.lj.hp.transer.com/shoplist/shop-014.html

I doubt I can call them and ask - does anyone there talk english?

Thanks!

Yes, Bic is like a cross between Best Buy and Target but with decent customer service.

Someone probably speaks english, but there is also an Israeli Restaurant called Ta'im (not kosher) near Ebisu that stocks wine, speaks hebrew and might sell a bottle to you at a premium.

[Yuey]

Costco has US products, but not wine. BYOB.

There are also 7 Elevens at virtually every single corner in Japan. IIRC there are a lot of kosher products there. (You might need to look up each product online and use google translate to confirm).

[ReadsTheT&C]

Your best bet for food is any of the international supermarkets also called 'Import Stores' by the locals. I used to go to National Azabu which is pricey but has the best selection: http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/news/international-supermarkets-in-tokyo/

For wine, you can go to the JCC of Tokyo in Hiro-o which is right in the center of town. When I lived there in 2010, they had a full selection of wine and some other kosher products but their hours are variable. One of the members was in the import/export business so they always had a good supply. Sunday morning would be the best time because that's when they hold their weekly Hebrew School. I would definitely call or e-mail in advance though as security is tight. Here's the website with all their info: http://www.jccjapan.or.jp/shop.html

National Azabu and the JCC are walkable to each other.

[shmebeble]

I land in HND on a Wednesday at 8:30pm and then leave Sunday at 10:10am
I want to see somewhere outside of Tokyo, as I will be spending 3 days there on a future trip but trying to figure out what makes sense. We probably wont have any checked bags with us if that helps.

Both options require flying into ITM Thursday morning at 7am landing at 8am.

1. Take the train up to Kyoto and spend the night there and fly back to Tokyo on a 2pm flight so we have time to see a little bit in the morning before taking the train to the airport.

2. Take the train to Kyoto, spend the night and more of the day there, head to Osaka for shabbos and take a 7am flight to HND landing at 8:15 and then having to catch the 10:10 flight back to USA.

Is the second option too risky? And is the first option even worth it?
If you have other ideas how to spend the two days would be greatly appreciated

[Dan]

Is there a shul in Osaka?
I spent a nice shabbos in Kobe, though I preferred Tokyo for Shabbos.
Why is the 2nd option risky?

[shmebeble]

Is there a shul in Osaka?
I spent a nice shabbos in Kobe, though I preferred Tokyo for Shabbos.
Why is the 2nd option risky?

The second option is risky because my flights are not connected and I don't want to have issues with the connection.
I know there is a chabad website for Osaka but havent looked into the details for shabbos. Although Kobe is not too far away by taxi.

[Dan]

The second option is risky because my flights are not connected and I don't want to have issues with the connection.
I know there is a chabad website for Osaka but havent looked into the details for shabbos. Although Kobe is not too far away by taxi.

What are the inbound and outbound airlines?

Probably yellow flag if it's not on here: http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/qry/japan/jewish/Centers.htm

[shmebeble]

What are the inbound and outbound airlines?

Probably yellow flag if it's not on here: http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/qry/japan/jewish/Centers.htm

Its all on ANA. Y domestic and F international.

hmm. so also need to think if want to spend it in Kobe or Tokyo and where to stay in Kobe.

[PieRSquare]

Okay, here are my 2 yen. No Chabad in Osaka, but there is a nice Shul in Kobe with a Chabad Rabbi. The community became a de facto Chabad of Kansai, but it has a history as a Sephardi community.

If I was in your shoes, I would arrive Wednesday night and take the train from HND to Yokohama. Then early Thursday, go to Kyoto and spend Thursday night and most of Friday in Kyoto. Leave Kyoto for Kobe in time for Shabbat. Shabbat in Kobe, then either Saturday night or first train Sunday head back to Yokohama and switch there to Haneda.

Yokohama is kind of a cool city, but not an amazing tourist stop. I think there is an IHG property there if you need a points stay.

The trains will be more expensive, but way more convenient (and possibly reliable) than the flight and don't require prebooking.  You can use Hyperdia to check times. Also google the ANA experience Japan Fares if you're set on flying.

[PieRSquare]

Also, the bullet train goes straight from Shin-Yokohama station to Kyoto. The local train from Haneda may go to Yokohama station, but the transfer shouldn't be hard.

[Dan]

Its all on ANA. Y domestic and F international.

hmm. so also need to think if want to spend it in Kobe or Tokyo and where to stay in Kobe.

If it's all ANA they'll take care of you.
Kobe and Tokyo and very different experiences for Shabbos.
Kobe has a Sephardic shul run by Chabad. Tokyo has a more traditional Chabad House.

[shwarmabob]

There is new shul in Kyoto

[Dan]

There is new shul in Kyoto

Yellow flag?

[PieRSquare]

Yellow flag?

Yes...