Japan Master Thread

[shmebeble]

Are you in Japan for 4 nights or 5?

I am in Japan for 4 nights. My brother will be there for 5, so its really for his sake. I feel better about staying in Tokyo for shabbos and it seems like its straightforward to get back and doesnt really cut into my time compared to going to Kobe.
I also want to go to Tokyo for the first night as I might need to stop by chabad to drop something off.

[PieRSquare]

I am in Japan for 4 nights. My brother will be there for 5, so its really for his sake. I feel better about staying in Tokyo for shabbos and it seems like its straightforward to get back and doesnt really cut into my time compared to going to Kobe.
I also want to go to Tokyo for the first night as I might need to stop by chabad to drop something off.

Then this is a great option and will work out great. No need to overcomplicate and if you decide to pick up food on Wednesday, then it's easy.  I've only heard good things about the Prince Sakura and it's an easy walk to/from Shinagawa. Local trains to/from Haneda and it'll all be easy.

[shmebeble]

I need a room for 3 people near chabad.
The prince Sakura only allows 2 officially, but chances are they wont find out that I have 3 people in the room? Or are they very strict about this in Japan?

[raccah]

I need a room for 3 people near chabad.
The prince Sakura only allows 2 officially, but chances are they wont find out that I have 3 people in the room? Or are they very strict about this in Japan?

I had the same problem in Paris and I was fine. But if you are worried, you can get an AirBnB

[Dan]

I need a room for 3 people near chabad.
The prince Sakura only allows 2 officially, but chances are they wont find out that I have 3 people in the room? Or are they very strict about this in Japan?

Just don't go to the checkin counter with 3 people.

[shmebeble]

Just don't go to the checkin counter with 3 people.

thats what I assumed. only downside is no cot allowed.
Thanks

[shmebeble]

I had the same problem in Paris and I was fine. But if you are worried, you can get an AirBnB

I would rather risk it. And we are showing up at very different hours of the day and they have no way to prove we are all sleeping there.

[raccah]

I would rather risk it. And we are showing up at very different hours of the day and they have no way to prove we are all sleeping there.

Indeed like Dan said, they come in at different times, the hotel always sees two people, you and the same second person. The third person is always the one left out and he/she should show up minutes later. Finally this third person sleeps on cushions

[PieRSquare]

Just don't go to the checkin counter with 3 people.

Extra person charges are super common in Japan, mostly because traditional Japanese inns are all incluse and charge per person. Also, keep an eye out when booking through IHG if using cash to avoid surprises.

That said, unless you make it really obvious, it's unlikely that they would actually call you out.

[shmebeble]

Extra person charges are super common in Japan, mostly because traditional Japanese inns are all incluse and charge per person. Also, keep an eye out when booking through IHG if using cash to avoid surprises.

That said, unless you make it really obvious, it's unlikely that they would actually call you out.

I read reviews on Tripadvisor that people got cots no problem once they were there for $20 a day

[shmebeble]

For a four-day rental in Sapporo, is Tocoo my best option?
And is the driving relatively calm there? I plan to get the car and get out of the city. Last time I drove on that side was 2 years ago.
Also, I think I should go with the insurance for 1080 yen a day. any reason not to?

[PlatinumGuy]

@AJK Definitely need more DDF Travel DOs besides the photography specific ones.

Lets do a Shabbos in Capri

[PieRSquare]

For a four-day rental in Sapporo, is Tocoo my best option?
And is the driving relatively calm there? I plan to get the car and get out of the city. Last time I drove on that side was 2 years ago.
Also, I think I should go with the insurance for 1080 yen a day. any reason not to?

I've never driven in Hokkaido, but I have used Times Car in Okinawa a few times.  I think you'll be fine whoever you chose. I use a sapphire card so I skip the insurance, but it's not a big cost.

Make sure you read the licensing restrictions...you may need to get an international drivers license from AAA.

[shmebeble]

I've never driven in Hokkaido, but I have used Times Car in Okinawa a few times.  I think you'll be fine whoever you chose. I use a sapphire card so I skip the insurance, but it's not a big cost.

Make sure you read the licensing restrictions...you may need to get an international drivers license from AAA.

I am getting the international license. For liability purposes, dont I want to buy their insurance? And if I buy their insurance, do I waive sapphire coverage?

[PieRSquare]

I am getting the international license. For liability purposes, dont I want to buy their insurance? And if I buy their insurance, do I waive sapphire coverage?

Sapphire is free either way.  It's really up to you and your peace of mind.

[shmebeble]

anyone here knowledgable about drinking chalav stam in Japan?

[PieRSquare]

http://miningformiles.com/kosher-while-traveling-beijing-tokyo/ Mining states the heter extends to Japan. I'd ask him for the info.

[KidOOO]

Looking for info on Japan and Okinawa in particular, is it possible to bring in any food to Japan? and once in Japan are there any good options for buying food for a few days?

[Dan]

No issue with bringing in food.
Can find some snacks in Costco, but don't count on much.

[KidOOO]

No issue with bringing in food.
Can find some snacks in Costco, but don't count on much.

Thats good, so we will bring food with us. any recommended resource on Okinawa - Best hotels, beaches, attractions etc?