December 2023

[jagged radish]

1 more day to decembaaaaaaaaa

[south vine]

Actually probably going to a thing at BRAND Shibuya on the 2nd

[storm mortar]

Me and another user are doing the 4pm concert for Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi at Kobe Shimbun Matsukata Hall on Thursday December 21st, 2023

We're also doing lunch before the concert. If anyone is interested, please join us!

tickets: https://feverup.com/m/133116/en?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=impact&utm_campaign=&utm_content=3686614_Fast Train Media&irclickid=QN71vEUAZxyPTxx3qE0:327zUkFXeJ0tgX4Axk0&utm_term=1356939&irgwc=1

location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qbwh5nuQJqTLkSEe6

[sharp fiber]

i forgot tomorrow is december

thats wild

[storm mortar]

Osaka Christmas meetup

Anyone interested in doing a Christmas meetup on Monday December 25th at the Osaka Christmas market?

I was thinking of visiting the Christmas market in the late afternoon followed by dinner at a restaurant or even a potluck party at my hostel afterwards.
https://japancheapo.com/events/osaka-christmas-market/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GvJJGnExHZ8HwBPf9

[stark minnow]

I'm interested but I don't know how to do that

[visual parcel]

Same, bro. I feel you.

[tropic galleon]

Hello December thread.

[unreal osprey]

I’ll try and join as well, won’t be in Osaka until Christmas morning so might join around 2pm

[fervent nacelle]

SOON™️

[tender mantle]

https://tenor.com/view/mariah-carey-mariah-carey-christmas-mariah-carey-defrosting-christmas-gif-26336885

[dusky siren]

I get an error from that link

[potent crescent]

https://line.me/ti/g/iJZ82XLJuM
This is the link that got me in

[dreamy crypt]

I'll be in Osaka and Kyoto until the 6th

[pure tapir]

I would be happy to meet up for some Christmas cheer on the 25th. I'll be arriving from Tokyo on the 24th, and looking forward to it!

Would anybody be interested in going to Universal Studios? I am keen for Nintendo World

[wicked nexus]

I’m thinking of going sometime between 27th-30th

But havent decided if I want to 😅

[simple hamlet]

☃️ Happy December! ☃️

[tender mantle]

https://tenor.com/view/its-time-halloween-christmas-mariah-carey-ice-breaking-gif-2448799253932893839

Christmas songs are back on the karaoke menu, boys

[sour tangle]

Is anyone going to this gig today and wanna meet up ?

[tender mantle]

Was so difficult for me to choose between this and Amaiwana tonight... 5 people have reserved through Gigs in Tokyo so you won’t be the only foreigner, and the event organiser speaks a bit of English and loves chatting with foreign visitors

[sour tangle]

How can u see how many reserved through gigs in tokyo ?

[potent crescent]

I do believe habo runs Gigs in Tokyo, which is why

[tender mantle]

It's my page :)

Thank you for checking

[sour tangle]

Oh 😀

[sour tangle]

Nws, looking forward to tonight

[velvet ether]

Hi guys!Will reach Shinkuju station in bout 20 mins but my check in is at 3 pm .If anyone here is interested to meet in Shinjuku don’t hesitate to shoot a dm 🙂

[vocal mesa]

I heard December channel is now the place to be

If anyone is by chance in the Kobe area and wants to hang out I am here, but also looking forward to relaxing in

[desert thistle]

ill be in japan on the dec 10-jan 4th

[tender mantle]

There's a big group of us going to a gig in Shibuya tonight
#1178879099385696377
and another going to an acoustic show in Shimokitazawa
#1153349897576255519 message

[vocal mesa]

I think I'm getting burnt out in Japan I just want pizza and YouTube

[simple hamlet]

Uggghhhhh I’m late getting out the door this morning, once again. Two days in a row. Feels like I piss away so much time. I gotta do better.

[subtle cape]

If you want a quieter day, the cat temple is very pretty

Though tragically, it is out of cats

[simple hamlet]

That’s gorgeous

Whereabouts in town is it?

[subtle cape]

https://maps.app.goo.gl/x4ohr8oJKBe1BsGY7

About 20-30 minutes out by tram

But it's a nice ride

[simple hamlet]

Sweet! Thanks for this.

[subtle cape]

I really wanted to bring back a cat figurine for the person who's cat sitting for me 😦

[simple hamlet]

Were you not able to? Is that what you meant by being out of cats?

[subtle cape]

Correct, none to buy. Out of stock

I mean, if I was completely amoral...

[simple hamlet]

Aw 😦 maybe you’ll stumble across another shop with something nice.

[subtle cape]

There's some really tiny ones too

[simple hamlet]

smol

[subtle cape]

Apparently posing with a bag of tangerines is a thing people do here too

Also spotted someone carrying a plush dog, which seems sacrilegious

[vocal mesa]

My Kobe hotel is located right inside a covered shopping street, pretty neat

[subtle cape]

Love being able to get a taste of home

[simple hamlet]

lol how different is the menu?

[subtle cape]

Didn't go in

Also never been to a Denny's in the US

I'm a poser

[simple hamlet]

I need to stop dragging my feet and find lunch already 😩 I dawdled for too long after getting ready and now half the day is gone. Got an appointment at 2:30 tho so can’t get too involved in something before then. I’m in garbage time now.

[subtle cape]

This has been my whole trip. Get a coffee, skip breakfast, by 3pm I'm crying

[simple hamlet]

You’re not missing much. Last time I went was when we lived in Cali. I was like… 10 or something. Or 9.

[simple hamlet]

This is only my second time doing that, but it’s been twice in a row and I feel guilty now.

[subtle cape]

I'm so sick of ekiben and konbini onigiri that I refuse to eat it... which is making life much harder

[simple hamlet]

SAME

[vocal mesa]

I want pizza so bad

[subtle cape]

Well I am on my way over to Ginza and will be passing Harajuku, so if you'd like us to do each other a favour and meet up for lunch I'm down

[vocal mesa]

I'm a goblin American at heart

I can't help but feel the guilt of not taking full advantage of my time here but goddamn it

[simple hamlet]

I could just go to the sandwich place around the corner. It was really lovely, but 1. I went yesterday and feel silly going again bc idk why and 2. I went around 11:45 AM before it was busy. I left around this time and it was cray cray. The place is quite small so not sure I’d even be able to get in.

[subtle cape]

Marion crepes for lunch

I'll get a bow in my hair

[simple hamlet]

I mean there’s something to be said about eating non-traditional cuisine in other countries. The best pizza I’ve ever had in my life was in Kyoto lmao

Don’t feel bad!

[vocal mesa]

Dang

Im also near the famous Chinese town here

So I shouldnt miss that

[simple hamlet]

There ya go

[vocal mesa]

Though above all

I'm gonna miss egg sando 🥲

[subtle cape]

It's impossible to see everything during your trip. You're gonna fail at that task so you might as well fail in a way that preserves your sanity

[simple hamlet]

I know. You can try to recreate it, but it’s never the same.

[simple hamlet]

Thankfully I’ve failed less this time than my first two times here. Although in different ways, I guess. This time I failed to get out of Tokyo enough (only one day trip so far and I leave next Thursday), but the last two times I failed in getting out the door early enough almost every day lol

[vocal mesa]

I'm ready to plan my next trip and try again, I'm no quitter

[tender mantle]

tamago sando at home ain't the same huh

[simple hamlet]

But I still have onsen and chichibu this weekend and then Hakone on Tuesday/Wednesday. Although I’ve been to Hakone before. :\ at least it was a different season.

[simple hamlet]

Nope. But I make mine the way my mom made it for us growing up—with chiles en vinagre 😻 so still super tasty, just in a diff way

[vocal mesa]

Me and tomago sando is like @slim grove And fami-chikki

[simple hamlet]

Fuck it, I’m just gonna go to konbini and get something for lunch, bring it back here, and wait for it to be time for my appointment. Then after that I can do part 2 of shopping.

[subtle cape]

Oh man I just did my first cross platform train transfer. What a joy

[vocal mesa]

Biiiiig oof

[lone phoenix]

I love that. Took the Shinkansen from Kanto to Kansai, needed to transfer in Nagoya. The itinerary gave like 3 mins to transfer lol

[simple hamlet]

That’s always fun 🤡

[subtle cape]

If I have time before I go I wanna try and get a shink platform ticket at Tokyo or Shinagawa and just watch em go in and out for a bit

[lone phoenix]

I was so worried I looked up the map of the station and found the platforms lol

[median coral]

This is my favourite temple

Did you meet the temple cat?

[subtle cape]

I did not 😦

[serene heron]

Traditional time in CA to go to Denny's is when you are wasted at 3am

[median coral]

Bonus me as a catboy

[subtle cape]

I think on the East Coast, waffle house fulfils that function

[subtle cape]

Things I didn't know I wanted to see

A friend from back home has sent me on a mission to buy unusual shochu - milk, chestnut, carrot - which perfectly sets me up to ask a question in Japanese and have absolutely no idea what the answer means

[serene heron]

Oh damn I had a higher opinion of waffle house

Never been

[subtle cape]

Oh my b I meant IHOP

[serene heron]

Glad I'm not alone in this experience

[subtle cape]

"where's the toilet?" [long explanation where I pay attention to only the gestures while saying "hai" repeatedly]

[serene heron]

Went to medicine store and bought loxopro-something and guy had to Google translate to ask me a bunch of questions

"atama ga itai, kore wa daijobu?"

Then what i assume probably looked like a vacant stare

[subtle cape]

Oh I just went with ibuprofen arimasu ka? which totally worked

Now I have a bag full of pills to offload before I attempt re-entry into the US

[weak pelican]

Looks clean

[weak pelican]

Nooo go linger and hit the claw machine

[tropic galleon]

I slept for like almost 7 hours in the manga cafe and now I'm waiting for lunch. Lol, Osaka days start at noon

[vocal mesa]

It's true

[tropic galleon]

Hope my hotel isn't too pissed at me leaving my baggage there overtime

[vocal mesa]

Now I'm just cold in Kobe

[simple hamlet]

I gotta have a skin consult at 2:30 but after that it’s SPENDY TIMEEEEE. Might hit the claws next week before I head home.

Also probs a dumb question, but I’m assuming Donki sells insoles?

[subtle cape]

Grab it up. Get grabby. Make pinchies

[simple hamlet]

They sell everything else sooo

[subtle cape]

I got insoles from a drugstore fwiw

[simple hamlet]

Oh ok. Maybe I’ll hit there instead, pretty sure there’s one down the street

I went to 7-11 for egg or tuna sando and all sandos were gone. Duh. It’s lunchtime. Ofc they were.

[weak pelican]

Try ABC shoes as well

Remember to stretch ankles every night like boomers

[simple hamlet]

Oh trust me I’ve been stretching ankles and calves and feet like mad. I get plantar fasciitis super easily

[weak pelican]

My friend’s grandmother is 97 and she has physio 1.5 hours a day and she’s still walking and being sharp

[weak pelican]

BOOMER WOOMY gogogogo boomer crew

[simple hamlet]

Oh and hammies too lmao

[simple hamlet]

Ackshually, I’m a millennial 🤓

Doing boomer activities tho lol

Such as night stretches

[subtle cape]

oh I thought I was the only old head here

This is heartening

[simple hamlet]

Lots of us in late 30s gang! At least quite a few that I’ve met.

I’m 37 👀 38 in Feb.

[subtle cape]

Turned 37 couple months ago

Sorry I missed y'all

[simple hamlet]

And remember, 40 is the new 30. Or something.

[simple hamlet]

How much longer you here for?

[subtle cape]

Fly back tomorrow avo

[uncut salmon]

[simple hamlet]

Aw

[subtle cape]

Friends in town tonight for fancy sushi so it's really this afternoon and tomorrow morning I've still got time

[median coral]

Wyd tomorrow morning 👀

[subtle cape]

Depends how much shoppingy shit I get done today. Might be pretty free

[median coral]

Arent you staying in shibuya?

[subtle cape]

Yes

Oh shit whale sushi at tsujiki

[simple hamlet]

That makes me sad

[median coral]

If youre free idm a morning coffee. Gonna do some last minute touristy things after before i fly in the evening and wouldnt mind some more life lessons

[subtle cape]

The biggest life lesson of all is you can impress 20somethings by pretending you're wise when you have fuck all figured out

But my pleasure

[median coral]

Well it worked 😛

[subtle cape]

What are your touristy plans?

[weak pelican]

I’m in the four zero club, waiting for you all with open arms

[weak pelican]

Because only 30+ nerds have the nostalgia and money to go to japan and relieve their childhoods and their weird tastes in tourism

[subtle cape]

Need to plan return trip for the oldies... we can walk around with our frames

[weak pelican]

Geriatric onsen gang and riding the trains with seniors discount

[subtle cape]

Fuck yeah

[weak pelican]

And using the claw machine and getting extra help

[subtle cape]

"where is the soul calibur 2 machine"

[weak pelican]

Terrorizing the inaka because the local old people are all dead

hopefully Japanese prices don’t change in 30 years. Still 2000 yen lunches

[subtle cape]

I've only seen old people and teenagers during my trip. We are the missing middle. I choose not to believe it's because the 30somethings are working, that'd make too much sense

[weak pelican]

70+ year olds cosplaying as voldo

[subtle cape]

I prefer to cosplay as Ivy personally

[weak pelican]

Walker / sword ivy

[subtle cape]

Back in my day, I used to be able to do summon suffering

Now I have become the suffering

[weak pelican]

Aren’t you like going on a free onsen trip

Boomer time let’s go

[simple hamlet]

Won’t need extra help with me around 😎

[median coral]

Not sure tbh. I need to look at my list of things to do but didnt because i decided to go drinking instead

[subtle cape]

I still haven't done Akiba, tho my tolerance for it will be low

[weak pelican]

Go buy namazake, you can’t import it easily and it goes bad within a mont. fresh sake is the shit

[weak pelican]

Skip

[median coral]

Akiba is probably my most visited place, not counting the many drunken nights in shibuya

[subtle cape]

What about the craft market tho

[simple hamlet]

Yep! That’s tomorrow/sunday. Also got my solo onsen trip to Hakone on Tuesday/Wednesday. Gotta rest these weary old bones before they have to board a 12-hour flight / 3.5 hour layover / 2 hour flight home.

[tender mantle]

What do you in Akihabara across multiple days...

[subtle cape]

Has to cosplay as every cat girl. Don't judge

[weak pelican]

Double onsen? Nice

[tender mantle]

Maid cafe flyer distributor? It's a job I guess

[median coral]

Buy plushies

[simple hamlet]

Also win plushies

[subtle cape]

"can't afford a mortgage because spent money on plushies" is the new avocado toast

[median coral]

This but unironically

[uncut salmon]

arcades

or looking for specific shit in shops - hoping it comes back in stock

[simple hamlet]

And weeping when it doesn’t

[tender mantle]

hasubando... now we are homeless...

[simple hamlet]

sad Charlie Brown music

[subtle cape]

Careful, or I'll REALLY old it up by talking about mortgage rates

Actually I think I already did that with Nicky Noodz

[simple hamlet]

lol I’m a true millennial. I can’t afford a house.

I still rent.

[uncut salmon]

my fixed rate ends next year I think

[tender mantle]

houses are cheap in japan just fyi

[simple hamlet]

So I’ve heard!

If only I could get a job here and convince husbando to come with. Not gonna happen.

[subtle cape]

Anyone visiting Tsukiji I can recommend
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xx6Bwace5jyJT8jL9

Pizza etc with fresh pepper

[uncut salmon]

does it get delivered on a cat robot? 👀

[subtle cape]

It's outsidey

I have really enjoyed my trip but I am also super looking forward to seeing my boy again

[simple hamlet]

Samesies, but he’s a shoob

But also dreading potentially coming home to a bunch of dead plants 😖 let us pray.

[uncut salmon]

i know that vibe

i gave my only plant to a family member to keep alive

[simple hamlet]

I’m mostly just worried about my red maranta. That thing is dramatic af

The rest should be fine.

[uncut salmon]

my strelitzia used to get pissed whenever I moved it

[simple hamlet]

They’re so temperamental

[uncut salmon]

"fuck you, no flowers for you"

[weak pelican]

Don’t do it

It’s a trap

Earn non YEN, and spend Yen

[uncut salmon]

the tsundere of the plant world

[weak pelican]

Canadian currency sucks tho 😦

[simple hamlet]

I had a Calathea ornata that I managed to keep alive through a very dry winter, and then come spring… fucking spider mites. Couldn’t save her.

[simple hamlet]

I live in the states tho.

[weak pelican]

Congratulations on not being a house slave or mortgage slave

[weak pelican]

Stay in ameriiiiccaaaaa

[storm mortar]

unless you work in IT at a International company
wages are really bad

[simple hamlet]

Yeah, I’ve heard that, too. :\

Nah, I’ll stay put. I’m fine to just travel.

[storm mortar]

average annual income in Japan would be about $25-30k/yr

USD

[simple hamlet]

Woof

That’s really bad

Like, insanely bad

[uncut salmon]

the inverse though is that the US has stupidly high pay compared to the rest of the world

[storm mortar]

yeah, that's why house prices are so low and they experienced deflation for 30yrs
salaries haven't gone up in all that time

[tender mantle]

Wages in Japan are low but so is cost of living

[uncut salmon]

wages are high in the US but so is healthcare

[storm mortar]

relatively speaking, it's about the same
though housing is cheaper in Japan vs US

[uncut salmon]

you think?

[storm mortar]

but also bear in mind, affordable housing in Japan is only really available in the more rural parts
housing in big cities like Tokyo where all the work is is still really expensive
and houses don't appreciate in value in Japan vs US
cause houses are built and demolished in 30yrs, so their more similar to cars

[uncut salmon]

oh yikes

[simple hamlet]

Interesting

[storm mortar]

yeah, so if you bought a house in Japan thinking you can retire and take the equity out of it when you retire
think again

[uncut salmon]

i do wonder why the churn rate for buildings is so high though - is it something to do with disasters?

and like - requring a quick and easy build style

[subtle cape]

fucking brutal

[simple hamlet]

I think so

[tender mantle]

Housing even in central Tokyo is super affordable by global city standards. I moved into a great spot here on my fresh graduate salary

[storm mortar]

by churn rate, do you mean build and demolish?

[uncut salmon]

yes

[tender mantle]

Just don't expect the living space of the US. Adapt to Tokyo size and you can find good spots all over for reasonable rents

[uncut salmon]

or at least like - why can't buildings be refurbished and retain their value

[vocal mesa]

I feel like I watched a doc on this

[storm mortar]

material is cheap and not that strong
it looks nice but is rather flimsy
walls are paper thin and don't offer a lot of insulation either

[tender mantle]

Buying is different but typical families can still afford to build a house with one full-time worker

[vocal mesa]

Something about most consumers aren't interested in referb and it's just cheaper to rebuild

[uncut salmon]

why don't they build better houses then, then they won't need to be levelled after 30 years

think of the environment

[tender mantle]

think of the GIANT construction conglomerates

[vocal mesa]

Cause people want the latest built in tech maybe?

Speaking of which where the fuck is my self heating bathtub

[uncut salmon]

am I right in thinking you're from the UK as well habo?

i can't remember

[storm mortar]

why build a better house if the expectation is it's gonna get torn down in 30yrs
and the value depreciates over time?

[tender mantle]

Yes people want new. That's a trend amongst all consumer goods in Japan, but with houses it's because of earthquake protection as well as amenities

[tender mantle]

Yeah

[uncut salmon]

nice - i was gonna say it's almost unheard of for someone to level a house and rebuild it as a regular thing back home

[tender mantle]

For tax purposes, houses in Japan have a 30-year expiration date
https://housekey.jp/how-long-buildings-last-japan-construction/

I would rather this chat was in #culture-and-language so we can actually plan meetups here

[storm mortar]

also keep in mind, Japan is a tiny island that doesn't have a lot of natural resources
so they have to import a lot of stuff
so building a really nice and sturdy home is gonna be SUPER EXPENSIVE
and if the home value depreciates at a significant rate over time, economically it doesn't make sense

[forest marlin]

I am gonna be on my way in eight short hours! WOO!

[tender mantle]

If you're not in Japan yet, you shouldn't have the Visitor In Japan role yet id:customize

Save travels!

[buoyant gale]

This has been a quality start to the December chat. Enjoyable waiting for train content.

[subtle cape]

Passing the torch from the extremely tight November crew

DON'T LET US DOWN

[vocal mesa]

Nov crew represeeent

[tropic galleon]

🔥🍻🔥🍻🔥

[vocal mesa]

Missing my friends already

And MAH WIFE

[median coral]

https://tenor.com/view/brooklyn99-rosa-diaz-captain-holt-balloon-arch-she-is-magnificent-gif-26048790

[subtle cape]

Uniqlo has a genkan for their fitting rooms??!!

Goddang it, the curse of the long armed boi strikes again

[weak pelican]

I love it, take off shoes pls

I’m in some American home and I’m wearing shoes everywhere it’s driving me insane

[tropic galleon]

The Tsutenkaku at Shinsekai in Osaka, retro entertainment district

[subtle cape]

Yeah this is sick behavior. I have guest slippers. But a fitting room??

[weak pelican]

Keep your socks clean

[tropic galleon]

Osaka, Oldsaka

[weak pelican]

It’s a lot less seedy than before

[open steeple]

Goddammit. 10 days left in this trip

[weak pelican]

Come back soon

[open steeple]

I mean, I will right.

Anyone in Kumamoto now?

[simple hamlet]

Jesus tap dancing Christ, the people across the hall from me need to leave already. Screaming tantrums from their kid who probably shouldn’t even be on this trip because it never shuts the fuck up.

Anyway, have some bad kerning lmao

[south vine]

I have no idea what to do for food around akihabara that isn’t just fast food lol

[weak pelican]

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5tHkmhNEi18Aarjf7?g_st=ic

[south vine]

I was eyeing that, was hoping to find something not in breaded cutlet form but alas.

[subtle cape]

Why not leave akiba? There's a whole city and a metro to take you there

[weak pelican]

Yeah kanda is good

[subtle cape]

Admittedly good spots on Friday nights are busy

[weak pelican]

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DQqBd6yxSbPF2Ln27?g_st=ic

[south vine]

I have plans here this evening so I don’t want to go far.

[hot hatch]

Hi y'all! Is anyone here currently in Kyoto but planning to be in Tokyo on Sunday or Monday (Dec 3 or 4... Or 5 for that matter)?

[west wind]

Star Kebab

[south vine]

Damn I got to that Katsu place and the line was capped 😦

Kebab it is

Didn’t wanna do pepper lunch it’ll get my clothes all smelly.

I’ll do it on my last day I think lol

I love pepper lunch. Had it in Vancouver BC.

The kebab was not bad. Price was very nice at least.

[jagged radish]

Pepper lunch is just a brand under bigger steak brand

There are many shops that replicate that.

[west wind]

They certainly are not bad

I like the one they do in a baguette

[south vine]

I didn’t see a baguette option at the one I went to, I was a bit further north since I was coming back from the gyukatsu place that turned me away. Maybe the one closer to akihabara station has more options?

[visual parcel]

Pls LMK what cool stuff you find!

[west wind]

Did you go to the one next to donki?

[south vine]

Yeah

[west wind]

That’s not star kebab

Typical tourist mistake

[south vine]

It sure said that on the building

https://maps.app.goo.gl/nuYNDwDHd8NipxcR6?g_st=ic

[wicked tide]

Looking great

[west wind]

Yeah that’s it

[south vine]

Yeah that’s where I went.

[west wind]

This is the one next to donki

[south vine]

Yeah no didn’t go there.

Walked by it tho

[devout kestrel]

What's a good arcade for a beginner

[median mural]

Just under 10 minutes until I can get on the plane. 13 hour flight Fuck Yeah. Already a bit excited 😄

[wicked tide]

Have a Safe trip

[devout kestrel]

Or do I just need to man up and not get intimidated by the ppl in there

[median mural]

@wicked tide ty

[wicked tide]

You going Tokyo or Osaka?

Or other areas?

[south vine]

Man up realize nobody cares what you’re doing lol

What in particular are you looking to do?

I was brutally fucking up on beatmania in Fukuoka and nobody said a thing lol

[devout kestrel]

Always wanted to play rhythm games

[south vine]

You in akiba or somewhere else?

[devout kestrel]

Don't know enough to give you names

In Shinjuku atm

[south vine]

Ah fuck I don’t know any of the arcades out there. The gigo flagship in Ikebukuro is nice and has tons of machines in the basement.

If you were in Akihabara I’d come with you and help you out 😂

[devout kestrel]

I'll come akihabara why not

YOLO

[median mural]

@wicked tide only Tokyo this time

2 Weeks

[wicked tide]

Nice

[south vine]

Haha ok that’s a bit of a trek lemme know when you’re at the station I’m at the jr Mets hotel so take the electric town south exit and I’ll meet you outside

I’m just passing time til I go to Mogra around midnight, watching a guy trying to clear the DDR boss song on stream hah

[devout kestrel]

Damn actually it is a bit far innit lmao

No fear coming now

[south vine]

Ye just make sure you don’t miss last train back unless you intend to stay at Mogra or a manga/net cafe until trains run again 😂

I’m assuming you’re taking the yamanote

[devout kestrel]

Lol I'm fine as long as I don't stay past midnight

[south vine]

Yep! And once you know the ropes of some games ikebukuro is way closer for the flagship gigo store lol

I think we’ll probably go to akiba gigo 3

I need to consider getting a Red Bull. Fucking wildparty isn’t djing until 1:40 am 🤣

[devout kestrel]

I can meet you there if you like

Maps has made me drop at Ochanomizu so walking from there

[south vine]

Oh did you take a metro train?

I’ll head over to gigo 3 then.

[devout kestrel]

Guess so

Bet

[south vine]

Btw don’t take anything from the hordes of girls lining chuo dori 😂

[devout kestrel]

But I think they like me

[west wind]

Wha?

[devout kestrel]

Well

Not sure how I can elaborate further

[south vine]

Looks like they took the Marunouchi

Instead of yamanote

[devout kestrel]

Ok I'm here

Took a light jog

[south vine]

I’m at the corner of gigo 3.

Out front

Blond hair and glasses

[devout kestrel]

Ok I just took the escalator for no reason

[west wind]

Maps said so?

[devout kestrel]

Ha

[uncut salmon]

hmmmm, this is a good question

the GiGO in kabukicho isn't worth a visit unless you want cranes imo

there's a taito game station between kabukicho and the JR station though which has a good selection - and the world's crunchiest groove coaster machine

[south vine]

@devout kestrel good to meet you sorry I’m a crappy teacher but I hope you have no fear going forward on arcade games!

[uncut salmon]

i think there's also another one east of the JR station amonst the shops and restaurants but i've not been in it and might be making it up

with the big chains like gigo - you should be able to view a page for each arcade which lists what games they have if you want to know before you go

[south vine]

Round1 too.

[uncut salmon]

did they take a liking to a particular game?

[devout kestrel]

Lmao cheers for the short notice hang, hope it was at least a lil fun for you too

[weak pelican]

someone call Crane guardian @simple hamlet

help us crane guardian

unlock the treasures

[uncut salmon]

bless us in our hour of need

i ended up buying one of the things I was trying to win the other night on mercari instead

[simple hamlet]

https://tenor.com/view/sunglasses-glasses-anya-funny-secret-gif-17487606974893249335

I’m here 😎

[devout kestrel]

No 1 thing I've learned is get wired headphones

[uncut salmon]

absolutely - best advice ever

some places have shared over-ear earphones you can use, but hygiene

my bag permanently has some gloves & headphones in just in case I come across somewhere and require them

[devout kestrel]

Handy

[south vine]

@devout kestrel it was rejecting our money due to shop close setting. I didn’t know gigo closed so early lol

[devout kestrel]

Ah

[south vine]

Next time you try to play it should take coins if it’s earlier in the night 😂

[devout kestrel]

Everyone started to leave not long after you left I only played like one more game lol

[uncut salmon]

game panic is the place to be after like 10:30 😦

they're open until 12

[tropic galleon]

Osaka nights

[weak pelican]

It’s wet towels not lines of coke

[south vine]

Leisure land at the donki in akiba is apparently open to 1am

[uncut salmon]

i didn't wanna say anything

[pliant smelt]

Judging by the manspreading, I can assume it was at least 6 guys?

[tropic galleon]

Yeah with a rose

[wicked nexus]

Superb leg analysis

[pliant smelt]

I've been recently conscious of it after having to spend an 11 hour flight with an overbearing man spreader

[wicked nexus]

Just kick em and say "my personal space" x)

[south vine]

Sometimes ya just gotta air em out ya know.

[serene heron]

Anybody around in Tokyo? My wife and I are gonna be here for a few days and we think it might be fun to hang out.
Maybe grab lunch or dinner somewhere?
We're staying in Nakano right now

Where's a good arcade, that's what I'm looking for

Looks like I missed out last night, I'm jet lagged and passed out at 8pm tho so it wouldn't have worked anyway

Was in Shinjuku yesterday evening tho

[ashen moth]

Anyone around un Tokyo? My last full day here. Probably going to rent a bike and head to Tokyto Skytree, temples, etc. Also want to check out Harajuku, Don Quixote, etc.

[west wind]

Do Donki now cause it’s the only thing that’s open

Then you can try and cram the rest of the stuff in later

[ashen moth]

I gotta wait for the bike rental place to open at 8 so I'm just lounging in be at my hostel until then

[fervent nacelle]

Went to dōgo onsen and Matsuyama castle yesterday

Onsen was good

Is it normal to have an elevated heart rate in the onsen?

[ashen moth]

Senso-Ji temple should be open around like 830? And then from there I can make my way towards Skytree?

[west wind]

It doesn’t close

You can’t go inside it anyway, you just look around the grounds

[fervent nacelle]

Wait wat

Did we only see the grounds? 🤔

[tender mantle]

@sour tangle Yesterday’s event organiser was so happy to have so many foreign people show up!

https://fxtwitter.com/gogatsuhascome5/status/1730610116255428923

https://fxtwitter.com/gogatsuhascome5/status/1730634667353927854

[west wind]

The rules don’t apply to vegans . Maybe that’s it

[fervent nacelle]

Not vegan

👀

Is the bit of the temple where you can go up and pray also part of the grounds?

[west wind]

Well I wouldn’t call it going inside

[fervent nacelle]

Hmm

All the temples are blurring together in my head tbh

Hard to remember

[west wind]

Go to the step, throw money

They are all the same

Usually it’s their surroundings that’s the interesting part

[fervent nacelle]

Mill out your 1 yen coins

[umbral kestrel]

Anyone up for food/drinks in Shibuya tonight ? Moved in here recently so I can also guide yall around

[sour tangle]

yesss, the event organiser was so nice

The performances were also so good

[ashen moth]

I'm up for that!

[tender mantle]

Midnight alternative music + EDM party SUPERFUZZ is where I will be tonight
https://www.ddinstagram.com/p/C0MD7GySrNr/

[toxic cosmos]

Where’s everybody at?

[dire nimbus]

Dead to the workd

World

[prisma niche]

not meeting up today, obvs

[ashen moth]

Here

Having a drink at Tokyo Skytree

[sour tangle]

At the konbini

[dreamy crypt]

Lost in Osaka because of google maps

[sour tangle]

Im heading to the flea market at oi racecourse today

[dire rune]

Tennoji Park's pretty nice

[vocal mesa]

I think my day in Kobe will be herb garden and Chinatown

Then a nice dinner

[ashen moth]

If anyone wants to meet up later on, I'm down. Having lunch, then riding around a bit before I drop my bike off. Then open to do pretty much whatever.

[cursive steeple]

Hey folks.

Getting back to the city today, I’m pretty free in the evening / night I think. I’m in Shibuya. Just got 2 weeks of hiking and solo adventuring in the backcountry so might not feel like going too far from Shibuya. My legs are done.

Unless plenty of 🍺 is involved 🫣

[ashen moth]

I feel you. I bikes since 8 am and my butt/legs are tired but interested inextinguible up with some of yall before I fly out tomorrow

[cursive steeple]

I do really feel like doing my “usual” pilgrimage to the Gundam Unicorn today before having drinks though 🫣 thinking about it!

[honest wedge]

Hello, I'm new here and just arrived last night in Tokyo. I'm down for something tonight if y'all are doing anything. Still learning how things work here 😅

[tender mantle]

Tonight #1153349897576255519 message

[ashen moth]

I've been here for 11 days and still figuring it out haha. Thankfully everyone here is really helpful and nice. I literally had some girl help me with my bike parking and walk me up to Tokyo Skytree.

[hardy goblet]

How is navigating and food ordering with little to no Japanese knowledge?

Will be in Tokyo on the 7th

[tender mantle]

#culture-and-language

Fine, most menus have pictures and restaurants in tourist spots have English menus

[hardy goblet]

Sounds good! Totally would like to study up more but I guess that will be for my second visit. Kind of last minute this visit

[honest wedge]

Hmm probably not up for clubbing at least after hiking up Mt Takao xD

[ashen moth]

I don't know half of the things I order, I just buy it and get pleasantly surprised lol

[indigo scroll]

I arrived in Shinjuku today, down for dinner and drinks tonight

[ashen moth]

Anyone know a spot for dinner?

[south vine]

https://fixupx.com/REMOccCON/status/1729347822787477581?s=20 going to this tonight.

[cursive steeple]

I’ll have to pass tonight actually, sorry. I have some work related plans that showed up. Have fun y’all!

[serene heron]

Embarrassing but easy

Anybody down to hit an arcade in Shinjuku?

[serene heron]

You wanna hit an arcade? Otherwise we're down to meet up for dinner too

[ashen moth]

I'd be down for dinner, árcade, drinks, etc

[indigo scroll]

Arcade is not really my thing, but dinner sounds good

[ashen moth]

Just checked in. Relaxing a bit and then I can head oit and meet up

[serene heron]

Chilling for now, going to figure out an arcade in Shinjuku and go to it, there's a giant one we saw yesterday while wandering

Btw Shinjuku gyoen park is very nice

Hot house in that park was beautiful

Highlight of my trip so far, that hot house

[indigo scroll]

I just got out of the onsen and sauna at my hotel, chilling for a bit

[serene heron]

Hot house may be closed now tho, limited hours
Park still work visiting

[dusky siren]

i'm staying right next to it in 10 days, glad to hear it's nice!

[ashen moth]

What time are ppl thinking? Does 6 sound ok? Or 7ish?

[robust needle]

I’m down to join for arcade and drinks tonight!

[ashen moth]

Just trying to schedule my chill/shower time to head out at a good time.

[serene heron]

Taito station a good one?

Namco one looks good too

[hearty sleet]

Hey! Would love to meetup with someone today Shibuya-Tokyo for some nightclubbing. M22 Sweden

[serene heron]

Thinking more towards 7 unless we are doing dinner, then it should be 6

[tender mantle]

Yo #1153349897576255519 message

[hearty sleet]

@tender mantle thanks! Possible to just come solo?

[tender mantle]

Yep

[indigo scroll]

Both are fine with me

[honest wedge]

I'm fine with either, could have dinner if no one has eaten yet

[ashen moth]

Ok should we pick a spot to meet up at? Would 630 work? Depending in where we meet up I'll take the metro or a cab

[vocal mesa]

NEVER MIND the herb garden the line is atrocious

I don't want to see it that much

[serene heron]

630 sounds fine, no clue where to go tho

Thinking ramen but dunno how easily we can get that on a Saturday night in Shinjuku with no reservation

Maybe somewhere nearby we could meet?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3iLabDiC94CYB6dT6

Google says likely not slammed at 630, and I like tonkotsu ramen

[indigo scroll]

Looks good

[serene heron]

Kk 630 there if we're agreed

[umbral kestrel]

Still interested ?

[hot hatch]

Y'all got space for an extra?

[serene heron]

We're at 5 now we could try 6, no reservation so if we fits we sits

[umbral kestrel]

Just noticed you guys set up something in the meantime. Any plans after dinner ? Might join you afterwards

[ashen moth]

I'll be meeting up with the group in Shinjuku but after I would be down to meet up in Shibuya

[hot hatch]

630 I'll be there

[opaque dragon]

is there still special night viewing in kiyomizu dera today or is it really until November 30th only?

[ashen moth]

Arriving un a bit

[vocal mesa]

Oh dang just because??

[ashen moth]

Brown trench coat type thing, black pantd, black shoes, grey beanie

[honest wedge]

I be there soon, got purple sleeves on my jacket

[ashen moth]

This me

[hot hatch]

I'm in the neighborhood

Big brown hat

[indigo scroll]

I'll be there in 5. grey jacket, glasses and a beard

[tropic galleon]

Shinsaibashi-suji near the bridge is wild tonight

[robust needle]

Eta 3ish mins, wearing a Nike cap

[indigo scroll]

Where you at @serene heron ?

[serene heron]

Nearby, late

4m

Crowded?

[indigo scroll]

No line

[serene heron]

Can't find it, walking back and forth

Ok I'm outside

[vocal mesa]

Dear GOD

[fringe topaz]

Hey! Just got to osaka. Anything fun happening tonight?

[weak pelican]

Go call up the gang , have fun

[dire rune]

#1172466576310681671

i think we're eating around parco Shinsaibashi if you wanna come

[uncut salmon]

@simple hamlet I won a Christmas Miku!

It only took like - 2 resets and like 1.8k

[velvet ether]

Hi anyone up for dinner in Shinjuku ?

[simple hamlet]

YEEEEEEEAAAAH BOOOOOOOI! Nicely!

[median coral]

CONGRATZZZZ

[azure gyro]

Hey guys! Just got to Tokyo this afternoon. I'm kinda just freeballing exploring the city, I'm traveling solo and would love to meet people. I'll be free till the 8th!

[tender mantle]

One more push for people to join me at tonight's midnight party #1153349897576255519 message

[ashen moth]

Where are you guys

[honest wedge]

We are back at where we were standing. Just threw out trash

[robust needle]

Back at the place we were near the pile of trash

Where y’all at, we can meet y’all there

[hot hatch]

Yo dude, where you at

[visual parcel]

“freeBALLing”???

[umbral kestrel]

Getting grounded in shibuya 🌍

Might join you later

[hot hatch]

You want to come to us or us to come to you??

[umbral kestrel]

I’m in the middle of a bar hopping event

Which finishes in around 1h

But up to meeting up afterwards

[azure gyro]

Does that not mean doing something with no planning or am I using that wrong 🤦‍♂️

[umbral kestrel]

So if you guys come over we can meet up around 10pm-10pm30

[visual parcel]

“ freeballing” means that you’re not wearing any underwear

[azure gyro]

Fuck

[tender mantle]

It's okay, doing laundry on holiday is hard

[visual parcel]

😂🙂

[velvet ether]

Yo down

Shoot me a text

[umbral kestrel]

@hot hatch You in ?

[hot hatch]

I will meet you there

[umbral kestrel]

10pm30 in front of famima ?

@hot hatch @velvet ether @tame seal

[velvet ether]

Where’s that ?

[umbral kestrel]

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BkfDkmG8xmKG1r976?g_st=ic

This the meeting spot

Then we can see from there

[tender mantle]

Gaijinmart!

[sour tangle]

Question, does anyone know when everything in golden gai closes ? Me and my friends are planning to arrive there soon

[weak pelican]

Pretty much never

[tender mantle]

Everyone's favourite Deathmatch in Hell is until 3am

[sour tangle]

sick 😎

[weak pelican]

Welcome to japan

[sour tangle]

ty :))

[tender mantle]

https://tenor.com/view/say-the-line-bart-school-millhouse-classroom-gif-26683141

[weak pelican]

Nooo

Nooooooo

I give up

[south vine]

Come on and slam

[weak pelican]

noooo

Don’t peer pressure me , I feel like I’m being drugged

In shinjuku

[hot hatch]

Yessir

[umbral kestrel]

@hot hatch You alone ?

[indigo scroll]

No we're with 5 pax

[umbral kestrel]

Shiet

Gonna be there on time ?

[indigo scroll]

Already there

[hot hatch]

No sir

[hot hatch]

You here?

[umbral kestrel]

Gimme 5

[south vine]

Ended up going here tonight and they didn’t charge us any cover lmao.

This place is tiny but the music is good.

[hot hatch]

Ho ho holy shit lads. Was cutting it close on that last train 😂

[robust needle]

@hot hatch I made it lol. @umbral kestrel Next time I’ll join you all night till the first train promise.

[honest wedge]

I got lost going
back 👀

[south vine]

Holy fuck remo-con is killing it. He took some time to talk to me too. I’m so glad I came out to this show.

I can feel why he was a resident at ageha before it shut down

[native cave]

Hello, I'm El. Solo traveling to Japan (Tokyo area) from 12/8-12/15 (flying back on 12/16)

[karmic cliff]

cant wait to see the nightlife

[forest marlin]

Morning all! I’m having breakfast then have an entirely open itinerary. Anybody want a walking/shopping/whatever partner?

[marble delta]

Finally in Tokyo, but so tired and need to do a hotel change, then some shopping today.

[vocal mesa]

Only like 3.5 days left of my trip 😢

[ashen moth]

barely getting back to my place. I hope I make it. Not looking too good.

[vocal mesa]

I think I got on the wrong bullet train but it's going tk the right place so what do I doooo

STUPID GAIJIN TOOK THE WRONG TRAIN

[azure gyro]

I did that going from kyoto to nagoya and I had to show the ticket attendant by where they scan the tickets/ic cards

[ashen moth]

Can anyone from last night send some of the pics we took?

[weak pelican]

welcome to Japan

[marble delta]

Thanks! Good to be back, and such a lovely day in Tokyo!

[weak pelican]

GAIJIN HAS RAIL PASS, EXTRA VALUE GAINED

[tender mantle]

Opposite of supporting tourism economy 💀

[tropic galleon]

I'm thinking of driving Shikoku+art islands or doing Hiroshima-Miyajima and Tottori sand dunes 🤔

If anyone is going to be in those regions soon, would love to chat

[weak pelican]

I’m soso on the sand dunes

It’s like sand dune

But there’s a taxi for hour 4 hours or so. You need to book advance

[tropic galleon]

I can just rent a car and drive?

[hot hatch]

What a legend. Fingers crossed for you dude

[tropic galleon]

This net cafe soft serve is pretty good! Bagus net cafe

[marble delta]

Finally in my hotel!

[buoyant gale]

Will be in Hiroshima next 2 nights

[vocal mesa]

I'm in Hiroshima rn for the night as well

There's already a group brewing over here

[buoyant gale]

@rain geyser gonna be there too

[vocal mesa]

@dire garnet and @toxic cosmos also

#1169056112453095424

[tropic galleon]

Hmm Ill prolly set out from Osaka tomorrow or latest Tues morning.

If Hiroshima, one full day should be enough Ive heard

[vocal mesa]

Yeah I'm just at my hotel contemplating the peace museum

[buoyant gale]

Come do miyajima tomorrow

[tropic galleon]

Day in Hiroshima, head on to Miyajima for a walk around the torii area. You guys done Miyajima?

[vocal mesa]

Wait when are you coming to Hiroshima?

[tropic galleon]

Not even sure if I am, but if I do, maybe tomorrow night

Gotta welcome my boy Billy to Osaka today, hang for a bit

[vocal mesa]

Ah well

[uncut salmon]

Worth double checking you’ve got your international driving permit and stuff all together first of course

[tropic galleon]

I've already driven Fuji Five Lakes so no problem

[vocal mesa]

So what's up in Tokyo tomorrow, pals?

[languid steeple]

I'm arriving in Shinjuku around 5pm-6pm(Dec 4th) depending on varying factors. I'm down to get food/drinks. Night time shenanigans. Anyone interested or got suggestions. I'll gladly take them since i'll be in no connection land on the plane 🙃.

[vocal mesa]

Woo

I have a ticket for team labs which I'll probably do right after I get back to Tokyo

Drop my stuff off in akihabara and get a lil freshened up

Then party time

Im not jet lagged this time around so I have some making up to do

[forest marlin]

Same! I’m going 2-2:30pm

[vocal mesa]

Oh cool!! Tomorrow morning I'm aiming for the museum before hopping on the bullet train, I can try to meet you there if you want a buddy

Woo

[indigo scroll]

Boy do I feel bed today

Bad*

After I left the karaoke in Shibuya I went back to Shinjuku and thought, well maybe one drink in golden gai. And then it was suddenly 6 a.m. 😂

[honest wedge]

This is the only picture I got

I got lost long enough for the trains to come back

[south vine]

I’m currently organizing my luggage and was mostly gonna just wander aimlessly today lol

I am so tired and sore from clubbing til 5AM

[civic geode]

damn thats a long day

[south vine]

Yeah yesterday was a 20 hour day lol

I got my souvenir bag mostly packed. I gotta figure out how to cram all my clothes into my other bag 😂 the damn garlic gift I got from the pro wrestling show is putting off such a smell that I wrapped it in two bags and had to put it in my clothes bag cuz I’m worried it’s gonna foul the daifuku and banana creams I bought to bring to work when I’m home 😂

But for now I need to get lunch.

[robust needle]

If anyone is in Asakusa and likes Pokémon Go it looks like there’s an event or something going on here. Lots of people with their phones out, eating snacks, and carrying a lot of pikachu merch. Meanwhile I’m sweating dragging my luggage around looking for my hotel.

[south vine]

Yeah was in Asakusa yesterday and the pokemon go zombies were making it such a frustrating experience. It’s already very crowded there

People not paying attention make it so much worse

[south vine]

Ended up going to this last night. It was very tasty but it did not feel worth the long wait. Great price for good food though. Would go again if I got there early enough to beat the line.

[weak pelican]

He already drove people around the mountains and all this trip

[uncut salmon]

Ok

[weak pelican]

Strategic planning to take the morning train

[weak pelican]

Thank you for enjoying japan 🙇🏻 sure not everyone loves clubbing but the act of staying up all night and not getting into too much trouble is always respected 🫡

[south vine]

I’m just happy I got to see one of my favorite DJs for the first time since 2012 🙂

[weak pelican]

11 years 😍

I still haven’t seen perfume or baby metal or all the stuff I like in person

[south vine]

Seeing FPM was an added bonus and the club didn’t charge us cover which was super nice so I bought like 2 more drinks than I would’ve.

[honest wedge]

@robust needle I'm probably going to Yokohama either tomorrow or Tuesday. When were you planning to go?

[south vine]

Yokohama is a vibe! What are you planning to do there? The Chinatown street is fucking cool.

And all the waterfront parks are beautiful to walk

[tropic galleon]

Today's cafe: Kopimal in Nipponbashi Osaka, near Den-Den Town

[honest wedge]

Chinatown, Gundam factory, maybe hokokuji temple if I wake up early

[south vine]

Sounds like you got the basics covered!

[honest wedge]

Yeah! I'm excited!

[forest marlin]

Only if you’d like to and have the time for it!

[robust needle]

I was planning Wednesday or Thursday but if you wanna go together I’m down to go tomorrow. I believe it’s closed this Tuesday

[vocal mesa]

Men's size regular size

Men's size lemon sour for me

[honest wedge]

Yeah I'm down to go tomorrow

[toxic cosmos]

Did they still have the jumbo size? It’s like double the size of the men’s size.

[vocal mesa]

Yup

GIGA LEMON SOUR

[simple hamlet]

Hey peeps. My last night in Tokyo is this Wednesday, 12/6 😭 I fly home the next evening. Hoping to pull a dinner together, would love to make it a thang. Everyone welcome! Not sure who all will be in town, but CC: @next basin @tropic galleon @fluid cedar @buoyant gale @uncut salmon @eternal latch (honorable mention to @median coral and @jolly sandal, who are no longer with us in Japan 😢) More deets to come, but wanna gauge interest. Also @weak pelican I don’t think you’re in town, but if you are, you should join us. Or ya know, come back for an evening if you’re not here 👀

[weak pelican]

https://tenor.com/view/oden-one-piece-kozuki-oden-anime-gif-24647766

[uncut salmon]

sure 😄

[simple hamlet]

https://tenor.com/view/spy-x-family-anya-forger-anya-dance-gif-26844282

[weak pelican]

https://tenor.com/view/white-claw-the-claw-toy-story-clawwww-gif-14432446

[tropic galleon]

Loved hanging with you Woomy! I really wish I could join you guys but I'll be far out west. We'll be back in April if somehow you end up coming back then too!

[simple hamlet]

Aw bummer, but it was so fun hanging with you too! Not sure when my next trip here will be, but I hope we all cross paths again. This really has been a magical trip. I’ve had more fun this time around than in any of my totally solo visits in the past.

[robust needle]

Sick I dm’d ya for details!

[dire nimbus]

Unfortunately my group is out on Tuesday 😦

[median coral]

I am there in spirit!!!!

[forest marlin]

I’m gonna go to Joypolis tomorrow afternoon if anybody would like to join! I reserved a Zero Latency VR experience for 12:30 and going to just hang around and enjoy the games after that

[eternal latch]

I’m down later this evening if you guys are available. I’m heading home tomorrow morning 🥲

[simple hamlet]

I’m free tonight! I was just thinking of seeing who might want to get dinner. What did you have in mind?

I have to be up mega early to go to Hakone, but I think as long as I can be back at the Airbnb by like 10 or 10:30 tonight I should be fine.

[forest marlin]

Would it be alright if I tag along for this? ^

[eternal latch]

I’m down for anything really. To be honest I don’t have any suggestions 😅

[simple hamlet]

Yeah ofc! The more, the merrier. I’m trying to meet as many of the December gang as I can before I leave too lol.

[simple hamlet]

Hahaha ok! Name a cuisine you’re craving or a part of town you wanna go to and we can do some research.

Do you leave Wednesday?

Aww man 😭 it feels like literally everyone will be gone by the time it’s my turn to peace out lol. Maybe we’ll treat tonight as a 3-way farewell for you, John, and me 🥹

@uncut salmon you free tonight?

[uncut salmon]

Hello

I can be?

[simple hamlet]

Wooooo

Ok cool. It seems we’ve got 5 confirmed

So we’ll wanna go someplace that won’t need a reservation, probs.

I’m good with whatever as long as there’s pescatarian/vegetarian options. Dairy is a-ok.

Bonus points for a dessert menu 👀 but we can always grab something from a sweets shop after too lol.

[uncut salmon]

What kind of time you thinking, just so I can plan when I need to finish work

[jagged radish]

Anyone planning to go for meshida comedy on the 29th?

I’m thinking of either the last show of the year or the first show of the year

[simple hamlet]

Not sure. @eternal latch @chilly otter @forest marlin what say you? Does 7 PM sound good?

[eternal latch]

Yup 👍

[simple hamlet]

Wahoo!

@uncut salmon so sounds like 7 PM. Now we just need to pick a place 👀 open to delicious suggestions from the group

[forest marlin]

Works for me! Im going to teamlabs at 2:30 but that’s all I have firmly committed to today.

[simple hamlet]

Awesome!

[forest marlin]

Have you gone yet? Would you like to come with? Speaking of, @vocal mesa are you still thinking you might wanna meet me at Teamlabs?

Or anybody for that matter

[simple hamlet]

I haven’t, but I wanted to! Do you have an extra ticket?

[vocal mesa]

Im runnjng a bit behind for the train but im aiming for 2

I'll let you know asap

[forest marlin]

I don’t, let me see what I can do! Axmari do you also need a ticket?

[simple hamlet]

Ohhh are you coming back to Tokyo today?? Come to dinner with us, I wanted to meet you!

[vocal mesa]

I have a ticket!

[vocal mesa]

I'd love to!

I've also yet to see golden gai

[forest marlin]

Still tickets left! @simple hamlet, I’ll get you one for 2:00 with us!

[forest marlin]

I reallllly wanted to see golden gai haha

[simple hamlet]

Oh sweet!! Let me know how much it is and I’ll grab cash on my way

@forest marlin thanks so much! Is it 2 or 2:30 PM?

[forest marlin]

It is 2; sorry, I gave you bad info before 😅

[simple hamlet]

No prob!

[forest marlin]

Tickets are 3800 yen

[simple hamlet]

That means I can do a lil shopping first 👀

[forest marlin]

Seemed like it! Teamlabs website didn’t have any restrictions in place, no “x left” marked for that time slot.

Absolutely!

[simple hamlet]

Ohhhh I’m so happy! I really wanted to see this, but I didn’t wanna go alone

[forest marlin]

I’ll get tickets for you both, they’re QR codes, so we’ll just scan them all from my phone or I can send screenshots

[simple hamlet]

Or what’s the website?? I can do it for myself too if that’s easier

[languid steeple]

Let me know what y’all doing for dinners tonight or activities. I have like lapsing WiFi while on this plane :p.

[forest marlin]

So they actually let you distribute the tickets if you want! I’ll DM you your ticket link

And same for you

[simple hamlet]

Thanks, friend! Much appreciated.

[eternal latch]

I think I’ll join you guys at teamlabs too 🙌

[forest marlin]

Want me to grab you a ticket as well or would you like the link?

[eternal latch]

I already bought one :))

[tropic galleon]

@fluid cedar had such a bad time in Hakone with the spotty public transit, buses not showing up, hard to get a taxi, yadda. Plus everything shuts at like 5. Gotta check transport times carefully if you don't have a car!

Also wow Ax finally meeting Woomy!

I was in Hakone last year and when I wasn't driving, the public transport wasn't fun. I had to use Skype credit to call a Japan number to try to get a cab to a cab station.

[simple hamlet]

Ahh thanks for the heads up! That’s wild. I didn’t have issues when last I went, but I also got the free pass to do the obligatory first timer stuff (gondola, cable car, pirate ship, shrine)

[tropic galleon]

Oh maybe you timed it well then

[simple hamlet]

I’m arriving early tomorrow to drop my stuff off at the ryokan and then wander a bit. Once it’s check-in time at 3 PM, I’m not leaving the ryokan until check-out the next morning, then coming straight back lol. I’m gonna be lazy af and just onsen it up at the ryokan

[tropic galleon]

Yeah that sounds good 👍

[uncut salmon]

ok cool, just let me know where i need to go

[simple hamlet]

https://tenor.com/view/you-got-it-dude-full-house-michelle-thumbs-up-like-gif-13843999112788154509

[robust needle]

December gang here! Is it alright if I join in on tonight’s shenanigans too?

[simple hamlet]

For sure!

[simple hamlet]

Holy, I just saw this part of your message. That’s nuts. I’m taking the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto then walking about 17 min to the ryokan. The only thing I know for sure I want to do is the open air museum, but I figured I’d ask the ryokan staff for a recommended way of getting there. Do you think I’ll have issues?

[storm mortar]

if you guys are going to Teamlabs in the afternoon and want a lunch recommendation
check out this tempura restaurant near Toyosu

https://maps.app.goo.gl/onQN4XUimByGzCRT6

[tropic galleon]

Random note to Dec newcomers: Osaka accommodation is a lot cheaper than Tokyo's, you should consider staying in Osaka. I've enjoyed saving a lot of cash lol. There are fewer 'cool' areas to hang around but it's still decent and very lively

[tropic galleon]

During the main daylight hours it should be okay to take the buses around. We only ran into issues because we took a fairly late ferry down from the ropeway and then wandered around a bit looking for dinner. But after a nice curry dinner, there wasn't any bus...so I had to specifically call for a cab to come to a cab station that the restaurant directed us to

[south vine]

Way cheaper than Kyoto too

[simple hamlet]

Good to know! Thx pal.

[tropic galleon]

Totally

[south vine]

Though idk if that justifies day tripping into Kyoto to sightsee. Kyoto is too damned big and busy

[civic geode]

so the same with tokyo ?

[south vine]

Different scenarios entirely

[hot hatch]

Anybody feeling batting cages in Shinjuku late this afternoon or early evening?

[buoyant gale]

Just out of interest, are the batting cages different/good here?

[toxic cosmos]

Yes. When do you leave Hiroshima?

[toxic cosmos]

They have pitching cages too here

[honest wedge]

Any room for 1 more?

[hot hatch]

I've never been in the states. But the cages in the metro areas are usually on top of buildings, so you get a neat view. The batting experience is pretty fun and streamlined too

[simple hamlet]

Yep! Come over to the Dec 4 Team Labs / Dinner thread. Details for tonight are in there—we’re doing karaoke!

[vocal mesa]

Hello akihabara nice to meet you

[south vine]

I’m about to go meet up with a friend in nakameguro 😌

[keen epoch]

going to be in osaka kyoto and tokyo from 12/15 - 12/27 with no plans. Excited to meet up with some fellow travellers/locals!

[wicked nexus]

Chat got crazy

[calm tusk]

For those interested, there’s a comedy show in Asakusa in tomorrow night 12/5 @ 6pm.

English Standup Comedy Show ”My Japanese Perspective” in Tokyo by Meshida

https://youtube.com/@Meshida?si=dGSvrWb6-QVFRg4h

Tickets: https://tidycal.com/meshida/standup-comedy

I’ll be there for the drinks and the show. Drop a message if you’re interested in attending, could possibly do dinner beforehand.

For those not available then, we can arrange drinks afterwards the area.

[lament arrow]

Bit of a long shot, but I'm in Akihabara with a friend if anyone's around for some karaoke 😂

[calm tusk]

An even longer shot but I’m in Shibuya, if you want Karaoke 😅

[lament arrow]

Would take me like an hr to get there tho 😭

[calm tusk]

Haha yea thought that might be the case, no stress, next time

[vocal mesa]

Anyone up for golden gai????

[hot adder]

Can't stay for two long but sure

[vocal mesa]

Neat

A few of us are headed there now

[languid steeple]

I’m in roppongi XD

[vocal mesa]

We will only be there like an hour

[weak pelican]

No more karaoke??

Finish so sooon?

🥲

[buoyant gale]

I leave tomorrow. It's all good though I wasn't planning to visit but just curious if it was different as I saw it mentioned a few times.

[hot adder]

Where we meeting up?

[vocal mesa]

We're actually all headed back since last train is like midnight

Not a lot of time

I'm not going tk have a voice tomorrow oy

[fervent cloud]

is anyone trying to go to nikko or the izu pennisula area

[hot adder]

Sadge

[vocal mesa]

I'm sorryyyy but we plan on tomorrow

[south vine]

Got wasted as fuck my last night in Japan. Woooo let’s go

[fluid cedar]

If anyone is in Osaka we plan to go clubbing tonight

[jolly sandal]

I highly recommend Meshida ... Saw him twice this year.

[toxic cosmos]

If you ever get to go to one a lot of them have a ‘live pitcher’ animation that pitches the ball to you which I think is kinda cool. I do tend to enjoy going to the batting cages every now and then.

[jagged radish]

I want to attend 1 of meshida comedy. Is it fully booked? I am undecided on the 29th Dec or 7th Jan

Last show of the year or 1st of the year

[forest marlin]

Anybody wanna come to Joypolis today? I’ll be there from about noon - whenever 😂 only plan I have tonight is golden gai with Ax

[jagged radish]

Sad, I would have joined if I was in Japan. Could eat takoyaki at the same time

[forest marlin]

Ah shoot

[jagged radish]

Remember to bring passport

For a slight discount

500yen?

[forest marlin]

At Joypolis? I have a pass already from Klook

[jagged radish]

Oh

[forest marlin]

@vocal mesa @chilly otter shall we make a thread for Golden Gai outing tonight?

[next basin]

When you going to joypolis?

[tender mantle]

You must legally have your passport on you at all times when visiting Japan

[jagged radish]

It’s ok, i have my Asian card and gaijin card to play

[next basin]

Oops just saw you're going at noon @forest marlin . I'll let you know if I'm able to join ya later! Not sure ATM what my plan is yet

[forest marlin]

Okay! I’m going at noon bc I have a VR experience booked at 12:30. I’d likely do another if I had someone along tbh 😂 just let me know what you’re thinking! This was one of my marquee places to go so I expect to spend ample time there today

[next basin]

Hmm ok! I just took a peek at their site and seems there's still openings for VR experience later in the day. I prolly won't be making it for noon but for later. I keep you posted asap 🙂

[forest marlin]

Hell yeah let’s do it! Ping me or DM me when you do bc I keep most notifications muted on here 🫡

[vocal mesa]

For sure

[tropic galleon]

Anyone going to be in Hiroshima, Kobe, Onomichi, Kurashiki? Probably going to go to these places next

[calm tusk]

Definitely not booked out, since you can buy tickets here https://tidycal.com/meshida/standup-comedy

[jagged radish]

Thank you. It’s probably a last min booking. Just unsure if it’s the last scheduled day of the year or the first available day of next year

Yes I have subscribed to his YouTube channel

[dire rune]

I was kinda disappointed with kobe to be honest

[vocal mesa]

Kobe was a relax in the hotel room and recoup visit

Though Chinatown was best

Neat*

[grizzled coral]

Hey peeps im in tokyo for 6 days 😀

[vocal mesa]

I'll be at the itoya in Ginza if anyone is interested

[forest marlin]

Joypolis is SO GOOD. Zero Latency VR steals the show for me. Highly recommend any gamer types/VR enthusiasts to check it out

[marble delta]

Maybe I will see this… Sunday maybe

I got Okinawa on Monday

[west wind]

No vomit?

[simple hamlet]

Made it to Hakone ryokan. Ready to be lazy af one last time before I have to go home and face reality on Thursday 🥲

@weak pelican I assume you’ll want a full play by play again? 👀

[forest marlin]

Zero vomit haha

[tropic galleon]

Interesting, maybe I'll skip Kobe even though I saw recommendations for it

[tropic galleon]

I'd be interested in seeing Chinatown, but that alone isn't enough to stop in Kobe yeah

[weak pelican]

Ofc

[weak pelican]

I’m glad I called it Hehehe

[tropic galleon]

Straight to Onomichi or Hiroshima guess

[weak pelican]

And tell us which onsen you like more

[simple hamlet]

So far, in terms of aesthetics and the place itself, this one in Hakone wins. Also my room has a semi-open-air private onsen, which is nice. But I reserved an outdoor onsen for later tonight, so I shall report back. I have a feeling Kusatsu will win in terms of the bath because the beneficial water properties are stronger there than in Hakone.

[weak pelican]

Food too!

The yukata and room design

[simple hamlet]

Kusatsu yukata is cuter bc they let you choose a design. Here you can do that, but it costs extra, so I’m just using the standard one. Which is cute, but not as cute as being able to pick a cuter one.

[visual parcel]

What is it?

[simple hamlet]

Room design is better here. It’s a nice mix of modern and traditional. The only slight bummer is no futons—they’re mattresses made up to look like futons. Super comfy, but I love a fancy ryokan futon more. They feel like marshmallows.

Toilet opens and closes itself 🚽

[forest marlin]

It’s a full-room vr experience. It’s like a 30x30 room and you play various scenarios inside VR. I had an amazing time

They also send you a clip and your scoreboard via email after

[visual parcel]

Nice. May have to check it out!

[forest marlin]

Highly recommend

[dire rune]

yeahhh I wanted to see the port terminal to compare with mine but it was like 2 ferries and 0 fret 😅

[simple hamlet]

And anticipates my needs 👀

[next basin]

Yo the tearoom Im at ATM also had its toilet open upon my arrival, a blue underlight made it glow a little and then classical music started playing

I felt like a princess

Also enjoy your hakone princess time loads!! ❤️ pics pics pics

[simple hamlet]

✨ Princess Potty™️ ✨

The classical music is next level hilarious and amazing

Suspension bridge leading to the ryokan!

[marble delta]

Did you have to prebook that?

and do I have to prebook to Joypolis? Might do it on Thursday

[median coral]

SO PRETTY 😍

[forest marlin]

Yes to the VR experience, no for JP, just show up and buy a ticket, but I bought a 5-attraction pass on Klook that included JP

[marble delta]

Cool!

[forest marlin]

VR was 2200 yen

[simple hamlet]

Then I had to climb a VERY steep walkway lmao. I arrived out of breath and slightly sweaty.

[forest marlin]

Daily passport is super worth it btw if you plan to spend a lot of time like me

[marble delta]

I se you can buy with or without rides. What sort of rides are there?

Oooh looking at them now, looks fun!

[forest marlin]

There’s an interesting roller coaster, a half pipe ride, a VR PVP multiplayer tower shooter game, a bunch of walk through attractions, everything is a lot of fun!

Even if it’s a ride, it’s usually a game too!

[south vine]

Is that for creating the “suspension bridge effect” lol

[simple hamlet]

lol probably not. It wasn’t the super wobbly kind. (I had to look up what that even meant haha.)

Also I’m on a solo trip and no one else was around sooooooo

[south vine]

Totally joking because it’s a Japanese rom com trope

[simple hamlet]

Is it seriously?? That’s kinda bizarre lol

[south vine]

I read too much crappy manga 😂

[simple hamlet]

What an odd trope hahaha

[arctic sun]

That one looks sturdier than the one at mine lol

[simple hamlet]

Oh man, and it looks slippery, too!

[arctic sun]

Yeah it was raining today the bridge shakes a bit if like 3 people are on it but overall pretty safe I hope lol

[simple hamlet]

Glad you made it across 👀 I’m getting jello-legged just looking at it lol

[arctic sun]

I think wearing the ryokan clogs provided through that made it harder than needed lol

[simple hamlet]

Oh geez yeah

[arctic sun]

But first time some hesitation lol after that seems okay

[vocal mesa]

Ugggggggh last night in japaaaan 😢

[tropic galleon]

It was fun hanging!! Hope you had a decent 2nd half to your trip!

[vocal mesa]

It was fun! Hope I get to see you guys in person again!

[tender mantle]

sayonara mata ne

[median coral]

Thank you for crab 🦀 and fuji-san sisterhood

[vocal mesa]

Thank you for being a very goood lunch pal

And yes Fuji-San sister wives

[median coral]

4 lyf

[simple hamlet]

@vocal mesa I’m so glad we finally got to hang out! ❤️ Safe travels tomorrow and I hope our paths cross again so we can sing some more Celine Dion 🎤

And Spice Girls 👀

[vocal mesa]

Good shit good shit

[simple hamlet]

Oh man my stomach is going to burst. Kaiseki dinner is finished and it was so good 😵‍💫 but holy shit I’m full

@weak pelican dinner pics incoming

And finally, DESSERT

I’m gonna do laps around the room for the next hour lol

[tropic galleon]

It's healthy and small portions though, no guilt!

[simple hamlet]

Oh yeah, no guilt at all! Just my tum tum feeling a little too full lol. I have the outdoor bath reserved in a bit, so I want to make sure I’m not about to pop. I also booked a massage before that because I’ve only gotten like 2 ever and yolo. I feel like getting a massage while full might be tempting fate 💩

[tropic galleon]

Haha, gotta empty out before you do the massage yeah 😄

Which town is this? And is the outdoor bath/rotenburo very good?

[simple hamlet]

It’s Hakone! Tonosawa onsen. The ryokan is Yama No Chaya. The baths are simple thermal hot springs with weak alkalinity. Good for skin, fatigue, neuralgia, gastrointestinal stuff, cold sensitivity, and “women’s diseases”

Idk what that last one means. The Kusatsu onsen also listed women’s diseases and didn’t elaborate.

[tropic galleon]

Aha, yeah forgot you were going to Hakone! No trouble with the transport I hope!

Women's diseases, y'know, the usual

It's rainy out here in the Osaka area, hope it's better over there near Fuji

[simple hamlet]

No trouble at all! Though tbf I just took the Odakyu Romancecar here and then walked to the ryokan lol. I wound up coming later than planned and then not going back out.

[simple hamlet]

It’s pretty gloomy over here, too. I think tomorrow it’s supposed to clear up, but I’m headed back to Tokyo after breakfast so I can finish getting gifts, pack up, grab dinner, and hopefully get a good night’s sleep since I fly out on Thursday evening.

[tropic galleon]

Oof okay. Hope it's sunny so you can snap a few pics as you go tomorrow morn

Just one day in Hakone...huh

No ropeway run?

Though you've done it before iirc

[forest marlin]

I’m absolutely getting massages while I am at the hot springs towns haha

[simple hamlet]

Yep, did it my first trip. I was going to go to the open air museum, but since I came late, I didn’t have time. Ah well. It’s been worth it to just fully relax, anyway. It feels like a good way to end my trip.

[simple hamlet]

Good choice! I just had mine and it was totally worth it. Now it’s onsen time and then night night 🥱

[forest marlin]

Enjoy 🎩

We miss you!!

[tropic galleon]

Yeah! Hope you enjoyed the open-air bath, those are almost always delightful

Things you remember for a lifetime sometimes

[marble delta]

Just went to a language meetup, so much fun!

[vocal mesa]

And to you, Mr bread man

[arctic sun]

I will continue to eat bread in your name

[forest marlin]

You the man, Edward!!

[weak pelican]

Shokupan for life

[visual parcel]

If anyone wants to come to Golden Gai to drink… I’ll probably be here for a couple more hours. (Ping me.)

[tropic galleon]

Pretty drunk in Osaka now. Osaka nights

[south vine]

The best nights. Take care down the seedy alleys tho 😂

[dusky nebula]

@narrow plaza

[narrow plaza]

wow theres so many messages here haha @dusky nebula

[dusky nebula]

@narrow plaza i always just use the search tool to sift through them hahaha

[tropic galleon]

Back at hotel. Good fun in Misono Building, time flies lol

[weak pelican]

Yo buddy stay safe pls

[weak pelican]

Im so so glad

[simple hamlet]

Bleeeeeaaarghhhh really hoping this healthy ryokan breakfast helps me get rid of whatever bug I picked up. I fly home tomorrow and I’m not looking forward to feeling miserable on a 12-hour flight / 4 hour layover / 2 hour flight home 🤧

@weak pelican 朝ごはん！

I forgot to take a pic of the grilled fish on charcoal thingy, but this is everything else.

[median kraken]

I’m into street photography but landing in Osaka tmr

[weak pelican]

This place or kusatsu? This one looks more modern, and it’s breakfast in the room?

[trail kayak]

I would be super down for this, unfortunately I’m no professional photographer. I’d like to think I have a decent eye for photos though. Let me know 🫡

[simple hamlet]

Kusatsu ryokan has better onsen. Hakone ryokan has better accommodations plus extra services. Food is hard to compare bc Kusatsu kaiseki is different from Hakone kaiseki. There were things I preferred from each, so if I had to say, I’d say they’re pretty evenly matched.

Although plating and presentation in Hakone was better. More elegant.

[trail kayak]

Aha another Canadian, just flew here from Pickering, ON yesterday.

All good though. Hope the photo sesh goes well

[simple hamlet]

Also yes, all meals served in room in Hakone, which was nice!

[split jackal]

I am alone in the office today and it's boring. Anyone wanna have lunch together at Shibuya ? 🤣

[vocal mesa]

My voice is still shot to hell I hope they don't think I have Covid