I think I make a thread every time I go on vacation to Japan, but yeah, as always trying to maximize my results.
JR Pass
I'm throwing around the idea of buying a 2-week JR pass; however, I'm not sure if I should with the dollar still strong. I'll be in Tokyo and Osaka so the primary use would be for the shinkansen back and forth. Of course you can use it on all JR-operated lines, but when I was in Osaka I feel I used the subway much more. I'm just not sure I'll get the full value out of the pass unless I go on a few day trips to Kobe, Kyoto, etc. It's very convenient to just show to the person and get through the gate, though (used a 1-week last time I went). Can anyone make an argument for buying it? I'm already booking my hotels, and can say with certainty I won't be straying too far from Osaka or Tokyo unless it's that day trip.
Meetups
The past 2 times I went to Japan, my shyness got the best of me and I killed more time than spent meeting people, or hanging out with friends. Anyone got ideas for some good meetups to go to? I might even chance going to some sort of speed-dating thing if the opportunity presents itself, Japan people seem to love it and I wouldn't mind meeting someone to set up a few dates. Looking for recommendations on that front too. I have a few folks in mind to hang out with but I want to fill in the gaps I may have in my schedule.
JR Pass
I'm throwing around the idea of buying a 2-week JR pass; however, I'm not sure if I should with the dollar still strong. I'll be in Tokyo and Osaka so the primary use would be for the shinkansen back and forth. Of course you can use it on all JR-operated lines, but when I was in Osaka I feel I used the subway much more. I'm just not sure I'll get the full value out of the pass unless I go on a few day trips to Kobe, Kyoto, etc. It's very convenient to just show to the person and get through the gate, though (used a 1-week last time I went). Can anyone make an argument for buying it? I'm already booking my hotels, and can say with certainty I won't be straying too far from Osaka or Tokyo unless it's that day trip.
Meetups
The past 2 times I went to Japan, my shyness got the best of me and I killed more time than spent meeting people, or hanging out with friends. Anyone got ideas for some good meetups to go to? I might even chance going to some sort of speed-dating thing if the opportunity presents itself, Japan people seem to love it and I wouldn't mind meeting someone to set up a few dates. Looking for recommendations on that front too. I have a few folks in mind to hang out with but I want to fill in the gaps I may have in my schedule.