Help Japan trip

[TAW122]

I've thought about going to Japan and just fyi, this is not necessarily indicative of recovery, but perhaps people who lived there or visited there for a trip may know more about it. While I have traveled internationally before (Europe, Asia, and even Canada) in the past, I have never had more than a layover in Japan, which was almost 10 years ago. Besides the very touristy stuff that most people do in Japan, there are a few things that I am interested in, which is having really good Omakase at a sushi place, maybe some other personal interests in subcultures (been deep into it). Most of the places I've been to in the US simply had subpar sushi with some are just slightly below average compared to one I had in Japan. (Note: This doesn't mean that the sushi tastes bad, but nothing really amazing or outstanding compared to the good, fancier places) The one I had in Japan a long time ago it was a conveyor belt sushi place, which was still better than most average places in the US in terms of quality.

So I figured that before I CTB or such down the road, I'd at least like to try out some good food on my own terms, assuming I'm able to access it and what not. I do live in the US, but don't have access to some of the best places nor live close to a major city that has really high end sushi.

Feel free to discuss in DMs about the feasibility of going to Japan for a trip or even discuss here. Or maybe other options that may still be able to give me that similar or very closely comparable experience in the US. I have some savings, but I also don't want to just throw away all my savings either.

 

[Forveleth]

I went to Japan, god like, 15? years ago. Best trip I ever took. We went during sakura season and it was unbelievably beautiful.

I was in Mito, which is close to the coast. We took a day to go to a seaside fishing town where we had sushi that had been out of the water no longer than 8 hours. So good! It was far enough away from Tokyo that it was not touristy (very little English on signs) but close enough that we hopped on a train and spent a few days in Tokyo doing all the tourist stuff there. We also saw the Akame Falls if I remember correctly. We also tried every KitKat flavor we could get our hands on.

We stayed at hostels or capsule hotels to save money which was fine as we were out seeing the sights 90% of the day anyway.

People there were very friendly and helpful and the younger people got really excited to practice their English with us. Although I have heard xenophobia is starting to creep up again. But so long as you follow the cultural rules (do not be loud in public and walk on the left!) I think you should be fine. 10/10 would recommend

 

[nobodycaresaboutme]

I'm in Japan. I'm glad to hear that you like my country. Now yen is weak. It's a good chance to have a trip.
As for Japanese foods, I recommend unagi (eel). You can find unagi restaurants here and there in Japan and Shizuoka is particularly famous. It's kind of expensive (¥5000~10000,$34~68), but worth the price, I believe.
If the biggest purpose of your Japan trip plan is to have splendid sushi, Toyama and Ishikawa are good places to visit.

It's sadly true that the small part of Japanese people are starting to become xenophobic as @Forveleth mentioned. They are enraged with the foreign tourists uploading videos of grave robbery or train free rides or other crimes in Japan. But at least no one will ever target you unless you leave trash on roads or violate manners. Please check travel etiquette guides in advance. Have a nice trip