Help Me Oppo, Help Help Me Oppo ...

"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
03/04/2016 at 15:55 • Filed to: None

After dicking around for the best part of 12 years, I’m finally headed to Japan to meet the SigOther on a business trip. So I need suggestions for car-related sites, or just great things to see. I’ll have a guide/translator as well. Damn, I’m a lucky guy.

DISCUSSION (15)

Panther Brown Tdi Volvo Shooting Brake Manual Miata RWD Wagon Stole HondaBro's Accord. > Steve in Manhattan
03/04/2016 at 15:59

There is only one thing that any car bro goes to Japan for.

Kinja'd!!!

CounterTorqueSteer > Steve in Manhattan
03/04/2016 at 16:05

Brb, going to listen to my Beach Boys collection.

Steve in Manhattan > CounterTorqueSteer
03/04/2016 at 16:08

“If everybody had an ocean ...”

StudyStudyStudy > Steve in Manhattan
03/04/2016 at 16:15

You could spend a couple days doing the touristy bits. Tokyo tower with the glass floor is interesting, Akihabara is a hoot if you are into the newer japanese culture, kyoto has a real feeling of tradition. The bullet train is fascinating as, having it blow by at 180+MPH was a real crazy moment. Shrines are a must see, if you go early in the morning, the crowds are small and you can just spend the day watching the workers who care for the shrine. I watched an older gentleman sweep for a solid 10 minutes, there was artistry there. The fish market was pretty awesome, the shear volume that passes through each day was amazing. The smaller one I went to offered bowls of rice, and you could wander the stalls and pay a dollar or two at each stand for a slice of sashimi or other seafoods prepared on the spot (sashimi was all sushi grade so frozen over night and clean to eat), they even had whale. A local bar with snack foods can be fun, cheap beer, delicious snacks.

Regarding cars, going to one of the race tracks on an event day could be fun. Some manufacturers will throw “thanks day” and do an event at the track. I went on a tour that took us up a mountain pass with a lake and a ferry ride, saw a couple drift cars to boot, felt like I was in an episode of initial D. The car auctions could be a fun place to head to just to wander the parking lot if that is allowed.

Not sure of your level of japanese language/culture, but they will appreciate an earnest effort to communicate. Quite a lot of people have basic english skills, but put on the spot can be very embarrassing and stressful for them. A lot of the efficiency in their system comes from being mindful of others, taking notice of what others are doing and getting in the right line or standing on the right side of the escalator will keep you from annoying locals I’m sure your translator/guide will assist with that part.

Steve in Manhattan > StudyStudyStudy
03/04/2016 at 16:19

I am up for Kyoto - we already have a ryokan for a night, and our friend will be there with us. I’ll have a translator/guide nearly every day, so my lack of Japanese skills (the cats understand more Japanese than I do) will not be a problem. And thanks for your suggestions.

StudyStudyStudy > Steve in Manhattan
03/04/2016 at 16:21

A ryokan is also a fantastic experience, we visited one but didn’t stay the night. I forgot about the heritage museums as well, I think toyota and nissan both have them.

Steve in Manhattan > Panther Brown Tdi Volvo Shooting Brake Manual Miata RWD Wagon Stole HondaBro's Accord.
03/04/2016 at 16:22

If only .... I suppose I’ll never to drive in a RHD country, but maybe the English countryside at some point ....

Steve in Manhattan > StudyStudyStudy
03/04/2016 at 16:25

The SigOther’s dad had a Nissan garage on Okinawa for years. I would be remiss if I didn’t visit those heritage museums. Hell, I went to the Studebaker Museum, so why not?

TheOnelectronic > Steve in Manhattan
03/04/2016 at 16:35

Brush up on the history:

Steve in Manhattan > TheOnelectronic
03/04/2016 at 16:50

Thanks.

avens > Steve in Manhattan
03/04/2016 at 17:30

Depends on the date. For example I’ll be going on October, to attend to the Grand Prix among other things, but if you go on lets say May then you can go to watch Sumo.

As I’m researching things to do, the more I understand that Japan (and Tokyo in particular) is overwhelming with the amount of possibilities. Do you like eating out? #1 city in the world for that. Do you like videogames, or anything geeky or tech related? #1 city in the world for that. Do you enjoy track days? How about driving in the #1 most technical international-level circuit in the world, Suzuka, which is not too far from Kyoto.

Steve in Manhattan > avens
03/04/2016 at 18:42

Do not care about video games, care about everything automotive and everything foodie. If you think of something, just email: steve.reiness@gmail.com

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Steve in Manhattan
03/04/2016 at 20:27

I lived there for years. In Tokyo you can head to Odaiba and see the Toyota Megaweb and the car museum near there. You can look up the late night parking lot meetups. Drive out to Izu on the weekend and you usually see some nice cars out for a drive if the weather is nice.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > avens
03/04/2016 at 20:36

I lived there for years, I am as big a sumo fan as I am an F1 fan. I would recommend a basho but the next one is not in Tokyo, Haru is in Osaka starting March 13, for 15 days.

Steve in Manhattan > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
03/07/2016 at 14:10

Thanks. Just got home from DC (seeing mom) and I leave 3.19 - cannot wait.