/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

I just got back about 2 weeks ago.

Japan summers= Hot as hell. Invest in cooling wipes and a small towel. If you can get prickly heat powder from a thai shop before you leave, DO IT.

Kyoto/Arashiyama- One of my more favorite places, gorgeous scenery, bamboo forest, and serene temples. Walking on a bridge from the Heian period and visiting a shrine mentioned in the Tales of Genji was pretty cool too. I had already previously went to Gion on my first trip, very lovely geisha shows.

Osaka- Do you like pachinko? Do you like drinking and looking at cool signs? This is the place for you. I ate fugu there, and be warned: You'll feel drunk afterwards, like your brain is swimming. MUST GO TO THE AQUARIUM!

Hakone- This is the ultimate hotspring spot for tourists. Be prepared to lug your shit through jungle. And don't buy the "apple juice", with and unnoticeable marker for 8% alcohol per volume in a can your shit will get fucked up quickly.

Yudanaka/Nagano- Another major tourist hot springs location. Home to the infamous bathing snow monkeys (which have no problem stealing things from you). Go to Matsumoto to see Matsumoto castle. The "crow castle" has almost a gothic feel to it, and the food around the castle is pretty tasty. Tried Basashi (Raw horse sashimi) and that was sooooooo good.

Tokyo- Haneda excel hotel is TOTALLY freaking awesome. Very convenient hotel inside the domestic terminal of Haneda airport, 2 min away from trains going everywhere. Harajuku is worth it. Tokyo tower is worth it.

Any specific questions I'm more than willing to answer!

Pic related: Matsumoto castle. Took this when the sun was going down