Japan

Anyone know where to get hold of a hoodie cycling top similar to the one on the http://blogged.jugem.jp/ as mention by le car?

Offwhite Anyone know where to get hold of a hoodie cycling top similar to the one on the http://blogged.jugem.jp/ as mention by le car?

Ive got one of these, it's Gore-Tex, cheap and looks pretty sweet... $110...
http://www.swrvecycling.com/topsMilwaukee.html

All Nippon Airways are doing London Heathrow to Tokyo Narita returns for £479.60 direct.

I've just booked another flight for the 4 Dec.

All your Nagasawa's are belong to us.

I only just noticed in that shop, next to the anodized sugino cranks....ANODIZED D-LOCKS!!! Seriously WOW!

Build All Nippon Airways are doing London Heathrow to Tokyo Narita returns for £479.60 direct.

I've just booked another flight for the 4 Dec.

All your Nagasawa's are belong to us.

You the man, Build! Wicked directions earlier in this thread, thanks so much for posting - made the trip!

How quickly can a person learn a useful amount of a language?

I'm going to cycle the length of Japan in August, and it would be good if I could speak enough to get by.

Japanese isn't difficult to learn to speak if you put your mind to it. The grammar is pretty simple and the pronunciation basic phonetics. It's the reading and writing that'll hinder your progress. Getting the みんなの日本語, Minna no nihongo, Japanese for Everybody books is a good start. Don't bother with the Japanese for busy people.

頑張って！

I downloaded some teach yourself Japanese audio, which I've been listening to. But they just seem to teach phrases rather than words. Not sure if this is the best approach...

Thanks for the tip

Who are you riding with? I'm planning on doing Tokyo to Kyoto in 2012, so be sure to give me some tips on your return.

No, it's good to learn phrases. These are the formulas you add together and start replacing with other words once they get familiar.

I going out there with a friend. We're looking to take maybe 5 weeks for this one, and take time out to explore Tokyo, climb Mt. Fuji, explore the countryside, etc.

I going to have to get a new bike though. Something that will take panniers.

In August? You are a very brave man.

i lived in Nagoya for a year. Nowt much there, but I did get a lot of sightseeing in other cities so any questions just ask me.

My bike there was an utter heap. I rode it everywhere, good fun. Kyoto by bike is brilliant.

August is sooooo sticky and sweaty. It got up to 40 degrees when I was in Hiroshima. Yowzers

Oh dear...

I was perusing my lonely planet, and the temperatures didn't look too bad. Is it going to be humid?

Thanks for the offer of advice. I'll definitely be getting in touch

I would say the average is mid-30s. Some areas aren't so humid. nagoya is famously humid because it is surrounded by mountains.

I would just be prepared for some very very hot days!

The ONLY place that's not humid in August is Hokkaido. All the obvious places to hit, like Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka et al will feel like, if not in fact approaching, 80% humidity. Sometimes, the humidity feels so dense that it feels like you can cut through air. You can just stand still on the pavement and get soaked in perspiration. Pedalling around in that humidity? Locals do it, obviously, but if you're visiting for leisure, I would avoid August because it just won't be as enjoyable. However, if August is your only practical option, then forget what I said, get over there and enjoy yourself. It's not an excuse NOT to go.

Would it be worth buying a tourer & panniers, etc. out there, or shipping one from the UK?

(and then selling it before I come back?)

If you are very tall, then you might have some difficulties in finding a suitable size (or selling one) over there.

Good point.
I'm 5'11 and three quarters. So probably ok?

Probably ok. I still have no idea about the relative virtues of taking one with you or buying one over there and selling it on your way out...

Another consideration is the absurd strength of the yen these days. If it doesn't ease off by August, then you might be looking at a very expensive purchase in Japan, with an uncertain prospect of recovering the cost upon exit. Depends on your risk tolerance...

I regret not getting into cycling when I was over in Japan. I have seen some delicious Japanese bikes online, and it kind of makes me want to find one for sale here that's been imported.

You'll have a great time whatever. Magical country!

So, I'm going to tokyo on the 20th for three weeks, I'll be over there for Christmas and new year, And have no plans so far. In short, what you got?
What should I be doing for 3 weeks, and what should not be missed?
Bike based activity or otherwise.
Thankyou

Sensoji Temple
Location: 2-3-1 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: Tokyo Subway Asakusa Station

http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/index.html

This is a popular place to visit especially around New Year.