Nerds visit to Japan... When to book
Discussion
Hi Everyone,
Looking for a little advice...
My mate and I are big nuke nerds. We have done every publicly available nuclear site in the UK! We really want to visit Japan (Hiroshima) for obvious reasons. Whilst I have no problems with setting up internal transfers etc etc, getting there from Manchester and accommodation are a bit of a unusual thing for us (It's not like "just" going to Vegas after all).
The biggest question I have is if we plan to go Q3-Q4 2025 when is the best time to book our flights? Can anyone suggest anywhere good to look thats off the beaten track and does anyone have any really good places to visit. I have ordered the lonely planet guide but I am really itching to experience some of the offbeat culture.
Looking for a little advice...
My mate and I are big nuke nerds. We have done every publicly available nuclear site in the UK! We really want to visit Japan (Hiroshima) for obvious reasons. Whilst I have no problems with setting up internal transfers etc etc, getting there from Manchester and accommodation are a bit of a unusual thing for us (It's not like "just" going to Vegas after all).
The biggest question I have is if we plan to go Q3-Q4 2025 when is the best time to book our flights? Can anyone suggest anywhere good to look thats off the beaten track and does anyone have any really good places to visit. I have ordered the lonely planet guide but I am really itching to experience some of the offbeat culture.
CoffeeGuy said:
Hi Everyone,
Looking for a little advice...
My mate and I are big nuke nerds. We have done every publicly available nuclear site in the UK! We really want to visit Japan (Hiroshima) for obvious reasons. Whilst I have no problems with setting up internal transfers etc etc, getting there from Manchester and accommodation are a bit of a unusual thing for us (It's not like "just" going to Vegas after all).
The biggest question I have is if we plan to go Q3-Q4 2025 when is the best time to book our flights? Can anyone suggest anywhere good to look thats off the beaten track and does anyone have any really good places to visit. I have ordered the lonely planet guide but I am really itching to experience some of the offbeat culture.
There’s a few recent threads on here which are worth searching out.Looking for a little advice...
My mate and I are big nuke nerds. We have done every publicly available nuclear site in the UK! We really want to visit Japan (Hiroshima) for obvious reasons. Whilst I have no problems with setting up internal transfers etc etc, getting there from Manchester and accommodation are a bit of a unusual thing for us (It's not like "just" going to Vegas after all).
The biggest question I have is if we plan to go Q3-Q4 2025 when is the best time to book our flights? Can anyone suggest anywhere good to look thats off the beaten track and does anyone have any really good places to visit. I have ordered the lonely planet guide but I am really itching to experience some of the offbeat culture.
For me Autumn will be a great time to go, as you’ll get beautiful scenery but avoid the peak times for Cherry blossom when it is extra busy / expensive. I would expect you’d should be looking to book in Q1 2025.
If you are going to Hiroshima then definitely take a trip to Miyajima island - very touristy, but also breathtaking. Obviously you should have Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka on your list. You might want to consider Nagasaki as well? Everywhere is easily accessible on the Shinkansen and not too expensive with a green card.
I’m going in May and I’ve found good information from r/JapanTravelTips on Reddit.
Anything you want to ask they’ll probably be able to help with.
One good tip I got on here was book flights from the airline. I’ve already had to rebook after the first leg was cancelled and the ability to deal directly with the airline was invaluable.
Anything you want to ask they’ll probably be able to help with.
One good tip I got on here was book flights from the airline. I’ve already had to rebook after the first leg was cancelled and the ability to deal directly with the airline was invaluable.
Edited by Drawweight on Thursday 8th February 13:51
Tokyo to Hiroshima can be done by train easy. It will take you half a day as its 400 miles.
You could fly, but tbh no point. (IMO)
In Hiroshima itself there is obviously a massive area set aside to the memorial, museum, gardens etc.
Allow a full day for sure.
The actual ground zero is about 200m from the dome.
Its down a side street and you can walk directly there, there wont be many people at the actual ground zero.
The museum itself can get very, very busy. Be aware of that. Also, its quite a sombre place and you will find it interesting the view on who / why / when (it might make you raise an eye brow - or maybe not!)
Also don't forget allow half a day for Miyajima which is 30 min down the coast plus 20 min ferry ride.
If you like hikes then allow a full day.
Nagasaki is possible from Hiroshima but takes a bit more effort.
Hiroshima to Fukuoka is easy. But then local trains the rest of the way.
From Fukuoka you can spend 2-3 hours in Nagasaki with an early start.
We got rained off in Nagasaki and then I forgot my wallet so could not get the train!!
We then went to Kumamoto and booked a ferry to get over to Nagasaki.
This was cancelled due to fog.
So in the end we decided it was not to be and carried on with our route.
I think the fastest way back would then be to fly FUK>HND. Still, even on the train it would be no real issue.
I am sure you wont but don't get in any trouble in Japan.
They don't have any concept of swift legal process and the courts have a >99.8% conviction rate.
As a foreigner they will treat you with zero sympathy. You are likely to spend at least a month in jail before you get any sort of court date....
You could fly, but tbh no point. (IMO)
In Hiroshima itself there is obviously a massive area set aside to the memorial, museum, gardens etc.
Allow a full day for sure.
The actual ground zero is about 200m from the dome.
Its down a side street and you can walk directly there, there wont be many people at the actual ground zero.
The museum itself can get very, very busy. Be aware of that. Also, its quite a sombre place and you will find it interesting the view on who / why / when (it might make you raise an eye brow - or maybe not!)
Also don't forget allow half a day for Miyajima which is 30 min down the coast plus 20 min ferry ride.
If you like hikes then allow a full day.
Nagasaki is possible from Hiroshima but takes a bit more effort.
Hiroshima to Fukuoka is easy. But then local trains the rest of the way.
From Fukuoka you can spend 2-3 hours in Nagasaki with an early start.
We got rained off in Nagasaki and then I forgot my wallet so could not get the train!!
We then went to Kumamoto and booked a ferry to get over to Nagasaki.
This was cancelled due to fog.
So in the end we decided it was not to be and carried on with our route.
I think the fastest way back would then be to fly FUK>HND. Still, even on the train it would be no real issue.
I am sure you wont but don't get in any trouble in Japan.
They don't have any concept of swift legal process and the courts have a >99.8% conviction rate.
As a foreigner they will treat you with zero sympathy. You are likely to spend at least a month in jail before you get any sort of court date....
Edited by gotoPzero on Thursday 8th February 19:06
Japan's southern region holds mostly subtropical and Mediterranean weather, so expect high temperatures during the summer, and a fairly cool winter. The two dominant seasons are spring and summer. So what is the best month to visit Japan? If you're looking for fun in the sun, try July to August. Japan's winter season is the best for hot spring lovers, so December to February is your target time. Flower fans will enjoy Japanese springtime, which falls between March and May. Lastly, Autumn brings the best of all seasons and festivals, so travel between September and November. If you’re a history lover, a good place to visit outside Hiroshima would be Okinawa. For foodies with a soft spot for fresh ingredients, spend your days along Okinawa mainland beaches and seaside towns.
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