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Skateboarding => Travel Guide => Topic started by: aojiru on June 13, 2011, 06:36:26 PM
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Was kind of surprised there was no thread for Japan yet. Heading there in September so looking to get some info on spots or other tips.
Been there twice but aside from going to Fat Bros in Nakano, Murasaki Sports in Harajuku and Arkitip in Shibuya I'm not sure of any other shops in the Tokyo area. Since the streets seem to be super crowded during the day, the closest I saw to anyone skating was a bunch of guys skating flatground by the gate in Yoyogi Park. From the videos I've seen it seems like I'll have to get used to staying out at night to get any skating done.
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You should hit up Mecenat Park in Yashio.. It looks sick!
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Was kind of surprised there was no thread for Japan yet.? Heading there in September so looking to get some info on spots or other tips.
Been there twice but aside from going to Fat Bros in Nakano, Murasaki Sports in Harajuku and Arkitip in Shibuya I'm not sure of any other shops in the Tokyo area.? Since the streets seem to be super crowded during the day, the closest I saw to anyone skating was a bunch of guys skating flatground by the gate in Yoyogi Park.? From the videos I've seen it seems like I'll have to get used to staying out at night to get any skating done.
Watch the adidas Japan video, a lot of footage during the day (and night). I would think it's probably tough to cruise around during the day but going to spots shouldn't be a problem.
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Was kind of surprised there was no thread for Japan yet.? Heading there in September so looking to get some info on spots or other tips.
Been there twice but aside from going to Fat Bros in Nakano, Murasaki Sports in Harajuku and Arkitip in Shibuya I'm not sure of any other shops in the Tokyo area.? Since the streets seem to be super crowded during the day, the closest I saw to anyone skating was a bunch of guys skating flatground by the gate in Yoyogi Park.? From the videos I've seen it seems like I'll have to get used to staying out at night to get any skating done.
There are a two new concrete parks out there that you should check out for sure. One's in the city (I want to say Shinjuku but I don't know) and the other is just outside of Tokyo in Hajioji (I think). Hesh Dawgz is another shop in Shibuya you should hit up: http://www.heshdawgz.com/ (http://www.heshdawgz.com/) THere's also Magical Mosh Misfits (tragic name but they're pretty rad) in Ikebukuro: http://www.mxmxm-noise.com/ (http://www.mxmxm-noise.com/) And California Street which is supposed to be good I hear: http://www.californiastreet.net/ (http://www.californiastreet.net/)
If you came out to the Osaka area I'd be able to show you around. As far as Tokyo goes I know where to get drunk and where to find hookers and that's about it. The Adidas video as mentioned above is a good showcase of spots but even a lot of the "Tokyo" spots are actually in the Osaka area. Generally night time is when people skate simply because of how many people are out during the day. That and people generally work during the day and skate afterwards.
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The new park is in Shibuya. Looks like fun.
http://vimeo.com/25176287
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The new park is in Shibuya. Looks like fun.
http://vimeo.com/25176287
I'm heading out to Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nara) in a couple of weeks and want to check this place out. It looks like it's just north of the Shibuya station off the Yamanote line. Is it easy to find?
I also want to check out that giant wave spot in Osaka. Anyone know how to get to that?
I came across a cool looking skatepark in Nara called Power Bomb. Anyone know how to get to that as well? I'll be doing more research on how to find the spots mentioned but thought I'd hit up the Slap Pals first.
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The new park is in Shibuya. Looks like fun.
http://vimeo.com/25176287
I'm heading out to Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nara) in a couple of weeks and want to check this place out.? It looks like it's just north of the Shibuya station off the Yamanote line.? Is it easy to find?
I also want to check out that giant wave spot in Osaka.? Anyone know how to get to that?
I came across a cool looking skatepark in Nara called Power Bomb.? Anyone know how to get to that as well?? I'll be doing more research on how to find the spots mentioned but thought I'd hit up the Slap Pals first.
The park in Shibuya is pretty easy to find on your own. FYI you have to pay to play (200 yen per session; sessions is 2-3 hours). Check out Shibuya on google maps (satelite) an you will be able to spot it. It's walking distance from the station.
The Osaka wave will be impossible to find on your own. I could give you directions but I garuntee you won't find. You can hit me up if you want. If I'm free I'd be more than happy to take you there. I can show you around some Osaka spots if you want.
Powerbomb, again, is in the middle of bumble fuck Nara. Rice paddy country. It's about 15 minutes pushing from the closest station, if you know the way. Again if we meet up I can introduce you to a fellow who lives near there. He's tight with the owner and would defo be the best person to go with.
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The new park is in Shibuya. Looks like fun.
http://vimeo.com/25176287
I'm heading out to Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nara) in a couple of weeks and want to check this place out.? It looks like it's just north of the Shibuya station off the Yamanote line.? Is it easy to find?
I also want to check out that giant wave spot in Osaka.? Anyone know how to get to that?
I came across a cool looking skatepark in Nara called Power Bomb.? Anyone know how to get to that as well?? I'll be doing more research on how to find the spots mentioned but thought I'd hit up the Slap Pals first.
The Osaka wave will be impossible to find on your own. I could give you directions but I garuntee you won't find. You can hit me up if you want. If I'm free I'd be more than happy to take you there. I can show you around some Osaka spots if you want.
Powerbomb, again, is in the middle of bumble fuck Nara. Rice paddy country. It's about 15 minutes pushing from the closest station, if you know the way. Again if we meet up I can introduce you to a fellow who lives near there. He's tight with the owner and would defo be the best person to go with.
Awesome... Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. I'll hit you up if I've got time to skate. I'm only in Osaka for 1 day and Nara for 1 day so skate time will probably be limited. So how was the Power Bomb park? It looks super fun and it looks like they've got a cool scene going.
ありがとうございました！
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No problem.
Tight schedule. Powerbomb is fun. A bit rugged, but I think that adds to it.
I assume you are going to be sightseeing while you're in Nara? If so the park is nowhere near where you'll be, so it might be hard to do both in a day.
Oh yeah, I completely forgot I made this map. I haven't really been keeping up with it but you can peep some spots in the area.
Red= street spots
Green= public parks
Yen symbol= private parks
Shopping bag= skate shops
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=116096024801013229773.0004847f984dfbdee7418&t=h&source=embed&ll=34.813803,135.260925&spn=1.249244,2.90863&z=9
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thanks everyone for the information! will make my trip in april much easier now I know the names of some of the good spots.
Will post photos of what I find when I return!
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There is a really big new park called planet park, you need to catch a bus from Hachiouji station to a place called tobuki. It's the best skate park I've been to there.
VIDEOLOG: HACHIOJI SKATE PARK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlas6pA4VeM#ws)
八王子スケートパーク 戸吹 プラネット skatepark tobuki tokyo japan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_flF3_ITQ0#ws)
Excuse the boringness of the vid, but it shows the park.
In Tokyo, there is the miyashita (Nike) park.Easy to find it's basically right next to Meiji dori parallel to the yamanote line.
There is a ok set up at tamachi (box and manual pad) probably seen in many vids.
Shin Yokohama also has a big park which is semi under cover. Easy to find as it's under the Yokohama International football stadium (kokusaikougijyo).
A lot of this footage was filmed there:
The Days Inn KOTA IKEDA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDwRXzVWyfY#ws)
頑張って
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No problem.
Tight schedule. Powerbomb is fun. A bit rugged, but I think that adds to it.
I assume you are going to be sightseeing while you're in Nara? If so the park is nowhere near where you'll be, so it might be hard to do both in a day.
Oh yeah, I completely forgot I made this map. I haven't really been keeping up with it but you can peep some spots in the area.
Red= street spots
Green= public parks
Yen symbol= private parks
Shopping bag= skate shops
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=116096024801013229773.0004847f984dfbdee7418&t=h&source=embed&ll=34.813803,135.260925&spn=1.249244,2.90863&z=9
Damn... good job on putting together the Google Map of all the spots in the Osaka area. Shit... with all those spots it kinda looks like Barca.
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Cheers.
THere is heaps more and that map is no where near complete but I just simply not as bored as when I first started it.
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I wish the yen wasn't always so goddamn strong.
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I wish the yen wasn't always so goddamn strong.
It was like 120 yen to a dollar when I first came here and then the dollar just tanked. Strong for the moment but who knows how long thatll last.
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I would love to get out to Japan to go skate sometime but I've heard it is always so crowded with people walking around in the cities that it is almost impossible to skate most of the stuff you find. Any truth to that? Also, What would you guys say is the best city skate-wise in Japan?
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I would love to get out to Japan to go skate sometime but I've heard it is always so crowded with people walking around in the cities that it is almost impossible to skate most of the stuff you find. Any truth to that? Also, What would you guys say is the best city skate-wise in Japan?
In larger more populated cities like osaka or tokyo that is true to an extent in busier parts of the cities during the day. At night the city.is.yours.
Maybe I'm biased but osaka is the best because of the ammount of spots in the city and in the surrounding area.
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how do you guys make a living in japan? do you guys just teach english or something? i got a japanese passport and my japanese is pretty good but i dont know what kind of work i could get if i lived there considering my kanji comprehension skills are that of a 3rd grader
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how do you guys make a living in japan?? do you guys just teach english or something?? i got a japanese passport and my japanese is pretty good but i dont know what kind of work i could get if i lived there considering my kanji comprehension skills are that of a 3rd grader
I work at a hospital and do freelance translation work.
Most people I know work as English teachers and if you find an okay school you can make some decent scratch. I know some people who have been here for years and don't speak read or write Japanese. So as far as being an English teacher that's not really a requirement, and daily life is pretty navigable without it. With that said it is definitely a plus when searching for work to know the language, otherwise you limit yourself. As an aside, I personally believe one should at least be making the effort to learn the language of the country you are living in. That's just common courtesy in my opinion.
If you have a passport I assume you have dual citizenship, in which case that'll make finding a job a whole metric-fuck-ton easier. You shouldn't have any trouble finding something. Most places don't want to be bothered with the paperwork involved visa sponsorship. And if you are Japanese/SE Asian in appearance you won't have to deal with a lot of the bigoted/xenophobic bullshit the rest of us do.
FYI best times to find work are the end of the fiscal year (most contract end in March and renew in April) and around September (6 month contracts end in August and renew in September).
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kind of discrimination do you guys face? Other than being too tall to go into the subway and most buildings.
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how do you guys make a living in japan?? do you guys just teach english or something?? i got a japanese passport and my japanese is pretty good but i dont know what kind of work i could get if i lived there considering my kanji comprehension skills are that of a 3rd grader
Most people I know work as English teachers and if you find an okay school you can make some decent scratch. I know some people who have been here for years and don't speak read or write Japanese. So as far as being an English teacher that's not really a requirement, and daily life is pretty navigable without it. With that said it is definitely a plus when searching for work to know the language, otherwise you limit yourself. As an aside, I personally believe one should at least be making the effort to learn the language of the country you are living in. That's just common courtesy in my opinion.
If you have a passport I assume you have dual citizenship, in which case that'll make finding a job a whole metric-fuck-ton easier. You shouldn't have any trouble finding something. Most places don't want to be bothered with the paperwork involved visa sponsorship. And if you are Japanese/SE Asian in appearance you won't have to deal with a lot of the bigoted/xenophobic bullshit the rest of us do.
FYI best times to find work are the end of the fiscal year (most contract end in March and renew in April) and around September (6 month contracts end in August and renew in September).
do you think it would be easy to find a job even if i dont have a college degree? my moms told me that most places won't hire unless i have a degree(at least to teach english)
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do you think it would be easy to find a job even if i dont have a college degree? my moms told me that most places won't hire unless i have a degree(at least to teach english)
I don't have one and I'm doing ok.
If you're trying for a university position you may have trouble but otherwise you should be fine.
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fuck yea guys thanks for all the help. Count on me being out there by the end of the summer. gaijin skate posse will be full throttle
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fuck yea guys thanks for all the help.? Count on me being out there by the end of the summer.? gaijin skate posse will be full throttle
No problem. Good luck.
If you come out to the Kansai area (Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto) hit me up. Let's go skate.
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lived (ginza and then minato-ku) and worked there (maritime law), best year ever. skated at a tiny "park" behind Tamachi station sometimes, but primarily skated street...usually just went out for the day to get lost. i had the best luck finding spots along waterways (rivers, drainage, etc.) and below roadways. Hesh Dawgs was my go-to shop. Went to the Static III premiere in Ebisu.
Japanese skate videos are still my favorite (Nippon SlapPals - I will always pay for you to send me new Japanese vids...PM me). Wish I would have bought a box of Lesque boards to bring back.
Have fun
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do you think it would be easy to find a job even if i dont have a college degree? my moms told me that most places won't hire unless i have a degree(at least to teach english)
unless you are on a working holiday visa (or are already married to a japanese national/ have dual citizenship etc.) you are going to need one (a degree) in order to be eligible for a work permit.
edit: just read that you have a japanese passport.
no degree/ teaching qualifications means you will be scraping the bottom of the (english teaching) job barrel, which is fine short term i guess... nothing to make a career out of though. what do you do in your home country? english teaching might be what the majority of the (white) foreign population do over here, but there are 1000s of exceptions.
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do you think it would be easy to find a job even if i dont have a college degree? my moms told me that most places won't hire unless i have a degree(at least to teach english)
unless you are on a working holiday visa (or are already married to a japanese national/ have dual citizenship etc.) you are going to need one (a degree) in order to be eligible for a work permit.
edit: just read that you have a japanese passport.
no degree/ teaching qualifications means you will be scraping the bottom of the (english teaching) job barrel, which is fine short term i guess... nothing to make a career out of though. what do you do in your home country? english teaching might be what the majority of the (white) foreign population do over here, but there are 1000s of exceptions.
i'm skate scummin it in the u.s. of a right now, getting by selling random shit and plasma. not really qualified to do anything. i like kids though so maybe i could be a babysitter for english speaking kids or something.
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I really wanted to go out there...I think I've given up on that idea though. I figure it would fuck up my career too bad. I think it would be too hard to not take a huge step down in pay without knowing Japanese or getting lucky. I'll just have to travel out there in a few years. Maybe I won't want to leave. If I don't leave the company I'm working for now they said they'd send me to Japan for training but that would not be fun and I do not want to work here anymore.
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Japan was cool... lots of spots scattered around the Tokyo area. I ended up just hitting up the Shibuya park since it was so easy. Anyone ever see any footage on these quarters in Ueno park? Skating it during the day would be impossible with all the people around. You'd also need to have some big, soft wheels.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/uenoparkspot.jpg)
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Japan was cool... lots of spots scattered around the Tokyo area.? I ended up just hitting up the Shibuya park since it was so easy.? Anyone ever see any footage on these quarters in Ueno park?? Skating it during the day would be impossible with all the people around.? You'd also need to have some big, soft wheels.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/uenoparkspot.jpg)
Nice.
I can't recall where I've seen those quarter-banks but I've definitely seen them somewhere. They look like fun. Will have to hit those up next time I'm in Tokyo. That would sick to get a lipslide through the water ala Rowley in Sorry.
I wonder if it's possible to drop in on the banked ledge and clear the gutter into the quarter...
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Nara had a couple of spots. Unfortunately I was only there for a 1 night stay and just did the tourist thing.
Street gap to thread the needle between the posts.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/naraspot2.jpg)
Smooth run up to long boardslide out to the street? The other side of that rail was at least a 20 foot drop.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/naraspot1.jpg)
Osaka was also cool... takoyaki is soooooo damn oishi.
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Someone call Jaws and tell um they've got a set he needs to kickflip mellon in Nara.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/naraspot3.jpg)
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And a couple shit pics of the Shibuya park I took through the fence. I was a bit surprised that the place wasn't packed.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya4.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya3.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya2.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya1.jpg)
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Osaka was also cool... takoyaki is soooooo damn oishi.
What does that mean? That is my bosses last name.
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I found it tough to skate in Japan for a number of reasons and definately think its worth having an agenda.
Top of the list for me was the big wave thing called Brazil. It sounds ridiculous, but its actually Brazil's entry at the world expo site in Osaka, right in the middle of the park. Its in a secluded bit, so you shouldn't have any problems skating it, even in the middle of the day.
When you're done, check out the aquarium.
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Osaka was also cool... takoyaki is soooooo damn oishi.
What does that mean? That is my bosses last name.
If something tastes good you say "oishi". There's so much awesome food in Japan.
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I found it tough to skate in Japan for a number of reasons and definately think its worth having an agenda.
Top of the list for me was the big wave thing called Brazil. It sounds ridiculous, but its actually Brazil's entry at the world expo site in Osaka, right in the middle of the park. Its in a secluded bit, so you shouldn't have any problems skating it, even in the middle of the day.
When you're done, check out the aquarium.
Brazil is mad fun! They cleared out a lot bushes and trees so it's not as secluded as it used to be but still hassle free.
What did you find tough about skating in Japan?
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I found it tough to skate in Japan for a number of reasons and definately think its worth having an agenda.
Top of the list for me was the big wave thing called Brazil. It sounds ridiculous, but its actually Brazil's entry at the world expo site in Osaka, right in the middle of the park. Its in a secluded bit, so you shouldn't have any problems skating it, even in the middle of the day.
When you're done, check out the aquarium.
What did you find tough about skating in Japan?
I need to skate that Brazil spot in Osaka before I die.
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I need to skate that Brazil spot in Osaka before I die.
Weren't you just here?
I've got a couple of Brazil vids up:
https://vimeo.com/28923259
https://vimeo.com/41471329
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I have 4 days in Tokyo all to myself and an additional week that I have to work there as well. I'm sure I'll be doing most of my skating at night even on worknights, exploring the areas around my hotel, but since I have so little time to explore during the day I need some recommendations on shit to do, where to wander at night for some drinks and eats. I'll be staying in the Shinagawa District. I really don't know very much about Japanese food, other than I really like it so I'm very much interested in what kind of shit I should eat, so I don't end up eating Sushi and Katsudon the whole time. So far this is all I've come up with:
-Skate Shibuya Skatepark and visit Hesh Dawgz
-Wander around Akihabara...briefly.
-Get drunk and eat around Shinjuku
-Check out the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and/or Asakusa temples. Depends how easy they are to get to, I don't want to spend all my free time packed in a subway car, but I'm definitely a sucker for this type of shit.
-A day trip to either Mount Takao or Nakone. This might not be worth it because I have to spend a day in Mie Prefecture, so hopefully I'll get some great views along the coast and of Mount Fuji during the train ride there and back.
Free gnars for a week for any good tips. I know you love gnars.
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I have 4 days in Tokyo all to myself and an additional week that I have to work there as well.? I'm sure I'll be doing most of my skating at night even on worknights, exploring the areas around my hotel, but since I have so little time to explore during the day I need some recommendations on shit to do, where to wander at night for some drinks and eats.? ? I'll be staying in the Shinagawa District.? I really don't know very much about Japanese food, other than I really like it so I'm very much interested in what kind of shit I should eat, so I don't end up eating Sushi and Katsudon the whole time.? So far this is all I've come up with:
-Skate Shibuya Skatepark and visit Hesh Dawgz
-Wander around Akihabara...briefly.
-Get drunk and eat around Shinjuku
-Check out the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and/or Asakusa temples.? Depends how easy they are to get to, I don't want to spend all my free time packed in a subway car, but I'm definitely a sucker for this type of shit.
-A day trip to either Mount Takao or Nakone.? This might not be worth it because I have to spend a day in Mie Prefecture, so hopefully I'll get some great views along the coast and of Mount Fuji during the train ride there and back.
Free gnars for a week for any good tips.? I know you love gnars.
Lived in both Minato-ku and near Tsukiji. In Minato-ku, I often street skated from Minato-ku through Ebisu and into Shibuya. In Tsukiji, often wandered along the water and found interesting things to skate.
Skated the small park back behind Tamachi station a couple of times to meet up with a friend, but it's nothing to travel across the world for.
Yokohama makes for a fun visit.
When you're skating, stay moving, because you will invevitably find a spot and think "this is the coolest spot ever" and then later turn the corner and think "this is the coolest spot ever".
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Looks like those places are pretty Central. Could you give me a quick run down of the city? Just a tip or two about not ending up in a district where I have to spend $20 a beer and shit. I've been reading wikitravel and such, but would really prefer to hear some of this stuff from a skaters mind.
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You should head on down to Yokohama for a day Chock. The shin-yokohama skatepark is nearby the Yokohama F Marinos stadium. You should try to catch a game if you can. I love Japan but can't tell you much on how to get around and shit because I just follow my wife around who is from Tokyo.
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-Skate Shibuya Skatepark and visit Hesh Dawgz
-Wander around Akihabara...briefly.
-Get drunk and eat around Shinjuku
-Check out the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and/or Asakusa temples. Depends how easy they are to get to, I don't want to spend all my free time packed in a subway car, but I'm definitely a sucker for this type of shit.
-A day trip to either Mount Takao or Nakone. This might not be worth it because I have to spend a day in Mie Prefecture, so hopefully I'll get some great views along the coast and of Mount Fuji during the train ride there and back.
- Miyashita is a good park. 200 yen for a 2 hour sesh.
- Can't recommend food in Tokyo because Osaka is way better. Chanko-nabe in Ryogoku is pretty boss though. You can get some really good Korean food in the Korean neighborhood out there.
- Skip the palace unless you like walking forever across gravel to stare at a moat. That place sucks and there isn't shit around there. Meiji is alright, the park is nice and you'll be nearby some alright neighborhoods. Asakusa is rad, go.
- You'll see some cool shit from the Shinkansen if that's what you are taking. What are doing in Mie?
I'll echo the Yokohama day trip, especially since you're in Shinagawa. Don't know when you're coming but next week is interstyle and some of my friends will be there.
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My first day will be a Thursday, Halloween and I'll be on vacation until Tuesday. Then I'll have to work for a week while still staying in Tokyo besides the night I stay in Mie. I'll be visiting a manufacturing plant there and will be doing product training. I'll try to see if Yokohama is doable. I'm not interested in seeing a Japanese football game given the time I have. Although I think it may be an international break that weekend so maybe something good is going on. Yokohama is huge so can you be a bit more specific on what to check out. Thanks for the tip on the Imperial Palace. I'll skip it. I feel lucky that I'm going in autumn, that's why I want to do a lot of gardens and hiking during the day, and probably just one all out skate day. But at night, I'm going to just skate everywhere and get super fuckin lost all over Tokyo. I'm traveling with my coworker who's cool, but doesn't skate so I can't ditch him every night...but I might.
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And a couple shit pics of the Shibuya park I took through the fence. I was a bit surprised that the place wasn't packed.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya4.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya3.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya2.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya1.jpg)
This is the fucking nike park right? Where they forced the homeless people there to move away to build this prison-like propaganda cage?
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My first day will be a Thursday, Halloween and I'll be on vacation until Tuesday. Then I'll have to work for a week while still staying in Tokyo besides the night I stay in Mie. I'll be visiting a manufacturing plant there and will be doing product training.� I'll try to see if Yokohama is doable.� I'm not interested in seeing a Japanese football game given the time I have.� Although I think it may be an international break that weekend so maybe something good is going on.� Yokohama is huge so can you be a bit more specific on what to check out.� Thanks for the tip on the Imperial Palace. I'll skip it.� I feel lucky that I'm going in autumn, that's why I want to do a lot of gardens and hiking during the day, and probably just one all out skate day.� But at night, I'm going to just skate everywhere and get super fuckin lost all over Tokyo.� I'm traveling with my coworker who's cool, but doesn't skate so I can't ditch him every night...but I might.
Autumn is the best. The weather is nice.
If you're interested in gardens, you can take a water taxi from Asakusa to Hamarikyu.
https://www.google.com/maps?ll=35.660469,139.764247&spn=0.016144,0.036907&dg=optperm&t=h&z=15 (https://www.google.com/maps?ll=35.660469,139.764247&spn=0.016144,0.036907&dg=optperm&t=h&z=15)
For Yokohama, the Yokohama and Shin-Yokohama station area to be specific but I am sure locals on the forum can be more helpful.
I was going to say pop on over to Osaka because Mie is pretty close but it doesn't seem like you've got much time there.
And don't feel bad for the homeless. They're bums by choice.
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Ya if I had more time I'd definitely pop down there to meet up with you, but this is just the first trip to Japan, an appetizer. My girlfriend is dying to go to Japan as well so perhaps sometime in the next 3 years I'll spend a couple weeks traveling the country. Thanks again for the tips. I'm sure whatever I'll do it will be memorable.
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And a couple shit pics of the Shibuya park I took through the fence. I was a bit surprised that the place wasn't packed.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya4.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya3.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya2.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/mathprofessor/Skate%20Spots/shibuya1.jpg)
This is the fucking nike park right? Where they forced the homeless people there to move away to build this prison-like propaganda cage?
I'm not so sure that is a realistic reflection of what happened.
That "park" was part of a pretty shitty slip of land between Meiji Avenue and the Yamanote line. It really sucked. Probably to live in too, particularly when there is Yoyogi park 10 minutes away (where many homeless people also live...). There was also no real skatepark in close proximity to the Yamanote, bar Tamachi. Nike's name isn't on the park either, from what I know (although I heard rumours they stumped up the cash). Not really as black and white as you paint it...
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And a couple shit pics of the Shibuya park I took through the fence. I was a bit surprised that the place wasn't packed.
*pics*
This is the fucking nike park right? Where they forced the homeless people there to move away to build this prison-like propaganda cage?
I'm not so sure that is a realistic reflection of what happened.
That "park" was part of a pretty shitty slip of land between Meiji Avenue and the Yamanote line. It really sucked. Probably to live in too, particularly when there is Yoyogi park 10 minutes away (where many homeless people also live...). There was also no real skatepark in close proximity to the Yamanote, bar Tamachi. Nike's name isn't on the park either, from what I know (although I heard rumours they stumped up the cash). Not really as black and white as you paint it...
No it's not black and white, rather grey :P
Whether or not the park sucked and there is an other one, I doubt that nike gave a shit about other peoples interests as long as they get what they want. I remember that there were also protests against this project.
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And a couple shit pics of the Shibuya park I took through the fence. I was a bit surprised that the place wasn't packed.
*pics*
This is the fucking nike park right? Where they forced the homeless people there to move away to build this prison-like propaganda cage?
I'm not so sure that is a realistic reflection of what happened.
That "park" was part of a pretty shitty slip of land between Meiji Avenue and the Yamanote line. It really sucked. Probably to live in too, particularly when there is Yoyogi park 10 minutes away (where many homeless people also live...). There was also no real skatepark in close proximity to the Yamanote, bar Tamachi. Nike's name isn't on the park either, from what I know (although I heard rumours they stumped up the cash). Not really as black and white as you paint it...
Whether or not the park sucked and there is an other one, I doubt that nike gave a shit about other peoples interests as long as they get what they want. I remember that there were also protests against this project.
Did you ever go there before it was built? Not the best place to be homeless when you have Yoyogi 5/10 mins away, right? Nike don't have the name on the place as far as I know either. It is Miyashita skatepark. No advertising, no swooshes, nothing. So what were the benefits for them?
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And a couple shit pics of the Shibuya park I took through the fence. I was a bit surprised that the place wasn't packed.
*pics*
This is the fucking nike park right? Where they forced the homeless people there to move away to build this prison-like propaganda cage?
I'm not so sure that is a realistic reflection of what happened.
That "park" was part of a pretty shitty slip of land between Meiji Avenue and the Yamanote line. It really sucked. Probably to live in too, particularly when there is Yoyogi park 10 minutes away (where many homeless people also live...). There was also no real skatepark in close proximity to the Yamanote, bar Tamachi. Nike's name isn't on the park either, from what I know (although I heard rumours they stumped up the cash). Not really as black and white as you paint it...
Whether or not the park sucked and there is an other one, I doubt that nike gave a shit about other peoples interests as long as they get what they want. I remember that there were also protests against this project.
Did you ever go there before it was built? Not the best place to be homeless when you have Yoyogi 5/10 mins away, right? Nike don't have the name on the place as far as I know either. It is Miyashita skatepark. No advertising, no swooshes, nothing. So what were the benefits for them?
I have no idea what it looked like and why they built that skatepark. All I remember is that there was a lot of criticism, you will have to ask the protestors what they were all about. I'm just reporting and exaggerating.
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You're basically being useless.
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You're basically being useless.
Well, I am well aware that you don't like me but that insight is even less useful than my previous posts in here.
Now continue with Japan.
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You're basically being useless.
Now continue with Japan.
No.
You are indeed useless. You know dick.
Please fuck off now.
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If you're going to Japan (Tokyo area), I would:
Skate: Tamachi (for its history)
Planet Park Hachioji (Tobuki), best park in "Tokyo" (prefecture), bitch to get to.
Shin Yoko hama park (Under shin yok international stadium).
sakura gicho was always fun for street.
Odaiba again lots of street spots.
Shibuya park: easy to get to and skate.
Do:
In Tokyo: Shibuya and Harajuku for young crazy folk, Shinjuku (kabukicho) to see the 'seedy' area, although you won't get to see the real dirt...
Get drunk and go to a batting center. Karaoke too, but be careful, they can really burn you...
Andy's Izakaya, under the tracks in yurakucho too. Best food. Tell him you skate and he might give you the lemonheart!
nearby places: Nikko is cool. Hakkone for an onsen. Shimoda for beach fun.
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man do i miss convenience store onigiri and the Asahi beer vending machines
here's an old pic of our fridge in Tsukiji
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag108/arthellman1/photo_zps39d38d94.jpg)
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man do i miss convenience store onigiri and the Asahi beer vending machines
here's an old pic of our fridge in Tsukiji
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag108/arthellman1/photo_zps39d38d94.jpg)
i love it. nothing better with japanese food than Asahi
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man do i miss convenience store onigiri and the Asahi beer vending machines
here's an old pic of our fridge in Tsukiji
Onigiri huh? Japanese convenience stores sure get a lot of hype. I'd imagine they are pretty easy to spot and save a ton of money for lunch. Also Jive Turkey, that sumo soup sounds good as fuck too. I read about that a little.
I've heard of these beer vending machines as well. I assume that implies you can drink on the street. What about drinking on trains? Not like a subway in the heart of tokyo but a train to Takao-san for example.
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take ALOT of photos dude , and find some nice place to upload it !
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Onigiri huh? Japanese convenience stores sure get a lot of hype. I'd imagine they are pretty easy to spot and save a ton of money for lunch. Also Jive Turkey, that sumo soup sounds good as fuck too. I read about that a little.
I've heard of these beer vending machines as well. I assume that implies you can drink on the street. What about drinking on trains? Not like a subway in the heart of tokyo but a train to Takao-san for example.
Convenience stores in Japan are actually convenient and the people behind the counter aren't dicks so I think it blows American minds.
Chanko-nabe is fucking awesome. If you're anywhere near Ryogoku at night, go. There's a fuck load of places right around the station. I'd suggest checking out sumo while you're there but I think the tournament is in September.
The Kanda neighborhood has as bunch of used bookstores that are pretty awesome if you're into that sort of thing.
And yeah you can pretty much drink where ever you want. We drink on the train, streets, etc. all the time; no hassle. Just don't be a dick.
Shinjuku, Kabukicho in particular, is not really how it used to be. I don't really think it's all that fun but it's worth going at night at least once. I will echo getting drunk and going to the batting center. It's fucking weird that everyone, including me, does that, but it seriously is a blast.
On another note, does anyone on Slap (other than Thedrew) actually live here?
I'm taking a short skate trip next week if anyone is down to meet up.
-Monday night: Tsukuba.
-Tuesday: Tsukuba (morning) to Tokyo (day/evening) to Yokohama (late night).
-Wednesday: Yokohama and interstyle all day.
If anyone is around holla at ya boy!
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Combinis are good but go to some proper restaurants. Lunch sets are always cheaper. The food in Japan is great in general.
If you see The Hop, give it a go.
(http://altjapan.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/04/06/hopp)
You can drink (and also piss!) anywhere and it will not really be frowned upon.
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Shit, my request to take vacation was only partially granted. I only have 2.5 free days now and that includes adjusting to jet lag. Oh well, I'll have to make the most of the work nights too. This trip is just going to be one giant cocktease.
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Im considering going to Tokyo this fall for studies, how is the local community? Are there a lot of skaters etc in the Tokyo area?
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Im considering going to Tokyo this fall for studies, how is the local community? Are there a lot of skaters etc in the Tokyo area?
Big scene, lots of spots, and lots of nearby day trip places to hit up.
What school?
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Thats good news, makes it a lot more interesting for me, haha. I think its eaither Tokyo or Hong Kong i narrowed it down to. Im gonna apply for a semester at Sophia University.
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Nice. Should be a good time either way. Good luck.
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Nice. Should be a good time either way. Good luck.
I hope so! I just applied and will get an answer by march. Are you located in Tokyo?
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Nice. Should be a good time either way. Good luck.
No, I'm in Osaka.
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I got accepted for Sophia and i'm currently looking for the best accomodation. The university recommended staying at some different student housings, which seems ok, but they all seem to have some crazy rules.
Someone also recommended staying at a host family.
Does anyone have any tips?
Seems like getting a room in an apartment is fairly expensive
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I got accepted for Sophia and i'm currently looking for the best accomodation. The university recommended staying at some different student housings, which seems ok, but they all seem to have some crazy rules.
Someone also recommended staying at a host family.
Does anyone have any tips?
Seems like getting a room in an apartment is fairly expensive
An apartment will be expensive even if you can find a housemate, unless you have a job. I assume your student visa won't allow that though.
A host family is a good option because they'll essentially provide everything you would normally have to buy if you lived on your own. It'll also help with learning the language and customs. The only risk is you may end up in some shitty strict household. Also with a host family you will be giving up some independence regardless of how cool they are.
Weigh that against the student housing situation.
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There are a chain of apartos, called Lion mansions (i think). They cost a bit more than regular rent but you get a short lease and dont have to pay the nasty gifts to landlords/estate agents fees/deposits etc.I heard that some hotels were also available on a monthly basis. There are also gaijin houses too, which are usually chock full of cunts, but cheap and they also dont require loads of cash in advance...
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student housing is hit/ miss here; some places are run like prisons, others (where i studied) will lend you a mattress when your mates stay over (for a week). i'm not sure how long you are going but homestay is also going to be hit/ miss especially if you are a uni student. do you really want to feel like you have obligations to some random family for 6 months/ a whole year? leo palace is another place that can do short-term furnished apartments but as the frip mentioned you'll pay for the extra service. guess it depends on what sort of lifestyle you want to lead, i currently work at a uni and while the dorm is isolated i can tell you now, the students do have a lot of fun. again, perhaps it's better to outline the sort of stuff you'd like to do.
p.s. you can get a work permit for a student visa after you arrive, it usually allows you to work 28 hrs per week throughout semester 8)
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Hook up with a Japanese chick ASAP, rock her world so hard she has to marry you.
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student housing is hit/ miss here; some places are run like prisons, others (where i studied) will lend you a mattress when your mates stay over (for a week). i'm not sure how long you are going but homestay is also going to be hit/ miss especially if you are a uni student. do you really want to feel like you have obligations to some random family for 6 months/ a whole year? leo palace is another place that can do short-term furnished apartments but as the frip mentioned you'll pay for the extra service. guess it depends on what sort of lifestyle you want to lead, i currently work at a uni and while the dorm is isolated i can tell you now, the students do have a lot of fun. again, perhaps it's better to outline the sort of stuff you'd like to do.
p.s. you can get a work permit for a student visa after you arrive, it usually allows you to work 28 hrs per week throughout semester 8)
Thanks for the input. Although some of the reviews of the studenthousings offered through sophia vary i think this is what ill have to og for. I considered staying at a host family, but i dont think id like to gamble on that. I heard som pretty horrifying stories from students who ended up ap the wrong place.
I really just want stay at a descent place where i can come and go as i please and have a place to sleep that is not super far away from everything. It would be a huge bonus if i could get an extra matress for homies who might visit, but it looks like they are quite strict.
Sophia offers housing at: Soshigaya international house, dk house warabi, dk house nerima and azalea house. Are any of those neighbourhoods preferable?
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Sophia offers housing at: Soshigaya international house, dk house warabi, dk house nerima and azalea house. Are any of those neighbourhoods preferable?
The DK House Nerima and Azalea House are both moderately close to Ikebukuro so those are probably the best to shoot for. DK Nerima is closest to the train station so it's probably the better of the 2.
Soshigaya is on the outskirts but still in Tokyo.
DK Warabi is in Saitama.
You're going to want to be as close to the city and your uni as possible, so go for Nerima or Azalea. Trains do not run 24 hours, taxis are expensive and skating is mostly done at night here.
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fuck! i am now inspired to take a trip. I get a week off in October- how would it be weatherwise? I of course wanna come to skate so I;d prefer the dry season.
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fuck! i am now inspired to take a trip. I get a week off in October- how would it be weatherwise? I of course wanna come to skate so I;d prefer the dry season.
October is actually quite nice. Still warm, no longer humid.
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Ah this thread...unfortunately I didn't even skate when I was in Japan. I did do a shit load of tourist stuff though and covered a lot of ground in Tokyo and got to briefly go to some smaller Japanese towns too. I'm hoping to go back next Spring and will definitely do some skating then.