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Skateboarding => Travel Guide => Topic started by: Sila on January 18, 2020, 01:42:15 AM
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Looking at heading to Japan soon on a solo mission.
What is skate culture like there? How is security/the public when it comes to skating street?
Mainly thinking of going to Tokyo and Osaka.
Will be prioritising wandering around and taking photos so i'm not too concerned with nightlife on this trip.
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From my experience: spots everywhere, all impossible to skate because every building has a crew of security guards that will come kick you out, most of the time before you can even get on your board anywhere near the plaza they're assigned to. You get longer windows of time at night (and those are usually very short too). They won't give a shit if you skate outside the area they are supposed to guard, though; also the consensus in basic law enforcement in Japan seems to be that if you do something wrong, then it's obviously because you don't know it's wrong so it's their duty to come and warn you regardless of how much you realistically should have known - they give you the benefit of the doubt, do not try to argue and always just comply because the way administration and whatnot is handled over there seems like a living nightmare to get caught in; also a lot of the security guards have radios and will warn more cops in the neighborhood if you try to skate off or talk back, basically you'll just bring more bullshit upon you. The actual cops might try to block you if they see you ride down a street or something because street skating just isn't something one is supposed to do there and is considered hazardous for the most part, some care more than others.
General public will most often not have a clue of what the fuck it is you're doing outside of a skatepark, and see you as potentially dangerous but trust your control. If your board shoots out or someone suddenly gets in your way, they just won't know how to react as well as in occidental countries, so they will fully take the hit and you will be the asshole of the story.
If in Tokyo, check out Fat Bros to meet people and get directions, and Morita's FESN Laboratory, both skateshops in Nakano.
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Japan will be very hard to skate if you don’t know the city or dont meet up with some locals. Skating on streets is de facto banned, normal people don’t care but a cop will tell you to stop if they see you but are generally very nice. Skate culture is generally very friendly and chill and seems to be comprised mostly of people in their mid to late 20s. Tons of spots because the cities are dense, but also very crowded and extremely narrow. Another thing I find is kind of annoying is that 90% of the ledges/wide areas/natural tranny have some degree of sectioning and grouting usually on the deeper side and it makes so many potentially perfect spots shittier but that’s street skating I guess. I would not recommend skating around as transport here if you don’t know the roads simply for your own safety, traffic norms and streets here are very different and if you aren’t used to it you gotta be on your toes even when walking. Best time to skate is late at night in areas that are more retail/commercial/shopfronts than residential and are kind of far away from train stations( less cops patrolling), and on fairly large streets( wide smooth sidewalks with rails and ledges as opposed to no sidewalk on a narrow street with occasional rough curbs) . As we all know skateboarding is loud as fuck and due to the density you can disturb a several dozen households at a time by skating in residential areas so don’t be that asshole.
Highsox skate shop in Ikebukuro is in my experience more friendly and welcoming than fat bro’s or fesn, have a larger selection, and is on the yamanote line so it’s easier to get to from virtually anywhere in Tokyo unless you are staying someplace near Nakano or has a train station on the chuo line. The guys at high Sox’s always take time to say what’s up and ask what spots I’ve been hitting lately etc were as the one older dude at fatbros usually mostly ignores everyone except the one or two buddies he usually has hanging out at the shop. That is just my experience though and judging by social media fat bro’s seems to interact more with foreigners, I’m half but look/act/dress prettyJapanese and speak it so my experience may be different.
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Oh I've been to High Sox too, just couldn't remember the name. Also a cool place indeed, seemed more popular amongst skatepark skaters too, funnily enough. It's more central so I guess the demographic is different, which explains the variation in vibes. I know Hagi-san was nice to me every time. As far as the Laboratory, it's good for curiosities and specific product.
Speaking of skateparks, Yokosuka's Umikaze is worth a visit and there you'll also find Ours Skateshop close by: https://www.instagram.com/oursskateco/
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Oh I've been to High Sox too, just couldn't remember the name. Also a cool place indeed, seemed more popular amongst skatepark skaters too, funnily enough. It's more central so I guess the demographic is different, which explains the variation in vibes. I know Hagi-san was nice to me every time. As far as the Laboratory, it's good for curiosities and specific product.
Speaking of skateparks, Yokosuka's Umikaze is worth a visit and there you'll also find Ours Skateshop close by: https://www.instagram.com/oursskateco/
Have you ever been to any parks in Tokyo? I’ve been wanting to go to one ever since I got back into skating, but they are all 50 minutes away and I don’t have much free time so I want to make it count when I go to one. Most guys I talk to say they go to an indoor place in near Akabane but I much prefer free outdoor parks
Also agree with your assessment of high Sox, Ikebukuro is a major hub so it makes sense the demographic is a bit more open.
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Hey guys. Thanks for the thorough replys. Really appreciate it. I actually was intending to cruise around for transport, so it's good to know I should be more mindful of it.
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Have you ever been to any parks in Tokyo? I’ve been wanting to go to one ever since I got back into skating, but they are all 50 minutes away and I don’t have much free time so I want to make it count when I go to one. Most guys I talk to say they go to an indoor place in near Akabane but I much prefer free outdoor parks
Also agree with your assessment of high Sox, Ikebukuro is a major hub so it makes sense the demographic is a bit more open.
No, I only skated around the city of Tokyo with some trips to Yokohama and Yokosuka, I only stayed for about three weeks. The only time we considered skating a skatepark other than Umikaze was when we bumped into a bunch of skaters who wanted us to tag along with them to one, coincidentally that was at High Sox, but that time again we preferred to stay on the streets instead. As a first time visitor, all the architecture looked too unique to me to feel like going to check out quarterpipes when I could just enjoy the whole city.
Sila you can definitely skate around Tokyo, just stay clear of buildings and plazas and calmly get off your board if you see uniforms. Although, I'd like to emphasize on what I've said before regarding how people on the streets aren't prepared for skateboarders - that also applies to drivers, so be extra careful if you bomb a hill in the middle of the street or what-have-you. They most likely won't have the lenient reaction most Western drivers have to either slow down if they're scared or speed up to get around you, instead they're prone to panic at random. You can (illegally) skate on the streets, but you have to keep your eyes open and play it safer than what you might be used to.
Also if you ever find one of those sidewalks with tiles with the tiniest micro bumps on the surface (I remember they have some in Nakano), try going full speed on them. It tickles your feet, sends the vibration in your whole body and makes a funny noise.
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Have you ever been to any parks in Tokyo? I’ve been wanting to go to one ever since I got back into skating, but they are all 50 minutes away and I don’t have much free time so I want to make it count when I go to one. Most guys I talk to say they go to an indoor place in near Akabane but I much prefer free outdoor parks
Also agree with your assessment of high Sox, Ikebukuro is a major hub so it makes sense the demographic is a bit more open.
No, I only skated around the city of Tokyo with some trips to Yokohama and Yokosuka, I only stayed for about three weeks. The only time we considered skating a skatepark other than Umikaze was when we bumped into a bunch of skaters who wanted us to tag along with them to one, coincidentally that was at High Sox, but that time again we preferred to stay on the streets instead. As a first time visitor, all the architecture looked too unique to me to feel like going to check out quarterpipes when I could just enjoy the whole city.
Sila you can definitely skate around Tokyo, just stay clear of buildings and plazas and calmly get off your board if you see uniforms. Although, I'd like to emphasize on what I've said before regarding how people on the streets aren't prepared for skateboarders - that also applies to drivers, so be extra careful if you bomb a hill in the middle of the street or what-have-you. They most likely won't have the lenient reaction most Western drivers have to either slow down if they're scared or speed up to get around you, instead they're prone to panic at random. You can (illegally) skate on the streets, but you have to keep your eyes open and play it safer than what you might be used to.
Also if you ever find one of those sidewalks with tiles with the tiniest micro bumps on the surface (I remember they have some in Nakano), try going full speed on them. It tickles your feet, sends the vibration in your whole body and makes a funny noise.
Ahh ya that makes sense. I want to go to a park so I can get a full day of grind/slide/obstacle practice with relatively few distractions. It’s so hard to do that in the streets here, even under the best conditions.
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Have you ever been to any parks in Tokyo? I’ve been wanting to go to one ever since I got back into skating, but they are all 50 minutes away and I don’t have much free time so I want to make it count when I go to one. Most guys I talk to say they go to an indoor place in near Akabane but I much prefer free outdoor parks
Also agree with your assessment of high Sox, Ikebukuro is a major hub so it makes sense the demographic is a bit more open.
No, I only skated around the city of Tokyo with some trips to Yokohama and Yokosuka, I only stayed for about three weeks. The only time we considered skating a skatepark other than Umikaze was when we bumped into a bunch of skaters who wanted us to tag along with them to one, coincidentally that was at High Sox, but that time again we preferred to stay on the streets instead. As a first time visitor, all the architecture looked too unique to me to feel like going to check out quarterpipes when I could just enjoy the whole city.
Sila you can definitely skate around Tokyo, just stay clear of buildings and plazas and calmly get off your board if you see uniforms. Although, I'd like to emphasize on what I've said before regarding how people on the streets aren't prepared for skateboarders - that also applies to drivers, so be extra careful if you bomb a hill in the middle of the street or what-have-you. They most likely won't have the lenient reaction most Western drivers have to either slow down if they're scared or speed up to get around you, instead they're prone to panic at random. You can (illegally) skate on the streets, but you have to keep your eyes open and play it safer than what you might be used to.
Also if you ever find one of those sidewalks with tiles with the tiniest micro bumps on the surface (I remember they have some in Nakano), try going full speed on them. It tickles your feet, sends the vibration in your whole body and makes a funny noise.
Ahh ya that makes sense. I want to go to a park so I can get a full day of grind/slide/obstacle practice with relatively few distractions. It’s so hard to do that in the streets here, even under the best conditions.
Check out Komazawa. Basic but the locals are cool.
For pay indoor parks the Nike Dojo is tight.
Where are you located?
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I regularly skate Kugenuma park near Enoshima but I'm in the Shonan area so its quick for me to get to. park is an old community pool converted into skatepark so its meh but huge plus is its right on the beach and overlooks enoshima so can't beat it on a sunny day
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Saw this on tv and was stoked on their crew, looks like a fun scene.
And seriously, what with the old dude that does the bertleman limbo under a handrail. How old is that guy?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2eHIE-N2BaE
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Skating after hours around the cities can be mad fun tho!
I live in rural Japan and only skate my local DIY these days but as others have mentioned, might be an idea to meet up/ connect with some locals beforehand so they can show you around. My fave shop in Tokyo is mortar, would love to have a sesh in there one day (they do demos in store and if they move all the profit to the side it becomes a little shake park)
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Have you ever been to any parks in Tokyo? I’ve been wanting to go to one ever since I got back into skating, but they are all 50 minutes away and I don’t have much free time so I want to make it count when I go to one. Most guys I talk to say they go to an indoor place in near Akabane but I much prefer free outdoor parks
Also agree with your assessment of high Sox, Ikebukuro is a major hub so it makes sense the demographic is a bit more open.
No, I only skated around the city of Tokyo with some trips to Yokohama and Yokosuka, I only stayed for about three weeks. The only time we considered skating a skatepark other than Umikaze was when we bumped into a bunch of skaters who wanted us to tag along with them to one, coincidentally that was at High Sox, but that time again we preferred to stay on the streets instead. As a first time visitor, all the architecture looked too unique to me to feel like going to check out quarterpipes when I could just enjoy the whole city.
Sila you can definitely skate around Tokyo, just stay clear of buildings and plazas and calmly get off your board if you see uniforms. Although, I'd like to emphasize on what I've said before regarding how people on the streets aren't prepared for skateboarders - that also applies to drivers, so be extra careful if you bomb a hill in the middle of the street or what-have-you. They most likely won't have the lenient reaction most Western drivers have to either slow down if they're scared or speed up to get around you, instead they're prone to panic at random. You can (illegally) skate on the streets, but you have to keep your eyes open and play it safer than what you might be used to.
Also if you ever find one of those sidewalks with tiles with the tiniest micro bumps on the surface (I remember they have some in Nakano), try going full speed on them. It tickles your feet, sends the vibration in your whole body and makes a funny noise.
Ahh ya that makes sense. I want to go to a park so I can get a full day of grind/slide/obstacle practice with relatively few distractions. It’s so hard to do that in the streets here, even under the best conditions.
For pay indoor parks the Nike Dojo is tight.
Where are you located?
Kind of in between ikebukuro and Oyama.
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Have you ever been to any parks in Tokyo? I’ve been wanting to go to one ever since I got back into skating, but they are all 50 minutes away and I don’t have much free time so I want to make it count when I go to one. Most guys I talk to say they go to an indoor place in near Akabane but I much prefer free outdoor parks
Also agree with your assessment of high Sox, Ikebukuro is a major hub so it makes sense the demographic is a bit more open.
No, I only skated around the city of Tokyo with some trips to Yokohama and Yokosuka, I only stayed for about three weeks. The only time we considered skating a skatepark other than Umikaze was when we bumped into a bunch of skaters who wanted us to tag along with them to one, coincidentally that was at High Sox, but that time again we preferred to stay on the streets instead. As a first time visitor, all the architecture looked too unique to me to feel like going to check out quarterpipes when I could just enjoy the whole city.
Sila you can definitely skate around Tokyo, just stay clear of buildings and plazas and calmly get off your board if you see uniforms. Although, I'd like to emphasize on what I've said before regarding how people on the streets aren't prepared for skateboarders - that also applies to drivers, so be extra careful if you bomb a hill in the middle of the street or what-have-you. They most likely won't have the lenient reaction most Western drivers have to either slow down if they're scared or speed up to get around you, instead they're prone to panic at random. You can (illegally) skate on the streets, but you have to keep your eyes open and play it safer than what you might be used to.
Also if you ever find one of those sidewalks with tiles with the tiniest micro bumps on the surface (I remember they have some in Nakano), try going full speed on them. It tickles your feet, sends the vibration in your whole body and makes a funny noise.
Ahh ya that makes sense. I want to go to a park so I can get a full day of grind/slide/obstacle practice with relatively few distractions. It’s so hard to do that in the streets here, even under the best conditions.
For pay indoor parks the Nike Dojo is tight.
Where are you located?
Kind of in between ikebukuro and Oyama.
Funny, my friend used to live in Oyama, so I would skate there and Ikebukuro often when I first moved to Tokyo.
I think Komazawa would be your closest public park. Honestly they all kinda suck but Komazawa is alright.
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Have you ever been to any parks in Tokyo? I’ve been wanting to go to one ever since I got back into skating, but they are all 50 minutes away and I don’t have much free time so I want to make it count when I go to one. Most guys I talk to say they go to an indoor place in near Akabane but I much prefer free outdoor parks
Also agree with your assessment of high Sox, Ikebukuro is a major hub so it makes sense the demographic is a bit more open.
No, I only skated around the city of Tokyo with some trips to Yokohama and Yokosuka, I only stayed for about three weeks. The only time we considered skating a skatepark other than Umikaze was when we bumped into a bunch of skaters who wanted us to tag along with them to one, coincidentally that was at High Sox, but that time again we preferred to stay on the streets instead. As a first time visitor, all the architecture looked too unique to me to feel like going to check out quarterpipes when I could just enjoy the whole city.
Sila you can definitely skate around Tokyo, just stay clear of buildings and plazas and calmly get off your board if you see uniforms. Although, I'd like to emphasize on what I've said before regarding how people on the streets aren't prepared for skateboarders - that also applies to drivers, so be extra careful if you bomb a hill in the middle of the street or what-have-you. They most likely won't have the lenient reaction most Western drivers have to either slow down if they're scared or speed up to get around you, instead they're prone to panic at random. You can (illegally) skate on the streets, but you have to keep your eyes open and play it safer than what you might be used to.
Also if you ever find one of those sidewalks with tiles with the tiniest micro bumps on the surface (I remember they have some in Nakano), try going full speed on them. It tickles your feet, sends the vibration in your whole body and makes a funny noise.
Ahh ya that makes sense. I want to go to a park so I can get a full day of grind/slide/obstacle practice with relatively few distractions. It’s so hard to do that in the streets here, even under the best conditions.
For pay indoor parks the Nike Dojo is tight.
Where are you located?
Kind of in between ikebukuro and Oyama.
I think Komazawa would be your closest public park. Honestly they all kinda suck but Komazawa is alright.
That’s the 64 Olympic park near the college right? I’ve had my eye on it for a while, I’ll check it out!
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Have you ever been to any parks in Tokyo? I’ve been wanting to go to one ever since I got back into skating, but they are all 50 minutes away and I don’t have much free time so I want to make it count when I go to one. Most guys I talk to say they go to an indoor place in near Akabane but I much prefer free outdoor parks
Also agree with your assessment of high Sox, Ikebukuro is a major hub so it makes sense the demographic is a bit more open.
No, I only skated around the city of Tokyo with some trips to Yokohama and Yokosuka, I only stayed for about three weeks. The only time we considered skating a skatepark other than Umikaze was when we bumped into a bunch of skaters who wanted us to tag along with them to one, coincidentally that was at High Sox, but that time again we preferred to stay on the streets instead. As a first time visitor, all the architecture looked too unique to me to feel like going to check out quarterpipes when I could just enjoy the whole city.
Sila you can definitely skate around Tokyo, just stay clear of buildings and plazas and calmly get off your board if you see uniforms. Although, I'd like to emphasize on what I've said before regarding how people on the streets aren't prepared for skateboarders - that also applies to drivers, so be extra careful if you bomb a hill in the middle of the street or what-have-you. They most likely won't have the lenient reaction most Western drivers have to either slow down if they're scared or speed up to get around you, instead they're prone to panic at random. You can (illegally) skate on the streets, but you have to keep your eyes open and play it safer than what you might be used to.
Also if you ever find one of those sidewalks with tiles with the tiniest micro bumps on the surface (I remember they have some in Nakano), try going full speed on them. It tickles your feet, sends the vibration in your whole body and makes a funny noise.
Ahh ya that makes sense. I want to go to a park so I can get a full day of grind/slide/obstacle practice with relatively few distractions. It’s so hard to do that in the streets here, even under the best conditions.
For pay indoor parks the Nike Dojo is tight.
Where are you located?
Kind of in between ikebukuro and Oyama.
I think Komazawa would be your closest public park. Honestly they all kinda suck but Komazawa is alright.
That’s the 64 Olympic park near the college right? I’ve had my eye on it for a while, I’ll check it out!
Yup that's the one.
https://goo.gl/maps/7DsGSxufDTi62xWK9
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Jive turkey I know it’s probably hard to remember but do you recall any spots or chain of spots were you could get a solid 30-45 min session or rotation in in the west ikebukuro/Oyama/Itabashi area? I usually cruise around that north south walkway thing that connects Ikebukuro/kanamecho and snakes up to Shimo Itabashi and do wallies, slides etc on the little banks, but besides that I always get anxious and move out of a “spot” after 3-5 minutes. Been searching for a consistent place or area were I can just work on stuff for an extended period.
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If you switch to cruiser wheels you will get away with a lot more (I’ve roamed around Kobe Kyoto and Tokyo that way with few problems).
Stealth mode
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Jive turkey I know it’s probably hard to remember but do you recall any spots or chain of spots were you could get a solid 30-45 min session or rotation in in the west ikebukuro/Oyama/Itabashi area? I usually cruise around that north south walkway thing that connects Ikebukuro/kanamecho and snakes up to Shimo Itabashi and do wallies, slides etc on the little banks, but besides that I always get anxious and move out of a “spot” after 3-5 minutes. Been searching for a consistent place or area were I can just work on stuff for an extended period.
Yeah, I haven't skated out there in a few years but we pretty much did the same thing.
We skated at night so we really didn't the boot unless it was a larger crew and we were loud.
This little wallride spot is fun:
https://goo.gl/maps/GHU9UyEpXy4u2kR77
If you cruise around there are some curbs and ledges on the side roads off the main road in that area.
This park is usually a bust but you can hit it at night:
https://goo.gl/maps/vjbb7dpTkG5N5PbU8
As far as Oyama goes we would just dork around on whatever we could skate in the shotengai.
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I'm in Unoki now. There was a small earthquake my first night here. I'm probably just gonna cruise the streets a bit like I usually do when I'm in Japan. I know some people say that's frowned upon over here but I just pass through areas and not linger so I hope it's okay.
Edit: Saw these spots today.
(https://i.imgur.com/cWHKw26.jpg)
This old bike ramp is skateable on the left.
(https://i.imgur.com/Kr4s78s.jpg)
People skated this at some point but didn't look like any action has gone down recently.
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Jive turkey I know it’s probably hard to remember but do you recall any spots or chain of spots were you could get a solid 30-45 min session or rotation in in the west ikebukuro/Oyama/Itabashi area? I usually cruise around that north south walkway thing that connects Ikebukuro/kanamecho and snakes up to Shimo Itabashi and do wallies, slides etc on the little banks, but besides that I always get anxious and move out of a “spot” after 3-5 minutes. Been searching for a consistent place or area were I can just work on stuff for an extended period.
We skated at night so we really didn't the boot unless it was a larger crew and we were loud.
This little wallride spot is fun:
https://goo.gl/maps/GHU9UyEpXy4u2kR77
If you cruise around there are some curbs and ledges on the side roads off the main road in that area.
This park is usually a bust but you can hit it at night:
https://goo.gl/maps/vjbb7dpTkG5N5PbU8
As far as Oyama goes we would just dork around on whatever we could skate in the shotengai.
Thanks for the tips! That wall ride spot looks promising. I skated the banked walkway today and destroyed my ass slipping out of a backside wall ride attempt in front of an old lady who was very concerned. Have to stop street skating on weekends. I also browsed through your post history and definitely want to hit up some of those spots on the Sumida river you posted.
I'm in Unoki now. There was a small earthquake my first night here. I'm probably just gonna cruise the streets a bit like I usually do when I'm in Japan. I know some people say that's frowned upon over here but I just pass through areas and not linger so I hope it's okay.
I mentioned in my post that I don’t recommend riding around, but it’s fine for the most part of you are very careful. I mostly said that because of how constantly busy it is with people/cars/bicycles especially on the small side streets that make up most of the city, stop signs are more like suggestions and it’s hard to gauge which way cars are coming from and the sheer volume of people/vehicles can make a small swerve from any party involved a potential chain reaction catastrophe. I would say just use common sense but I would recommend most people taking a A couple days of walking just to get a feel for how everything flows
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This thread keeps taking me back to my trip there every time it gets bumped. The other day I found some old Glen Fox Tokyo/Nakano cruise footage I had filmed at the time for no real reason, but eventually chunks of it made it into Glen's welcome to Magenta part. Not sure I ever really shared them on here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRGg5T0jY-o/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRJkPB5j3Mn/
I actually found them again while attempting to find the name of the area in the second clip for dakara (to no avail, even though I remembered I had filmed a sign with the name on it), because that district had a bunch of spots we actually didn't really get kicked out of, including a plaza with perfect ledges and an incredible (night) view over the city. I have no idea how popular that one spot is, but it seemed really convenient to spend time at and work on stuff, you can briefly see it at 0:49 in this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8wP1OSkggU
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Jive turkey I know it’s probably hard to remember but do you recall any spots or chain of spots were you could get a solid 30-45 min session or rotation in in the west ikebukuro/Oyama/Itabashi area? I usually cruise around that north south walkway thing that connects Ikebukuro/kanamecho and snakes up to Shimo Itabashi and do wallies, slides etc on the little banks, but besides that I always get anxious and move out of a “spot” after 3-5 minutes. Been searching for a consistent place or area were I can just work on stuff for an extended period.
We skated at night so we really didn't the boot unless it was a larger crew and we were loud.
This little wallride spot is fun:
https://goo.gl/maps/GHU9UyEpXy4u2kR77
If you cruise around there are some curbs and ledges on the side roads off the main road in that area.
This park is usually a bust but you can hit it at night:
https://goo.gl/maps/vjbb7dpTkG5N5PbU8
As far as Oyama goes we would just dork around on whatever we could skate in the shotengai.
Thanks for the tips! That wall ride spot looks promising. I skated the banked walkway today and destroyed my ass slipping out of a backside wall ride attempt in front of an old lady who was very concerned. Have to stop street skating on weekends. I also browsed through your post history and definitely want to hit up some of those spots on the Sumida river you posted.
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I'm in Unoki now. There was a small earthquake my first night here. I'm probably just gonna cruise the streets a bit like I usually do when I'm in Japan. I know some people say that's frowned upon over here but I just pass through areas and not linger so I hope it's okay.
I mentioned in my post that I don’t recommend riding around, but it’s fine for the most part of you are very careful. I mostly said that because of how constantly busy it is with people/cars/bicycles especially on the small side streets that make up most of the city, stop signs are more like suggestions and it’s hard to gauge which way cars are coming from and the sheer volume of people/vehicles can make a small swerve from any party involved a potential chain reaction catastrophe. I would say just use common sense but I would recommend most people taking a A couple days of walking just to get a feel for how everything flows
Yeah dude, the spots on the river are fucking awesome and you can skate hassle free.
I'd recommend waiting until it's warm because the river area brutally cold in the winter.
Feel free to hit me up if you want to go there together.
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I actually found them again while attempting to find the name of the area in the second clip for dakara (to no avail, even though I remembered I had filmed a sign with the name on it), because that district had a bunch of spots we actually didn't really get kicked out of, including a plaza with perfect ledges and an incredible (night) view over the city. I have no idea how popular that one spot is, but it seemed really convenient to spend time at and work on stuff, you can briefly see it at 0:49 in this:
Which clip? Do you remember the name of the district or the general area of Tokyo is was in?
I'm curious.
Btw I think I skated with yall one night in Nakano.
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I actually found them again while attempting to find the name of the area in the second clip for dakara (to no avail, even though I remembered I had filmed a sign with the name on it), because that district had a bunch of spots we actually didn't really get kicked out of, including a plaza with perfect ledges and an incredible (night) view over the city. I have no idea how popular that one spot is, but it seemed really convenient to spend time at and work on stuff, you can briefly see it at 0:49 in this:
I'm curious.
Btw I think I skated with yall one night in Nakano.
Shit, really? Which night was that? Please let it be the one we all got fucked up in front of the train station, then went crazy skating inside the mall (might have been on Ben's birthday?). That or one of the Nakano Sunplaza sessions, but I remember many locals at the train station 'spot' and it was super cool sharing good times. Skating back to the hostel after that one I legit ate shit twice (that I remember) just on flat ground by myself because I was so gone.
I've been trying to remember the name of the place, I know I filmed the sign of the district/tower/area and I've used that footage on the camera to successfully communicate which part of the city I meant to locals before, so I know it's something recognizable, but I can't be for certain and those raw clips are long gone (I think) so it's not like I can show you more than what's in those IG clips. Hiroki Muraoka also does two tricks there in Spirit Quest, filmed on the same night. Glen can be seen literally riding the escalator up to the spot in that IG clip - the part where he mentions bollards with a Pikachu in the background. I know that really doesn't help much. Seemed to be a business district type of area?
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Shit, really? Which night was that? Please let it be the one we all got fucked up in front of the train station, then went crazy skating inside the mall (might have been on Ben's birthday?). That or one of the Nakano Sunplaza sessions, but I remember many locals at the train station 'spot' and it was super cool sharing good times. Skating back to the hostel after that one I legit ate shit twice (that I remember) just on flat ground by myself because I was so gone.
It was a pretty large group and we barged around the station area and sun plaza. At the end of the night we were doing no push speed runs down the station walk way. We were all pretty hammered and a lot of people ate shit.
I've been trying to remember the name of the place, I know I filmed the sign of the district/tower/area and I've used that footage on the camera to successfully communicate which part of the city I meant to locals before, so I know it's something recognizable, but I can't be for certain and those raw clips are long gone (I think) so it's not like I can show you more than what's in those IG clips. Hiroki Muraoka also does two tricks there in Spirit Quest, filmed on the same night. Glen can be seen literally riding the escalator up to the spot in that IG clip - the part where he mentions bollards with a Pikachu in the background. I know that really doesn't help much. Seemed to be a business district type of area?
Yeah it's hard to tell just from that clip because so much of Tokyo looks like that. All good, thanks man.
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It was a pretty large group and we barged around the station area and sun plaza. At the end of the night we were doing no push speed runs down the station walk way. We were all pretty hammered and a lot of people ate shit.
Well fuck me, in retrospect a lot of those nights and moments kind of blend together and the amount of beers consumed at the time don't help make it all less blurry, in fact quite the opposite if anything. I do remember fucking around on flatground in front of the station and 'inventing' the trick of pushing your board through the metro entrance so that the beeping sounds go off then back, which in my drunken state I thought was funny to do in lines until I realized I was actually catching the attention of security with my stupid bullshit. I remember skating through walkways, remembered it as the nearby mall's but we might have touched the station itself unbeknownst to me I don't know? As far as I can remember, we eventually got kicked out and security kept asking me a question in Japanese that I couldn't understand until ten minutes into the interaction, when I eventually caught the word 'tomodachi' and figured they were asking either about who the other guys were or where I was staying. I usually tried to avoid skating through the metro and train station hallways, the idea kept feeling uncomfortable even though everyone else I was with was doing it and a lot of times I also had to, just to keep up. Memory is a mess, but I only remember meeting cool people (maybe too many to interact with in the moment, although I tried) and fun times. There's also this guy we met at the Magenta demo at Umikaze who was from the US and in the Marines as far as I can remember, quite talkative, I remember thinking to myself 'I bet this guy has or has had a SLAP account'.
Yeah it's hard to tell just from that clip because so much of Tokyo looks like that. All good, thanks man.
It's Shiodome. Just remembered now, upon looking up a list of the main towers in Tokyo.
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Shit, sorry. I just noticed that your clips were from 2014, I was still in Osaka at that time. I'm talking about something a year or 2 ago.
My bad.
It's Shiodome. Just remembered now, upon looking up a list of the main towers in Tokyo.
Ah yeah, Shiodome! That area is chock full of spots. Good looks
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Thanks for searching for that spot silhouette! Shiodome is a bit of a hike from we’re ive from but the couple times I’ve been there for non skateboarding reasons it did seem like it would be legit at night.
I rode from Ikebukuro to Shinjuku last night to pick up a friend, and there were so many spots on the way that seemed like you wouldn’t get hassled at. I couldn’t hit any of them cause I was in a hurry but I plan on revisiting that route when I have more time late at night. I think I just need to skate outside my area more to find a good practice spot.
Jive turkey do you still live in Tokyo?
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Thanks for searching for that spot silhouette! Shiodome is a bit of a hike from we’re ive from but the couple times I’ve been there for non skateboarding reasons it did seem like it would be legit at night.
I rode from Ikebukuro to Shinjuku last night to pick up a friend, and there were so many spots on the way that seemed like you wouldn’t get hassled at. I couldn’t hit any of them cause I was in a hurry but I plan on revisiting that route when I have more time late at night. I think I just need to skate outside my area more to find a good practice spot.
Jive turkey do you still live in Tokyo?
Yeah, I live in Hatagaya.
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For Pals living in Japan, what's life there like these days? I've lived there before as an exchange student and once on a spouse visa. After my recent trip to Tokyo it made me consider living there again. However, I'm 40 now and the last time I lived there I couldn't find a permanent job, but that was during the 2008 recession and I also had less professional experience back then, so maybe it would be a little different this time.
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I enjoy it. don't live in Tokyo but close enough to go whenever I want. I won't be here forever but I do enjoy my time here skating, surfing, hiking, traveling etc. but as far as jobs go - there doesn't seem to be a shortage but it just depends on your level of Japanese, skill set/experience, and where you live. If you live in a bigger city like Tokyo or Osaka you could find a job outside of teaching if you meet the criteria for sure. feel free to pm if you want
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Oh I've been to High Sox too, just couldn't remember the name. Also a cool place indeed, seemed more popular amongst skatepark skaters too, funnily enough. It's more central so I guess the demographic is different, which explains the variation in vibes. I know Hagi-san was nice to me every time. As far as the Laboratory, it's good for curiosities and specific product.
Speaking of skateparks, Yokosuka's Umikaze is worth a visit and there you'll also find Ours Skateshop close by: https://www.instagram.com/oursskateco/
Have you ever been to any parks in Tokyo? I’ve been wanting to go to one ever since I got back into skating, but they are all 50 minutes away and I don’t have much free time so I want to make it count when I go to one. Most guys I talk to say they go to an indoor place in near Akabane but I much prefer free outdoor parks
Also agree with your assessment of high Sox, Ikebukuro is a major hub so it makes sense the demographic is a bit more open.
OMG I didn't know the name of this park and was going there everyday when I was in Yokosuka for a month. Great vibe, really nice people and next to a market too. Loved Yokosuka! Nostalgia is kicking in!
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For Pals living in Japan, what's life there like these days? I've lived there before as an exchange student and once on a spouse visa. After my recent trip to Tokyo it made me consider living there again. However, I'm 40 now and the last time I lived there I couldn't find a permanent job, but that was during the 2008 recession and I also had less professional experience back then, so maybe it would be a little different this time.
There is a huge labor shortage, if you are Japanese you can find a job in a day no problem. Businesses are absolutely desperate for workers.
For foreigners, it is also easy to find a job if you can get your visa situation sorted. This heavily depends on what country you are a citizen of but assuming you’re America, having a college degree is basically mandatory to get that work visa if you aren’t a student visa. Easiest way is the classic English teacher route, almost any idiot with a worthless degree can get this job but it sucks, employers are very controlling, and it’s a dead end job. If you have a degree and a skill/experience in IT, programming, corporate sales, finance, marketing you will find a decent job easily especially if you have a bit of Japanese language ability. Even if you just have some random degree, some Japanese language ability plus professional experience in a dead end office job you should be able to find something better than English teaching
I like living here, but I’m a Japanese citizen and speak the language fluently. I think most foreigners can live here pretty easily, but I don’t really recommend it long term because IMO it’s impossible to really “get” Japanese people and culture unless you are raised Japanese and hav been speaking the language since childhood. Even foreigners with extremely good Japanese I’ve met never truly fit in, it just isn’t possible. You’ll always be an alien in an foreign land.
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checking komozawa today and maybe yume farm in China tomorrow. Anyone been to yume?
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Out of curiosity would you know how the job market is in the STEM/Medical field? I'm always curious how it'd compare to the west. My Japanese buddy said he'd never work in Japan since the work environment is terrible (unpaid overtime, strong hierarchies, etc.) but in fairness the last time he worked in Japan was more than 5 years ago. Everyone says to never teach English though, since no one will take you seriously, the pay is shit and you can't tell girls what you do for work or they'll make fun of you.
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Out of curiosity would you know how the job market is in the STEM/Medical field? I'm always curious how it'd compare to the west. My Japanese buddy said he'd never work in Japan since the work environment is terrible (unpaid overtime, strong hierarchies, etc.) but in fairness the last time he worked in Japan was more than 5 years ago. Everyone says to never teach English though, since no one will take you seriously, the pay is shit and you can't tell girls what you do for work or they'll make fun of you.
No idea tbh about stem and medical. I have a few friends that are nurses and it seems like the hours are a lot less hectic than the US because most hospitals here aren’t open 24/7.
I think the work culture thing is way overblown. I’ve worked tons of jobs of all sorts in both japan and the US, from train platform construction and house painting to hotels to office jobs and everything in between. The hours if you are a salaryman honestly aren’t any different from a US office worker unless you are a middle manager, then the hours are indeed insane here. All other jobs I’ve had here have been no worse and sometimes better, they paid for my nationalized healthcare and overtime, work 40-50 hours a week, workload not too bad. The hierarchy thing is real, but I actually prefer it over how ambiguous and casual US workplaces are. A lot less drama and bullshit when there are set ways to properly interact and a clear image of where you are in the company. Nowadays there are so many different types of jobs and companies that it really doesn’t matter. Most Japanese people will overblow the work culture thing to keep conversations with westerners flowing easily because it’s a common topic of conversation left over from the 80-90s when the work environment was all more ubiquitous. And tbh most Japanese that move and work elsewhere and trash the work culture etc are the type that kind of have that country self hate complex, like the girl you went to high school with who spent a semester in Europe and after that won’t talk about anything else besides how America is so shit compared to Spain or whatever.
There’s a good reason English teaching is looked down upon. It usually attracts a ton of weirdos and losers from America and Britain. No offense to any English teachers on here as there are obviously exceptions, but even non kook English teachers will usually tell you the same thing. If I bump into a westerner at a bar or something and he starts chatting me up cause he finds out I’m fluent in English, I usually ask what they do for work very quickly and if they say English teacher I avoid/ignore after that. Although I can usually tell initially. Kinda harsh but you meet so many people when you live in a city like this that I’m not willing to waste my time conversing or getting to know someone I know is likely to be another dipshit English teacher.
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checking komozawa today and maybe yume farm in China tomorrow. Anyone been to yume?
I've been wanting to hit up yume farm for some years now but it's just so far out in the sticks.
If you go, please post up here.
There’s a good reason English teaching is looked down upon. It usually attracts a ton of weirdos and losers from America and Britain. No offense to any English teachers on here as there are obviously exceptions, but even non kook English teachers will usually tell you the same thing. If I bump into a westerner at a bar or something and he starts chatting me up cause he finds out I’m fluent in English, I usually ask what they do for work very quickly and if they say English teacher I avoid/ignore after that. Although I can usually tell initially. Kinda harsh but you meet so many people when you live in a city like this that I’m not willing to waste my time conversing or getting to know someone I know is likely to be another dipshit English teacher.
The truth.
The majority of westerners I meet are weebs. I ain't got time for that.
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checking komozawa today and maybe yume farm in China tomorrow. Anyone been to yume?
If you go, please post up here.
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There’s a good reason English teaching is looked down upon. It usually attracts a ton of weirdos and losers from America and Britain. No offense to any English teachers on here as there are obviously exceptions, but even non kook English teachers will usually tell you the same thing. If I bump into a westerner at a bar or something and he starts chatting me up cause he finds out I’m fluent in English, I usually ask what they do for work very quickly and if they say English teacher I avoid/ignore after that. Although I can usually tell initially. Kinda harsh but you meet so many people when you live in a city like this that I’m not willing to waste my time conversing or getting to know someone I know is likely to be another dipshit English teacher.
The majority of westerners I meet are weebs. I ain't got time for that.
I actually don’t meet that many weebs and the ones I do are usually cringeWorthy but I’m pretty indifferent too. At least they have a reason they wanted to come here.
Most of the English teachers I run into and dislike are below average white dudes with little knowledge of japan who graduated college but don’t have the smarts/drive/balls to have gotten a non shit job after graduation. Didn’t build up enough of a social circle with close friends to make them reconsider moving halfway around the world to a place we’re they know no one and can’t converse with anyone. And generally have nothing going for them in life because they are not so dumb or socially awkward to be a freak but too dumb and/or socially awkward to actually make a life for themselves. It’s always that one dude you went to high school with who on paper is your average white guy, but has never made a close group of friends, has no apperent hobbies or cool shit that he’s really into besides maybe video games, never had a gf, and worked as a low level manager at the place he worked part time during college before fucking off to some Asian country. They come here because they have nothing to lose , anyone with any degree can get an English teaching job, high school English teacher in japan sounds cooler to people back home than assistant manager at Home Depot, and they think Japanese chicks will be throwing themselves at them simply cause they’re white.
But back to skating. Think I’m finally going to Olympic park on Thursday. Can finally ride a mini ramp for the first time in years.
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http://www.charismaman.com/
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Out of curiosity would you know how the job market is in the STEM/Medical field? I'm always curious how it'd compare to the west. My Japanese buddy said he'd never work in Japan since the work environment is terrible (unpaid overtime, strong hierarchies, etc.) but in fairness the last time he worked in Japan was more than 5 years ago. Everyone says to never teach English though, since no one will take you seriously, the pay is shit and you can't tell girls what you do for work or they'll make fun of you.
No idea tbh about stem and medical. I have a few friends that are nurses and it seems like the hours are a lot less hectic than the US because most hospitals here aren’t open 24/7.
I think the work culture thing is way overblown. I’ve worked tons of jobs of all sorts in both japan and the US, from train platform construction and house painting to hotels to office jobs and everything in between. The hours if you are a salaryman honestly aren’t any different from a US office worker unless you are a middle manager, then the hours are indeed insane here. All other jobs I’ve had here have been no worse and sometimes better, they paid for my nationalized healthcare and overtime, work 40-50 hours a week, workload not too bad. The hierarchy thing is real, but I actually prefer it over how ambiguous and casual US workplaces are. A lot less drama and bullshit when there are set ways to properly interact and a clear image of where you are in the company. Nowadays there are so many different types of jobs and companies that it really doesn’t matter. Most Japanese people will overblow the work culture thing to keep conversations with westerners flowing easily because it’s a common topic of conversation left over from the 80-90s when the work environment was all more ubiquitous. And tbh most Japanese that move and work elsewhere and trash the work culture etc are the type that kind of have that country self hate complex, like the girl you went to high school with who spent a semester in Europe and after that won’t talk about anything else besides how America is so shit compared to Spain or whatever.
There’s a good reason English teaching is looked down upon. It usually attracts a ton of weirdos and losers from America and Britain. No offense to any English teachers on here as there are obviously exceptions, but even non kook English teachers will usually tell you the same thing. If I bump into a westerner at a bar or something and he starts chatting me up cause he finds out I’m fluent in English, I usually ask what they do for work very quickly and if they say English teacher I avoid/ignore after that. Although I can usually tell initially. Kinda harsh but you meet so many people when you live in a city like this that I’m not willing to waste my time conversing or getting to know someone I know is likely to be another dipshit English teacher.
Huh interesting note about nurses getting better hours. Makes me wanna look into possibilities (I'm not a nurse but obviously there's other options). Though I imagine not knowing Japanese in that field pretty much makes you unemployable which is understandable. I'm not american so thankfully I don't have to worry about healthcare already which is nice. I'm not surprised people aren't too stoked on English teachers, I imagine it attracts a ton of weebs with yellow fever who think they're gonna swim in pussy lol
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For Pals living in Japan, what's life there like these days? I've lived there before as an exchange student and once on a spouse visa. After my recent trip to Tokyo it made me consider living there again. However, I'm 40 now and the last time I lived there I couldn't find a permanent job, but that was during the 2008 recession and I also had less professional experience back then, so maybe it would be a little different this time.
There is a huge labor shortage, if you are Japanese you can find a job in a day no problem. Businesses are absolutely desperate for workers.
For foreigners, it is also easy to find a job if you can get your visa situation sorted. This heavily depends on what country you are a citizen of but assuming you’re America, having a college degree is basically mandatory to get that work visa if you aren’t a student visa. Easiest way is the classic English teacher route, almost any idiot with a worthless degree can get this job but it sucks, employers are very controlling, and it’s a dead end job. If you have a degree and a skill/experience in IT, programming, corporate sales, finance, marketing you will find a decent job easily especially if you have a bit of Japanese language ability. Even if you just have some random degree, some Japanese language ability plus professional experience in a dead end office job you should be able to find something better than English teaching
I like living here, but I’m a Japanese citizen and speak the language fluently. I think most foreigners can live here pretty easily, but I don’t really recommend it long term because IMO it’s impossible to really “get” Japanese people and culture unless you are raised Japanese and hav been speaking the language since childhood. Even foreigners with extremely good Japanese I’ve met never truly fit in, it just isn’t possible. You’ll always be an alien in an foreign land.
I feel this way anyway in the US because I'm Asian. It's not as bad these days compared to in the 80s and 90s but growing up here sucked at times, and it left an impression on me. The younger generation of Asian Americans seem to have it a little better. I think you're right though that the feeling of alienation in Japan would be even more severe; they have a strong sense of identity vs. gaijin. I have the N1 now, which I didn't have when I was last there, so my chances of getting a job might be better. I think it would be cool to live there for a decade, visit other parts of Japan and Asia while there, and move back. But my wife who is Japanese told me if we move there again she's not moving back to America. She's tired from all the moving we've done over the years - like once every few years including internationally and within the US. I wouldn't want to be an English teacher there. I would like to proofread or translate if possible.
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For Pals living in Japan, what's life there like these days? I've lived there before as an exchange student and once on a spouse visa. After my recent trip to Tokyo it made me consider living there again. However, I'm 40 now and the last time I lived there I couldn't find a permanent job, but that was during the 2008 recession and I also had less professional experience back then, so maybe it would be a little different this time.
There is a huge labor shortage, if you are Japanese you can find a job in a day no problem. Businesses are absolutely desperate for workers.
For foreigners, it is also easy to find a job if you can get your visa situation sorted. This heavily depends on what country you are a citizen of but assuming you’re America, having a college degree is basically mandatory to get that work visa if you aren’t a student visa. Easiest way is the classic English teacher route, almost any idiot with a worthless degree can get this job but it sucks, employers are very controlling, and it’s a dead end job. If you have a degree and a skill/experience in IT, programming, corporate sales, finance, marketing you will find a decent job easily especially if you have a bit of Japanese language ability. Even if you just have some random degree, some Japanese language ability plus professional experience in a dead end office job you should be able to find something better than English teaching
I like living here, but I’m a Japanese citizen and speak the language fluently. I think most foreigners can live here pretty easily, but I don’t really recommend it long term because IMO it’s impossible to really “get” Japanese people and culture unless you are raised Japanese and hav been speaking the language since childhood. Even foreigners with extremely good Japanese I’ve met never truly fit in, it just isn’t possible. You’ll always be an alien in an foreign land.
I feel this way anyway in the US because I'm Asian. It's not as bad these days compared to in the 80s and 90s but growing up here sucked at times, and it left an impression on me. The younger generation of Asian Americans seem to have it a little better. I think you're right though that the feeling of alienation in Japan would be even more severe; they have a strong sense of identity vs. gaijin. I have the N1 now, which I didn't have when I was last there, so my chances of getting a job might be better. I think it would be cool to live there for a decade, visit other parts of Japan and Asia while there, and move back. But my wife who is Japanese told me if we move there again she's not moving back to America. She's tired from all the moving we've done over the years - like once every few years including internationally and within the US. I wouldn't want to be an English teacher there. I would like to proofread or translate if possible.
Yup that’s why I moved here. Maybe it would have been different if I grew up in an area like LA or something were there’s a lot of asians, but I grew up in the Midwest were besides my nuclear family I would see another Asian person maybe once every two weeks. My childhood was pretty good and I didn’t get bullied too bad or anything but you deal with so much little bullshit everyday and you always know that you’re the other and subconsciously looked down upon. When I would spend time in japan to visit family as a young adult who understood the world and racial dynamics a little better than when I was a kid I was always like” damn so this is what it’s like being white in America “
If you have n1 you’re probably golden. I think if you’re Asian esp Japanese and can speak near naturally and you have a native Japanese spouse by your side you will be fine life wise as well, although choosing to move to japan for good is a huge decision.
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If you had a free week in Japan in the summer where would you spend it? I'll be in Tokyo before/after, so somewhere easily accessible by train would be ideal. I was thinking Kyoto or Osaka, any other suggestions?
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If you had a free week in Japan in the summer where would you spend it? I'll be in Tokyo before/after, so somewhere easily accessible by train would be ideal. I was thinking Kyoto or Osaka, any other suggestions?
Kyoto and Kobe are both within an hour by train from Osaka (depending on where you are staying), so I'd recommend going there. Tons of spots and the people are cool. You'll get the most bang for your buck.
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For Pals living in Japan, what's life there like these days? I've lived there before as an exchange student and once on a spouse visa. After my recent trip to Tokyo it made me consider living there again. However, I'm 40 now and the last time I lived there I couldn't find a permanent job, but that was during the 2008 recession and I also had less professional experience back then, so maybe it would be a little different this time.
There is a huge labor shortage, if you are Japanese you can find a job in a day no problem. Businesses are absolutely desperate for workers.
For foreigners, it is also easy to find a job if you can get your visa situation sorted. This heavily depends on what country you are a citizen of but assuming you’re America, having a college degree is basically mandatory to get that work visa if you aren’t a student visa. Easiest way is the classic English teacher route, almost any idiot with a worthless degree can get this job but it sucks, employers are very controlling, and it’s a dead end job. If you have a degree and a skill/experience in IT, programming, corporate sales, finance, marketing you will find a decent job easily especially if you have a bit of Japanese language ability. Even if you just have some random degree, some Japanese language ability plus professional experience in a dead end office job you should be able to find something better than English teaching
I like living here, but I’m a Japanese citizen and speak the language fluently. I think most foreigners can live here pretty easily, but I don’t really recommend it long term because IMO it’s impossible to really “get” Japanese people and culture unless you are raised Japanese and hav been speaking the language since childhood. Even foreigners with extremely good Japanese I’ve met never truly fit in, it just isn’t possible. You’ll always be an alien in an foreign land.
I feel this way anyway in the US because I'm Asian. It's not as bad these days compared to in the 80s and 90s but growing up here sucked at times, and it left an impression on me. The younger generation of Asian Americans seem to have it a little better. I think you're right though that the feeling of alienation in Japan would be even more severe; they have a strong sense of identity vs. gaijin. I have the N1 now, which I didn't have when I was last there, so my chances of getting a job might be better. I think it would be cool to live there for a decade, visit other parts of Japan and Asia while there, and move back. But my wife who is Japanese told me if we move there again she's not moving back to America. She's tired from all the moving we've done over the years - like once every few years including internationally and within the US. I wouldn't want to be an English teacher there. I would like to proofread or translate if possible.
Yup that’s why I moved here. Maybe it would have been different if I grew up in an area like LA or something were there’s a lot of asians, but I grew up in the Midwest were besides my nuclear family I would see another Asian person maybe once every two weeks. My childhood was pretty good and I didn’t get bullied too bad or anything but you deal with so much little bullshit everyday and you always know that you’re the other and subconsciously looked down upon. When I would spend time in japan to visit family as a young adult who understood the world and racial dynamics a little better than when I was a kid I was always like” damn so this is what it’s like being white in America “
If you have n1 you’re probably golden. I think if you’re Asian esp Japanese and can speak near naturally and you have a native Japanese spouse by your side you will be fine life wise as well, although choosing to move to japan for good is a huge decision.
For me it was suburban Washington State. Things were different back then. I have some close friends I grew up with but small town people in Washington are pretty conservative - not like in Seattle. I'm Korean btw but I have no beef with Japanese people. But that's probably obvious since my wife is Japanese. I talked to her again about it and she sounds more open to the idea of living there a while and coming back later but we wouldn't leave for another year or two. Anyway, thanks for the replies everyone.
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checking komAzawa today and maybe yume farm in ******Chiba tomorrow. Anyone been to yume?
**** my phone autocorrected when I posted this haha
Komazawa was fun. Ended up making it out to Yume farm the next day and it was such a great time. Top 3 parks I've ever been to. Overall vibes were great and it was filled with so many random ass things to skate that you could probably spend 3 days there and not get bored. It was a bit of a mission to get out there but it is worth it. I'd recommend going by car rather than taking the train/bus. Next time we will be doing that for sure. It just felt great to skate a park covered in trees. Also they have bbqs and camp sites so the potential for a mid spring/early summer skate and camp trip would be so fun
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checking komAzawa today and maybe yume farm in ******Chiba tomorrow. Anyone been to yume?
**** my phone autocorrected when I posted this haha
Komazawa was fun. Ended up making it out to Yume farm the next day and it was such a great time. Top 3 parks I've ever been to. Overall vibes were great and it was filled with so many random ass things to skate that you could probably spend 3 days there and not get bored. It was a bit of a mission to get out there but it is worth it. I'd recommend going by car rather than taking the train/bus. Next time we will be doing that for sure. It just felt great to skate a park covered in trees. Also they have bbqs and camp sites so the potential for a mid spring/early summer skate and camp trip would be so fun
Damn a skate/camping trip sounds fun, might have to do that this summer.
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Sounds dope. That would be a rad little gettaway
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Sounds dope. That would be a rad little gettaway
one word - Coronavirus
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Sounds dope. That would be a rad little gettaway
one word - Coronavirus
two words - shut up
Damn a skate/camping trip sounds fun, might have to do that this summer.
Sounds like a fun time. I've been hoping to check out Japan over the summer as well
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For Pals living in Japan, what's life there like these days? I've lived there before as an exchange student and once on a spouse visa. After my recent trip to Tokyo it made me consider living there again. However, I'm 40 now and the last time I lived there I couldn't find a permanent job, but that was during the 2008 recession and I also had less professional experience back then, so maybe it would be a little different this time.
being here in your 40s is quite different to being here in your 20s #duh ask me I should know.
having said that, I live in the countryside and have done so for the last 12 years so I'm probably not exactly in the know when it comes to living in the big cities. I still maintain that the best way to come here though is to get employed by a company in your own country that has connections with Japan and then get transferred here through them. Doing the whole English teaching thing is a good deal when you're young, dumb and have no responsibilities, but it barely pays the bills, nor is it sustainable unless you have some sort of qualifications that will land you a job teaching in universities.
I finally landed a nice job in intl. education after being in the industry for quite a while that is full-time with full benefits, but it took me a good minute and you better have better than mint Japanese because like skateboarding, lots of people these days are really good at Japanese so it's not like it was, or how I imagine it was, back in the 80s. On top of your Japanese you're also going to need some other skill that sets you apart from the rest of the pack otherwise you'll end up doing something you hate (English teaching, head hunting etc.).
Damn a skate/camping trip sounds fun, might have to do that this summer.
you clearly haven't spent much time camping in a tent in the Japanese then have you :p
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I lived there for a year back in 2008 or so and had an apartment in Minato-ku directly across the street from that spot under the highway where there's that bridge pillar/hip that's featured in almost every Japanese skate video ever (and anytime Gonz skates there).
similar to just about everyone else who has chimed in, I was always constantly moving when skating Tokyo and never really stayed anywhere longer than 5-10 minutes. there were some night spots in Ginza alleys where I'd session some metal-grate-bank to metal-grate-curbs for what seemed like forever.
is Hesh Dawgz still around? I always liked that shop and there was some nearby shop that only sold Lakais and Crail products. It's wild to think that anywhere in the world had an entire shoe wall of Lakais at some point in time.
next to Oslo, Tokyo was my all time favorite place to skate.
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I lived there for a year back in 2008 or so and had an apartment in Minato-ku directly across the street from that spot under the highway where there's that bridge pillar/hip that's featured in almost every Japanese skate video ever (and anytime Gonz skates there).
similar to just about everyone else who has chimed in, I was always constantly moving when skating Tokyo and never really stayed anywhere longer than 5-10 minutes. there were some night spots in Ginza alleys where I'd session some metal-grate-bank to metal-grate-curbs for what seemed like forever.
is Hesh Dawgz still around? I always liked that shop and there was some nearby shop that only sold Lakais and Crail products. It's wild to think that anywhere in the world had an entire shoe wall of Lakais at some point in time.
next to Oslo, Tokyo was my all time favorite place to skate.
I haven't done much street skating in Tokyo. would love to get in a night session sometime soon
Hesh Dawgz is still kicking. bought my last board there and also picked up one of those Dear Skating Todd Congelliere Liberty reissue shirts there a while back. owner is a cool dude with good taste in skating
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Hesh Dawgs is a great shop!
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fellow slappers living in Japan - How's everyone holding up? What is going on in your city? What are your thoughts on all this?
Some stuff here has started to shut down but not completely on lock down yet. Coming from America, it seems to kinda worry me with the low level of government intervention there's been here. Hard to gauge exactly what is going on but I have been staying home as much as I can.
haven't checked/heard from friends if my local parks have been closed lately but I have just resisted going. hopefully will skate a bit solo this weekend at night to keep my sanity.
but hope everyone is safe, healthy, and holding up well !
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Sorry for the bump, but I've been skating more recently (aside from the past 2 weeks due to the shitty weather) and just wanted to see what's up.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-wcoULl3VY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
^
I've been skating there a lot (https://goo.gl/maps/BzRX36A5UU1QeG2Z6) and it has been amazing, not much aside from flat ground and a sidewalk that can be used as a manny pad, but it's nice finally finding somewhere central Tokyo where you don't get kicked out for skating. Lot's of skateboarders here practicing flat ground at all times, at all levels of skating too which is nice.
Anyone know any other central spots in Tokyo like the one above? Somewhere you wont get kicked out regularly. I'm not a huge fan of parks, they are all kind of annoying to get to since I'm living near Ebisu (near Garden place). I used to skate the riverside of Asakusa and Ueno park when I lived out east, but that's far for a short skate session.
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nice, that spot looks cool. I am actually moving to Suginami in a few days ! I also need to find a spot close by me for an easy session as well...
In other news I think that Miyashita park in Shibuya will be open soon. Looks cool but I bet it'll be super packed all the time though
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The rain is driving me insane. Any chance I have to skate it just pours or it's already totally wet.
I usually just bomb the hills from my place down to Yoyogihachiman and skate my local slappy spot alone.
The touchou area in west Shinjuku has got little spots that can be hit up on the weekend. Even some under cover areas.
https://goo.gl/maps/6C4PKuHPCydRsctM9
This part in Shinjuku Central Park always has people skating on the weekends. It's literally only flat ground (not even smooth) so I don't fuck with it but if that's your thing you can skate there hassle free.
https://goo.gl/maps/XcvE9YNiJbEzqrWj6
I don't know of anything around Garden Place. There is a bank spot along the Meguro river (west bank) near there and some places to skate in Daimon.
This whole office building area in Osaki has a bunch of spots. It's usually pretty chill at night and on weekends.
https://goo.gl/maps/XPUnuv2wSGgx21fD9
@habby where in Suginami are you moving to? I'm pretty close to Suginami (live in Hatagaya, Shibuya)
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yo @jive! nice spots, thanks for sharing. I will be on the hunt for a nice slappy curb to replace my current spot haha
Nice not too far from each other - I'll be living in Asagaya. Would be down to meet up for a session sometime !
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yo @jive! nice spots, thanks for sharing. I will be on the hunt for a nice slappy curb to replace my current spot haha
Nice not too far from each other - I'll be living in Asagaya. Would be down to meet up for a session sometime !
Ah nice. Asagaya and that whole area is cool.
I'll PM you my deets later.
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Anyone know any other central spots in Tokyo like the one above? Somewhere you wont get kicked out regularly. I'm not a huge fan of parks, they are all kind of annoying to get to since I'm living near Ebisu (near Garden place). I used to skate the riverside of Asakusa and Ueno park when I lived out east, but that's far for a short skate session.
Man, I totally brain farted on this one.
It's not a chill spot at all but definitely worth checking out since it's in your hood.
https://goo.gl/maps/BqSG6bocbr3WMf6M6
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checking komozawa today and maybe yume farm in China tomorrow. Anyone been to yume?
If you go, please post up here.
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There’s a good reason English teaching is looked down upon. It usually attracts a ton of weirdos and losers from America and Britain. No offense to any English teachers on here as there are obviously exceptions, but even non kook English teachers will usually tell you the same thing. If I bump into a westerner at a bar or something and he starts chatting me up cause he finds out I’m fluent in English, I usually ask what they do for work very quickly and if they say English teacher I avoid/ignore after that. Although I can usually tell initially. Kinda harsh but you meet so many people when you live in a city like this that I’m not willing to waste my time conversing or getting to know someone I know is likely to be another dipshit English teacher.
The majority of westerners I meet are weebs. I ain't got time for that.
I actually don’t meet that many weebs and the ones I do are usually cringeWorthy but I’m pretty indifferent too. At least they have a reason they wanted to come here.
Most of the English teachers I run into and dislike are below average white dudes with little knowledge of japan who graduated college but don’t have the smarts/drive/balls to have gotten a non shit job after graduation. Didn’t build up enough of a social circle with close friends to make them reconsider moving halfway around the world to a place we’re they know no one and can’t converse with anyone. And generally have nothing going for them in life because they are not so dumb or socially awkward to be a freak but too dumb and/or socially awkward to actually make a life for themselves. It’s always that one dude you went to high school with who on paper is your average white guy, but has never made a close group of friends, has no apperent hobbies or cool shit that he’s really into besides maybe video games, never had a gf, and worked as a low level manager at the place he worked part time during college before fucking off to some Asian country. They come here because they have nothing to lose , anyone with any degree can get an English teaching job, high school English teacher in japan sounds cooler to people back home than assistant manager at Home Depot, and they think Japanese chicks will be throwing themselves at them simply cause they’re white.
But back to skating. Think I’m finally going to Olympic park on Thursday. Can finally ride a mini ramp for the first time in years.
Howdy y'all. Long time lurker, first time poster. Wanted to bump this thread and see how things have been recently for everyone out there? I'm based in the Meguro/Ota Ward area and I never see anyone pushing around save for kids on snake boards and longboarders.
I've always been inclined to stick to the streets/random spots. I'm not really a fan of park skating, even more so since skating became an Olympic sport, and subsequently Tokyo bribed to get was awarded the 2020 2021 games, so that's reinforced my apprehension towards parks.
I've hit up the Meguro Riverside banks area, and been chased out a few times (there's a fairly big police station seriously close to it off Yamate Dori) so the cops can walk to that spot and get ramen either on the way there or back. I don't tend to session spots at all, but I'd like to find a spot where sessioning would be an option just to work on my consistency.
Anyhow, sorry for the long post.
TLDR: Any recommendations for the Meguro/Ota area?
Thanks in advance.
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TLDR: Any recommendations for the Meguro/Ota area?
Thanks in advance.
I feel you, I'm not really into parks either.
Where about do you live? I used to live around Togoshi.
The sad truth about Tokyo is that practically everything is a bust, it's a crap shoot how long you can skate a spot.
Check out the Osaki station area. There's shit to skate around this whole complex:
https://goo.gl/maps/ComADrSWLoTMZ6dH9
I've never really explored the opposite side of the station (across Meguro river toward Shinagawa) but it looks promising.
Dunno what condition the ledges are here but I never had much of a kick out issue at this spot:
https://goo.gl/maps/wivp5u17QjJLSqnp9
There's also stuff around Shinagawa station but the bust factor is high.
This park is hassle free:
https://goo.gl/maps/VSH6XkqAWoDEzvhMA
Bank to curb under the Shinkansen tracks:
https://goo.gl/maps/9CSa7HTLtnYNXbTT6
If you go to street view you can actually see 2 dudes skating it haha
That's all I can really think of off the top of my head.
I hope these typhoons fuck off and I can get a dry weekend.
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TLDR: Any recommendations for the Meguro/Ota area?
Thanks in advance.
Where about do you live? I used to live around Togoshi.
The sad truth about Tokyo is that practically everything is a bust, it's a crap shoot how long you can skate a spot.
Check out the Osaki station area. There's shit to skate around this whole complex:
https://goo.gl/maps/ComADrSWLoTMZ6dH9
I've never really explored the opposite side of the station (across Meguro river toward Shinagawa) but it looks promising.
Dunno what condition the ledges are here but I never had much of a kick out issue at this spot:
https://goo.gl/maps/wivp5u17QjJLSqnp9
There's also stuff around Shinagawa station but the bust factor is high.
This park is hassle free:
https://goo.gl/maps/VSH6XkqAWoDEzvhMA
Bank to curb under the Shinkansen tracks:
https://goo.gl/maps/9CSa7HTLtnYNXbTT6
If you go to street view you can actually see 2 dudes skating it haha
That's all I can really think of off the top of my head.
I hope these typhoons fuck off and I can get a dry weekend.
Thanks for the response, JT. I'm living near Okusawa, but I'm used to pushing around without any particular destination. Which has allowed me to find some dope spots, but I rarely take my phone with me so I don't mark/pin them, so I skate them once and never see them again.
That spot under the Shink tracks near Numabe looks promising, hopefully the ground isn't daikon oroshi, the wheels I'm riding at the moment have worn down to probably around 50mm.
Funny you mentioned Kiri no Funsui Hiroba. When was the last time you went through there? My homie and I were skating there probably about a year ago and we got the boot after 5 minutes. It was at night though, so that might have played a part in it. Probably 99.44% of the time I skate at night.
Anyhow, thanks again for the response. Will be sure to check out some of those spots if the weather holds. Though the forecast calls for sporadic rain again this weekend. FML.
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That spot under the Shink tracks near Numabe looks promising, hopefully the ground isn't daikon oroshi, the wheels I'm riding at the moment have worn down to probably around 50mm.
The asphalt is pretty rough and pebbly but it's fun.
Funny you mentioned Kiri no Funsui Hiroba. When was the last time you went through there? My homie and I were skating there probably about a year ago and we got the boot after 5 minutes. It was at night though, so that might have played a part in it. Probably 99.44% of the time I skate at night.
I'm surprised to hear that.
I skated there at night and never had a problem but that was like 2 years when I used to live in that area.
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That spot under the Shink tracks near Numabe looks promising, hopefully the ground isn't daikon oroshi, the wheels I'm riding at the moment have worn down to probably around 50mm.
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Funny you mentioned Kiri no Funsui Hiroba. When was the last time you went through there? My homie and I were skating there probably about a year ago and we got the boot after 5 minutes. It was at night though, so that might have played a part in it. Probably 99.44% of the time I skate at night.
I skated there at night and never had a problem but that was like 2 years when I used to live in that area.
Rough, eh? Any other, non-pandemic interrupted production year, that wouldn't be an issue. But so many skate shops are out of product. So getting a new set of wheels/trucks is more of a hassle. Will definitely have to go during the day.
Might have just been the luck of the draw, or near quota-filling time? Dunno.
Whereabouts are you living?
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That spot under the Shink tracks near Numabe looks promising, hopefully the ground isn't daikon oroshi, the wheels I'm riding at the moment have worn down to probably around 50mm.
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Funny you mentioned Kiri no Funsui Hiroba. When was the last time you went through there? My homie and I were skating there probably about a year ago and we got the boot after 5 minutes. It was at night though, so that might have played a part in it. Probably 99.44% of the time I skate at night.
I skated there at night and never had a problem but that was like 2 years when I used to live in that area.
Rough, eh? Any other, non-pandemic interrupted production year, that wouldn't be an issue. But so many skate shops are out of product. So getting a new set of wheels/trucks is more of a hassle. Will definitely have to go during the day.
Might have just been the luck of the draw, or near quota-filling time? Dunno.
Whereabouts are you living?
Yeah, I had a hell of a time finding bearings a few months back. I got stuck paying 7500 JPY for some dog shit flowgressive bearings. Uhg, I'm getting upset just typing this haha
I live in Shibuya but more up towards Yoyogi park, not down in the mess.
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Man reading this thread has really got me craving some time in Japan. I've never lived there but have visited twice and loved it.
Cant imagine street skating would go down well given all the reasons people have mentioned. Gx1000s vid there have me really bad disrespectful vibes.
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Gx1000s vid there have me really bad disrespectful vibes.
They actually fucked up a few spots.
But they got to look like bad asses in the footage so it's all good I guess.
@SaySo If the weather is alright this weekend we're gonna hit up Sumidagawa - Asakusa area.
It's literally the opposite end of Tokyo from where you live but you're welcome to join if you want.
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That spot under the Shink tracks near Numabe looks promising, hopefully the ground isn't daikon oroshi, the wheels I'm riding at the moment have worn down to probably around 50mm.
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Funny you mentioned Kiri no Funsui Hiroba. When was the last time you went through there? My homie and I were skating there probably about a year ago and we got the boot after 5 minutes. It was at night though, so that might have played a part in it. Probably 99.44% of the time I skate at night.
I skated there at night and never had a problem but that was like 2 years when I used to live in that area.
Rough, eh? Any other, non-pandemic interrupted production year, that wouldn't be an issue. But so many skate shops are out of product. So getting a new set of wheels/trucks is more of a hassle. Will definitely have to go during the day.
Might have just been the luck of the draw, or near quota-filling time? Dunno.
Whereabouts are you living?
I live in Shibuya but more up towards Yoyogi park, not down in the mess.
@Jive Turkey
7,500 yen? Damn, that's like more than the price of Bones Swiss!
I was calling the shop weekly to try to get a deck. Took me over a month before I scored one that wasn't warped or a Reaper. Just starting to get back into a groove and working through my always extra long, frustrating break-in period for new decks.
Nice, that area is good. Lots of grub/hole-in-the-wall spots to eat. My favorite proper bakery in Japan, Levain, is in Tomigaya. If you haven't tried it, and you dig whole-grain bread, I highly suggest it.
I used to live in Umegaoka so I'd push from there to Shimokita, break for a conbini beer, then push on towards Sancha, Shibuya, or rarely Shinjuku. The patchwork/half-assed nature of road resurfacing can be super annoying though.
As for the weekend, thanks for the invite, but I can't make it. Definitely DM me for the next session though!
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Man reading this thread has really got me craving some time in Japan. I've never lived there but have visited twice and loved it.
Cant imagine street skating would go down well given all the reasons people have mentioned. Gx1000s vid there have me really bad disrespectful vibes.
All things considered, I haven't had much trouble when street skating. But I usually skate alone and almost never session one place longer than maybe one or two attempts, so I think cops are usually less likely to bug out. And, knock on wood, I've been able to talk my way out of getting into more trouble by playing on the sympathy of cops with respect to being a working man when refuting their claim of "why don't you just go to the skatepark?" Sure, parks are great if you don't work a job with somewhat regular hours...
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As for the weekend, thanks for the invite, but I can't make it. Definitely DM me for the next session though!
Sure, maybe next time.
BTW you got any spots you can share around here?
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Man reading this thread has really got me craving some time in Japan. I've never lived there but have visited twice and loved it.
Cant imagine street skating would go down well given all the reasons people have mentioned. Gx1000s vid there have me really bad disrespectful vibes.
All things considered, I haven't had much trouble when street skating. But I usually skate alone and almost never session one place longer than maybe one or two attempts, so I think cops are usually less likely to bug out. And, knock on wood, I've been able to talk my way out of getting into more trouble by playing on the sympathy of cops with respect to being a working man when refuting their claim of "why don't you just go to the skatepark?" Sure, parks are great if you don't work a job with somewhat regular hours...
I guess I'm more thinking from the perspective of how busy and crowded Tokyo is. Skateboarding seems a little bit incompatible with a lot of other aspects of Japanese culture in that it is loud, damages property and is probably technically illegal.
I might be over thinking it but I've spent a lot of time in different parts of Asia and Japan isn't one place where skating felt like it would go down well compared to other countries where people are kinda stoked on it
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As for the weekend, thanks for the invite, but I can't make it. Definitely DM me for the next session though!
BTW you got any spots you can share around here?
@Jive Turkey
Whirred.
Around your neck of the woods, I used to hit this up when passing it by. Definitely not a session spot as it's surrounded by houses. Good flat to bank, but you have to catch it when it's sans cars.
https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/〒155-0032+東京都世田谷区代沢５丁目５%E2%88%92１１/@35.6557707,139.6663613,3a,60y,99.31h,79.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-zAYO5PnOm6hwVvWp7EJDA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x6018f368a4a078dd:0x9f2f7a90b07e3433!8m2!3d35.6557214!4d139.6665764
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As for the weekend, thanks for the invite, but I can't make it. Definitely DM me for the next session though!
BTW you got any spots you can share around here?
@Jive Turkey
Just checked the street view, if it's a recent pic, it appears as if they demo'ed the parking lot and they're now constructing something else...
Lemme think a bit more. Like I said, I don't skate with my phone so I never pin spots. Have to work from memory. My bad!
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Man reading this thread has really got me craving some time in Japan. I've never lived there but have visited twice and loved it.
Cant imagine street skating would go down well given all the reasons people have mentioned. Gx1000s vid there have me really bad disrespectful vibes.
All things considered, I haven't had much trouble when street skating. But I usually skate alone and almost never session one place longer than maybe one or two attempts, so I think cops are usually less likely to bug out. And, knock on wood, I've been able to talk my way out of getting into more trouble by playing on the sympathy of cops with respect to being a working man when refuting their claim of "why don't you just go to the skatepark?" Sure, parks are great if you don't work a job with somewhat regular hours...
I guess I'm more thinking from the perspective of how busy and crowded Tokyo is. Skateboarding seems a little bit incompatible with a lot of other aspects of Japanese culture in that it is loud, damages property and is probably technically illegal.
I might be over thinking it but I've spent a lot of time in different parts of Asia and Japan isn't one place where skating felt like it would go down well compared to other countries where people are kinda stoked on it
Yeah, it's dope you're being considerate about the reception of skating by the locals in respective countries. I think most folks, not just skaters, need to be more sensitive in general about the impressions we leave when we are guests in foreign lands. Don't want to assume where you're from, but as an American, I know we've been painted as loud, ugly tourists by many of the hosts where "we" have visited.
The image of skateboarding has been somewhat rehabilitated here since Tokyo was set to host the Olympics. There were even skateboarding commercials broadcast within the trains over the past couple of years. So it's not as fringe as it once was. Group/kids classes held at parks, and now several generations of skaters having families of their own, etc. has made it much more acceptable and accessible to groups who might have not had any positive exposure to it.
You mentioned having come out here before, you should come again once this pandemic subsides and immigration unclenches!
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@Jive Turkey why on earth didn’t you buy ninja bearings? Their Abel 7s are like half that price and are actually really good quality
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Because there was literally no product anywhere... that was point of that whole back and forth.
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Hmmmm, I guess I’m lucky I don’t have a local and just mail order (stockpile) proddy?
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Man reading this thread has really got me craving some time in Japan. I've never lived there but have visited twice and loved it.
Cant imagine street skating would go down well given all the reasons people have mentioned. Gx1000s vid there have me really bad disrespectful vibes.
All things considered, I haven't had much trouble when street skating. But I usually skate alone and almost never session one place longer than maybe one or two attempts, so I think cops are usually less likely to bug out. And, knock on wood, I've been able to talk my way out of getting into more trouble by playing on the sympathy of cops with respect to being a working man when refuting their claim of "why don't you just go to the skatepark?" Sure, parks are great if you don't work a job with somewhat regular hours...
I guess I'm more thinking from the perspective of how busy and crowded Tokyo is. Skateboarding seems a little bit incompatible with a lot of other aspects of Japanese culture in that it is loud, damages property and is probably technically illegal.
I might be over thinking it but I've spent a lot of time in different parts of Asia and Japan isn't one place where skating felt like it would go down well compared to other countries where people are kinda stoked on it
Yeah, it's dope you're being considerate about the reception of skating by the locals in respective countries. I think most folks, not just skaters, need to be more sensitive in general about the impressions we leave when we are guests in foreign lands. Don't want to assume where you're from, but as an American, I know we've been painted as loud, ugly tourists by many of the hosts where "we" have visited.
The image of skateboarding has been somewhat rehabilitated here since Tokyo was set to host the Olympics. There were even skateboarding commercials broadcast within the trains over the past couple of years. So it's not as fringe as it once was. Group/kids classes held at parks, and now several generations of skaters having families of their own, etc. has made it much more acceptable and accessible to groups who might have not had any positive exposure to it.
You mentioned having come out here before, you should come again once this pandemic subsides and immigration unclenches!
I'm from Australia so we've got a similar rep for being loud and inconsiderate. I try not to be a dick and be mindful that in a lot of places, you may be someones first direct interaction with a foreigner/westerner.
I'm very keen to return to Japan once it's possible. Keen to do so record shopping and hit up some delicious curries
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This spot in Gotanda has hardly any people walking by, and you can usually session it for 30 minutes before being kicked out. It's just long ass ledges that go on and on.
(https://i.ibb.co/sWvr58W/Gotanda-Ledges.png)
I don't think anyone has really skated it aside from me, if anyone is interested DM me and I'll send you the location, don't really want to blow out the spot.
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Damn, looks pretty nice! Mind PM'ing the location? I wanna check it out. Is it granite or some other kinda similar smooth stone?
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Damn, looks pretty nice! Mind PM'ing the location? I wanna check it out. Is it granite or some other kinda similar smooth stone?
I'm not really sure but it's one of those polished stones that don't grind well unless you have wax on it, I suggest you bring some wax.
I'll pm you now.
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nice, thanks!
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Walked by a new spot on the way to work today in Shibuya, some really nice untouched ledges that are skate-stopped but there were 2 sections that had no skate-stoppers.
(https://i.ibb.co/2FtRPS0/Shibuya-spot.png)
It probably wont grind well without wax, and it is a big office, but a night-time/weekend sesh might be doable.
https://goo.gl/maps/PxGeRedPkeJdCkmj9
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Hey all,
I'm going to be in Yokosuka for 3 months starting in November.
I was wondering what the current supply situation is right now for skateboard stuff, not trying to carry a board with me from the US.
What are some local brands I should check out that you can't get in the US?
Also, anyone have any experiences with New Years in Japan?
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Hey all,
I'm going to be in Yokosuka for 3 months starting in November.
I was wondering what the current supply situation is right now for skateboard stuff, not trying to carry a board with me from the US.
What are some local brands I should check out that you can't get in the US?
Also, anyone have any experiences with New Years in Japan?
hope some japanese people can help you better lately. but i do warn you deck prices in japan are much higher than the US and also higher than Europe. i think 1200yen is pretty normal.
obvious one but also available overseas is Evisen.
https://shop.evisenskateboards.com/
MxMxM (Magical Mosh Misfits), they seem to be the cheapest. but i dont like their graphics at all.
https://www.mxmxm-noise.com/
Sunny Skateboards, an all girls brand.
https://sunnyskate.thebase.in/
and i really like Goldschool. they do handshaped boards. but are really high priced.
https://goldschool-original.com/
also there is Possessed Shoes if you wanna try some japanese shoecompany.
https://www.possessedshoe.com/
not Japanese but hard to get in the US are Blast Skates from the UK that are available in several stores around the Yokohama, Tokyo and Ibaraki area. i know Fabric Skateshop in Yokohama carries them.
Yokosuka has a nice sea side skatepark called Umikaze. but can be pretty windy as the name suggest. its easy to find on google so you might know it already.
nearby in Yokohama city you have Shin yokohama skatepark. one of the biggest skateparks around the tokyo area. it is mostly covered by a bridge so its possible to skate when it rains. but seems they do sometimes close during heavy rainfall. maybe ask some locals about that. Japans scene is super friendly form my experience. youll have a blast.
sadly i know more about the Tokyo and Ibaraki area when it comes to parks, spots and skateshops so can't recomend you much to visit in your area. tho im sure youll visit tokyo.
guessing youre in the Navy by the area youre staying? have some friends that were stationed there too. hope you enjoy your time in japan.
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New Years is like Christmas, a traditional holiday where families get together to eat and watch TV. No parties.
The country closes down for about 3 days, it’s very quiet.
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In addition to the above...
Ours is the local shop in Yokosuka. I'm pretty sure the owner (whose name I can't remember right now) can communicate in English. He took the Snack team around Japan like 5 years ago.
https://oursskateco.shop-pro.jp/
I only skated Yokosuka a few times but there are some spots around the Keikyu Yokosuka-chuo station area.
Both the skate park and shop are within pushing distance within that area.
Kugenuma also has a park on the sea and there are some good spots along the coastal highway there.
Decks alone will probably run you about $120 on average. Depending on what you get a complete can end up costing you 3 bills.
AFAIK Tatsumiya/RF Skate is been the cheapest place to buy brand name stuff in Japan.
https://r-fskate.com/
If you can't navigate online orders in Japanese your only choice is to go to the shop in Toritsudaigaku, Tokyo (cash only at the shop).
I have some friends that ride generic brand blank boards and swear by them ($30 I think).
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In addition to the above...
Ours is the local shop in Yokosuka. I'm pretty sure the owner (whose name I can't remember right now) can communicate in English. He took the Snack team around Japan like 5 years ago.
https://oursskateco.shop-pro.jp/
I only skated Yokosuka a few times but there are some spots around the Keikyu Yokosuka-chuo station area.
Both the skate park and shop are within pushing distance within that area.
Kugenuma also has a park on the sea and there are some good spots along the coastal highway there.
Decks alone will probably run you about $120 on average. Depending on what you get a complete can end up costing you 3 bills.
AFAIK Tatsumiya/RF Skate is been the cheapest place to buy brand name stuff in Japan.
https://r-fskate.com/
If you can't navigate online orders in Japanese your only choice is to go to the shop in Toritsudaigaku, Tokyo (cash only at the shop).
I have some friends that ride generic brand blank boards and swear by them ($30 I think).
If memory serves, Tatsumiya takes credit as well.
But yeah, to second/third what's already been said, both hard and soft goods cost a premium here. Especially if you're coming from the US. Expect to pay between 1.5 to 2 times what you'd pay stateside. In the past the bigger shops like Instant had sale decks, but this might not be the case anymore.
From my experience, many shops are still somewhat suffering from product shortage due to Covid coupled with increased demand due to the wack sports festival held earlier this month and the medaling of locals. So if you're a fan of April or any of the brands the medalists ride for, you might be out of luck.
As far as the year-end holiday period, it's dead as Dillinger even in major cities, although to a lesser extent than in the rural areas. That being said, many downtown areas are closed/less crowded so it's easier to skate them at that time (though it can be cold).
I also have friends who ride blanks from Arktz and swear by them.
If you want to try a local brand, other than the ones previously listed, you can try New Type as well: https://www.instagram.com/n.t.original/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/n.t.original/?hl=en)
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Yokosuka park is a lot of fun, or at least it was 21 years ago.
And yes, R-F skate (while not local) is probably the cheapest gear you’ll find here, he has a great selection and measures every board that comes through the shop. I’m not really phased about prices though as they’re fairly similar to what you pay in Australia.
I’m not even on the mainland anymore but order from places like mortar, beacon and California street too because local shops are basically non-existent
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Kugenuma also has a park on the sea and there are some good spots along the coastal highway there.
hahaha, so i knew about this tiny ass square park over there, but didn't know there is a full skatepark like 200 meters next to it. i could spot the tiny square park on google maps every time i looked it up, but never saw the other park.
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Haha that genuinely made me laugh.
Just imagining someone stuck in that miserable little sandpit unaware that there is a better place just down the road.
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Has there been a noticeable increase in skaters since the Olympics?
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Has there been a noticeable increase in skaters since the Olympics?
yes, and thus and even bigger crackdown on skaters at street spots, at least in the metropolitan areas!
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Has there been a noticeable increase in skaters since the Olympics?
that's exactly what i was worried about happening.
marketing skateboarding as a sport will not help street skateboarding in Japan at all. they will only think sports are ment to be practiced at sportsclubs and designated areas.
already noticed many areas that got a skatepark nearby got crazy crackdowns on street skateboarding to the point even rolling to the park was an issue. and then they pull the group responsibility card and have the people that run the skateparks enforce the crackdown on street skating to allow the park to stay open. it's like they're pitting skaters against eachother.
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Has there been a noticeable increase in skaters since the Olympics?
that's exactly what i was worried about happening.
marketing skateboarding as a sport will not help street skateboarding in Japan at all. they will only think sports are ment to be practiced at sportsclubs and designated areas.
already noticed many areas that got a skatepark nearby got crazy crackdowns on street skateboarding to the point even rolling to the park was an issue. and then they pull the group responsibility card and have the people that run the skateparks enforce the crackdown on street skating to allow the park to stay open. it's like they're pitting skaters against eachother.
Question what makes japan such a desirable skate destination?
I watched a youtube video of a guy explaining how japanese street sessions mainly take place at night because of all the rules and regulations set in place for skaters over there, doesn't seem like a fun time to me unless you're a night owl or into parks.
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Has there been a noticeable increase in skaters since the Olympics?
that's exactly what i was worried about happening.
marketing skateboarding as a sport will not help street skateboarding in Japan at all. they will only think sports are ment to be practiced at sportsclubs and designated areas.
already noticed many areas that got a skatepark nearby got crazy crackdowns on street skateboarding to the point even rolling to the park was an issue. and then they pull the group responsibility card and have the people that run the skateparks enforce the crackdown on street skating to allow the park to stay open. it's like they're pitting skaters against eachother.
Question what makes japan such a desirable skate destination?
I watched a youtube video of a guy explaining how japanese street sessions mainly take place at night because of all the rules and regulations set in place for skaters over there, doesn't seem like a fun time to me unless you're a night owl or into parks.
Night skating has a few practical reasons. One being the bust factor goes way down. The biggest one for me, as least living in Tokyo, is the amount of pedestrians and traffic drops dramatically. Lastly, if it's summer it is so miserably hot that skating during the day is practically suicide.
I personally wouldn't recommend Japan (especially Tokyo) as a skate destination, it requires a lot of work and the weather generally sucks all year round, but people view this country with very starry eyes whether it be skateboarding or your average tourist.
Regarding the "group responsibility" discouraging skating to the skate park points; that has been present before any of this olympics non-sense. If anyone confronts me including the police I just pretend they don't exist; it really satisfying to watching them fall apart at the absence of compliance.
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oh yeah i know the not skating to the skatepark stuff been around before the olympics, cause i havn't been in Japan since Covid hit. but worry if they manage to get more parks, you'll see even more of that.
don't forget you can drink alcohol on the streets, so you can make a couple pitstops at the conbini to grab some beers. i don't drink tho, but night sessions sound like a ton of fun.
also see plenty daytime skating along the riversides and below highways and train tracks. but yeah, especially some neighborhoods are insanely crowded during the day, wouln't even want to roll around shibuya or shinjuku during the day.
weather in all honestly allways been a 100 times better than where i'm from during my trips. but i stay the fuck away during the summer.
while i've seen tons of fun spots around Tokyo and Osaka (you'll usually recognize them by the no skateboarding signs), i never knew Japan was such a desireable skate destination. maybe its more just a desirable tourist destination so skaters like going there too.
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Yeah, that's actually something that I fear a little. Make skate parks, force skaters in there and overwhelm us with rules.
The most fun parks out here are the crappy ones with home made boxes and quarterpipes. Self-regulated, no one there babysitting you.
I'm too old to handle night sessions now anyway so most of the time I get my skate on in the morning then we spend the rest of the day drinking lol. The last late night sesh I had was maybe until 1am and it took my old ass like a week to recover from that.
That affects where I can skate. Like you said riverfronts or under highways shit like that.
Business districts on Saturdays and Sundays are usually pretty safe too. Or just some curb spots in the neighborhood.
Destination wise, I think there used to be more spots that were kind of unique and could be skated freely but that has changed in the last 10 years.
I actually think that change has lead to people skating the hills more in Japan, which I'm fully on board with. I'm glad that has become more of a thing because if it's one thing this place has, it's hills.
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Just wanted to say thanks for everyone who provided info on Japan for me. I was unable to respond since this site was banned for a few weeks for me to use (which was weird).
All the old heads I'm going there with never fill me in on any actual useful info, only on stuff like the soap houses and where the McDonalds are haha.
Has anyone ever actually gotten a fine for skating on here?
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Has anyone ever actually gotten a fine for skating on here?
I've only heard of one instance of someone getting fined for skateboarding.
That was in Osaka years ago and was actually in the news. It was just to make an example for a new law.
Soapland and McDonald's are defo more hazardous. Stay safe out there.
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You definitely can drink beers out on the streets etc, but I don't recommend it. Most Japanese don't even walk and drink a coffee, its just not really done.
The real question is- when is travel from USA to Japan going to open up again? And for any homies that got the J&J, note that Japan does not currently recognize that as a legit vaccine and I don't think they'll be letting you in with it.
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You definitely can drink beers out on the streets etc, but I don't recommend it. Most Japanese don't even walk and drink a coffee, its just not really done.
The real question is- when is travel from USA to Japan going to open up again? And for any homies that got the J&J, note that Japan does not currently recognize that as a legit vaccine and I don't think they'll be letting you in with it.
USA to Japan travel isn't going to open up for a while. Gov. is planning to ease up by November, but that all depends whether they have an uptick in cases or not. They will be downgrading states of emergency in several prefectures by the end of this month, which could be taken as a good sign.
Thanks for the heads-up regarding the J&J btw. I got the Pfizer one earlier this year, so hopefully it should make things better. I heard they currently aren't allowing any Visa-less visits either, which sucks.
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I've finally made it!
Anyone know how to get the scoop on concerts/shows?
Trying to figure out things to do other then skateboarding since I left my board back home. If the weather holds up I'm gonna pick one up.
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i saw this weird rail that must be skated by people. seems feasible after midnight.
next to this family mart : https://goo.gl/maps/iCJa2x1bzofavDGT8
(https://i.imgur.com/GEcO1dm.png)
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I've finally made it!
Anyone know how to get the scoop on concerts/shows?
Trying to figure out things to do other then skateboarding since I left my board back home. If the weather holds up I'm gonna pick one up.
can't help you much here but if you're into hardcore and metal than El Puente in Yokohama is a place to look into. Self Deconstruction is playing there the 14th this month. they're allways a blast live.
i think twitter is the easiest way to find out about gigs in japan. but thats only if you know what youre looking for already i guess.
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I really wanted to go to that show but it was sold out. I've never felt so awkward in my life before I arrived in japan. I made it to Umikaze Koen Park, it's hard to make friends even as a skater here.
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my experience is the opposite. friends is a big word, but wherever i go people start talking to me. i've literally slept at peoples houses after meeting them the same day.
but ive heard of others having similiar experience as you.
but maybe thats cause i allways feel akward and out of place wherever i go. and in japan people are more curious about me cause i'm a foreigner at the park or gig. compared to people in my own country who just ignore me.
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So I’ve been skating more this year since the weathers been warm, how’s everyone doing?
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KyleG- I feel you, it can be hard to make friends. Super easy to make acquaintances, but harder to make relatable friends. And even harder to make really good friends, I know of only one example of a foreigner who has a Japanese best friend.
Disclosed- I’ve had a similar experience as you. By the way, where are you?
SLAPSONIC- I’ve been out once or twice a week since snowboard season ended. The rainy season hasn’t been to bad here, had some free dry mornings here in Nagano.
Where is everyone? I’m thinking about trying to head down to Tachikawa or ShinYokohama this weekend for a change of scenery (if the weather is ok)
Anyone around?
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Nagano is nice! I used to skate at True Players skatepark in Hakuba when I lived there for a bit. See people skating Matsumoto on Ig a lot and it looks great.
Living in Tokyo, Meguro now. I usually skate in Jingu Gaien when I have time. Would be down to skate shin yoko once the rainy season is over
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KyleG- I feel you, it can be hard to make friends. Super easy to make acquaintances, but harder to make relatable friends. And even harder to make really good friends, I know of only one example of a foreigner who has a Japanese best friend.
Disclosed- I’ve had a similar experience as you. By the way, where are you?
SLAPSONIC- I’ve been out once or twice a week since snowboard season ended. The rainy season hasn’t been to bad here, had some free dry mornings here in Nagano.
Where is everyone? I’m thinking about trying to head down to Tachikawa or ShinYokohama this weekend for a change of scenery (if the weather is ok)
Anyone around?
@KyleGIt can be challenging to meet folks here. All really depends on the circumstances. I’ve made friends through coworkers, friends, acquaintances, or just by going to skate shops. It’s great to know folks, but personally, I was basically a solo skater for a while before moving to Japan since most of the friends I grew up skating with “had grown out of it” by that point as people tend to do. So after moving to Japan I just continued doing that.
@disclosedI’ve also found skaters and people in general to be surprisingly open at times. A lot of the older heads grew up with the skate “tribe/community” vibe that used to be so prevalent in skating so they’re often really welcoming, and many of the younger heads learn from them so it’s carried over (the whole senpai/kohai culture).
@SLAPSONIC I try to skate as regularly as possible, year round, but it has been much easier since the weather has warmed up. Unfortunately though, it's the rainy season...so...if the stars align and I have the time/energy and it's dry... Overdid it about a week ago though and my old man knees got sore...So rather than push through it like I would have done a few years ago, I decided to listen to my body and chill out for a bit. Don't want to blow my load so early for the summer, you feel me?
@cucktard I think we've chatted back and forth about this on another thread (bearings maybe?) but I'm in Tokyo. At the moment, resting up so I don't get laid out for the entire summer before it even starts. (fingers and toes crossed, knocking on wood). When are you thinking of heading into "civilization?" ;)
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@SLAPSONIC I go to True Players all the time, and work in Hakuba in the winter. Maybe we’ve met?
Looks like Yokohama will be broiling but dry this weekend. I might try an evening to two there, and lie low during the day.
@SaySo I’ll probably try to go this weekend, while the rest of the fam is in Disneyland. Rest up, and come over to Nagano this summer if possible, there are few parks like True Players that are in the mountains and not as hot
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KyleG- I feel you, it can be hard to make friends. Super easy to make acquaintances, but harder to make relatable friends. And even harder to make really good friends, I know of only one example of a foreigner who has a Japanese best friend.
Disclosed- I’ve had a similar experience as you. By the way, where are you?
SLAPSONIC- I’ve been out once or twice a week since snowboard season ended. The rainy season hasn’t been to bad here, had some free dry mornings here in Nagano.
Where is everyone? I’m thinking about trying to head down to Tachikawa or ShinYokohama this weekend for a change of scenery (if the weather is ok)
Anyone around?
sadly i am in Europe. i don't live in Japan but i visited every year for a couple weeks. now playing the waiting game since 2020.
A guy from my city recently moved to Tokyo when they finally opened up for working and student visas again. so ive been trying to help him find some nearby spots but i'm not that familiar with the side of Tokyo he's on.
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I found it hard to make friends when I was living in Tokyo but really making friends as an adult is a weird thing in general. There were a few people at the skatepark( other Americans) that I knew there name and we would chat there, but never hung out outside there. Komazawa was only like a 10 minute bike ride for me so I was there quite a bit. Never went street skating as street skating alone certainly isn't very much fun.
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I’m surprised SLAP doesn’t have a separate section for local scenes all over the world. Im not sure it really first with ‘travel’ tho.
So I’m thinking of making a separate thread not for travel, but to share info for skaters living in Japan and to talk about life and skating here. There seems to be a few of us.
Or we can just congregate here.
Anyone interested?
For example, it looks like the best music festival in Japan, Hashi no Shita will be finally held again this September after a 3-year hiatus. Has anyone else been to it?
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I’m surprised SLAP doesn’t have a separate section for local scenes all over the world. Im not sure it really first with ‘travel’ tho.
So I’m thinking of making a separate thread not for travel, but to share info for skaters living in Japan and to talk about life and skating here. There seems to be a few of us.
Or we can just congregate here.
Anyone interested?
For example, it looks like the best music festival in Japan, Hashi no Shita will be finally held again this September after a 3-year hiatus. Has anyone else been to it?
@cucktard In your opinion, where would the thread best be nested? "UWTB"? "Whatever"?
As an alternative to here, we could just start a LINE chat group or something?
I haven't been to 橋の下. This is actually the first I've heard of it. To be Frank (instead of my given name), I'm not really one for multi-day music fests at this point though.
What kinds acts are usually booked there?
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I’m surprised SLAP doesn’t have a separate section for local scenes all over the world. Im not sure it really first with ‘travel’ tho.
So I’m thinking of making a separate thread not for travel, but to share info for skaters living in Japan and to talk about life and skating here. There seems to be a few of us.
Or we can just congregate here.
Anyone interested?
For example, it looks like the best music festival in Japan, Hashi no Shita will be finally held again this September after a 3-year hiatus. Has anyone else been to it?
@cucktard In your opinion, where would the thread best be nested? "UWTB"? "Whatever"?
As an alternative to here, we could just start a LINE chat group or something?
I haven't been to 橋の下. This is actually the first I've heard of it. To be Frank (instead of my given name), I'm not really one for multi-day music fests at this point though.
What kinds acts are usually booked there?
Or both.
But @cucktard that's actually a pretty good idea.
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I’m surprised SLAP doesn’t have a separate section for local scenes all over the world. Im not sure it really first with ‘travel’ tho.
So I’m thinking of making a separate thread not for travel, but to share info for skaters living in Japan and to talk about life and skating here. There seems to be a few of us.
Or we can just congregate here.
Anyone interested?
For example, it looks like the best music festival in Japan, Hashi no Shita will be finally held again this September after a 3-year hiatus. Has anyone else been to it?
@cucktard In your opinion, where would the thread best be nested? "UWTB"? "Whatever"?
As an alternative to here, we could just start a LINE chat group or something?
I haven't been to 橋の下. This is actually the first I've heard of it. To be Frank (instead of my given name), I'm not really one for multi-day music fests at this point though.
What kinds acts are usually booked there?
But @cucktard that's actually a pretty good idea.
@cucktard and @jive turkey well then, let's do dis like a proverbial Buddhist.
南無阿弥陀仏
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Like a 三日坊主？
I personally find the SLAP messagebloard format better for group chats, but I’m good for a LINE group too.
Oh, and for those of you who haven’t heard of Hashi no Shita, it’s a 3-day music festival in Toyota city, Aichi. It literally takes place under a bridge, with all the connotations that brings (burakumin, social outcasts, etc).
It started as a small punk gig, but is now a kind of Burning Man-ish event. Punk and subculture meets traditional matsuri culture. It’s headed by the hardcore-cum-traditional folk music band Turtle Island.
It pretty much is the perfect blend of DIY punk and traditional festival culture. The participants knock together a little old-Edo Main Street with bars, shops, and stages under the bridge, and you can see everything from chonmage haircuts to Mohawks, listen to hip-hop and ching dong. There are a bunch of videos in YouTube if you search 橋の下 or ソールビートアシア.
It is pretty much the best thing I’ve been to here in the 15 years I’ve spent here.
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Like a 三日坊主？
I personally find the SLAP messagebloard format better for group chats, but I’m good for a LINE group too.
Oh, and for those of you who haven’t heard of Hashi no Shita, it’s a 3-day music festival in Toyota city, Aichi. It literally takes place under a bridge, with all the connotations that brings (burakumin, social outcasts, etc).
It started as a small punk gig, but is now a kind of Burning Man-ish event. Punk and subculture meets traditional matsuri culture. It’s headed by the hardcore-cum-traditional folk music band Turtle Island.
It pretty much is the perfect blend of DIY punk and traditional festival culture. The participants knock together a little old-Edo Main Street with bars, shops, and stages under the bridge, and you can see everything from chonmage haircuts to Mohawks, listen to hip-hop and ching dong. There are a bunch of videos in YouTube if you search 橋の下 or ソールビートアシア.
It is pretty much the best thing I’ve been to here in the 15 years I’ve spent here.
That sounds rad @cucktard!
I do dig me some 祭り文化。And since they've been de facto banned over the past 2.5 years, might be a good way to restart the cycle.
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I’m surprised SLAP doesn’t have a separate section for local scenes all over the world. Im not sure it really first with ‘travel’ tho.
So I’m thinking of making a separate thread not for travel, but to share info for skaters living in Japan and to talk about life and skating here. There seems to be a few of us.
Or we can just congregate here.
Anyone interested?
For example, it looks like the best music festival in Japan, Hashi no Shita will be finally held again this September after a 3-year hiatus. Has anyone else been to it?
@cucktard In your opinion, where would the thread best be nested? "UWTB"? "Whatever"?
As an alternative to here, we could just start a LINE chat group or something?
I haven't been to 橋の下. This is actually the first I've heard of it. To be Frank (instead of my given name), I'm not really one for multi-day music fests at this point though.
What kinds acts are usually booked there?
But @cucktard that's actually a pretty good idea.
@cucktard and @jive turkey well then, let's do dis like a proverbial Buddhist.
南無阿弥陀仏
@ Gray Imp @Slapasonic
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Expand Quote
Like a 三日坊主？
I personally find the SLAP messagebloard format better for group chats, but I’m good for a LINE group too.
Oh, and for those of you who haven’t heard of Hashi no Shita, it’s a 3-day music festival in Toyota city, Aichi. It literally takes place under a bridge, with all the connotations that brings (burakumin, social outcasts, etc).
It started as a small punk gig, but is now a kind of Burning Man-ish event. Punk and subculture meets traditional matsuri culture. It’s headed by the hardcore-cum-traditional folk music band Turtle Island.
It pretty much is the perfect blend of DIY punk and traditional festival culture. The participants knock together a little old-Edo Main Street with bars, shops, and stages under the bridge, and you can see everything from chonmage haircuts to Mohawks, listen to hip-hop and ching dong. There are a bunch of videos in YouTube if you search 橋の下 or ソールビートアシア.
It is pretty much the best thing I’ve been to here in the 15 years I’ve spent here.
That sounds rad @cucktard!
I do dig me some 祭り文化。And since they've been de facto banned over the past 2.5 years, might be a good way to restart the cycle.
Here are some glimpses of it
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Nh-fKFd-q/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2K2yOGg-zb/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjb-fFinTFy/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
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Expand Quote
Expand Quote
Like a 三日坊主？
I personally find the SLAP messagebloard format better for group chats, but I’m good for a LINE group too.
Oh, and for those of you who haven’t heard of Hashi no Shita, it’s a 3-day music festival in Toyota city, Aichi. It literally takes place under a bridge, with all the connotations that brings (burakumin, social outcasts, etc).
It started as a small punk gig, but is now a kind of Burning Man-ish event. Punk and subculture meets traditional matsuri culture. It’s headed by the hardcore-cum-traditional folk music band Turtle Island.
It pretty much is the perfect blend of DIY punk and traditional festival culture. The participants knock together a little old-Edo Main Street with bars, shops, and stages under the bridge, and you can see everything from chonmage haircuts to Mohawks, listen to hip-hop and ching dong. There are a bunch of videos in YouTube if you search 橋の下 or ソールビートアシア.
It is pretty much the best thing I’ve been to here in the 15 years I’ve spent here.
That sounds rad @cucktard!
I do dig me some 祭り文化。And since they've been de facto banned over the past 2.5 years, might be a good way to restart the cycle.
Here are some glimpses of it
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Nh-fKFd-q/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2K2yOGg-zb/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjb-fFinTFy/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
That looks dope! I might have to un-retire my old man self.
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Like a 三日坊主？
I personally find the SLAP messagebloard format better for group chats, but I’m good for a LINE group too.
Oh, and for those of you who haven’t heard of Hashi no Shita, it’s a 3-day music festival in Toyota city, Aichi. It literally takes place under a bridge, with all the connotations that brings (burakumin, social outcasts, etc).
It started as a small punk gig, but is now a kind of Burning Man-ish event. Punk and subculture meets traditional matsuri culture. It’s headed by the hardcore-cum-traditional folk music band Turtle Island.
It pretty much is the perfect blend of DIY punk and traditional festival culture. The participants knock together a little old-Edo Main Street with bars, shops, and stages under the bridge, and you can see everything from chonmage haircuts to Mohawks, listen to hip-hop and ching dong. There are a bunch of videos in YouTube if you search 橋の下 or ソールビートアシア.
It is pretty much the best thing I’ve been to here in the 15 years I’ve spent here.
免税の三日坊主似てる。笑
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I’m surprised SLAP doesn’t have a separate section for local scenes all over the world. Im not sure it really first with ‘travel’ tho.
So I’m thinking of making a separate thread not for travel, but to share info for skaters living in Japan and to talk about life and skating here. There seems to be a few of us.
Or we can just congregate here.
Anyone interested?
For example, it looks like the best music festival in Japan, Hashi no Shita will be finally held again this September after a 3-year hiatus. Has anyone else been to it?
@cucktard In your opinion, where would the thread best be nested? "UWTB"? "Whatever"?
As an alternative to here, we could just start a LINE chat group or something?
I haven't been to 橋の下. This is actually the first I've heard of it. To be Frank (instead of my given name), I'm not really one for multi-day music fests at this point though.
What kinds acts are usually booked there?
But @cucktard that's actually a pretty good idea.
@cucktard and @jive turkey well then, let's do dis like a proverbial Buddhist.
南無阿弥陀仏
@ Gray Imp @Slapasonic
bring it! Even though I’m injured/ in hiding …
@cucktard are turtle island playing again this year? I really need to see them live at least once…
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I’m surprised SLAP doesn’t have a separate section for local scenes all over the world. Im not sure it really first with ‘travel’ tho.
So I’m thinking of making a separate thread not for travel, but to share info for skaters living in Japan and to talk about life and skating here. There seems to be a few of us.
Or we can just congregate here.
Anyone interested?
For example, it looks like the best music festival in Japan, Hashi no Shita will be finally held again this September after a 3-year hiatus. Has anyone else been to it?
@cucktard In your opinion, where would the thread best be nested? "UWTB"? "Whatever"?
As an alternative to here, we could just start a LINE chat group or something?
I haven't been to 橋の下. This is actually the first I've heard of it. To be Frank (instead of my given name), I'm not really one for multi-day music fests at this point though.
What kinds acts are usually booked there?
But @cucktard that's actually a pretty good idea.
@cucktard and @jive turkey well then, let's do dis like a proverbial Buddhist.
南無阿弥陀仏
@ Gray Imp @Slapasonic
@cucktard are turtle island playing again this year? I really need to see them live at least once…
There is a 100% chance they will play at Hashi no Shita. They usually play twice, once on the Bon Odori stage and do a slower set, and once on the main stage, and do a faster set. They usually close out Sunday with one of those.
Take Sept 2-4th off and bring the fam!
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Hey boys, I’m now officially jobless so incredibly free for whatever is in the haps, especially skating!
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Anybody down to skate in Tokyo?
Im near shinjuku until thursday and then a couple days next week
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Heres the deal, anyone want to mail me some of those prepackaged pancakes from 7-11? I legit ate those for breakfast like 5 times a week when I lived there. So amazingly tasty. I'll paypal like 100$, stuff as many that can fit into a box, send em my way.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63003802
Japan reopening for tourists
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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63003802
Japan reopening for tourists
i'm stoked. but all the good cheap places i used to stay went out of business in the last 2 years.. i doubt i'll ever find a replacement for my tokyo hostel. that place felt like home and the staff like family.
hope i can do a trip again next year. but gonna be a pain figuring it all out from scratch again.
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Yo, I'm new here and this is my first post. I finally bought tickets to Tokyo for May 2023 and will be staying there for a few weeks! I still need to get a hotel/Airbnb and was wondering if anyone here knew where the best area would be to stay in, in terms of convenience to easily get around/explore/skate. I'm always looking on Instagram for skate spots and parks there so I have a rough idea of what the skate scene looks like. But all in all, does anyone here have any tips? Like things to look out for, be aware of, places to eat, good warm-up spots, best skate shops, etc. As of right now, I'm learning some Japanese so I won't be completely useless while I'm there lol.
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Yo, I'm new here and this is my first post. I finally bought tickets to Tokyo for May 2023 and will be staying there for a few weeks! I still need to get a hotel/Airbnb and was wondering if anyone here knew where the best area would be to stay in, in terms of convenience to easily get around/explore/skate. I'm always looking on Instagram for skate spots and parks there so I have a rough idea of what the skate scene looks like. But all in all, does anyone here have any tips? Like things to look out for, be aware of, places to eat, good warm-up spots, best skate shops, etc. As of right now, I'm learning some Japanese so I won't be completely useless while I'm there lol.
personally i think west of Tokyo is the place to be. preferably a place along the Chuo line is the best area. i allways stay in Koenji. try not to be too far from Shinjuku where you can transfer to all the other lines when you going anywhere.
theres also quite some fun spots between Koenji and Asagaya, but you'll get kicked out.
if you go more out west along the chuo line youll have a couple easy to reach skateparks. (Koganei, Misashino (might be closed), tachikawa. Ramphouse (will need to transfer))
for some reason most of the skateparks more north of tokyo are horrible to reach by public transport.
a lot of cool street spots are around the harbour area but it not where you wanna be staying. and its not hard to go there for day trips.
best skate shop i'd say the Instant in Kichijoji. personally a big fan of Golden Age in Harajuku, but thats shaped board territory. i allways see people love Mortar, but that place just gives me fasion boutique vibes. but that might just be me.
but i'd love to see some actual locals prove me wrong on all that i've said.
on a side note. i'll be back in Tokyo in March myself! and a couple of days Osaka too. and maybe some more isolated places where friends live.
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Yo, I'm new here and this is my first post. I finally bought tickets to Tokyo for May 2023 and will be staying there for a few weeks! I still need to get a hotel/Airbnb and was wondering if anyone here knew where the best area would be to stay in, in terms of convenience to easily get around/explore/skate. I'm always looking on Instagram for skate spots and parks there so I have a rough idea of what the skate scene looks like. But all in all, does anyone here have any tips? Like things to look out for, be aware of, places to eat, good warm-up spots, best skate shops, etc. As of right now, I'm learning some Japanese so I won't be completely useless while I'm there lol.
personally i think west of Tokyo is the place to be. preferably a place along the Chuo line is the best area. i allways stay in Koenji. try not to be too far from Shinjuku where you can transfer to all the other lines when you going anywhere.
theres also quite some fun spots between Koenji and Asagaya, but you'll get kicked out.
if you go more out west along the chuo line youll have a couple easy to reach skateparks. (Koganei, Misashino (might be closed), tachikawa. Ramphouse (will need to transfer))
for some reason most of the skateparks more north of tokyo are horrible to reach by public transport.
a lot of cool street spots are around the harbour area but it not where you wanna be staying. and its not hard to go there for day trips.
best skate shop i'd say the Instant in Kichijoji. personally a big fan of Golden Age in Harajuku, but thats shaped board territory. i allways see people love Mortar, but that place just gives me fasion boutique vibes. but that might just be me.
but i'd love to see some actual locals prove me wrong on all that i've said.
on a side note. i'll be back in Tokyo in March myself! and a couple of days Osaka too. and maybe some more isolated places where friends live.
Thanks for all the great info! I really appreciate it. Now I got a solid idea of where to book the place that I'm staying. I'm going to be traveling outside of Tokyo too. Going to take a bus/train and spend a night or two at either an Onsen town or a hotel at Lake Kawaguchi to relax since I'm probably going to be sore from skating a bunch lol. Either way, super hyped to experience the culture and the skate scene there.
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visiting tokyo from singapore next week and was curious since i haven't seen it mentioned, but anyone ever check out 'tamachi skate board space'/skatepark in Minato? I'm planning on checking out Komazawa as well, but Tamachi def. seems more up my alley, was just curious if its a good place to chill/skate w. others since i haven't seen it mentioned... thanks!
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visiting tokyo from singapore next week and was curious since i haven't seen it mentioned, but anyone ever check out 'tamachi skate board space'/skatepark in Minato? I'm planning on checking out Komazawa as well, but Tamachi def. seems more up my alley, was just curious if its a good place to chill/skate w. others since i haven't seen it mentioned... thanks!
all i know theyre anal about skateboarding outside the park, that includes just rolling. and that you have to sign up at some office building somewhere else to get entry to it. (i havn't been there so i dont know how strict they really are on enforcing this.)
both these things sadly arn't uncommon in Japan.
https://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/jidoyuen/konan/04.html
remember when Nakano skatepark was still there and you had to sign up at the local shop to use it. every time i had to write my name and the adress i was staying and all other useless info. never really get the reasoning behind this. but man are japanese adresses a insanely long to write when you can't write in japanese.
i personally don't see much footage of Tamachi anymore lately so dont know if its still as populair. but always see people posting footage of Koganei park. its similiar i guess, its in a big normal park but at some isolated area with really smooth ground people put a bunch of home made curbs, rails and boxes to skate. so kinda the same objects as Tamachi but more diverse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW9OTMz3dWo
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Yo, I'm new here and this is my first post. I finally bought tickets to Tokyo for May 2023 and will be staying there for a few weeks! I still need to get a hotel/Airbnb and was wondering if anyone here knew where the best area would be to stay in, in terms of convenience to easily get around/explore/skate. I'm always looking on Instagram for skate spots and parks there so I have a rough idea of what the skate scene looks like. But all in all, does anyone here have any tips? Like things to look out for, be aware of, places to eat, good warm-up spots, best skate shops, etc. As of right now, I'm learning some Japanese so I won't be completely useless while I'm there lol.
A great part of Tokyo to hang in is Nakano. Tokyo is obviously insane and amazing and you’re going to have a great trip BUT since you have three weeks there I would also strongly recommend you grab a train ticket to the Kansai region and at least check out Osaka. It’s another mega city with tons of spots and incredible food but it’s a bit easier to skate there. Tokyo is almost too crazy for skating a lot of street, or at least it’s just a bit easier in Osaka. You could also check out Kyoto for a couple of days which borders Osaka and is the most beautiful city I’ve ever been to. Osaka’s only a couple hours from Tokyo on the Shinkansen.
Check out Fat Bros and FESN in Tokyo. If you make it to Osaka check out Shred (TBPR shop) and skate Triangle Park. In Kyoto there’s Lamp Skateshop, those are the best people. Have a fun trip! It will be a blast.
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+1 for getting out of Tokyo
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I'm pumped and nervous. Just bought a ticket to Osaka for end of May. First time to Japan. Lol just realized I made this thread too a couple years ago.
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I'm pumped and nervous. Just bought a ticket to Osaka for end of May. First time to Japan. Lol just realized I made this thread too a couple years ago.
congrats! insane how much happened since you started this thread. worst timing ever, but its finally going to happen!
i wanna spend more time in Osaka, but i can never commit to focusing a trip there. great city. great spots.
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Yo, I'm new here and this is my first post. I finally bought tickets to Tokyo for May 2023 and will be staying there for a few weeks! I still need to get a hotel/Airbnb and was wondering if anyone here knew where the best area would be to stay in, in terms of convenience to easily get around/explore/skate. I'm always looking on Instagram for skate spots and parks there so I have a rough idea of what the skate scene looks like. But all in all, does anyone here have any tips? Like things to look out for, be aware of, places to eat, good warm-up spots, best skate shops, etc. As of right now, I'm learning some Japanese so I won't be completely useless while I'm there lol.
Check out Fat Bros and FESN in Tokyo. If you make it to Osaka check out Shred (TBPR shop) and skate Triangle Park. In Kyoto there’s Lamp Skateshop, those are the best people. Have a fun trip! It will be a blast.
Thank you!! I'm going to look online for the train pass and see if I can add that into my itinerary/budget.
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I'm pumped and nervous. Just bought a ticket to Osaka for end of May. First time to Japan. Lol just realized I made this thread too a couple years ago.
buy the JR rail pass and ABUSE!
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visiting tokyo from singapore next week and was curious since i haven't seen it mentioned, but anyone ever check out 'tamachi skate board space'/skatepark in Minato? I'm planning on checking out Komazawa as well, but Tamachi def. seems more up my alley, was just curious if its a good place to chill/skate w. others since i haven't seen it mentioned... thanks!
Komazawa was my "local" park and everyone was super cool. Obviously if you looked up photos its not exactly the best skatepark. And as I typed this I realize you've already taken your trip so I hope it was a good one lol.
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did the whole getting my proof of vaccination approved for my trip the other night.
man it was so annoying. doesnt help i'm an idiot either. but the site stopped working properly multiple times and had to start over again each time. wouln't accept the adress of accommodation either. couln't copy paste the info they needed either, every time only half the stuf i paste would show and i'd have to type out the rest by hand.
but i made it! my proof got accepted so that one less thing to worry about.
i've said it before, i will forever hate japanese adresses they're soo long! remember last time i had to write out the whole damn adress of my hostel each time i wanted to skate the local skatepark..
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did the whole getting my proof of vaccination approved for my trip the other night.
man it was so annoying. doesnt help i'm an idiot either. but the site stopped working properly multiple times and had to start over again each time. wouln't accept the adress of accommodation either. couln't copy paste the info they needed either, every time only half the stuf i paste would show and i'd have to type out the rest by hand.
but i made it! my proof got accepted so that one less thing to worry about.
i've said it before, i will forever hate japanese adresses they're soo long! remember last time i had to write out the whole damn adress of my hostel each time i wanted to skate the local skatepark..
Same, just got all my documents accepted as well. I couldn't find a place to stay in the area you recommended, but I luckily got a place near Asakusa for relatively cheap, close to the train lines. Did some digging looking on google earth and youtube and found some cool street spots close by. I really do wanna branch outside of Tokyo and go to Osaka/Kyoto like Jones recommended, but I think I'm just gonna keep it simple and stay in Tokyo to not complicate things because of booking all of the accomodations/timing things/budget and stuff. I do still wanna go on a day trip outside of Tokyo and maybe hit up an onsen like Hakone or something.
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did the whole getting my proof of vaccination approved for my trip the other night.
man it was so annoying. doesnt help i'm an idiot either. but the site stopped working properly multiple times and had to start over again each time. wouln't accept the adress of accommodation either. couln't copy paste the info they needed either, every time only half the stuf i paste would show and i'd have to type out the rest by hand.
but i made it! my proof got accepted so that one less thing to worry about.
i've said it before, i will forever hate japanese adresses they're soo long! remember last time i had to write out the whole damn adress of my hostel each time i wanted to skate the local skatepark..
Same, just got all my documents accepted as well. I couldn't find a place to stay in the area you recommended, but I luckily got a place near Asakusa for relatively cheap, close to the train lines. Did some digging looking on google earth and youtube and found some cool street spots close by. I really do wanna branch outside of Tokyo and go to Osaka/Kyoto like Jones recommended, but I think I'm just gonna keep it simple and stay in Tokyo to not complicate things because of booking all of the accomodations/timing things/budget and stuff. I do still wanna go on a day trip outside of Tokyo and maybe hit up an onsen like Hakone or something.
When are y’all going, if i may ask?
Im planning on going 2 weeks in early may… trying to get all my ducks in a row early…
*to Tokyo
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did the whole getting my proof of vaccination approved for my trip the other night.
man it was so annoying. doesnt help i'm an idiot either. but the site stopped working properly multiple times and had to start over again each time. wouln't accept the adress of accommodation either. couln't copy paste the info they needed either, every time only half the stuf i paste would show and i'd have to type out the rest by hand.
but i made it! my proof got accepted so that one less thing to worry about.
i've said it before, i will forever hate japanese adresses they're soo long! remember last time i had to write out the whole damn adress of my hostel each time i wanted to skate the local skatepark..
Same, just got all my documents accepted as well. I couldn't find a place to stay in the area you recommended, but I luckily got a place near Asakusa for relatively cheap, close to the train lines. Did some digging looking on google earth and youtube and found some cool street spots close by. I really do wanna branch outside of Tokyo and go to Osaka/Kyoto like Jones recommended, but I think I'm just gonna keep it simple and stay in Tokyo to not complicate things because of booking all of the accomodations/timing things/budget and stuff. I do still wanna go on a day trip outside of Tokyo and maybe hit up an onsen like Hakone or something.
oh nice you'll be staying near that endless bank spot. you've probably seen it, realy famous.
also near a little covered skatepark unde the highway if its still there.
and ofcourse all the harbour spots.
you're staying near the Chuo line that goes throught Asakusa?
@whitemanjazz
i'll be there in March
late April early May is a really good time to go. went once around that time and the weather was perfect all the time. any later than that and you'll be stuck in the humid ass summer thats not fun at all to skate in. definitly go if you can.
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did the whole getting my proof of vaccination approved for my trip the other night.
man it was so annoying. doesnt help i'm an idiot either. but the site stopped working properly multiple times and had to start over again each time. wouln't accept the adress of accommodation either. couln't copy paste the info they needed either, every time only half the stuf i paste would show and i'd have to type out the rest by hand.
but i made it! my proof got accepted so that one less thing to worry about.
i've said it before, i will forever hate japanese adresses they're soo long! remember last time i had to write out the whole damn adress of my hostel each time i wanted to skate the local skatepark..
Same, just got all my documents accepted as well. I couldn't find a place to stay in the area you recommended, but I luckily got a place near Asakusa for relatively cheap, close to the train lines. Did some digging looking on google earth and youtube and found some cool street spots close by. I really do wanna branch outside of Tokyo and go to Osaka/Kyoto like Jones recommended, but I think I'm just gonna keep it simple and stay in Tokyo to not complicate things because of booking all of the accomodations/timing things/budget and stuff. I do still wanna go on a day trip outside of Tokyo and maybe hit up an onsen like Hakone or something.
oh nice you'll be staying near that endless bank spot. you've probably seen it, realy famous.
also near a little covered skatepark unde the highway if its still there.
and ofcourse all the harbour spots.
you're staying near the Chuo line that goes throught Asakusa?
@whitemanjazz
i'll be there in March
late April early May is a really good time to go. went once around that time and the weather was perfect all the time. any later than that and you'll be stuck in the humid ass summer thats not fun at all to skate in. definitly go if you can.
@disclosed yup, I could easily get to Shinjuku station on that line I believe, so it looks pretty convenient. And yeah, that fun bank spot that everyone goes to haha, got that pinned on my phone already. Didn't know there was a skatepark nearby that area though, so that's sick (if it's still there like you said).
@whitemanjazz I'll be there for three weeks starting in the beginning/early May.
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did the whole getting my proof of vaccination approved for my trip the other night.
man it was so annoying. doesnt help i'm an idiot either. but the site stopped working properly multiple times and had to start over again each time. wouln't accept the adress of accommodation either. couln't copy paste the info they needed either, every time only half the stuf i paste would show and i'd have to type out the rest by hand.
but i made it! my proof got accepted so that one less thing to worry about.
i've said it before, i will forever hate japanese adresses they're soo long! remember last time i had to write out the whole damn adress of my hostel each time i wanted to skate the local skatepark..
Same, just got all my documents accepted as well. I couldn't find a place to stay in the area you recommended, but I luckily got a place near Asakusa for relatively cheap, close to the train lines. Did some digging looking on google earth and youtube and found some cool street spots close by. I really do wanna branch outside of Tokyo and go to Osaka/Kyoto like Jones recommended, but I think I'm just gonna keep it simple and stay in Tokyo to not complicate things because of booking all of the accomodations/timing things/budget and stuff. I do still wanna go on a day trip outside of Tokyo and maybe hit up an onsen like Hakone or something.
oh nice you'll be staying near that endless bank spot. you've probably seen it, realy famous.
also near a little covered skatepark unde the highway if its still there.
and ofcourse all the harbour spots.
you're staying near the Chuo line that goes throught Asakusa?
@whitemanjazz
i'll be there in March
late April early May is a really good time to go. went once around that time and the weather was perfect all the time. any later than that and you'll be stuck in the humid ass summer thats not fun at all to skate in. definitly go if you can.
@disclosed yup, I could easily get to Shinjuku station on that line I believe, so it looks pretty convenient. And yeah, that fun bank spot that everyone goes to haha, got that pinned on my phone already. Didn't know there was a skatepark nearby that area though, so that's sick (if it's still there like you said).
@whitemanjazz I'll be there for three weeks starting in the beginning/early May.
yeah Chuo line is a great connection. both in Akiba and Shinjuku you can transfer to the Yamanote line making it easy to get most places.
here it is. got some wooden boxes and ramps. and aparently also a miniramp now.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tsutsumidori+Koen+Skate+Board+Park/@35.7244132,139.810699,226m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x605d1b87f02e57e7:0x2e01618b22571b89!2sTokio,+Japan!3b1!8m2!3d35.6761919!4d139.6503106!3m4!1s0x60188f5b61f09ab9:0xebede0840f25e131!8m2!3d35.7244157!4d139.8106986
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did the whole getting my proof of vaccination approved for my trip the other night.
man it was so annoying. doesnt help i'm an idiot either. but the site stopped working properly multiple times and had to start over again each time. wouln't accept the adress of accommodation either. couln't copy paste the info they needed either, every time only half the stuf i paste would show and i'd have to type out the rest by hand.
but i made it! my proof got accepted so that one less thing to worry about.
i've said it before, i will forever hate japanese adresses they're soo long! remember last time i had to write out the whole damn adress of my hostel each time i wanted to skate the local skatepark..
Same, just got all my documents accepted as well. I couldn't find a place to stay in the area you recommended, but I luckily got a place near Asakusa for relatively cheap, close to the train lines. Did some digging looking on google earth and youtube and found some cool street spots close by. I really do wanna branch outside of Tokyo and go to Osaka/Kyoto like Jones recommended, but I think I'm just gonna keep it simple and stay in Tokyo to not complicate things because of booking all of the accomodations/timing things/budget and stuff. I do still wanna go on a day trip outside of Tokyo and maybe hit up an onsen like Hakone or something.
oh nice you'll be staying near that endless bank spot. you've probably seen it, realy famous.
also near a little covered skatepark unde the highway if its still there.
and ofcourse all the harbour spots.
you're staying near the Chuo line that goes throught Asakusa?
@whitemanjazz
i'll be there in March
late April early May is a really good time to go. went once around that time and the weather was perfect all the time. any later than that and you'll be stuck in the humid ass summer thats not fun at all to skate in. definitly go if you can.
@disclosed yup, I could easily get to Shinjuku station on that line I believe, so it looks pretty convenient. And yeah, that fun bank spot that everyone goes to haha, got that pinned on my phone already. Didn't know there was a skatepark nearby that area though, so that's sick (if it's still there like you said).
@whitemanjazz I'll be there for three weeks starting in the beginning/early May.
yeah Chuo line is a great connection. both in Akiba and Shinjuku you can transfer to the Yamanote line making it easy to get most places.
here it is. got some wooden boxes and ramps. and aparently also a miniramp now.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tsutsumidori+Koen+Skate+Board+Park/@35.7244132,139.810699,226m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x605d1b87f02e57e7:0x2e01618b22571b89!2sTokio,+Japan!3b1!8m2!3d35.6761919!4d139.6503106!3m4!1s0x60188f5b61f09ab9:0xebede0840f25e131!8m2!3d35.7244157!4d139.8106986
You're awesome, thank you! I'll definitely hit that up
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Too humid to skate end of May/first few weeks of June?
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Going to Japan in a few weeks touring with my band. Bringing a setup in case there are any impromptu moments to skate. Hitting the following locations:
Ashikaga
Kouenji
Tokyo (day off)
Nagoya
Kyoto
Kyoto and/or Osaka (day off)
Yokohama
Koiwa
My time will be limited but if anyone has a recommendation for places to get a quick session in around these places I’d really appreciate it!
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Going to Japan in a few weeks touring with my band. Bringing a setup in case there are any impromptu moments to skate. Hitting the following locations:
Ashikaga
Kouenji
Tokyo (day off)
Nagoya
Kyoto
Kyoto and/or Osaka (day off)
Yokohama
Koiwa
My time will be limited but if anyone has a recommendation for places to get a quick session in around these places I’d really appreciate it!
oh i know what band you're in then, and i'll most likely be at the last gig at Koiwa. i wish i could be at more gigs, but i arrive when the tour is almost over already.
in koenji, but theres a DIY spot around the cornor from the venue, right underneath the traintracks. aswell some other fun lil spots if you follow the path underneath the tracks in the direction of Asagaia station.
Nagoya has a skatepark thats a little far from the venue, but its kinda right in the centre and you might pass by it before going to the venue.
your free day in Kyoto/Osaka is a friday i think, so maybe worth checking out Triangle park (osaka) at night, its the Osaka Daggers hangout spot. for daytime skating in Osaka maybe better head to Nishiumeda park, that place is insane. its like they accidentially build a skatepark.
as for Kyoto, i have no idea.
i might be skating around Koiwa before that gig. theres some spots there i wanna check out, but some are really far away form the venue, theres a load of famous spots along the Naka river. but the best ones are all the way down where it opens to the tokyo bay.
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Going to Japan in a few weeks touring with my band. Bringing a setup in case there are any impromptu moments to skate. Hitting the following locations:
Ashikaga
Kouenji
Tokyo (day off)
Nagoya
Kyoto
Kyoto and/or Osaka (day off)
Yokohama
Koiwa
My time will be limited but if anyone has a recommendation for places to get a quick session in around these places I’d really appreciate it!
oh i know what band you're in then, and i'll most likely be at the last gig at Koiwa. i wish i could be at more gigs, but i arrive when the tour is almost over already.
in koenji, but theres a DIY spot around the cornor from the venue, right underneath the traintracks. aswell some other fun lil spots if you follow the path underneath the tracks in the direction of Asagaia station.
Nagoya has a skatepark thats a little far from the venue, but its kinda right in the centre and you might pass by it before going to the venue.
your free day in Kyoto/Osaka is a friday i think, so maybe worth checking out Triangle park (osaka) at night, its the Osaka Daggers hangout spot. for daytime skating in Osaka maybe better head to Nishiumeda park, that place is insane. its like they accidentially build a skatepark.
as for Kyoto, i have no idea.
i might be skating around Koiwa before that gig. theres some spots there i wanna check out, but some are really far away form the venue, theres a load of famous spots along the Naka river. but the best ones are all the way down where it opens to the tokyo bay.
Thanks for all that! I’ll keep an eye at for you at the Koiwa gig.
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In Tokyo rn! Enjoying it so far. Only thing im missing out on is the street skating tbh. Anyone know what time is the best time to hit street spots? And also which part of the city to skate during that time? (Also any clubs/things to do?)
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Supposed to be leaving for my trip in two weeks but last month my sciatica issues returned after being in bed with the flu for a week. I've been down and out and didn't really prepare at all language wise since in my head I was going to cancel the trip but fuck it imma go. How screwed am I? I usually always prepare for a month basic survival vocabulary so this is the first time I'm going in reasonably blind.
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@Sila good choice to not cancel! you’re gonna be all good imo. What’s your itinerary like? Of course knowing a bit of the language goes a long way but as far as getting around in larger cities, most signs are also in English
Download google translate and maps for Japanese/Japan and this will help when you’re in a bind(and have no service)
^to clarify I don’t mean just the app. I mean download the area and language within the apps
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Supposed to be leaving for my trip in two weeks but last month my sciatica issues returned after being in bed with the flu for a week. I've been down and out and didn't really prepare at all language wise since in my head I was going to cancel the trip but fuck it imma go. How screwed am I? I usually always prepare for a month basic survival vocabulary so this is the first time I'm going in reasonably blind.
I’m going in October and I’m shitting bricks…. I don’t even know why. Over thinking i guess. Worried I’ll mess something up. But it’s a vacation! Gotta enjoy it. Hope you feel better and have a blast, man.
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Supposed to be leaving for my trip in two weeks but last month my sciatica issues returned after being in bed with the flu for a week. I've been down and out and didn't really prepare at all language wise since in my head I was going to cancel the trip but fuck it imma go. How screwed am I? I usually always prepare for a month basic survival vocabulary so this is the first time I'm going in reasonably blind.
You’ll be all good. I came here relatively blind too. Only know a handful of words tbh. It’s really not hard getting by not knowing anything lol. Plus you learn as you go so no worries. Skaters here are super nice too and some speak good english
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Supposed to be leaving for my trip in two weeks but last month my sciatica issues returned after being in bed with the flu for a week. I've been down and out and didn't really prepare at all language wise since in my head I was going to cancel the trip but fuck it imma go. How screwed am I? I usually always prepare for a month basic survival vocabulary so this is the first time I'm going in reasonably blind.
You’ll be all good. I came here relatively blind too. Only know a handful of words tbh. It’s really not hard getting by not knowing anything lol. Plus you learn as you go so no worries. Skaters here are super nice too and some speak good english
If you don’t mind my asking, did you travel via the subway/trains any? I’m trying to get a suica card early… and been converting money to Yen through the Wise app.
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Supposed to be leaving for my trip in two weeks but last month my sciatica issues returned after being in bed with the flu for a week. I've been down and out and didn't really prepare at all language wise since in my head I was going to cancel the trip but fuck it imma go. How screwed am I? I usually always prepare for a month basic survival vocabulary so this is the first time I'm going in reasonably blind.
You’ll be all good. I came here relatively blind too. Only know a handful of words tbh. It’s really not hard getting by not knowing anything lol. Plus you learn as you go so no worries. Skaters here are super nice too and some speak good english
If you don’t mind my asking, did you travel via the subway/trains any? I’m trying to get a suica card early… and been converting money to Yen through the Wise app.
you can get a suica card at the ticket machines at the airport. tbh i forgot how since i had mine since 2016. but you dont need to worry about getting it beforehand. i never studied japanese. picked loads of stuff up just form hearing it all the time when there. like some words i dont even know the meaning but i know the context in wich to use them.
i do recomment renting pocket wifi or sim (i think you can get that at the airport), i never used it myself, but for some some reason a lot of wifi hotspots have dissapeared during the pandemic, including the most prominent ones the 7eleven and Familymart hotspots. that was a slap in the face. now i managed cause i know how to navigate most places already since it was my 6th time. but for a first time visit i can imagine it not beeing the easiest if you cant look anything up.
@iwishicouldssbts
how long are you still there? i could DM you some google cordinates if you want.
what places have you skated so far?
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Supposed to be leaving for my trip in two weeks but last month my sciatica issues returned after being in bed with the flu for a week. I've been down and out and didn't really prepare at all language wise since in my head I was going to cancel the trip but fuck it imma go. How screwed am I? I usually always prepare for a month basic survival vocabulary so this is the first time I'm going in reasonably blind.
You’ll be all good. I came here relatively blind too. Only know a handful of words tbh. It’s really not hard getting by not knowing anything lol. Plus you learn as you go so no worries. Skaters here are super nice too and some speak good english
If you don’t mind my asking, did you travel via the subway/trains any? I’m trying to get a suica card early… and been converting money to Yen through the Wise app.
you can get a suica card at the ticket machines at the airport. tbh i forgot how since i had mine since 2016. but you dont need to worry about getting it beforehand. i never studied japanese. picked loads of stuff up just form hearing it all the time when there. like some words i dont even know the meaning but i know the context in wich to use them.
i do recomment renting pocket wifi or sim (i think you can get that at the airport), i never used it myself, but for some some reason a lot of wifi hotspots have dissapeared during the pandemic, including the most prominent ones the 7eleven and Familymart hotspots. that was a slap in the face. now i managed cause i know how to navigate most places already since it was my 6th time. but for a first time visit i can imagine it not beeing the easiest if you cant look anything up.
@iwishicouldssbts
how long are you still there? i could DM you some google cordinates if you want.
what places have you skated so far?
@disclosed Here until the 24th! I’ve pretty much skated all of the skateparks, even west of Tokyo, since it’s tough skating street during the day. Only street spots ive skated so far are the Sumida River banks/ledges, Tokyo Station Ledges, and the waterfountain ledges and hip in Odaiba. That would be amazing if you could DM me some other suggestions, thank you so much
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Thanks everyone I feel a little bit lighter about going on this trip now. Unfortunately I won't be skating but I'll definitely be looking out for spots regardless
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Supposed to be leaving for my trip in two weeks but last month my sciatica issues returned after being in bed with the flu for a week. I've been down and out and didn't really prepare at all language wise since in my head I was going to cancel the trip but fuck it imma go. How screwed am I? I usually always prepare for a month basic survival vocabulary so this is the first time I'm going in reasonably blind.
You’ll be all good. I came here relatively blind too. Only know a handful of words tbh. It’s really not hard getting by not knowing anything lol. Plus you learn as you go so no worries. Skaters here are super nice too and some speak good english
If you don’t mind my asking, did you travel via the subway/trains any? I’m trying to get a suica card early… and been converting money to Yen through the Wise app.
I always used a pasmo card. get one and refill at any subway station.
And for money think you are over thinking it. I would just go to an atm and take out money using my American debit card. No different than taking money out in the states. Maybe there were small fees or exchange rate shit but I never noticed.
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Is anyone out in Hiroshima? I will be living in iwakuni, but I know Hiroshima has a decent sized scene
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i'm planning on going in October and have zero plan. non skate trip. honeymoon trip with wife. who's got the good lists of things to do for sure while we're out there? we like eating, the outdoors, live music and other things too.
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i'm planning on going in October and have zero plan. non skate trip. honeymoon trip with wife. who's got the good lists of things to do for sure while we're out there? we like eating, the outdoors, live music and other things too.
get a rail pass and abuse it! I would encourage you to get off of the mainland too and see what some of the island life has to offer . Japan has a tonne of shit to do/ see so I think it’ll be harder to narrow down your schedule. Oh yeah, onsen, lots of onsen especially if it’s your honeymoon <3
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i'm planning on going in October and have zero plan. non skate trip. honeymoon trip with wife. who's got the good lists of things to do for sure while we're out there? we like eating, the outdoors, live music and other things too.
Just an FYI, the price of the rail pass is going to increase for foreign visitors. So you might want to look into purchasing the pass in advance.
I don't know the exact date, and as of a press release from April of this year neither does JR (they say "Around October"), but the price hike is in the mail.
At the moment, a 1-week pass costs 29,640 yen, but it is reportedly going to increase to 50,000 yen. The 2-week pass will be spiking from 47,250 to 80,000 yen, and the 3-week pass from 60,450 yen to 100,000 yen.
https://japanrailpass.net/pdf/JRP_pressrelease_230414.pdf
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i'm planning on going in October and have zero plan. non skate trip. honeymoon trip with wife. who's got the good lists of things to do for sure while we're out there? we like eating, the outdoors, live music and other things too.
Just an FYI, the price of the rail pass is going to increase for foreign visitors. So you might want to look into purchasing the pass in advance.
I don't know the exact date, and as of a press release from April of this year neither does JR (they say "Around October"), but the price hike is in the mail.
At the moment, a 1-week pass costs 29,640 yen, but it is reportedly going to increase to 50,000 yen. The 2-week pass will be spiking from 47,250 to 80,000 yen, and the 3-week pass from 60,450 yen to 100,000 yen.
https://japanrailpass.net/pdf/JRP_pressrelease_230414.pdf
making it useless in my opinion. i saw the news article. doing the math i've never traveled for over 50.000 on a week pass. thats only going to happen if you really abuse it going to a difrent city every day, but then you can barely experience a city.
you can buy it 2 months in advance of your trip. so @concerned_parent you should still be lucky and get the good price.
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I'm thinking of visiting in October. What should I expect when I get there? I have never travel before, so I am researching as much as possible. And want to get the most up to date information for other people who live/travel there recently. Any help would be appreciated. I know I could go through the pages read these, but I kind of have a lot of questions. Sorry in advance everyone. And thank you very much!
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i'm planning on going in October and have zero plan. non skate trip. honeymoon trip with wife. who's got the good lists of things to do for sure while we're out there? we like eating, the outdoors, live music and other things too.
Just an FYI, the price of the rail pass is going to increase for foreign visitors. So you might want to look into purchasing the pass in advance.
I don't know the exact date, and as of a press release from April of this year neither does JR (they say "Around October"), but the price hike is in the mail.
At the moment, a 1-week pass costs 29,640 yen, but it is reportedly going to increase to 50,000 yen. The 2-week pass will be spiking from 47,250 to 80,000 yen, and the 3-week pass from 60,450 yen to 100,000 yen.
https://japanrailpass.net/pdf/JRP_pressrelease_230414.pdf
Thank y’all for the info…. I’m leaving for Tokyo October 27th? Ish and coming home November 8th. Gonna try to pack in as much as possible… all the info helps immensely. I’m a nervous wreck mainly because my nephew will be with me ha..
Might take the train to Osaka and get a tattoo at three tides. That’s the plan at least.
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I'm thinking of visiting in October. What should I expect when I get there? I have never travel before, so I am researching as much as possible. And want to get the most up to date information for other people who live/travel there recently. Any help would be appreciated. I know I could go through the pages read these, but I kind of have a lot of questions. Sorry in advance everyone. And thank you very much!
"What to expect" is a pretty broad question. What do you like/want to do? Do you want to travel around the country? Are there specific things you are nervous about? You can expect nothing bad to happen. Getting on the wrong train is probably the worst thing that happened to me in the year I lived there.
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I'm thinking of visiting in October. What should I expect when I get there? I have never travel before, so I am researching as much as possible. And want to get the most up to date information for other people who live/travel there recently. Any help would be appreciated. I know I could go through the pages read these, but I kind of have a lot of questions. Sorry in advance everyone. And thank you very much!
7/11, family mart, lawson are your best friends. McDonald’s is actually good. Don’t spit, it’s rude. Don’t put chopsticks in a bowl of rice. If it doesn’t look skated don’t skate it likely. Have your passport on you. Get an icoca card. Google translate is a huge help.
What part of Japan are you going to?
Unrelated you must eat okonomiyaki.
I would also bring a spare board or two because decks are more expensiver than a bitch out there.
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Sup Slap Crew, long time reader first time commenter.
Heading to Tokyo on Thursday and staying for a couple weeks. Been a couple times before so got a general idea but first time I’m gonna put time in to try and skate. Gonna be staying by Asakusa station and heard the endless bank spot is by there? But by god I can’t find it anywhere. Any recommendations for mellow street spots (low kick out chance/small spots) or a recommendation to your fave park that isn’t a hour and a half away.
If any skate events are going on that would be rad!
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Sup Slap Crew, long time reader first time commenter.
Heading to Tokyo on Thursday and staying for a couple weeks. Been a couple times before so got a general idea but first time I’m gonna put time in to try and skate. Gonna be staying by Asakusa station and heard the endless bank spot is by there? But by god I can’t find it anywhere. Any recommendations for mellow street spots (low kick out chance/small spots) or a recommendation to your fave park that isn’t a hour and a half away.
If any skate events are going on that would be rad!
If you mosey on to the Hiroshima area give me a shout
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Sup Slap Crew, long time reader first time commenter.
Heading to Tokyo on Thursday and staying for a couple weeks. Been a couple times before so got a general idea but first time I’m gonna put time in to try and skate. Gonna be staying by Asakusa station and heard the endless bank spot is by there? But by god I can’t find it anywhere. Any recommendations for mellow street spots (low kick out chance/small spots) or a recommendation to your fave park that isn’t a hour and a half away.
If any skate events are going on that would be rad!
If you mosey on to the Hiroshima area give me a shout
Sorry no Hiroshima for me this trip. Might go as far as Osaka for a couple days not sure yet.
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Sup Slap Crew, long time reader first time commenter.
Heading to Tokyo on Thursday and staying for a couple weeks. Been a couple times before so got a general idea but first time I’m gonna put time in to try and skate. Gonna be staying by Asakusa station and heard the endless bank spot is by there? But by god I can’t find it anywhere. Any recommendations for mellow street spots (low kick out chance/small spots) or a recommendation to your fave park that isn’t a hour and a half away.
If any skate events are going on that would be rad!
If you mosey on to the Hiroshima area give me a shout
Sorry no Hiroshima for me this trip. Might go as far as Osaka for a couple days not sure yet.
I’m over in iwakuni, but that sounds cool
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Sup Slap Crew, long time reader first time commenter.
Heading to Tokyo on Thursday and staying for a couple weeks. Been a couple times before so got a general idea but first time I’m gonna put time in to try and skate. Gonna be staying by Asakusa station and heard the endless bank spot is by there? But by god I can’t find it anywhere. Any recommendations for mellow street spots (low kick out chance/small spots) or a recommendation to your fave park that isn’t a hour and a half away.
If any skate events are going on that would be rad!
https://goo.gl/maps/BVEo6voK72bVqXPYA is probably what youre looking for. it is this spot https://youtu.be/eE_j5TAhxeg?si=iBVLyoLr7Y4cYdmu&t=145
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is the rail pass worth it if i plan on going in October (yes I will buy it this month before the rate goes up) if we plan on taking trips from Tokyo out to Osaka / Kyoto / Hokkaido?
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https://goo.gl/maps/BVEo6voK72bVqXPYA is probably what youre looking for. it is this spot https://youtu.be/eE_j5TAhxeg?si=iBVLyoLr7Y4cYdmu&t=145
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That’s exactly it, appreciate it G! Spot looks fun and quiet.
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is the rail pass worth it if i plan on going in October (yes I will buy it this month before the rate goes up) if we plan on taking trips from Tokyo out to Osaka / Kyoto / Hokkaido?
Absolutely
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I'm thinking of visiting in October. What should I expect when I get there? I have never travel before, so I am researching as much as possible. And want to get the most up to date information for other people who live/travel there recently. Any help would be appreciated. I know I could go through the pages read these, but I kind of have a lot of questions. Sorry in advance everyone. And thank you very much!
"What to expect" is a pretty broad question. What do you like/want to do? Do you want to travel around the country? Are there specific things you are nervous about? You can expect nothing bad to happen. Getting on the wrong train is probably the worst thing that happened to me in the year I lived there.
same kind of question here - doing Tokyo -> Hokkaido -> Tokyo -> Nikko -> Osaka -> Kyoto -> Maybe Hiroshima -> Okinawa.
does that order make sense with traveling by rail? mostly interested in cool museums, good food, beer related shenanigans (breweries), vintage shopping, jazz, record stores, good sightseeing.
If anyone has any recommendations in those places of things to do it would be greatly appreciated!
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I'm thinking of visiting in October. What should I expect when I get there? I have never travel before, so I am researching as much as possible. And want to get the most up to date information for other people who live/travel there recently. Any help would be appreciated. I know I could go through the pages read these, but I kind of have a lot of questions. Sorry in advance everyone. And thank you very much!
"What to expect" is a pretty broad question. What do you like/want to do? Do you want to travel around the country? Are there specific things you are nervous about? You can expect nothing bad to happen. Getting on the wrong train is probably the worst thing that happened to me in the year I lived there.
same kind of question here - doing Tokyo -> Hokkaido -> Tokyo -> Nikko -> Osaka -> Kyoto -> Maybe Hiroshima -> Okinawa.
does that order make sense with traveling by rail? mostly interested in cool museums, good food, beer related shenanigans (breweries), vintage shopping, jazz, record stores, good sightseeing.
If anyone has any recommendations in those places of things to do it would be greatly appreciated!
My recommendations for Tokyo
Food:
La Jolla in Hirro: Awesome Mexican food. Chicken quesadilla was my jam
Sitara in sakurashinmachi: Indian. When I return to Tokyo, this is the first place I'm going.
Sushi: my favorite was CHOJIRO in Futakotamagawa. Or for the novelty find a conveyor belt sushi place. First place I went to was sushiro in shibuya.
sweets: BAKE the SHOP Jiyūgaoka Store(little mini cheesecakes), mister doughnut
7-11: legit has good food. Kirin Straight tea is my favorite drink in the world. Also get 7-11 prepackaged pancakes. As a matter of fact, if you bring some back and ship them to me, i'll pay a very fair fee lol.
Stuff and things:
Check out teamlabs. https://www.teamlab.art/e/planets/
If you've ever seen lost in translation, The New York Bar has live jazz every night.
Tokyo has great secondhand stores. Check out mode off, hard off, book off
Don Quijote: just a random giant store with everything. Also has an annoying theme song that will get stuck in your head.
Ueno park: zoo, Tokyo National Museum and other museums, shopping, giant porn theater if you're feeling adventurous
akihabara: probably find a used vx1000
If you have the time, just walking around the more famous places ( shibuya, harajuku) is kinda fun
Skate stuff:
I lived 10 minutes from Komazawa skatepark so I basically only skate there and the skatepark in setagaya park. Neither particularly "good"
Stormy skateshop in Shibuya is where I would buy shit.
If you want to do little day trips out of toyko:
Hitachi seaside park: flowers. Think there is a train directly there now but I had to take a bus
Kamakura: sweet, small city on the coast.
If you are into cars, you can rent sweet JDM cars and drive through the mountains.
Kiyoto and Osaka: I only was there for like 5 days so just did all the tourist shit, which was nice.
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I'm thinking of visiting in October. What should I expect when I get there? I have never travel before, so I am researching as much as possible. And want to get the most up to date information for other people who live/travel there recently. Any help would be appreciated. I know I could go through the pages read these, but I kind of have a lot of questions. Sorry in advance everyone. And thank you very much!
"What to expect" is a pretty broad question. What do you like/want to do? Do you want to travel around the country? Are there specific things you are nervous about? You can expect nothing bad to happen. Getting on the wrong train is probably the worst thing that happened to me in the year I lived there.
same kind of question here - doing Tokyo -> Hokkaido -> Tokyo -> Nikko -> Osaka -> Kyoto -> Maybe Hiroshima -> Okinawa.
does that order make sense with traveling by rail? mostly interested in cool museums, good food, beer related shenanigans (breweries), vintage shopping, jazz, record stores, good sightseeing.
If anyone has any recommendations in those places of things to do it would be greatly appreciated!
My recommendations for Tokyo
If you are into cars, you can rent sweet JDM cars and drive through the mountains.
More info please? Im going in OCT and would like to know further details
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https://fun2drive-japan.com/
They meet you near Mount Fuji and basically guide you through the best roads. But from the looks of it you're paying a lot for not a lot of driving.
https://www.omoren.com/en/
You just rent a car and can do whatever you want. But you have to get out of Tokyo which is a little daunting. But price is better. Like 300 bucks for R-34 skyline for 24 hours
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https://fun2drive-japan.com/
They meet you near Mount Fuji and basically guide you through the best roads. But from the looks of it you're paying a lot for not a lot of driving.
https://www.omoren.com/en/
You just rent a car and can do whatever you want. But you have to get out of Tokyo which is a little daunting. But price is better. Like 300 bucks for R-34 skyline for 24 hours
Sweet, thanks for the links.
Id be down for manuals but def not used to shifting with left hand... Sucks but would have to stick with the auto route if I were to do this.
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Supposed to be leaving for my trip in two weeks but last month my sciatica issues returned after being in bed with the flu for a week. I've been down and out and didn't really prepare at all language wise since in my head I was going to cancel the trip but fuck it imma go. How screwed am I? I usually always prepare for a month basic survival vocabulary so this is the first time I'm going in reasonably blind.
I’m going in October and I’m shitting bricks…. I don’t even know why. Over thinking i guess. Worried I’ll mess something up. But it’s a vacation! Gotta enjoy it. Hope you feel better and have a blast, man.
Yo @BallDontLie I'm in Japan too in October (5th to 24th). Hit me up if you wanna hang out and skate. (Everybody else too of course!)
I'm staying a couple of days in Tokyo then going to Osaka and Kyoto. And then a couple of more days in Tokyo. My plan is to do some sightseeing during the day and skate/beers in the evening.
Also I'm considering to go to Kappunk punk festival a day or two. It's happening from Oct 7th to 9th.
https://www.kappunk.com/index2.html (https://www.kappunk.com/index2.html)
Cheers
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Descendents are also touring Japan atm if you’re interested?
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Descendents are also touring Japan atm if you’re interested?
Sick! Just checked the tour but Tokyo is already sold out. That would’ve been the only fitting dates.
Do you have any other recommendations for venues?
Also I read loads of your posts in this and the Osaka/Kyoto topic. Was wondering if the spots to meet other skaters are still the same?
Also do you wanna hang out haha?
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Descendents are also touring Japan atm if you’re interested?
Sick! Just checked the tour but Tokyo is already sold out. That would’ve been the only fitting dates.
Do you have any other recommendations for venues?
Also I read loads of your posts in this and the Osaka/Kyoto topic. Was wondering if the spots to meet other skaters are still the same?
Also do you wanna hang out haha?
man I’m in Kyushu, you should head to Fukuoka! I’m headed to the Hiroshima descendents show next Tuesday night.
Don’t really see to many gigs down my way, but antiknock in Shinjuku was a really cool gig space 20 or so years ago … damn, I’m old!
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Descendents are also touring Japan atm if you’re interested?
Sick! Just checked the tour but Tokyo is already sold out. That would’ve been the only fitting dates.
Do you have any other recommendations for venues?
Also I read loads of your posts in this and the Osaka/Kyoto topic. Was wondering if the spots to meet other skaters are still the same?
Also do you wanna hang out haha?
recomended venues to check for punk and metal shows in Tokyo are:
Shinjuku Earthdom
Shinjuku Antiknock (like mentioned above)
Shibuya Cyclone
Hatsudai Wall
Nishi-ogikubo Pit Bar
Nakano Moonstep
Koenji Studio Dom
Koiwa Bush Bash
Shimo-Kitazawa Shelter
Waseda Zone B
also El Puente in Yokohama (30 minute trainride from tokyo but one of the best venues)
Osaka:
King Cobra (right next to Triangle park, Osaka daggers hangout)
Socore Factory
Namba Bears
Kyoto:
Socrates
i used to go to Kappunk way back, before the festival quit in 2017. they came back a fiew years later but my friends who were part of the organizing got into a fight with the others and distanced themselfves from the festival. havn't been to any of the new editions.
funny to see Melon Bataka a Go Go is preforming there again. to me day 1 has the best lineup in general, if you going don't miss out on that day.
some of the members of Oledickfoggy who play the 3th day skate too. one of them runs a skateshop in Harajuku called Golden Age. speaks fluent english and is super chill.
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Oh El Puente, I forgot about that place! Also has awesome DIY craft beer too (that you can drink while listening to Powerviolence)
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Awesome! Thanks for all the tips guys!
How's is night life in general? What's a good time to go to those venues? And do trains go all night long?
i used to go to Kappunk way back, before the festival quit in 2017. they came back a fiew years later but my friends who were part of the organizing got into a fight with the others and distanced themselfves from the festival. havn't been to any of the new editions.
funny to see Melon Bataka a Go Go is preforming there again. to me day 1 has the best lineup in general, if you going don't miss out on that day.
some of the members of Oledickfoggy who play the 3th day skate too. one of them runs a skateshop in Harajuku called Golden Age. speaks fluent english and is super chill.
Day 1 was also my favorite. Any chance you go there this year?
man I’m in Kyushu, you should head to Fukuoka! I’m headed to the Hiroshima descendents show next Tuesday night.
Don’t really see to many gigs down my way, but antiknock in Shinjuku was a really cool gig space 20 or so years ago … damn, I’m old!
Fukuoka wasn't really on my list but I'll let you know if I go there. Would be between 12th and 19th.
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↑ might be difficult to do Fukuoka cuz I’m already bailing on the fam on a solo mission to see the descendents.
Are you bringing your board? Might DM you with an idea …
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↑ might be difficult to do Fukuoka cuz I’m already bailing on the fam on a solo mission to see the descendents.
Are you bringing your board? Might DM you with an idea …
For sure! I dm'ed you.
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Descendents are also touring Japan atm if you’re interested?
Sick! Just checked the tour but Tokyo is already sold out. That would’ve been the only fitting dates.
Do you have any other recommendations for venues?
Also I read loads of your posts in this and the Osaka/Kyoto topic. Was wondering if the spots to meet other skaters are still the same?
Also do you wanna hang out haha?
recomended venues to check for punk and metal shows in Tokyo are:
Shinjuku Earthdom
Shinjuku Antiknock (like mentioned above)
Shibuya Cyclone
Hatsudai Wall
Nishi-ogikubo Pit Bar
Nakano Moonstep
Koenji Studio Dom
Koiwa Bush Bash
Shimo-Kitazawa Shelter
Waseda Zone B
also El Puente in Yokohama (30 minute trainride from tokyo but one of the best venues)
Osaka:
King Cobra (right next to Triangle park, Osaka daggers hangout)
Socore Factory
Namba Bears
Kyoto:
Socrates
i used to go to Kappunk way back, before the festival quit in 2017. they came back a fiew years later but my friends who were part of the organizing got into a fight with the others and distanced themselfves from the festival. havn't been to any of the new editions.
funny to see Melon Bataka a Go Go is preforming there again. to me day 1 has the best lineup in general, if you going don't miss out on that day.
some of the members of Oledickfoggy who play the 3th day skate too. one of them runs a skateshop in Harajuku called Golden Age. speaks fluent english and is super chill.
Oh man thank you for this…. I’ll be in Shinjuku in a few weeks wanted to catch a show or two.. found one at the antiknock
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Day 1 was also my favorite. Any chance you go there this year?
late reply as its already over by now. but i dont live in japan at all, so it wasnt even an option to go.
i just visited many times. i actually started visiting purely for the music scene 8 years ago, but these days its also about meeting friends again and ofcourse trying to get a skate session or 2.
Oh man thank you for this…. I’ll be in Shinjuku in a few weeks wanted to catch a show or two.. found one at the antiknock
cool, have fun!
allways stay alert on those venues schedules. tons of gigs get get announced very last minute.
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First morning here, we’re right near this music hall, Sun Face? Looks pretty sick to catch a show. Already loving it…
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Day 1 was also my favorite. Any chance you go there this year?
late reply as its already over by now. but i dont live in japan at all, so it wasnt even an option to go.
i just visited many times. i actually started visiting purely for the music scene 8 years ago, but these days its also about meeting friends again and ofcourse trying to get a skate session or 2.
Ah, I didn't know. But all good. I had a fun night there and a great time in Japan. Back in Germany now.
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Hey pals, going to in Kiyosumi Shirakawa area with some friends in April. Can anyone give me some spot recommendations in or around Tokyo? Really excited and just trying to get a plan put together to max out our time there. Thank you in advance!
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i'll be back in Tokyo in march this year. now i can't really decide if i'll get a railpass this time since the big pricehike..
i gotta visit Osaka, but just going up and down there once i wouln't need a railpass.
plane tickets were still expensive as fuck. wish they wouldve been back or atleast closer to pre-covid prices already.
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2nd time going out there this upcoming July.
What’s good
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Finally returning march 3rd-16. Probably going to bring my trucks and buy a deck there. If anyone wants to skate. When I lived there in 2019, didn't really have much money so it will be nice to experience the city now that that isn't a concern lol.
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Finally returning march 3rd-16. Probably going to bring my trucks and buy a deck there. If anyone wants to skate. When I lived there in 2019, didn't really have much money so it will be nice to experience the city now that that isn't a concern lol.
enjoy your trip man. same time as me.
i also tought of buying a deck there since i figured out getting Blast decks in Japan is about the same price as Europe, but without having to pay shipping.
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I was in tokyo and Kyoto last back in november. Cancelled our Osaka leg of the trip to go to Korea. (regret it, only because I wanted to visit the daggers)
Have fun. Japan was awesome
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if you go to Sapporo go to People Skateshop on your way to the Sapporo Beer Garden. It's a hybrid skate shop, record shop, and taco spot (aka heaven)
Mortar skateshop in Tokyo is real phenomenal - picked up an evisen bag that I use every day now
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If you visit Yokohama (which you definitely should) the best parks are Nissan stadium near Shin-Yokohama (gin woos home spot, among others) and Umikaze in Yokosuka (the Hongo Bros, Ryuhei Kitazuma, etc.). Blaze Pipe (head shop) has a fun mini ramp. Best skate shop probably is Laquer, next to Kannai station.
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If you visit Yokohama (which you definitely should) the best parks are Nissan stadium near Shin-Yokohama (gin woos home spot, among others) and Umikaze in Yokosuka (the Hongo Bros, Ryuhei Kitazuma, etc.). Blaze Pipe (head shop) has a fun mini ramp. Best skate shop probably is Laquer, next to Kannai station.
i know all of those but they're kinda out of the way (not uncommon for skateparks in japan tho). like if i go to Yokohama that means i'm going to El Puente. Blaze Pipe is really close. but the others are way to far away from there for my dumb ass to not get lost.
Umikaze allways looks fun. but it's so damn far.
rant time.
i'm allways kinda bummed when i have to register at a skatepark. or worse. i have to register somewhere thats not the skatepark. before i go to the skatepark. and don't you dare ride your skateboard in between those places. its such an annoying process where i can't see the point of it. and writing a japanese adress in latin alphabet doesn't even fit on those damn forms.
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If you visit Yokohama (which you definitely should) the best parks are Nissan stadium near Shin-Yokohama (gin woos home spot, among others) and Umikaze in Yokosuka (the Hongo Bros, Ryuhei Kitazuma, etc.). Blaze Pipe (head shop) has a fun mini ramp. Best skate shop probably is Laquer, next to Kannai station.
Yokohama will always hold a special place in my head since getting a (probably) minor concussion on the roller coaster at Cosmo World. Good times.
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Not contributing with much here, except that I really wanna go to Japan and that this edit made me want it even more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULkURZgQ4zc
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Not contributing with much here, except that I really wanna go to Japan and that this edit made me want it even more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULkURZgQ4zc
damn. thanks for sharing. i'm exited now! only one more week and i'll be in japan.
that back slappy crook on the ledge broke my brain.
i know most famous spots in tokyo and osaka. but i cant for the life of me figure out where that osaka spot with the roll on grind is..
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Finally returning march 3rd-16. Probably going to bring my trucks and buy a deck there. If anyone wants to skate. When I lived there in 2019, didn't really have much money so it will be nice to experience the city now that that isn't a concern lol.
march 7th is Midnight Express at Heavy Sick Zero in nakano. dont know if thats anything you'd like. but if it is, dont miss it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxksuqu8FQU
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Any recs for Osaka? Particularly in the umeda ward?
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Any recs for Osaka? Particularly in the umeda ward?
This place in the video is in umeda.. endless possibilities.
youre also only like 4 metro stops away from americamura where triangle park is and spotaka skateshop/park.
https://youtu.be/BOyZhnFgmFA?si=qtt_0vEbCCY9qpG3
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Any recs for Osaka? Particularly in the umeda ward?
This place in the video is in umeda.. endless possibilities.
youre also only like 4 metro stops away from americamura where triangle park is and spotaka skateshop/park.
https://youtu.be/BOyZhnFgmFA?si=qtt_0vEbCCY9qpG3
Misunderstood the shit out of my wife, we’re in the chuo ward. But I am like 10 minutes away from spotaka
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Any recs for Osaka? Particularly in the umeda ward?
This place in the video is in umeda.. endless possibilities.
youre also only like 4 metro stops away from americamura where triangle park is and spotaka skateshop/park.
https://youtu.be/BOyZhnFgmFA?si=qtt_0vEbCCY9qpG3
Misunderstood the shit out of my wife, we’re in the chuo ward. But I am like 10 minutes away from spotaka
we stayed here back in October - Hotel Keihan Ekimae right outside of Temmabashi Station. a lot of stuff we went to was spread out throughout Osaka but day trips to Nara and Kyoto were sick. I'll have mostly non-skate related recommendations but here were some of our highlights from there:
if you're into breweries - Kamigata Beer is in an old onsen house and the brew is phenomenal (https://kamigatabeer.co.jp/ (https://kamigatabeer.co.jp/))
The flea market at Shinnetoji Temple (i believe held on weekends, maybe just saturday) is pretty insane. Lot's of sick vintage clothes / goods, handmade goods, and i got a phenomenal okonomiyaki for 300y.
I believe the original Kura conveyor belt sushi is on Dontonburi St. We went there and it was a bit of a wait but it was pretty yum and not super expensive.
Also - a short walk from where we were staying (maybe 10-15min) we found a phenomenal omakase style restauarant called Tosara that we got a last second reservation at. easily top 5 meals i've ever had in my life (https://restaurant.ikyu.com/122349/?ikgo=2 (https://restaurant.ikyu.com/122349/?ikgo=2))
And just walking around we stumbled upon triangle park which was awesome to see in person.
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Any recs for Osaka? Particularly in the umeda ward?
This place in the video is in umeda.. endless possibilities.
youre also only like 4 metro stops away from americamura where triangle park is and spotaka skateshop/park.
https://youtu.be/BOyZhnFgmFA?si=qtt_0vEbCCY9qpG3
Misunderstood the shit out of my wife, we’re in the chuo ward. But I am like 10 minutes away from spotaka
we stayed here back in October - Hotel Keihan Ekimae right outside of Temmabashi Station. a lot of stuff we went to was spread out throughout Osaka but day trips to Nara and Kyoto were sick. I'll have mostly non-skate related recommendations but here were some of our highlights from there:
if you're into breweries - Kamigata Beer is in an old onsen house and the brew is phenomenal (https://kamigatabeer.co.jp/ (https://kamigatabeer.co.jp/))
The flea market at Shinnetoji Temple (i believe held on weekends, maybe just saturday) is pretty insane. Lot's of sick vintage clothes / goods, handmade goods, and i got a phenomenal okonomiyaki for 300y.
I believe the original Kura conveyor belt sushi is on Dontonburi St. We went there and it was a bit of a wait but it was pretty yum and not super expensive.
Also - a short walk from where we were staying (maybe 10-15min) we found a phenomenal omakase style restauarant called Tosara that we got a last second reservation at. easily top 5 meals i've ever had in my life (https://restaurant.ikyu.com/122349/?ikgo=2 (https://restaurant.ikyu.com/122349/?ikgo=2))
And just walking around we stumbled upon triangle park which was awesome to see in person.
Do you have a pin for the temple? I tried googling and got nothing
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Any recs for Osaka? Particularly in the umeda ward?
This place in the video is in umeda.. endless possibilities.
youre also only like 4 metro stops away from americamura where triangle park is and spotaka skateshop/park.
https://youtu.be/BOyZhnFgmFA?si=qtt_0vEbCCY9qpG3
Misunderstood the shit out of my wife, we’re in the chuo ward. But I am like 10 minutes away from spotaka
The flea market at Shinnetoji Temple (i believe held on weekends, maybe just saturday) is pretty insane. Lot's of sick vintage clothes / goods, handmade goods, and i got a phenomenal okonomiyaki for 300y.
Do you have a pin for the temple? I tried googling and got nothing
wow i butchered the spelling. Google "Shi-Tennoji Temple Market" and there ya go!
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Any recs for Osaka? Particularly in the umeda ward?
This place in the video is in umeda.. endless possibilities.
youre also only like 4 metro stops away from americamura where triangle park is and spotaka skateshop/park.
https://youtu.be/BOyZhnFgmFA?si=qtt_0vEbCCY9qpG3
Misunderstood the shit out of my wife, we’re in the chuo ward. But I am like 10 minutes away from spotaka
The flea market at Shinnetoji Temple (i believe held on weekends, maybe just saturday) is pretty insane. Lot's of sick vintage clothes / goods, handmade goods, and i got a phenomenal okonomiyaki for 300y.
Do you have a pin for the temple? I tried googling and got nothing
wow i butchered the spelling. Google "Shi-Tennoji Temple Market" and there ya go!
Thank you!
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Anyone know of any street transition spots in Tokyo/Osaka? Going to be in Tokyo from March 31st-April 12th, if anyone wants to link to skate and film some clips or grab some drinks, hit me up on Instagram, @gabe.mckenna
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Anyone know of any street transition spots in Tokyo/Osaka? Going to be in Tokyo from March 31st-April 12th, if anyone wants to link to skate and film some clips or grab some drinks, hit me up on Instagram, @gabe.mckenna
i know some street QP's in Tokyo. and one like bowl like spot in Osaka. i can DM you the locations if you want.
hit up Golden Age skateshop. the owner can probably help you find some street transitions and hes more a transition skater too.
just got back form japan last night. the weather was colder and rainier than usual this march so that kinda sucked. didn't get to skate as much as i wish cause of that, but i had a great time!
got to meet tons of cool people again.
got to skate triangle park and Herbis a lot in Osaka, Naka river spots and Koganei park in Tokyo, Went to a Midnight Express event in Heavy Sick Zero. and skated 2 private DIY's in Saitama and Tochigi.
i visited Yokosuka for a gig, and was super close to Umikaze but it rained that day.
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Anyone know of any street transition spots in Tokyo/Osaka? Going to be in Tokyo from March 31st-April 12th, if anyone wants to link to skate and film some clips or grab some drinks, hit me up on Instagram, @gabe.mckenna
i know some street QP's in Tokyo. and one like bowl like spot in Osaka. i can DM you the locations if you want.
hit up Golden Age skateshop. the owner can probably help you find some street transitions and hes more a transition skater too.
just got back form japan last night. the weather was colder and rainier than usual this march so that kinda sucked. didn't get to skate as much as i wish cause of that, but i had a great time!
got to meet tons of cool people again.
got to skate triangle park and Herbis a lot in Osaka, Naka river spots and Koganei park in Tokyo, Went to a Midnight Express event in Heavy Sick Zero. and skated 2 private DIY's in Saitama and Tochigi.
i visited Yokosuka for a gig, and was super close to Umikaze but it rained that day.
Shoot that dm! Good looks, sounds like you had a rad trip! I’ll be visiting from the north east and we just got a big snow storm this past weekend, anything beats this cold weather here, haha.
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Anyone know of any street transition spots in Tokyo/Osaka? Going to be in Tokyo from March 31st-April 12th, if anyone wants to link to skate and film some clips or grab some drinks, hit me up on Instagram, @gabe.mckenna
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bBrypp9DV6zVhhkN8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vxGYVjq42Camg9mX7
Obviously a nighttime, early morning spot as it will never not be packed during the day. I always thought it would be skateable.