Originally Posted by
Lamabb
Even with all the negatives such as the airfare, I'm still interested in touring there. The thing is, I wouldn't want to fly all the way to japan and not visit the Honshuu area. I really would love to see some of the large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka since I've never been there before (even if it's only for a day or two while passing through).
How hard would you say it is to find a place to pitch a tent? I understand it's not preferred, but I don't think I could afford the trip if I were to pay for housing every night. When I say "stealth camping" - I'm talking about finding a place when I'm in rural areas that's empty and I won't be noticed, like a large field or in the woods somewhere far from people.
Maybe spending a week in the Honshuu cities before beginning the tour of Hokkaido would be a better idea, but I do like the idea of a cape to cape tour that traverses the length of the country. Any thoughts on this?
@IFLUX23: I'm also a college student and I would love to talk more about the possibility of a tour. If you are interested in doing a tour this summer too, maybe we can plan one together. You can reply here or just email.
Bryanberes@gmail.com
True. It is kinda waste not to tour the Honshu area with such pricey airfare. I lived in Tokyo before I went to Hokkaido (for college), I say it is extremely hard to find a place to "steal camp" in Tokyo unless you are far away from rural areas. Rural area in Tokyo is extremely crowded even at night, parks and such are very small, and police may tell you to leave in a place like that. Also, depending on areas of Tokyo, gangs hang around park at night. If you must stay in rural areas of Tokyo, then I suggest stepping into motel. If you really really need to stealth camp, then your best bet is to camp in non-rural area of Tokyo.
Warning about motel. Do not confuse yourself with "love hotel" just because they are amazingly cheap. "Love Hotel" is a hotel for couple who wants to have sex.
Rider Houses are usually in country side. And the numbers are limited in Honshu area. So most likely, you will have to camp, which I assume is fine with you.
One suggestion I could make for you is to go to Osaka first then tour through Tokyo. Then you have two options here: 1) go to Yokohama in Kanagawa prefecture (next to Tokyo) and use ferry heading to Hokkaido. 2) tour north and go to the northern tip of Honshu area which there will also be Ferry (or Tunnel, but the Tunnel is extremely long and I heard it's not safe for tourists because of the speed in which car passes in a narrow road) and go to Hokkaido.
Ferry is cheap...I think (I am not sure). The most realistic option is 1) I think. But it doesn't have to be Yokohama. You could use ferry from other area (if you want more Honshu touring).
After you reach Hokkaido, you could come to Sapporo and I'll meet you there. There are relatively a lot of tourists in Hokkaido so people could understand your situation (especially since you are a foreigner).
The problem I see here is the difference of summer vacation in Japan and USA. I think in USA summer vacation is from July to mid August (?). In Japan, my summer break begins in mid August to late September. Which means there are less chance of us meeting in sense of timing. That's why I suggested you that if you want to come to Hokkaido then it should be the last area you would tour, which would increase the chance of us meeting, but I don't like ordering people around just for my own convenience.
If it may be difficult, it may be just better to forget about meeting. It's not like I have good experience in touring. I may just become a hindrance to you.