Booked flights, and some accommodation, for 3 weeks in Japan in October. Going to a wedding in Tokyo then having a tour round (probably Osaka, Kyoto & Hiroshima)
My youngest is planning a trip there this year. He’s always fancied it, at one point considered a longer working trip. He’s spent time since he finished Uni learning the language.
While you're in Tokyo, I'd recommend having a meal at Gonpachi Nishiazabu, not only is the food great, but it's where they filmed the famous fight scene in Kill Bill (you need to book a bit ahead)... please log in to view this image
Booked Gleneagles Kings course and two others nearby. Stopping in Stirling in May - apparently Gleneagles Kings is awesome and the views amazing , wives walking around there so I hope so ! But then again will I care when I tee off to be honest LOL
Anyone done the Scotland Coastal Route? Any tips that don’t include motorbikes? Package or book it all independently? How long over? Motorhome/Camper or car & hotels? Places to visit/avoid?
Do it all separately, in a car or camper whichever you prefer for a week. Just plan well ahead. Go in anti clockwise direction as the scenery gets better further west. Everybody is different so just go where you fancy, you will love some places and hate some as well.
Agree with all this - the real action is West Coast and North West corner (make time to get the Cape Wrath and, if you like walking, Sandwood Bay). The NC500 is now incredibly busy, so booking accommodation well in advance is a must during peak times (May to August). If you can stand to lash out for a camper van that's a great way to do it. You will be ****ting in a glorified bucket though. I'm hoping to be up that way in May myself - ****ting in my own bucket
Thanks I’ll try and get there actually as the vegan menu looks ok. Can’t book yet as they only seem to take them about 6 weeks in advance, although I’ve noticed even hotels don’t seem to take early bookings in Japan (apart from through sites like booking.com )
That’s impressive learning Japanese My nephew worked over there for 5 years before coming back here (he’s marrying a Japanese lass which is why we’re going) If your lad does think about going to work give me a ring and he can have a chat with my Nephew. Wasn’t all it seemed but great experience nevertheless
I've done the NC500 a couple of times, first time was 15 years ago and absolutely loved it, 2 years ago we found it had become a victim of its own success, we went during school half term and the minor roads (which it mostly is) were chocker. You might want to have a look at the Crieff Cloverleaf; it has 3 simply stunning routes (N, E & W) and a decent enough Sth route - you'll see plenty of 'cloggies' but as of last year the Brit car/motor home drivers hadn't latched onto it yet.
You don’t tip for anything in Japan, a worker considers it his duty to always provide an exceptional service, so it’s deemed unnecessary and they can be offended if you’re not aware of it. I was actually aware of it before I went, but completely forgot and without thinking handed a note to the bloke who took my to my hotel room, he wasn’t impressed.
The total is about the same as a night out with @askewshair @FER ARK & @Ron Burguvdy even when we’re drinking in Gemmels!
