Random Thoughts Thread

Novice_Mentality

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Hey @Guff or @A70TTR , I figure this would be the best place to post this lol. So I might have some time between positions and I was thinking about taking a trip to Japan to experience the culture and just visit overall. It would be my first time there and I would just appreciate some advice on where to go, any tips and things to consider before the trip itself! It would be sometime around April, and the length would ideally be about a 1.5 weeks. I was thinking of going to Tokyo for sure and then either visiting Osaka or some other big city?

Thank you!
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Hey @Guff or @A70TTR , I figure this would be the best place to post this lol. So I might have some time between positions and I was thinking about taking a trip to Japan to experience the culture and just visit overall. It would be my first time there and I would just appreciate some advice on where to go, any tips and things to consider before the trip itself! It would be sometime around April, and the length would ideally be about a 1.5 weeks. I was thinking of going to Tokyo for sure and then either visiting Osaka or some other big city?

Thank you!
I am no expert in Japan, but I went last year during the summer. It was definitely hot but it was bearable, so I assume spring would be perfect. Tokyo is a very interesting place to go, tons to look at and do. If you want to do any car stuff, go to Daikoku PA on a weekend, but make sure you have an International Driver's Permit so you can rent. The Shinkansen to Kyoto from Tokyo is also quite a good experience.
 

Novice_Mentality

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I am no expert in Japan, but I went last year during the summer. It was definitely hot but it was bearable, so I assume spring would be perfect. Tokyo is a very interesting place to go, tons to look at and do. If you want to do any car stuff, go to Daikoku PA on a weekend, but make sure you have an International Driver's Permit so you can rent. The Shinkansen to Kyoto from Tokyo is also quite a good experience.
Thank you! I definitely appreciate the response and these are the kind of things I was looking for. I've heard of Daikoku, so that will be on my list and the Shinkansen sounds interesting as well! Anything to look out for when driving in Japan? Rules/Regulations? I know as much as left side of the street is where you drive, RHD vehicles, and I would assume free left turns at stops like the US? lol
 

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Thank you! I definitely appreciate the response and these are the kind of things I was looking for. I've heard of Daikoku, so that will be on my list and the Shinkansen sounds interesting as well! Anything to look out for when driving in Japan? Rules/Regulations? I know as much as left side of the street is where you drive, RHD vehicles, and I would assume free left turns at stops like the US? lol
That would something someone should answer. I did not get a chance to drive because I did not get a IDP. You can get rides and such by ride-sharing apps or just friendly people there, but it is honestly just easier to rent a car.
 

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I can't speak for mainland, since I spent 3 years on okinawa, but! Make sure you try some japanese curry! That stuff is crack
Definitely this. Also, try the usual tourist-y fish. It's all super fresh and the prices are reasonable.
 
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Hey @Guff or @A70TTR , I figure this would be the best place to post this lol. So I might have some time between positions and I was thinking about taking a trip to Japan to experience the culture and just visit overall. It would be my first time there and I would just appreciate some advice on where to go, any tips and things to consider before the trip itself! It would be sometime around April, and the length would ideally be about a 1.5 weeks. I was thinking of going to Tokyo for sure and then either visiting Osaka or some other big city?

Thank you!
Okay, so I've only ever been to Tokyo, and then took the train to Kamakura when I wanted to see a little bit out of the city. 1.5 weeks may be just enough time to go to Osaka but your best bet would prob be a cheap flight (they have plenty of those). Shinkansen is also an option but a 2-week pass is fairly expensive if I remember correctly.

There's a tonnn of stuff in Tokyo! Check out Odaiba and the Bay, go to Toyota Mega-Web, check out Shibuya Crossing and all the stores, go to Shinjuku and check out all the wacky stuff over there. Tokyo Metropolitan Tower has a crazy view of the whole city. Akihabara is where all the video game and anime stuff is iirc. Check out Up Garage or Super Autobacs and all the crazy aftermarket mods they have on display. I do def recommend Kamakura and check out the temples, giant buddha, the bamboo forests, etc. Daikoku is in between Tokyo and Kamakura so I'd suggest going to Kamakura on Friday morning, spending the day there, and then hitting up Daikoku PA on the way back. It is hard to get into if you don't have a car though, so keep that in mind. It's an island-type thing with only highways that lead to it.

If you do get a car, understand that tolls are very expensive and it's not like driving in the states lol. Also, get your IDP beforehand.

When you get there, get your ass a PASMO card and load it up with money, those are these weird debit card/bus pass thingys that get you on the trains/buses/public transport, can buy you stuff at vending machines, etc. They're super clutch, just make sure you keep money in the balance.

I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff. But the internet is your friend here, there's tonsss of stuff in Japan and its all very well documented, so just get out there and have an adventure!
 

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I think I just bought a two way ticket on the Shinkansen. I think that the price is worth it for the experience alone. You get to see a ton of the countryside and I think the train is awesome.

Oh, and for IDP's you can only get them at AAA and one other places offices I think, and they are only available in the U.S., you cannot get it once in Japan.
 
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Here's a fare calculation for Tokyo to Osaka. Roughly $250 round trip I believe.

Screen Shot 2019-02-15 at 8.33.25 PM.jpg
 

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Okay, so I've only ever been to Tokyo, and then took the train to Kamakura when I wanted to see a little bit out of the city. 1.5 weeks may be just enough time to go to Osaka but your best bet would prob be a cheap flight (they have plenty of those). Shinkansen is also an option but a 2-week pass is fairly expensive if I remember correctly.

There's a tonnn of stuff in Tokyo! Check out Odaiba and the Bay, go to Toyota Mega-Web, check out Shibuya Crossing and all the stores, go to Shinjuku and check out all the wacky stuff over there. Tokyo Metropolitan Tower has a crazy view of the whole city. Akihabara is where all the video game and anime stuff is iirc. Check out Up Garage or Super Autobacs and all the crazy aftermarket mods they have on display. I do def recommend Kamakura and check out the temples, giant buddha, the bamboo forests, etc. Daikoku is in between Tokyo and Kamakura so I'd suggest going to Kamakura on Friday morning, spending the day there, and then hitting up Daikoku PA on the way back. It is hard to get into if you don't have a car though, so keep that in mind. It's an island-type thing with only highways that lead to it.

If you do get a car, understand that tolls are very expensive and it's not like driving in the states lol. Also, get your IDP beforehand.

When you get there, get your ass a PASMO card and load it up with money, those are these weird debit card/bus pass thingys that get you on the trains/buses/public transport, can buy you stuff at vending machines, etc. They're super clutch, just make sure you keep money in the balance.

I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff. But the internet is your friend here, there's tonsss of stuff in Japan and its all very well documented, so just get out there and have an adventure!
This. Thanks Guff, extremely informative as always lol. I appreciate the time you took to write this and things like the PASMO card are things that I am happy to hear about! Of course I'll be doing a bit more research, but it's always a pleausure hearing about where to go from guys that have the same interests (Car guys :headbang:). I'll definitely be looking at getting an IDP soon. For the price, even if I don't end up using it, I wouldn't be mad haha. Worth it to have it in my back pocket.
 

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Too early to be awake, thanks dog. So now I'm watching FnF. Good cheesy movie.
 

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is it possible to make an entire engine block out of carbon fiber? how would an inline 7 sound like?
 

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is it possible to make an entire engine block out of carbon fiber? how would an inline 7 sound like?
While CF can be very strong, I din't know that it would be effective as an engine. Depends on the thermal properties.



Anyone planning on going to the Atl Auto Show next month? The A90 will be there.
 
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Just wanna say, I'm digging the updated site logo. Props to @JT, excellent work as usual.
 

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Just got a call from Scott Clark Toyota. They know not to call me unless they get some info in, we think one of the salesmen may have jumped the gun.

That's not the reason for the post, though. Apparently the dealership just got in an information packet for the car. I'm assuming it's to give them more info about the release. Atleast, that's what I'm hoping.
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