Ta muchly, Moss.
I'm looking at spending probably at least a week in Kansai, check out Kyoto, Himeji, Nara that sorta thing, then ~4 days doing bits of the Alps, ~4 days in Tokyo then spend the last half week or so heading North to see Nikko, Saporo (Especially if I go in February because of the Snow Festival), Asahi-dake and the like. That's mostly just a general idea rather than a plan, as
where I go will be highly motivated by the
when.
Heat and humidity? Foreign concepts in Scotland. ;_;
I'd noted that might be an issue, so was only going to consider Summer if someone had a really interesting event or similar to attend then.
As a result of that, the Shinkansen pass does sound like a great thing to look into, so thanks for that. Driving, alas, is something I'm not qualified for here yet, so I doubt they'll let me get away with it over there. Cheers for asking your wife though, and I'll be happy to hear any suggestions she has.
As for the JET program, unfortunately, that requires a Bachelors degree, and I'm currently on extended medical leave from the last year of my course, and one of the conditions for getting back in is "Evidence that I can hold down a prolonged commitment without relapse", so whether I get back into Uni this year basically comes down to whether they accept my TEFL course I've been doing as evidence. If not, I may have to use the
standard Working Holiday scheme organised through the consulate here.
Also, **** that, I have literally no shame. I think I'm more recognised as the token weeaboo than Tuckles, for Christ's sake.
So yeah, if you have anyone who can recommend any particular "Unique Japanese Alternative Culture" I'm willing to entertain practically any suggestion. Although ****, I hadn't even considered maid cafes, so clearly I'm slipping or something.
