Hacker from Noisebridge coming to visit in May

[Rubin Abdi]

Hi there. I'm Rubin, a founding member of the San Francisco hacker space
Noisebridge. I've helped out a tiny bit with Hackerspaces.org, started
up the awesome and fun for a few months instance of Hackupy (which I
think you all jumped right on, thank you!), and do other interesting
things like ride bikes and take photographs.

I'm currently planning a trip to Japan for most of the month of May,
which coincides with a trip a group of my friends from a fire arts trope
I'm a part of are doing themselves.

I've never been to Japan before, and have some suggestions of places to
go and things to do and routes to ride, but honestly was hoping to find
some suggestions on what's good. Also looking for advice on places to
stay, cheap hostels, friendly couches, possibly good camping spots,
basically anywhere I can go that wont by annoyed with me bringing along
a bike. :)

Above all else I would love to drop by your space and meet some of you
awesome hackers from across the ocean! Are there any other interesting
hacker spots I should go check out?

My current possible destinations include...

Tokyo
Fukushima
Naoshima
Gunkajima
Hiroshima
Hashima
Riding the Shimanami Kaido
Matsuyama
Yokoshima

Anyhow, just wanted to poke my head in and say hi. :)

Thanks!

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[Jud Taylor]

Fire arts trope?  Cool!  or, hot!

[Rubin Abdi]

Jud Taylor wrote, On 2013-04-02 19:59:
> Fire arts trope? Cool! or, hot!

http://www.interpretivearson.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PV__5uEwio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZbvP1TOLDc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce_fsr5V9jU
https://vimeo.com/14933967

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[James Andrews]

Hey Rubin!

Akihabara district in Tokyo should be on the list of places you should go.  All kind of hacker goodies.

James

On Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 6:43 AM, Rubin Abdi <ru...@starset.net> wrote:

[Jud Taylor]

I stand half-way corrected!

Definitely hot!

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[Usmar Padow]

Sakura hostel is cheap and they exist in major cities in Japan. There are many such hostels.   Japan is a bike nation. So I don't think any place will be annoyed by your bringing your bike.

[Rubin Abdi]

new299 wrote, On 2013-04-11 21:12:
> Though someone here will probably correct me on my no doubt numerous
> errors. Give me a shout if you'd like me to send you a Passmo before
> you get here. You can get them almost everywhere, but the ticket
> machines can sometimes be a little confusing.

I just ordered a foreigner JR Pass, 3 weeks for about $580 USD. I'm
assuming this can't be used for local rail stuff.

Can I grab a Passmo from Haneda Airport?

So I think the most entertaining aspect for this trip will be the fact
that I'm vegan. I imagine I'll be fudging it quite a bit. :P

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[lauren shannon]

JR can be used for all JR trains, does not cover private line trains OR the subway.

-Lauren

--
We LOVE Food and Wine!

Try my catering company at
www.moonandback.jp

and our restaurant and wine bar
www.kimonowinebar.com

[MRE]

Jr will usually at least get you in the general vacinity if not right where you want to be. Then busses, taxis, walking your buns off, or a local/subway.

Ahh. Id suggest if you have android, get Maveric and cache maps of the regions youll be visiting in at least two scales. This way you have some offline maps in your pocket.

Navigating and finding specific addresses can be real tricky. Esp in tokyo.

[Rubin Abdi]

MRE wrote, On 2013-04-15 16:54:
> Ahh. Id suggest if you have android, get Maveric and cache maps of the regions youll be visiting in at least two scales. This way you have some offline maps in your pocket.

I've got OsmAnd with whatever OSM has for Japan, including topo, and
hopefully a functional SIM card once I get into the airport. :)

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[Richard Frankum]

On Apr 16, 2013 5:00 AM, "Rubin Abdi" <ru...@starset.net> wrote:
> I just ordered a foreigner JR Pass, 3 weeks for about $580 USD. I'm
> assuming this can't be used for local rail stuff.

Yes, it's only for JR and Shinkansen. Planning to travel outside Tokyo?

> Can I grab a Passmo from Haneda Airport?

Yes. When you pay at the machine it costs 1000 yen, and you get a card with 500 yen of travel charge. You can return the card to collect a 500 yen deposit when you're done with it, but it's best to use up all your credit before you do.

> So I think the most entertaining aspect for this trip will be the fact
> that I'm vegan. I imagine I'll be fudging it quite a bit. :P

Most likely. There's lots of vegetable dishes in Japanese cuisine but most use a meat or fish broth. We have a Tokyo vegan restaurant guide on the THS bookshelf, if I remember correctly.

> --
> Rubin
> ru...@starset.net
>

[James Andrews]

On Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 9:16 AM, Richard Frankum <richard...@gmail.com> wrote:

> So I think the most entertaining aspect for this trip will be the fact

> that I'm vegan. I imagine I'll be fudging it quite a bit. :P

Most likely. There's lots of vegetable dishes in Japanese cuisine but most use a meat or fish broth. We have a Tokyo vegan restaurant guide on the THS bookshelf, if I remember correctly.

You may do ok in some aspect.   Japan is full of small produce shops where you can get fresh fruit and veggies.  Most hostels/guest houses have a kitchen you can use, so if you are staying in a hostel/guest house it is feasible for you to make your own food.

 

[new299]

Can I grab a Passmo from Haneda Airport?

Hmm, I don't usually travel from Haneda, but I think you should be able to pick up a Suica card there (basically the same thing). You can get them from pretty much all the ticket machines I believe (the only issue being that a few don't have English language menus), you most likely wont have a problem though.

 

So I think the most entertaining aspect for this trip will be the fact
that I'm vegan. I imagine I'll be fudging it quite a bit. :P

Might be worth pinging @seanbonner on twitter/the internets. He spends quite a bit of time in Japan and is a vegan I believe. There's also a really good Vegan restaurant in Shibuya called "Nagi Shokudo".

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[James Andrews]

The Pink Cow is a vegetarian cafe if I am not mistaken, you may be able to find something Vegan friendly there.

[James Andrews]

I take that back, not vegetarian.  I just looked at the menu....

[James Andrews]

That said, many items have "vegetarian/vegan" ok next to it.

http://www.thepinkcow.com/#FoodMenu

[lauren shannon]

I also recommend Mother Esta in nakameguro. they have meat on the menu but tons of vegetarian/vegan items as well.

[Usmar Padow]

If you have a JR pass it would be wasting money to get a Suica pass too.  And for metro. You can always go low tech and buy tickets. Although I have heard that the 500 yen of the Suica are redeemable.   But still you should use your JR pass to travel by JR.

[lauren shannon]

Usmar, I totally disagree. It is not a waste of money as the JR pass will not cover subway or private train lines. And it is MUCH easier for visitors to use passmo and suica for the subway rather than to try to figure out the amount needed each time they take the subway or private train.

Lauren

[Usmar Padow]

They can ask the clerk how much it is.

[lauren shannon]

If they speak Japanese? and that is a pain. Rather than just go through the machine which will automatically calculate the right amount. This is just being silly. Get a Passmo or suica, fast, convenient, accurate.
Lauren

[Usmar Padow]

Ok. I will agree it may be more convenient.  But when I came to Japan first 10 years ago there was no such thing as Suica.  And foreigners did just fine.

[Lauren Shannon]

Innovation is a good thing why not use it?

Sent from my iPhone

[Usmar Padow]

Because it costs money that you could save

[Lauren Shannon]

Very little money good travel improvement it is worth the cost

Sent from my iPhone

[Usmar Padow]

OK, I guess that's where we disagree

[Rubin Abdi]

What's funny is I remember having this same discussion a few years back
when Translink/Clipper transit cards were being first introduced here in
the SF Bay Area. I was against it for so long due to privacy issues and
the fact that you'll end up spending more in fare screw ups in the long
run. Eventually however I ended up getting a card.

So here's a new transit problem. My flight gets into Haneda at 10:20 PM
on the eve of the 30th via Japan Air. I need to eventually get to
Musashi Koganei station. I have a US passport, 1 piece of checked
luggage containing a very questionable assembly of steel pipes to pick
up, and optionally the possibility of getting my JR Pass and SIM card
rental at the airport. Can I make it to Musashi Koganei station before
the trains stop? This all the understanding that I've never interacted
with this transit system, don't speak a word of Japanese, don't already
have a local transit pass, and have very red hair. :)

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[MRE]

Whenever I have guests, the first thing we do before leaving the airport is buy suicas and put 5000 - 10000 yen on it.
lots of places the JR pass still wont cover. PLUS you can use it in shops on stations that you came in on the JR pass.
Its a fun first Japan experience to learn how to top off the card in Japanese, and great souvenier.

Rail pass or not, you need a suica or passmo. Its just too convienient to be without.

[Usmar Padow]

I used yahoo Japan and it says you can make it if you get out of the airport by 11PM,  but it seems like a tight fit

• Map
 
• Gourmet
 
• Hotels (external site)

• 23:19 to 23:24
• Walk

Haneda Airport Terminal 1 (bus stop)

• Map

• 23:25 to 00:10
• Shuttle bus (Tokyo - Kichijoji Station)

1,200 yen

Kichijoji Station (bus stop)

• Map

• 00:11 to 00:14
• Walk

Kichijoji [  station information  |  Time Table  ]

• Map

• 00:15 to 00:26
• 4 stops
• JR Central and Ome Line Ome-line

160 yen

Musashikoganei [  station information  |  Time Table  ]

• Map
 
• Gourmet
 
• Hotels (external site)

[Rubin Abdi]

Wow Yahoo! Maps, how I've not missed you. :P How much Tokyo's public
transit is covered by Yahoo! Maps? And how about Google Maps?

Usmar Padow wrote, On 2013-04-16 17:20:
> I used yahoo Japan and it says you can make it if you get out of the
> airport by 11PM, but it seems like a tight fit
>

> - [image: Yahoo!
> map]Map<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/pc/search/link/maps/*http://map.loco.yahoo.co.jp/maps?lat=35.551032338177&lon=139.78538210438&z=18&prop=transit&datum=wgs>
>
> - [image: Yahoo!
> Gourmet]Gourmet<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/search/link/gourmet/*http://search.loco.yahoo.co.jp/search?lat=35.551032338177&lon=139.78538210438&dist=1&lgenrecd=01&genrecd=01>
>
> - [image: Well
> orchid]<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/jalan/pc/SIG=19gpgvn4j/*http%3A//www.jalan.net/uw/uwp1700/uww1701.do?reShFlg=1&distCd=01&genreTypeYad=1&stayCount=1&roomCount=1&stayYear=2013&stayMonth=04&stayDay=17&afCd=T8&maxPntX=503268105&minPntX=503209895&maxPntY=127989203&minPntY=127954797&zoomLevel=9&vos=cpjalaallall0130212001&centerPosX=503239000&centerPosY=127972000>
> Hotels<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/jalan/pc/SIG=19gpgvn4j/*http%3A//www.jalan.net/uw/uwp1700/uww1701.do?reShFlg=1&distCd=01&genreTypeYad=1&stayCount=1&roomCount=1&stayYear=2013&stayMonth=04&stayDay=17&afCd=T8&maxPntX=503268105&minPntX=503209895&maxPntY=127989203&minPntY=127954797&zoomLevel=9&vos=cpjalaallall0130212001&centerPosX=503239000&centerPosY=127972000>
> (external
> site)
>
>
> - 23:19 to 23:24
> - Walk

>
> [image: [Bus stop]]Haneda Airport Terminal 1 (bus stop)
>

> - [image: Yahoo!
> map]Map<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/pc/search/link/maps/*http://map.loco.yahoo.co.jp/maps?lat=35.549088141975&lon=139.78454895185&z=18&prop=transit&datum=wgs>
>
>
> - 23:25 to 00:10
> - Shuttle bus (Tokyo - Kichijoji Station)
>
> 1,200 yen

> [image: [Bus stop]]Kichijoji Station (bus stop)
>

> - [image: Yahoo!
> map]Map<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/pc/search/link/maps/*http://map.loco.yahoo.co.jp/maps?lat=35.70322997679&lon=139.58039234555&z=18&prop=transit&datum=wgs>
>
>
> - 00:11 to 00:14
> - Walk
>
> [image: [Station]]Kichijoji [ station
> information<http://transit.loco.yahoo.co.jp/station/top/22637/?from=%E7%BE%BD%E7%94%B0%E7%A9%BA%E6%B8%AF&flatlon=&to=%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E5%B0%8F%E9%87%91%E4%BA%95&tlatlon=%2C%2C23006&via=&viacode=&ym=201304&d=17&hh=23&m1=0&m2=0&shin=1&ex=1&hb=1&al=1&lb=1&sr=1&type=1&ws=2&s=0&ei=&fl=1&tl=3&expkind=1&mtf=&out_y=&mode=&c=>
> | Time Table<http://transit.loco.yahoo.co.jp/station/rail/22637/?from=%E7%BE%BD%E7%94%B0%E7%A9%BA%E6%B8%AF&flatlon=&to=%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E5%B0%8F%E9%87%91%E4%BA%95&tlatlon=%2C%2C23006&via=&viacode=&ym=201304&d=17&hh=23&m1=0&m2=0&shin=1&ex=1&hb=1&al=1&lb=1&sr=1&type=1&ws=2&s=0&ei=&fl=1&tl=3&expkind=1&mtf=&out_y=&mode=&c=>
> ]
>
> - [image: Yahoo!
> map]Map<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/pc/search/link/maps/*http://map.loco.yahoo.co.jp/maps?lat=35.70295221743&lon=139.57983684846&z=18&prop=transit&datum=wgs>
>
>
> - 00:15 to 00:26
> - 4 stops
> - JR Central and Ome Line Ome-line
>
> 160 yen
> [image: [Station]]Musashikoganei [ station
> information<http://transit.loco.yahoo.co.jp/station/top/23006/?from=%E7%BE%BD%E7%94%B0%E7%A9%BA%E6%B8%AF&flatlon=&to=%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E5%B0%8F%E9%87%91%E4%BA%95&tlatlon=%2C%2C23006&via=&viacode=&ym=201304&d=17&hh=23&m1=0&m2=0&shin=1&ex=1&hb=1&al=1&lb=1&sr=1&type=1&ws=2&s=0&ei=&fl=1&tl=3&expkind=1&mtf=&out_y=&mode=&c=>
> | Time Table<http://transit.loco.yahoo.co.jp/station/rail/23006/?from=%E7%BE%BD%E7%94%B0%E7%A9%BA%E6%B8%AF&flatlon=&to=%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E5%B0%8F%E9%87%91%E4%BA%95&tlatlon=%2C%2C23006&via=&viacode=&ym=201304&d=17&hh=23&m1=0&m2=0&shin=1&ex=1&hb=1&al=1&lb=1&sr=1&type=1&ws=2&s=0&ei=&fl=1&tl=3&expkind=1&mtf=&out_y=&mode=&c=>
> ]
>
> - [image: Yahoo!
> map]Map<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/pc/search/link/maps/*http://map.loco.yahoo.co.jp/maps?lat=35.70100632784&lon=139.50595448558&z=18&prop=transit&datum=wgs>
>
> - [image: Yahoo!
> Gourmet]Gourmet<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/search/link/gourmet/*http://search.loco.yahoo.co.jp/search?lat=35.70100632784&lon=139.50595448558&dist=1&lgenrecd=01&genrecd=01>
>
> - [image: Well
> orchid]<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/jalan/pc/SIG=19g0hacjj/*http%3A//www.jalan.net/uw/uwp1700/uww1701.do?reShFlg=1&distCd=01&genreTypeYad=1&stayCount=1&roomCount=1&stayYear=2013&stayMonth=04&stayDay=17&afCd=T8&maxPntX=502262105&minPntX=502203895&maxPntY=128529203&minPntY=128494797&zoomLevel=9&vos=cpjalaallall0130212001&centerPosX=502233000&centerPosY=128512000>
> Hotels<http://rd.yahoo.co.jp/transit/jalan/pc/SIG=19g0hacjj/*http%3A//www.jalan.net/uw/uwp1700/uww1701.do?reShFlg=1&distCd=01&genreTypeYad=1&stayCount=1&roomCount=1&stayYear=2013&stayMonth=04&stayDay=17&afCd=T8&maxPntX=502262105&minPntX=502203895&maxPntY=128529203&minPntY=128494797&zoomLevel=9&vos=cpjalaallall0130212001&centerPosX=502233000&centerPosY=128512000>

> (external
> site)
>
>
>
> On Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 9:09 AM, Rubin Abdi <ru...@starset.net> wrote:
>
>> What's funny is I remember having this same discussion a few years back
>> when Translink/Clipper transit cards were being first introduced here in
>> the SF Bay Area. I was against it for so long due to privacy issues and
>> the fact that you'll end up spending more in fare screw ups in the long
>> run. Eventually however I ended up getting a card.
>>
>> So here's a new transit problem. My flight gets into Haneda at 10:20 PM
>> on the eve of the 30th via Japan Air. I need to eventually get to
>> Musashi Koganei station. I have a US passport, 1 piece of checked
>> luggage containing a very questionable assembly of steel pipes to pick
>> up, and optionally the possibility of getting my JR Pass and SIM card
>> rental at the airport. Can I make it to Musashi Koganei station before
>> the trains stop? This all the understanding that I've never interacted
>> with this transit system, don't speak a word of Japanese, don't already
>> have a local transit pass, and have very red hair. :)
>>
>> --
>> Rubin
>> ru...@starset.net
>>
>>
>

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[Usmar Padow]

Unfortunately. The yahoo train guidance system is only available in Japanese.  I had this translated for you.   I had to input in Japanese

[Rubin Abdi]

Usmar Padow wrote, On 2013-04-16 17:41:
> Unfortunately. The yahoo train guidance system is only available in
> Japanese. I had this translated for you. I had to input in Japanese

US Google gave me these options, which partially coincide with the
results that the "Japan Trains" Android app gave me...

http://goo.gl/maps/XNLHm

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[Usmar Padow]

actually I did a search by last train, and this is the result, so at the very latest you can get out of the airport at 11:46 and still just about make it:

• Print
• Share this route

Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)

• Map
 
• Gourmet
 
• Hotels (external site)

• 23:46 to 23:51
• Walk

Haneda Airport 1 Building (Tokyo Monorail · JAL use) [  station information  |  Time Table  ]

• Map

• 23:52 to 00:12
• 5 stops
• Tokyo Monorail fast interval

470 yen

Hamamatsucho [  station information  |  Time Table  ]

• Map

• 00:17 to 00:23
• 3 stops
• JR Keihin Tohoku, Negishi Omiya line

Tokyo [  station information  |  timetable  |  outlet guide  ]

• Map

• 00:27 to 01:17
• 22 station
• JR Chuo Line

540 yen

Musashikoganei [  station information  |  Time Table  ]

• Map
 
• Gourmet
 
• Hotels (external site)

Ran Pack 's "official" JR

[Richard Frankum]

What you'll want for planning routes is Yahoo Transit (I believe transit.yahoo.co.jp, can't check ATM), not just maps. All transit lines will show up on Yahoo Maps, on Google Maps I think they're a layer to select. Google also allows a zoom into some larger stations, but the feature so far hasn't kept me from getting lost.

Suica is also useful (as an alternative to a Passmo). It's more expensive to get a card but you get more credit - 2000yen for a card and 1500yen credit. You can also turn a Suica in when you're finished for a 500yen deposit.

[Yura102]

Just in case, there is a very good train timetable and route search service in English: http://www.hyperdia.com/.

Some of my friends visiting Japan found it very helpful.

[James Andrews]

http://www.hyperdia.com is by far superior for planning routes. 

James 

[MRE]

Not a tight schedule at all.
Final train is at 1155 pm, arriving at 1:17 assuming you make no mistakes and can hustle your luggage. Anytime before 1120 and you can take it easy.

HANEDA AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL BUILDING - MUSASHI-KOGANEI
HANEDA AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, At: 23:55
By: Tokyo Monorail Rapid
HAMAMATSUCHO, At: 00:12

HAMAMATSUCHO, At: 00:17
By: JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line Local
TOKYO, At: 00:23

TOKYO, Lane: 02, At: 00:27
By: JR Chuo Line Local Service
MUSASHI-KOGANEI, At: 01:17

[Rubin Abdi]

Yay you all rock.

Last question, if I brought a bag of good coffee beans would that be an
appreciated thing at THS? :)

Personally I'm a dark tea drinker myself, but do understand that to
those who drink coffee out in your side of the world, Nescafe is a very
sad thing. :P

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[MRE]

Japan airports are pretty efficient, esp towards the end of the night. No likes missing last train.

Worst case:
They loose your bag, or decide to question you (unlikely. You should see the stuff I have no problem here with, but get planes delayed for in the states.)

You have trouble with the train pass (unlikely. JR staff at airports have some minimum English skill).

You have trouble with the sim card (VERY likely. Shop will likely be closed that late, or have all sorts of papers and documents for you.. or your credit card doesnt pass.. or..?)

You finnally get on the train, and

[MRE]

Damndroid!!!

....and get lost in your first transfer.
Halfway along, the trains stop (1-130)

So you follow the crowd, and ask around the station for a manga cafe or isakaya.
In the case of manga cafes, you often can get a private booth with comfy chair and tv, SHOWER and other goodies CHEAP.
In the case of izakaya (Japanese bar) you get drunk and party with salary men.

Either way, trains start at 4-5am. Three to four hours "layover" max.

[Richard Frankum]

Not sure if MRE not posting a date was intentional, or if I just missed your arrival date, but be aware that the Golden Week holidays may affect the transit schedules.
Also, if you take the monorail you're in for a delay at the start, I believe. No Passmo for sale there, so you'd have to exchange money at the airport and pay cash.

Jorudan shows a direct line "Haneda Kuuko Sen" which goes to musashi-koganei without changes, but doesn't mention the company. Maybe it's a bus line?

[AbH Belxjander Draconis Serechai]

Haneda Airport Line...as a literal translation...

I personally have used Google Yahoo Bing and Hyperdia from my smartphone...
  And usually just pick a list of waypoints to remember.

So what type of phone or other device will you have at hand?
(Pakiihodai [Sound not spelling] will be a good option if you use a LOT of data like I do...)

I've been through Narita and Haneda... and thinking about replacing my pasmo with a suica on my phone

[AbH Belxjander Draconis Serechai]

The last comment was suppossed to include seeing english on pasmo/suica terminals at both airports...

Definitely go with the card ... I've ended up delayed with ticket machines needing to be told the correct price...

And having to know how much for each stage without being able to read the map is no fun at all!

Most of the central lines inside Tokyo have english language machines at the rapid stops and 1 in 3 are elsewhere for what I have seen in my own travels around Shimane, Tottori, Osaka, Okayama, Chiba, Saitama, Hyogo, Kyoto and Ibaraki.

Anywhere a gaijin has lived afaict

Belxjander 

[MRE]

At this point, if the machine is a touch screen, it has an English button top right. 100% anywhere near Tokyo.

The OLD metro machines are mostly gone as well.

[Richard Frankum]

On Apr 17, 2013 4:24 PM, "Richard Frankum" <richard...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Jorudan shows a direct line "Haneda Kuuko Sen" which goes to musashi-koganei without changes, but doesn't mention the company. Maybe it's a bus line?

Looked it up, it's a bus service. I'd recommend it, they're more expensive at 1400yen than trains but well worth it for escaping station traffic and last-train crowds.

http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/information/

If you're biking long-distance I advise you to check your accident insurance and see how they work overseas. A friend fell and broke his collarbone, uninsured, and the hospital debt was crushing.

Having said that, I'd love to hear your reaction to biking in Japan. The Bay Area is much more bike-friendly IMO, but my experience is limited more to the Peninsula than SF.

We also have some tourist suggestions on the THS wiki. Check it out!
http://quake.tokyohackerspace.org/index.php/Main_Page

[Richard Frankum]

Just re-reading this, I think these suggestions are unrealistic unless you're planning a cross-country trip, which would require a different JR pass than the one you have. Gunkanjima and Hashima are the same island, and it's in Nagasaki Prefecture down in Kyushu. Hiroshima is also pretty remote, as is (I think ) the Shimanami. Are you just looking for good natural-beauty places to bike? You might ask at tokyocycling.com or Gaijin Bikers.

On Apr 3, 2013 6:43 AM, "Rubin Abdi" <ru...@starset.net> wrote:

Hi there. I'm Rubin, a founding member of the San Francisco hacker space
Noisebridge. I've helped out a tiny bit with Hackerspaces.org, started
up the awesome and fun for a few months instance of Hackupy (which I
think you all jumped right on, thank you!), and do other interesting
things like ride bikes and take photographs.

I'm currently planning a trip to Japan for most of the month of May,
which coincides with a trip a group of my friends from a fire arts trope
I'm a part of are doing themselves.

I've never been to Japan before, and have some suggestions of places to
go and things to do and routes to ride, but honestly was hoping to find
some suggestions on what's good. Also looking for advice on places to
stay, cheap hostels, friendly couches, possibly good camping spots,
basically anywhere I can go that wont by annoyed with me bringing along
a bike. :)

Above all else I would love to drop by your space and meet some of you
awesome hackers from across the ocean! Are there any other interesting
hacker spots I should go check out?

My current possible destinations include...

Tokyo
Fukushima
Naoshima
Gunkajima
Hiroshima
Hashima
Riding the Shimanami Kaido
Matsuyama
Yokoshima

Anyhow, just wanted to poke my head in and say hi. :)

Thanks!

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[MRE]

Bus advantages include guaranteed seats and arrival. Not dragging bags around stations. Etc.

Sometimes the trains get delayed and stop short of your final destination.. or forcing you to miss a transfer on another line's last train.
Highway busses will ALWAYS arrive. Maybe not on time.. but at least you know youll get there.

[Rubin Abdi]

Richard Frankum wrote, On 2013-04-18 16:34:
> If you're biking long-distance I advise you to check your accident
> insurance and see how they work overseas. A friend fell and broke his
> collarbone, uninsured, and the hospital debt was crushing.

I actually just got traveler's insurance earlier this week. Queue epic
high five.

> Having said that, I'd love to hear your reaction to biking in Japan.
> The Bay Area is much more bike-friendly IMO, but my experience is
> limited more to the Peninsula than SF.

In my experience most places are fairly bike friendly, in their own
unique ways. So far the accounts I've read for touring in Japan say that
the roads aren't specifically laid out for cyclists, but car generally
give you right of way and are nice.

Richard Frankum wrote, On 2013-04-18 16:49:
> Just re-reading this, I think these suggestions are unrealistic
> unless you're planning a cross-country trip, which would require a
> different JR pass than the one you have. Gunkanjima and Hashima are
> the same island, and it's in Nagasaki Prefecture down in Kyushu.
> Hiroshima is also pretty remote, as is (I think ) the Shimanami. Are
> you just looking for good natural-beauty places to bike? You might
> ask at tokyocycling.com or Gaijin Bikers.

I got my JR Pass from https://www.jrpass.com/ and am figuring to have to
pay some amount extra for particular places I'm going. I don't know why
I listed Hashima, but am thinking of skipping the whole Gunkajima thing
due to time. Hiroshima looks to be right off the main train line, and
I'm planning to bike from Hiroshima to the beginning of the Shimanami Kaido.

And I'm not sure what I'm looking for in biking. :P

Thanks for the info. :)

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[Rubin Abdi]

This is the exact opposite of public transit here in the states. :P

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[Akiba]

If you're going to cycle, you might want to check out this book. It's out of print but you can probably get a used version:

http://www.amazon.com/Cycling-Japan-Personal-Exploring-Bicycle/dp/4770017421/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366339249&sr=1-1&keywords=cycling+japan

 

Akiba

FreakLabs Open Source Wireless

Web: http://www.freaklabs.org

Shop:http://www.freaklabsstore.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/freaklabs

 

> -----Original Message-----

> From: tokyohac...@googlegroups.com

> [mailto:tokyohac...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Rubin Abdi

> Sent: Friday, April 19, 2013 11:37 AM

> To: tokyohac...@googlegroups.com

> Subject: Re: [THS:22576] Hacker from Noisebridge coming to visit in May

[Usmar Padow]

I am not sure what your plan is. But I thought you should be aware that JR does not allow you to just bring your bicycle on the train unless it is disassembled and put inside a bag.

[Rubin Abdi]

Akiba wrote, On 2013-04-18 19:41:
> If you're going to cycle, you might want to check out this book. It's out of
> print but you can probably get a used version:

Thanks for the recommendation! I've sort of looked into that and other
books and this is as good of a place as any to list my findings for
Google to slurp up...

Cycling Japan: A Personal Guide to Exploring Japan by Bicycle Bryan
Harrell - So that particular book focuses on general cycling in Japan
and the culture around it. The touring it does touch is geared more
leisurely, and doesn't provide any good references or maps for routes.
Also a bit dated.
ISBN 0-9627458-0-4

丹羽隆志の日本ベストサイクリングコース10 (CYCLING JAPAN by Takashi Niwa:
10 of the Best Rides) - I'm still waiting for this one to get to me from
Japan (I think it would have been smarter if I had it just shipped to
where I'm staying in Tokyo. The book contains a range of rides short and
long, with maps and other useful information. Bilingual.
ISBN 978-4-8085-8533-4

Bicycling Japan: A Touring Handbook by Suzanne Lee - This is a good
guide for folks who are about to try bike touring for the first time,
and also want general advice about doing so in Japan. Sadly the book is
a little dated, so many of the sections doesn't seem to be all that
helpful anymore, namely communication and dealing with money.
Additionally it doesn't talk at all about where to actually go biking in
Japan.
ISBN 4-7700-1742-1

Two other books that are mildly useful...

Road Atlas Japan, Shobunsha - Mostly in English atlas of Japan with
slightly useful topography, targeted for car drivers
ISBN 978-4398201041

Touring Mapple - This is a yearly published road atlas targeted for
motorcycle tourists. It's sadly all in Japanese, but features icons,
most importantly pointing out camp sites and other useful to bicycle
tourist things.
ISBN 978-4398655318

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[Rubin Abdi]

Usmar Padow wrote, On 2013-04-18 19:52:
> I am not sure what your plan is. But I thought you should be aware that JR
> does not allow you to just bring your bicycle on the train unless it is
> disassembled and put inside a bag.

Thanks for the advice! Luckily the One Trick Pony's token one trick is
to fold up into small spaces, such as a bike bag or traveling suitcase.
Please see linked photo...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/c0zmocuriosity/4876624646/

:D

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[mikele]

Rubin, I hope I'll get to meet you during your visit... yet recently I am doomed into no social life outside work/family....
BUT, I am very eager for a night ride in Tokyo (post 21:00 at least) hunting for spots to photographs (tripod and coffee/beer depending on the mood)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcpPZFKyK80/UNpcne_QtZI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/hBTQE3RAHQ4/s1600/20121216-Odaiba-0080.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8U9gXnyP3rM/UHpB-8MiNJI/AAAAAAAAMPg/BcekAtiojM8/s1600/20121013-TokyoTower-0113.jpg

or on May 11th you might feel like joining our regular RKB speedNight/Makai combo?
http://rxkxbx.blogspot.jp/
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F64V9hlNQPw/UHpB_ghREcI/AAAAAAAAMPk/Yar2XDFXmxg/s1600/20121014-Makai-0001.jpg

[MRE]

Wow.. cobbled together for the sake of adventure!!

Seriously.. I love it!
Ive never seen a folding bike with touring bars.
Trailer seems to be just about perfect in size as well. A suitcase with extra large wheels. Is that airline approved?

[Rubin Abdi]

MRE wrote, On 2013-04-19 02:39:
> Ive never seen a folding bike with touring bars.
> Trailer seems to be just about perfect in size as well. A suitcase with
> extra large wheels. Is that airline approved?

Yup, 62" X+Y+Z and weighs in at about 50 lb. It's a little bit of a pain
trying to check it in with a European airline, but I got to Copenhagen
with it, and back out of Milan. The suitcase itself is a standard case
from Samsonite, with a special collapsable trailer frame and wheels.

http://www.bikefriday.com/bicycles/bike_friday_travel_system

I was thinking of simply assembling the bike at Haneda and biking to
where I'm staying in Chofu, but really don't feel like doing that at
midnight. :P

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[MRE]

Uhhh... we never answered this.
But I am sure any free coffee is welcomed coffee.
We also share the office during the day with startups, so they would certainly appreciate it as well.

[MRE]

I have started a comprehensive wiki page compiling most of the stuff in this thread, along with some other bits of the possibly obvious.

It can be found here:  http://quake.tokyohackerspace.org/index.php/Biking_/_Touring_in_Japan

While compiling links, I found an android app mentioned in our android list called Chizroid (chizu = map in Japanese). It is an offline topographical map set. Might be worth downloading?

[Rubin Abdi]

Sorry for the lack of response, got sucked into my job, sadly will be
working more while in Japan.

MRE wrote, On 2013-04-19 03:43:
> I have started a comprehensive wiki page compiling most of the stuff in
> this thread, along with some other bits of the possibly obvious.
>
> It can be found here:
> http://quake.tokyohackerspace.org/index.php/Biking_/_Touring_in_Japan

Yay! Thanks! Also name is Rubin with an "i". :)

If I showed up to a Manga cafe with a device that spits out DVI/HDMI,
would an owner typically allow me to plug this into a monitor of theirs?
Along those lines, mind if I drop by THS and work? :)

I have no reflectors but some bright lights.

How's bike theft over there?

> While compiling links, I found an android app mentioned in our android list
> called Chizroid (chizu = map in Japanese). It is an offline topographical
> map set. Might be worth downloading?

Google Translate now offers offline language packs for English and Japanese.

The OSM map app I've grown to like is OsmAnd, which now also offers some
topo.

Rock on!

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[Rubin Abdi]

mikele wrote, On 2013-04-18 20:47:
> Rubin, I hope I'll get to meet you during your visit... yet recently I am
> doomed into no social life outside work/family....
> BUT, I am very eager for a night ride in Tokyo (post 21:00 at least)
> hunting for spots to photographs (tripod and coffee/beer depending on the
> mood)
> http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcpPZFKyK80/UNpcne_QtZI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/hBTQE3RAHQ4/s1600/20121216-Odaiba-0080.jpg
> http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8U9gXnyP3rM/UHpB-8MiNJI/AAAAAAAAMPg/BcekAtiojM8/s1600/20121013-TokyoTower-0113.jpg

Hell yes I'm very much up for some night time riding and photography!

> or on May 11th you might feel like joining our regular RKB speedNight/Makai
> combo?
> http://rxkxbx.blogspot.jp/
> http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F64V9hlNQPw/UHpB_ghREcI/AAAAAAAAMPk/Yar2XDFXmxg/s1600/20121014-Makai-0001.jpg

Damn! That sounds awesome, but I think the times I'll be in Tokyo are
30th - 2nd, and the 18th - 21st. Any other rides happening then? If one
of these rides happens that last weekend I would be honored and thrilled
to show up decked out all in red. :D

--
Rubin
ru...@starset.net

[Mikele]

nothing official that I know... but around the 15th let me know the plans you made for your last week-end in Tokyo and we can spend evening/night cruising in the city while taking pics.

If I have the time to be out earlier and the weather is good, I know a couple of spots to watch sunsets.

I wouldn't mind to take day and go back to Mt. Takao if you want some Tokyo countriside:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QhMnwbTAuPY/UOWixUTcKCI/AAAAAAAAM5E/9J2PxqJJXBo/s1600/20130103-Takao-0022.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwdMLOuLqSk/UOWitbeALmI/AAAAAAAAM4k/7JDAwpy558s/s1600/20130103-Takao-0004.jpg

is less than 1h train from Shinjuku and either and 1h hike or 10min on the ropeway...

I bet you know this website: http://www.japan-guide.com/

it is my one stop place to figure out transports, timetables and locations.

[AbH Belxjander Draconis Serechai]

As long as you leave a netcafe booth how you found it....

I took my Amiga sam440 machine when I met with Amigojapan and we rented a netcafe booth to explain each others projects...

Had no issues with the Amiga using the network and display setups...

I even did a quick show and tell at the hackerspace later on as well

But the one thing I made sure about was asking first before using materials as I am still not a paying member...

Hope that helps?

[MRE]

Fixed your name. sorry ;)

Bike theft: It really just depends. Its not terrible, but of the typical crimes here, umbrella theft is number one, and bike theft is number two (hence the registration system for bikes). Invest in a solid lock, and take the time to find a safe place to lock it up, and you should have no problem.

We can arrange for some working time in the hackerspace while you are here, if you are willing to make a donation ;)
The normal open house is tuesday nights from 7 PM. We can work out a loaner access card or daytime open hours.