fisch Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 Hey folks, looks like I will be headed to Kyoto Japan to do an event April 17th! Super excited to get back over there. I am curious what the best city to visit for all things JDM is? Vintage wheels, etc. Would love to hit one of those swap meets I see pics of! 5 Quote Link to comment
RatVonDude Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 I heard Hiroshima has a great red light district and is awsum for bosozoku gangs and future yakuza members. lol please keep us posted 2 Quote Link to comment
RATX5 Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 I heard Hiroshima has a great red light district and is awsum for bosozoku gangs and future yakuza members. lol please keep us posted Nagasaki as well. Quote Link to comment
worksnaDELUXE Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 I know you've been there, I was just there in October, so this is my from October update! You have to really know where to look over there, I was in Japan for an extended period of time and stayed with my friends(Japanese) and really didn't see crap. I only started seeing stuff when I went out into the suburbs. I was in any major city you can think of as well. You're best bet is finding events through friends before you get there. Someone who speaks, reads, poops Japanese. I know they have car swapmeets, but I didn't find any. Mind you I was there visiting friends so I was really looking for parts, as I can get them anytime I want off Yahoo Auctions. If you have friends over there, just have them win the auctions off Yahoo now, so you can just take them home with you when you leave. I'm lucky because I'm in the CG and my friends in the Navy and he can just ship my personal stuff to me at regular USPS pricing. The chicks are weird, they'll stare at you but won't engauge. For the most part they like you to be silly, cute, and suttle. I had fun over there in that aspect. Only advice I have. The first couple of times I went, I just dressed in my usual skater garb, and the most recent time I went my friends asked me to bring nicer sets of clothes. Not sure what the difference was but I did. Seems everyone over there dresses to the 9's now. The other times I went there were more dressed down folks. As I'm sure you know...food, food, food. You must try Doner Kebabs over in Japan, they're fantastic! Also I always get a JR Rail Pass because if you're going all over the place it's so worth it, I don't care what anyone says. PM me if you have anymore questions, or want anymore updated stuff going on in Japan. 3 Quote Link to comment
fisch Posted January 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 I know you've been there, I was just there in October, so this is my from October update! You have to really know where to look over there, I was in Japan for an extended period of time and stayed with my friends(Japanese) and really didn't see crap. I only started seeing stuff when I went out into the suburbs. I was in any major city you can think of as well. You're best bet is finding events through friends before you get there. Someone who speaks, reads, poops Japanese. I know they have car swapmeets, but I didn't find any. Mind you I was there visiting friends so I was really looking for parts, as I can get them anytime I want off Yahoo Auctions. If you have friends over there, just have them win the auctions off Yahoo now, so you can just take them home with you when you leave. I'm lucky because I'm in the CG and my friends in the Navy and he can just ship my personal stuff to me at regular USPS pricing. The chicks are weird, they'll stare at you but won't engauge. For the most part they like you to be silly, cute, and suttle. I had fun over there in that aspect. Only advice I have. The first couple of times I went, I just dressed in my usual skater garb, and the most recent time I went my friends asked me to bring nicer sets of clothes. Not sure what the difference was but I did. Seems everyone over there dresses to the 9's now. The other times I went there were more dressed down folks. As I'm sure you know...food, food, food. You must try Doner Kebabs over in Japan, they're fantastic! Also I always get a JR Rail Pass because if you're going all over the place it's so worth it, I don't care what anyone says. PM me if you have anymore questions, or want anymore updated stuff going on in Japan. Thanks so much! It has been so long since Ive been to Japan that I didn't even own a Datsun. (2006?) At the time I was way more into high end action figures and art. Makes sense being an illustrator and all. I will be over there as a guest to do a signing for a Magic the Gathering event. ( I illustrate for the game.) I will have my lovely wife and 13 yr old Daughter with me, and though they can get into cars for a spell, it won't be all about me, lol! I've been reading that a lot of the car stuff happens out side the cities. I have no friends over there at the moment, but there are folks into Gaming know who I am there, so maybe my goal will be to find a Yahoo Japan comrad! A swapmeet would be heaven! Maybe a JDM grill for my dime. I've seen dudes carry wheels back on the airplane as checked bags, LOL! Tape them up and add a handle. 1 Quote Link to comment
]2eDeYe Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 Nothing to add other than I am jealous :) 4 Quote Link to comment
hobospyder Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 Nothing to add other than I am jealous :) thisw 1 Quote Link to comment
Mattndew76 Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 Same as the last two comments...... 1 Quote Link to comment
MikeRL411 Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 By all means take a whole day tour of Nara! Buildings built in the 8th century and still going strong as an example. Your daughter will love to feed the Deer on the grounds of many of the larger Budist temples [some of them also have Shinto temples sharing their ground]. Quote Link to comment
q-tip Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 ^^^what those guys said... Quote Link to comment
worksnaDELUXE Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 You might want to take your wife and daughter to Disneyland Japan if you have time! Yea it's good to see and rad artist like youself going over to Japan to represent! 2 Quote Link to comment
ericsb210 Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 I watched a program on an area of Japan that has been over run by rabbits, people go there and poor the feed all around them selves and the rabbits just pile up on it. Edit: I always thought that would have been fun to have taken my girls to. Never been there, though. Much jelly. Quote Link to comment
hobospyder Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 Don't forget the oics. 1 Quote Link to comment
MikeRL411 Posted January 29, 2015 Report Share Posted January 29, 2015 Further advice! If you can choose your hotel and not be bound by a sponsor's dictate, go for the Japanese Ryokan! My wife and I stayed in one a block North of the Gijon district. The stream running East to West separated the rows of party houses and there was a constant flow of Gekko [not Geisha in Kyoto] and apprentice Maiko going from party to party. This Inn or its predecessors were owned by the same family and has been in the same location since the 700's and was a beautiful old, but updated, classic Ryokan, You also get your dinner and breakfast cooked to order in your room, your choice of Western or Japanese cuisine [which saves a bunch of cash]. If your wife and daughter are worried, there is a large Onsen that can be reserved, but there is also an in-room Japanese hot tub attached to every room. Enjoy! 1 Quote Link to comment
fisch Posted January 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2015 That is killer advise! The first 4 nights will be on my host, but we will extend the trip, ands that may be a groovy option. Quote Link to comment
Ranman72 Posted January 29, 2015 Report Share Posted January 29, 2015 have fun so jelly Quote Link to comment
jun Posted January 29, 2015 Report Share Posted January 29, 2015 Fisch, Enjoy Kyoto- it's beautiful. I recommend you visit Kiyomizu-dera if you've never been. Digging for gold (aka old wheels and JDM grilles) takes a lot of time and without someone handy with Japanese and directions, might not be the best use of your time. if you insist, try to locate a nearby Up Garage (2nd hand car parts seller) and they have a lot of used wheels, etc. Sometimes they have the good stuff like old SSR's. If you to have spare time in Kyoto, I think a visit to the JDM master would be time well spent! http://www.speedhunters.com/2013/08/the-house-of-style-tra-kyoto/ For what it's worth, I do bring wheels back as check-in luggage whenever I go to Japan, but 1) they are heavy! and 2) some airlines might charge extra depending on size/weight, so check before you go. Good luck! 5 Quote Link to comment
ArchetypeDatsun Posted January 29, 2015 Report Share Posted January 29, 2015 Lucky going to Japan is on the bucket list for me have fun over there and please take as many pics as possible and hope you spot some bad ass vintage cars over there! Quote Link to comment
MikeRL411 Posted January 29, 2015 Report Share Posted January 29, 2015 That is killer advise! The first 4 nights will be on my host, but we will extend the trip, ands that may be a groovy option. As far as I can recall we stayed at the "Gion Yoshi-Ima" in Kyoto. The current phone number is 81-(0)75561-2620 . The paranthesis is a number you have to insert for calls from outside Japan, delete it if calling from in-country. You would be getting breakfast and dinner in the room price, so if you want to faint at the price, factor in how much you would have to spend at a Western style hotel for dinning room service for breakfast and dinner. You just might break even or even a little ahead. Good Luck, enjoy! Quote Link to comment
fisch Posted January 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Fisch, Enjoy Kyoto- it's beautiful. I recommend you visit Kiyomizu-dera if you've never been. Digging for gold (aka old wheels and JDM grilles) takes a lot of time and without someone handy with Japanese and directions, might not be the best use of your time. if you insist, try to locate a nearby Up Garage (2nd hand car parts seller) and they have a lot of used wheels, etc. Sometimes they have the good stuff like old SSR's. If you to have spare time in Kyoto, I think a visit to the JDM master would be time well spent! http://www.speedhunters.com/2013/08/the-house-of-style-tra-kyoto/ For what it's worth, I do bring wheels back as check-in luggage whenever I go to Japan, but 1) they are heavy! and 2) some airlines might charge extra depending on size/weight, so check before you go. Good luck! Jun I was hoping you might see this. Yup I was thinking about you bringing back wheels on the plane. I will check out Upgarage and I've ben reading about Tra Kyoto. That would be a fun stop in! I would write them first naturally. I wonder if it is accessable via metro. I will check. I know I am going for a magic event, but I' will be curious how many folks are interested in my Datsun art. 1 Quote Link to comment
Greased monkey Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 I live in osaka Jun gave some good advise as well as some others. I would be interested in your datsun art for sure. I know of big car events with swap meets but it's in feb and March. I'll try and find something happening in April and I'll keep you posted. Idk if you heard of osaka loop and the action it has but I'd be willing to go for a run around the loop with you while you film the car :) They also have meets in the weekend that is nice but no parts being sold, you might find some contacts. If you have a specific set of wheels you are looking for let me know and maybe I can have it waiting for you by the time you arrive! I might be able to track down a grill for you too just let me know some details on what you want. Oh and one more thing if time permits I know some guys that do touge runs ;) 3 Quote Link to comment
fisch Posted January 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 I live in osaka Jun gave some good advise as well as some others. I would be interested in your datsun art for sure. I know of big car events with swap meets but it's in feb and March. I'll try and find something happening in April and I'll keep you posted. Idk if you heard of osaka loop and the action it has but I'd be willing to go for a run around the loop with you while you film the car :) They also have meets in the weekend that is nice but no parts being sold, you might find some contacts. If you have a specific set of wheels you are looking for let me know and maybe I can have it waiting for you by the time you arrive! I might be able to track down a grill for you too just let me know some details on what you want. Oh and one more thing if time permits I know some guys that do touge runs ;) Man you rock for that! Thanks so much. This sounds amazing! More and more I am wondering if the logistics of something like wheels makes sense for the money saved. Having to cart them on the trains with all of our luggage for a week long trip. Plus I am sure the bags will be getting more full as we are there, LOL! Not sure how much cheaper things are over there or if it is just the shipping that kills you. Any idea what the going rate is over there for a 510 jdm grill and maybe tail lights + center section. Or a Safari grill? How hard is it to find this stuff there? Honestly, the more I talk with the wife and daughter, the more I am starting to think most time will be spent on non datsun fun. But still fun! Being an illustraor I love anime and manga, action figures, vinyl toys and so much about japanese culture outside of cars, that I am guessing that will win out, because we are all into that stuff. My wife is grabbing tickets to visit Studio Ghibli up in tokyo for instance, and we hear there is a museum for manga/anime stuff and and another for vintage Japanese tin toys in Kyoto. Then and the traditional culture and temples and on and on. My 13 yr old daughter will be in Anime heaven and fashion heaven as well. As we get closer I will have to see how much time I can pry away for Datsuness. Being that this is our first 'real' family vacation like, ever. But since I am signing at a convention for 3 days (April 17,18,19) in Kyoto, that will eat a lot of the week. We are flying in and out of Osaka, but getting there late in the day (April 16th) and flying out early morning (April 24th). :-( That said if I can get away, I will, and if I were solo you wouldn't get rid of me!!!! 3 Quote Link to comment
Greased monkey Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Man you rock for that! Thanks so much. This sounds amazing! More and more I am wondering if the logistics of something like wheels makes sense for the money saved. Having to cart them on the trains with all of our luggage for a week long trip. Plus I am sure the bags will be getting more full as we are there, LOL! Not sure how much cheaper things are over there or if it is just the shipping that kills you. Any idea what the going rate is over there for a 510 jdm grill and maybe tail lights + center section. Or a Safari grill? How hard is it to find this stuff there? Honestly, the more I talk with the wife and daughter, the more I am starting to think most time will be spent on non datsun fun. But still fun! Being an illustraor I love anime and manga, action figures, vinyl toys and so much about japanese culture outside of cars, that I am guessing that will win out, because we are all into that stuff. My wife is grabbing tickets to visit Studio Ghibli up in tokyo for instance, and we hear there is a museum for manga/anime stuff and and another for vintage Japanese tin toys in Kyoto. Then and the traditional culture and temples and on and on. My 13 yr old daughter will be in Anime heaven and fashion heaven as well. As we get closer I will have to see how much time I can pry away for Datsuness. Being that this is our first 'real' family vacation like, ever. But since I am signing at a convention for 3 days (April 17,18,19) in Kyoto, that will eat a lot of the week. We are flying in and out of Osaka, but getting there late in the day (April 16th) and flying out early morning (April 24th). :-( That said if I can get away, I will, and if I were solo you wouldn't get rid of me!!!! I know a place in osaka for you and the family called den den town it's full if Japanese anime shops cafés and on Sundays a big parking lot full of itash :) the wheels only cost 250 for shipping all 4 freight cheapest but longest time to get there. I have not looked specifically for 510 stuff much just some trim for big tanker but let me know the year and I can put the word out and ask a couple of other datsun people here. There is a guy up in Tokyo that deals with 510s all the time so if not in osaka maybe you can meet him when you are up in Tokyo. His name is Craig ford and normally has some treasures, pricey but real stuff. The US dollar is up so it's kinda like a discount when you buy from here lol 1 Quote Link to comment
fisch Posted January 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Mine is a 71 4-door 510. The grills I was thinking of are these. 1973 JDM grille or 72 4 door grill I think... The sss foglight might be even cooler: These are SSS Bluebird JDM taillights: These are SSS 71 lights also know as 'Mexican' as they can be found in mexico. But even this center garnish might be cool. 2 Quote Link to comment
fisch Posted January 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 For wheels man that is a tough one. But 14 or 15 X 7 would be swell. There is actually a set of Techno racing monoblocks I am itching to pull the trigger on so I don't know if my patience will hold out till my trip especially when i factor in the shipping and lugging around. I've seen a couple swell sets of wheels go for under $1500. THe monoblocks I am seeing are $800+ ship from CA. A ratsun brother picked up some Techno Phantoms for under $1200+ domestic shipping on the bay recently. Techno phantoms top the list. Even the monoblocks would be rad if the rear were at least 7" wide. Devil Japan rims SSR Super Stars would be rad: Riverside Riverge is tasty Or these riversides, not sure of the name other than 'star' maybe But any of these boxed in green tickle my fancy. I lean toward the pointy ones rather than mesh or 'modern'. And if I am dreaming as I doubt I could afford them even in Japan, hayashi sakura: 1 Quote Link to comment
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