Improbable summer trip to Japan.

[bluestars87]

Hey. Still new here, but I had a question about a situation. It seems like a lot of the people posting here are really into Japanese culture. I am too. I took the language for two years back in high school a couple of years ago. Didn't do so well, but I learned a lot. If that makes sense. Still trying to get back on track by learning the language on my own again, but it's really hard with everything else going on.

Anyways, me and my buddy were trying to go to Japan this upcoming summer. Well, that was the plan around August. However, during September I think it was, I was informed by him that it would be really hard to go because of the decreasing value of the American dollar. By the time summer time rolls around, it might just be out of the question. So for a while I was really bummed about it. However, I was thinking back about this situation and just wanted some confirmation. You guys seem like a bunch of bright individuals, which is why I'm seeking your insight.

First thing I guess is that I'll need to get my passport taken care of. God help me with that. But my main inquiry for you guys is the cost. If I were to stay about two weeks in let's say...around Tokyo or something, how much equivalence of American money would I need? Obviously it's probably hard to answer with the previously mentioned American dollar issue. However, at the beginning of our journey back in August, I was thinking of saving $2,000 plus dollars for a two week stay. Now I'm pushing my goal up to $4,000 dollars. I'm hoping that $4,000 would be enough. I wouldn't plan to stay at any 5 star hotels, but...I heard that a lot of regular sized hotels compared regular sized American hotels (Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn, etc) are really small. So...any advice about this situation would really be helpful. Obviously the main thing is money and the amount I'll need. So your thoughts please. Thanks.

[Pierrot le Fou]

The yen is pretty closely fixed to the dollar (in comparison to non-Asian currencies), so the value of the yen is plummeting alongside the dollar generally speaking.

In other words, you shouldn't need to double your savings.

Quick budget guesstimate (not counting flight, assuming non-peak season):
- $50/night lodging average * 13 nights = $650
- $20/day food average * 14 days = $280
- $20/day entertainment * 14 days = $280
- 2 week JR Rail Pass = $400
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total: 650 + 280 * 2 + 400 = $1610

Obviously there are going to be extra costs, but that's a comfy visit. It assumes that you'll be getting a cheap breakfast and lunch (McDonald's breakfast or some toast or coffee or something for breakfast, and a 600 yen lunch teishoku somewhere on average), with a 1000 yen dinner on average. It's more likely that meals will be skipped, or that you'll snack, or whatever, but it's not going to leave you starving.

5000 yen/night per hotel is more because of the season you'll be going (Obon) which is a busy season, and will jack up the prices of anywhere outside of Tokyo most likely, especially for lodging. If you can find a hostel or something, then you can greatly reduce this, as you could if you take night trains across the country (no hotel cost!).

If you wanted to sleep in net cafes or somesuch, you could save more, but I'd really recommend against it.

For transport, get the JR Rail Pass (http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en003.html) and travel anywhere in the country for free for two weeks. That will mean that you can go anywhere from Kyushu to Hokkaido for two weeks without worrying about transport costs. If you head up north then you can hop on a night train back southwards and miss out on a night of hotel costs. You can take the bullet train to Osaka and then take day trips to Himeji, Hiroshima, Nara, and Kyoto. You could even shoot down to Kyushu in something like 2-3 hours.

Definitely worth it.

Enjoy!

[bluestars87]

Wow, thanks a lot. You may have given me hope. I'll definitely print out this post and go over things with my buddy.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Bear in mind that it doesn't include airfare, which could be quite expensive depending on the dates you pick. You want to avoid Obon season in August.

[MNJetter]

If you're staying in either Tokyo or the Kyoto area, I highly recommend K's House. It's a backpacker's hostel, but it is an incredibly clean and well-managed place. Dormitory beds are about $25 per person for a night, or you can even get a two-bed private room (about the same size as a normally-priced hotel room) for about $55 a night (and that's per room, not per person). You have to share a shower/bathroom with other folks on your floor, but both places are really conveniently located, too. The Kyoto one is within walking distance of Kyoto Station, and the Tokyo one is in Asakusa, which has an awesome temple and a pretty famous hot spring.

.....Now I feel like I'm in an infomercial, but it's true. I stay there whenever I'm in either city.

I think the website is like www.kshouse.co.jp or something. If you look it up on google, it's the first link that pops up.

EDIT: It's not the right link. I just tried it.

EDIT: A caution, though. You have to reserve way ahead of time, because they're popular. They fill up at least a month before the fact, especially the singles and private rooms.

[EIJI]

K's House ;)
http://kshouse.jp/index_e.html

[RoxFontaine]

Damn. I'd never make it on 2k. Ever. I spend hotel costs on a single dinner.

[ミュー]

Damn. I'd never make it on 2k. Ever. I spend hotel costs on a single dinner.
Word. $50 sounds like the first half of a decent night in Kabuki-cho... and I didn't eat dinner :P

[MNJetter]

Ah yes. .jp instead of .co.jp.

Gets me every time. :P

[Pierrot le Fou]

As I said, it's not luxurious, but if you consider a few cups of ramen for meals, and asa-makku (400 yen give or take), that leaves you an average of 1500 yen/day for dinner and/or lunch. If you eat on the cheap most days, then you can eat on the not-so-cheap other days, plus your entertainment budget can go toward food if you'd like.

If you're doing temples and the like, it's probably less than 1000 yen for transport, and 500 yen per temple, so that'll add up to 2000 yen in a day. If you're not, then that's 2000 yen for drinking, which isn't great if you're out and about, but not so bad if you want a beer from a konbini in the hotel room.

Again, these are just guesstimates for el cheap-o travel, with a little room to spare expense-wise.

If you have better suggestions, please, provide them.

[ZaichikArky]

Also try a youth hostel. Those are really cheap, but you'd have to book months in advance since they fill up quick. The Tokyo Olympic Youth Hostel offers you your own single room and it's pretty good, with cheap meals in a dining hall as well. I also stayed at one in Kyoto which was more like a shared cabin with lots of beds.

[SlickWilly440]

If you really want to be cheap on lodging you could always bring a sleeping bag, and sleep in the park with the homeless folks.

I'm not trying to me rude/mean or anything, but I saw this self made documentary on youtube which featured a Chinese traveler who was doing a documentary on the homeless. In his video he has footage of himself sleeping at a park in a sleeping bag.

However this might not be such a good idea, especially if it's a cold or rainy season there in Japan.

[Swede]

Me and a friend are planning on doing something similar to what you said, and I'm largely in the same boat right now, in terms of concern over the cost.

I just basically need to come up with a plan. I kinda sort of want to just wander (like Caine in Kung Fu), but I don't know how into that my friend would be, I haven't really asked him lol. At the same time though, I don't want to waste a whole lot of time while I'm over there...

I'm thinking of going sometime in the summer, but I haven't completely decided on when yet. If anyone has recommendations on what time would be best (planning on going for about 2 weeks at this point), that'd be helpful.

Also, as I'm pretty inexperienced when it comes to finding flights etc., if somebody could tell me the best way to find good prices that'd be helpful. I've looked on some travel sites, but the cheapest I can usually find is like $1400, which from what I've heard is a little bit on the expensive side (in any case, I've heard of much cheaper).

I know you guys aren't a lonely planet, but any help would be appreciated =)

[bluestars87]

You guys have been very helpful. Thanks.

[japanat]

Also, if you have any smaller tourist-city destinations, like Ushimado or Kurashiki outside of Okayama, check into "Foreign Villas" on the prefectural websites. Okayama prefecture has villas which can be rented by foreign nationals only for ￥2000/night, usually with 4 or 5 double rooms and a communal kitchen. The ones in Ushimado have a phenomenal view of the Inland Sea at sunset.

[bluestars87]

Also, if you have any smaller tourist-city destinations, like Ushimado or Kurashiki outside of Okayama, check into "Foreign Villas" on the prefectural websites. Okayama prefecture has villas which can be rented by foreign nationals only for ￥2000/night, usually with 4 or 5 double rooms and a communal kitchen. The ones in Ushimado have a phenomenal view of the Inland Sea at sunset.
Wow thanks. Man there are so many options, I'm going to have to write all this information down now. Just glad I have some time on my hands.

[bluestars87]

Oh is there anything in terms of travel items that are a "must bring"?

[knivesc]

Wow prices don't seem to be "too" high. Always thought it was too expensive for me and a friend to go there but it looks achievable :O Might go next year.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Wow prices don't seem to be "too" high. Always thought it was too expensive for me and a friend to go there but it looks achievable :O Might go next year.
Tickets from England are more expensive, but because of the dynamite exchange rate, you should be able to make a killing as far as your travels in Japan.

[belladonna]

try studentdiscount.com for plane tickets... it gives you the best prices

[stsparky]

sta-travel is also good.

And they can generate a student or teacher discount id card for you.

[RoxFontaine]

^ I don't think you have to actually be a student either. As long as you pay the registration fee and are under 26 years of age (if I remember correctly) you're fine.

[bluestars87]

try studentdiscount.com for plane tickets... it gives you the best prices
Hey thanks a lot.

[stsparky]

^ I don't think you have to actually be a student either. As long as you pay the registration fee and are under 26 years of age (if I remember correctly) you're fine.
Heh - us older folks just assert we're teachers. :D

[bluestars87]

Hey I have another question. Me and my buddy were just discussing the trip a little further. There may be four of us going on this trip, and we plan to stay/visit in Tokyo. We've never been to Japan, and we don't know our way around. I know a little Japanese, but not much. I'm planning on trying to learn as much as I can within the next six to seven months. So I guess one of my main questions is what good hotels are available that might be available for four people? We really want to look into getting a hotel, but if the prices become an issue, then we'll have to resort to a hostel. We'll probably stay about one to two weeks. But if anyone knows any good information about hotels, it would be extremely helpful. Also any good sites for airline tickets? We're planning on staying two weeks, but it might be one week if the tickets are too expensive. Thanks.

[erbiumfiber]

I haven't been but everyone else swears by the Kimi Ryokan

http://www.kimi-ryokan.jp/index.html

7500 yen per night for a two-person room.

You're probably not going to beat that in Tokyo.

If you look at room availability, you can see that you really have to plan ahead and book well in advance of your dates.

[bluestars87]

I haven't been but everyone else swears by the Kimi Ryokan

http://www.kimi-ryokan.jp/index.html

7500 yen per night for a two-person room.

You're probably not going to beat that in Tokyo.

If you look at room availability, you can see that you really have to plan ahead and book well in advance of your dates.
Yeah someone else mentioned that in this thread. How far in advance do you think I should book?

[羽之助]

I booked my youth hostels about a month in advance when I went on a two-week trip a few years ago.

[bluestars87]

I booked my youth hostels about a month in advance when I went on a two-week trip a few years ago.
Okay. Thanks.

[erbiumfiber]

Allow for more than a month if you decide to go in August. Tokyo sucks in August, by the way. July can still be the rainy season (it has run until very nearly the end of July for a few years now) but at least you won't die of the heat. If it has to be summer then June would be your best bet. However, if you can travel in the spring or fall, I think the weather is so much better.

I would also allow more time for the Kimi Ryokan place as it seems pretty nice for the money (even if you do have to share the showers). Ikebukuro is a very good location (right on the Yamonote line) and a really fun place to be in. A little like Shibuya in that there are hordes of young people roaming the streets.

[bluestars87]

Allow for more than a month if you decide to go in August. Tokyo sucks in August, by the way. July can still be the rainy season (it has run until very nearly the end of July for a few years now) but at least you won't die of the heat. If it has to be summer then June would be your best bet. However, if you can travel in the spring or fall, I think the weather is so much better.

I would also allow more time for the Kimi Ryokan place as it seems pretty nice for the money (even if you do have to share the showers). Ikebukuro is a very good location (right on the Yamonote line) and a really fun place to be in. A little like Shibuya in that there are hordes of young people roaming the streets.
Thanks. Any tips on airfare?

[stsparky]

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[Swede]

I looked into that a little bit sparky... My thing is I really don't think I want to go on like a tour type outing. I'm proficient enough to survive if I were to go, so I'm kind of looking for something I could do independently. I could be wrong I suppose, but if anyone has something to say for/against tours I'd like to hear it, cause the prices are nice but I'm pretty against it at this point...

[stsparky]

As I said before - they're a good source for cheap flights.

They can whip up a Picture ID that gives you student or teacher status which can get you discounts.

Tours can be good. Beats being alone sometimes. I did a 3 week tour my first trip to Japan. Had a 3rd gen Japanese American pin-up on the tour who grokked I knew her nom de guerre... :D

[Digital Masta]

You could always check out jtbusa.com they've usually got flights for good prices.

[bluestars87]

Hey. Update. So I think I'm really going through with this. The initial plan I gave is pretty much scrapped. I'm going by myself to meet up with another good friend of mine who is actually visiting his folks over there, and apparently I can crash with him for the time being.

I was looking around for my ticket today, and I'm planning to leave the 2nd of June and probably come back on the 12th. I looked online at several websites that give you results for all airlines, and the best I could find with that specific schedule I want is from Japanese Airlines for a total of about $1,105. I'm leaving from SFO to NRT. Seems to be just within my price range.

The real problem is going to be trying to get from NRT to my friend's house who lives a bus ride away. So I'll have to depend on my horrible Japanese and the help of some of the locals. Also some luck. Then hopefully I'll get to his house. I think I'll need to transfer a good amount of dollars to yen so that I'll have some money when I get there, and for when I have to take one of the buses.

[japanat]

SFO to NRT in early June on JAL, for $1105? Waa-aa-aay too much. That fuel surcharge is a real bitch.

I just checked his-usa.com and Expedia and got the same fares. Wow. I flew in June 4 years ago, and spent about $800/adult roundtrip Kansai to Denver.

[bluestars87]

SFO to NRT in early June on JAL, for $1105? Waa-aa-aay too much. That fuel surcharge is a real bitch.

I just checked his-usa.com and Expedia and got the same fares. Wow. I flew in June 4 years ago, and spent about $800/adult roundtrip Kansai to Denver.
Well if you have a better find, I'm all ears...

[Wedge]

If you can fly ANA for the same price, I'd go for it. Their service is so much better than JAL in my opinion.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Leaving on 6/9 from Kansai round-trip to SFO on HIS (http://e.his-j.com/shop/air/voyage_list.aspx?portal=04A&jarea=30&city=SFO&leave_dt=20080609&jairport=) starts from 59,000 yen round trip (China Air), with Korean Air flights starting at 70,000.

With taxes and surcharges it'll be closer to 100,000, but still much less than $1105.

There are definitely better deals.

[bluestars87]

Leaving on 6/9 from Kansai round-trip to SFO on HIS (http://e.his-j.com/shop/air/voyage_list.aspx?portal=04A&jarea=30&city=SFO&leave_dt=20080609&jairport=) starts from 59,000 yen round trip (China Air), with Korean Air flights starting at 70,000.

With taxes and surcharges it'll be closer to 100,000, but still much less than $1105.

There are definitely better deals.
Dude I can't even read that website. And I need to go to NRT from SFO on 6/2.

[stsparky]

Dude I can't even read that website. And I need to go to NRT from SFO on 6/2.
Just a tic - here (http://his-usa.com/en/top/Top.aspx) - here's it in English.

[Pierrot le Fou]

And here's the search:
http://his-usa.com/en/flights/search/Search.aspx?Mode=Sel&DptPort=SFOSFO&ArvPort=NRTTYO&StrDT=2008%2f06%2f02&EndDT=2008%2f06%2f21&AirCD=&RtCD1=True&RtCD2=False&AdultNum=1&ChildNum=0&CanFlg=False&UpgFlg=False

Starting from $700 (though I'm sure there are fees and whatnot)

[bluestars87]

And here's the search:
http://his-usa.com/en/flights/search/Search.aspx?Mode=Sel&DptPort=SFOSFO&ArvPort=NRTTYO&StrDT=2008%2f06%2f02&EndDT=2008%2f06%2f21&AirCD=&RtCD1=True&RtCD2=False&AdultNum=1&ChildNum=0&CanFlg=False&UpgFlg=False

Starting from $700 (though I'm sure there are fees and whatnot)
No, I'm coming back the 12, and it still adds up to the same search I did before. It's not cheaper.

[ミュー]

No, I'm coming back the 12, and it still adds up to the same search I did before. It's not cheaper.
Well, how firm are your dates? Different days = different fares

Maybe the flight you found for those specific days is the cheapest, but changing your travel dates even the slightest could drop the cost of travel. Either way, it is your money at stake here so don't get all pissy with those pointing out that other dates are less expensive.

[Wedge]

Japanese travel sites love to hide the fees. Expect to add about 400-450 dollars for fuel and tax to their base price.

[bluestars87]

Well, how firm are your dates? Different days = different fares

Maybe the flight you found for those specific days is the cheapest, but changing your travel dates even the slightest could drop the cost of travel. Either way, it is your money at stake here so don't get all pissy with those pointing out that other dates are less expensive.
How am I getting pissy? Where in the world did you get that from? Please stop making wild assumptions.

Anyways, the dates I chose are pretty firm. I suppose I could be a little more flexible. Maybe leave back to SFO a day later or earlier. I'll have to ask my friend.

[bluestars87]

Okay so I bought my ticket. It's the 2nd of June to the 12th just like I stated. I was wondering, is there anything else I should make sure I have other than my identification and luggage that is vital? Should I transfer a decent amount of my funds to yen before I depart just in case? I think I'm going to meet my buddy at the airport and he should help me out with that, but still is there anything that people make common mistakes doing when they travel to Japan?

[Pierrot le Fou]

Money will 99% likely be far cheaper to exchange in Japan than the US.

Bring your passport, luggage, and wallet. If you have contact numbers, keep those on you as well just in case.

[stsparky]

Do you have your fake teacher ID? Do you have thoughtful gifts for the Japanese friends you're visiting?

[mikem]

Should I transfer a decent amount of my funds to yen before I depart just in case? I think I'm going to meet my buddy at the airport and he should help me out with that, but still is there anything that people make common mistakes doing when they travel to Japan?

Yeah, trying to get yen before they arrive in Japan. :rofl:

Your ATM card will work perfectly fine at any 7-11 in this country. Yay for Citibank. :clap:

[bluestars87]

Money will 99% likely be far cheaper to exchange in Japan than the US.

Bring your passport, luggage, and wallet. If you have contact numbers, keep those on you as well just in case.
Alright sounds quite straightforward to me. Thanks.

[japanat]

Alright sounds quite straightforward to me. Thanks.If you aren't going to be in total countryside, only exchange enough at the airport to last 2-3 days. But unlike the US, there isn't a huge difference between rates at the airport and rates at Osaka banks; so if it's just a pain in the ass to head to a bank, feel free to convert as much as you need at the airport.

The problem with using your Chase/Plus/Cirrus card at the nearest 7-11 is that they do mark up the exchange by several yen. When I was Stateside last month, I used my Japanese credit card, and ended up paying ￥104/$, much higher than the actual ￥100-101/$ of the day those charges posted. And some banks have additional hidden charges for int'l conversion of cash advances.

[mikem]

The problem with using your Chase/Plus/Cirrus card at the nearest 7-11 is that they do mark up the exchange by several yen.

In all my years of travel I have never seen an American bank give you a worse exchange rate than the rate you end up paying converting cash. Everyone takes a cut when you do currency exchange. Thinking that your own bank will screw you more than some kiosk at the airport is pretty backwards to me. (Also if it turns out to be true then you probably need a bank more suited to an international lifestyle.)

(I do realize you were talking about your Japanese bank. One of the many reasons I don't use one ...)

[Pierrot le Fou]

Japanese exchange rates are set by law and are the same almost everywhere.

[ミュー]

Your ATM card will work perfectly fine at any 7-11 in this country. Yay for Citibank. :clap:
Credit Saison processes those foreign ATM card withdrawals, don't they?

Citi is nice too, but their US division outsources a bunch of support to India so getting something taken care of from Japan is paiful >_<

[Xicor]

I'll also be going to Japan this summer (Fukuoka City, to be precise). I plan on enrolling with this (http://www.studyabroadinternational.com/Japan/Fukuoka/Japan_Fukuoka.html) program for 2 weeks in July or August. I was wondering, has anyone ever heard of them before?

They also provide dorms at 30,500 yen for 2 weeks. Is this a good deal considering the hostels available in the city?

Thanks in advance.

[Argo]

I dont know about you all, but I would use the shit out of this website http://www.couchsurfing.com/ when traveling abroad, and I plan on doing so. Meeting cool locals and paying nothing (the most thats usually expected is help with chores) for comfortable sleeping quarters is a great deal.

[stsparky]

I'll also be going to Japan this summer (Fukuoka City, to be precise). I plan on enrolling with this (http://www.studyabroadinternational.com/Japan/Fukuoka/Japan_Fukuoka.html) program for 2 weeks in July or August. I was wondering, has anyone ever heard of them before? They also provide dorms at 30,500 yen for 2 weeks. Is this a good deal considering the hostels available in the city?

Thanks in advance.

http://www.fukuoka-now.com/ is your friend.

That's a good rate.

[Black Dog]

Anyone know anything about meditation retreats in JApan ? That is the #1 thing I want to do in Japan. I'd go for the temples and otaku culture which kinda contradict eachother. #2 = going to anime/game convention with Friends

Buddhism = Freeing oneself from desire
Otaku culture= hording material pocessions and fonding over it.

[bluestars87]

If you aren't going to be in total countryside, only exchange enough at the airport to last 2-3 days. But unlike the US, there isn't a huge difference between rates at the airport and rates at Osaka banks; so if it's just a pain in the ass to head to a bank, feel free to convert as much as you need at the airport.

The problem with using your Chase/Plus/Cirrus card at the nearest 7-11 is that they do mark up the exchange by several yen. When I was Stateside last month, I used my Japanese credit card, and ended up paying ￥104/$, much higher than the actual ￥100-101/$ of the day those charges posted. And some banks have additional hidden charges for int'l conversion of cash advances.
Technically I just have a "debit checking card" from Wells Fargo. Virtually the same thing, but I just want to make sure that having this instead of a "credit card" won't be an issue...

[stsparky]

Not a problem. The Post Office ATMs will also work beautifully.

[bluestars87]

Ahhh another thing. Will I need any type of adapter or power converter to use my electronic devices over there?

[erbiumfiber]

Things like laptops are fine, the power supply says right on it that it can take the Japanese electrical input. Plugs are U.S. shaped- but like the old plugs, with equal-sized prongs.

I was able to use a small hair-dryer, no problem, it just ran a little more slowly. Other stuff that you would bring is probably battery operated? Or you can just not bring (e.g., use a manual razor instead of electric)?

What kind of electronics were you intending to bring? It's kind of a short trip, hopefully you don't need much.

By the way, don't step away from your luggage at the airport. Someone from OP9 who stayed with me did that (very briefly) and a bag was actually stolen. Yes, doesn't happen that often but I do believe foreigners would be targeted by anyone intending to steal luggage (knowing that you would have a harder time going to the police, etc.).

[bluestars87]

Things like laptops are fine, the power supply says right on it that it can take the Japanese electrical input. Plugs are U.S. shaped- but like the old plugs, with equal-sized prongs.

I was able to use a small hair-dryer, no problem, it just ran a little more slowly. Other stuff that you would bring is probably battery operated? Or you can just not bring (e.g., use a manual razor instead of electric)?

What kind of electronics were you intending to bring? It's kind of a short trip, hopefully you don't need much.

By the way, don't step away from your luggage at the airport. Someone from OP9 who stayed with me did that (very briefly) and a bag was actually stolen. Yes, doesn't happen that often but I do believe foreigners would be targeted by anyone intending to steal luggage (knowing that you would have a harder time going to the police, etc.).
Hmm...I think the only thing electronic wise I was planning to bring was probably my iPod, phone, and my digital camera. My phone will probably be useless since I don't have international service from Verizon. My iPod isnt a concern since I won't be listening to it that often. Probably just on the plane ride there and back. It will have more than enough power to last 10 days.

Honestly I think my camera is the only concern. Since I'll have to most likely recharge the battery. It's a Canon SD870 IS. I guess I'll have to read the instructions to see how it's going to work in these circumstances.

Oh and thanks for the advice about my luggage. I guess I'll pick it up and not let it go from my hand once I get off the plane. I just hope it's not hard to find the place where to pick up the luggage once I get to NRT.

[mikem]

Honestly I think my camera is the only concern. Since I'll have to most likely recharge the battery. It's a Canon SD870 IS. I guess I'll have to read the instructions to see how it's going to work in these circumstances.


Any Japanese product built in the last 10ish years will have a fancy multi power adapter. The Japanese and US power is so close there is less than a 0% chance that it will not work. (The country of Japan itself has two power standards so most things here are already designed to not care too much about the exact power given.)

[bluestars87]

Any Japanese product built in the last 10ish years will have a fancy multi power adapter. The Japanese and US power is so close there is less than a 0% chance that it will not work. (The country of Japan itself has two power standards so most things here are already designed to not care too much about the exact power given.)
So I guess my camera is safe then.

[Pierrot le Fou]

I've used zillions of American appliances (razors, telephones, computers, ipods, game consoles) without an adapter with absolutely no problems. It won't be an issue.

[ab5tr4kt]

As I said before - they're a good source for cheap flights.

They can whip up a Picture ID that gives you student or teacher status which can get you discounts.

Tours can be good. Beats being alone sometimes. I did a 3 week tour my first trip to Japan. Had a 3rd gen Japanese American pin-up on the tour who grokked I knew her nom de guerre... :D

Nom de guerre wearing female Japanese American. WIN! Me and my homie's planning on visiting Tokyo as well, and now we're considering a toured visit. Thanks for the infos. Question though: do you have to be fluent in Nihongo to find your place around Tokyo? We know absolutely no Japanese. Would we totally be scammed/taken advantage of/get lost? Or is the place hospitable to foreigners. I.E. Can english speaking people find their way around fine?

Thanks.

[mikem]

Question though: do you have to be fluent in Nihongo to find your place around Tokyo? We know absolutely no Japanese. Would we totally be scammed/taken advantage of/get lost? Or is the place hospitable to foreigners. I.E. Can english speaking people find their way around fine?

You'll be perfectly fine. If you get lost pull out a map and look really lost and confused. About 90% of the time that should attract a college student looking to practice English. If that doesn't work try and find someone who looks like a college student or former college student. All the entrance exams have English on them and even if they can't really speak English they will be able, and usually, happy to help you.

(Be warned that a lot of the local foreigners can be grumpy and bitchy!)

[bluestars87]

I'm leaving Monday and I have another question before I depart. Arriving at NRT...I heard it's really direct, but my Japanese isn't that great, and I know I'm going to have at least one "checked" bag. So I was wondering if it's hard to find the location where you go and receive your luggage in the airport. I was hoping to just ask in plain English or attempt some Japanese of I have to, or just follow some of the fellow passengers from my flight and see if that works.

My buddy is going to be there waiting for me, but I'm not sure yet if he's going to arrive later or sooner than my flight. I'll have to ask him. Anyways, does anyone have any suggestions?

Oh and a side note, how are the night clubs around Tokyo?

[mikem]

I'm leaving Monday and I have another question before I depart. Arriving at NRT...I heard it's really direct, but my Japanese isn't that great, and I know I'm going to have at least one "checked" bag.

Everything in Narita can be done in English. The signs are all quad lingual as well. (Japanese/English/Chinese/Korean)

The whole entry procedure is pretty linear. You get directed by airport staff to immigration and then directed by immigration to baggage claim and customs. Then you are free!

Also there will be a really detailed movie on all of this right before you land. So if you are really worried about it you can just watch the movie.

IMHO it's pretty easy to meet people at Narita. The signboard tells them which of two exits you are going to come out of. Also, the area that people can wait for you in is relatively small. Keep it simple. If you don't see him immediately then you should sit in some obvious place and have him look for you. I'm 4/4 with this method. :)

Oh and a side note, how are the night clubs around Tokyo?

Covered in lots of threads and there's tons of info out there in English. Whatever your club music tastes there's probably something available here.

[erbiumfiber]

Hmm, I don't think it's even POSSIBLE to get out of immigration without walking directly THROUGH the baggage claim area. And to exit that, you have to go through customs.

And then the train and bus connections are RIGHT THERE.

But I never saw any of this on the plane, maybe it depends on the airline.

Really, given all the foreign airports I've been to, the layout is pretty good. It DOES get crowded at the exit from customs, so maybe try to agree on what you'll both be wearing in advance (hi, I'll the guy in the bright red shirt that you can't miss...).

Have a nice flight (OK, well, have a tolerable flight, no flight that long is "nice").

[bluestars87]

Everything in Narita can be done in English. The signs are all quad lingual as well. (Japanese/English/Chinese/Korean)

The whole entry procedure is pretty linear. You get directed by airport staff to immigration and then directed by immigration to baggage claim and customs. Then you are free!

Also there will be a really detailed movie on all of this right before you land. So if you are really worried about it you can just watch the movie.

IMHO it's pretty easy to meet people at Narita. The signboard tells them which of two exits you are going to come out of. Also, the area that people can wait for you in is relatively small. Keep it simple. If you don't see him immediately then you should sit in some obvious place and have him look for you. I'm 4/4 with this method. :)

Whoa that really does sound quite direct. Thanks a lot!

[mark964]

have heaps too eat before yoy go...food be expensive

[bluestars87]

What about an international calling card in case I need to call back in the states? You know if there's an emergency or something? Where can I get them for cheap? And how do I know which ones are the ones that allow me to call if I'm actually in another country?

[erbiumfiber]

This is what I use: Brastel:

http://www.brastel.com/Pages/eng/Home/

I used to have Yahoo BB which was 7 yen for 3 minutes or such- I think this is 7 or 8 yen a minute or so to the U.S.

You buy it at a conbeni- but you need one that has blank cards in the store-there's a list-I think Ministops are the easiest but they are also not so common...I charge mine at Sunkus. Anyway, check the website. There might be ones you can buy in the US that work in Japan, but since I live in Japan, this is what I use...

[bluestars87]

I have about 1,000 U.S. dollars for a ten day trip. Remember, I'm staying at my friend's place for free. You guys think this is enough for everything else? Especially if I we just stay around Tokyo? What if we want to visit Kyoto for a day?

[bluestars87]

This is what I use: Brastel:

http://www.brastel.com/Pages/eng/Home/

I used to have Yahoo BB which was 7 yen for 3 minutes or such- I think this is 7 or 8 yen a minute or so to the U.S.

You buy it at a conbeni- but you need one that has blank cards in the store-there's a list-I think Ministops are the easiest but they are also not so common...I charge mine at Sunkus. Anyway, check the website. There might be ones you can buy in the US that work in Japan, but since I live in Japan, this is what I use...
Conbeni?

[羽之助]

What if we want to visit Kyoto for a day?

Kyoto is 500km away from Tokyo and it will cost you about 12 000 yen one-way. http://japanrail.com/pdf/timetable_fare/timetable_fare1_west.pdf

And she means konbini, "convenience store".

[bluestars87]

Kyoto is 500km away from Tokyo and it will cost you about 12 000 yen one-way. http://japanrail.com/pdf/timetable_fare/timetable_fare1_west.pdf

And she means konbini, "convenience store".
Is there some easy way to remember the conversion from yen to dollars or vice versa?

[羽之助]

$1 = 100￥.

(Large price)-(last two zeros)=price in dollars.

Example:

(14000 yen)-(00)=140 dollars.

Your mileage may vary based on the daily exchange rate.

[bluestars87]

$1 = 100￥.

(Large price)-(last two zeros)=price in dollars.

Example:

(14000 yen)-(00)=140 dollars.

Your mileage may vary based on the daily exchange rate.
Thanks.

[ミュー]

Kyoto is 500km away from Tokyo and it will cost you about 12 000 yen one-way. http://japanrail.com/pdf/timetable_fare/timetable_fare1_west.pdf

And she means konbini, "convenience store".
if you want to use the Shinkansen, a Japan Rail Pass (http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en003.html) might be a good idea. It may be unnecessary, but a good idea to consider if you want to travel around on the JR lines.

[bluestars87]

Just got back today. It was a very good experience. I'm not sure where to start. Well I just want to say that I went into Tokyo seeking a great adventure and I wasn't disappointed.

I stayed in Roppongi (where I lived) for about ten days. I did a lot of exploring on my own because my buddy was kind of a couch potato and wanted to stay on AIM for like four hours a day. So I just figured out the public transportation system myself and got myself a map and just went around. I got lost at times, but that was part of the fun I guess. I know enough Japanese to basically "survive", so it wasn't too bad. And everyone was really nice. I also met up with another friend during my stay who told me all about life in Tokyo and what to do and where to go to have fun.

I remember checking the weather before I left for about 10 days on weather.com. It looked really grim, but miraculously most of the days were quite nice. It didn't rain that bad and there weren't any thunderstorms like predicted. So I was really happy.

I tried to explore as much as I could in the time span given. My feet hurt so bad from all of the walking. I went to Tokyo Tower (the place I wanted to go to most), Tokyo University, checked out the scene of all the Harajuku kids on Sunday, went to Yoyogi and Ueno Park, Tokyo Midtown, Tokyo City Hall, The Sony Building, went to a night club, ate a lot, and just basically soaked it all in.

Everything was so much better than people told me about. Maybe it was just because it was my first time, but I enjoyed every moment of it. Tokyo seems like a really clean city too. One that appears safe for the most part. And the people are very polite. Not to mention in fairly good shape. Heh, and I loved the vending machines being everywhere! I must have seen 100 different ones during my stay.

Oh and the women! My goodness, I've never seen so many attractive women in one place before! A great amount of them dress quite provocatively as well. Not to mention quite slim looking. I literally saw a gorgeous looking girl once every 1 or 2 minutes during some instances. Short shorts, high heels, mini skirts and beautiful legs all the time. Especially in crowded areas like some subways or during the night near places like Akihabara, Shinjuku, Roppongi, or Shibuya. A lot of them seem to have that really sincere "cute" persona and charm. I'm assuming a great amount of them are single since there are so many. Also with Japan's negative birth rate. A very good place to find a nice looking single girl I'll say. Even the stewardesses on my Japan Airlines flight to and from were gorgeous. Pretty cool for Economy class.

I also had the chance to go to Kyoto for a day. That was really fun. Didn't get to go everywhere obviously, but the city looks really laid back in some aspects. Doesn't seem to have the glitz and glamor of some parts of Tokyo, but there are still a lot of decent sized buildings and cool shopping areas. Not so many westerners there either, which I enjoyed.

My only regrets are that I didn't have a true exploring partner to share the fun with. I had to do a lot of things on my own. Including going to the club. That kind of sucked initially. Also not being able to fluently speak Japanese. I was lucky to know the amount I did. For quite some time I was contemplating whether to continue studying Japanese on my own before this trip, and this place has really inspired me to do so now. I like to talk to people in general when I travel, and so it sucked at times when I couldn't really carry a conversation.

Anyways, all in all, Tokyo was an awesome place. For anyone that has never been, find a way to go someday. Aside from all the of major site seeing and hot women, there really does seem to be a certain "serenity" about the culture and landscape. Quite peaceful. I noticed this especially when I went to the big parks like Yoyogi (biggest public park I've ever been to) and just went around drawing people to improve my illustration skills. The park experiences may have been my favorite parts of the trip. I wish I was still there actually, but it's back to boring life here in northern California. But yes, I plan to return again one day, and next time I'll be better "prepared".

[damican]

I was just looking at priceline, and a one way ticket was like 1700 USD minimnum .-.

[bluestars87]

I was just looking at priceline, and a one way ticket was like 1700 USD minimnum .-.
Oh well it's getting closer to Obon season right? I'm assuming that and a mix with the rising fuel costs? Dang it's really getting bad out there. I was lucky to go at the time I did and have the right circumstances.

[daidokoro]

Your first experience in Japan reminds me of the one I had two years ago. I stayed in a ryokan-like hotel in Shibuya, up in Dogenzaka beyond the love hotels. I was there for two weeks with the JR Rail Pass, so I also went to Kyoto for a few days. I had a large network of Japanese friends who took me to different places, plus whenever I was by myself I just went off on my own. I love JR, it completely owns New Jersey Transit and Manhattan's MTA.

You summed up the women pretty well too. One of my last few days I tried hitting on those girls who are stuck outside handing out the free fans. Fun times, I miss those days.

[bluestars87]

Your first experience in Japan reminds me of the one I had two years ago. I stayed in a ryokan-like hotel in Shibuya, up in Dogenzaka beyond the love hotels. I was there for two weeks with the JR Rail Pass, so I also went to Kyoto for a few days. I had a large network of Japanese friends who took me to different places, plus whenever I was by myself I just went off on my own. I love JR, it completely owns New Jersey Transit and Manhattan's MTA.

You summed up the women pretty well too. One of my last few days I tried hitting on those girls who are stuck outside handing out the free fans. Fun times, I miss those days.
Next time I'm definitely getting the JR Rail pass.

[daidokoro]

Yeah, it really is a steal once you start using the bullet trains. Plus, you can get to know the Yamanote stops real well without spending a time at the station itself.