Another foreigner arriving to Japan, stupid questions.

[usethendestroy]

Well, I'm finally getting the change of scenery that I desperately need(and I presume that the scenery is happy to see me go, even for a while).
Got my tickets to Nippon, the land of tentacle rape and frolicking schoolgirls. Yes, we have schoolgirls here where I live, but they have regrettably started to recognise me even from a far and chasing after them is starting to get a little too exerting.

I'll be arriving to Japan on early october and will be staying for a couple of weeks, of course I now have some questions that I've been too lazy to find answers by myself.

First off, what's the club scene like, say in Tokyo or in other major cities? I'd like to visit some nice house/breakbeat/whatever clubs, but after searching the google for japanese club-guide/forum, but I haven't yet found one. Urls would be nice. Oh, and am I going to expect to pay an arm and a leg for entrance and a bottle of tap water even if the line-up features local no-names.

Second, I'm a bit of large fellow looming at 6'5" and kind of heavily tattooed, knuckles, forearms, back etc. I understand that some establishments might have issues with my appearance. Is this thing about not getting to an onsen/ryokan if you have some kind of body modifications true or just an urban myth?
And if there's anything to be done to alleviate possible negative reactions feel free to mention. And no, getting rid of the tattoos is not an option.
Also I understand that some places have a "no gaijin dogs allowed" policy, but does this concern other things, i.e. should I forget about hailing a cab to drive my drunk ass back to the hotel, etc.

Thanks in advance.

[Pierrot le Fou]

There is a good chance you will be denied to onsen and the like if you can't find a way to cover up the tattoos (and it sounds like you can't). Some will still let you in. Play dumb and hope no one notices, and cover up the tattoos that are visible at the checkin counter. If you get in, then you likely won't be kicked out (though you still may be).

Cabs will not be a problem.

For house, I highly recommend trying to see Fantastic Plastic Machine playing somewhere in Japan. The clubs in Japan aren't the best, but they make some damned good House. Most clubs will likely run you 1500-2000 yen (usually with a drink) for entrance for a group of no-names, and 3000-3500 if there's someone good there. Drinks inside aren't that costly, and if you're into it, you can find legal hallucinogens for about 3500 yen/pop.

[hapacheese]

A lot of baths *will* kick you out, depending on who the owner is. If it's a little old lady, she'll probably be too intimidated.

Other than that, I haven't noticed anything. One of my coworkers is heavily tattooed with Japanese-style tattoos all over his arms, hands, etc. We haven't ever been denied entrance to anywhere. However, he's also a fairly meek and humble individual. If you come across as being a troublemaker, you might have a different experience, though.

As for "no gaijin dogs," well, that's pretty much restricted to sex shops and strip clubs.

[Monkey]

The tattoos shouldn't be a problem. They mostly deny it because tattoos are closely associated with the yakuza. However, as you are obviously foreign (I'm guessin') the tats should be no problem.

As for clubs in Tokyo, it all depends where you go. Roppongi is a bit of a Gaijin hideout, elsewhere who knows what will turn up?

[Pierrot le Fou]

I have known far far far too many foreigners who have been kicked out of health clubs, onsen, and various other places because of tattoos to state that he won't have a problem. Foreign women with tattoos get kicked out for crissakes...

[PopCulturePooka]

My friend had a tattoo on his upper arm. The gym he went to would only let him in if he wore long sleeved shirts.

[deepbluevibes]

For house, I highly recommend trying to see Fantastic Plastic Machine playing somewhere in Japan.

whoa whoa, are they playing anytime from oct. 13th-24th? they're one of my favorite bands :O

[Pierrot le Fou]

I have no idea. Go do a search. I refuse to do your legwork for you. Really lazy I am.

[seijihuzz01]

You'll find almost exclusively variations on House & Trance in Tokyo 'techno' clubs. Think I heard breaks & maybe drum&bass once each in 2 years.

Lots of smaller places here & there w/decent DJs. There's a place called 'Air' in Shibuya you might find online, but it's kinda hard to find.

Check out WOMB (www.womb.co.jp) for their schedule. Occasionally bigger names, but at least it's decent most Fri/Sat nights except 'hip-hop night' (I think there were about 5 people there that night).

Spacelab Yellow (http://www.club-yellow.com/) is in Nishiazabu down the hill from Roppongi & is pretty good - again, mostly house, and mostly Japanese crowd, which is odd for that area. Both womb & Yellow are big buildings w/no signs down side streets.

There's a monster club way out near Odaiba called Ageha (http://www.ageha.com/), but mostly holds special events & is otherwise about 30% capacity. They had a swimming pool at their grand opening & ran busses from Shibuya for their $80 New Year's blowout.

All of the above will run you Y2500-Y4000, usually w/one drink. Most drinks cost about Y500. You can sometimes find flyers online for a discount, but most times that just means you won't get the free drink.

Check out This link (http://www.residentadvisor.net/club.asp?AreaSelect=27) for a listing of various clubs, websites & addresses.

Metropolis (http://metropolis.japantoday.com/default.asp) has pretty good weekly listings for the Tokyo area.

[usethendestroy]

Hmm, thanks for the advice. I really didn't expect people to be this helpful.
Especially those links seijihuzz01 provided will come handy.

As for getting access denied for my looks, I guess I'll try wearing glasses, acting meekly and smiling a lot. That will probably creep people out so much that no one will dare to say no.

[deepbluevibes]

Hmm, thanks for the advice. I really didn't expect people to be this helpful.
Especially those links seijihuzz01 provided will come handy.

As for getting access denied for my looks, I guess I'll try wearing glasses, acting meekly and smiling a lot. That will probably creep people out so much that no one will dare to say no.

people here are extremely helpful. :D

[Henjin]

Water's cheep in the 自販機('jihanki' vending machines). I wish we had 4 a block over here. It's nice to have (relatively) cheap, cold water (and Pocari Sweat!) when you need it. Heh.

[hapacheese]

Yeah, except in America, those things would last about 2 hours before being molested by everyone.

[Henjin]

そう。

Good point. 残念だ。

[Pierrot le Fou]

In the US, they would have the right of self-defense. You could load them with anti-theft devices including a shotgun.

[Henjin]

Funy semi-related story: Today my sister came for lunch. She accidentally dropped a pop (soda :p ) can, and afraid it was going to explode, she literally ran through the house, opened the front door, and threw it out into the yard grenade-style. Freakin' hilarious. My mom made her go back out get it and drink it. :D

[usethendestroy]

I'm familiar with vending machines and soda cans, but it feels nice to know that those exist in Japan.

Excuse my off-topic, but has any one here had the pleasure of dealing with Japanese law enforcement?
I've seen some stories that hint on police being a bit prejudiced and harassing foreigners with frequent visa-/passport checks. Do I automatically have to consent on everything an officer asks, say searching through my stuff or staying in a policebooth while my passports validity is checked?

[Henjin]

I didn't have any trouble... Never had any reason to contact the police, but the koban was right outside my hotel. The customs people at Narita didn't give me anytrouble. *shrug*

And Japan doesn't just have vending machines... There are about 3 jihanki per capita. :D

You might have trouble finding soda, though. There are definately some w/ coke, but not all of them. In Kobe, at least.

[usethendestroy]

Thanks, another thing, I called to our Japanese consulate out of curiosity about personal medication. I'm thinking of taking with me some basic painkillers that contain ibuprofen and some familiar antidiarrheals, because after a couple of days with experimenting with Japanese cuisine I'll be probably painting the bathroom brown and slapping my forehead for eating the wasabi-eel-clam stew that I bought from of a small booth at 5 am.
Basically a small medical survivors kit, without anything affecting the central nervous system.

To my surpise I was told that some stuff like cortisone-cream that's prescription free here is prohibited(?) in Japan. Also I happen to have a bit of problem with a small infection on my skin, a fucked up tattoo on my back that requires sometimes a small dose of antibiotics.

It's possible for me to get a doctors statement on the antibiotics in english, but it will cost me and I'd rather not bother if it isn't absolutely necessary.

Has anyone any experiences on this as the japanese customs site is a bit vague.

[Henjin]

All I brought was some OTC painkillers in a little bottle, and I didn't have any trouble. From what I read (either on the customs forms or online, I can't remember) you can carry small ammounts for personal use. I'd just bring it and claim ignorance if anyone calls you on it. I doubt they will. You just have to fill out this little form on what you're bringing in... No guns/knives/illegal drugs/etc. You should be fine.

[BluZytrix]

I have been here for about 3 weeks now and I have to say that customs in Japan was nothing that concerned me. You get off, follow the crowd until you find the people that check your passport and head off to customs. All the guy asked me was if I had anything that was more that $2000 in value and left the airport. No hassle and very simple.

[stsparky]

In Osaka at the hotel for UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Japan; I went to their rooftop onsen, and resigned myself to a 30 min soak alone in a big tub; However, a Yakuza with double eagle tattoos sat down right next to me ... it frightened everyone there ... heh. Outside dressing - the salarimen even apologised to me - thinking I didn't grok I was less an outcast than THE YAKUZA was. At least he had ten fingers ... :D

[I ARE 1031]

In Osaka at the hotel for UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Japan; I went to their rooftop onsen, and resigned myself to a 30 min soak alone in a big tub; However, a Yakuza with double eagle tattoos sat down right next to me ... it frightened everyone there ... heh. Outside dressing - the salarimen even apologised to me - thinking I didn't grok I was less an outcast than THE YAKUZA was. At least he had ten fingers ... :D

What is the big deal about Yakuza? Was he nice?

[raydude]

Rather than start another thread about yet another foreigner going to Japan, I figured I'd piggyback on this one. That is, if the original foreigner doesn't mind :) .

So, every year, around spring and fall, my jodo teacher (shindo muso ryu jodo (http://www.geocities.com/nvbudokai/jodo.htm) ) goes to Japan to train with one of the top Sensei there, Kaminoda Sensei. He's going again in November and as always he let us know when and where and approximate prices. I took a chance and asked the wife and work if I could go. And holy smokes I can go!

So I'll be there in the first week of November, training in Kashima. :D
If I'm lucky my boss may extend my stay for a few days and have me network w/ some potential business clients - so I'll get to see some more of Japan outside the dojo.

[seijihuzz01]

RE: Law enforcement - sad but true, if you're a non-caucasian foreigner or even look like you might be Southeast Asian, they are more likely to ask you for a visa, etc. Not saying they will, but it's possible. My friend was harassed a few times walking between Japanese class & the train station at night, perfectly sober, perfectly innocent, black man walking. Not sure if speaking Japanese to the cop helped or increased their suspicion... Passed the same cop again w/me (white guy), and the cop never said a thing. Weird.

RE: Medication - ephedrine is illegal (Sudafed, allergy stuff, etc), and they have stiff penalties for illegal drug use/distribution. Their aspirin & painkillers occasionally have codeine(I think?) though & other stuff that is controlled by prescription in the US, so you'd be more likely to have a problem bringing Asian meds into the States.

If you're bringing in bags of pills though and happen to get checked, I'd expect to stand around a bit while they try to figure out who's in charge of the Ministry of Transportation pill-bag processing and approval/disapproval directorate to get permission to have 8 guys stand around & discuss what to do with you & your bag...

[usethendestroy]

That is, if the original foreigner doesn't mind :) .
Hijack freely, people have kindly answered all my questions.

.If you're bringing in bags of pills though and happen to get checked, I'd expect to stand around a bit while they try to figure out who's in charge of the Ministry of Transportation pill-bag processing and approval/disapproval directorate to get permission to have 8 guys stand around & discuss what to do with you & your bag...
Even though I asked about clubs I'll not be bringing any bagfuls of "Medication" with me. I presume it will be wiser to not take any chances for a 5 hour form filling orgy while I'm standing around jet lagged to hell and back just for a dosen pills of Imodium.

On another note, I've been thinking of going hard core and spending a day or two experiencing the ancient and honorable art of japanese bureaucracy. Maybe I'll apply for a fishing permit or try get a non-existant parking ticket nulled.

[Henjin]

Maybe it was just me, but I only got jetlagged on the return trip.

[megaversal]

I don't sleep normal hours, no matter what country I'm in, so I don't seem to get jetlag either way. One thing in Japan's favor though (and maybe this relates to other people too) is that when I'm traveling to there, I'm so excited to be IN JAPAN that I could have some sort of horrible disease which bedrids you for a month and I wouldn't pay it any attention. Yay adrenaline.

[Henjin]

I did almost pass out shortly after I arrived, but I think that had more to do w/ chasing that JAL girl from one terminal to the other...

[megaversal]

I did almost pass out shortly after I arrived, but I think that had more to do w/ chasing that JAL girl from one terminal to the other...

The above is most definitely an appropriate response to arriving in Japan.

[Henjin]

I'm not sure what you're getting at, but to clarify, she told us to follow her. :D

[megaversal]

In that case, the above is the only appropriate response for a flight attendant wanting to get jiggy with some sexy American flesh.

[Henjin]

Hah. Yeah, I wish. We were trying to catch the last plane out of Haneda, and this piece of American flesh couldn't keep up w/ her and almost passed out when it finally reached the other terminal. LOL

[seijihuzz01]

Hah. Yeah, I wish. We were trying to catch the last plane out of Haneda, and this piece of American flesh couldn't keep up w/ her and almost passed out when it finally reached the other terminal. LOL

Translation for your buddies: "As soon as I landed, this fine Japanese flight attendant looked me in the eye & said 'follow me,' and gave me a great workout right there in the airport like it was her freakin job! This poor American piece of flesh could barely keep up, but she seemed satisfied when we finished & just said 'thanks, have a nice flight!' I just about collapsed onto my connecting flight... Japan rules." ;)

[raydude]

Back to practical questions: how cold does it get in Japan in November? I don't do well with cold, I prefer 75 deg weather always, so I would like to bring the appropriate clothing.

[stsparky]

Back to practical questions: how cold does it get in Japan in November? I don't do well with cold, I prefer 75 deg weather always, so I would like to bring the appropriate clothing.

Many thin layers better than 1 thick layer. Bring a polar fleece sweater (prefer the patagonia synchilla™ snap-tee myself) and a technical shell/wind shirt if you're not heading to Sapporo. Invest in medium weight thermals. How big are you? You could buy an thin over coat thing as well if water is scary. A light weight hoodie is good for the plane flight.

A city like Tokyo generates too much heat for snow to last long. But November is a good month for me as I don't like cold at all.

[Henjin]

@seijihuzz01: You have to tell stories people would believe. :p

[megaversal]

@seijihuzz01: You have to tell stories people would believe. :p

でも、ヘンジくん、信じるよ。

[Henjin]

Not if you knew me. :D

[raydude]

So, I have more questions now that I have a better understanding of my schedule in Japan. Basically I'll be practicing jodo from Thursday Nov 3 to Sunday Nov 6, in Kashima. My flight doesn't leave till Monday Nov 7 at 3:30pm out of Narita.

So I can probably take the bus back to Tokyo Sunday afternoon, which puts me in Tokyo sometime in the evening. From there I'm debating just putting my stuff in the Tokyo Station lockers and then walking around Tokyo Sunday night and into Monday morning vs. getting a hotel room.

Is it pretty much dead in Tokyo on a Sunday night? And say I do sleep Sunday night in Tokyo and then get up on Monday to see stuff. I probably have time to see or do one, maybe two things at most. What would you recommend I do?

My other option is to stay Sunday night in Kashima and keep training, stay Monday and do more training, and then take a cab straight to Narita.

So that's the other thing. Is it not even worth it to bother seeing a part of Tokyo for less than 1 day?

[Commander_Zigg]

Back to the Japanese law enforcement topic. If you're living in Japan, be sure to always have your gaijin card with you. And by always have it with you, I mean weld it to your face. I've heard some crazy horror stories about foreigners forgetting their gaijin card somewhere when they get pulled over by the Japanese cops, and they have to go through a long and annoying process of interrogation, court appearances, apologies, some more interrogation, et cetera.

[seijihuzz01]

So, I have more questions now that I have a better understanding of my schedule in Japan. Basically I'll be practicing jodo from Thursday Nov 3 to Sunday Nov 6, in Kashima. My flight doesn't leave till Monday Nov 7 at 3:30pm out of Narita.

So I can probably take the bus back to Tokyo Sunday afternoon, which puts me in Tokyo sometime in the evening. From there I'm debating just putting my stuff in the Tokyo Station lockers and then walking around Tokyo Sunday night and into Monday morning vs. getting a hotel room.

Is it pretty much dead in Tokyo on a Sunday night? And say I do sleep Sunday night in Tokyo and then get up on Monday to see stuff. I probably have time to see or do one, maybe two things at most. What would you recommend I do?

My other option is to stay Sunday night in Kashima and keep training, stay Monday and do more training, and then take a cab straight to Narita.

So that's the other thing. Is it not even worth it to bother seeing a part of Tokyo for less than 1 day?

Not sure where Kashima is exactly, but DO NOT take a cab to Narita, or anywhere farther than a few minutes. That'd cost you over $100 easy. I always took a bus from 'suburbia' that took about 3 hours, but the airport is about a 45-min train ride from Tokyo Station I think. Direct Narita Kuukou (airport) trains run from Shinjuku, Tokyo, and a few other stops. Recommend you go w/your first plan to hang around Tokyo Sunday & then take the train, or possibly a bus. Also, train station lockers are kinda small - duffle bag is fine, but probably not a big suitcase. Have fun ~

[Scott]

The other option (given jet lag and the fact that they cram people in plans like sardines) is to take your first night off and chill at one of the Narita-local hotels that you can get from the airport; there are regular shuttles going between the airport and hotel. That will give you a chance to relieve yourself of the horrible jet lag and feeling of crampedness. Then the next day you can take the JR into Tokyo, though it's something like an hour, hour and a half ride, if I remember correctly... depending on stops. Ticket is dirt cheap compared to cab fair.

Japanese trains are a completely different affair from American trains, just so you know. None of the rows of seats stuff... if it's a busy time, you might end up standing for a while.

If you don't know Japanese, you'll want to make sure you pay attention to the signs, for the stops to make sure you get off at the right place. Most people will tend to be very helpful.

[Henjin]

Yeah, the Limo busses are pretty good. And they have several from Narita that go to all parts of Tokyo. I don't know about those, but I know the 1hr15min bus to Haneda was about 3000 yen. Expensive, but not nearly as bad as taxi fare.

[Scott]

Yeah, I can't express this enough, but while Japanese cabs are cool (clean, automatically opening doors!), they're not the main mode of transportation like American ones are.

[raydude]

Japanese trains are a completely different affair from American trains, just so you know. None of the rows of seats stuff... if it's a busy time, you might end up standing for a while.

Well, what would be busy time? To me, coming from DC, Sunday is still busy time in the DC metro because of all the tourists using it to get into and out of the city. Do people still go into and out of Tokyo from the 'burbs' on Sundays?
Also, good point about the size of the lockers. I did not know that.

Thanks everyone.

[Illusion]

During my last day of stay in Japan, I stayed at a hotel which is near the Narita Airport. It's better cos' you'll avoid heavy traffic in Tokyo. So, I left Tokyo and take a train to the airport and just take the hotel's free shuttle bus. You can always take advantage of the free shuttle bus.

The hotel I'm talking about: http://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/en/TE/TE_NARIT/index.shtml
It's quite nice, except that you are in middle of nowhere. There is only a small shop operated by the hotel which sells things a little bit expensive.

[Scott]

Yeah, they are in the middle of nowhere... so it's a good idea to hightail it back to the airport for meals.

[Illusion]

Is the food cheaper in the airport? We bought food from Tokyo and we bought instant ramen from the hotel's mini shop as supper, it's not that expensive.

P.S. My holiday trip to Japan is wonderfull and I hope to have the chance to go there again.

[Henjin]

自販機からのたこ焼きもおいしかった。
The vending machine takoyaki isn't bad.

[Scott]

Not all that cheaper at the airport, but it's better and there's people to watch. The airport also has a Lawson's, which has a bunch of cheap stuff if you want to be thrifty.

[Henjin]

I went shopping at Narita on the way back. Had to get something for my dad. Heh.