03-01-2008, 06:02 PM | #2 (permalink) |
warrior bodhisattva
Super Moderator
Location: East-central Canada
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For starters: The cost of living. It's outrageous.
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Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot |
03-01-2008, 06:20 PM | #3 (permalink) |
... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.
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http://www.rosettastone.com/personal/languages/japanese
I know that English isn't uncommon in Japan, but there are only so many places that "eigo o hanasemasu ka" will fly. And yes, bring a shitload of money. I ended up spending something like $135 a night on a decent room (even getting a discount, and the room wasn't one of the best) and like $20 a meal not including decent dinners, which ran more like $60. Oh, and do your homework regarding transportation. |
03-01-2008, 07:06 PM | #4 (permalink) |
Fireball
Location: ~
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I hope that you enjoy Japan. I enjoyed my trip there very much. If you are moving around Tokyo, I would recommend getting a daily pass for subways instead of buying as you go (but, keep in mind that many lines are independently owned and require separate passes). The Takanawa Prince was a great place to stay; Shinigawa Station is just up the road for the Shinkansen and other lines. I look forward to visiting again some day.
Perhaps there are other questions that you could ask to help us give better advice. Cash is king. Bring lots. Last edited by Randerolf; 03-01-2008 at 07:09 PM.. |
03-02-2008, 08:13 AM | #7 (permalink) | |
warrior bodhisattva
Super Moderator
Location: East-central Canada
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Quote:
__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot |
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03-02-2008, 10:52 AM | #8 (permalink) | |
Crazy
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03-02-2008, 11:33 AM | #10 (permalink) | |
Oh dear God he breeded
Location: Arizona
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Bad spellers of the world untie!!! I am the one you warned me of I seem to have misplaced the bullet with your name on it, but I have a whole box addressed to occupant. |
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03-02-2008, 11:40 AM | #11 (permalink) | ||
has a plan
Location: middle of Whywouldanyonebethere
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Last edited by Hain; 03-02-2008 at 11:42 AM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost |
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03-02-2008, 01:44 PM | #12 (permalink) | |
Crazy
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03-02-2008, 02:45 PM | #13 (permalink) | |
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Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
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If you are flying in to Narita, the cheapest options are to take either the regular Keisei line trains or the regular JR trains, i.e., neither the Keisei Skyliner nor the NEX. Some of the Keisei trains connect to the Asakusa-line subway, which is handy if that's the direction you're going. You can also take the regular JR trains, which go to Tokyo station or all the way to Zushi. Trains stop in both terminals at Narita. |
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03-02-2008, 03:42 PM | #14 (permalink) | |
Crazy
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Basically I'm going to Japan mainly to sight see and enjoy culinary delights. I'm thinking a few days in tokyo and a few days in Kyoto. I also want to check out Akihabara for crazy gadgets and tech as well as do some clothes shopping where ever district is good for that. I don't want to buy too much stuff though since I hate lugging around things. So right now I'm thinking of going for a week or so. Oh yeah I plan on taking a lot of photographs. Does Japan have any crazy laws on photography in public? Last edited by Lubeboy; 03-02-2008 at 03:46 PM.. |
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03-02-2008, 09:22 PM | #15 (permalink) |
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Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
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Staying around Akihabara could be interesting. The neighbourhoods around it are fun. I like Kanda.
One of my favourite places in Tokyo is the yakitori place just across from Shinjuku station. Go out the S. exit, turn right, and it's at the first corner. I also like wandering around in Nezu and Hongo (Not far from Akihabara) and just popping into little places. Mind you, i'm completely at home in Japanese. Tokyo has some very good Western food, but the good stuff is quite expensive. Kyoto? I'd say skip it and go to Kamakura, which is one hour from Tokyo station. Like Kyoto, Kamakura was once the capital, and it's temples are also quite nice. It also has nice views of Sagami Bay and Enoshima. (The Hiroshige print "Wave" is a view from a beach near Kamakura.) There's nothing wrong with Kyoto, but it's not a day trip, and you have only a week. I love the Tetsugakunomichi and Kokedera. |
03-03-2008, 06:52 AM | #17 (permalink) |
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Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
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I'm thinking 20,000 yen a day for pocket money. Some days you may use more, other days less. If you want to eat at really fancy places, then adjust accordingly. You can probably do your shopping with a credit card, so i haven't figured that in.
Last edited by guyy; 03-03-2008 at 06:55 AM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost |
03-10-2008, 08:12 PM | #19 (permalink) | |
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Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
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Cherry blossoms are a cliche, but they're lovely, too. I'm so jealous! |
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03-13-2008, 05:55 AM | #21 (permalink) | ||
We work alone
Location: Cake Town
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Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing that you'll be an idiot in the future. Common sense is knowing that you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques |
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03-13-2008, 05:53 PM | #22 (permalink) |
Addict
Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
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Public toliets are not a problem in Japan. It's much easier to deal with bodily functions in Tokyo than say, New York. The subways & train stations still have toliets, unlike in many American cities.
Hanzoemon is a convenient spot to get in and out of. I've only changed trains there, so i can't give you all that much advice. You'll be seeing the cherry blossoms around the imperial palazzo. You'll also be seeing hordes of drunks. Have fun! |
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japan, planning, trip |
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