surferlove007

In a few months I'll be high up in the sky on my way toward Japan for the New Year. I would love suggestions on what to do and so helpful tips to prepare for this excursion! I've got to get my passport renewed beforehand which I'm going to do tomorrow as I've heard it can take a while this time of year. Thanks guys!

thingstodo

I would take a lot of money are a sizable credit line. Japan is very expensive. I only mention that because you are from Houston which is a very inexpensive place to live.

By the way, it is a very cool place. I've been a few times for work and always really enjoyed myself. It is really a different culture!

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healer

I'm really jealous of you. I've always wanted to go to Japan.

That is all.

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Cynthetiq

I have not been to Japan other than Narita Airport.

I suggest a little reading to gain a little insight to those that you will be seeing and interacting with in some capacity.


The Culture Shock series is a very good one and they have many different cultures in the series. I am a bit biased since I first read a copy of one of them handed to my by the author, my uncle when I was a teen. It helped shape that knowing the differences of cultures help remove simple interactions from being interpreted as "rude."

enjoy your trip.

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Gabbyness

Some good info in this thread over at Know-How:

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/tilted-...ing-japan.html

Feel free to ask more specific questions, lived there for two years now!

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Ratman

I've been here for 8 years. When you say "the New Year," do you mean around the first of January? There are some unique things happening here at that time, but also some challenges to travel. Are you going just to Tokyo, or do you have plans to go to Kyoto and other historical sites? Let us know some of your plans, or the kinds of general things you want to see, and we can give more detailed advice. Glad you're making the trip!

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Redlemon

I am not related to the authors; I love the Culture Shock series. They have a nice bit of history and sociology in them.

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Raghnar -ITA-

You are a Gaijin. Everything wrong you do, kind Japanese people will forgive you.
Have fan!

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surferlove007

Hey! Well we have several ideals planned, Ropongi for a night (apparently we're going to need a day to recover!) The hot springs...seeing the big Buddha and lots of around town places especially where Matt was stationed. We're staying in Shinjuku.

Ratman

The 30th of December to the 3rd or 4th of January is a major holiday here, and a lot of people go back to their hometowns, so trains, buses and planes are packed (the trains actually run up to 130% capacity with people standing in the aisles for hours. A lot of Japanese-owned businesses and restaurants are closed, and the temples are all packed, with the more famous ones having a 2-3 hour line to get in sometimes. Roppongi will have a lot going on, but... lately the police have had "gaijin emphasis patrols" where they take random foreigners that are leaving the bars and take them to the station for a piss test. I can't emphasize enough that you don't want this to happen, as they can hold you for 21 days with no charges, no contact, no lawyer, no translator. The mayor of Tokyo blames all the drugs and drunken behavior on foreigners. A pop star was recently charged with possession when they found .005 grams of "stimulants" in her apartment. They even charged her with using because she admitted she did something while on a remote island to watch the eclipse (they have no evidence or proof of any kind, only her confession). I only tell you this so you're aware of what could happen in Roppongi (The American Embassy had a warning for Americans to stay away). If you want short lines and easy travel, I would recommend a different time frame, even a week earlier or later makes a world of difference.

On a lighter note, if Matt was stationed here, he probably knows a lot of the ins-and outs. The hot springs are amazing, and he probably knows the ones that take people with tattoos, if that's an issue. Make sure you go to Shibuya and Harajuku for shopping, Ueno Park for the national museum and galleries. Absolutely check out Akihabara on a weekend afternoon and go to a "Maid" cafe. If you go to Kyoto, it's cold as hell that time of year, but so worth it. Also, the first sumo tournament of the year is in Tokyo starting the second week of January, lasting two weeks.

The Lonely Planet guide has been very reliable for me as to places to stay and see in different areas, as well as local festivals. Let us know as your plans solidify, we can check local sources for things to do. I'm in the south of Japan, if you guys happen to get this far, I'll happily buy you a drink!

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The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference.

"God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO

The_Dunedan

I have only one word of warning for you:

KANCHO.

BEWARE THE KANCHO. GUARD WELL THY ASSHOLE.

Leto

um yes... the kancho. Here, have a read:

GaijinSmash.net | My Kids Are Perverted

. Let me introduce you to a game Japanese kids like to play called "Kancho." It's not as much a 'game' as it is kids clasping their hands together, sticking out their first fingers, and shoving them up your butt. I'm really not joking.

Just about any kid can be a Kancho Assassin. Even the sweetest little girl is liable to jam her fingers up your ass the second you turn around. This happened to one of my friends, which just goes to show - don't trust anyone. I'd say the little girls are the most dangerous because they have natural ways of lowering your defenses.

During JET orientation they told me a lot of ultimately useless stuff: what kind of computer to bring, if my DVD's would work, clothing sizes, that kind of nonsense. Nowhere, and I mean nowhere, in the 3-4 months of training did anyone ever mention that at some point, a Japanese kid may try to stick his fingers up my butt. That's something I would have liked to know, personally.

I was pretty lucky. Before I left the US, I bought a really big, really baggy pair of pants. The kids try to Kancho... they just have no idea where my ass is. It's beautiful! One kid tried and his fingers hit nothing but jean fabric and air. Yes! I've also become pretty good at dodging it. Much like Spiderman I have developed a Kancho Sense that tells me where and when it's coming before it comes. I parry fingers like a pro. My record is still 100% Kancho Free. Ha! America 2, Japan 0.

All in a day's work I suppose.


or more at:

http://www.gaijinsmash.net/archives/...cho_revo.phtml

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You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey
And I never saw someone say that before
You held my hand and we walked home the long way
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http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

LoganSnake

Glad I'm not the only one who reads his posts.

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The_Dunedan

Aah yes, good ol'Azrael...

Ratman

I've never been Kancho'd, but I've seen it happen. One reason I'm happy that my students are high school aged and above. I will have to say though, a visit to a Japanese police station pales in comparison. If they stop you, not just outside of a bar, but anywhere, they can't ask you to produce ID unless there is reasonable cause that you were involved in a crime. However, if you refuse their "request" they can take you in for "failing to cooperate in an investigation," ostensibly because your refusal means you have something to hide. The charges may not stick, since the obstruction occurred after they made an illegal request, but the fact remains you're hanging out in a Japanese jail with the small likelihood that you'll get out in less than 21 days. The Japanese cops have a crappy arrest percentage for actual crimes of around 50%, but the conviction rate for all crimes is around 99%, and over 90% come from confessions. I'd rather be kancho'd, but that's just me. As a side note, I don't live in Tokyo, and I've only been asked for ID once, and it was a neighborhood cop who just wanted to practice his English. All said, there is little chance you will have any contact with the cops as a tourist, but if you go to Roppongi and party like a rock star, you increase your chances by a lot. There are some interesting threads and articles at debito.org.

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The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference.

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FuglyStick

Could you bring me back some of that underwear in a can from a vending machine? That would be cool.

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surferlove007

I'll definitely make a note about Roppongi. Matt has several friends living there as well, so we'll know people in the area. Thanks for all the info...the whole 21 days in jail doesn't sound too good. Do you think they'll target us specifically for any reason despite being tourists?

Ratman

You shouldn't have any problem as tourists. Even if you're with other foreigners that live here, you'll still look like tourists. The only place that's risky is Roppongi, but if you're with locals, you should still be ok, except when leaving bars or clubs in the midnight to 3AM time frame. Also, there have been reports of people dropping roofies and whatnot into drinks in Roppongi (another reason for the Embassy warning), so watch your drink and your coat/purse. Everywhere else in Japan is freakishly safe and friendly. If you forget your change in a vending machine, somebody will probably chase you down to give it to you. If you leave something in a taxi, they'll keep for you. Same with the trains. If you need directions, don't ask a cop, ask anyone, and if they can't explain it, they will probably show you where it is, even if it's out of their way.

The only people that have problems here are the ones that act like total loud tourist assholes or those caught out in Roppongi. If you're with Matt's friends, I'm sure you'll be fine. If there's one word of advice it'd be "Patience". They really are so friendly here, but they have strict protocols and rules for things that they will not deviate from, even if a common sense and expedient solution is obvious. Just be patient and work with it, a solution will present itself.

One thing that is quite different here is restaurants and bars, service-wise. A lot of places have all-you -can-eat and all-you-can-drink (yes, alcohol!) usually with a two-hour time limit. Also, there is no single server assigned to a "section". they don't come around with refills of water or coffee, or to check on how your meal is. If you want something you have to throw your hand in the air and say "Sumi masen!" in a fairly loud voice. You don't even have to make eye contact with anyone (but it helps). This is true even for your initial order. In tourist areas they may be more attentive, but don't be surprised if they aren't. Some places also have a button you need to push that calls someone to your table, even in places like Denny's. They will usually know you're foreigners, and will come fairly quickly, but they may wait a minute until a staffer that speaks some English is available.

One other helpful thing is that you can rent a cell phone at the airport when you get here. I can send a a link with info if you want.

I'm sure Matt knows a lot of this if he was stationed here, and got off base occasionally. If there's anything you have questions about, don't hesitate to send me a PM, I'll tell you what I know.

__________________
The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference.

"God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO

Leto

huh. Same as a lot of Korean restaurants in Toronto. It was a bit of a culture shock to me to have to be told in my own city how to get service.

so what about tipping in Japan? Is it analogous to tipping for service in a buffet restuaraunt (i.e. approx $1 to $2 per person)?

__________________
You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey
And I never saw someone say that before
You held my hand and we walked home the long way
You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr

http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

Ratman

There's no tipping in Japan, for anything. No tip jars in the coffee shops, nothing. In some of the tourist areas service people like bellmen, taxi drivers, room service, etc., might be used to getting tips from people who don't know the culture and might stick their hand out, but ignore it. Even Western hotels like Marriott don't have tipping. If someone hassles you for a tip, tell the management. They will probably apologize profusely, and the offender will likely lose his job. Because the rules are very strict about behavior to guests, you really don't have to worry about it. I did have one cab driver here in Fukuoka try to "negotiate" a tip- after I paid him with a 10,000 yen note (that's the standard from ATMs BTW) he gave me 5000 and made to keep the rest. I told him to give it over, and he did, but he kept looking at me like I was the one cheating him. Don't fall for it.

Speaking of the ATMs and cash, this is a very cash-oriented culture. Many of the ATMs won't work with non-Japan issued credit cards. Every post office has an int'l ATM, and around the larger hotels you can find them. Some of the convenience stores have them, too, but you can't just assume that every ATM will take your card. If you're shopping in the city core, you can use the card almost anywhere, but smaller shops and restaurants/bars might not accept cards, so you should always have some cash on hand. If you get out of the core of Tokyo, fewer and fewer small places take them. You don't really have to worry about carrying cash here, because it is very safe. Crime against tourists like pickpocketing is almost unheard of.

__________________
The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference.

"God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO

Xerxys

Do they Kancho complete strangers? I mean, that does, in my books, justify broken fingers.

Ratman

I have no knowledge of stranger kancho.

__________________
The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference.

"God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO

FuglyStick

Kancho costs me thirty bucks here, and they do it for FREE in Japan???!!!!

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AZIZ! LIGHT!

Leto

OMG. This is so civilized.

__________________
You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey
And I never saw someone say that before
You held my hand and we walked home the long way
You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr

http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

Craven Morehead

check out this thread

have fun!

surferlove007

Thanks!

Narcissist

It seems like some people here have been to Japan. That's really nifty. Which leads me to a question. Are The Yakuza prominent in Japan?

Ratman

It depends on what you mean by "prominent". The biggest "family" is the Yamaguchi-guchi. They have around 40,000 members, and the government knows who they are because the family reports membership, like any good Japanese company. Will you ever see them? Maybe, but you probably won't know it. The Yakuza perform a very serious function in Japanese society in that organized crime squashes unorganized crime. What do I mean? The Yakuza do the usual prostitution, protection, etc that you find in the mafia. They are very involved in the "sin" trades. The Government turns a relatively blind eye to these activities for several reasons, but chief among them is that the Yakuza keep the streets safe. If some punk wants to rob people or purse-snatch, the police will go to the Yakuza bosses and demand an end to it. The Yakuza in turn, find the guy and either beat him to within and inch of his life, or recruit him.

I live in a town that used to have a well-known Yakuza faction. A couple of years ago, they got into a turf war with a nearby group that had split off. It was mostly about controlling sin trades, but there were other factors. Within a few blocks of my apartment, there was the group's HQ. It was attacked one night by gunfire and a bomb. No-one was hurt, and innocents were not targeted. However, the local citizenry voted to boot them out of town. They had to relocate, and it was a bit difficult because other towns also voted to not let them establish a new HQ. At any rate, we all knew where their building was, and who they were, and what they did. It's a strange relationship.

There are a couple of books that get into the history of the Gov't, Police, Yakuza triad relationship. They go into far more detail than I can here. Needless to say, it is an interesting situation, but as a tourist you'll never notice them unless you go to a strip club, soapland, buy drugs, and so on. Even then, you probably won't see them unless you refuse to pay, disrespect the girl, or something. So, depending on what you mean by "prominent," they play a prominent, but somewhat invisible role in Japanese society.

__________________
The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference.

"God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO

MiSo

interesting stuff.... i'm hoping to get out to japan soon myself. hopefully in two years if luck is on my side.

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Ratman

Another thing that came up recently that I thought I'd share. Trains, buses and taxis. If you go out for a night on the town, it's a good idea to be aware of how you're going to get back to the hotel. Tokyo has one of the most extensive subway systems in the world, but it doesn't run 24/7. The last trains are usually between 11 PM and midnight. There's a load of speculation as to why, but suffice to say that is the reality. The last trains are usually packed, like during rush hour, with gloved attendants pushing people in until the doors can close (no joke, this sometimes takes more than 10 tries!). A lot of the people are really drunk, and it's not uncommon to have someone reeking and reeling next to you. The only thing that keeps them from falling over is the mass of people around them. It is a possibility to have someone in close proximity boot/piss/shit themselves. In other words, the last train is not the best way to end a fun evening.

Taxis are always available, and in Tokyo, they don't hesitate to pick up foreigners. There are regularly placed taxi queues in high-traffic areas, but if you hail one, look for the red-lighted letters in the lower left side of the windscreen. If they are green, the taxi is occupied. We drive on the opposite side here, so the driver is on the right side. When the cab stops, everyone should enter through the left-side door. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR YOURSELF!!! The driver has a special lever that opens the door for you. Once inside, resist all temptation to close the door, the aforementioned lever does that as well. It is very helpful to have a business card or something with the name and address of your hotel printed on it, that you can hand to the driver. Most taxis have navigation systems, so they can easily find your hotel. Taxis are very expensive, however. Some take credit cards, some don't. If you pay cash, they will give you exact change. Do not tip! It's a good idea to get a receipt with the taxi company's name and the car #. If you leave anything in the cab, even an umbrella, they will have it, and usually bring it to your hotel at no charge.

Buses are very difficult to figure out. Unless you can get good instructions from a concierge, you may want to avoid them.

If you rent a car, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!! There is a zero tolerance policy here, and if you're stopped for DUI, expect a few weeks, minimum, in jail with no lawyer, contact, or charges. If they do charge you, you will at least be deported. If you cause an accident while DUI, expect jail time. This is not something to take a chance with. If you rent a car, have a stone-cold sober designated driver.

If you find yourself out after the last train, you can always go to a love hotel, all night bar, or internet cafe to kill the few hours till first train. The love hotels deserve their own entry, and are something you should try if you come here with a SO. The internet cafes aren't the best place for a good night's sleep, but they usually have a comfortable recliner type chair in a private booth, and they will rent you a blanket and alarm clock. For Westerners, they are probably more comfortable that a capsule hotel, in which you sleep in a space that holds one person, like you would see in sci-fi movies. They are also segregated by gender, so no love, just a place to sleep.

Cheers

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The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference.

"God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO

JStrider

get a cowboy hat and wear it. play up the fact that you're from Texas and ride a horse to class.

they'll eat it up!

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