Planning a Trip to Japan! (help)

[illegalprelude]

Hey guys and gals, im planning a trip to Japan for next month. Now ive never been there and do not speak Japanese so I was wondering if anybody has been there and has some good tips or info. I cant seem to find any good maps of Japan or Tokyo when I do a Google search.

The only good thing ive found so far is www.Hostelworld.com what an awesome website

so yea, just a little overview of my up coming adventure

[macboy62]

Hey guys and gals, im planning a trip to Japan for next month. Now ive never been there and do not speak Japanese so I was wondering if anybody has been there and has some good tips or info. I cant seem to find any good maps of Japan or Tokyo when I do a Google search.

The only good thing ive found so far is www.Hostelworld.com what an awesome website

so yea, just a little overview of my up coming adventure

This is a great English guide to Tokyo.
http://www.metropolis.co.jp/

[Doctor Q]

You're welcome to read my planning thread from 2005. My trip to Japan was far and away the best vacation I ever took. I don't speak Japanese either, other than what I learned on that trip.

You can find tons of useful information at the site of the Japan National Tourist Organization (http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/). If you have specific questions, perhaps other forum members (some of whom live in Japan) and I can help.

For starters, it would helpful to know how long your trip will be, what cities you'll visit, and what you are interesting in doing/seeing there.

[ruku]

im an australian who has been living in japan for more than 3 years. im not in tokyo but id help you out if youre in need.
also i still dont speak a lot of japanese and im doing fine.

[Berlepsch]

If you are planning to travel within Japan, you should probably have a look at http://www.japanrailpass.net/.
The Japanese rail system is one of the most effective in the world, and you can travel nearly everywhere on the main islands using it.

[yoyo5280]

Ahhh! A trip to Japan. WOOHOO!!

Lol, most people I know stay in Hotels in Shinjuku. I don't really know what your budget is and how much stuff cost but Hey im only *soon to be* 14.

My favorite hotel is the Southern Tower Hotel Century (http://www.southerntower.co.jp/index.html)

Things that I recomend to my friends and family that visit are:

Take the Yamanote Line!. You will probably do this anyways but it is great fun :D

A day trip (Take shinkansen or Romance Car) to places like Hakone (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=active&q=Hakone+Trip&btnG=Search)

Shibuya crossing. Just take the Yamanote LIne to Shibuya and boom your at the worlds busiest crossing! :D Also Apple

Oriental Bazar Omotesando (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/tokyo/S27115.html) A place to buy cheap Japanese gifts and even a Kimono.

HarajukuJust out behind Harajuku station (Yamanote Line) their is a spot where Japanese school kids dress up, hang out, and beg to photographed. Unfortunately sometimes the Gaijin (foreigners) take over the fun.

YoYoGi Koen There is nothing very unique about a giant park, but the people at the park really make the difference. It is on the Yamanote Line. Again.

Don't worry about speaking not Japanese. Many Japanese know enough English to get by, but are very shy to use it. Click here to learn some hopefully helpful phrases. (http://japanese.about.com/library/blsjp.htm) You will probably want a phrase book though. Public transport is probably the best way to get around, but you will probably want to Purchase Suica (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_002.html). It makes things a lot quicker.

I didn't really say much here, so if you need help don't be afraid to PM me! :D

[obeygiant]

Wow. How many "planning a trip to Japan" threads can there be?

We should all go! :)

Good luck in Japan its a great place.

[asxtb]

If you are planning to travel within Japan, you should probably have a look at http://www.japanrailpass.net/.
The Japanese rail system is one of the most effective in the world, and you can travel nearly everywhere on the main islands using it.
Do research!!! Where will you go? Lots of shinkansens or just mostly around Tokyo? I really don't think the railpass is a good deal unless you plan to take a lot of shinkansens. Remember, the railpass is only for JR Lines. In Tokyo you'll spend a lot of time on the subway where the railpass is no good and you'll just end up wasting money.

Take the Yamanote Line!. You will probably do this anyways but it is great fun :D

HarajukuJust out behind Harajuku station (Yamanote Line) their is a spot where Japanese school kids dress up, hang out, and beg to photographed. Unfortunately sometimes the Gaijin (foreigners) take over the fun.

YoYoGi Koen There is nothing very unique about a giant park, but the people at the park really make the difference. It is on the Yamanote Line. Again.

You think the Yamanote is fun? It's convenient, but I don't think I would call it fun. In fact, I just 'groped' some woman's butt with the back of my hand tonight on the Yamanote coming home from work. (No, it wasn't intentional!!! The train was packed and she backed up into the back of my hand. :eek:)

So not to confuse the OP, Yoyogi Koen is at Harajuku.

Wow. How many "planning a trip to Japan" threads can there be?

We should all go! :)

Good luck in Japan its a great place.
As many as possible! ;)
There does seem to be quite a bit recently. But I enjoy them. I always love helping fellow MacRumor folks when it comes to Japan. (I certainly can't help people with the Mac. :(;))

[kumbaya]

two words: lonely planet!

check the website (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/japan/) for a flavour
buy the book (http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/Primary/Region/ASIA/PRD_PRD_2022/Japan+Travel+Guide.jsp?bmUID=1202914988613) and take it with you

took me to so many incredible places and experiences and safely back again! includes some japanese words and phrases

things to try:
sumo watching
onsen or hot springs
stay at ryokan or traditional japanese inn
climb to the top of mount fuji and watch the sun rise

go to:
akihabara in tokyo - the heart of cyberspace; toys and gadgets galore
tsukiji in tokyo - best sushi on the planet
see the big buddha in kamakura
tokyo disneyland

enjoy!

[adk]

Lots of helpful information in this similar thread I started last week:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=426183

[illegalprelude]

woa! I did not expect to get so many replies! Im gonna have to sit through and sort through all the info you guys and gals! :D

On some more info, lets see.

Ill be going to from March 22-30. Ill be visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Chibi and maybe one more city. My friend who has been studying in Korea for the last 8 months will be meeting me there (hopefully, if all works out) but thats why im also trying to plan this in case that dosent, cause ill be on my own. "where is that HELP ME Smiley" (edit: found it http://images.dvdtalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif )

[yoyo5280]

Yes! I have a love-hate relationship with the Yamanote Line. Its so packed and really BLA but I do feel it is something that you can only do in tokyo.

Anyways, Onsens (Public Baths) are interesting.
Forgot about Akihabara! (Yamanote Line) But if traveling half an hour on a packed train with no seats ain't your thing my favorite geek shop is Yodabashi Camera in Shinjuku.

DISNEY SEA!!!! Disney Sea is actually not owned by Disney and it is the only Disney in the world with 'Sea' in its name. If you go on weekdays at the right time it is not even that busy...

A tool that you will probably need is the Tokyo Metro Route Finder (http://www.tokyo-subway.net/english/). You just input where you are starting and ending at it will tell you multiple ways of getting there. You may be able to get this on a rental phone (I get it with softbank)

[Abstract]

Watch out for ninjas.


And the Yamanote line is the perfect place to grope others, and be groped.

[Eraserhead]

For travel by train and some further traditional accommodation stuff, seat61 (http://seat61.com/Japan.htm).

[furious]

remember to use your gaijin power. I hope I have that right.

[yoyo5280]

remember to use your gaijin power. I hope I have that right.

Gaijin Power as in using the excuse Im a gaijin, I didn't know? I use that alot.

[Macky-Mac]

For travel by train and some further traditional accommodation stuff, seat61 (http://seat61.com/Japan.htm).

that's such a great site for train travel info......for anywhere! I've used it for info for several countries and found it to be an extremely useful site

[asxtb]

A tool that you will probably need is the Tokyo Metro Route Finder (http://www.tokyo-subway.net/english/). You just input where you are starting and ending at it will tell you multiple ways of getting there. You may be able to get this on a rental phone (I get it with softbank)
Hyperdia (http://www.hyperdia.com/) is a lot easier on the computer. I don't know about on a phone. I just use the Yahoo! home menu.

[MacSamurai]

Hey guys and gals, im planning a trip to Japan for next month. Now ive never been there and do not speak Japanese so I was wondering if anybody has been there and has some good tips or info.

would help to tell us what you're interested in...

[Doctor Q]

Hyperdia (http://www.hyperdia.com/) is a lot easier on the computer.We used Hyperdia (clicking "English" first thing) to plan all of our inter-city train trips before we even left the U.S. When we picked up our rail passes, we got our Shinkansen tickets then too, some of them weeks in advance. We knew exactly what time we'd leave or arrive at each station, and in some cases we even knew where to stand on the platform. And of course the trains run on time, so you don't have to worry about that.

Having all that homework done ahead of time made life easier during our vacation.

[illegalprelude]

so im still sorting through this information. Im wondering, how much does a taxi ride cost? Like an average.

Big reason is, Im going to be arriving at Narita Airport and the place im staying at is 5-2 Katamachi, Shinjuku-ku. I have no clue how to get there (ive been looking at some Train Lines) but I wouldnt mind, for my first day, to take just a Taxi ride but it seems far and I dont wanna suddenly fork out $400 for a trip.

Any clue how much a ride like that would cost?

[Doctor Q]

From what I remember...

Narita Airport buses and taxis (http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/bus/index.html)

Trains to/from Narita airport (see map (http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/train/index.html)):

* Narita Express to Shinjuku - fares (http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/fares.html)

* the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori - fares (http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/keisei_us/html/skyliner.html). Nippori is a stop on the Tokyo Loop Line. From there you can take an inexpensive ride to Shinjuku on the Loop Line. That's what we did, although it can be tough traveling with lots of luggage on the Loop Line. Travel light!

[illegalprelude]

From what I remember...

Narita Airport buses and taxis (http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/bus/index.html)

Trains to/from Narita airport (see map (http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/train/index.html)):

* Narita Express to Shinjuku - fares (http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/fares.html)

* the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori - fares (http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/keisei_us/html/skyliner.html). Nippori is a stop on the Tokyo Loop Line. From there you can take an inexpensive ride to Shinjuku on the Loop Line. That's what we did, although it can be tough traveling with lots of luggage on the Loop Line. Travel light!

hhmm...Im going to have to sort through that see if i can make sense of it.

Let me first say, I just finally got done reading through your threads and then your pictures threads and ive gone from being indimidated to go to back to being excited as hell! and again, thanks for the info there and the info your contributing here.

Some more clear info on my travel.

ill be leaving LA from March 21 and arrive in Narita on March 22.
Ill then be leaving March 29th.
So trip is from March 21-29th.

Im going to be staying in a Hostel as its the cheapest way and only way to make this trip happen. Ace Inn (http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/AceInnShinjuku-Tokyo-20457) is where I have in mind so far.

Now, my friend has been studying in Korea and he will be also meeting me there. So my concern is again, being able to make it to the Hostel that I have listed from the airport. (while keeping in Mind, I dont speak any Japanese).

So this also begs the question, as Dr. Q pointed out, travel light. My main weapons for the trip are going to be a
16GB Memory Stick Pro Duo,
Sony Cybershot T200,
MacBook Air.

The big reason for the MacBook Air is that it gives me a place to dump my 1,000,000+ photos I shall take. But also, there is alot of Wi-Fi in Japan so it will help me stay in touch (aka, find my way around town)

So having said that, I can throw that stuff in a backpack no problem. But where can I keep my main luggage as I believe my friend wants to stay in Tokyo for 2-3 days and then visit Chiba and Osaka. Can the hostels hold on to luggage (aka just my clothes as the electronics are gonna stay with me)

Another question. Cash or Credit? As in, ill be taking cash of course but is my Visa or MasterCard excepted there and if so, is there a huge charge because im out of country?

And Last current question :D, how about cellphone. ive again heard mixed things about this. getting a calling card here, get one there, the airports rent phones out. My phone is also my iPhone, if I got there (and I have alot of roll over minutes, like 1,300) will that be enough to just of set the extra charges or what? Im really confused on the phone as im not so much worried about getting a hold of somebody in the states as much as, I want to be able to get a hold of my friend in case we get split apart.

WOOO lots of questions. Again, thanks for the info so far.

[yoyo5280]

it is best to carry a lot of cash on you. You see people pull out hundreds of dollars worth of ¥¥¥¥ out. Many places don't take card full stop.

[Doctor Q]

Luggage: You don't want anything big and heavy at all, since you'll have to carry everything up and down stairs in train stations. But if you want to stash a backpack or a small rolling suitcase while going elsewhere, you can put it in a locker at a train station. We did this while doing a day trip to Okayama on our way to Kurashiki, so we didn't have to carry our stuff with us during the day.

Cash is easiest, and it's one of the safest countries for tourists to carry it. I used an ATM to resupply our cash every few days, and we used credit cards only for hotel bills. Yes, I got charged a foreign transaction fee by my bank.

Being an overplanner, I figured out exactly how much cash we'd need as we neared the end of the trip, and paid for the last hotel stay with the last of our cash, with just enough leftover to get to the airport. That way, we could carry lots of cash up until that last day, and didn't have to exchange it all for U.S. currency again. It worked out perfectly and we ended up with only pocket change by the time we got to Narita. We spent it on Japanese candy to take home as gifts for relatives. :)

[Macky-Mac]

My guide book says a taxi from Narita could cost $200!!! I've been several times and have always taken the train which is cheaper and quite convenient...and if you're staying at a hostel then a taxi seems like a budget breaker!

Tokyo is easy to get around in. Get a good bilingual map before you leave (should be easy to find in Los Angeles)....the directions from the nearest subway stop to the hostel are probably posted on their website, if not, send them an email and ask.......it's easy enough to take a train from the airport to a station where you can switch to the subway and then get off at the closest stop to your hostel....and then walk a few blocks, just make sure you're taking a suitcase with wheels (edit; "How to get there - Ace Inn Shinjuku Hostel; The nearest station is 'Akebono-bashi' by Toei Shinjuku line. Take A3 exit, and come to left way. You'll see us in 30 seconds"). There's enough signage in english to navigate the subways although sometimes you'll have to look for it.

And if you need help, somebody will help you. The Japanese are very kind to visitors.

[illegalprelude]

My guide book says a taxi from Narita could cost $200!!! I've been several times and have always taken the train which is cheaper and quite convenient...and if you're staying at a hostel then a taxi seems like a budget breaker!

Tokyo is easy to get around in. Get a good bilingual map before you leave (should be easy to find in Los Angeles)....the directions from the nearest subway stop to the hostel are probably posted on their website, if not, send them an email and ask.......it's easy enough to take a train from the airport to a station where you can switch to the subway and then get off at the closest stop to your hostel....and then walk a few blocks, just make sure you're taking a suitcase with wheels (edit; "How to get there - Ace Inn Shinjuku Hostel; The nearest station is 'Akebono-bashi' by Toei Shinjuku line. Take A3 exit, and come to left way. You'll see us in 30 seconds"). There's enough signage in english to navigate the subways although sometimes you'll have to look for it.

And if you need help, somebody will help you. The Japanese are very kind to visitors.

yea, so then my Taxi calculations werent too far off. forget that plan :eek:

So this brings me to this. I know where my Hostel is. I know where Narita is. When I do a Google map directions, it gives me how to go to there from different train lines and everything. Except...its all in Japanese. It will even give me the time the train comes but I cant understand what the Lines are.

Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=Ace+Inn+Shinjuku+%4035.692481,139.724132&geocode=&dirflg=&saddr=Narita&f=d&dq=Ace+Inn&sll=35.699686,139.76326&sspn=0.158363,0.312767&cid=35692481,139724132,11749952898365587883&ie=UTF8&ll=35.727005,140.140915&spn=0.316617,0.625534&z=11&start=0)

so thats where my biggest concern is currently. Making it to the Hostel.

[yoyo5280]

Ahh...Kanji...I can't reaad it well..if you like I can get my friend to! (txting now)

Looks like you are going to be in shinjuku...you could try to take the limozene bus from the airport and get dropped off at Shinkjuku Eki (Station) then take a taxi to your hostel.

I think this is what google maps is telling you: http://www.tokyo-subway.net/app/flash/norikae/N3?SF=2692&ST=2334&RP=0&OUTPUT=1

[Abstract]

Don't worry about speaking not Japanese. Many Japanese know enough English to get by, but are very shy to use it.

Or at least learn a few common phrases to be polite. Expecting people to speak English to you while in a foreign country is pretty "American". I mean, it's OK if they speak English to you. Communicate however you can. Just learn to say:
"sorry/excuse me" (sumimasen......"soo-me-ma-sen")
"thank you" (Arigatoo gozaimasu......"ali-ga-toe go-za-i-mas")
and something like "That one, please." (Sore o kudasai....."sore-ay oh koo-da-sai" while pointing at object repeatedly)

You KNOW you'll have to say these things all the time when you shop, or are at a restaurant or store. They're incredibly, incredibly easy to say. Just take 10 minutes to learn 4 or 5 phrases.

There are lots of cheap restaurants, and many hostels do have free internet. I don't know about hostels in the busiest parts of Tokyo, but they may have free WiFi. If not, then Apple Stores offer free internet. :) I know the store in Ginza even has an "Internet Cafe" section for tourists.

[Abstract]

so thats where my biggest concern is currently. Making it to the Hostel.

What's the actual problem? You know where the station is, and you know where the hostel is. Just follow the map. You don't need to know how to read Japanese. Just look at the first Chinese character and recognise it. It'll be a useful skill. If your hostel is close to the train station, you won't even need to read Japanese. Just follow the streets on the map.

Also, the distance from the station to your hostel looks well over 1 minute. Look at the scale of the map. It looks like it's 2.5 km away, or something like 10,000 feet. That's not Shinjuku station.

Forget Google maps. There are far too many train lines. This isn't New York. It's not even London. Tokyo has competing train lines from different companies.

Follow this guide that yoyo5280 just found for you:
http://www.tokyo-subway.net/app/flas...&RP=0&OUTPUT=1

and follow the instructions on the Hostelworld website: http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/AceInnShinjuku-Tokyo-20457/directions/

If you really can't be bothered to follow the map provided to you on Hostelworld because there's some Japanese on it, then go to another website similar to HostelWorld, and find Ace Inn Shinjuku again. Another hostel website may provide you with another map that you prefer, or better instructions They may even have a map in English.

Good luck.

[Doctor Q]

I learned please, thank you, thank you very much, and excuse me. Those were the big four. Others that are handy: Where is ___? One. Two. Three. Good morning/afternoon/evening. I already knew the names of food items, but in restaurants you can also point. It's helpful to know the words for tea, beer, wine, or water -- whatever you plan to ask for.

I tried full sentences on a few occasions, keeping my translation book handy. One time I asked a policeman-looking person (a guy stationed on a street corner in a uniform) how to get to the Apple Store. I should have said Apple Computer Store, to make it more clear, but somehow we communicated.

I gave up trying to explain what I wanted to a post office clerk when I just couldn't say enough words properly, so I pointed at phrases in my book and that worked!

At a ryokan I tried a sentence that I learned from a guidebook, saying something like "we are grateful for your gracious hospitality." I'm sure I really butchered that one. :o But I knew when to bow, I got my point across, and I got credit for trying. It seems culturally appropriate to give it your best shot, and we Americans don't mind making fools of ourselves for a good cause. :)

[yoyo5280]

Or at least learn a few common phrases to be polite. Expecting people to speak English to you while in a foreign country is pretty "American". I mean, it's OK if they speak English to you. Communicate however you can. Just learn to say:
"sorry/excuse me" (sumimasen......"soo-me-ma-sen")
"thank you" (Arigatoo gozaimasu......"ali-ga-toe go-za-i-mas")
and something like "That one, please." (Sore o kudasai....."sore-ay oh koo-da-sai" while pointing at object repeatedly)

You KNOW you'll have to say these things all the time when you shop, or are at a restaurant or store. They're incredibly, incredibly easy to say. Just take 10 minutes to learn 4 or 5 phrases.



Yes you are right...there

[Macky-Mac]

....I think this is what google maps is telling you: http://www.tokyo-subway.net/app/flash/norikae/N3?SF=2692&ST=2334&RP=0&OUTPUT=1

this link looks like it might be simpler for him (Narita Express info (http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/index.html)).....it looks like his best bet is to take the Narita Express all the way to Shinjuku station where he'll change to the Toei Shinjuku subway line and then go east 2 stops to Akebono-bashi station.....then, according to the hostel's info, he should go out exit A3 and it's about a 30 second walk to the hostel......seems simple enough

He's in Los Angeles so he should have no problem finding a book store that'll sell him a bi-lingual map to take along. Most of them'll have a subway map too, which is something he'll find very useful at times

[gloss]

Suggestions:

Get a big, thick tour book. I brought along the Japan edition of 'Let's Go!'s tour guides, and it was immeasurably helpful.

Bring a phrase book.

Get a rail pass: this thing will save your life.

Don't be afraid to ask people for help.

Try sleeping in an internet cafe at least once.

Try sleeping in a love hotel at least once.

Subsist on okonomiyaki and katsudon.

Don't taxi if you can walk.

The Japanese addressing system is absolutely insane - if you have someplace specific that you want a taxi to go, be sure to have a map.

When you pay for your food at a restaurant, do not hand the cashier the money directly; there is a small tray in which you may place the money, and then slide it toward them. It's not absolutely vital that you follow this little bit of tradition, but it's considered polite and will make them smile.

Don't be afraid to try and speak Japanese. You'll find that many people will applaud the effort, however lousy it may be. Mine sure was.

When you're in the city, especially Tokyo, you'll notice that lots and lots of stuff will be in English. It's quite easy to get around.

If you're going in summer, drink lots. Vending machines are everywhere (1 for every 25 people in the country) and electrolyte drinks such as Pocari Sweat are plentiful.

Bring a friend if you can - being scared and stressed in a foreign country is far more manageable if you've got a buddy along.

Have fun. Japan is an amazing country, and, you being a baka gaijin, the Japanese basically expect you to be awkward and rude and loud and, well, not very Japanese. Don't disappoint them.

[Doctor Q]

Try sleeping in an internet cafe at least once.

Try sleeping in a love hotel at least once.
If you want a really unusual experience, try a capsule hotel (http://www.dvhardware.net/article16989.html). It's like sleeping in an MRI machine (but less expensive) or staying in a coffin (but you don't have to die first).

[Zwhaler]

it is best to carry a lot of cash on you. You see people pull out hundreds of dollars worth of ¥¥¥¥ out. Many places don't take card full stop.

Very true. I was i Japan from January 26th til Feb 17th, and I found that there were not very many intenational ATMs, so whenever you have the chance, take out lots of Yen.

To the OP:

As far as etiquette goes, be prepared to bow frequently (as a greeting and a goodbye), and also don't blow your nose in public. it is considered impolite. However, sniffling is considered to be polite since you are resisting the urge to blow your nose. (Lol).

Also, there is no need to tip at restaurants. I tried, and they would not accept. The tip is included in the cost of the food.

Other than minor things that I cant remember, you should have a wonderful trip!


Get a rail pass: this thing will save your life.


Yup, I had one for 3 weeks and it really was a life saver. The people at the train stations treat you like a VIP when you have one, plus it saves you the hassle of figuring out how the hell to use their confusing ticket system (especially when the machine doesnt do english!)

[willers]

So trip is from March 21-29th.

Im going to be staying in a Hostel as its the cheapest way and only way to make this trip happen. Ace Inn (http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/AceInnShinjuku-Tokyo-20457) is where I have in mind so far.


WOAH woah woah. Ace Inn in Shinjuku?? I'M going to be staying there March 25-29. Are we going to be there at the same time?

I'm Will, btw. from the SF bay area (originally LA).

[chrono1081]

Woohoo! Japan! Better practice your nihongo! Ill be going soon too. Hopefully in September on R and R :D

[adk]

Very true. I was i Japan from January 26th til Feb 17th, and I found that there were not very many intenational ATMs, so whenever you have the chance, take out lots of Yen.


7/11 ATMs take international ATM cards, as to Post offices, but post office ATMs are only open during business hours. Not to worry, 7/11s are everywhere in tokyo!