[samokan]

for phone, if you really want to get one get the softbank pre-paid phones. You only need a passport and the address of the place where you stay.. its actually just for formality. The prepaid phones is not that strict, cause it targetted for travellers. Phone can be converted to english. Prices range from 7000yen - 10,000yen. Then you can load it with a 2000yen worth of calls ( good for 3 months I think ).