planning a trip

[gillyguy]

Money is easy to figure. Drop the last 2 digits from a Yen bill and you've got the U.S. dollar equivalent (ball park). It is best to go with a tour first time time there unless you have friends there but take time to venture on your own. The people are not intimidating and very helpful. If you're in a taxi keep a map with you and just point it out and they will get you there. I found the train system somewhat confusing. The underground malls are great for shopping and lunch. When we were there we had the time of our lives! I can't wait to return. A perfect combination of old and new worlds. The shrines are beautiful and Nara is an experience to behold. You will be living a dream!
Peace,
Gillyguy

[jasonbvr]

The exchange rate is fairly craptastic right now, 120 yen to the dollar. Well I guess it's crappy going yen to dollar at least. Dollar to yen is really good. But for every 10,000 yen I change, I am losing out on 20 dollars. It is supposed to max out at 125 before dropping down around the end of the second quarter. The BOJ is expected to raise rates from 0.25 to 0.5 on Jan 18 then they expect another 0.25 raise around July. This will stregthen my yen, but it is too little to late in my opinion. I was hoping the dollar would weaken, but it is not looking likely in the short term.