I'm going to Japan!
 

Yayayayay! I'm going to Japan with my Japanese teacher! Can't wait! Also, other Japanese class students are going to come.

First, we are going to go to Tokyo, and then live with host families in Aomori! (because I live in Maine and Aomori is Maine's sister state)

aaahhhh, my dream is coming true!

I'm saving money to spend in Japan. We are supposed to have $200-$300 in spending money, and I currently have $120 saved up.

What do you think I should buy? I want to get some toys (like takara jenny) and maybe some artbooks.

I also have a question about takara jenny. Her legs and arms, are they bendy-gummy like? Does she have joints, or is she just loosey-goosey?

Also, what should I do? I think I might make out with every Japanese girl I see. (they're so CUTE!)

Back to the OP, because it's a fab and fun post and I wish him all the best :)

If you want artbooks, I suggest you go to a Mandarake and pick up a few second-hand. The Mandarake in Nakano Broadway is brilliant for this. I got a copy of Korean Illustration in very good condition for about 1,000 yen last time I was there, and I'll pop back next month to see if they have Oxide.

Brand new, they're quite expensive - usually around 3,000 yen for a single-artist or single-game collection (i.e. all concept art from the same game). My favourite place to get these is Yodobashi Akiba. They specialise in game art books, but have some others too, and Yodobashi Akiba is a great shop for toys, gashapon, collectibles, and so on. Certainly you'll find more specialised shops in the area too, so don't be afraid to explore if you have time.

Other things you should buy? Whatever takes your fancy. If you want crazy cute Kawaii, check out Kiddyland on Omotesando, just up the road from Meiji-jingu. If you want Anime merchandise, you're going at a great time - a new chain has opened recently selling Shonen Jump merchandise (Naruto, Bleach, and all those other Jump titles). If you're interested say so and I'll post the info.

How long are you going for? Will you be buying your own food?

And don't forget to take a gift for your host family. Something from Maine that they can't buy in Japan (even pens from the local tourist office is fine) nicely and neatly wrapped - wrapping your gift well is very important.

Thats great your gonna love japan!

Guuuuuuuys... Why are you sooo meeaaaan... LETS ALL BE FRIENDS, YAY!!!!

Okay, so first, I'm not an Otaku (I don't really like Anime) I don't read that much manga.... Sorry, it's just I don't like that term.

And it made me sad, AlanX, when you said I really wasn't going to japan.... cause I am... And your wrong... cause I'm going to Japan.... and I take Japanese class in school.... I'm in Japanese 1.... My teacher's name is Mr. Kobayashi.... He teaches us Japanese... And I'm going to Japan... yeahhhhh...


Yeah, and I have ADD.

EDIT: Oh, yah. Thanks for the help, Troo! And we're not buying our own food, which is AWESOME!

So Mandarake is a chain of bookstores, I presume? Thanks, I'll have to write that down.


3,000 yen is about $30, right? And Yodobashi Akiba is another chain?

On a Positive Note
 

I'm going to Japan, too, next month. My first time! I'm really looking forward to it. I've done a lot of research, so I don't have any unrealistic expectations, but I know I'm going to have a great trip. I even bought a sumo ticket--section A, Row 2! Just came in the mail today.

I hope everyone here who is planning a trip has a fantastic experience. Our trips will be as good as we make them!

Buy a yukata since they are obviously hard to get on here. One thing I wish I bought was one. I will this summer though :)

Ah, that saves you some cash! Neat!

Mandarake is a chain of stores which mostly sell manga, but some stores also specialise in toys, accesories, second hand books, and so on.

The list of their stores (in English) is here: Store Information - MANDARAKE

Of that list, the stores in Tokyo are Nakano, Shibuya, Akihabara and Ikebukuro. I've never been to the Akihabara one (Akihabara is often shortened to "Akiba"), but I'm reliably informed by the look on the police officer's face when I asked for directions that it's mostly full of porn.


Yep, depending on exchange rate 3,000 yen is usually about $30.

Yodobashi Camera is an electronics chain, and the store in Akiba is filled with fabulousness, including games, puzzles, toys, gashapon (capsule toys), collectibles, cuddly toys, dolls, and of course electronics.

Much noise is made about how expensive Japan is, but in reality it's about as pricey as any world-class city. You can find expensive things, but you can also find dirt cheap goodies. I tend to make do with about £500 per week in Tokyo, (which is currently about $750), but out of that I have to buy all three meals as well as pay for transport and entry fees to museums, shrines, etc. (and, frankly, we had so much cash left over the first time we ended up buying a PS3). $300 should do you fine if all you're paying for is goodies from shops :D

Ey don't forget to bring a good book. You can order one from

Infinity Books Japan

They deliver right to your doorstep. Check it out ;)