JapanForum.com - Going to Japan in 2010?

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Yes, I'm travelling to Japan in mid-March this year, for five weeks of discovery! The flights are booked, I just need to work out where to go and when...

Hi,
Am totally new to this forum - saw this thread and had to sign up!

I am going to Japan in April for the first time ever!!!
I started studying Japanese in 2000 at college but couldnt afford to go on the student exchange so I have waited 10 years and now I am finally goingmyself - I'm soo excited!!
I'm going with one of my best friends and we're staying in Tokyo Kyoto Hiroshima and Osaka - whilst we are over there we are going to meet up with two more of our friends who are currently studying in Japan on placement from their university over here!

So excited!!!!!!:rheart:

This is my home. It's really that simple.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanX (Post 796376)

You got that from Japan-guide. I guess I'll have to use that site whenever I want to find something.
Basically what I'm most scared about is trains. No clue how to use them.

Don't worry about the subways at all. Each line is colour coded, every station has a number in roman the name in Romanji and Japanese. There's also a verbal announcement.

The ticket machines have an english option.

The numbers on the map are how much it costs for one way ride from this location.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar (Post 796934)

The numbers on the map are how much it costs for one way ride from this location.

I find it easier to just buy the cheapest ticket and then adjust the fare once you get to your destination. I think we can all agree that the PASMO or SUICA card is the way to go

Been here for a couple years now and I still don't have a suica or a pasmo card. Just not useful in lovely 福知山.

JayT: Indeed ! but for someone new to the system, baby steps first.

Im going on a 1 month "experience" trip around Japan with 2 more friends. @ 16/07/2010.

Plus, going to study on the IUJ (International University of Japan) in 2011.

Bookmarked a Shared Room @ Sakura-house.com -> Shinjuku & JR Chuo line area for that same date. (36,000Y per person)

I've visited the Embassy of Japan in Portugal, and they were wonderful and so helpful. (They gave me maps, instructions, calendars, event-lists, and much much more)

Since im from Portugal, which belongs to the Countries with Reciprocal Agreement of Exemption of Visa with Japan, i dont need to get a VISA if im not staying more than 90 days. Just my passport and plane ticket. (According to the embassy)

To prepare for the trip, ive been taking Japanese Culture and Language class's @ my University.

I'm planning for a 2 week trip around March/April.
I've got my passport all sorted but haven't set in stone where in Japan i want to go, or what to do or where to stay.
But trust me i am gonna go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonTakeshi (Post 797176)

Out of curiosity, did you chose a Sakura House as a last resort, or because you want to?

I think a rental apartment would be a lot more private, cheaper, and all around more appropriate for long term stays.