if you want a job (maybe only teaching French will be an option) then you will need a working visa - not sure if student visas allow for employment

Moving etc. is easy if you speak enough Japanese

It's still possible. Got mine there yesterday. ;)

Hey quick question (I didn't want to make a new thread) I have a very western name, and it's long and awkward in Japanese pronunciation, so is it unusual for foreigners to adopt Japanese names? Is it okay?

(I'm planning a trip to Japan next year)

They will probably just take the first 1-2 syllables of your name as a nickname, rather than a completely different Japanese name. Do you mind saying what your first name is? That's make it easier. But for example, if your name were Cassandra, they might call you Casu-chan, Casu-san, or Casu-sensei, whatever is appropriate. Shortened versions of a name are very common in Japan, and they often do it for all kinds of western words. Personal Computer in Japanese is Persu-con, for instance.

If you have free housing in Shinjuku, take it, by all means. You will get a student visa from the University, but that won't allow you to work most places. You may be able to work on campus, or someplace where they pay cash (a bar, or something like that). Or tutoring, of course.

Oh, thanks. My name is Adrienne (Eidorian) so that would probably be err Eido-san. You think?

Yes, or maybe Eidori-san... that sounds more feminine, a bit nicer, I think. Or, the whole name really isn't that long or difficult, IMO.

my advice, just introduce your self as you normally would.

they will come up with a name that is shorter and easier to say on their own.


My name Thang turned to Tan-San
my friend Tony -Tone San
my friend scott -Scoto san
my friend Adrien (girl) - by the end of the trip they just called her Eh Chan

you dont have to worry too much about your name, they'll do their best to pronounce it.

Additional imformation for train transport ^.^
 

Hope this helps ^.^

Guide to Japanese Train Tickets



basic information

Below is a list of the various railway tickets available in Japan:

Regular Train Tickets


Regular tickets simply get you from A to B. Our page about regular train tickets provides an introduction to the various fares and fees, such as the base fare and limited express fee, and the rules for using tickets. Read more...


Rail Passes


Rail passes entitle their holders to unlimited usage of trains in a designated area. There is a variety of nationwide and regional rail passes available in Japan. The best of them all is the Japan Rail Pass, but other rail passes can be more suitable, depending on your itinerary. View a list of rail passes...


Tokaido Shinkansen Discount Offers


Japan's most important shinkansen line, the Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. The following are some of the discount offers available on the Tokaido Shinkansen:
Hikari Hayatoku Kippu (about 10 percent discounted)
This ticket is available for trips between Tokyo or Yokohama and Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji or some other minor stations. You have to use a reserved seat on a hikari train, and you have to purchase the ticket at least one week in advance of the departure date.

Hikari Kodama Jiyusekiyo Hayatoku Kippu (25 percent discounted)
This ticket is available for trips between Nagoya and Osaka. You have to use a non-reserved seat on a hikari or kodama train, and you have to purchase the ticket at least one week in advance of the departure date.

Puratto Kodama Economy Plan (about 25 percent discounted)
You have to use a reserved seat on the relatively slow kodama train, and you have to purchase this travel plan at least one day ahead of the departure date. You will get one can of beer, soft drink or a coffee as a free bonus.



City Passes


Passes for unlimited city travel on subways, trams, trains and buses on one calendar day and similar tickets are offered in many cities across Japan. Take a look at the "special ticket" section at the bottom of the following city pages:
Tokyo Osaka
Kyoto Kobe



Sets of Multiple JR Tickets


For any route, which covers 200 kilometers or less, it is possible to purchase eleven tickets (basic fare only) for the price of ten.
Between selected stations on some shinkansen and limited express routes, it is also possible to purchase sets of multiple tickets. They usually come in sets of four or six tickets and are discounted by about 5 to 10 percent.

Multiple tickets have to be used within a certain time frame, typically three months, and can be used in either direction.



Discounts on JR Roundtrip Tickets


On any route, which covers more than 600 kilometers one way, a round trip ticket (basic fare only) can be purchased at a 10 percent discount.
Between selected stations on some shinkansen and limited express routes, it is also possible to purchase round trip tickets, which are typically discounted by about 10 to 15 percent.



Tour Packages


Tour packages combine transportation and accommodation at big discounts to individual or group travelers. They are offered by travel agencies inside and outside of Japan, including the railway companies themselves. Much of the information, however, is available in Japanese only.


Discount Ticket Shops


Discount ticket shops purchase large amounts of discounted tickets and re-sell them to individual shoppers at prices which are typically 5 to 10 percent below the cost of regular tickets. Discount ticket shops can be found around major railway stations in large cities.

All these information can be found at:
Guide to Japanese train tickets and rail passes

HouseTek, how and where do you find lockers in Tokyo or Japan to store your stuff? Are there any signs or things to look for when looking for lockers? Are the lockers big enough to store one small luggage bag? How much does it cost and how long can you keep your stuff in this locker? Please let me know!:vsign: