The Japan Trip Resource Thread!

[kryss]

I hope the beer is cheaper than Tokyo Disneyland's 25th Anniversary Coca-Cola - 800yen! No chance!

[Kieran76]

I am sure it wasn't that much. I have a photo of me holding the bottle up looking very hot sweaty. It had a nice label.

[hudson]

Anybody used some kind of Japanese phrase book and read it out when needed whilst there? I'm thinking of looking into getting one. It's something I'm dreading about my trip..communication.

[figflair]

Depending on where you go, you won't find it too much of a problem. Quite a few people speak English (especially women) and lots of signs etc. are in English. They also announce the stops on the Tokyo underground in English too. Just try and learn a few everyday phrases before you go and it will be fine.

[hudson]

Cool thanks. I might buy a little phrase book from somewhere just in case.

Also, I'm thinking of buying stuff out there, such as exotic J.League footy shirts, t-shirts and maybe the odd game. Are goods such as these more expensive than here or...?

[kryss]

Pretty much the same I'd say. There's actually a shop that sells football stuff in Akihabara too.

Best Japanese phrasebook is "Making out in Japanese", though there's nothing you can use for shopping in it. It does have the most natural Japanese in it.

[randombs]

Make sure you watch the little exclusive film at the Ghibli mueseum it's ace.
They also have special ghibli muesem beer as well.

I saw Mizugumo Mon-Mon

I bought the OST as well. It's so freaky witnessing something like that, knowing you're one of a special few who's had that privilege...

[Taka]

Pretty much the same I'd say. There's actually a shop that sells football stuff in Akihabara too.

Best Japanese phrasebook is "Making out in Japanese", though there's nothing you can use for shopping in it. It does have the most natural Japanese in it.

I can vouch for that book being awesome. It did make me giggle like a schoolgirl the first time I read it but it does definitely work with the ladies!

[Anpanman]

I have it too, great book & yes the football gear is about the same as here.

[Largo]

Although it may be rude to ask, if you dont ask you might never know so to speak so anyway;
Are there any brave forum users out in Japan who would consider going on a mission for me to track down the Kuroda Street Fighter DVD's, i have some info ready on where to find them if any takes want to PM me etc, ill cover all costs etc

Must see those dvds

[hudson]

Cheers fellas. I'll have a little hunt for that phrase book now. I go in 10 days!

[hudson]

You guys sure about this book? I found it on Amazon and the first user review read like the following:

Everything you need to know to pull smoothly in Japan. Tons of very useful phrases and expressions your Japanese teacher wouldn't dream to teach you; ranging from the good old 'do you come here often' to 'what colour underwear are you wearing.' It even has the word for '69' and a brief introduction to love hotels. If you are planning to go there, 'don't leave home without it!'

I'm going on an innocent holiday with my girlfriend, is this still the right book?

[Taka]

Maybe not quite so useful then!

Another good book, but somewhat different is one called Culture Shock Tokyo, I think. I was glancing through it in Borders the other day and it looks like a decent read if you ever look to spend extended periods in Japan.

[neoboy259]

Hoolak - there's a quite impressive football sportswear store in Shibuya, think its spread over 3 floors. The name and address escapes me but its on the main throughfare so if you have a mooch in the area you'll find it easy enough. Its's a great store for J-League and International kits.

[hudson]

Hoolak - there's a quite impressive football sportswear store in Shibuya, think its spread over 3 floors. The name and address escapes me but its on the main throughfare so if you have a mooch in the area you'll find it easy enough. Its's a great store for J-League and International kits.

Thanks man. Never ever been to Japan... is this store hard to miss? Is it on a main Shibuya high street or something?