The Japan Trip Resource Thread!

[sj33]

Did you not have to pay a surcharge? I think when I went to the Netherlands, I had to pay a £1 surcharge every time I used my debit card on an ATM (though admittedly I never checked if I actually did get charged, maybe I didn't). I'll have my credit card too if needed, but I avoid using that unless I have no choice.

I need to buy a denshi jisho when I get there too...

[noobish hat]

Actually, there was a surcharge now that I think of it, but it was quite small. Besides, in those days I was rolling in the money because of the terrific exchange rate, so I wasn't bothered. As for dictionaries, I'm still using a G55 wordtank which is pretty good. However, there is a very similar canon wordtank that is about half the size (can't remember the model name though), and if I were to buy a different dictionary, it would be that one because it would easily fit into a breast pocket, while at the same time feeling thicker and more durable. Being able to whip out a dictionary very quickly is very important and will encourage you to always look up unfamiliar words. My dictionary is a pain in the dick for that, because I would have to get it out of my back, unzip its case, turn it on, every ****ing time it would do this lame smiley face animation on start up (and also when turning it off). Usually I just could not be bothered with the hassle, and it probably negatively impacted upon my learning. A good dictionary is important. I have friends who have small dictionaries that are also backlit, which would surely be the best, although I have no idea what model it is.

[Darwock]

can I use my debit card (Visa Debit with Link logo) on a Japanese ATM?

You seem to be making the assumption that Japan subscribes to worldwide standards or something. Good luck finding a visa link logo on any machine! You can probably look forward to your credit card getting refused everywhere as well. I can't use mine on Japanese websites even with a Japanese address, seems to be some difference in address formats that they just can't verify.

For what you need though, just get to a 7/11 convenience store. Their ATMs are guaranteed international friendly.

[sj33]

^As long as I'm not completely screwed, then it should be okay. Just need to last long enough to get a Japanese bank account.

In terms of denshi jisho, I'm pretty determined to get one that I can fit in my pocket, so I can have it on me wherever I go. Lets see what I find...

[doodledude]

^As long as I'm not completely screwed, then it should be okay. Just need to last long enough to get a Japanese bank account.

In terms of denshi jisho, I'm pretty determined to get one that I can fit in my pocket, so I can have it on me wherever I go. Lets see what I find...

When I was in Japan in March/April I got money out of an ATM in a post office, that was a Visa debit, I'm pretty sure there were other places I could have got money out of as well. Visa is pretty worldwide. Occasionally when I used my card to make purchases the PIN wasn't accepted so I just signed for it.
Never had one problem with money or cards while I was there.

[kryss]

^As long as I'm not completely screwed, then it should be okay. Just need to last long enough to get a Japanese bank account.

In terms of denshi jisho, I'm pretty determined to get one that I can fit in my pocket, so I can have it on me wherever I go. Lets see what I find...

That depends how big your pockets are, in both senses. Last one I bought was 30'000yen, although that was January 2007. I recommend Seiko as they use British English dictionaries.

[teddymeow]

Right. The planning starts again.

Not looking at heading to Japan again for at least 18 months but as the budget was a little "tight" in terms of spending money back in May we thought we'd look at starting to save earlier.

First thing to work out is the most ecomnomical way of getting there. Which leads me onto my question.

I'm a Red member of Virgin Atlantic Flying Club with about 25,000 on my account. If I'm reading the website correctly I am entitled to a Companion flight worth 20,000 of those miles. Does that mean, in the simplest terms, that I can book and pay for one flight and get another for free?

I've checked the Ts&Cs and it appears that only the cost of the ticket is free with all taxes and surcharges. Am I reading things right? If so, that means the cost of actually getting to Japan next time is greatly reduced.

If anyone can explain in plain English whether I am correct or not and what issues there might be I'd be made up!!

[Anpanman]

Tentatively I'd say you are correct however Virgin may insist that you buy a particular fare type for the paying passenger i.e. full fare rather than a discounted one.

Best thing is to get a price from Virgin and then see if you can get cheaper with another carrier.

[Anpanman]

On another note, we got back yesterday.

Had a superb time, did the rice harvest for the second time - even brought a few kilos of the new crop back with me. After a few hours hauling around 35+ kilo bags of rice a few Asahi Super Dry's never tasted so good.
Went to Tokyo, daughter went to Disney, been a few years since I've been on a Shinkansen, they are so much better than a Virgin Pendolino.
Best part was visiting an onsen hotel up in the mountains where we are on Shikoku, a young couple had actually driven all the way from Tokyo to go there.
Simply stunning views from the rooms with your onsen out on your balcony 100ft up or so on the mountainside.
Food was great - as always and for the fist time enjoyed some sashimi.
To cap it off flew back on an Airbus A380.

After three weeks of peace, within 10mins of leaving the airport here on the train the stress levels started to rise due to just how ****e this country can be at times.
Can't wait to go back.

[teddymeow]

Yeah, the stress is almost instant once you hit passport control.

Glad you had a good time. Could do with a break myself at the moment.

[noobish hat]

I love the idea of Japan as a stress-free place.

[teddymeow]

I love the idea of Japan as a stress-free place.

I think it's more the fact that the times I've been there it was for honeymoon / holiday so the typical, everyday stresses of work and stuff don't factor in to the way I thought about the time I spent there.

It's probably a whole other story for actual day-to-day living and working.

[noobish hat]

Yeah, but when you have things like dickheads cycling down a pavement that is packed wall-to-wall with pedestrians, that's happening no matter how long you spend there.

[kryss]

"ringringringringringringringring" is the noise from behind you.
*kryss swings heavy back of groceries and sends whoever flying*

Those experiences from living in Japan still haven't left me either. I managed to resist shouting at them. Somehow.

I get nasty looks here from cyclists on the pavement who get annoyed when I walk in front of them to overtake someone walking slowly.

[DeathAdder]

It's probably a whole other story for actual day-to-day living and working.

Ironically I see it as a great place to live and work, but can't for the life of me understand why people come here on holiday, unless they want to go game shopping.