The Japan Trip Resource Thread!

[GluedOnBeard]

This thread always makes me jealous and one the reasons I like this place. I really want to make it to Japan next year just not too sure on how much it costs, I have read this thread a bit but would like updated opinions on the costs of things, what can I expect to pay for flights or where even the best place for flights to Japan are!?

[Fader209]

Anybody heard from Friction? He went over to Japan not long ago and hasn't been about here in weeks

[Anpanman]

This thread always makes me jealous and one the reasons I like this place. I really want to make it to Japan next year just not too sure on how much it costs, I have read this thread a bit but would like updated opinions on the costs of things, what can I expect to pay for flights or where even the best place for flights to Japan are!?

Prices vary greatly depending on time of year, most expensive are school holidays, New Year, Golden Week, Sakura Season etc. Basically travel in term time if you can.

Also, direct flights are generally the most expensive, with the likes of Emirates/Qatar tending to be at the lower end though of course flights with EK/QR are much longer.

[Street Turk]

I am off out there next Thursday....tickets were ?546 direct with Virgin Atlantic!

[teddymeow]

Okay kiddy-winks, I'm off out to Japan tomorrow lunchtime. Packed, monied up and ready to go!!

So looking forward to this year. Going with my new lady friend who has never been so it'll be amazing showing her the fantastic sights and eating delicious food.

Be interesting to see what's changed since last year. Akihabara was getting a bit of a makeover when I was out there last May so I'm intrigued by the progress.

See you all soon.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

Good lord, my little old thread about visiting Japan is still alive and well!

Anyway, im off to Japan next week and have always had a fetish for Japanese mobile phones. With the changes in mobile tech since this thread first begun all those years ago, is it now possible to buy a J-style Phone have it unlocked, put in my sim and use it in any country?

I live in Thailand now, which has 3G, EDGE and GSM networks, if that makes any difference.

I just want the phone for voice calls, sms and showing off with.


Cheers

[teddymeow]

Had an awesome time this year after saying last year that I thought I was "Japaned out". I think it mostly had to do with the company I was with - first time out there, mega excited to see everything I love about the country. Hell, she even let me spend a whole day in Akiba and didn't complain when I spent ages in every Yodobashi & Bic Camera! It must be love.

Did the river bus cruise this year from Asakusa to Hamarikyu and then back. The Sky Tree is epically epic! Just an amazing feat of architecture & engineering.

Stayed slap bang in central Shibuya. Nice hotel and loads of cool bars and funky boutiques to explore.

Weather was sublime. Only had 2 hours of rain the whole trip and that was first thing on Saturday morning. Temperatures hit mid 20s but not humid. Sunday was 32 degrees so we went to the Zoo!

Flights were smooth as I've ever experienced and we got free champagne on the way back as in such a "frequent flyer" apparently.

[Anpanman]

Anyway, im off to Japan next week and have always had a fetish for Japanese mobile phones. With the changes in mobile tech since this thread first begun all those years ago, is it now possible to buy a J-style Phone have it unlocked, put in my sim and use it in any country?
Cheers

Yep, Docomo will now officially unlock a phone in their stores when you buy, for a fee of course;

http://androidcommunity.com/ntt-docomo-to-allow-unlocking-phones-via-sim-20110314/

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

Yep, Docomo will now officially unlock a phone in their stores when you buy, for a fee of course;

http://androidcommunity.com/ntt-doco...-sim-20110314/

Excellent, cheers. Is it right that only 3G phones will work overseas? Most phones dont support GSM, my Japanese customer tells me.

[Anpanman]

GSM works in most countries except Japan and Korea being the main examples, for those two you need a 3G phone. Not sure about Japanese 3G models but 3G phones in the UK will also happily work on GSM so in theory should work worldwide via roaming or better still unlocked and using a local SIM.

[Street Turk]

Just got back from my honeymoon to Japan (Tokyo) and Vietnam and thought I'd add to this very useful thread. Tokyo is still awesome-such a beautiful and vibrant city

PROS/TIPS
1. When travelling on the tube or trains, we paid for the minimum fare. We then topped up at the fare adjustment machine if we needed to at the destination stop.
2. We stayed at the Mitsui Garden Hotel in Yotsuya-excellent hotel in a great location. You can get pretty much anywhere in Tokyo with ease from here as it's on the Metro/JR line and close to major statiions such as Shinjuku and Tokyo.
3. The arcade scene is still awesome. I went to a few, the standouts being Game Safari in Ikebukoro and Taito HEY in Akihabara. The former is very cheap while Taito has about 5 floors of amazingness. The standard of Street Fighter play was very high: I average 75% in the UK online but dropped to 23% in my first few days in Tokyo...you soon pick up as there is no alternative! Great fun!
4. The people are so friendly and helpful-many times we were assisted by strangers who saw we were in need.
5. Getting around is much easier then when I last visited in '99-many signs are in English and the staff at stations generally understand English.
6. The food is great-if you like sushi then the fish market is a must. Giant pieces of fresh fish...perfect food imo.
7. Akihabara is a shadow of its former self, but still great for games and manga. Not into the whole maid thing, but I would be if I was single!

CONS
1. The cost. Japan is expensive at the best of times...We got a TERRIBLE exchange rate from the Post Office (1GBP=108JPY). Everything was pricey...we managed to still enjoy ourselves but it was prohibitive. We vowed to return once the rates settle-hopefully!
2. Smoking: Lots of places still allow smoking which is annoying...you get used to it but it's weird gettiing home stinking...very retro!
3. Err...That's about it...Great place and I love it.

View from the 54th floor of the Grand Hyatt in Shinjuku (Lost in Translation):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/69178920@N02/6290411577/

[teddymeow]

Glad you had a great time Turk.

That exchange rate is awful! I though my ?120 was bad a month ago!!

[huxley]

117 at the moment, think I may buy some before it goes down again.
I'm off to Tokyo next month, any locals wanna show some English boys a nice bar or 10?

[Supergoal]

Piss poor exchange rate for people earning pound sterling.

The arcade you mention Game Safari in ikebukuro I actually often go there during lunch breaks. Pretty tough opponents though.

[kryss]

Latest SRW game cost me $110 and put me over my monthly budget in one go. 117yen/pound is a pain now...Ah those heady days of 220y/p 8 years back.