The Japan Trip Resource Thread!

[eastyy]

Nahh a ray mears program Still think its a offensive to do that

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

A Japanese lecturer at my university gave me some good advice about Japanese customs
"Remember you're not Japanese, no-one expects you to know all the customs of etiquette, just try and be pleasent and considerate of other people"

pretty sound advice wherever you go, i reckon

One thing that i have always found strange is the price of booze in Tokyo, i have been to Izakaya's that were like Y1500 for all you can drink then next door it was the same price for a small tin of Asahi.

Just shows you it pays to get to know a few locals

[mementoman]

Thanks for the advice, Mementoman. I'm going to look into this. How about getting around without Japanese? If I was doing this I'd be doing it very soon and I wouldn't have time to learn any.

As others have said it's pretty easy getting around without knowing any Japanese but it's worth knowing a few phrases like Ohayo Gozaimasu (Good Morning) Arigato Gozaimasu (thank you very much) and o-kudasai (please). After going twice I then took up a learn Japanese evening class so should be able to speak a bit more this time Pick up a simple phrase book like the Lonely Planet one but you could do with some help on pronounciation too.

Getting around on the trains is dead easy as all of the signs are in English and Japanese on the platforms themself and signs around the stations. It's also dead easy to work out your fares and stuff as on the map it gives you the price to the relevant station so just put your money in and press the right button. We were a bit worried the first time but there was no need to be and people are very helpful.

[Magnakai]

Before I forget, it could be worth ringing the British Airways travel line up and seeing if you can get courier tickets. I used to get them to the US (before they did away with them. boo!) and they were infinitely cheaper with virtually no work required.

I can't find the specific number right now, but just call up the general reservation line on 0870 850 9850 and ask about it.

[neoboy259]

Morning All

Right, as I'm busy waiting for my missus to get ready I thought I'd say hello to you all and let you know I'm about to head off to the TGS!
wish you were here?

mata a****a!!

[Richard.John]

Enjoy it. I have a cold and feel like **** so wont be going.

[Stelvia]

Anyone been to a Comiket and If so, what is it like?

[dave heats]

I went to it a couple of years ago. I accidentally went on the hentai day though >_< Its a great experience, but make sure you get there early, and choose which day/s you want to go to in advance.

[Darwock]

**** **** **** **** one week from now and we'll be on our way.. I feel so under-prepared it's ridiculous ><

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

**** **** **** **** one week from now and we'll be on our way.. I feel so under-prepared it's ridiculous ><

Just chill man, just enjoy yourself!

I started a Japanese language course recently and impressed the hell out of the teachers calling all the girls cute and so on. I only wished i'd done IT with Japanese and not just IT like i did at uni.

Oh well, what a cnut

[krispyk]

I just found this website -

www.japanesekitchen.co.uk

If anyone can recommend anything on here for me to sample I would be grateful as I think I am going to take the plunge and visit Japan in the New Year.

[Richard.John]

Pocky are damn tasty!

[Zanza]

TonKatsu Sauce is nice. You can use it on burgers and what not instead of Ketchup/HP/BBQ. Its also quite nice mixed with ketchup.

[Applefiend]

Just back from Tokyo. I lot cheaper than I expected, meals were about 7000 - 10000 yen each, went everywhere by metro which is entirely logically laid out, more logical than the london underground... don't see what the fuss is about.

[Richard.John]

Meals were ￥７,000 to 10,000！ Where did you eat? Ginza or the Imperial Palace?