The Japan Trip Resource Thread!

[Richard.John]

You can climb Fuji at any time of year. It will be FAR more enjoyable just before the official season starts. When I did it, the biggest problem / annoyance was the swarming crowds.

As it's covered in snow for most of the year, it's recommended that you don't attempt it (outside of the summer climbing season) unless you are an experienced climber.

[DeathAdder]

Yes, but his post says he is leaving 14 days too early. Hardly the middle of winter.

[asnozz]

well i leave Japan 14 days too early, it'll be closer to a month. My penpal phoned up the tourist information and was told explicitly not to climb. So we're only going to the 5th station

Does anyone know how long it takes to get a international driving license? I have 2 weeks, looks like we need to rent a car for a day around Fuji-san.

[saif]

I wouldn't recommend climbing out of season in all honesty. Fuji is pretty big, 3776m. You can try and be cool and do it but you get no assistance. In season there is plenty of assistance so it is not THAT hard but from zero to a lot - would not recommend it.
I don't really see the point of going to the 5th station as there is little to see/do. There is a cracking theme park nearby from where you can gaze at Fuji's majesty or Kawaguchi-ko nearby which is kind of nice.
IIRC Driving Licence is not a prob to get - mate got his a week before. It is pretty easy to go by public transport and then walk around - depends what you wanna do I guess.

[Anpanman]

Have many travelled with KLM? They seem to be the cheapest everytime I check fares. What are they like?

Done KLM over to Japan a couple of times, they are fine, particularly the new B777's which are very comfortable and have on-demand video and music which should be on both their Japanese services.

Oh, try not to return on the Wednesday flight though as it could take a lot longer than usual.

[huxley]

7 days to go for me.

JAPJAC loved the pictures you funny fella you.
Was one of the pictures in a pub an Irish bar in Shinjuku? - just off of a square down a flight of steep steps and to the right at the bottom.

[dave heats]

Its crazy to think I'm moving out there in just over 60 days (fingers crossed).

Its about time too. ^_^

[Emir]

Its crazy to think I'm moving out there in just over 60 days (fingers crossed).

Its about time too. ^_^

Enjoy it dude, you lucky bast!

[JAPJAC]

7 days to go for me.

JAPJAC loved the pictures you funny fella you.
Was one of the pictures in a pub an Irish bar in Shinjuku? - just off of a square down a flight of steep steps and to the right at the bottom.

Thanks. That`s right-The Angel. Can`t go there now as we got banned :0)

[huxley]

Its a fab little pub, first time we went to Tokyo we walked around feeling very lost, and found that place when a footie match was on.
We left at about 3am very drunk and ended up in a kareoke bar with some Japanese girls and chaps in suits. I cant believe they made me sing a nin song with the words "fist ****"! in it. (one of them took pictures of me screaming my lungs out whilst stood on the table)
I`m staying in the Keio plaza next Sunday for a week - fancy a pint?

[Crisp_Rapper]

I cant believe they made me sing a nin song with the words "fist ****"! in it.

you've no idea how much i've wanted to sing such songs in a karaoke fashion....

you DID make a fist when saying the line didn't you??

[huxley]

oh yessssssssssss

[Crisp_Rapper]

then you sir, are a god amongst men.

[Prophet Hero]

Literally just got back from Heathrow. I'm not desperate to log onto the net (after going without for the last 10 days) but just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who offered replies to my question several pages back.

Yodobashi Akiba was indeed the mutt's nuts and my little cousin will soon be enjoying some play time with Ultraman toys.

[dave heats]

just got my placement location for JET....

Yoshinogawa city, in Tokushima prefecture! Not too far from Osaka though, so I'm chuffed. Anyone been there, or for the Japanese based people out there, what kinda rep is it got?