The Japan Trip Resource Thread!

[Richard.John]

I will second that. Kobe is perhaps my favourite city in Japan. I have great memories of my time there in '93, before the earthquake. It has been described as the HK of Japan due to the way it is boxed in by the mountains.

Recently I spoke to someone who lived through the quake and she described the sheer terror upon seeing the tatami mats in her house rippling up and down like waves in a pond, such was the force unleashed that day. Scary stuff.

[Scoey]

Thanks for the responses guys, sounds promising!

Saif, quick question about that night bus you got, how much leg room do you get on the budget ones? As in, a decent amount, or an incredibly small and uncomfortable amount. I got a bus between Yonago (in Tottori prefecture) and Hiroshima once, and I was shocked by the amount of legroom we had. It was great! Is that normal for Japan, or was that some sort of luxury bus? Would I be spending the trip from Kobe to Tokyo packed up like a sardine?(I'm just over 6 foot tall)

Richard, I know this is a bit of a silly question, but is there any chance you could give me an idea of just why Kobe is your favourite city in Japan?

[saif]

Budget night buses are just normal buses but the proper ones have tons of room and one seat per aisle. Get what you pay for.
Kobe has got an interesting museum about the earthquake actually, I think a lot of people forget how many people died cos they weren't really white.

My fave city in Japan is Tokyo, then Hiroshima then maybe Kobe. Probably Kyoto though. All very easy to get to from Kobe though - Hiroshima is about 90 mins, Tokyo less than 3 I think. Shinky shink of course.

[Richard.John]

Scoey,

It's just the atmosphere. Smaller than Tokyo or Osaka, more cosy if that's possible for a city.

[DCharlie]

off to Hiroshima tomorrow - should be a laugh. Off with a friend from the UK. We've been everywhere else... just a shame about the weather! :/

[Richard.John]

Rain, f**king rain

[Mr Ono]

Isn't there a typhoon down near Okinanwa at the moment?

[Richard.John]

Actually it passed through central Japan yesterday. I was in Shimoda, Izu peninsula, and it was a bit windy but not as bad as we were expecting.

[W1p30uT]

I'm off to Japan in 10 days!

I have been reading though most of this thread but I was wondering if anyone could help me out and answer the following:

Is it better to take a large sum of cash over to Tokyo rather than travelers cheque's and a debit card for spending money?

What is the weather like right now? Is it heavy rain or is it really hot?

What is the best way to get from Narita airport to Tokyo? Train? I am staying in Ginza for two weeks and will probably go to 1 or 2 places outside of tokyo (kyoto and Hiroshima) is it worth getting a rail pass? or will it be cheaper to pay for the train now and again when I need it? (I plan to stay in tokyo for the majority of the stay and travel around by train to get to shinjuku, akihabara and a few other places).

If anyone could answer the above you will be doing me a massive favour I have waited all year to go on this trip and I want it to be perfect!

[saif]

JR rail pass is great value but if you are going to travel long distance within a week, you may as well get a shorter length pass. Normal commuter trains are pretty cheap.
Narita to Tokyo is best by train but there may be a bus direct to your hotel - check "Airport Limousine".
For trains, if you have the JR pass, use the NEX but otherwise the Keisei line is quicker and cheaper.
I dunno what the debit card situation is - prolly tricky to get cash out so credit card and cash is best I reckon - not sure cheques are worth it as it is a pretty safe place (though not accepting liability!).

[Richard.John]

Getting money out via debit cards is impossible/difficult unless you use Citibank or Post Office ATMs. In fact it's down right ridiculous as your card may say VISA but the machine won't give you money as the card wasn't issued in Japan. Anyway, luckily for you, Citibank have a branch in Ginza. It's opposite Matsuzakaya department store on Chuo street.

The weather right now is hot and sticky. Be prepared to take showers during the day as you will sweat a lot, particularly if you hit the streets on a shopping spree.

[W1p30uT]

hey thanks for the reply guys, I think I will go by NEX to Tokyo and get a shorter length pass to get around for my stay. I have just been on this site:

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/fares.html

and it says "All seats on the Narita Express require advance reservations."

but I can't seem to find anywhere to buy a ticket or reserve a seat online, is there a website or phone number which allows me to do this?

I have a VISA electron card Richard.John do you have any idea if this will work in Citibank?

Sorry about all the questions! But its just a few last minute details I need to sort out.

EDIT: Also if i was to get a rail pass would that allow me access onto the NEX? If so it might work out cheaper

[saif]

Yeah, thats why Id recommend NEX if you have the pass. I've never used it but I think it is pretty easy.

[Emir]

I had a nightmare time trying to use my Electron. Gave up in the end. Good job I took loads of cash with me.
We also had trouble using the gf's CC in many places. They can be funny about it. It can take time and phone calls. I say just take cash and keep it secure.

[Richard.John]

I have a VISA electron card Richard.John do you have any idea if this will work in Citibank?

I don't know so it would be best for you to check with your bank before you leave. I have a VISA Debit card from the Halifax that works fine but it doesnt say Electron.