The Japan Trip Resource Thread!

[Richard.John]

ATMs can be a pain as most won't accept overseas issued cards. Stick to Citibank or Post Offices like the others have said.

JAPJAC,

I think you are referring to my earlier (formerly know as Peanuts) post regarding Yodobashi points. As I said, it applies to the first day when you get your new card that's all, not purchases thereafter. That was my experience when I first used Yodobashi points last June. Anyway, maybe they have changed the system recently.

[JAPJAC]

ATMs can be a pain as most won't accept overseas issued cards. Stick to Citibank or Post Offices like the others have said.

JAPJAC,

I think you are referring to my earlier (formerly know as Peanuts) post regarding Yodobashi points. As I said, it applies to the first day when you get your new card that's all, not purchases thereafter. That was my experience when I first used Yodobashi points last June. Anyway, maybe they have changed the system recently.

Thought it sounded strange! I beg your pardon, my fault. Cheers.

[DCharlie]

Credit cards are pretty mush useless when game shopping for example.

from my experience a lot of places take credit cards these days - certainly way more than used to. There is usually an additional charge of 5% in some places for using cards. I've heard that some places will refuse you if you look like some dodgy hooky chav, so that might be something to bear in mind.

Bear in mind the limit of 250 quid a day - if you are reliant on that for hotels, food, etc - you might want to bring emergency travellers cheques too.

They only charge pennies each time too which is mint and you can withdraw 250 quid a day. I hope this helps.

they charge 315 yen - which is 1.60 GBP or so to get your money - PLUS you will get hit with an (even more) disadvantageous exchange rate.

Ideally, i'd suggest turning up with the cash you need and use the hotel safe box to store any surpluss. You'll find less and less citibanks as you stray away from Tokyo/Osaka.

[teddymeow]

I've heard that some places will refuse you if you look like some dodgy hooky chav,

Phew!! Good thing I look like a nice model member of society then

Thanks everyone for the advice. Looks like I'll take "some" cash into the country with me and either try my luck with my VISA debit card at post offices or just get some travellers' cheques.

Thanks again.

[DCharlie]

other note - if you are going to be in the back street places though, you do need cash - but yes, Asobit, sofmap, all the big chains now seem to be willing to accept credit card.

[neoboy259]

Anyone got any recommendations for things to see/do in Kyoto and Osaka?
Looks like we will be visiting Tokyo again this year, and would like to spend a few days in some other cities.

Thanks!

[JAPJAC]

fin

[Anpanman]

Anyone got any recommendations for things to see/do in Kyoto and Osaka?
Looks like we will be visiting Tokyo again this year, and would like to spend a few days in some other cities.

Thanks!

Kyoto has loads of history, Nijo Castle is very good, and there lots of other grerat temples like Kinkakuji Temple (the golden pavillion) and Kiyomizu Temple which has great views.

Osaka being Japan's second city has a fair bit too;
Umeda Sky Building
Aquarium
Castle
Universal Studio's
DenDen Town (like Aki)
Plus a huge Yodobashi Camera

If you can get a bit out of Osaka then Himeji Castle is a World Heritage Sight and well worth it.

When are you going?

[neoboy259]

Kyoto has loads of history, Nijo Castle is very good, and there lots of other grerat temples like Kinkakuji Temple (the golden pavillion) and Kiyomizu Temple which has great views.

Osaka being Japan's second city has a fair bit too;
Umeda Sky Building
Aquarium
Castle
Universal Studio's
DenDen Town (like Aki)
Plus a huge Yodobashi Camera

If you can get a bit out of Osaka then Himeji Castle is a World Heritage Sight and well worth it.

When are you going?

Thanks for the heads up.
Looking to go in September, so plenty of time yet. Last time we went was in September too so got to visit the TGS. Looking to do the same this year.

[JU!]

Phew!! Good thing I look like a nice model member of society then

Thanks everyone for the advice. Looks like I'll take "some" cash into the country with me and either try my luck with my VISA debit card at post offices or just get some travellers' cheques.

Thanks again.

Post office cash machines are the best bet or the large banks as suggested usually take most cards not sure about normal bank cards working but. Visa will def be able to draw money from.

Just seen that already posted >< doh

[Anpanman]

Thanks for the heads up.
Looking to go in September, so plenty of time yet. Last time we went was in September too so got to visit the TGS. Looking to do the same this year.

Yep us too.

Well wifey goes out in May, me in August and we both return mid September.

[figflair]

There's a cash machine near the post office in the mall section of Tokyo train station that takes English cash cards. Me and my friend both used it when we went last year and never got charged as far as I could tell. Take about &#163;350 in Yen and then get the rest out as and when you need it. I went for 2 weeks at Easter last year. I budgeted approx &#163;1,000 for everything, including travel(apart form the rail pass) hotels and food. Had an amazing time, ate and drank loads, bought loads of stuff and still came home with money left over.

[DCharlie]

np

[Emir]

Right, April ain't too far off now and I really need to be saving up the spending money. Do you reckon 600 - 800 quid is enough for two weeks? I'm just gonna go mad and blow all my cash on games, clothes and food.

[saif]

If you are in the Osaka/Kyoto area, I'd recommend nara. Close by and quite the delight.