Japan General

I've traveled from North America to Asia.
I've also transited through Narita/Haneda back to North America.

Any 'gotchas' when traveling from another Asian city to stay in Tokyo?

Also, are there /trv/ approved review sites for hotels?

>>1174955
>Any 'gotchas' when traveling from another Asian city to stay in Tokyo?

I don't really understand the question desu...It's pretty much the same as flying in from any other country

>Also, are there /trv/ approved review sites for hotels?

I use booking.com 90% of the time

>>1174958
Anything with Mt. Fuji and sitting on a particular side of the aircraft?

Why is Japan so heavy in the sticky? I'm not complaining, genuinely interested.

>>1174983
4chan is a primarily Japan-based interest forum...

>>1175000
Fuck off

>>1175000

Where you at? I can help you out if you're near Fukuoka

>>1175000
The code word for weed in Japan is "koh bahn."

Just ask someone "koh bahn doko des ka?" and they'll point you to where you can get some hash.

>>1174941
Can you elaborate on this? I have been looking at booking direct with several hotels, but none gave any room available while booking.com etc does.

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This is my first post on /trv/ and I think this is the right thread to ask.

I'm thinking about doing work and travel in Japan (and maybe another asian country) for about 6 months next year. Has anyone here ever done that?

Getting a work and travel visa shouldn't be hard. I also have all vaccinations I think. Some questions:
What kind of work should I expect? In what kind of places will I sleep? How much money would you take with you? What languages can I use in Japan? I speak english, german and french fluently and I'm learning Chinese right now (beginner). Is this enough?
I know from friends that work and travel in Australia/New Zealand is often more organized and you will meet many other work and travelers. How is that in Japan?

Those are just the questions I can think of right now, everything is still pretty vague.

>>1175042
Also reading the sticky now, sorry if some answers are in there.

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There is now a /trv/Japan LINE group!
If you would like to join, email your LINE ID to:

trv4chan@gmail dot com

>>1175053
I'm a bit curious now.

Two questions

Does anyone have any good idea of how to fill 2 months up to 90 days in Japan? Thought about WWOOFING maybe.
I could do a month making the most of a 3 week train pass and add in Taiwan/S.Korea/Hong Kong etc.

Also I'm thinking about taking my tent to save on accommodation where possible (whether that be stealth camping or paid camp sites).

Is there an outdoors store in Tokyo where I can get some tent pegs? (I want to take only hand luggage so I wont be able to take them on a plane obviously).

>>1175053
How many members there so far? I'd like to join but I've had bad experiences with 4chan Whatsapp groups before, most of them being a huge shitfest of ebin memes and unfunny retards trying to be witty.

>>1175008
lol

I'm considering going on holiday to Japan for two weeks.

What is fall like in Japan?

>>1175034
Not them but I've found that a lot of Japanese hotel booking sites open reservations a lot later than they're available on sites like booking.com (eg. you might only be able to book 2 months in advance).

So are there any escort agencies that go past the standard schoolgirl,maid costume setup etc?

I kind of want to screw a touhou/anime character cosplay escort if possible while im over there.

Thanks in advance

>>1175064
I found a lot of tents and related in the streets of Shinjuku, you probably get cheaper things there.

I can only help with that, sorry.

>>1175166
Seconding this, I'd love doing a Touhou girl.

>>1175042
I think you mean working holiday visa, so I answer like if that is the case.

I haven't done that since my country doesn't have that kind of visa available but I met and lived with guys that did it. In some works you'll live with the guy you're working for (or in one of their houses if have more than one). I met guys that worked as private teachers, swimming teachers/lifeguard, worked at hotels, and so. What I'm trying to say is that you can get a job according to your abilities and knowledge.

As weird as it may sound Japanese people are more interested in French, yet most of them don't know but the basics. English is what you'll use mostly, but I didn't meet a lot of people that speak English well, although they'll do what they can to make you understand what they're saying.

Hope it helps at least a little.

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whoever that Jpkun anon from last thread that kicked my fucking ass and threw me to the side of the street, thank you

This is the most determined i've felt in my entire life. Just applied for federal benefits, scheduling college visits, I decided to invest my next 5 years into making this happen just to prove you wrong.

>>1175172
Shinjuku, noted, thanks anon. I'll be in Tokyo for at least 2 weeks so I'm sure I'll find some.

My friend's band is taking to Japan early next year. I'm fucking hyped.

I'm finally gonna get to meet Goku and ride the shinkansen

>>1175145
Alright, well this makes me feel a bit better about my accommodation plans then. I am waiting to hear back from them with emails about booking possibilities.

Also:
>tfw you successfully draft an email in a language you have been learning and the recipient understands what you want to say and replies.

I was oddly hyped that I actually was able to make passable sentences.

Going to Tokyo for 2 weeks after Xmas, whats New years like in Japan, also in regards to mobile data Sims, what is the best prepaid provider / pack ??

I'm planning on eventually going to tokyo, and I essentially want to see all of the weird shit to see. I like vidya but I don't cobsider myself a weeb. I'm traveling here specifically because I felt i could see some outlandish shit. Is there a top ten of crazy shit in tokyo to see? Going with my wife, not trying to fuck. Though the cuddle cafe sounds pretty funny.

>>1174917
I'm rich and white are you saying there's a chance?

>>1175053
Be gentle

what is /trv/'s experience with hostess and prostitutes.

If I have 2 piecesto advise for living in japan it is to organize your garbage and to watch out for shady hostess at bars and clubs

>>1175243

anon, how do I into prostitutes? I'm thinking about it when I go over there

For those that have visited/live in Japan, what are some of the most interesting parts of the culture in your opinion? Between learning the language I would like to read up on the lifestyle a bit.

>>1175245
litteraly go to bars at night, but im talking 'red light districts' with tons of people, not a small town bar, and go talk to one of them.

Groups of them 'blend in' so while some clearly stand out, others are seemingly just groups of people drinking. Keep an eye out.

>>1175247
>Keep an eye out.

a dude once told me most of the hookers aren't even japanese, and something about nigerians in kabukicho

all I want is for a japanese chick to suck my dick a little, let me grab her titty and fuck her. Its kinda tough where I live considering theres like no japanese chicks.

how much does one run for, a couple hundred bucks?

>>1175246
The way they treat young women. No joke. Japanese guys sometimes outright say 'shes been single for a while' or 'shes cute isnt she'. Openly infront of the women, even to older women.

Also EVERYONE will ask you if you have a girlfriend, dont take this as an 'advance' at all. Seriously. Its more like a conversation piece than any interest in you. Christ even kids ask the question.

And women will complement you often, its also normal but in my experience its more of an advance than 'Do you have a girlfriend',

>>1175249
yeah he's right, but there are japanese hookers but they stand out like fuck, the other asian ( or non-japanese) hookers are more in groups like I said.

A few nights ago I was seeing 25000 yen which is under 200 pounds at some love hotels

>>1175255


so how do you approach a girl anon?

what do you ask?

>>1175257
dude I litteraly got pulled by some non-jap asian doll, so did my friend but his was japanese. Its not difficult. But personally I wasnt into it desu. They WILL ask for your facebook, your LINE and other information things so keep that in mind.

If you wanna approach some japanese women just speak some simple japanese and it'll get you far, even if they are'nt hookers

>>1175249
Dude, in the age of Tinder and OKCupid, getting laid has never been easier. Jesus why stoop to whores.

>>1175259

cause these are japanese whores dude, I might not go back for years.

Also, tinder has worked jacked shit for me, I'll rarely match with girls, and then when I do I'll try talking to them and get nowhere, or won't get replies at all

>>1175085
I feel you on that. We have 6 at currenlty, It's not like at the moment, and I don't plan to let it become like that either.

>>1174950
>Halloween
Going to be in japan on halloween, what is there to do? I've heard it's kind of blowing up and becoming a super big Holiday over there.

>>1175269
If you'll be in Tokyo, head to Shibuya or Roppongi for the craziest stuff. Keep in mind if you don't like crowds however, they will both be pretty packed, although from what I hear Roppongi is a bit less crowded.

>>1175269
There is this party called absolute Halloween in Nagoya

>>1175215
I used these last year; they also come in 6gb and 12gb sizes as well on amazon. Just keep in mind these are data-only so you'll have to make calls using skype or line.

http://www.so-net.ne.jp/prepaid/en/

If I'm there for two months, is it better to buy air/bus tickets instead of buying the JR pass? It just seems exorbitantly expensive.

>Can I camp innawoods in Japan without any trouble?
>Are bears big in Japan or can I scare them off/hatchet the fuckers if necessary?
>Is fishing viable, both at the coasts and in the mountains streams?
>How likely are rural Japanese people to offer day labor to a tall, strong white guy in his 20's?
>In general, how welcoming are rural Japanese people to well-mannered vagabond travelers?

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>>1175296

Anyone help me out with info here?

I'm looking for a way to get from Omae station in Tsumagoi, Gunma prefecture to Hoshimata town, specifically Hoshimata post office and then back again.

I need to register my next address at the ward office near Omae, then set up a JP Post Bank account.

Im still in Tokyo and JP Post Bank staff said I need to create a passbook there where Im going to work, not here.

Its the closet JP Post Bank to where Ill live and work, but its very far still. Though I still have to go to Omae which is not too far from it.

I just cant seem to find public bus routes online to there?

>>1175292
It depends on how often you want to get the Shinkansen.

Divide the cost per day from the pass, that is the average cost you need to spend on JR services (including shinkansen trips) alone to make it worth it.

Otherwise just straight up pay for the Shinkansen if its less (or plane or bus).


Different destinations and routes cost different money, but for example, Tokyo to Osaka is 14450 yen one way.

So if you were to make 1 return trip within 1 week, that would make sense to get a pass for that 1 week, or if on average youll make 1 return trip on the shinkansen a week, then yeah.

Especially if you want to get the Shinkansen to Hokkaido.

Plane travel can be cheap. Keep in mind there is a cost of getting too and from the airport, and the pain of additional time of doing so, check in times, luggage collection, etc.

Shinkansen is more convenient without the airport tax.

Overnight buses can be pretty economical too.

>>1175297
Ahhh fuck. Better step up my minimizing food smell-game.

>>1175292
Forgot to mention there is also other passes besides the national pass, there are regional passes, like JR East Past, Kansai and Hokuriku area pass, Hokkaido pass.. there is flexible pass for some areas which is better..

eg, a normal JR Pass for 7 days starts on the first day you use then runs out on the 7th day after that.

A flexible pass can give you 4 or 5 days of travel.. but on any 4 or 5 days of your choose (it gets stamped with that date) within a 2 or 3 weeks period from memory.. meaning 4 or 5 shinkansen trips or even return trips and longer trips within that few weeks.. on a 7 day normal pass you wont get the shinkansen every single day (normally).

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>>1175297
I mean, it looks impressive, but them asians are awful petite..

>>1175309
It's 400 kilos.

I miss Japan :/

>>1175309
Be my guest and try to wrestle one, I'm sure you end up being victorious.

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>>1175314
>>1175320
I'm not sure that either of you got the joke.

>>1175318
tell us what you miss anon, as someone living in Japan what will I miss

>>1175176
Thanks for taking your time.

Yes I meant a working holiday visa.
I've read about some people teaching which sounds better than working at a hotel or restaurant (and seems to be paid better). I don't find a lot of information about this online tough. Did your friends have some sort of pedagogic experience or did they just spoke the language they taught well?

Do you mean they are more interested in learning french or that I could get along with speaking french there? I've read that you basically need to speak an asian language if you want to work in Japan (preferably japanese).
Other questions for anyone who has been in Japan:

I've read the housing is pretty expensive if you decide to live in big citys like Tokyo for example. What's the best place to be at? It shouldn't be to rural and I should be able to visit places like Tokyo or Kyoto easily.

Is renting a vehicle a good idea to travel through the country or should I stick to public transport?

Anyone here that has wwoofing experience in Japan? Sounds less fun but I think you get a housing.

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Reposting once per thread:
Tokyo meetup
Dec 28th - dinner
Dec 29th - interest-based split, 1 group - komiket/akiba, 2nd whatever route they choose

Drop me a line to stay in touch:
Kensamameetup (at) gmail.com

Ps so far I have 13 emails

>>1175345
I miss the quiet. The ease of transit. The politeness of everyone. I miss the cleanliness. Not being treated like a criminal in airports, or talked down to by police. I miss the good food from 7-11. I miss Taito Game Station.

I just miss a lot. I've grown so tired of the US. The anger, bitterness, paranoia. It was so depressing to land in Chicago from Tokyo, and immediately know I was back in the US, because everyone was acting like a shit.

>>1175382
I'm dealing with the same thing. I just got back from Tokyo, but landing back in america felt like a death sentence. I guess I'm just dealing with the post-travel blues.

I really want to go back to Tokyo. I'm seriously considering being an english teacher.

>>1175336
it wasn't a particularly good joke

>>1175368
is there going to be an orgy?

>>1175396

>I'm seriously considering being an english teacher.

Do it. What do you have to lose? Unless your current job pays more, that is.

What's the difference between a normal hotel and a business one? Why is it that business hotels are cheaper?
I just need a place to sleep and where I can leave my luggage in safety.
I am not into airbnb.

>>1175446
yeah a business hotel is basically just cheaper. Smaller, less comfortable, less services, that kind of thing. They're good for folks who just need a place to crash at night and leave some shit but plan to be gone all day.

>>1175447
Then that's exactly what I was searching for.
Thanks for the extremely fast answer.

>>1175429
No

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>>1175450
no thanks then

>>1175429
Spotted the /jp/sie.

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>>1175453

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>>1175454
It's not like I didn't shitpost for two years straight, but some things get too repetitive and mindless (for example watching Indonesians furiously masturbate to something they know nothing about).

>>1175452
I bet you'd be cringy as fuck

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>>1175461
not if you let me cum in your boipucci :3

>>1175299
I have no actual knowledge about how JP Post Bank works, but...
If all you need is a post office, you could also walk to the Ozasa post office, it's only 3 km from Omae.
Or stop in Mihara, where it's just over the river from Manza-Kawaguchi Station.
I wouldn't be surprised if they all belonged to the same branch or something.
If it has to be Tsumagoi... maybe you should hope for some nice Japanese farmer in his truck to pick you up while you walk the 5 km from the station?

>>1175429
Don't worry, you still may be able to consume copious amounts of semen. Just ask /k/ how their meetup went. (Hint: do not consume food brought by anons)

>>1175472
Please elaborate, It's not like someone added their you know what as an ingredient? R-right?

I need another person to stay with me and my buddy in Japan but it seems spooky to ask someone on here

>>1175477
why do you need a third person? Sounds fishy, would you two rape me?

>>1175478
To split the rent 3 ways rather than 2 (it's a vacation house)

>>1175479
I see, too bad :(

But anyways, you could also check /r/Japantravel or couchsurfing if you don't want to stay with people from 4chan

that said, I met with people from this thread and they were all fairly normal

>>1175360
Same anon you're replying.

They were native English speakers with no pedagogic experience at all (as a matter of fact I was the only one with that kind of experience and although I'm not a native English speaker I also gave a couple classes). In case I wasn't clear enough last time, the classes were private ones, not given in a school or something like. Try to look for community centers classes, that's where I gave one or two. Those classes are usually organized by people that have their own "business" so maybe you can contact one.

Regarding the French, they are interested in learning it, but you probably won't find anyone capable of maintain a conversation with you.

You should definitely use public transport, but if you have an international driving licence be sure to put it in your résumé.

I lived in Saitama, 30/45 minutes from Tokyo. Cheaper and calmer than the big cities.

If you're on the Line group I may be able to give you the contact of were I stayed and worked with (it's in Saitama as I said and the payment was something like 1000 yen per hour). If you're interested I'll be asking to get in the Line group.

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>>1175479
T-threeway?

Depends if you are your buddy are cute grills anon

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>>1175476

What's the airbnb scene like around Christmas time; is it wiser to book as early as now?

I found a decent place to stay for a month but am just cautious about the no-refund policy. I'd totally kick myself if I locked in now and then a ton of better rooms popped up by December.

>>1175505
Wow, why would you do that?
I have some extra faith in travel, I believe most of you guys are not like that.

>>1175527
Enjoy your homemade mochi """balls""" iykwim

>>1175527
Don't bother, in fact you might've gone through it countless times already, think about all small places you've been to..homemade curries, anon...

>>1175527
Vanilla pudding is a common ingredient for good brownies.

What would be the best bet for budget accommodation for a week in Tokyo? Is it worth having a look at capsule hotels if all I'm looking for is somewhere to crash at the end of the day?

Is there an equivalent word for "wasted", "sloshed etc in Japanese? A fun word that's equivalent to drunk?

>>1175581
超酔っ払い

>>1175438
I'm planning on staying in the states for one more year just to see if I can get an office job that won't feel soul-crushing (I don't have high hopes). After that, I most definitely will look for an english-teaching jobs. I don't care much to have a job that pays a lot of money. I just want to explore my passion, which is language. The thought of being in a foreign country completely immersed in it's language all the while learning it gives me a boner. And teaching english sounds pretty cool I guess...

>>1175595
friend of mine here teaches english and he makes bank every week.

Altough be prepared to get treated like crap in terms of working hours and treatment from JP teachers in the same area

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Slowly finishing up my itinerary, gonna be there for 2 months Dec-Feb avoiding that 39C/102F degree in Australia over the summer.
I hope you're all excited for your holidays!

>>1175598
what would you define as bank?

>>1175600
Where are you from in Aus? I will also be in Japan in feb (Melbourne here)

>>1175598
That's odd. I've read from most posters on this board that work hours range from 20-40 per week. I've heard about shit treatment, but I honestly don't know how severe it is. If it's people that just don't give a shit about me, then I can probably handle that, but anything more aggressive would be quite annoying. Elaborate, please.

>>1175610
I'm a Perth boy, the weather here has been fucking awful. Like we had 28 over the weekend and now it's cold af

>>1175617
Please, perth is warm always compared to melbournes bullshit. We had rain, sunshine and 25 to 10 in one day. Also hail.

>>1175600
Wew lad I'm coming in from Sydney during almost the same time.

Do the Japanese xray check in luggage upon arrival in the country?

>>1175382
they ran the dogs by me every 30 seconds while i was in the airport

>>1175656
What? No. Does anyone do this? Bags are xrayed at the outgoing airport. What would be the need?

>>1175679
I could see it in the US - a fair amount of major smuggling ploys have an insider in the airport, for example by the x-ray machine or on the baggage loading crew.
Not only isn't Japan as paranoid and terrorism-threatened a place, though, the US and South Korea are also watching very intently to make sure they don't get too protectionist. If they upped their border security now, the Korean presses would be churning out nothing but racism proclamations for months.

>>1175679
Why should you trust another country's standards?

>>1175684
Why are you asking?

Hello everyone, small question here.

I'm extensively planning my trip to Tokyo next month and I'm making walking maps of everywhere I want to go. I was just wondering how common it is for tourist attractions to be signposted? For example, it's a ten minute walk between Sensoji Temple and the nearest train station. Would I expect to see signs between them? It'd just be a nice sign that I'm on the right track.

>>1175691
You will see signs everywhere. In most cities you will come across a city map at large intersections. Just keep in mind not all maps are pointing north, check the compass posted on the map to help get your bearings.

>>1175691
Google Maps and a power bank my friend.

>>1175695
That's great news, thank you.

>>1175696
I have both of those sorted thankfully, I'm just being neurotic and hoping that I'll see signs of reassurance that I'm on the right track while reading from my maps.

>>1175695
Making maps that aren't oriented north-up should be a criminal offense.

Australian here. Got a few questions; mainly about going out and such.

1. Places you'd recommend for clubbing/what's the seccie's (security guard) procedure for checking foreigner id? Me and my mates aren't 21.

2. Is language a huge barrier for hooking up with Japanese Girls at clubs etc?

Thanks in advance

>>1175706
Fucking Christ m8, you're a walking cliche.

But anyway...

1. Legal age is 20 in Japan, not 21. Expect clubs to card. Convenience stores and izakayas generally will not card foreigners. (I mean unless you look like a really fucking baby face young cunt or actually are). But clubs most likely will card.

2. You certainly can't say it's not at all an issue. Shibuya and Roppongi are the club spots and of them you might as well just stick to Roppongi. Higher chance of gaijin hunters added to the fact that Roppongi is actually just better than Shibuya for clubs anyway. The clubs play better, newer music and in Shibuya it seems like the girls tend to go in groups dance with their friends.

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>>1175706
Hello

>>1175717
I was 18/19 and showed my passport at a club. They couldn't read it or didn't give a shit and let me in, so being underage isn't really an issue.

Anyone else going in November? My buddy and I are going and we wouldn't mind hanging out.

>>1175489
Thank you for all the advice.
>They were native English speakers with no pedagogic experience at all
That's good, I'm not a native english speaker too. Would you say there is a demand for german teachers?

>If you're on the Line group I may be able to give you the contact of were I stayed and worked with
Thanks for the great offer and I will probably contact you as soon as I worked out my plan. Right now it seems like I wont go to Japan before january anyway, so I still have some time left.

Do you speak japanese?

>>1175551
no, go to a hostel

>>1175695
Also keep in mind distances given may be "slightly" inaccurate or may not reflect actual walking distance but rather a straight line to your target.
I still remember that 2-hour ordeal trekking through Izukogen which was supposedly only 1.7 km or something.

Travelling to Japan in the middle of next month for the first time. How much cash should I take? All my accomodation and travel is already paid for, so I just need to budget for food and other essentials, plus spending money of souveneris of course. I'm going for ten days? I'm British so getting the sum in £ of Yen would be good. Is £500 enough?

Also, I hear that cash payments for pretty much everything are the norm in Japan. Should I have all my spending money in cash or take some and reserve the rest on a card or what?

>>1175798
cheers

Whats the best japanese soda to create highballs with? Im using Hakushu whiskey.

Going to Japan in a month for 2 weeks.
Booked a flight to Tokyo nothing else. Is Airbnb or Hostel better? All I wanna do is see Japan and act out my favourite hentai with japanese chicks. Any sight seeing tips or what to do in my free time?

>>1175837
I just used the atm in 7-11 for money

>>1175837
I went for a week just before "Brexit" fucked the currency for us, first time in Japan.. Looking at the rate at the time, I averaged 15,000 yen per day. That's transport. food (I ate very cheaply), gifts, and for me mostly beer (drank very heavily in bars every night I was there).
So at the current rate, £500 will get you around 60,000 Yen? If you don't really drink, you'll probably do fine. I'm going back to Tokyo for 6 days in a few months, and (excluding flights and accommodation) I'm taking £800 / 100,000 Yen.
Really, it depends on what you're planning on doing and what you hope to get out of your trip. Feel free to ask any questions, happy to help.

>>1175837
Also, I took all my spending money in cash. Changed it in the UK before I left. Make sure you inform your bank so you ca use your card as a backup.

>>1175861
Is this bait?

Why would you water down a perfectly good single malt whiskey to oblivion (or worse, ruin it with sugar water)?

At 43%, it only needs a few drops of water at best, and probably not even that.

>>1175866
You can probably find a private room on airbnb for a comparable price to a hostel dorm shared with 7 other smelly travelers.

>>1175886
Some airbnb are also hostel like Aki cafe in hiroshima, Airbnb are okay, but sometimes on a Japan trip I just like to shake it up with expats at a hostel

>>1175866
Have just taken my Dad on a "train" trip, can recommend the Saitama train museum (1 shuttle stop) from Omiya station (next to Tokyo in Saitama).
Also if going to Osaka, try going up to Koya-san for a 1 day train trip.
Niigata actually looked good with some multi-lingual signage (which suprised me)

>>1175837
Cash is king. Also small Y1,000 or Y2,000 are best, no locals are breaking out Y5k or Y10k for taxis, 7-11s etc

What are some good day trips from Fukuoka?

I'm pretty sure I'll do Nagasaki even though it's a bit far, but what else is there?

>>1175885
I just love highballs its a very japanese drink that ive drunk all over japan. It has memories associated with the taste of the drink. I just wanted to know what the traditional soda water is for the drink.

>>1175266
Alright, I've sent you a mail with my LINE ID. Gotta love these rabbits and bears.

>>1175912
Yufuin
Beppu
Kitakyuushu

Further away:
Mt. Aso
Miyazaki

Highly recommend the North Kyuushu or Kyuushu rail passes if you're doing day trips from Fukuoka, if you don't have a JR pass already (the added bonus for the Kyuushu passes is that they can be purchased when you're already in Japan).

>>1175266
>>1175926
I sent it too.

>>1175939

Thanks that helps a lot. I won't be able to get the rail passes though because I'm here on a working holiday visa and I think you have to get the pass before coming to Japan and you have to be here on a "short term visa".

Of the trips you mentioned, which two are your favorite and what's your take on Nagasaki?

>book my trip to japan
>oh boy cant wait


>only have a basic idea on what im gonna do there

what should i do while im in tokyo? (gonna be staying near Setagaya) im up for anything

So I'm uh...not in the best shape. I know you have to walk a lot in Japan. Does anyone have any idea how many hours I'd be walking while I'm there? I've heard some say 5-6 hours every day, which isn't awful, but some also say 10-12 when visiting shrines and stuff and I'm worried.

>>1175992
get /fit/ boyy

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>>1175992
You go walking for as long as you want to.

>golden week prices
Christ now horrifying, if you look at the fare calculator in Google flights they just keep going up.

>>1175995
You should start walking and taking stairs now. You'll be walking a lot and using stairs, many places don't use elevators like in the US to get to the second floor instead they just walk up stairs, even with moderate sized luggage. When you get tired take a break at a restaurant. Remember to soak your feet at night. If you're female start exercising with squats so you don't die when you have to use a squat toilet.

>>1175881
>>1175883
Thanks so much! Yeah, current exchange rates looks to give me 60,000 Yen with £500. I don't plan on drinking that much, but I'll be with a tour group so there may be a few nights when we are.

Otherwise it is just money for food (don't intend on eating anywhere fancy, just what to sample some local food) and probably intracity transport. My travel between places is paid for, but I will be needing tickets for travel on the Tokyo subway etc. I assume. Then all my sightseeing is paid for already, so it's just gifts.

I'm prepared to take as much as I need really, I just don't know how much cash is appropriate to carry on me at any given time. I'm insured for £200 cash lost/stolen, but I'll carry it all with me if acquiring more when I'm there is going to be a lot of hassle.

My bank knows I'm going so I'll be taking my card too.

>>1176018
It's pretty common to carry large amounts of cash on you there so I'd just take the lot. I'd change a chunk more than you think you'll need, then change it back to £ at the airport before you leave Japan to get a decent rate (keep some for the airport shops to pick up any last minute gifts, there are a few good shops in Narita airport).

Pick up a Suica or Passmo card for transport in the city. Works just like an Oyster card, top it up and swipe it when you go through barriers at stations.

Food-wise, I was mostly on katsu curry and ramen in small affordable restaurants, gonna hit a bunch of cheap sushi places this time round.

Where in Japan are you going? Are you booked on a tour for your whole trip?

>>1176022
Okay, got it. I'll start with £500 and have my backup on a card. Are the Suica/Passmo cards available at stations? Are they just in Tokyo or in all the major cities?

I'm starting in Tokyo, then hitting up Hakone, Kyoto and leaving from Osaka. It's a bit of a whirlwind. I'm booked on the tour for most of the trip, but I have a few free days, mainly in Tokyo and Osaka.

>>1175727
>my anecdotal evidence means it's definitely not an issue

M8, they carded you regardless. Good chance the dude who inquired will perhaps get a bouncer who...isn't a jolly idiot who can't read Arabic numerals?

>>1175912
Kagoshima is possible, maybe Kumamoto to see the castle

Also remember reading this recently http://www.japan-guide.com/chottozeitaku/160823.html , probably nice in summer

>>1175727
18 year olds are allowed in clubs

>>1176029
I used a Pasmo, but I'm not sure if it works in other areas outside of Tokyo as I haven't been elsewhere. Definitely worth getting one or a Suica for Tokyo at least though, you can use it in convenience stores and vending machines too.

If you're looking for some cool shit in Tokyo, let me know and I can tell you where I hit.

>>1176010
that's why you don't travel during golden week

All I want is to go back, grab some shitty Japanese whiskey and walk through shibuya visiting places at night while waiting for my hungryness to hit a McDonald and eat some chokopotato

>>1176100
Tell me about dis cool shit

I got accepted to Todai for a graduate program. Even though the program in question isn't related to teaching do you think that it would help me land a job at a lesser Japanese post-secondary institute?

>>1176029
I went on a group trip for 3 weeks. Spent about 80-90k yen or so on local public transport fees and meals I think.
I mostly ate at cheap restaurants for about 700-1000 yen per meal (the tour guide was a penny pincher and pointed out the cheap and good ones). Didn't have a lot of alcohol, though - beers were around 500-600 yen in restaurants.
(If you want to drink, just get a six-pack at a supermarket - not a conbini - because that's where it's cheapest).

Is going alone a good option for your first time?

>>1176122
go ahead
>>1176149
teaching in Japanese?
>>1176160
no for your first time, you should normally do it with another person, alone it's just masturbation desu

>>1176066
>Kumamoto to see the castle
It'll take 20 years to repair the damage done to it in the earthquake in April.

>>1176160
Go ahead, you are not attached to anyone that way. It will be your itinerary. You will eat where you want to eat. Etc.
If you are afraid of it, get to a hostel, meet someone and hang out with him on your first days until you see how easy Japan is for moving around.

Hey guys, I need some advice

I'm going in 3 weeks with my gf. We're going for 2 weeks to try and get a sample of a few cities.

5 days Tokyo, 1 day Hakone, 2 days osaka, 3 days nagasaki, 4 days Kyoto (and surrounding region).

Any general tips of cool stuff to check out? We're both young professionals who enjoy hanging out, good food and drinking beer. We're not weebs and aren't heaps caught up in exploring temples. We'll probably look at one or two but wouldn't spend our entire time looking at touristy stuff.

We've got accommodation booked (via Airbnb) and have a 14 day JR pass. Other hot tips to organise beforehand?

>>1175255
>A few nights ago I was seeing 25000 yen which is under 200 pounds at some love hotels

Fuck, that's kind of pricey for the skinny ones... how many yen for a woman over 200 pounds?

>>1176245
how about you lurk more, buddy

variations of this same question have been asked in the general since time immemorial

>>1176257

How about:

>>1174950
>As always, feel free to ask about:
>>Traveling to Japan

>>1176258
how about you check the archives instead of asking to be spoonfed, friend.

>>1176260
I've tried - no luck

Plus I'm after more recent information. Such a large and rapidly changing country would vary so quickly.

>>1176011
I already am. I make sure to get at least an hour of walking in a day total, or about 5000 steps. I plan to double that come November, then triple it in December.

I can do this, i know I can!

>>1175505
That was funny, but it's a hoax

>>1176262
Theres literally been itineraries posted in several past posts so I beg to differ that youve "tried"

>>1176262
Fuck off, threads stay for like a week till they hit the bump limit, nothing gets old that fast besides your pitiful excuses. Do your homework and ask much more detailed questions

>>1176058
My point is they'll probably be fine. I've been to Japan plenty of times and never had an issue getting into a club or buying booze. Unless you show up in a school uniform looking 12, you won't have any problems.

>>1175368
damn, I'm going to be in New Zealand that week. I sit around Tokyo all year with no one to talk to and you fuckers manage to schedule this at one of the few, rare times that I'm not here.

>>1176312
I'm in New Zealand during that week. Planning on going to Japan next year, around the same time for some snowboarding.

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>>1176312
S-sorry, senpai

What kind of SCUBA diving is available in Japan? Or should I look at like Okinawa?

>>1176274
Sounds good! Good luck!

>>1176165
I'm not confident enough to teach in Japanese at the college level. Probably be looking for any research positions or English lecturing potions.

>>1176322
Okinawa would be the best place for that. Most of the beaches in Japan are kinda gross. Okinawa has gorgeous water and cool fish. I didn't scuba there but my roommate did and he said it was amazing.

>>1176322
OKinawa is the best as it has plenty of operators who speak english and have english websites.

>>1176312
>not being in Tokyo for winter comiket
You brought it on yourself.

>>1175336
Most people have sticks up their arses in this general

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Hello folks. My question's a little more tricky than the usual 'What're the girls like in x?", but I'd appreciate any and all help.

I'm planning my trip to Tokyo and it includes a day trip to Hakone. I'm planning to do the round trip in one day so I'm planning out all the modes of transport. I'd like to walk from Hakone-machi to Moto-Hakone as the route looks beautiful in pictures and there are some neat things to see. However, Google Maps isn't making things easy for me.

The big red mark is where I'll be landing in Hakone-machi, but I'm having trouble finding the Hakone Checkpoint and Cedar Avenue on the map. Would it be around those thin white lines?

>>1176406
are you going by boat? just follow the people. But generally, hakone checkpoint is where those 3 marks right above the point you marked are.

The cedar forest is somewhere between the park and the yellow road

>>1176406
check japan-guide
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5205.html

Do I need travel insurance?

I'm taking a 2 week trip with no checked baggage, just a backpack. All accommodations will be booked beforehand.

>>1176410
Yep, I'm going by boat. I guessed that the red mark is where the boat is landing, then I clicked on it on Google Maps and it's showed as a boat. That's a good sign!

I did a bit more reading and the three dots are indeed the Hakone Checkpoint, so thank you for that. I'm hoping I can walk through it to get to Cedar Avenue, then travel to Hakone Shrine.

>>1176412
Oh cool, looks like Cedar Avenue runs parallel to the traditional path to get to Moto-Hakone. Thank you!

>>1176440
I'm not sure about where you live, but I booked travel insurance in the UK and it was relatively cheap. It covered a range of things from medical bills to missing your flight. It's up to you, but I'm glad I got it.

So, I will be in Tokyo for eight nights in November. I found a well-priced airbnb room near an area I thought I'd like, close to Akihabara.

Upon further research, however, I'm finding that the area I'm staying in seems quite dead at night, at least according to guide books and wikitravel.

I'm not much of a party-person, and I know there is Shinjuku and Shibuya to hang out in at night, but I'm just wondering...

Is there much to do at night in the Akihabara/Ueno area? I'm not sure I would want to make a rush to the subway from Shin/Shib every night with thousands of others.

And how late do arcades usually stay open til?

I ask here because many of you seem to be quite knowledgeable about Tokyo.

Also, I wonder...is there any sort of discussion or public push in Tokyo for the subway system to run later? At least on some lines? The fact that the subway closes at midnight in a city of 8 million seems kinda ridiculous to me...I'm sure at least some Tokyo residents feel similarly.

>>1176469
I can't help with most of that because I haven't been on my Tokyo trip yet (still preparing), but arcades will stay open until 12am according to Japanese laws.

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Also, for those who have seen it, Tampopo takes place in Osaka, right?

>>1176440
You could get one for real cheap and it would cover a large range of situations.

For those of you who've stayed ~1 or 2 months in Tokyo, how did you maximise your time there so as not to regret wasting your time?

>In Tokyo right now
>Figure I'd try out an escort while here.
>Pay for one hour, maid costume
>Shes fucking 9/10 and looks like a 20 year old
>Can only last 5 minutes because this is literally a fantasy of mine

At least she stayed for the full amount of time.

>>1176579
how much was it?

did you feel scummy afterwards paying for sex

>>1176590
15k Yen

And no, I don't feel scummy because to get the same experience I'd have to find an asian girlfriend in Canada whos willing to dress up as an Anime style french maid aka good luck.

>>1176570
>1 or 2 months in tokyo

Tokyo isn't even worth a week. 4 days at most. Take the train somewhere else like Osaka or Fukuoka. Tokyo is only one part of Japan and honestly not very representative of the country as a whole.

>>1176600
Money is tight so I can't afford to be moving around too much to begin with. I will check out more places after a few weeks though.

I've got friends in Tokyo anyway so it's not like I'll be without things to do.

>>1176579
What did you do for the rest of the hour?

If you didn't at least role-play being sick while she cooked in the kitchen then I don't know what to say.

>>1176579
Out of curiosity, which place did you go to?

Bet she wasn't a 9/10 (the whole fantasy aspect is clouding your judgement) but you can definitely get cute girls for sure.

There used to be a guy on these threads who would parrot the same meme about foreigners only having access to old Korean or Chinese ladies.

>>1176600
>Tokyo isn't even worth a week.
>Tokyo is only one part of Japan and honestly not very representative of the country as a whole.

Fucking Osaka boos. Dude, just stop talking.

>>1176469
There's not much to do at Akiba at night. The arcades close between midnight to 1 a.m. iirc; trains generally stop running a little after midnight depending on what line your'e taking. If you want to be able to walk home after a night of drinking, Shinjuku and Shibuya are your best bet. Or, you can do it the Japanese way and just stay out all night until the trains start running again in the morning.

>>1176469
The fact that the subway closes at midnight in a city of 8 million seems kinda ridiculous to me

9.2 million for the special wards alone. Including west Tokyo it's more like 11 million. And generally the subways run until 12:40, not 12.

>>1176570
I've spent a month there. The nice thing about that is that you don't actually have to force yourself to follow some itinerary like you would if you do city hopping. If there was a day where I just went to the local Konbini to buy some food + drinks and stay at home all day, I did that (only once or twice though) without feeling guilty about it.

That said, I made a list of places I would like to visit beforehand and then just decided spontaneously (unless there was an event like a Hanami or Natsuket or something)

>>1176603

>
There used to be a guy on these threads who would parrot the same meme about foreigners only having access to old Korean or Chinese ladies.

Probably the same bitter expat pushing the "Japanese girls aren't easy for foreigners" meme.

Some people just get off on disinformation.

>>1176602
Role play and a body message.

She had decent English which made it a bit interesting.

>>1176603
To be honest, I could not tell you where we went since she led the way to the love hotel. (Which was extra on top of the cost above but worth it)

She was certainly 9/10 for me with the maid outfit on. It was "Rei" from the Arcadia agency if you want to know.

>>1176600
Dude, I've been to like 60 countries and Tokyo, hands down, is the least boring city in the world. Sure, it has its issues, but there's so much to do here!

Give me one reason why I shouldn't eat McDonald's and 7-11 sandwiches for every meal if I don't give a shit about food quality.

>>1176658
Because there are a lot of other things, for example variety and nutrition, to worry about.
Trust me, going for even three days on nothing but McD's is not pleasant. You will feel it if you haven't been eating properly, and it won't kill you, but it'll cut into your surplus and make your mood worse.
Even a bottle of mugicha and a CalorieMate bar on top of a 7-11 bento is better. You might not need as many vitamins and minerals in your diet as shrieking dietologists on TV-Shop tell you, but if you go day in and day out on sandwiches and burgers, you will get knackered and it will happen fast.
Eat the side dishes, pop into local restaurants when you feel hungry instead of waiting for perhaps hours for a McDonald's meal, and you should get enough variety.

>>1176658
for the same reason why you shouldn't eat McDonald's and 7-11 for every meal at home

>>1176658
it's your colon, idgaf

>>1176600
>Tokyo isn't even worth a week. 4 days at most.
What the fuck. I've been living here for almost 3 years and I still find something new every weekend.

>>1176658
Give me one reason someone should care about that

>>1176698
The topic seems to be controversial.

I'm going to have $13,000 by the time I get my associate's degree at community college

Is it unheard of to transfer to a japanese university to complete my bachelor's? Or is that only possible with a bachelor's > master's?

$13,000 isn't enough for 4 years at a japan uni but two years, maybe

>>1176726
You can always spend a semester abroad but your degree will still be from your actual college. If you really want to switch to a japanese university it's much harder but could work I guess. I don't know about their grade system and if they could easily see how many credits you already have.
I'd say it's easier to just do a semester in japan and maybe complete your masters there, at least that's what most people do and what the universities are used to.

>>1176727
The semester in japan doesn't quite work for someone planning to eventually move to japan though.

Getting a nip degree really is the safest route in the nip jobsearch down the line.

>>1176729
Then I would switch for the masters programm. I switched universities too (stayed in the same field). It was so much trouble and paperwork. And I didn't even move to another country.
How many semesters are you into your bachelor if I may ask? Unless you have like 2 years left I'd say you could finish this at your current college. And do you actually want to do a master afterwards? If not a a bachelor in japan is the only way to work there you should of course go there asap.

>>1176665
711 onigiri is pretty good for 100 yen. Also subway here is godly. THe chicken teriyaki is off the hook.

>>1176730
If not and a bachelor in japan is the only way to work there you should of course go there asap.

>>1176730
>>1176732
I need to find out is transferring from associate's and completing bachelor's degree in Japan will work

Need to find out if my credits will transfer. Given i'm in some shitty community college, unlikely.

I really need Hillary Clinton to get elected Nov. 8, she will make public colleges tuition free in America making this fucking transition less of a shithole

>>1176730
Sorry I forgot to answer your question

My community college ONLY does Associate's. Doesn't offer bachelor's programs, but it has a program for transferring to a college that does do bachelor's

That actual bachelor's uni should ideally be one that teaches Japanese.

>>1176736
Oh sorry, now I get it. I'm from europe so don't really know about the community colleges or associate degrees you guys have. Even the bachelor/master system is fairly new to us.
I wish you good luck though, I might try to at least spend one semester in Japan.

>>1176738
the hell Americans face with is the bachelor's degree

associate's degree is piss easy to get in America. Most community colleges are only $1,500/semester which is covered by federal grants. So you can usually get your associate's degree for free.

Bachelor's is where the hike starts, which comes to around $20,000/semester

>>1176742
>$20,000/semester
Holy hell, it always baffles me whenever I hear this. I would never be able to go to university if we didn't have pretty much free education in germanistan (I pay like 150 euros/semester). Japan is pretty expensive too but nothing compared to some american colleges. Not sure if I can even afford a semester/master in Japan, if not I'll try to use this erasmus program we have for the EU.

>>1176742
>Bachelor's is where the hike starts, which comes to around $20,000/semester

This depends heavily on your degree and school. I got my bachelors in Computer Science for $3k-3.5k/semester, depending on how many classes I took each one. That's before factoring in any financial aid/grants/scholarships. $20k is fucking Ivy League/private university shit.

>>1176761
my associate's degree is in computer science, but i'm wondering if a computer science degree will even get me anywhere in japan

http://www.uni.international.mext.go.jp/

this government website does not list computer science as a course recognized in japan for foreign students, so i'm not sure.

>>1176681
Just a fucking Osakaboo spouting memes. The "Tokyo is not the real Japan" meme kills me every time.

>>1176616
I mean, yeah, as a foreigner, 95% of mizu shobai is off limits to you, but still, it's not that stuff isn't available. One need only look at the two links constantly posted in the OP of these threads to see that. Not into pros myself, but yeah. That's the reality.

>Probably the same bitter expat pushing the "Japanese girls aren't easy for foreigners" meme

Well I get what you mean, but there IS some nuance to be understood there. Because as we all know, another very prominent meme is the "If you are white the girls will throw themselves on you; even ugly nerdy guys get gorgeous girls" meme.

Obviously untrue.

>Some people just get off on disinformation

Anyone remember the guy saying that there is only a small percentage of Japanese girls into foreigners and that most foreigners have banged the same girls and it's like a small community?

Or was he on the /int/ Japan threads... I forget. Unbelievable. I think he was a Taiwanese weeaboo though.

>>1176763
An associates degree will get you nowhere in life anywhere

Beard or no beard in Japan? How's it generally looked upon?

>>1174950
How do I join the Yakuza and become an Anime?

>>1176821
cut off your finger and put it in a mailbox

they'll know what to do

>>1176822
Ok done.
Wait do I have to be in Japan for this to work?
I put it inside my mailbox.

>>1176825
put a few extra stamps on it and you'll be fine

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>>1176811
like this

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>>1176828
lold

>>1176807
that wasn't what i meant and you know it

>>1176811
You're a foreigner with or without the beard.

>>1176855
An associates degree does little to strengthen your resume outside of the lowest tier of colleges, which would not accept foreigners (speaking of Japan and the United States), and low level employment, such as McDonalds and Staples.

Different anon, same cold truth. An associates degree is only worth being able to say you don't have no education.

>>1176811
>>1176860
This, the japs don't care about how you look. they care about the fact that you're not a jap.

>>1176862
what if you're SEA?

>>1176861
I'm not saying an associate's degree is useless

I'm saying a bachelor's degree in computer science might be useless in Japan.

I'm trying to decide which bachelor's i'm shooting for.

Hey dude in the Line chat, chill the fuck out. Nobody needs to see your photos/see your posts every 2 fucking minutes.

>>1176868
I wasn't added yet, what happened?

>>1176865
I know quite a lot of people over there who are in the IT business

I'd say it's probably the 2nd most likely position you would get in the country, besides teaching English (and Chinese sex slave, but lets stick to legal professions)

>>1176878
Fucking sperglord who posts like every 2 minutes, day and night. Only time my phone ain't blowing up is when the nigga sleeps. Even if no one else is on, nigga is posting.

Had a look at the sticky, and think I have a semi-decent impression of what to expect for my virgin trip.

Could anyone point out any glaring mistakes in my itinerary for my sadly only two weeks, starting on Monday?

-3 days-ish in Tokyo, before using the JRP to go
-Approx. 2 days in Kyoto
-Either day trip to Nara, or an overnight there
-Go from Kyoto straight through Tokyo on the way to Nikko
-Stay in some ryokan in Nikko for a night, to see some autumn leaves and stuff and leave back to Tokyo the afternoon after (recs for cheap-ish ryokans in Nikko much appreciated)
-Spend the rest of the trip in Tokyo, maybe making a 1 or 2 day trip to Oigawa for the railway, or Hakone

Sorry if it's a bit messy, it's just a rough draft I wrote up

>>1175215
>whats New years like in Japan
Beautiful lights all over the city.
They don't work for 3 days.
A lot of people goes to the country side or other cities to visit their relatives. (I'll go with my girlfriend to Nagoya)
I went to Akihabara and I saw almost every store closed, but they were selling games and figurines in the street.

>>1176936
I can recommend spending the day in Nikko then going up to the lakeside hotel for the night (if they're done with the renovation). Location, food and the hotel is golden. Plus they have their own onsen with a view at lake Chuzenji

>>1176940
Cool, thanks. I had a quick look at it now, and it's well pricey tho.
I realize it's going to be hard to find a """cheap""" ryokan, but I was hoping to not go bankrupt on accomodation.

>>1176944
I'm planning on doing 2 nights at okunoin tokugawa nikko in april, but that may be a bit more than you want to spend. Everything I saw at Lake Chuzenji was pricey as well. IIRC from my research, turtle inn, nikko green fuwari, natural garden nikko, and hotel harumoto. I do not recall which all of these include half-board, you'll need to check that yourself.

>>1174950
whats the wierdest shit i can do in tokyo?

I have two short questions:

1) I have the Icoca Card for Kansai and will be in Fukuoka soon. Will the card also work there?

2) I will quite a bit of cash left over when I go back from Japan and I will exchange them for Euros. Should I rather do that in Japan or Europe?

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How many of you guys are or were JETs?

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>>1177004
>Icoca Card
Apparently it will work in Fukuoka.

>exchange
I always do it wherever I have the longest layover.

>>1177020
I'm not in JET, but I am an ALT.

>>1177020
Was JET for 2 years

>>1176993
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbt3GcN9r1w

>>1177045
How was it? Would you recommend applying? I hear a wide range of responses from it being great to it being the worst year of their life.

>>1177052
It really is what you make of it. You need to realize that you're not there to "teach English" but provide a change to their daily grind. Any person can recite vocab words and grade assignments, but your role there is to encourage them to keep at it and possibly use it in their future. That's something JET doesn't really tell you and it's thought that we're actually English teachers (when, in fact, we are just people who happen to speak English).

If you want to live in Japan for 1-5 years and travel the world, I would totally recommend applying.Just keep in mind you either accept where they put you (which can be anywhere from middle of Tokyo to bumfuck nowhere) or they'll move onto the next willing applicant.

Personally, I had mixed feelings. My first year was shit as the English teachers were incompetent and my predecessor left a bad taste in their mouth which resulted in them disliking me from the start. They got shuffled around and I got brand new teachers who were saints in comparison. Even after 2 years, though, I was still the anomaly in the office no matter how good my Japanese was. I had a much better time with the little kids since it was all games and fun, but middle school was draining since their education system is retarded and you're essentially forced to abide.

However, the work is piss easy and you have loads of free time. My rent and utilities never went over 200USD per month so I had tons of disposable income, but since I was in the sticks, I saved for the weekend.

It's also a great time to study/pick up a new hobby or interest since you'll have a lot of free time. The people who had a bad time there were most likely treated like shit at work and/or couldn't adapt to living in a country that was so different than theirs. Once you learn where you stand, it's much easier. Basically, act first and if you're doing something wrong, they'll tell you. Don't ever ask to do something because almost 100% of the time, they'll shut it down.

Just curious if anyone can answer some of my questions here.

Been planning to go to Japanese for awhile at the end of December for about 2 weeks. I've looked on Air Japan, Kayak, Travelpirate, and some other places and the prices right now seem to be around $700. Does that seem about right or is there someplace everyone else here uses that might be better?

Also, people are saying to have a lot of cash on you in Japan, but would I get by using my Mastercard mostly and just taking out money from ATM's when I need it? (my bank doesn't have very high fees for foreign transactions; 1.10% on transactions and $1.50 for taking out cash)

>>1177064
$700 round trip? That's really good. Doubt you'll find much cheaper. I usually see tickets around 1k or more.

I would change cash at the bank once you're there or do it before you go over. They generally don't use cards over there and you may have trouble at the ATMs sometimes. I've seen realy poor English on those things and the process was more of a pain than anything. You won't have to worry about theft really so just bring the cash beforehand.

>>1177064
im paying about 1500 round trip for around the same time (dec 16 to jan 3) so yeah

>>1177064
>>1177067
>>1177069
>tfw I got a round trip for $400AUD.

That was a hell of a deal with a free return ticket, though; $700 is also really cheap and I'd snap that up while you can, anon.

>>1177067
Alright, cool. I'll definitely pick it up ASAP. This Monday is when I will buy it I just hope that it doesn't go up in-between now and then :X

Trouble with ATM's as in mainly understanding? I know some Japanese (2 years college) but kanji is a weak point. Other than that if the ATMs work fine over there with my card which I would imagine they should I don't really want to take out like $2000 or so in cash because that'd be kind of scary :x. Do you think it'd be that much more of a pain to just withdraw money when I needed it rather than get it all exchanged beforehand?

>>1177069
Ah, I see. Maybe it's so high for you because of the holidays. I don't think my family (or my friend's) would like it if we left before Christmas so in some ways I guess that helps me.

>>1177070
Yeah, $700 really doesn't seem too bad to me, so that's good.

>>1177070
how'd you get that deal? the only thing that stopped me from going to japan earlier was plane ticket prices

>>1177070
Which dates you get lad? Fuck me I would've taken something like that too if I weren't traveling around Christmas.

>>1177071
If you know Japanese you should be fine. I had a problem where the area of Japan I was in wouldn't let me withdraw cash from an ATM after a certain time. Doubt that's the case in a major city, but it's something to be weary of. Almost fucked me real bad too.

>>1177072
Not that anon but also aussie, Jetstar do return free sales a few times a year. I booked my next trip with the same deal.

>>1177075
too bad im a burger :'(

>>1177074
Oh, that's interesting. I'll make sure to look into when certain ATM's are useable if they do that where I am. Thanks.

Another Aussie here can confirm the cheap flights with jetstar. I went last year but not for 400 return. I was really looking forward to going back this year but unfortunately im undergoing chemo therapy and obviously cant go. Pretty devo when i saw how cheap the flights were. Japan is a fantstic place to visit and i hope to return soon

How cold is it in Japan during late december, early january?

>>1177048
cheers anon

>>1177064
>but would I get by using my Mastercard mostly and just taking out money from ATM's when I need it? (my bank doesn't have very high fees for foreign transactions; 1.10% on transactions and $1.50 for taking out cash)

Is that including the atm owners fee? Because IIRC, most banks will not charge you or only charge you a bit for using ATMs not in their network, but the network the ATM is in may charge you 5$ or so per withdrawal. Charles Schwab checking account is the only one that I know of that refunds all ATM fees, even those charged by ATM owner, at the end of each month. The debit card for the account also has no foreign transaction fees as well. You can also pick up a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Some, like capitalone quicksilver, are pretty easy to get. Why pay the ATM fees and forex fees when you don't have to?

Which bank is the easier to get a debit account + debit card? I'll have a working vise for at least a year (probably longer) as an expat and would like to get all my salary transferred to this new account.

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for those that live in japan, how long did it take to get your weeb fantasies crushed? (asking for a friend)

>>1177131
Well, that would depend a lot on your expectations in the first place, wouldn't it? I'm six years in and doing just fine, but I had fairly realistic expectations.

>>1176864
which one

>>1177135
flip

>>1177052
I'm currently a JET, one of the new one this year and I echo what >>1177060 says. I live in the countryside and its not too bad and I've already been given a lot of oppurtunities to travel around Japan. Also that guy is right pick up a new hobby or something because If you are especially placed in the country side you'll have so much free time.

>>1177131
I set my expectations low because I'd rather be satisfied with being right over having my dreams crushed and I was mostly pleasantly surprised. Plus I already knew what it's like to move to another country.

Is it possible for me to get a pocket wifi at Narita as soon as I arrive or do I need to order one?

>>1177142
Yep, they're all over. I rented mine from the hotel I stayed at, but I was able to return it to the "Global WiFi" counter at Narita terminal 1.

>>1174950
I'm planning on going to Tokyo to visit a university friend ~ 20th Dec to 7th January, travelling from London.

When looking at skyscanner I'm finding fluctuations in the prices of around 30% depending on when I have looked, has anyone madet this journey or know how much I should expect to pay? I can't find a straight answer anywhere I've looked.

I've been seeing ~£400 to £600 for flights with stopovers and £600 to £800 for direct flights.

Halloween in Shibuya is crazy. Japanese girls coming at me from every angle asking for photos.

Halloween in Roppongi sucks. Black people coming at me from every angle asking me to follow them to some bar or club or back alley.

>>1177186
how is it going to be there tomorrow? I mean I guess all the party was on the weekend, but what about actual Halloween?

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I miss Japan, I wish I could work there. Unfortunately, I doubt there is any need for a maintenance person in Japan.

It was a great country, one of the nicest I've been to.

>>1177156
If you're getting a £600 non-stop return, I'd jump on it if you can afford that bit extra. I had a stopover in Amsterdam for £420 return earlier this year, which wasn't a huge inconvenience, but shaving 3+ hours off the trip would have been worth it for me.
Just booked for early next year and I'm paying £515, still stopping in Amsterdam though as I had to travel on specific dates. I'm not entirely sure why it was near £100 more, same airline at (what I assume is) a quieter time of year.

I like Skyscanner, but found Google Flights to be pretty great. Might be worth a look.

>>1177186
Halloween in Shibuya blows, theres way too many people and you can't move. Halloween in Roppongi is far superior since its a lot of people, girls are still dressed half naked, but you can actually move around

Im sorry your halloween was ruined because a black guy talked to you

>>1177228
>Amsterdam flight
>420

kek

>>1177114
Oh, thanks. I'll definitely look into this. There's a Charles Schwab near me so I'll go there relatively soon to try to get a checking account there.

So my friend and I are planning to use Airbnb for our accommodations throughout our Japan stay. I've heard both good and bad things, though, and also that it's kind of illegal in Japan.

What would you guys with Airbnb experience say on whether it's worth it to book through Airbnb or just another hotel? Is the price variance enough to justify the perhaps sketchy stay at someone's house?

And also say if we were to somehow like get kicked out in the middle of part of our stay in Tokyo and needed somewhere to crash for a night or two, how expensive and easy is it to find a non-booked hotel the night of?

>>1177245
I used AirBnB for a place in Tokyo, which was pretty great. Although it wasn't really someone's house, it was more like 2 floors of an apartment building converted into a hostel with individual rooms.

Okay this is a stretch but I was a on Delta to and from Tokyo a month or so ago and saw this Japanese travel program on the inflight entertainment system where a maiko in a purple yukata introduced foods of interest in some city to an unseen, slightly creepy male narrator. In this case there were two episodes about a really old konpeito maker and historical mackerel noodle joint. But like an idiot, I forgot all of the names and locations and even the type of noodle.

Anyone know what I'm on about and could direct me to more info?

>>1177268
*on Delta flights

mobile browser lag sorry

>>1177084
Hope you get better anon, you sure will.

>>1177227
Working in Japan /= vacationing in Japan. This is the biggest misconception people have. Just because the Japs are all smiles and nice when you're here for 2 weeks doesn't mean they'll treat you the same when you land a job and have to actually work with them. Their life is full of red tape and bullshit.

>>1174950
i did some math and research, does $6,220 sound like enough for just the basics in japan for a week for 2 people?

>>1177343
such as food, train pass, hotel, and plan tickets

>>1177345

Damn nigga, you got some bad math or you're staying in a ritzy hotel.

>>1177333
They weren't smiles and nice to me at all, anon. That's actually part of what I liked about it.

I just liked Hokkaido, and how clean, quiet, and respectable things were. I live in shithole Philadelphia. I'm constantly surrounded by heroin addicts, crime, filth, bad drivers, rude people.

I know that nothing is like what we imagine it to be. But I really did enjoy that I never had to worry that I would be killed on the way to get food. Nobody hassled me on the train. There weren't people walking around like zombies, waiting for their next hit.

>>1177189
Probably the same, I bet.

>>1177231
Roppongi felt empty and there were hardly anyone in costume. Shibuya felt like a party on the street.

I hate those fucking black people that the clubs hire to herd white people away from their money. Fucking leave me alone.

>>1177348
yeah chose a big hotel in Tokyo

>>1177350
So your reasoning is

>I want to live in Japan because I choose to live in a shitty part of Philly

>>1177351
Pretty much all of the actual clubs these days are legit, you only lose your money if you goto a hostess bar. Since you're probably not the type to have Japanese friends or speak Japanese you probably don't notice the tons of Japanese girls doing the exact same thing for all the girls bars. Its a Japanese advertising technique, you just don't like it because its black people

>>1177359
Really the only crappy part about actually living in Japan is the working. Whether you are a tourist or just visiting most of the day to day stuff is actually better. Although if you're white you'll find the racism against you for things like getting a credit card, an apartment, etc shocking but the rules are evenly applied so its refreshing and pretty light if you aren't white

>>1177359
>implying skin color has anything to do with those fuckers being aggressive assholes

Not that anon, but those Nigerians are shady and annoying. I don't know why you brought race into it as if them being black somehow excuses their poor behavior. They aren't known for being welcoming and showing you a good time. They're known for suckering you in, overcharging, and then strong arming you into paying for something they advertised as much cheaper. I've even heard stories of them drugging patrons and running up a bill on their card. If they didn't bring it upon themselves, no one would have a problem, but alas they maintain the stereotype which you equate to anon being a racist when you're the one blinded by race being a factor in their actions

>>1177359
>you just don't like it because its black people
I'm not worried about getting scammed, and I don't hate black people, I hate being lied to and I hate pop up ads. That's what they are, human pop up ads.

>Hello, hello, my friend. Let me step out in front of you to block your path and hold out my hand for a polite handshake. If you do shake my hand, though, I wont let go! Do you like my Kenyan or Batwsanaian accent? You look gullible and stupid and rich, so let me tell you about this fantastic place which certainly doesn't pay me commission for every foreigner I bring in. Do you like Japanese girls? I know a place with lots of Japanese girls. We will get Japanese girls together! Oh, you see Japanese girls every fucking day? Come with me and I will introduce you to the manager, I promise I wont abandon you as soon as I push you through the door to go look for more foreigners! If you ignore my skeezy marketing tactics it is you who are the asshole, my friend! Oh, don't walk away, please! I will follow you! Follow you for half a block if I have to! Please, where are you going? Are you lost? Tell me what you're looking for! Come with me!

Now imagine this interaction happening every thirty seconds. I feel like I'm in New York dealing with the homeless. They're your best buddy until they realize you won't give them your money.

>>1177355

That should be fine, then. What's the total cost of the hotel (since you obviously can calculate that in advance)?

>>1177359

>you just don't like it because its black people

That's a good reason though. I came to Japan to deal with Japanese, not niggers. If I wanted that I would have stayed in Chicongo.

>>1177367
W-aramis (Adult Only)

>>1177356
All of philly is shitty. Most us cities are shitty.

Anyone know any interesting places to road trip to in Hokkaido? I'll be there in January (with a car wew). at the moment we're just thinking of scouring around for outdoor onsens

>>1177370
Why're you staying in a love hotel lol

>>1177363
>im a beta who thinks with my dick and doesnt know how to say no

>>1177468
These people are paid to bother you until you give in for "just one drink". It doesn't matter jack shit to them if you want to go there or not, because once you're in the door, they've got you where they want you.
Try "saying no in the right way" when they're literally stopping just short of assault. They'll follow you for ages, physically block you from leaving and harass you loudly until you come along because you're causing a mess.
Imagine that a big black guy comes out in front of you and starts hassling you. They do not punch or shove you, but they're paid to bother you until you give in and will get in front of you, try to take your hand, shout after you and generally hassle you for fifteen minutes and up.
Are you going to walk them all the way to the police box and try to get them arrested for sticking to you? Are you going to shove them away, thus getting their colleagues around you to call the police on you?
Tell me what you do, oh almighty alpha male.

>>1177436
Each city is shitty for its own reason. Just because you "won't get shot" walking down a street in Tokyo doesn't mean it's an ideal place to live. That is unless feeling entirely alienated from the rest of the country is something you're looking forward to.

>>1177476
you mean to tell me staring them dead in the eyes, saying "no, fuck off." and walking away leaves them with any recourse?

put on headphones, keep fucking walking

>>1177484
Not him but have you ever been there? They won't bat an eye even after that and will keep pestering you.

>>1177484
They'll keep their hands by their sides so as not to get busted for assault, but they'll get in front of you and physically block you. What will you do when that happens?

>>1177488
i'll do a funky chicken dance and bawk bawk away in my intended direction

your move

>>1177489
They're nigs, they love chicken.

Your move

>>1177481
I already feel alienated from my country, because I'm not a loud mouth, degenerate heroin addict. Why is it so unbelievable that I found Sapporo to be infinitely nicer than the shitty east coast cities ive lived in, and the ahitty west coast cities I've been to?

I'm not saying Japan is without problems, or that everyone will rise my dick, but I liked what I saw. I'm tired of the country I live in, 31 years is enough time for me to figure out what I want from a society and for myself.

if i stay the fuck away from roppongi at night, will i be free from the torment of nigerian scammers

i'm not white and i don't drink so i think my chances are good in general

>>1177481

>That is unless feeling entirely alienated from the rest of the country is something you're looking forward to.


Considering America's becoming a shithole filled with minorities and drug-addicts, I feel like I'd be even more alienated in my own country than in Japan.

>>1177467
Cause I'm trying to fuck

>>1177519
>>1177519
Yeah. I'm not white either, never went to roppongi and i ran into literally 1 nigerian scammer in my entire month there (in kabukicho, mind you). He said "excuse me my friend" like 3 times, i didn't make eye contact/respond, walked around him, then he went on to the next guy. On the other hand, I found the girls trying to rope me in for an overpriced handjob to be way more aggressive and on one occasion even had a random japanese dude walk up to me and whisper "sex?" into my ear.

Point is, in sleazy areas you'll run into sleazy people, whether nigerians *just so happen* to make you extra uncomfortable or not. The question is, are you the type to go to a porn website then bitch on 4chan about the malicious ads?

Any suggestions for things to do relating to automobiles or motorsports in Japan? I went to that place in Odaiba maybe 5 years ago. I had to cut my trip short so I'm now ending up missing Tokyo Auto Salon and want something to fill the void.

When is the best time to go to japan? Are the summers really unbearable? What about the winter? Is it too expensive and dead?

>>1176591
Is 15k like the average price for an escort? isn't that like 150 freedom dollars?

>>1177568
That seems like on the cheaper end in Japan.
Lurk and browse through Tokyo Adult Guide for a general idea of the prices.

>>1177539
I'm into cars too. I read there's some car meets there in parking garages and the Tokyo auto show is going on rn I believe

>>1177489
>>1177492
>>1177519
Any city that makes bank on Western tourists, you'll be hounded by the African dudes, it's a given in certain parts of town.
I got harassed when in Shinjuku at night. I said "no, I'm good" to the guy's bullshit. He kept responding "I know you're good, why won't you show me some love" etc, wouldn't stop, got more verbally aggressive and followed until we hit the next block, he only left me, as it was into the next black guys block, and he did the exact same shit.
It's annoying more than anything else, just repeat "no" and they'll eventually leave you alone. Don't let something stupid like this ruin your trip and put you off visiting.

>>1177590
Akiba UDX and Daikoku PA, but I don't think I would waste a day to go and look at parked cars. I'm looking for something more interactive hopefully with entertainment and food not sold out of a vending machine.

>>1177568
I actually got a discount because of Erolin so its more like 20k yen

Here comes the dead horse question

How feasible is to travel to japan without knowing a single word of japanese (actually I know a few phrases and basic sentence structure, but nowhere near something that I could depend upon).

Im single but not the adventurous type, I just want a comfy trip with lots of sightseeing and maybe some food and shopping.

>>1177634
moshii moshii and desu arent "a few phrases" anon

>>1177634
You can do it. A lot of things are written in roman letters, especially at train stations and tourist traps. Some restaurants have photo menus, so all you have to say is "kore wa oneigai shimas" while you point to it. "____ doko des ka?" is also a useful phrase.

Really, where you're going to be fucked is listening to other people. You might be able to ask for something, but will you understand their answer? And will they understand your atrocious accent?

>>1177566
Summer sucks. You go outside and immediately want to go back inside where there's air conditioning. In winter it's only dead for the last two weeks of December.

>>1177638

well fug :DDD

>>1177646

I will definitely consider it

Is hatsumode worth going to if I'm pretty much only interested in the food?

Does anyone have tips for fukubukuro shopping?

>>1177498
Have you considered Canada? When I visited Sapporo, I found it remarkably similar to my hometown here in Ontario.

>>1177593
Do you think it would be a good idea to just speak Spanish or French? Maybe that way they think I don't understand what they are saying and stop following me.

It won't ruin my journey for sure, but I would like to not get bothered every two minutes.

I went to Japan in 2011, and after stumbling around roppongi drunk off my ass, a nigerian walked up to me and asked if i was looking for girls.
I said no, I wanted to go home, and asked if he could help me get a cab. He said okay, put me in a cab, and told the driver in japanese where I wanted to go.
He asked for a tip for the service, and i bluntly told him "sorry mate, no tipping in japan"
he knew he wasnt getting any money, and then went away. the cab driver took me to my spot, and everything was fine.

>>1177656
Also curious about this.

Although I am keen for some hatsumode regardless just like in my Chinese cartoons.

>>1177052
I'm a novice ALT and my experience is not as common, but if you apply this may happen to you too.

I live in an urban city, not too far from the suburbs and about 30 minutes from a large city. Since I live "downtown" in a tiny studio all my bills combined are around $1,200 USD a month.

As an ALT, I actually take on the role of an English teacher from elementary schools up to junior high schools, as well as retrain struggling teachers. I plan and lead all of my lessons and I usually teach 5 classes a day, covering multiple lessons. A Japanese teacher has to legally stand in the room while I teach, which sometimes they do, but they don't contribute to my lesson. I teach at ten different schools, bouncing between those schools randomly and normally lesson planning a night or two before because my schedules are always late.

I don't have normal free time since I usually work from 8am-4:30pm, then I go home and prepare what I need for the next day. On the weekends I tend to blow of some steam since I work hard during the week.

All in all, it is stressful and I wish I had the problem of having too much free time like other ALTs and JETs, I would love to learn more Japanese since there is very little hand holding in my company and I have to do a lot of my own. Yet, this job is easier than my last job and it gives me more free time than what I had in the US. I like being able to save up and travel too. Learning about other cultures is very enjoyable for me and living abroad is a good experience.

Just don't be surprised if you end up in my position or suddenly asked to teach a daycare one day, then an adult conversation class the next day. My company doesn't really assess skills so much as needing to have a foreign face in a classroom, even if it's burnt out.

Is this doable? And also how much would it approx cost?(I am getting a JR pass)

Day 1-4 tokyo
5-6 kyoto
7-8 osaka
9-10 nagoya
11 yokohama
12-14 tokyo

>>1177681
No dice man, they know that literally anyone will understand "titties" or "pussy". Just say no then ignore and keep walking, you'll be fine.

Alright so for the first time ever I am planning an international trip. I have my money saved up and most research done, but I still have two major questions.

Due to being busy the rest of the year I will only have the ability to go this Summer. I am willing to tough it out and attempt to enjoy my vacation but I hear their Summers are rough. I am used to humid 80+ Fahrenheit summers in my home state though so that might help.

Also, for buying plane tickets when would be the best time to buy? From where I am at tickets are incredibly expensive, (nearly always $1200+), so I would like as much of a discount as I can get.

>>1177757
Where are you flying from? When in the summer?
I flew from the UK, booked in January, visited early June. Under £500 return. Pretty humid at times but totally fine, only a couple rain showers too.

New bread >>1177782

>>1177759
Leaving from North Eastern U.S. in Pennsylvania. I am holding a somewhat flexible flight schedule due to these questions. I was looking to go around mid June (to only experience the beginning of the heatt) or early July (to climb Mt. Fuji)

>>1177786
What airport are you flying out of? May be worth it to book separately to a major airport or airport on the west coast. I live in Atlanta, but even here it was cheaper to book a round trip LAX-TYO and a round trip ATL-LAX separately.

>>1177810
Was planning on flying out of Philadelphia. I'm gonna look into the double flight idea though.