A little while ago I published a post with general questions about Japan. I came up with these as I had plans to go to Japan for a longer trip this summer. Unfortunately I won’t be able to go on that trip, reality strikes back you know. I might however go for a shorter trip (maybe two weeks) in June. Either way, the questions were thoroughly answered by a few of you readers (thank you!) and I want to share everything in a few posts as everyone don’t read the comments section.
Last but not least, Nilan who did not leave a link for me to use (leave a comment if you have a link you want to share Nilan). Also thanks to everyone else who left comments, please check them out in the original post!
Nilan lived in Yokohama so the answers are biased for that area.
1. If you had a budget of 520 000 yen, for how long would you stay in Japan? Keep in mind that I’m partially doing this because I want to work on my Japanese before the next semester starts, so time is valuable. But I also want to do fun stuff!
You should be able to stay 2 months easily with that budget. You could stay longer, but that would mean cutting back on some fun.
2. Let’s say I’m staying for 2 months, would you recommend staying at a guest house, hostel, hotel or somewhere else? I do need my own room and it has to include an internet connection, but I’m willing to share everything else.
Staying at a hostel is the best option. Usually the longer you stay, the cheaper the price becomes. The ones I know of, the rooms are quite small, with just a bed and tv. Shared bathroom, and depending on the place, the common area might have wi-fi or internet. Hostels will also let you split up your time between different cities.
There are some cheap places on the outskirts of Tokyo (like Yokohama). It means some travelling to get to places, but Japan has an extremely good transit system so no problem there.
3. I’ve already gotten a few answers to this question, but I’ll ask it again. 3 meals plus some snacks or a sandwich in the evening is usually what I eat on a normal weekday. If I were to buy these meals in a convenience store to save some money, how much would I have to spend to make my tummy pleased?
Tokyo has plenty of cheap & good food since japanese people love food. Convience store bentos range from 450-600 yen, and snacks (sandwishes and riceballs) are 100-200 yen. There are, however plenty of cheap lunch and dinner sets (600-900 yen) at stations and department store restaurent floors.
4. While I do enjoy walking, taking the train is a must every now and then, let’s say 3-4 times a week (or actually 6-8 since I want to get home too), how much (approximately) would that cost me and is there a way to save some money doing it?
Minimum fare for trains is about 130 yen. A full day of travelling may cost about 500-800 yen roundtrip. Can be cheaper if you plan ahead and buy day passes. For the Tokyo area, the trains can be complicated so invest in a SUICA or PASMO smartcard. Just put some money on it, and the fares will automatically be deducted when you pass through stations. For long distance traveling I recommend buying the Japan Rail Pass. They are available in 1, 2 & 3 week periods i believe, so plan ahead and activate the Japan Rail Pass for that period.
5. What does a concert ticket for a popular artist usually cost?
Concert tickets are about 5000 yen. However, during the summer, there are large music festivals such as Summer Sonic, in which you can experience a large number of artists for about 15000 yen a day.
6. About how much does it cost to send a 5kg box half way around the world (to Sweden)? I have a feeling that I won’t be able to take everything I buy with me on the plane back home.
Don’t know. But can check here (http://www.post.japanpost.jp/cgi-charge/index.php?lang=_en)
7. I’m on a date, where do we dine?
Restaurants everywhere, but popular young hangout spots are Shibuya, and Roppongi.
8. I want to do something I’ve never done before, where do I go?
Ride the train, pick a station. I’m sure you’ll find something interesting there.
9. I love coffee and good lounge music, where is the place with big sofas and pillows where you can chill out like never before? No shoes inside makes the place even more cozy.
There are good cafes along the Tokyu Toyoko Line (runs between Yokohama and Shibuya). Can’t specify any since I don’t know where exactly you’re staying/going. There are Starbucks everywhere, and they are quite comfortable.
10. I want to bump into famous people and ask them if they know what time it is, where do I have the best chance to do so?
Around TV Studios, mainly Shiodome, and Akasaka, Odaiba. If you want female artists, probably young shopping districts like shibuya or harajuku.
11. I want to be on Japanese TV, where do you often see them recording?
Most daytime shows have outdoor segments near their studios.
12. Beautiful scenery of all kinds, where’s that special something I need to see?
There’s a list of 3 sights that Japanese people consider beautiful. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Views_of_Japan). I recommend Miyajima, since its iconic. Otherwise, if you want beautiful japan, just head outside the city and you’ll find it. Other touristy places (kyoto, nara etc) are nice too.
13. I have to visit a nice onsen, do you have any recommendations?
Good onsens in Hakone and Nikko around Tokyo. I believe there are several equivalent sites near Osaka too. Tokyo and Yokohama also have urban Onsens (Which are actually like spas) but worth the visit too.
14. The legal age of drinking in Japan is 20, but are there pubs and clubs that you have to be even older to enter? And how strict are they anyways when it comes to checking people’s age?
I can’t think of any places with a higher age restriction. It depends on the place on how strict they are on checking ID. Clubs that alot of university students go to can be lenient on ID, but always have one with you when traveling.
15. I want to make a weird video, where do I buy or rent a monkey costume?
DonQuihote has loads of random stuff.
16. Anything else I have to keep in mind while I’m there?
Although Japans relatively safe, be careful. Plan ahead to reduce costs. Enjoy yourself.
Extra Question:
1) There are some rental phones at airports (http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_19.html). They tend to be crappy, but as long as you keep usage to a minimum, it won’t cost too much.
Thank you Nilan for answering my questions, and thanks for including links! Again, if you have a link you want to share, let me know.
And thanks again to everyone who left comments!
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