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Nilan Answers 16 Questions about Japan

April 17, 2009 · 0 comments

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.

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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Momo Answers 16 Questions about Japan

April 17, 2009 · 0 comments

in Japan

Third up is Momo

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!
2 months max, but i’m also a girl and love to shop

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.
i’ve heard hostels are good. i know some people who stayed in hostels for 1-2 months and were just fine. internet and such would have be relied on in cafes and hotels. whenever i go, i stay with my japanese family so i can’t really help you 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?
conbini food ranges from good to gross… so i’d rely more on the little food places that have meals for 500yen. patisseries usually tide me over for the morning and or lunch since the breads they have can be rather filling and can cost only 150yen each.

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?
i’d look into getting a pass, esp if you’re staying 2+ months. it really depends where you live and how far you want to be able to go on a regular basis.

5. What does a concert ticket for a popular artist usually cost?
4500yen+ – tickets are done really oddly… you buy them and don’t get assigned a seat. it’s random. you find out when you get your ticket usually on the day of. my japanese mom once went to a DCT concert and found out she got front row. i went to see Do As Infinity for 5200yen and was maybe halfway up budoukan. not bad.

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.
nooo idea. probably quite expensive. and if they ask you if there’s a letter inside, say no. they charge you extra!

7. I’m on a date, where do we dine?
ramen! or a little specialty food place… like tempura bar… and there are cheap sushi bars

8. I want to do something I’ve never done before, where do I go?
depends on when you’re going. matsuri are SOOOO fun. parks are great. if you’re going in summer, it’s typhoon season so it’ll be humid and rainy a lot so bring a good umbrella. try to make it to one of those summer fireworks shows. i’d look into museums… ghibli museum in mitaka is cool but you have to plan a month ahead and buy tix at lawson (my favorite conbini!)

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 coffee shops EVERYWHERE.

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?
haha…cute question, but famous ppl are rather secluded. i’d say roppongi, ginza, harajuku.

11. I want to be on Japanese TV, where do you often see them recording?
usually not in tokyo? or if in tokyo… then… in a studio. it’s just really rare to see them outside.

12. Beautiful scenery of all kinds, where’s that special something I need to see?
imperial palace, if you can make it to kamakura… or even fujisan

13. I have to visit a nice onsen, do you have any recommendations?
not in particular since they’re pretty much everywhere. some places can get pricey tho.

15. I want to make a weird video, where do I buy or rent a monkey costume?
harajuku??

16. Anything else I have to keep in mind while I’m there?
exiting the correct exit at certain train stops can be confusing so grab one of the maps they have in one of the larger stations.

if you like tofu, my favorite restaurant is ume no hana (a chain) and it’s amazing. if you like azuki, make sure to eat the bread from kimuraya. i think a visit to tokyo disney should be done (but not disney sea…). best ramen is jangara. pizza in japan is very unique… mm.. i know lots about the food.

softbank (formerly vodafone) is the best option for a rent-a-phone. i think it costs 3500yen for the phone itself and depending on what plan you get usually 2500yen cheapest per month. i really recommend getting a phone.

if you plan to use ATMs, post offices usually have ATMs that won’t charge your card. if you use ATMs outside of the PO, then i’d be wary.

do you like baseball? i would try to make it to a game since it’s fun. and a sumo competition too!

Thank you Momo for answering my questions! And also don’t forget to pay a visit to Momo’s review blog.

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Shibuya246 Answers 16 Questions about Japan

April 17, 2009 · 2 comments

in Japan

Second up is Shibuya246.

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!
Even with a budget of 520 000 yen, I would max out my stay and make it for 3 months. 1/3 of your money on accom, 1/3 to eat and 1/3 to play.

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.
Guesthouse you can make some friends and might help to save on cost. havent stayed at one myself to really thinking about cost here rather than comfort.

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?
Once you hit the convenience stores you are going to find things to buy you dont absolutely need. think 1,000 per visit max and limit your visits.

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?
Japan Rail Pass definately worthwhile if you want to travel to country areas (longer distance). If you just want to get from Shibuya to Shinjuku then about 150 yen one way. start mixing subway with JR and you will pay more quickly.

5. What does a concert ticket for a popular artist usually cost?
Popular? range of price 5,000 yen – and up

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.
Not sure but there are plenty of services available to do this so with competition comes better prices.

7. I’m on a date, where do we dine?
If you are on a date why are you dining? Skip the meal and have more for time for play. Meals can be cheap or expensive. Depends on the date. If she likes McDonalds you are in, if not 4,000 – 5,000 yen for 2 to eat. You wont stay 3 months at these prices.

8. I want to do something I’ve never done before, where do I go?
Just about anywhere. Get on the train, pick a station, get off, start walking and experience.

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.
Not sure about this but I bet its available if you look

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?
Hollywood

11. I want to be on Japanese TV, where do you often see them recording?
There are various studio broadcasts you can go to, but you may have to book and you might need some Japanese language skills do this. Get a date and have her make the booking. You need to get some return on your 4,000 yen meal.

12. Beautiful scenery of all kinds, where’s that special something I need to see?
Get into the countryside. The train trips are great

13. I have to visit a nice onsen, do you have any recommendations?
There are so many great onsens. Check out a few websites

15. I want to make a weird video, where do I buy or rent a monkey costume?
This would definately be possible but I dont know where. Something else for your date to look up for you. Definately a second date question. Dont ask when you first meet.

16. Anything else I have to keep in mind while I’m there?
Enjoy.

Thank you shibuya246 for answering my questions! Don’t forget to visit and subscribe to the blog to get the latest and greatest trend news from Japan! How about a First Class Capsule Hotel for example? Shibuya246

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Jon Allen Answers 16 Questions about Japan

April 17, 2009 · 0 comments

in Japan

First up is Jon Allen’s, author of I’m A Seoul Man in Tokyo.

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!
Budget, that should last you two months if you are careful.

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.
Accomodation is probably the largest cost. hostel is probably cheapest. You might be able to find house/flat share . look at the adverts in metropolis. ( http://classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/user/classified.php)

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?
Kombini food. tough question. I try and avoid them. But rice balls and sandwiches or noodles are between 200 & 400 yen.

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?
Train. Miniumum fare is usually 120 Yen, across town for example Shibuya to Tokyo = approx 190 Yen.
check out http://www.tokyo-subway.net/english/ Each trip can cost widely differing amounts depending on what connections you make. Changing from Subway to JR lines to Toei subway line will cost far more for the same distance on just JR lines. So check the map very carefully. sometimes another station 5 mins walk away will make the whole journey half the cost of starting from another station.

5. What does a concert ticket for a popular artist usually cost?
What sort of artist ? http://summersonic.com/ is on in August for 3 day. One day ticket is 13,000 Yen. concerts will start at around 4,000 to 5,000 a ticket ( I guess, not been to any yet)

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.
Postage: http://www.post.japanpost.jp/english/index.html checkout Japan Post website. However it’s cheaper to use a shipping company from the airport for getting large boxes home. Check the airport webapage and there should be some companies there.

7. I’m on a date, where do we dine?
Where to dine, depends on the girl! A pizza at a decent little cafe + beer is approx 5,000 to 6,000 for 2. Noodles at the station place is 1200 drinking water for 2.

8. I want to do something I’ve never done before, where do I go?
Something different? I don’t know what you’ve done already

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.
Good coffee shops. plenty around. I don’t have any specific recommendations.

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?
Famous people. No idea. probably Ginza ? or some of the posh hotels.

11. I want to be on Japanese TV, where do you often see them recording?
Japanese TV. the NHK studios are in Yoyogi. The Fuji TV studios are in Odaiba. You can visit for 500 Yen and watch from the visitors gallery
http://architecturerevived.blogspot.com/2009/01/fuji-television-headquarters-odaiba.html

12. Beautiful scenery of all kinds, where’s that special something I need to see?
Scenery, Mt Takano is close to Tokyo and easy to get to. Enoshima is very nice and the penisular.

13. I have to visit a nice onsen, do you have any recommendations?
Onsen. http://www.minakami-onsen.com/english/ is good.

15. I want to make a weird video, where do I buy or rent a monkey costume?
Costumes are available for rent.

16. Anything else I have to keep in mind while I’m there?
Anything else.. yeah. Have a great time!

For meeting up with people join http://www.meetup.com/ there are a number of Japan groups of all sorts who meet up. Also checkout japantimes.co.jp they have list of societies with regular meetings.

Thank you Jon Allen for answering my questions, and thanks for including links! Don’t forget to visit and subscribe to his blog! I’m A Seoul Man in Tokyo

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