Looking for Tips for Visiting Japan

[Wolfgirl917]

I am very excited to say that in exactly 5 weeks I will be going to Japan!
I'm an experienced traveler and am doing my homework before I go, trying to catch up on whats acceptable, what isn't, local customs, etc. But I must admit its a little intimidating going to a country I'm 100% illiterate.

But I'd really like to hear some stuff from those of you who've ventured to the land of the rising sun. Maybe a few tips that may not be in the common guide book as well as some of your own experiences.

Of course I'm putting together a list of cel shops to hit. I know about the Mandrake stores scattered around Tokyo, but what else?
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are on the list of places to hit, any suggestions?

Thanks!

[kittens]

I went to Nakano Mandarake and at the same building, there are several other cels shops are there. They have tons of cels So I really recommend you to go there

I am also going to Japan but around Thanksgiving time. This is a business trip so I do not think I have enough time to explore cel shops as much as I want.... But I wanna go there at least one time while I am in Japan

Have fun in your trip!!!!

[Elendil]

Depending on how long you're going (less than 90 days), and if you plan on traveling around the country a lot, I'd recommend getting a Japan Rail Pass, which can be used on the Shinkansen and will save you TONS (that is, if you plan to move around a lot). For example, one way on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto is about $130.

If you aren't traveling around a lot (maybe say staying in Tokyo for a week), I'd suggest looking into staying at a hostel or maybe renting an apartment for a week, since this will be MUCH cheaper than staying at a hotel. (~$250 a week versus $80+ a night at a hotel? Seems obvious to me.) ((This is something I'm in the stages of planning, for a week long trip to Tokyo in December.))

Its 1am otherwise I could think of something more useful....well maybe tomorrow morning I can.

Nikki

[Not Sir Phobos]

I dunno if it is so safe for a 95 year old woman to be travelling to a strange place alone. Always stay where there is lots of people, keep up your fluid intake, and be safe.

[duotrouble]

Since you said you're going to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, then I highly recommend the Japan Rail Pass. (The bullet train or Shinkansen is so much fun to ride.) You also need to purchase your rail pass BEFORE you arrive in Japan. You'll save hundreds, literally. The JRL is good for just travelling between suburbs in Tokyo too. All you have to do is flash your pass and passport going through the handicap turnstile and board whatever train you want. No standing in long lines trying to figure out how much it is from one station to the next.

Also, I highly recommend a day trip to Kamakura. Just board the train (I think it's track 14.) to Kita-Kamakura but get off at Kamakura. This will take you to the big Budha and lots of area temples.

Don't worry about the language barrier. Most of the people I encountered spoke some English. And when in doubt shopping, everyone seems to speak the international language of VISA. Although, if you use your VISA at a Mandarake, they'll ask if you want 1 payment or 2. ALWAYS say 1! If you don't, you'll have to come back another day to get your merchandise. There's also a lot of signs in the Tokyo area that are in English so that'll help. You'll get very use to seeing the same kanji over and over again and be able to figure it out. I learned to read open and close while I was there.

Most importantly, have a blast and post pictures!


--Forgot one thing, do your homework on hotels too. We stayed in the Prince at Shinigawa for about $100 a night. And then that was split in half since there were 2 in a room. So in other words, you can find some really good rates.

[ReiTheJelly]

I can recommend a good hostel in Kyoto if you're interested. It's a Japanese-style Inn run by a very nice older man. PM me if interested.


Also, I second the buying a JR Pass! It's worth it's weight in gold. If you are planning on traveling to Kyoto and Osaka, the pass will more than pay for itself. It may seem expensive (which it is), but paying out-of-pocket for the tickets would be 2-3 times that in price.
BUT, if you're planning on doing lots of traveling within Tokyo itself, many of the lines are NOT Japan Rail, so you must pay for a ticket. I suggest buying a 1000 yen railcard, since each time you go anywhere it will cost anywhere from 120 yen to 260 yen, which quickly adds up.

Depending on how long you're planning on staying in each city, I recommend taking day-trips to other locations (Nara, Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, Himeji, stuff like that.)

When in Tokyo I strongly recommend getting a ticket to the Ghibli Museum. As a cel collector it will make you cry at the way they treat A1End cels and original background, but it is worth it. And no, you don't need to know Japanese to enjoy the museum or the short film.

I also would suggest visiting Yoyogi and Ueno Parks (Yoyogi is full of musicians and Lolitas, while Ueno has lots of museums, a famous shrine to Inari, and a mediocre zoo). Also, visiting Asakusa is a good idea -- it's one of the cultural attractions in Tokyo (it's a giant temple in the middle of Tokyo).

If you're a CLAMP fan, I suggest paying the 850 yen and going up Tokyo Tower. I was so disappointed that there was no apocalypse while I was there. Or transportation to a magical world. *grins*

If you're going to Osaka, the aquarium is very nice. (although I do admit to spending most of my day in the 2 mandarake stores there...)

The places to look for used kimonos (if you're into that) are Nara, Nikko and Himeji. Those were places where I found great little shops selling kimonos for as little as 300 yen each!

And I will say this: hit up every Mandarake store you can find! There are several in Tokyo and Osaka (if those are stops on your trip). Their website provides maps to all their locations. You can easily spend all of your money there in a single day. But the best part is: they get new merchandise *every day*, so keep returning for new goodies!

[klet]

From what I hear, staying in a youth hostel is much cheaper, but there are specific rules--I believe that you have to do some of your own chores.

Remember that streets don't have names in Japan--so it might take some getting used to. Directions will probably be hard to follow for the first little while. If you're stuck, find the nearest Koukuban, or police box. They'll be happy to help you out.

Have fun!! I'm hoping to make it out there someday myself!