admin answers:

Well, it’s ALWAYS benificial to try and learn as much of the language as possible before you go. If you teach yourself some useful phrases, and even random words that you think you may need, it will help. Also, keep an electronic or book dictionary with you whenever you go out. This will help you a lot if you ever have trouble communicating with others.

Tokyo is not so difficult to find someone who speaks at least SOME English. You will probably not find many English-speakers in Aomori, but don’t let that deter you. The Japanese people will be willing to help you, especially if you have a dictionary or some way to communicate with them in their language.

admin answers:

It sounds like it should be a fun time for you.

1. Figure about $100.00 – $120.00 a night for a decent business hotel. More for a nicer hotel and less for a cheaper hotel. Hostels can also ve found for very cheap prices but I have never been a fan of them myself for trips. Food really varies based on what you want. I find you can eat very cheap or very expensive in Japan. You can buy some yummy things at the grocery or convenience stores for just a couple dollars to stretch the budget or spend a fortune on kobe beef. Average prices are not much different than in US for eating out. Most Shrines and museumes run anywhere from $2.00 – $20.00

2. It really depends on what part of Japan you will go to. Are you going to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo? There are great monuments, museums, shopping etc in each. Maybe as you are a manga nerd/tech nerd you would most enjoy Tokyo. Akihabara will probably interest you the most.

Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akihabara

I suggest also visiting Tokyo Tower, Ginza, Shibuya, and Asakusa at the minimum.

3. You can find McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Wendy’s, KFC and Denny’s in Japan. You can also find Indian, French, Chinese food too.

4. Use good manners in Japan. It is helpful to study Japanese etiquette, You should be aware not all public bathrooms carry paper goods, You do not need to tip in Japan for restaurants, Hotels, Cabs anything. You should always wear good socks as you may have to take off your shoes at certain temples and shrines and always in peoples houses. People stand to the side of the escalator if they are not walking up it to allow those that walk up room to get past. The side depends on what part of Japan you are in Tokyo and Kansai people stand on opposite sides to allow this. Just pay attention and you can figure it out. Study the subway and train system in advance as it can be a bit much to take in your first time and you don’t want to stand around 20 minutes in a busy terminal looking at the colored lines.

Hope this helps. Have a great time.

admin answers:

I assume this will be your first time to Tokyo? I hope you have fun whatever you do. ^^

First, be prepared for some humidity. I went to Tokyo at the beginning of July once and I wish I had gone during spring or fall instead. It was hot and super humid, hopefully it won’t be that bad by late June.

If you plan on staying in Tokyo then you should be fine with just English, thought some basic words will be useful (take your pocket dictionary!). There are lots of foreigners and other English speakers in Tokyo.

It would be a good idea to go with a tour for your first trip around, just to get to see more things. I went with a package one time that included airfare, hotel, and tour for 9 days. It was nice to be guided for my first trip there, but at the same time I have had much more fun exploring on my own during my return trips there. I don’t have a tour to suggest or anything, but here is a website to check out: http://www.viator.com/Tokyo/d334/new-and-popular-tours?pref=02&aid=gc3317

There are LOTS of awesome Japanese people in Tokyo who would love to hook up with foreigners and show them around. If you are comfortable with it, I would suggest trying to make a few friends before you go over there. Locals will be able to show you things you won’t find on a tour anyway! Check out websites like www.couchsurfing.com and the personals on www.gaijinpot.com to meet people who speak English and are interested in meeting you too.

Mt. Fuji is not too far from Tokyo, so if you can you should try to go. There are some beautiful temples in Tokyo that you can see for free. You must see the market place at Ueno in Tokyo. Ueno is a good spot because there is lots to do there, a zoo, a big park, museums… It’s one of my favorites.

Anyway, hope this helps. Take care!

admin answers:

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