money?

[jam00115]

My mom and I are planning on going to Japan next year. I'm really excited but I need to do some research too. I'm saving up my money for my plane ticket and money just to spend while in Japan but I dont know how much to bring. I hear its quite expensive in Tokyo. My questions is how much money should I bring in american dollars to exchange it for yen?

[Windy]

how much money should I bring

As much as you can?

Exchange it as you need it...

[jam00115]

I forgot to mention I'll only be there for six days, but I guess I should still bring a lot

[Akakubisan]

What is your plan? As in where are you staying and what are you doing? We might be able to give you a little more info with that information.

[Kara_Nari]

How old are you? If you are of 'student' age try and get an ISIC card, it might be handy when getting transportation. I managed to save about 4,000 yen off my ferry price with mine.
When I go to Japan in December Im only taking $500US or maybe a bit less, for about 4-5 days. Last time I went to Japan I only had about $120 for three days... depends if you're an extravagant spender or not. I could have quite happily spent hundreds more, but with my minimal funds I was not able to.
Food wise, it depends where you go, and how much you are willing to spend.
Luckily I didnt pay when I went to restaurants, I think I would have blown my budget in one sitting, but otherwise if you dont want fancy fine dining, but still good food at a reasonable price its definately out there.
Dont be too precious with the roadside 'caravans', they are great!

First you need to find out how much your airfare is roughly going to cost, get that out of the way, and just save as much as possible, when you run out of money you run out. So the more you can save the better a time you will have.
There are so many ways to cut down on prices of things.

[jam00115]

I'm sixteen. What I really want to buy down there is anime stuff and a lot of Final Fantasy things (im a FF freak). I don't know where to stay yet, are there any suggestions that are at a resonable price?

[Kara_Nari]

Well, im sure you will be in anime heaven then!
Can you convince your mother to pay for accomodation? Tell her it can be your 17th birthday present. Accomodation will be an expensive option, especially if your mother has high standards.
See if your travel agent can hook you up with a package deal which includes at least a few nights accomodation, search on the internet, you'd be surprised at what deals you can get!
Are you travelling around, or just staying in Tokyo?
I can give you more info when I get back, I havent been to Tokyo yet.

[Akakubisan]

Alot will depend on when you go and how long you stay.

The link I have provided has some package deals of airfare and hotels stays. The lowest is $699 for 4 nights in Tokyo. And the hotels for most of these a the larger more expensive places.

Airfare and Hotel rates change throughout the year, so you will need to decide when you are going. I have found summer and Christmas to be more expensive for airfare.

Spending money deoends on what you want to do and where you will go.
Think $30-$60 a day for food per person, unless you are going out to clubs or bars (I am assuming you are not)
Travelling money for trains/subways (I won't recommend taxis as I find them expensive) Depending where you are going you will probably need $10-$20 per day for this.
And then the money for everything else.

http://www.japantravelinfo.com/#