so i'm going to tokyo soon [Archive]

undrentide

Nov 22, 2006, 06:26

Hmmm, I don't want to discourage you but you cannot engage any job without working visa in Japan. :worried:
For some countries Working Holiday programme is available but unfortunately the US is not among them.
If you want to experience Japan, the options I can think of is (1) to come to Japan as an exchange student (2) to come to Japan to learn Japanese language (then you can do some part-time job if you get permission from the immigration office in advance) (3) to travel around using WWOOF Japan (working for farms and get accomodation and food in return, but no money).
You need some fund for either of the above, so maybe it does not fit your "run-away-trip" scheme.

I hope other members would be able to offer more practical help than mine...

nurizeko

Nov 22, 2006, 07:48

Hey grats, I'm going to Tokyo to!.

I'm 21 and I cant get a job in Japan yet.

The Japanese dont want you unless your highly edumacated to teach pretty much English or jobs that involve foreigner knowledge or skills.

Least thats what I gather.

Karamuucho

Nov 22, 2006, 09:22

The immigration policy from what I've heard says that working visas can only be given to those with a bachelor's degree or higher, I imagine the reason jobs aren't given to foreigners without degrees is because they don't have a visa.

MrsAmberface

Nov 22, 2006, 15:38

well sounds like a week or two then. can anyone give me some advice on passports hotel accomodations i do want to buy stuff so maybe money accomodations. will i have to swap american money for japanese. do travelers checks work? and if so at what kinds of places would take them. is there anyone from tokyo that i can talk to maybe private messages so that i understand things a little bit better maybe some one can show me and my boyfriend around? any help is great

MrsAmberface

Nov 22, 2006, 16:06

Mars Man

Nov 22, 2006, 17:50

I really wish I could help out my Alabama friends, but I know so very, very little of Tokyo. I live way out here in the sticks...where it's like it is over on the opposite side of Mt. Montesano--it that's how it's spelled.

I have to say, though that it may be as much of an adventure as it is hard...so maybe just kind of like a gamble. I hope some who can give you two more information will soon pitch in with some good news. Catch you later !! MM

RockLee

Nov 22, 2006, 18:55

You'll need A LOT of money :) And with a lot of money I mean A LOT OF MONEY ! At least around 3000$ each to get by (tickets not incl.)

MrsAmberface

Nov 23, 2006, 01:41

well so far its looking like we would be spending roughly 2500 on tickets and hotel. according to orbitz... so we were thinking about 6000 dollars total for the whole trip?

MrsAmberface

Nov 23, 2006, 02:11

is there a better place to put this thread so i might get more responses

misa.j

Nov 23, 2006, 05:11

$6000 sounds a lot, but I'd forgotten how expensive everything was in Japan. You can find useful info about going to Japan in "Practical-Traveling Japan" section. ;-)

You can do a lot of shopping in Tokyo, and if you are willing to walk around, there are many little shops that are not so expensive.
I hope you have a good time.

MrsAmberface

Nov 23, 2006, 05:11

Just a question. Why do you feel the need to say something negative and completely unhelpfull? Seems kind of pointless to me. Thanks for checkin out the thread though! -kris

$6000 sounds a lot, but I'd forgotten how expensive everything was in Japan. You can find useful info about going to Japan in "Practical-Traveling Japan" forum. ;-)
You can do a lot of shopping in Tokyo, and if you are willing to walk around, there are many little shops that are not so expensive.
I hope you have a good time.
Thanks! I'll check that out. -kris:p

ArmandV

Nov 23, 2006, 07:42

This thread was probably better-suited to be in the Practical section.

MrsAmberface

Nov 23, 2006, 07:47

This thread was probably better-suited to be in the Practical section.

lol yea I've been reading through it for a good min now. It is really helpfull.

kenken

Nov 23, 2006, 07:47

hi,it's a good idea that you're coming to japan.
i'm a japanese guy and live in tokyo.
i'm ken.
my advice is that you can come to japan,but you can't work there.
you are only 17 yrs and you don't speak japanese,right?
if you wanna come to japan,you need to save money that you can stay in tokyo fully.
i think you can stay in tokyo about 6000 yen(50$) for 1day in tokyo.
it's including accomodating and food.not to including buying clothes or something.
please tell me your plan and see us if you come to tokyo!
it's a beautiful for X'mas in tokyo now.

MrsAmberface

Nov 23, 2006, 08:03

that grea man! I was looking into some places that were more for Backpackers rather than hotels. I found a few that we would be able to get away with 20 dollars per night there. I guess our biggest worries as of right now is food. If we do stay at a place like that, we probably won't have our own kitchen to cook or anything lol. We will have to keep in touch, maybe you could give us idea on places to eat/stay. Will we be able to get around and see the city ok from subways? As for age... I will be 19 at the time of the trip, and Amber will be 18. Thanks again! -kris

Mike Cash

Nov 23, 2006, 09:26

EDIT Already thought of some more... Will we be able to even GET a hotel in my name if I'm 19?

She's 17. You're 19.

You ever heard of the Mann Act?

http://marriage.about.com/cs/teenmarriage/g/mannact.htm
http://www.answers.com/topic/mann-act

You better make damned sure this isn't a "runaway" sort of situation, or you might come back to find yourself looking at up to five years in a federal prison.

and i need help. it's sort of a run-away-trip

Hard to run away internationally when your Mommy has to go with you to get your passport. Sort of lets the cat out of the bag.

so we need to get jobs

A legal impossibility for you.

and know how much money we need for everyday life for a month and what to wear (which i've seen in a post) but i have the more "street style" of tokyo..will i find a job do i need to change? is KNOWING japanese well Esential

This is a horrible idea.

Mikawa Ossan

Nov 23, 2006, 09:34

Mike is right. Mrs. Amberface, do your parents know about your trip? do you have their consent? If not, your boyfriend could potentially get into a lot of trouble for this trip!

What do you mean by a "runaway trip"?

MrsAmberface

Nov 23, 2006, 09:41

LOL not runnaway like you are thinking! This is Kris again btw... we aren't really running away, yes our parents know. I guess a better term would be a "getaway trip"? As for our ages, we met at 16 and 15, we are currently 18 and 17, AT the time of the trip we will be 19 and 18. We aren't even a year about, 363 days. LMAO @ Mike, thanks for looking out man but we are within our legal rights hahah. Wow that first post she put did sound bad though huh?

tigermilk

Nov 23, 2006, 10:06

Well, if the lead on the Mann Act is resolved and your boytoy doesn't get a threat of a fine/imprisonment, some things about Tokyo:

Tokyo and Japan aren't as expensive as most people think. You can stay at decent hotels in Tokyo for around $140-$160/night with breakfast included for two people. In Tokyo I have stayed at Shinagawa Prince Executive (nice rooms, eh breakfast, $160-$170/night for 2), Takanawa Prince (older, not as nice, better breakfast, a little more expensive), Tokyo Prince (older, not as nice, pretty good breakfast, very convenient to subways and 10 minute walk to JR station), Ikebukuro Metropolitan Tokyo (nice, no breakfast, relatively expensive), and the Tokyo Hilton (very nice, $200+/night, best breakfast in town). You can stay for much less if you don't mind "roughing" it. At your age I assume you would rather have a cheap place to sleep than a fancy room. You can find rooms for under $100/night.

Food can be found for the same or even less than what you are used to paying in Huntsville. A typical meal may be 700-1500 yen, which considering that would cover tax and tip in the US, you are looking at some cheap eats. Just drink water and avoid paying $3 for a Coke. Avoid fast food (McD's) since the value isn't there. You get more for your yen/dollar at a real restaurant.

My favorite neighborhoods in Tokyo are near Tokyo Tower (I like the quiet neighborhood feel) and also Ikebukuro (the other extreme - lots of activity). I actually prefer Ikebukuro over Shinjuku.

There are many things to see and do in Tokyo for free. Plenty of shrines and museums. If you only stay in Tokyo, make efficient use of transportation. Subway/train tickets can quickly add up. Get the day pass on the subway which pays for itself in 4-5 one-way trips. Plus it saves on walking.

For shopping, Harajuku caters to your age. That's where you'll also find some of the cheapest clothes around. The name brand department stores are pricey. One of our Japanese friends was just visiting us in Texas and we took her shopping. A couple of months ago she bought a suit in Tokyo for $1600. Monday she bought 5 at Macy's of similar quality for under $800. Don't expect to find many deals on anything over there.

June weather is pretty good. It starts to get nasty around then. Tokyo gets hot and moist in the summer.

kenken

Nov 23, 2006, 11:55

i think accomodation fee is not so expensive if you don't stay a hotel.
she already found a cheap youth hostel in tokyo,right?
youth hostel in tokyo cost about 3000yen(25$)
food is about 2000yen(15$)in a day if you cook at a hostel.

i don't know why you come to japan and i also think your parents worry about your trip,but tokyo is not so dangerous like NY or other countries.
i think you can get a nice experience there.

but if you wanna work there or live there for a long time,i think it is not a good idea.
i reccomend you take just a trip with your boyfriend.
i think trip in tokyo takes from 1week to 2week.

i think you are not kids,but you are still under 20,so you need to talk about trip with your parents.
if you wanna take a good trip,relieve your parents first of all.

MrsAmberface

Nov 23, 2006, 11:57

^^^Wow that was horribly usefull. I know we will probably be hitting harujuku multiple times. Amber is dying to go there, I can't wait myself. I really want to hit the city, see all the interesting shops etc etc. I'll get to the serene countryside/gardens when we go back in 10 years after med school lol. I would love to be able to do both if time/money allows though. Thats just the order of priorities right now. Thats kinda why we are giong, I wanna go before I start pre-med, because I probably will be studying for the next 8-12 years.... :(

KenKen - Our parents do already know about our trip and have no problem with it. Actually saftey is one is key factor for me, I really don't want to take my 18 year old girlfriend to LA or NY. Plus it's been a dream of ours for a lonnngggg time. We want to stay at least 2 weeks, but might have to be shorter depending on our funds. I'm actually giving my motorcycle (kawi 636 if anyone cares) for this trip :(:(:(. And yea we don't mind "roughin it" in a cheap little hotel. I'll worry about luxory next time.

Iron Chef

Nov 23, 2006, 17:24

"Nobody was whining, simply asked if there was a spot for better traffic. I didn't expect a response at all actually. You obviously have a big mouth, so please see if you can fit all of it through the door out of this thread. Nobody did anything to offend you, and you had to come flapping that hole you call a mouth for no apparent reason. I feel sorry for people like you, I truly do. You are 17? It really shows. Good luck with life, and hopefully one day making yourself a friend. Don't come back into my girlfriends thread, you are useless. Thanks again. -kris
Anyone else who is reading this thread, I'm sorry and please don't let this person differ you from throwing some input out lol! Please revert to post number 7. -kris"

Please refrain from insulting other members, thanks.

Mike Cash

Nov 23, 2006, 18:13

What's funny is that he has such a poor opinion of 17 year olds....yet dates one.

nurizeko

Nov 23, 2006, 19:48

Ah Mike, you remember when you were a young lad, and nothing you said could be held as sacred.

How you could say one thing with apparent sincerity one day and then change your mind the next.

The dude and his young lady-friend are going on a holiday, good for them.

my sister used to date guys a few years older then her, granted they were both assholes, but, it seemed to have been a valuable life lesson for her.

WHEATTHlNS

Nov 24, 2006, 01:39

This forum REALLY needs to work on the way it addresses people. Needlessly being antagonistic doesnt help the member count.

6000 bucks for TWO WEEKS in Japan - is overkill. If you have it, great - spend it. If you dont have it, dont try and work up to it like its the magic number. Its not. For the two of you - not including airfare, easily 1500 a piece is enough to have a great time - unless of course you just want to buy tons of clothes and what not, then yes the 6000 bucks (plus shipping, because Im sure you dont want to carry all that with you) is going to come in.

Also - Tokyo gets old after a week. I would suggest getting a rail pass and expanding the area you two plan on hitting up. If youre interested in Tokyo, then hit Osaka/Kyoto up as well.

Hiroyuki Nagashima

Nov 24, 2006, 06:06

If you live in a guest house, you can live comparatively cheaply in Tokyo.
Rate, for one month of a dormitory,
It is 68,000 yen from 27,000 yen
For example,
A guest house of Takadanobaba.
TenTen Guesthouse
36,000 yen - 39,000 yen / 1 month
http://www.tokyo-guesthouse.com/index.html

Takadanobaba is near to Shinjuku and is convenient for access to Shibuya.
In addition, there are many cheap dining rooms for a student because Waseda University is near.
In Takadanobaba, an office worker and OL, a student coexist,
Therefore there is a shop of various genres.
Here, there are many restaurants of various genres such as Thai cooking and Indian cooking, African cooking.
It is an interesting town.
Because I have worked in Takadanobaba, I know various shops.
Toden Arakawa Line,
Because there is a streetcar, it is convenient for access to a downtown area of Tokyo.
http://hisaai.at.infoseek.co.jp/Toei/index_eg.html
It is a guest house of Tokyo other than it. :wave:
(224)
http://guesthousejapan.net/?pref=13

MrsAmberface

Nov 24, 2006, 08:50

What's funny is that he has such a poor opinion of 17 year olds....yet dates one.
I never expressed a poor opinion for 17 year olds. Hell I was 17 about 6 months ago. I just said it really showed that she/he was 17. Acting your age is fine, and fun when you are 17, no need to bring nonsense like that here for no reason though... unless I could be stood corrected? Besides, you make it sound like I'm some pervert... we aren't even a year apart.

MrsAmberface

Nov 24, 2006, 10:22

amber again can we plz stay on topic. i love this forum and do not want to argue with ANYONE so lets stick to topic =] thank you

Uncle Frank

Nov 24, 2006, 10:38

need to open a new membership, MR.Amberface, LOL. It seems like you are skiztzo, talking to each other.

Uncle Frank

:blush:

MrsAmberface

Nov 24, 2006, 12:51

heh. yeah we're that cool heh. if he does make one it'll be like kriswiggly always is LOL

Mike Cash

Nov 24, 2006, 18:33

I never expressed a poor opinion for 17 year olds.

"You are 17? It really shows."

Expresses disdain and derision.

Hell I was 17 about 6 months ago.

Nice to know that you matured so very much in six months.

Besides, you make it sound like I'm some pervert... we aren't even a year apart.

Other than pointing out the potential legal problems of a person of adult age taking a minor across state lines, I have made no comment on your age difference.

RockLee

Nov 24, 2006, 18:35

Other than pointing out the potential legal problems of a person of adult age taking a minor across state lines, I have made no comment on your age difference.He said by the time they'll go, she will be 18 and he will be 19. Lost the glasses Mike?

Mike Cash

Nov 24, 2006, 19:25

He said by the time they'll go, she will be 18 and he will be 19. Lost the glasses Mike?

Not at all. Review the thread and notice that the clarification on their ages at the time of their trip came after my heads up regarding the Mann Act.

ghettocities

Nov 24, 2006, 20:03

Ahhhhhhh.... Sounds like me in early 2001.

I took $900, a plane ticket read that I'd be landing in Tokyo Narita's airport and 90 days later I'd be flying back home (90 days with 900 dollars! Ha.)
After landing it costed me 1,000yen ($8 dollars) to take the local train into Tokyo and by the time I got into central Tokyo I had experienced Tokyo (and I haden't even got off the train yet.)

Everything was how everyone told me though, that the girls would love me and buy me dinner. I began eating free meals, staying at girls' apartments and living the life I had always dreamed of... But just like the poster I had originally flew to Japan on a sort of all or nothing bet with myself.

After finding a really cool (now extinct) bar/club in Shibuya I began drinking a ton, I was only 19 (the drinking age is 20,) and I met several business type people who after talking with me for a short while bought me drinks and I remember asking them how they made it. One guy told me he had gone to Tokyo to teach english, then the next thing he knew he was in a much more profitable business and that in the game of life in order to get anywhere you need to know the right people and you also need to be at the right place at the right time. I asked him how I could become an english teacher, he then told me what the requirements usually are (for a person to be an English teacher in Tokyo, Japan) and I was not qualified at all, I haden't even finished my second year of high school before dropping out.

So there I was in Tokyo, 80 days left or so, about $800 dollars to my name. Drinking, train tickets to meet with the most beautiful women I've met in my life and a $250 dollar taxi ride (when I could have taken the train an hour later for $15) brought my money down close to nothing so I went to the airport, had my ticket changed to leave two days later, I then left Tokyo, Japan, by the time I got to my front door I had no money and I knew there had to be a way around the system.

I had been with the most beautiful girls of my life whom had treated like a god and I knew that I needed to go back.

After months of planning my second trip in my bedroom I began devising plans as to how I could take advantage of the girls that were wanting to be with me (more) and after figuring out my hustles a good three trips followed.
After that I found myself with riches beyond belief and nowadays I can fly to Tokyo, Japan, whenever I want, like seriously I could wake up tomorrow and if I wanted to, fly to Tokyo

and the amazing part is I didn't graduate high-school, my mom had no money and I spent 16 years of my life in fear of malnutrition.
Your dreams are possible, don't let anyone tell you that you can't do what you want to do.

kenken

Nov 24, 2006, 23:56

what do you want to travel in japan?
there are lots of nice spot in tokyo.
so make your nice plan and study japan.
i think you need to study japanese language until going to japan.
japanese guys usually don't speak english well.
so if you have any trouble,you need to ask peolpe to speak japanese.

anyway when do you go to japan?
enjoy your trip!

MrsAmberface

Nov 25, 2006, 01:16

Your dreams are possible, don't let anyone tell you that you can't do what you want to do.
thank you sooo much =]
what do you want to travel in japan? What?

so make your nice plan and study japan. heh. that's why we'er here =]
i think you need to study japanese language until going to japan.
how do i go about learning japanese?
anyway when do you go to japan?
enjoy your trip!heh. we go over my summer break got a half of year of school left after that so yeah then i'm going straight into cosmetology college YAY! =]

yukio_michael

Nov 25, 2006, 02:54

Did you kids ever hear of the phrase "don't shoot the messenger"...? More or less that you shouldn't bring the brunt of your frustration upon the people who happen to be the bearers of bad news.

Frankly, I don't think either of you are mature enough to go to Japan together without some sort of guide or at least a guardian. I started to write a sort of rough guide for getting from Narita to Tokyo, including accommodations & food options on the cheap, but really... I think you two should wait to go to Japan before your plan has been formalized somewhere other than on a cocktail napkin...

How often do you think that people say "I'm going to Japan, give me advice!" on JREF...? I think this forum is filled with the questions that you're asking. But my advice, and I don't want to speak for others, but I don't think I'm alone here, is that you may not be fully prepared (emotionally and or otherwise) to travel across the globe to a country who's image you seem to have compiled from Gwen Steffani videos...

Keep in mind, I have nothing against you personally but I think (again) that you're going about this all completely ill prepared.

WHEATTHlNS

Nov 25, 2006, 03:15

Keep in mind, I have nothing against you personally but I think (again) that you're going about this all completely ill prepared.

I think were REALLY over-complicating (is that a word) Japan here - ESPECIALLY Tokyo. They are going to a place that generally caters to (well behaved) foreign visitors, and if they stay at a hostel - they wont NEED to bring a "guide" with them. At best they need to figure out the train systems and get themselves an atlas. If they really want to prepare - they should take a class in Japanese at the local community college, just to get introduced to the language.

As for their whole "reasons" to go - as well as facetiously suggesting its based on MTV - who cares? Its not like there arent parts of the city that arent as gaudy as one imagines.

In any case, they arent leaving TOMORROW - theyre leaving in seven months, more than enough time to get pointed in the right direction as far as resources are concerned. I know people their age who put together trips in less than a month.

I mean really - if a guy can get by in Japan with no other motivating factor than to put his manhood in any semi-cute thing that moves. . .then these folks who seem to have a genuine wonderlust about Japan should be fine. If not - theyre loaded with cash and can buy their way out of any mistakes.

MrsAmberface

Nov 25, 2006, 06:57

"You are 17? It really shows."
Expresses disdain and derision.
Nice to know that you matured so very much in six months.
Other than pointing out the potential legal problems of a person of adult age taking a minor across state lines, I have made no comment on your age difference.

I never said anything about maturing or being immature at all. In fact I think I made no comment on my maturity whatsoever. As a matter of fact I believe I said "Acting your age is fun, especially when you are 17." implying acting immature/goofy. I'm sure you know that with that comes well known teen attitude and a strong sense of always being right. Besides I am right! lol jpjpjp (You will probably use me arguing this entire matter with you against me saying that I'M trying to always be right. I'm just defending the negative comments you had towards me... which I coudn't figure out why they were said in the first place.)

I simply said from the beginning, that there was no need to put negative comments like "Maybe you should just be patient." On here for no good reason. It was completely uncalled for.

Why are you arguing this anyway? I'm just a immature 18 year old right? So whats the point in instigating arguments through an internet forum? You're 41, arguing with a freshman in college. What bothers you so much that you feel the need to turn everything I say around? Thanks for the help you DID give in the beginning though. Any and all help is much appreciated! :p -kris

Not at all. Review the thread and notice that the clarification on their ages at the time of their trip came after my heads up regarding the Mann Act.

WRONG! lol jk man, but if you do read the post directly above your mann act post. the last sentence states our ages at the time of the trip. :wave: :bluush:

ArmandV

Nov 25, 2006, 08:49

Er, whatever the ages, I would recommend that you get plenty of literature on Japan, especially the cities and sites you plan to go to.

I've always recommended the fine folks at the JNTO for brochures and maps. Their URL is http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ and there's a section for ordering them (and they're free). When you get loads of brochures and maps delivered to your homes, you'll impress your parents that you're not going blindly.

Mikawa Ossan

Nov 25, 2006, 10:39

Don't mind Mike Cash. Even when he sounds harsh, he really is trying to help out. The Mann Act was a good point. The point he made about 17 year olds is not a big one for you to get upset about. I'll admit that I found your comments ironic, too. Don't let yourself get distracted from your trip.

Personally I think you're going to have a great time, but I think you should decide on a theme for your trip! If you have a purpose for your trip rather than just randomly going, I think it'll be that much more fun! Then again, some people enjoy randomness. Especially when they were just 17! :p :wave:

ghettocities

Nov 25, 2006, 14:12

I think were REALLY over-complicating (is that a word) Japan here - ESPECIALLY Tokyo.

It's not complicated (after the second trip or fourth week during the first,) but for the rest of the time, matured person or not it will be complicated.

Even if this girl had a guide, unlimited money, places to stay, there would still be moments of complication, discomfort or bad happenings happening.
Then again I think my only other advice is that if you are planning on going to Tokyo then just jump into it, you won't learn unless you get on the bicycle without knowing how to ride it and fall off a good ten times.

MrsAmberface

Nov 25, 2006, 14:55

It's not complicated (after the second trip or fourth week during the first,) but for the rest of the time, matured person or not it will be complicated.
Even if this girl had a guide, unlimited money, places to stay, there would still be moments of complication, discomfort or bad happenings happening.
Then again I think my only other advice is that if you are planning on going to Tokyo then just jump into it, you won't learn unless you get on the bicycle without knowing how to ride it and fall off a good ten times.

Well teh complications are part of the adventure right? I usually do things by the book in my life and am rarely spontanious with stuff like this. I'm deff looking at this as more of an adventure than a trip though, although still reasonably prepared. This is my last post under her name I swear lol. -kris

Mike Cash

Nov 25, 2006, 16:48

I never said anything about maturing or being immature at all. In fact I think I made no comment on my maturity whatsoever. As a matter of fact I believe I said "Acting your age is fun, especially when you are 17." implying acting immature/goofy.

Please don't tell me you don't see how you just contradicted yourself in that paragraph and further showed me to be correct in my assessment of your statement.

Why are you arguing this anyway?

I have no life.
I'm just a immature 18 year old right?

I hadn't offered any comment on how mature or immature I think you are, so I guess you must be offerering that up as a self-assessment.

So whats the point in instigating arguments through an internet forum?

It's how I get my jollies, having no life otherwise.

You're 41, arguing with a freshman in college.

Were we arguing?

What bothers you so much that you feel the need to turn everything I say around?

I didn't turn around anything you said. I merely pointed out what one particular statement of your implied. And you later confirmed that I was correct, when you contradicted yourself above.

Thanks for the help you DID give in the beginning though. Any and all help is much appreciated! :p -kris

That is refreshing. Typically the vast majority of help/advice given to those contemplating visiting or moving to Japan is resented and ignored.

WRONG! lol jk man, but if you do read the post directly above your mann act post. the last sentence states our ages at the time of the trip. :wave: :bluush:

You are correct. It was my fault for tending not to carefully read the posts of those who don't exercise basic composition skills when posting to the internet. I'll strive to be more diligent in the future.

nurizeko

Nov 25, 2006, 22:04

Mike, I dont know how, but perhaps getting some western TV to your home will be a plus.

If I lived in Japan aslong as you and only had Japanese television, I'de resort to picking on kids over the net to... :blush:

ghettocities

Nov 26, 2006, 00:56

Mike, I dont know how, but perhaps getting some western TV to your home will be a plus.

Not to change the subject but everyone in the USA, heads up, Master Card (World Master Card) just released a terrifying commercial in the United States where it is like "Ring: $7,000" but then the next thing you know it turns into "Plane ticket:" such and such money and it's all about this American guy who fell in love with a Japanese girl and then he flies his parents to Tokyo for them to meet her parents and it's such a gruesome commercial.

I cringed every four seconds of the seemingly minute long advertisement.

Josh

MrsAmberface

Nov 26, 2006, 02:07

MIKE STOP PICKIN ON MUH BOYFRIEND! LOL! hehe ghetto...wow..okay we'll try cities.. yeah.. that's better. anyways cities how many times hav eyou been back and forth and why do you go so often?

yukio_michael

Nov 26, 2006, 02:52

Josh, why do YOU of all people have a phobia that white folk are invading Japan...?

That said, I think it would do you some good Amber to plan your trip very very well.... I think my reaction to your initial post was mostly due to the fact that you seem to have been planning it as a sort of random getaway--- Japan is a surprisingly complex place (despite what people say...)...

I have no doubt that you'd be able to go there, probably find some sort of accomidation... but for how long, and for how much money.... that I don't know, as fits your budget... Do you REALLY want to go there, spend a few measly nights in a love hotel, buy some clothes at Hysteric Glamour, run out of money, AND THEN WHAT... All I'm saying is that, its wretched to be in a big city, with no plans, and no money, and little idea as to what to actually do.

By the way--- maybe for your boyfriend... skip the BAPE and (you) Hysteric Glamour.... it's all overpriced anyways... nobody will know the brand names, but get Grimegate & Modern Lovers... you'll be cool and nobody will even know it... which is the whole point of being cool in the first place. ;)

Good luck.

ghettocities

Nov 26, 2006, 16:48

Josh, why do YOU of all people have a phobia that white folk are invading Japan...?

It's not so much a phobia of white folk invading Japan as much as it is a "WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" I was/still am part of the electricty in Frankenstein's blood and I'd like to think I've taken part in creating the monster (invasion).

hehe ghetto...wow..okay we'll try cities.. yeah.. that's better. anyways cities how many times hav eyou been back and forth and why do you go so often?

I've been to Tokyo 7 times since I was 19 and I'm 24 now. I went often in order to show the world who I was and what I stood for: Japanese girls.

I wanted to be the only black knight on a chess board filled with white pawns.

Josh

Mike Cash

Nov 26, 2006, 16:58

It's not so much a phobia of white folk invading Japan as much as it is a "WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" I was/still am part of the electricty in Frankenstein's blood and I'd like to think I've taken part in creating the monster (invasion).

Don't give yourself so much credit. The "invasion" started in 1985, when your most recent accomplishment was potty training.

MrsAmberface

Nov 27, 2006, 05:06

heh. mike you know your hilarious right?
anyways i know we always always ALWAYS plan things i figured a little bit of planning won't hurt but as for just going i want to go to have fun and sort of """ be lost """ i mean i've never REALLY been outside of Alabama. this is a WHOLE new experience for me and i'm excited, and scared but i dunno i mean the runaway OBVIOUSLY iddn't work.. what part of japan are you from mike?

yukio_michael

Nov 27, 2006, 05:33

i mean i've never REALLY been outside of Alabama.This really isn't a strong selling point for your readiness to travel across the globe to a non-English speaking country.

But hey, keep in mind, Japan isn't going to disappear. You've already missed its halcyon period, the nineties, so there really isn't a big rush. Whatever is going on in Harajuku will probably be still going on, but slightly differently...

Perhaps take a trip to another state first... wet your toes before you jump in the deep end.

MrsAmberface

Nov 27, 2006, 09:45

heh. i'm good thanks i've been to other states but it's only been for a short time

Duo

Nov 27, 2006, 12:30

Hm, I understand your urge to go and see Japan, I used to have it as well when i was about 18, but I read more about it and informed myself more and got the impressiont that Japan is not quite what I thought it would be. I'd still like to go but maybe a long term goal would be better. Rushing into things in such a young age can lead to many regretts. And as many others living in JApan pointed out here at your current age and status maybe it is not such a wise idea.

yukio_michael

Nov 27, 2006, 12:48

heh. i'm good thanks i've been to other states but it's only been for a short timeI guess I'm a little confused at the fact that you've said and I quote that [you have] "never really been outside of Alabama..."? Were you in those other states in some sort of un-reality!?

If my opinion is worth anything, I think you'll have more fun if you wait.

Mikawa Ossan

Nov 27, 2006, 12:58

I don't see why everyone seems so dead set against this trip. Personally, I say go for it. In America, when you turn 18, you become an adult, and therefore responsible for your own actions. You may lack experience and a certain amount of wisdom, but discovery is part of what youth is all about.

your intentions seem to be honest, and you're trying to give it some thought. I support your trip, and hope you have a great time!

Just remember that in Japan you are not an adult until you become 20 years of age. That may or may not cause problems for you, depending on what you try to do, but at the very least, make absolutely certain that you have a place to stay BEFORE you leave. Keep in mind that in terms of Japan, you are still a minor, and you should be fine.

Good luck!

Mike Cash

Nov 27, 2006, 20:29

heh. mike you know your hilarious right?

I have my moments. It is nice to be appreciated, so thanks for noticing.

anyways i know we always always ALWAYS plan things i figured a little bit of planning won't hurt but as for just going i want to go to have fun and sort of """ be lost """

I have never been lost. There have, however, been numerous times that I didn't know where the hell I was.

i mean i've never REALLY been outside of Alabama. this is a WHOLE new experience for me and i'm excited, and scared but i dunno i mean the runaway OBVIOUSLY iddn't work.. what part of japan are you from mike?

I am from Tennessee. I am living in Gunma.

nurizeko

Nov 27, 2006, 22:33

Sometimes I wish i hadnt went to Japan, then I wouldnt miss it. :p
I dont even know why really, its not that great, just another country, but fond memories nethertheless.
My advice is plan your trip big-time, I had a Japanese family to stay with for my 3 month stay so I never had to worry about a place to stay but you'll be paying for everything, so yeah, dont go until everythnig is sorted.
Ghetto's managed to go unprepared but then again, he exploits horney women to get what he needs, you and your boyfriend on the otherhand only have a budget of your own to exploit. :p
And remember, above all, its a foreign country, and a mega-city, very different from your current existance.
Some folk who visit Jarusalem end up with "Jarusalem syndrome", which basically means their overwhelmed by the experience and go religious nutty for a few days.
Japan and Tokyo can have that effect on the eager excited tourist, you'll go nutty in Japan syndrome, so try and keep a check on your enthusiasm, enjoy the experience, but remember first and formost your in another persons country, you might think its terribly exciting and quaint, but to them your just a wierd foreigner getting all hyper-active and wierd over what to them, is just normal day to day life.
Oh and finally, probably needs no saynig but keep on your best behaviour, I dont like that wierd look I get from Japanese because a group of horney hyper-active carefree young western tourists past by earlier maknig a racket (heh, I had an experience of a larger group of Americans/canadians making tons of noise and misbehaving in a supermarket store once, and then the Japanese customers looked at me as if I was gonna start being a retard).

Wiggly

Dec 5, 2006, 15:15

Well are group may have just expanded, to my best friend and his girlfriend (also one of ambers best friends). That should help out with the roomcost, and make for a better experience. He's a good guy, extremely responsible and loyal so no worries there. He's just as pumped as me about it, which is surprising because he seems to always give me what alot of you have when I get big ideas... that "you're just dreaming" attitude. Anyway, just thought I would update. -kris

MrsAmberface

Dec 8, 2006, 08:29

tigermilk

Dec 8, 2006, 09:38

heh. yeah mikawa, thank you for such enthusiasm. i'm looking at this trip as..every teenager wants to go camping and go on a cruise and go get drunk. Thats not what i'm doing. it's more of an expanding my views of life outside of the seltered place i've lived for so long. i'm extreamly excited and i can't wait so mikawa your an inspiration, to say the least.
Hmm, doesn't sound consistent with your pal wiggly who said the trip is to experience the "pop culture" rather than expanding your views. If you want to expand your views, do go to the country, musuems, etc and experience the true Japanese culture and not the phony goth kids in Harajuku. Just an opinion from someone who has been to Japan over a dozen times. I'm impressed at the Japanese youth who really seem to have an appreciation for their own culture and nature.

BTW, don't know if it's still open but there's a pretty good Japanese restaurant in Huntsville. Was there over a year ago. I think it was just north of Univeristy on Old Monrovia. Owner is from Japan.

Wiggly

Dec 8, 2006, 11:05

Hmm, doesn't sound consistent with your pal wiggly who said the trip is to experience the "pop culture" rather than expanding your views. If you want to expand your views, do go to the country, musuems, etc and experience the true Japanese culture and not the phony goth kids in Harajuku. Just an opinion from someone who has been to Japan over a dozen times. I'm impressed at the Japanese youth who really seem to have an appreciation for their own culture and nature.
BTW, don't know if it's still open but there's a pretty good Japanese restaurant in Huntsville. Was there over a year ago. I think it was just north of Univeristy on Old Monrovia. Owner is from Japan.

I agree 100%. Although I did mention earlier that we would save the countryside for later trips, when we are older, and can afford a little more luxory while there. This trip would've only happened if we could scrape by, which means not alot of traveling around while we are there. More like, stay in the city and walk as far as we can lol. Maybe take a few subs to different districts, but not diff. parts of the country.

As it has it, the trip is off until next year, when we can afford to do alot more and stay alot longer while we are there. I don't want to dish out 1500 on tickets for a week in the city ya know?

godppgo

Dec 8, 2006, 11:34

MrsAmberface, I say go for it and enjoy your trip to your fullest. You only live young once afterall. Live hard, play hard, feel hard. You might have less "regret" in your life if you take a more stable course, however there are many things in life you can only experience at a certain age. There is no substitution for your own experience. Be there in person and see it with your own eyes.

MrsAmberface

Dec 9, 2006, 07:58

why thank you, i think i'm going to thoroughly enjoy this trip if it were'nt for christmas being so damned close lol

Broken Rose Ren

Dec 9, 2006, 08:24

Hey MrsAmberface. When you get there how long you gonna stay? Where you gonna stay? Where you gonna work? I'm not trying to be a mom or anything, but you can't go to another non English speaking country without setting something up first, understand?

Luckily you can set all of this up online, there are programs for things like that. HOWEVER, I would learn enough Japanese to get around before hand and continue learning when I get there. The internet is vast, look into programs that can accommodate a foreigner, new to Japan.

Good luck.

Wiggly

Dec 9, 2006, 10:49

Hey MrsAmberface. When you get there how long you gonna stay? Where you gonna stay? Where you gonna work? I'm not trying to be a mom or anything, but you can't go to another non English speaking country without setting something up first, understand?
Luckily you can set all of this up online, there are programs for things like that. HOWEVER, I would learn enough Japanese to get around before hand and continue learning when I get there. The internet is vast, look into programs that can accommodate a foreigner, new to Japan.
Good luck.
The help is MUCH appreciated... but wow.... things have evolved SOOO much throughout this thread sooo ya know lol.

MrsAmberface

Dec 9, 2006, 15:37

lol we're not sure how long we're staying yet. we're planning to go for awhile longer now but we've pushed it back a year now

Broken Rose Ren

Dec 10, 2006, 02:40

Well, see what you can do with in the year or year and a half. I would try to take Japanese classes throughout the year and look into to programs online that can help foreigners who wish to travel to Japan.

Here are some great sites for living and getting jobs in Japan:
Japan Guide (http://www.japan-guide.com/)
Gaijin Pot (http://www.gaijinpot.com/)

I dunno if you'll need this yet, but...renting places in Japan.
Sakura House (http://www.sakura-house.com/)

I'm not gonna tell you to stop, y'know? Because it's my dream to go to Japan too and I will also do anything to get there. But, you have to make sure you have a fighting chance.

Riyko

Dec 18, 2006, 17:52

I want to ask (i doubt i'll get a reply), but do you guys even work? Not once have I read a reply by either of you two that you both work.

MrsAmberface

Dec 19, 2006, 06:27

yes. we both work. =] thank you for asking

Sparky

Dec 22, 2006, 14:11

Hey, this is Ambers boyfriend. I just had a few quick questions that hopefully someof you japan guru's could answer. We have a few goals that we want out of this trip, and are determined to meet them. This will probably be our only vacation for a lonnnngggg time with school and everything so we want to make the best. Anyway... Amber wants to shop for sure. We really want to experience the city, and the culture. We really need advice on which district to stay in. Or at least which ones we should take subways too. We would really like to be in the city. I heard the drinking age is 20, so we probably won't be able to get into many fun places. I also heard thats rarely inforced though :) . The last thing I need is to get arrested overseas though soooo, any thoughts on the subject? I guess all in all, our goals are...
-Shopping
-Experiencing city/culture
-Seeing as much as we can
-Little hastle as far as location of hotel in relation to places to go
-Seeing tokyo!!!!
-Not getting arrested lol
-Not going bankrupt
-Things to do, places to see, where to go
-Advice on what would be a decent 2 week budget (USD)
Thats all I can think of for now, but I guarantee I'll be back with more lol. Thanks again! -kris
EDIT Already thought of some more... Will we be able to even GET a hotel in my name if I'm 19? Will we be able to get around ok using the subways? What time do subs close? Do you guys know any good travel guides we could go through? What will the weather be like around June?

You will want to stay in Tokyo Its easiest and most convinent.

If you stay for 1 month you will want to stay at a Guest House it will run you about 2,500yen per night or 40,000yen+ depending on location (Usualy 60,000yen per month avg.) Here is a list of most of the good ones in Tokyo. http://www.japanlinked.com/guest_houses.html

For shopping You will want to visit Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, shimo-Kitazawa for clothes. Akihabara for electronics, and anime. Ueno for small markets. Ginza for outrageously priced high end items. All these places are on the JR Yamanote line it circles the whole Tokyo core.

You will get city culture everywhere you go each train station has a unique feel and atmosphere so just get off the train at random stations you'll have a blast.

Do a couple day trips or 3 day trips to the ocean/beach, Mountains/Hiking, goto osaka or kyoto on a 3-4 day trip. ect. I suggest a JR Rail Pass it will get you everywhere for 1 price about $300 per person info here: http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/japanrailpass.html

Drinking: You are foreigners so will rarley if ever be ID'd for your age so you can pretty much drink anywhere(SHHH don't tell anyone I said that)

Cost: you can live fairly well with 3,000 dollers each for 2 people for 1 month
Basics: Guest house 600+200 deposit you can share the room with your gf they usualy include tv, bunk bed, fridge, closet and free internet hook up (bring your own laptop)
Food: If you cook half at your guest house $600-700
JR Rail Pass $600 each
$1000 Each for a plane ticket here
$2000 for all your other wants and needs

Hope this Helps a little more. Enjoy
Contact me if you need more info.