Ever been to Japan??

[KristyK]

My DH and I are thinking of going there next year when his son gets stationed there. We figured we'd need a large savings, and not sure at all where he'll actually "be" stationed, but thought we'd start with information asap!

So, if you've been there, what are the "must see's"?
How expensive was it?
Is it easy to convert dollars to yen, and if we use credit cards, does that make it easier?
My son is learning Japanese, so he'll be a great help with the language, we're hoping! :D

Any tips on anything there, we'd appreciate. Like I said, it's about 7 months off before his son gets there, so we're probably looking at August next summer?? Or even Sept/October if we just go with the 2 of us, or maybe longer like Summer 2007.

Thanks in advance!

[Aimee]

I'd be interested in any info, too. DH and I would love to take a trip to Japan someday.

[BridalLace]

don't miss Kyoto. i have heard of people who blew thousands on a trip to Tokyo and never saw Kyoto - almost a waste of $$$ IMHO. i'd spend 2-3 days in Tokyo and then 2 WEEKs in Kyoto if i could. Kyoto is an incredible place. Hiroshima is good too.

Japan is very expensive no matter where you go. how long are you thinking of staying?

credit cards were not that widely used when i was there from 95-97. if you're in a major city, fine, but if you're in the countryside, be careful. many Japanese depend heavily and carry high amounts of cash, because robbery etc is so uncommon there.

if you go to Okinawa, one of the places with a large AF base, the beaches are FAN.TAS.TIC. its like Hawaii, seriously.

if you go to the northern base of Misawa, there are a lot of nice lakes and mountains around there for hiking etc. that's really nice too. also Misawa Base is right across the strait from Hokkaido, which is also a wonderful area (Sapporo etc.)

[Ohana]

ITA that you shouldn't miss Kyoto. Also agree that credit cards are not widely used outside of major cities (and even then you may not be able to use a CC restaurants, in cabs, or for train tickets). Converting dollars to yen is a cinch at just about any bank.

Other must see places (for me) include a hot springs. There are tons and tons of them throughout the islands. Stay at a local ryokan (B&B equivalent), soak in their hot springs bath, and enjoy the local cooking (ryokans usually include breakfast and dinner in the cost of lodging).

If you've got some time to travel around, I would recommend at least a night in a large city, whether is Tokyo or Osaka, just to experience it, then Hiroshima, the coast on Kyushu (which has some great beaches), and Kyoto.

August is not the best month to visit Japan. It is extremely hot and humid then, and there are also occasional typhoons. Also, Obon is during August, and Tokyo is practically a ghost town then (mid-month, dates vary by year). If you can go in late September or October, the weather will be much nicer.

Yes, Japan is very expensive. Plan on 100-200 per person per night for hotels in large cities. Breakfast is included at most hotels. Lunch was at least 10 per person, and dinner was usually close to 30 per. This was all at smaller, less expensive restaurants, and did not include beverages. Hotel restaurants and fancier places will of course be more expensive. Taxi's, buses, trains and rental cars are also more expensive that in the US, though trains is probably the most economical way to go (check out the JR pass before you go, as it might save you some money).

That's all I can think of for now. It's been a while since I've lived in or visited Japan, but let me know if you have specific questions.

[KristyK]

Thanks ladies! All these suggestions and comments are great! We aren't sure exactly where my DH's son is going to be stationed, we don't think he even knows yet, but we just know he has to spend a year in Korea (and we're not going there), then his next tour in Japan, so we figured it might be worth it to go for a vacation. I'll keep all your suggestions.

Anyone else?

[kuroneko]

If you are looking for reasonably priced accomodations in Japan I would suggest checking out the Welcome Inn Reservation Center www.itcj.or.jp. This is a really good service that has a database of affordable ryokans (Japanese style inn) and hotels throughout Japan. Their daily rates do not exceed ¥8,000/single for two thirds of the year (there may be holiday times where the price is slightly higher). They have information, including pictures of each property. They will also make the reservations for you, which is great if you don’t speak, or speak only minimal, Japanese. I used them a few times to find a place to stay when I lived in Japan and was taking a weekend trip to other parts of Japan. I will echo the sentiment of others about credit cards. Japan is very much a cash based society and you will find only a small number of places (usually very large department stores and the like) which will accept them. I would also agree that fall is the better time to see Japan and when you will get cheaper flights. October is the best since September in most of Japan is typically typhoon season, so you will have more of a chance of rainy weather in September whereas October is usually clear and beautiful. I guess my biggest suggestion would be to stray off the beaten path. There are some really breathtaking places to see in Japan which are not necessarily on the radar of your average foreign tourist. If you will be at all near the Kansai area of Japan, I recommend venturing into Wakayama prefecture. Nachi waterfall and temple is one of my favorite locations in Japan. There are also some fabulous onsen (hot springs) in that area. Most notably is one in Katsuura which is actually in a cave which overlooks the ocean. I could go on and on about Japan. I lived there for 3 years and loved it, so please feel free to ask any specific questions.

[kimbyj]

We just came back from my brother's wedding in Japan. He wife is Japanese and her family lives there. She has lived in the USA for about 12 years but she still remembers a lot of stuff if you need me to ask her. Also, my roomie from college lives near Tokyo.

A few things I'll mention:

Japan is REALLY expensive. I am from NYC so I can tell you that with a straigh face and confidence.

The hotel rooms whether you pay $200 or $400 are much smaller than we are used to.

Every time you step foot into a taxi it will cost you at least $6 US.

I found that very few people spoke English...at least well. This came as a huge surprise to us because Japan is so advanced in so many areas. It was easier for me to have a conversation on paper versus speaking wiht people at the hotel's front desk.

The hotels should be able to cash dollars for yen.

That's all I can think of for now.

[Leia]

I had the opposite impression - so many people spoke English, but most were very, very shy about using their English. They all were almost embarrassed that their English wasn't better. Frankly, their English was way better than my Japanese so I was very impressed! I found people to be so super helpful, especially on the subways. Beyond a doubt, the people of Japan are the kindest that I have encountered in all my travels.

Do agree that it's crazy expensive, but it's very well worth it.

[kimbyj]

I did find that some pepople were shy about speaking English - but overall, I stick to my assessment that very few speak English. I was surprised that many hotel employees didn't speak English.

I am not an English snob -meaning that I don't expect people from other countries to speak my native language. I was just surprised though. I have been to something like 34 countries and found that Japan was the most advanced yet not in terms of learning English.

[Regina Phalange]

My FH is currently living in Fukushima Japan for the year teaching english in grade schools. I am going for seven weeks in January-February and when I get back I can let you know more about it. There are a couple pictures of the island he is living on in my journal if you want to check out the natural beauty.

[Weddings by]

I third the ryokan. For me it was a great experience.

Definately hot and humid in the summer. If you go to Hokkaido in the fall/winter, expect it to be cold. I went from Kushiro, Hokkaido (wearing long-johns under my clothes and a long wool coat) to Kobe and was so hot when I got there--at night. I should've checked the weather patterns. :D

[KristyK]

Thank you everyone for all the info! I'm saving this thread! And FutureGallucci, I look forward to what you have to input as well!

Like I said before, it won't be until next year sometime. I guess I'd better check the weather patterns before we go. I read everything to my DH, he said "I guess it's going to be expensive!"....UM YEP! :rolleyes:

[Regina Phalange]

I'm back from my trip and enjoyed every moment! If there are any specifics you want to ask, feel free. Otherwise, when you find out where he will be stationed, let me know. Is he Navy?

[_mm_]

I went to Japan several times in the past few years for business .... but finally visited as tourist for the first time last August. The trip was absolutely wonderful ... the people are incredibly friendly, exquisit food, stunning landscape. I really cannot wait to go back again. A couple of pointers I would like to share ....
- August was not an ideal month to visit. It was very hot and humid. Also, some businesses were closed for a week due to National Holidays.
- I highly rec staying in ryokan. We stayed at Montanago Ryokan in Kyoto and had the most wonderful kiseki meals prepared for us.
- Buy train pass (only sold outside Japan) if you want to use a bullet train. It save time and money.
- If you have extra time, try to get outside of the big city for greater cultural experience. :-)

[chortles]

Has anyone gone on a business trip to Japan? Would love information on dress, culture, etc. as a woman traveler (or perhaps a good blog/website to read?)

[meganth]

We'll be going to Tokyo in December for DH's work. We're actually going to spend more time there as tourists than on business though.

We'll be staying in Yokohama which from as best as i can tell is close to Tokyo. I've just started my research so i've got a lot to figure out!

[kuroneko]

I posted a detailed reply and then CC ate it! I'll try to re-create it.

I live in Japan for 3 years. Though I worked in education, not the business sector, I can give you a few general pointers.

1. Dress conservatively. No skirts above the knee, simple jewelry (one small earring per ear), no sleeveless tops and nothing that shows cleavage. Always wear panyhose. It is considered very unprofessional in a business setting to have bare legs.

2. Have plenty of business cards ready. Exchanging business cards is a Japanese ritual. Present your card face up, with both hands. It is polite to carefully examine any card given to you before putting it away. It is considered rude to put a business card in your pocket or wallet. Most Japanese have a special business card holder for them. You should be able to find something like that at a staionery store here.

3. If you can learn a simple introduction in Japanese it will be much appreciated. I'm sure they will have English speakers there if it is a company that regularly does business with the U.S. Still, remember to speak clearly and slowly. Many Japanese complain that Americans speak too fast.

4. Although it's been changing in recent years, women executives are not as common in Japan as in other countries. Some Japanese men mayhave issues dealing with women in positions of power. Just be aware of that, and make sure any male counterparts from you company who are with you make clear what your rank is.

5. Be aware that Japan is much more bureaucratic than most places in the U.S. It may take much longer than you think it should to accomplish what you view as a simple task or decision. Don't let this get to you! Outward expression of frustration or anger makes you lose face in Japan. Try to stay calm, cool and collected even in situations where you want to scream.

That's what I can think of off the top of my head. If you have any other questions about Japan, feel free to ask. I'll do my best to answer.

[KRL626]

I was in Japan two years ago. We traveled around the country as part of a church singing group. My favorite place of everything we saw was Kobe which is close to Osaka. We went for the day and hung out with two locals we had met the day before. They have an amazing cable car that takes you up into the mountains and you can walk down through this beautifully cultivated herb garden. It was breathtaking!

[Ohana]

ITA with Kuroneko. Japan is much more conservative than the US.

I haven't lived or done business there for a while, but I still think you can't go wrong with conservative dark business suits. Definitely don't forget the pantyhose. And wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take off, as Japanese people take their shoes off when entering private homes, temples, and some restaurants.

What Kuroneko mentioned about business cards is spot on. Have a ton prepared, and put them in a business card holder. When you meet someone, present your card with both hands so the lettering faces them. When you receive someone's card, do so with both hands. If you're sitting down, put it in front of you and take a moment to look at it. Leave it out on the table. If you're standing, hold it in your hands and look at it. Treat it respectfully. Don't just stick it in your pocket or whatever. When you're done, place it in your holder.

If you'll be attending formal business events, feel free to PM me. I worked a ton of them and can give you the protocol.

[framboise]

chortles, I totally agree with what Kuroneko & Ohana said. I work for a very old, very conservative Japanese company & have been there twice on business trips and host our Japanese staff on visits to the US pretty regularly, as well as dealing with Japanese companies & their Japanese staff here in the US. Everything the other two said is spot on. One other thing to think about is bringing a gift of some sort. Depending on what your meeting schedule is like & who exactly you'll be seeing you might want to bring a little something for whoever will be hosting you or spending the most time with you. Everytime one of our Tokyo staff comes to visit they bring me something like a small snack or dessert item, some kind of fancy paper / pen or something of that nature. The last time I went to Tokyo I made chocolate chip cookies for our sales staff of about 30 people which were a huge hit. That might be a little risky if you don't already know the people you'll be meeting though. If there's anything that specifically represents wherever you live it would be a great idea to bring that along.

meganth, Yokohama is pretty close to Tokyo - basically a big suburb really. I regularly deal with people looking for hints about what to see & do in Tokyo specifically so I have some info that I can cut & paste to you if you would like. PM me if you want me to pass it on.

[shebestova]

I might have an opportunity to spend three weeks in Japan, but there are a couple of things that worry me...

First of all, are chopsticks used all of the time? Or are forks available for Westerners like myself who are totally clumsy with chopsticks?

Also, what is the food like? I am vegetarian and to make matters more complicated, the Asian cuisine I have tried I did not like.

[Myra]

I was in Tokyo and Kyoto recently--I preferred chopsticks, but I found both cities western-friendly and a few times I was even given a fork without prompting. For a vegetarian, there will be a lot of noodle options, plus there are plenty of western chains and a number of European-influenced places, so I don't think you'll have a problem (though I think I would have enjoyed Japan a lot less without my love of sushi :D).

[trestlegirl]

I was in Japan this spring - Kyoto, Tokyo, Nagoya, and several smaller towns in Niigata prefecture. I don't recall ever being offered a fork, but I like chopsticks so I guess I never thought about it. If you are really concerned about it, you could take some disposable forks with you to use in a pinch. Or try learning to use chopsticks before you go, they are not so hard if you practice a little bit :)

As Myra mentioned, there are plenty of western-style restaurants in the larger cities. You could eat at Denny's, McDonalds and Starbucks every day if you really wanted to as long as you are in big cities - if you get out into the country, you have fewer western-style choices. If you eat fish you'll be absolutely fine. If you are a strict vegetarian, it may be a little more difficult unless you are travelling with someone who speaks Japanese and can find out what is in the food, but there are plenty of tofu-based things, noodles, and miso-based soups. We had fish at almost every meal, even breakfast (sushi for breakfast = AWESOME!), but I was travelling with Japanese friends so we stuck to more traditional restaurants.

[meganth]

We're going in a month and we're also vegetarians! I'm a little worried too. I know they have a lot of noodle dishes but i'm pretty sure they're made with fish or chicken broth. We'll now be having a friend going over there with us who is Japanese, so he'll be ordering for us!

So we leave in a month and i haven't done any planning or research! I need to get started!

I know we're staying in Yokahama two nights and the rest in Tokyo, but i have no clue where. Any hotel recs for Tokyo?

[Lolly]

I haven't been there in about 17 years! But I still really want to go back someday.

[meganth]

Ok - now i really need help!

We leave in one month and i'm just now looking at hotels for Tokyo and i'm overwhelmed! Any suggestions?

[kuroneko]

Here's what I always recommend when people ask me about places to stay in Japan. Visit the Welcome Inn Reservation Center at http://www.itcj.jp They list reasonably priced accomodations all over Japan, and they will even help you do the booking. They specialize in what are called "business hotels" and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). Business hotels are geared toward the Japanese businessman, and therefore are not fancy and rooms are not huge, but they are inexpensive, clean, safe and usually located in very central areas. I've stayed at many and never had a bad experience. I would recommend a ryokan if you would like more traditional Japanese accomodation. You'll also get larger rooms with a ryokan too. However, some people don't like sleeping on the floor on futon, which is common at ryokan though some also have rooms with western style beds.

On the Welcome Inn site you can search by area/neighborhood and most of the places also have pictures and will list what the closest train/subway station is. I've stayed at places I found on the Welcome Inn site before and have always been pleased. If you're looking for the fancy hotel experience, this isn't for you, but most people tend to be looking for stuff that is budget friendly and this definitely fits the bill for that.

Good luck!

[meganth]

Thanks for the info kuroneko. Money really isn't an issue - i guess no more than $400 US a nite since hubby company will be paying for 3 nights of lodging. Do you know of anything good right off the top of your head in Tokyo right in the heart of it all?

I'm going to be studying my guide book that i bought tonight!


ETA - I don't have a problem with the type of bed we sleep on (be it a western style bed or a futon on the floor.) My only requirement would be a bathroom in the hotel room. No shared bathrooms please!

[kuroneko]

If money is not an issue, I can recommend the Keio Plaza Hotel http://www.keioplaza.com. They are right in the middle of everything in Shinjuku. This is the only non-budget type hotel I've stayed in in Tokyo (since it was a business trip and not my money :)). Their rates start at around $165/night I think. I'm sure there are plenty of others, but none I have personal experience with to recommend. Hope that helps!

[Ohana]

I've stayed at the Keio as well, and it was very nice. You're within walking distance of many parts of Shinjuku, getting other places in Tokyo from Shinjuku Station is pretty easy. Actually, the Keio is the only hotel I've ever stayed at in Tokyo, but I still think it's pretty nice! My parents had their wedding reception at the Imperial Hotel, which is also nice, but I think it's astronomically expensive...

[framboise]

Meganth, does your husband work for a company that might have a contract rate with a hotel? The larger hotels have contracts with MANY companies so you might be able to catch a break that way. If you're looking for something on the nicer but not out-of-control expensive, I'd recommend the Keio Plaza, the New Otani & the Imperial Hotel. If your husband's company is sending him on business, it's pretty likely that the company has a contract with one or more of those.

[meganth]

Meganth, does your husband work for a company that might have a contract rate with a hotel?

Unfortunately, no. He works in the motorcycle industry and they're starting to tap into this market so this is kind of a recon trip.

I'm still trying to decide on our Tokyo hotel. All i know is that i want to be right in the heart of it all, which sounds like we want to stay in Shinjuku. I probably need to sit down tonight to decide where we'll stay. I'll check out the other ones you've recommended.

[framboise]

Meganth, I work for a Japanese company in the travel industry so let me know if I can help you make your decision at all. I'm by no means an expert, but I have access to information & might be able to help you out a little.

[thompso2]

I wish I'd been on an expense account when we went to Japan! We stayed at a great inexpensive ryokan in Asakusa that I'd totally recommend for a vacation, but perhaps not for a business trip. Still, in case it's helpful, our vacation recap (with links) and photos are here (http://jeremiahblatz.com/personal/pics/japan-2006/index.html).

[meganth]

I thought i'd come back and post a review of our trip!

Tokyo was really amazing. The best way i've been able to describe it is "crazy." Every street corner we turned was another Time Square atmosphere and look.

I Tokyo we stayed at Century Southern Tower (http://www.southerntower.co.jp/english/index.html)in Shinjuku. The greatest thing about this hotel was that it was right across the street from the Shinjuku JR train station. The hotelw was great too! Not too pricey for Tokyo - about $300 a night and the rooms were close to American hotel size, which i heard would be smaller. And the staff was GREAT! According to tripadvisor.com it was a business hotel so the staff wouldn't be that helpful, but they really were.

Here's views from our room:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSC_0021.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSC_0305.jpg
(that's mount fuji)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSC_0023.jpg


We also stayed in Yokohama for the motorcycle convention we went there for. We stayed that the Intercontinental Yokohama the Grand. (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hotel/yokha;jsessionid=V5JGKNGUI0IO2CTGWAJSJ0QKM0YBIIY4? firstpoint=dcb1&_requestid=480585) This hotel was a lot pricier but i wasn't that impressed. The hotel itself was really nice, but we had requested a non smoking room and got a room that somebody had previously been chain smoking in. The hotel was booked for the convention so we were stuck. Yuck!

Our hotel in Yokohama:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSCN2516.jpg

After the convention we went back to Tokyo for a few more days and back to Century Southern Tower.

The trains and subs are amazing in Tokyo, but not very user friendly when you have 4 suitcases and 4 carry on's - we brought a tradeshow with us in our suitcases! We ended up having to take a cab from Tokyo to Yokohama and back which cost about $150 one way.

[meganth]

Here's more pictures from our trip:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSC_0142.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSC_0143.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSC_0184.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSCN2556.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSC_0296.jpg

And the most awesomest example of Engrish we saw over there:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/munderwood/DSCN2480.jpg
(that’s supposed to be bowling shirt)



So it was a really fun trip. Tokyo did get a little old and overwhelming really quickly. It was a lot of the same thing everywhere we went - bright lights, tons of people. We may be going back next year and we're planning on taking at least one day trip outside of the city to see a little more of Japan!

[HunBun]

Love the Tokyo pictures! Shinjuku is my favorite area in that city- you really captured the feel of it!