Finally going to Japan. Any advice?

[Pento240sx]

Hello fellow niconauts. So I finally decided to go to Japan. It was a long time planning and dream of mines. I will be arriving to Osaka Kansai on May 13. My plans is staying at a place where they rent the rooms for $10 to $20 dollars a day for 2 or 3 weeks and after that, see if I get accepted to one of the wwoof host organic farms to make my money last longer(I'm going on a budget). I was wondering what advice can you guys/gals give me since is my first time traveling to Japan. Thanks.

[Frank_White]

man lucky you... have a safe trip and take lots of pictures to post on this thread!

[themadscientist]

Don't believe the p0rn

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/04/10/t ... -behavior/

Given the size and longevity of the adult entertainment industry, it’s safe to say that such products serve a purpose in societies everywhere. However, one purpose for which adult videos should never be used is as travel guides for visiting other countries.

You might think that would be common sense but apparently we can’t stress the point enough after there has been a recent spate of molestation committed by foreign tourists who claim to have thought it was normal behavior in Japan after watching Japanese adult videos.

[jbracy7]

Do your best to cover any tattoos, almost everybody speaks english,food is crazy expensive, that all I remembered from my visit 6yrs ago

[frapjap]

^ why the tattoos?

[NolimitZ32]

In Japanese culture visible tattoos are generally considered as marks of the mob (yakuza). When I went I only spent 4 days all in Tokyo and I was on the opposite of a budget so I don't know if I can help much in that regard. My advice is try all the food you can, its amazing how much different delicious stuff there is to eat, even if it looks weird. Mind the time because life there runs like clockwork and people don't appreciate you being late (this is mostly in professional situations). Lastly, stay the hell away from UpGarage or you'll be broke within minutes lol. All in all its not thaaaaat different, it is a civilized society with a social order of things, just don't do anything ridiculously drastic and you should be fine.

[themadscientist]

Gotta eat some fugu, or deadly pufferfish. I had some when I visited Osaka and it was delicious!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_R ... Kinki.html



Also, Osaka people are very different from Tokyo people, pretty wild by comparison. I had much more fun there.

[lne937s]

My advise is that many people do not speak English in Tokyo. If you are in an area where everyone is speaking English (Ginza, Roppongi hills) then it is likely either trendy or touristy... and you are paying too much. If you go where the locals go and learn enough Japanese to order food, I found it surprisingly inexpensive (at least by NYC standards). But the touristy areas are much more expensive.

Like any major city, don't be an idiot and be aware of your surroundings. But Tokyo is surprisingly safe, clean and civilized for a major city.

[Pento240sx]

I will take a lot of pictures. Don't worry I will not do anything perverted. Hopefully Ill get to learn a lot more about the Japanese culture. I will be trying to find the least expensive places to eat. If fugu is not too expensive I will try it, hopefully I wont die.

[themadscientist]

Say hi to Chibatman!

[numbnuts240]

hahahaha even the translator speaks all gruff-like

[Dattebayo]

If fugu is not too expensive I will try it, hopefully I wont die.

Well if you die feel secure in the knowledge that the guy who prepared it has to commit seppuku.

[Pento240sx]

If fugu is not too expensive I will try it, hopefully I wont die.

Well if you die feel secure in the knowledge that the guy who prepared it has to commit seppuku.

I will keep an eye out for chibatman. Thats the only way he would bring honor to the restaurant hahaha.
Does anyone know the names of some auto parts use/new that are around the area? I want to go get some parts for my S14.

[themadscientist]

UpGarages all over Tokyo

http://www.upgarage.com/shop/

If you are over in Chiba you can swing by TopSecret
http://www.topsecret-jpn.com/base7.html

If you are on the other side you can swing by Tomei
http://www.tomei-p.co.jp/_tomei-company/tomei_map.html

[NolimitZ32]

UpGarage as I learned on my trip is AMAZEBALLS!!!! I brought back a bunch of goodies for myself and some of my friends that were cheap cheap to buy there but are not only reaaaaallllyyyy rare stateside but also usually fetch a pretty penny, oh and yeah there's also the complete defi setup I picked up (used) for under $200.

Here is my most important piece of advice; apparently there are certain laws in place in Japan concerning the sale and activation of cellular devices for non-residents which make it a convoluted process. There are companies that will rent out mobile hotspots for a very good price, obviously the price will depend on your level of connectivity and data usage. I was there for a short time so I ended up getting a mobile wifi hotspot to carry around with me, I think it was like $35 for 4 days, this made my travels muuuuch easier since I don't speak Japanese. I don't have any of the websites saved but I am sure you can google some. The coolest thing is you can usually have it sent from the rental company to the post office located in your port of arrival (airport), there you can pick it up and be instantly connected. Also it may behoove you to study up on the train network and general locations of everything because in Tokyo, getting around is a science. PM me if you have any specific questions I'll do my best to help out.

[Pento240sx]

Thanks TMS. Once I have the chance I will go on a little shopping trip, hopefully Ill find a cheap diff or a OEM Silvia body kit, well at least the front bumper.
Well with Japan airlines there is a promotion https://www.ar.jal.com/world/en/freewifi/
So it looks like I have free wi-fi around the designated areas for a month. I rather not pay for a hot spot it could get pricey, I will be there for 3 months so yea hahaha. Thanks NolimitZ32 I will send you a PM if I have some questions.
I appreciate all you guys responses thank you.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Damn 3 months?!
Are you going for work or something?

[Pento240sx]

Damn 3 months?!
Are you going for work or something?

I wish it was for work. I'm going to volunteer in exchange for a place to stay and 3 meals a day. I'm going as part of wwoof Japan, is a program where you pay $47 dollars in exchange for a host list, there you could send them message to the host and talk to them to see of they accept you.

[NolimitZ32]

Talk about total immersion. You'll love it, such an awesome place, civilized but completely different from the western world.

[Gold Digger]

Kansai region, in my opinion, was much more relaxed than Kanto region. I lived just northeast of Tokyo for 10 years. Went to Nagoya a couple times and I loved it. Have been to Osaka and Kyoto a few times as well.

But, cost of living is a bit expensive.

And, most importantly, don't have high expectations about what you think Japan may be like. It's busy, crowded and expensive. Also, you may have to register with the local city office as an alien resident.

One other thing, if you haven't yet, go to AAA and get an international drivers permit. You'll be able to legally drive over there. Then, you can go up to my house and buy my R33 GT-R...

[Pento240sx]

Kansai region, in my opinion, was much more relaxed than Kanto region. I lived just northeast of Tokyo for 10 years. Went to Nagoya a couple times and I loved it. Have been to Osaka and Kyoto a few times as well.

But, cost of living is a bit expensive.

And, most importantly, don't have high expectations about what you think Japan may be like. It's busy, crowded and expensive. Also, you may have to register with the local city office as an alien resident.

One other thing, if you haven't yet, go to AAA and get an international drivers permit. You'll be able to legally drive over there. Then, you can go up to my house and buy my R33 GT-R...

I already have a survival guide on where the good and not so expensive restaurants are at, the locations of the 100 yen stores and how to look out for specials in the supermarkets. So I think I'm ready for Japan. I already got my international drivers permit so you could rent me your GT-R while I'm over there

[audtatious]

Don't by the panties in the vending machines...I hear they are actually not worn by virgins

[Gold Digger]

Kansai region, in my opinion, was much more relaxed than Kanto region. I lived just northeast of Tokyo for 10 years. Went to Nagoya a couple times and I loved it. Have been to Osaka and Kyoto a few times as well.

But, cost of living is a bit expensive.

And, most importantly, don't have high expectations about what you think Japan may be like. It's busy, crowded and expensive. Also, you may have to register with the local city office as an alien resident.

One other thing, if you haven't yet, go to AAA and get an international drivers permit. You'll be able to legally drive over there. Then, you can go up to my house and buy my R33 GT-R...

I already have a survival guide on where the good and not so expensive restaurants are at, the locations of the 100 yen stores and how to look out for specials in the supermarkets. So I think I'm ready for Japan. I already got my international drivers permit so you could rent me your GT-R while I'm over there

Rent? Nah...It's not regged, inspected or insured. Purchase only. Make an offer if you're interested. You might be surprised what I'll take.

[Pento240sx]

So I am here in Japan already and I must say it is beautiful and interesting. Some of the things I have notice the most is smokers, a lot of vending machines(I have not see the panties ones BTW), lots of foreigners, most of them from Europe and lots of really small cars, I have yet to see some JDM tyte cars. The first thing I tried here in Japan was Okonomiyaki with shrimp, pork and noodles and It was really delicious. The Super Markets is the place to go if you want to get some cheap sushi and snacks, I bough my breakfast there for around $4 dollars. So far my experience here has been really nice, Japanese people are very nice and will try to help you in anyway they can. The organic farm I'm staying at, is in Kasugae in the country side, the house I'm staying at is very old Japanese house, no A/C, no TV, with lots of chickens and a funny looking goat. I have experience the tea ceremony and I must say the tea was very bitter. I have also went to a Buddhist temple to meditate, which was kind of painful, as I am not used to siting in the lotus position, but It was nice and relaxing once you get past the pain. Taking a shower here was a little challenge, as I had to used the bath water(where everyone soaks in it) to wash my body and the shower head only for my head. I have met some very cool and interesting people during my few days that I have been here and have experience some authentic Japanese music. Overall, I am loving it and getting used to the time difference. I will post some pictures of my trip so far. Keep yourself posted, I will upload more pictures every week or so.

Delicious






Old style Japanese Toilet and Urinal. Thank god I don't have to used this.


Video of traditional Japanese Music

[NolimitZ32]

That is awesome, I am so jealous and really sad that I never made it out of the Tokyo metroplex when I was there.

[zackalack]

DRIFT

[OriginalWheelman]

Man I have small car envy. I wish I could buy a kei truck but they are off road only in Oregon because there is no Federal class for them. -.- #GodDamnedGovernment