zackuradrops wrote:
Thanks a_kikoo. I will be sure to tune in to the tv specials, let me know what your plans are if you want to meet up with some hikki fans and have a drink.

sokuri wrote:
here's some advice for going to Tokyo..

Hotel:
http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/
Sakura Hotel has really cheap hotel rooms (usually 6000-7000 yen per night) and although the rooms are quite small, they are very clean and nice. I've stayed at the Sakura Hotel in Ikebukuro and was very happy with the facilities. I'd recommend staying in Ikebukuro cause it tends to be cheaper than other places on the yamanote line (ie: Ueno, Shinjuku, Shibuya...etc)

http://www.sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/

Another really smart thing to get as soon as you arrive in Narita airport is a suica/pasmo card. These cards are great because you simply put money on them (almost like a prepaid credit card here) and just swipe them at the train terminals and the amount is deducted automatically for the fare. These are much more convenient than having to buy a ticket each time..
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_002.html

I've also heard that you can buy a special pass (only allowed for tourists) that allows you to ride any train during your stay. Because I've only ever been to Japan as a student, I've never been allowed to get one so I don't know the details on this..You might try asking around because I've heard its a great deal if your gonna be traveling around Japan...Anyways hope this helps a little bit...Hopefully the yen/dollar ratio won't be soo crappy when you go otherwise expect things to be pretty expensive!!

a_kikoo wrote:
Quote:

Dark_Armed_Dragon wrote:
Quote:

a_kikoo wrote:
Im going to be there for New Years too.

New Years in Japan is quiet compared to the states. No fireworks or a big loud celebration when the clock strikes 12. Maybe just a bell ringing. If possible, you should look for a place that serves some kind of traditional New Years food such as mochi, ozoni, etc. A lot of places are usually closed usually til the 3rd. A lot of people visit temples and shrines. You may wanna visit for experience but it will be crowded.

I especially love the t.v. shows during this season. There are a lot of specials such as the Kohaku.

I don't really know much about hotels. I lived in Japan and I'm staying at my mom's house when I visit.

Places I recommend are Tokyo Tower, Odaiba, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, Kamakura, Minato Mirai, Asakusa, Tsukiji Fish Market, Harajuku.

Anyways have fun!

Edit:
They have a lot of ramen shops everywhere. I love getting ramen. Its fast and usually not too expensive. Izakayas are good at night for drinks (if you do drink). Also, check out supermarkets, convenience stores and 100 yen stores.

How could you forget Akihabara? I haven't been to Japan yet, but I know that is an amazing place.

I wouldn't waste my time with Ramen, then you would be like Naruto xD. I'm just playing with the Naruto thing, but you could find Ramen almost everywhere outside of Japan. I got this thing about the Ramen from a guy who was born and lives in Japan, but I made the joke.

Im not a big fan of Akihabara.

Kumachang wrote:
Quote:

sokuri wrote:
here's some advice for going to Tokyo..

Hotel:
http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/
Sakura Hotel has really cheap hotel rooms (usually 6000-7000 yen per night) and although the rooms are quite small, they are very clean and nice. I've stayed at the Sakura Hotel in Ikebukuro and was very happy with the facilities. I'd recommend staying in Ikebukuro cause it tends to be cheaper than other places on the yamanote line (ie: Ueno, Shinjuku, Shibuya...etc)

http://www.sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/

Another really smart thing to get as soon as you arrive in Narita airport is a suica/pasmo card. These cards are great because you simply put money on them (almost like a prepaid credit card here) and just swipe them at the train terminals and the amount is deducted automatically for the fare. These are much more convenient than having to buy a ticket each time..
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_002.html

I've also heard that you can buy a special pass (only allowed for tourists) that allows you to ride any train during your stay. Because I've only ever been to Japan as a student, I've never been allowed to get one so I don't know the details on this..You might try asking around because I've heard its a great deal if your gonna be traveling around Japan...Anyways hope this helps a little bit...Hopefully the yen/dollar ratio won't be soo crappy when you go otherwise expect things to be pretty expensive!!

You are reffering to the Japan Fail Pass I think! Well, if zackuradrops stays in the Tokyo area, I really wouldn't recommend it (kinda pricey :/). In case he wants to travel around to Osaka, Kyoto, etc. it may pay off though (as taking the Shinkansen is horrendously expensive... )

For further information, check http://www.japanrailpass.net/ (in case you need practical information about advantages/disadvantages, send me a message )

Dark_Armed_Dragon wrote:
Quote:

a_kikoo wrote:
Quote:

Dark_Armed_Dragon wrote:
Quote:

a_kikoo wrote:
Im going to be there for New Years too.

New Years in Japan is quiet compared to the states. No fireworks or a big loud celebration when the clock strikes 12. Maybe just a bell ringing. If possible, you should look for a place that serves some kind of traditional New Years food such as mochi, ozoni, etc. A lot of places are usually closed usually til the 3rd. A lot of people visit temples and shrines. You may wanna visit for experience but it will be crowded.

I especially love the t.v. shows during this season. There are a lot of specials such as the Kohaku.

I don't really know much about hotels. I lived in Japan and I'm staying at my mom's house when I visit.

Places I recommend are Tokyo Tower, Odaiba, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, Kamakura, Minato Mirai, Asakusa, Tsukiji Fish Market, Harajuku.

Anyways have fun!

Edit:
They have a lot of ramen shops everywhere. I love getting ramen. Its fast and usually not too expensive. Izakayas are good at night for drinks (if you do drink). Also, check out supermarkets, convenience stores and 100 yen stores.

How could you forget Akihabara? I haven't been to Japan yet, but I know that is an amazing place.

I wouldn't waste my time with Ramen, then you would be like Naruto xD. I'm just playing with the Naruto thing, but you could find Ramen almost everywhere outside of Japan. I got this thing about the Ramen from a guy who was born and lives in Japan, but I made the joke.

Im not a big fan of Akihabara.

I guess you aren't an Anime/Technology fan then. Oh well.

http://gaijinduelist.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html

I got that Ramen thing from here. Also, some other good advice too.

LoBFCanti wrote:

It's more so the crowd you find there rather than the what's available to buy.

YUI fans did a pilgrimage through Fukuoka?