Well, the problem is that I took Japanese in high school. A semester, and it was hard. This is probably because I was never able to learn foreign languages (tried spanish and french as well).

I think once I meet up with my brother I'll be okay. From what he said, it shouldn't be a problem getting to the other plane.

 

I'll be there next week... what are some non-mainstream fun stuff to do there?

 

I went to Japan and knew a weeee bit o'Japanese. Although what I found is some people didn't quite get my accent. I asked for "Mizu, kudasai" (Water, please) and was brought Miso soup...which was rather amusing. It can be helpful to have a Berlitz book that has a few pages with translations of common words designed so you can just show the page to someone and point to the character.

This may be too mainstream, but....

Something I really liked was going to a museum. I met some volunteers that spoke enough english to be able to explain some of the exhibits.

I also liked wandering around city, grabbing tea (or sake!!) out of the streetcorner vending machines and just seeing everything for my self at my own tempo. I liked checking out the different shops. I really liked the teeny lunch counters that specialized in noodle soups or sushi. Both were cheap, and the sushi counters were a riot (the kind where they were on a small plate on a conveyor belt, and you grabbed what you like as you went by. At the end of the meal, the waitress counted up your plates to tally your bill.) The prices are posted going in to the restaurant, but even if you miss the pricing, it's hard to miss the plates. The more expensive/exotic the piece, the fancier the plate. Cheapest GOOD sushi I've ever had.

Something else to watch for, bring cash or a way to easily get cash (such as travelers checks). You can use plastic at hotels or fancy restaurants, but not at the typical shops on the street (or at least...that was the case in 2001).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Octane-Girl

 

Back in the

 

I'm in Tokyo (mmm, Narita actually) about two weeks per month. If you have anything specific you want to know PM me. I've been traveling to Japan on a regualr basis since '97, so I hope I remeber the tourist stuff!

 

that's so cool, I'll definitely PM when I fly into Osaka Kansai!

Btw, where is the best place to exchange money... I don't want to get gouged at the bank. When I was in South America, I just exchanged cash with some guys hanging outside the exchange bank, sicne they gave me a much better deal.

 

when in japan, ask for "soap girls" hehe