The Japan Trip is On!
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From: Asheville,
I think it is a good sign when the Japanese I'm in contact with are suggesting car-related tour stops. I will have more on these in the coming days.
We need to expand this for ALL S2000 owners in Oz and Europe. Our group at Takanezawa can be a minimum of 10, maximum of 60.
Gotta go face west now...
-John
[Edited by JGSS2K on 05-17-2001 at 07:35 AM]
We need to expand this for ALL S2000 owners in Oz and Europe. Our group at Takanezawa can be a minimum of 10, maximum of 60.
Gotta go face west now...
-John
[Edited by JGSS2K on 05-17-2001 at 07:35 AM]
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From: WA
I strongly suggest hooking up with some local Japanese NSX or S2000 owners and try to get a tour guide. Unless you speak Japanese, Japan (even Tokyo) can be a bit tough to get around it.
And if you are planning on doing car stuff (ie visit the aftermarket tuners etc etc), find someone who knows the tuners and can guide you around. Look for the hobby stores for S2000 stuff (models, mags, videos etc). I strongly suggest visting the Honda Collection Hall Museum at the Twin Motegy Ring (which also has go-kart and the Honda Side By Side single seat racers to rent and ride on).
BTW, NO CAMERAS allowed at the Honda R&D facility or the factory.
And if you are planning on doing car stuff (ie visit the aftermarket tuners etc etc), find someone who knows the tuners and can guide you around. Look for the hobby stores for S2000 stuff (models, mags, videos etc). I strongly suggest visting the Honda Collection Hall Museum at the Twin Motegy Ring (which also has go-kart and the Honda Side By Side single seat racers to rent and ride on).
BTW, NO CAMERAS allowed at the Honda R&D facility or the factory.
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: North Richland Hills, TX
I've spent a lot of time in Japan (thanks to Dell in the pre-budget conscious days 
), and have never had any real problems getting around or reading signs (& I don't speak or read Japanese!). I was a little concerned the first time I went, but Tokyo is a very fun (but expensive) place to visit! Most of the Japanese were very friendly and could speak at least fractured English. Also, the subway signs and maps are usually in Japanese and English.
Make sure you visit Roppongi for the nightlife - I believe it has the highest density of clubs in the world, it's def. pretty wild! Also check out Akhiabara (sp?), which is the electronics district - you could spend all day there checking out all the cool toys that are not yet available in the states.
There are a few other cool areas to check out, but I can't remember their names offhand...a semi-island in Tokyo that's almost like a resort-type area w/ a beach and modern mall. Also the ancient capital of Japan, less than an hour south of Tokyo via the train...
), and have never had any real problems getting around or reading signs (& I don't speak or read Japanese!). I was a little concerned the first time I went, but Tokyo is a very fun (but expensive) place to visit! Most of the Japanese were very friendly and could speak at least fractured English. Also, the subway signs and maps are usually in Japanese and English. Make sure you visit Roppongi for the nightlife - I believe it has the highest density of clubs in the world, it's def. pretty wild! Also check out Akhiabara (sp?), which is the electronics district - you could spend all day there checking out all the cool toys that are not yet available in the states.
There are a few other cool areas to check out, but I can't remember their names offhand...a semi-island in Tokyo that's almost like a resort-type area w/ a beach and modern mall. Also the ancient capital of Japan, less than an hour south of Tokyo via the train...
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From: Signal Hill, SoCal
If it was July I might be in. I have been trying to get organized for a trip to see a Sumo Tourney for awhile now. I am a huge (no pun intended) Sumo fan. Sumo tourneys are on the odd numbered months so June is no good.
Since Akebono retired my plan has lost some steam but at leat my favorite rikishi Musashimaru is still kickin ass and taking names.
Since Akebono retired my plan has lost some steam but at leat my favorite rikishi Musashimaru is still kickin ass and taking names.
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From: Asheville,
One of the Japanese owners had some ideas about how we could pass the time during our visit.
1. Visit to the Honda Collection Hall and Fan-Fun Lab. In Twin Ring Motegi.
2. Visit to Honda Show Room in Aoyama, Tokyo
3. If possible, driving the S2K on the Tokyo Beltway. This depends on the weather, and the patientce of our hosts with us.
I'm only there 5 nights, arriving Thursday and leaving Tuesday.
Feel free to come early and stay longer.
-John
[Edited by JGSS2K on 05-17-2001 at 07:36 AM]
1. Visit to the Honda Collection Hall and Fan-Fun Lab. In Twin Ring Motegi.
2. Visit to Honda Show Room in Aoyama, Tokyo
3. If possible, driving the S2K on the Tokyo Beltway. This depends on the weather, and the patientce of our hosts with us.
I'm only there 5 nights, arriving Thursday and leaving Tuesday.
Feel free to come early and stay longer.
-John
[Edited by JGSS2K on 05-17-2001 at 07:36 AM]
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From: Toronto
Well, I'll be at the Montreal Grand Prix that weekend so I won't be able to make it. However, to the more, umm, adventurous, I would definitely recommend going to the Shutoko races that occur on the weekends at midnight. I'd love to see all the heavy iron and watch Skylines and EVO's blast past at high speeds. (Some cars hit 200+mph).
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From: Asheville,
Today I commited financially to the trip. I'm taking Delta #55 nonstop from Atlanta. Yes, the same flight that was denied Russian airspace overflight last week. I'll be staying at the Tokyo Dome Hotel Thursday, June 14th to Monday, June 18th.
http://www.tokyodome-hotels.co.jp/e/index.html
Through AAA, I was able to get a corporate rate at 15,000 yen a night. At today's rate of exchange, that's $121 a night. Considering that Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities on Earth, I'm in shape to do the whole trip for right at 2 grand or so. I'm satisfied with the choice as they have shuttle service from Narita direct to the hotel and back. It's right across the street from the Suidobashi train station. But you all can read about it on the website.
I hope to hear back on the details from the Japanese end in the coming days. Now, back to planning S2K Days...
-John
http://www.tokyodome-hotels.co.jp/e/index.html
Through AAA, I was able to get a corporate rate at 15,000 yen a night. At today's rate of exchange, that's $121 a night. Considering that Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities on Earth, I'm in shape to do the whole trip for right at 2 grand or so. I'm satisfied with the choice as they have shuttle service from Narita direct to the hotel and back. It's right across the street from the Suidobashi train station. But you all can read about it on the website.
I hope to hear back on the details from the Japanese end in the coming days. Now, back to planning S2K Days...
-John
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From: Hoboken
For those of you seriously considering going...you're in for one of the most amazing experiences!
I've recently returned from living in Japan and there is nothing as unique. Especially the Japanese! They are the most devoted fans in the world. All you need to do is see a Grand Prix event live to see all the Japanese who travel to see Jordan. Most importantly they are the best hosts! Ganbatte!
I, unfortunately, will also be in Montreal. BAR is ready for a great year with a strong showing in Brazil! Down with the Red!
My goal this year is to somehow get my company to send me to Japan sometime around...October!
Doug
I've recently returned from living in Japan and there is nothing as unique. Especially the Japanese! They are the most devoted fans in the world. All you need to do is see a Grand Prix event live to see all the Japanese who travel to see Jordan. Most importantly they are the best hosts! Ganbatte!
I, unfortunately, will also be in Montreal. BAR is ready for a great year with a strong showing in Brazil! Down with the Red!
My goal this year is to somehow get my company to send me to Japan sometime around...October!
Doug
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From: WA
How many folks are going so far? I may be able to go - since I will be in Seattle through Wednesday to anyway, it would be just a short flight to Tokyo from there.
How would we get around - ie to the Honda Collection Hall etc. There is actually some fun stuff to do with the Honda Side by Side cars and carts at the Twin Ring.
How would we get around - ie to the Honda Collection Hall etc. There is actually some fun stuff to do with the Honda Side by Side cars and carts at the Twin Ring.