Mikan
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| You got mad skulls! | I can't wait to go deep inside | A Kraken to the Sunlight | Fine then, I love you. | Do something with this | From the Tap |
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2014-04-09
TAKE ME WITH YOU
:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(
I just quickly googled and saw that drinking/smoking limit is 20, but even though I'm 22, I usually get carded in toronto, but not once in Japan, however I didn't purchase cigarettes since I don't smoke so I'm not sure about that.
But either way, you can have a great time without drinking or smoking, it's freaking JAPAN! I miss it already!!
But either way, you can have a great time without drinking or smoking, it's freaking JAPAN! I miss it already!!
2014-01-27
PART 2
As for the language barrier, there's nothing you can do about it, people will know you're a foreigner the second they see you, and almost everyone speaks english there anyways. You're just gonna have to wait until you get there at this point. I know a few Japanese people through work, but they aren't my teachers so I just kinda listened and put together the things I knew to make up what people were saying. In all honesty, anime and music helped me more than anything cause I wasn't grinding knowledge in my brain, I was kind of casually learning. Being there will be totally different and you'll pick it up much quicker. Since you're gonna be there for a while you'll most likely be able to speak slangishly by the time you finish!
Plus, the majority of people speak english anyways, and at least %90 of places in Tokyo + surrounding area will have at least one english speaking worker, just ask politely if they do and they'll usually say yes.
The transit system can be confusing but map out what stations you need to transfer at or go to before you leave your host house or work and you'll be okay. Google maps is REALLY effective, the train map itself is very cluttered. After 3 or 4 days you'll pretty much get it down anyways. The transit in Chicago is pretty complicated since they all use the same tracks and go through that loop. Each line in japan has it's own track so it's not as confusing as Chicago's in some ways. Above all, everything is within walking distance from any train station so you most likely won't even have to worry about buses.
I did get lost one or two times, but there are so many train stations it's impossible to not be able to get back on track. Another good thing is to do some Youtubing/googling, there's kind of a system there so finding out what to do and what not to do in Japan will be helpful. But take those videos lightly, they kind of exaggerate things.
Don't worry about asking more questions, it isn't the funnest place to go to without knowing anything haha. :D
Plus, the majority of people speak english anyways, and at least %90 of places in Tokyo + surrounding area will have at least one english speaking worker, just ask politely if they do and they'll usually say yes.
The transit system can be confusing but map out what stations you need to transfer at or go to before you leave your host house or work and you'll be okay. Google maps is REALLY effective, the train map itself is very cluttered. After 3 or 4 days you'll pretty much get it down anyways. The transit in Chicago is pretty complicated since they all use the same tracks and go through that loop. Each line in japan has it's own track so it's not as confusing as Chicago's in some ways. Above all, everything is within walking distance from any train station so you most likely won't even have to worry about buses.
I did get lost one or two times, but there are so many train stations it's impossible to not be able to get back on track. Another good thing is to do some Youtubing/googling, there's kind of a system there so finding out what to do and what not to do in Japan will be helpful. But take those videos lightly, they kind of exaggerate things.
Don't worry about asking more questions, it isn't the funnest place to go to without knowing anything haha. :D
2014-01-27
PART 1
It is stressful but you're gonna be FINE! You have everything set up for yourself. I planned everything 10 days before I left hahaha, you still have until summer!
$2500 + work should be perfect. From what I heard, english teachers make a decent amount of money, but I'm not sure how much you'll make as an assistant or if it's volunteer only.
If you are worried about money I think you should bring $4000 just in case and pay your parents back the extra $1500 as soon as you get yourself set up. Plus I doubt you'll spend more than $400/month unless you feel like splurging, which you definitely should do if you can because you only get to go abroad so many times in your entire life!
I suggest changing your money in 100,000 yen intervals (Roughly $1000) and take out as you need. There are 3 ATM's at the Airport but none of them worked for me, and two of them are hard to find, the only ATM's I was able to change money were at the post office's with the JP logo, so I suggest you get money in Chicago before you go and scope it out for a day or two to get your barrings before you start working.
$2500 + work should be perfect. From what I heard, english teachers make a decent amount of money, but I'm not sure how much you'll make as an assistant or if it's volunteer only.
If you are worried about money I think you should bring $4000 just in case and pay your parents back the extra $1500 as soon as you get yourself set up. Plus I doubt you'll spend more than $400/month unless you feel like splurging, which you definitely should do if you can because you only get to go abroad so many times in your entire life!
I suggest changing your money in 100,000 yen intervals (Roughly $1000) and take out as you need. There are 3 ATM's at the Airport but none of them worked for me, and two of them are hard to find, the only ATM's I was able to change money were at the post office's with the JP logo, so I suggest you get money in Chicago before you go and scope it out for a day or two to get your barrings before you start working.
2014-01-27
PART 2
The trains can be a bit confusing but I was able to understand it within the first day. Don't buy tickets however, it can get really confusing. In stead, if you go to the main stations (Shibuya/Shinjuku/Omoetesando etc...) you'll see SUICA machines.
They're these reloadable cards that will cost 2000 yen to purchase (500 yen refundable deposit, 1500 yen ticket money). Look up which machine to use as it can be confusing. Once you have it you can reload it whenever it get's low and all you have to do is just tap it at the train gates/bus entrances. You can also use your SUICA card at stores and vending machines that have are SUICA compatible.
If you're working then money will not be an issue AT ALL. A lot of people say Japan is expensive but it really isn't, the most I've ever paid for a meal was roughly $60, but it was a fancy restaurant with drinks. Most places will fill you up between $5 and $15.
However if you're not working then you should be a little bit more cautious. Since you're with a host family you should probably be able to live off $300-$600 a month, and you'll live REALLY well for $1000-$2000 a month.
And one more thing about food, no matter what you see, it is 100 times better where you are now. Even McDonalds is amazing in Japan haha, you HAVE to try the Teryaki burger, it's freaking great.
You're gonna have a BLAST!! Once again, feel free to ask any questions :)
They're these reloadable cards that will cost 2000 yen to purchase (500 yen refundable deposit, 1500 yen ticket money). Look up which machine to use as it can be confusing. Once you have it you can reload it whenever it get's low and all you have to do is just tap it at the train gates/bus entrances. You can also use your SUICA card at stores and vending machines that have are SUICA compatible.
If you're working then money will not be an issue AT ALL. A lot of people say Japan is expensive but it really isn't, the most I've ever paid for a meal was roughly $60, but it was a fancy restaurant with drinks. Most places will fill you up between $5 and $15.
However if you're not working then you should be a little bit more cautious. Since you're with a host family you should probably be able to live off $300-$600 a month, and you'll live REALLY well for $1000-$2000 a month.
And one more thing about food, no matter what you see, it is 100 times better where you are now. Even McDonalds is amazing in Japan haha, you HAVE to try the Teryaki burger, it's freaking great.
You're gonna have a BLAST!! Once again, feel free to ask any questions :)
Nakameguro is a great area, and it's close to Tonki Meguro haha. Also really close to the Tsukiji fish market (just one train line there, no transfers :D)
Best places would be Shinjuku and Shibuya. Some areas in Omotesando are pretty fun too. Definitely check out the izakaya's if you can drink, I believe the drinking age is 13 or 15 in Japan. Also there's a small strip full of bars that I forgot the japanese name but the english name is Golden Gai.
Akihabara is also a really good place if you're into anima/otaku. Everything there is kinda spaced out so it's hard to find things.
Stores you should 100% check out is Tokyu Hands & Loft Loft in Shibuya. Everything in the Shinjuku area is really cool but some stores can be really pricey. There's a sticker store somewhere in the Shinjuku area called B-Side Label and there's a lot of cool clothing stores where I ended up shopping a lot haha, WOMB is a good store for some cool clothes.
In Akihabara, you should check out a store called Yodabashi Akiba (might have spelled it wrong, but google it) It's I believe 8 or 9 floors of EVERYTHING technology related. The first floor is half computers half phone cases hahaha.
Lots of cool arcades in Akihabara too, but usually you'll have to go to the higher floors cause there can be some scammed machines near the bottom floor to draw in customers.
Night life can be a bit awkward if you don't like doing that stuff alone, but since you're there for a few months I'm sure you'll get a long with some people and hang out with them.
For food there's ALOT of options. I don't think I've eaten a single bad thing when I was there, but some of the best will be Ichiran Ramen (There are a few locations but the one in Shinjuku is the best IMO).
Check out ALL the tourist spots, they're all as good as you think they are.
Best places would be Shinjuku and Shibuya. Some areas in Omotesando are pretty fun too. Definitely check out the izakaya's if you can drink, I believe the drinking age is 13 or 15 in Japan. Also there's a small strip full of bars that I forgot the japanese name but the english name is Golden Gai.
Akihabara is also a really good place if you're into anima/otaku. Everything there is kinda spaced out so it's hard to find things.
Stores you should 100% check out is Tokyu Hands & Loft Loft in Shibuya. Everything in the Shinjuku area is really cool but some stores can be really pricey. There's a sticker store somewhere in the Shinjuku area called B-Side Label and there's a lot of cool clothing stores where I ended up shopping a lot haha, WOMB is a good store for some cool clothes.
In Akihabara, you should check out a store called Yodabashi Akiba (might have spelled it wrong, but google it) It's I believe 8 or 9 floors of EVERYTHING technology related. The first floor is half computers half phone cases hahaha.
Lots of cool arcades in Akihabara too, but usually you'll have to go to the higher floors cause there can be some scammed machines near the bottom floor to draw in customers.
Night life can be a bit awkward if you don't like doing that stuff alone, but since you're there for a few months I'm sure you'll get a long with some people and hang out with them.
For food there's ALOT of options. I don't think I've eaten a single bad thing when I was there, but some of the best will be Ichiran Ramen (There are a few locations but the one in Shinjuku is the best IMO).
Check out ALL the tourist spots, they're all as good as you think they are.
Oh man, it is amazing! I went by myself and even though it was a shock, I always wanted to go to Japan since I was young, so all that made me forget :).
People say there's a lot of racism there but I didn't see any. If you're white then I hear it's even easier, plus people will be all over you haha! If you can adapt to your surroundings quickly then you'll be fine!
You can get by without knowing Japanese if you go to main cities, but knowing some will obviously help :)
Food is amazing everywhere, even grocery stores and 7elevens. Get ramen, it's north america is not even a fraction as agood as japan. Also, if you're in tokyo area, go to Tonki Meguro. They don't speak much english so brush up on your japanese before you go there.
Are you going to Tokyo? Are you landing in Narita? Are you going alone? If so then DONT ever take a cab unless absolutely necessary because it will be hella expensive. Plus theres a direct train from Narita to Ueno/Hokkaido for like 3000 yen, and another with more stops for like 1200 yen.
ALSO... As technologically advanced Japan is, credit/debit is NOT a thing there, bring cash with you. You'll be fine with a wod of cash in your pocket, it's the safest place I've ever been in my life. There's doors open, cars unlocked and bikes everywhere, nothing serious happens there.
Plus, free internet is also NOT a thing there. At the airport you can pick up pocket-wifi or sim cards with a data plan. You will definitely need some form of GPS with you, so a prepaid sim card with a data plan on a smart phone will be your best option! Another way in stead of the airport will be getting it through a site called "econnect" (I did this). You need to order before hand, I think it takes 10 days (without wait list) to arrive to you. You can chose to send it to the airport or your hotel.
Feel free to ask any other questions if you like :) I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT TIME!!
People say there's a lot of racism there but I didn't see any. If you're white then I hear it's even easier, plus people will be all over you haha! If you can adapt to your surroundings quickly then you'll be fine!
You can get by without knowing Japanese if you go to main cities, but knowing some will obviously help :)
Food is amazing everywhere, even grocery stores and 7elevens. Get ramen, it's north america is not even a fraction as agood as japan. Also, if you're in tokyo area, go to Tonki Meguro. They don't speak much english so brush up on your japanese before you go there.
Are you going to Tokyo? Are you landing in Narita? Are you going alone? If so then DONT ever take a cab unless absolutely necessary because it will be hella expensive. Plus theres a direct train from Narita to Ueno/Hokkaido for like 3000 yen, and another with more stops for like 1200 yen.
ALSO... As technologically advanced Japan is, credit/debit is NOT a thing there, bring cash with you. You'll be fine with a wod of cash in your pocket, it's the safest place I've ever been in my life. There's doors open, cars unlocked and bikes everywhere, nothing serious happens there.
Plus, free internet is also NOT a thing there. At the airport you can pick up pocket-wifi or sim cards with a data plan. You will definitely need some form of GPS with you, so a prepaid sim card with a data plan on a smart phone will be your best option! Another way in stead of the airport will be getting it through a site called "econnect" (I did this). You need to order before hand, I think it takes 10 days (without wait list) to arrive to you. You can chose to send it to the airport or your hotel.
Feel free to ask any other questions if you like :) I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT TIME!!
2014-01-17
Absolutely phenomenal.
5aved. Glorious.
AGD
AGD
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2014-01-17
Japan?
cool.... :)
2014-01-16
whoops
here is the age
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2014-01-16
Slow agd
Pretty easy but fun. 4/5
it basically says:
What's up, everyone? I miss all of you! I am going to Japan this summer!
What's up, everyone? I miss all of you! I am going to Japan this summer!
2014-01-16
Interesting description
I had to use the google translator.
1211
<3