Tokyo, Japan

Who has gone?
What's it like?
How to prepare before going this weekend?
How much money should I take? Or should I exchange some cash at a local bank?

Any tips, advice or recommendations appreciated.

 

Organized chaos is what I would call it. The Japanese were wonderful when I visited. They're very polite. The entire country is clean, organized, and crowded! Two things I didn't particularly enjoy-- small portions (compared to American standards) and the hot and humid July climate (I don't remember which cities I was in). Do a little reading on their culture and social norms. Respect gets respect.

It has been over ten years since I visited but my girlfriend and I are planning a trip for the near future.

 

Thanks for the reply!

I got a last minute invite from a friend who happens to be a flight attendant so I'm getting a ridiculously good deal for a round trip ticket.
Do you suggest calling my cell provider prior to leaving or just turning off roaming data? I'm not worried phone calls, texts or emails or anything like that. I'd simply just be using my phone for taking pictures.
Also, exchanging money prior to leaving... Did you do this at your local bank or at the airport? I've read that you have to give your bank a few days notice for currency exchange? And unfortunately I don't have a few days notice as I leave tomorrow.

 

That's a nice deal! Nice having friends in "high" places .

Whenever I travel, I usually just manually turn off roaming data on my cell phone. My father, on the other hand, will call his service provider and request they do it. Most places will have free WiFi.

I utilize my bank's currency exchange service since their rates are decent--a lot better than at the airport. But like you said, it takes a few days to process and receive.

 

BTW, what cities are you visiting?

 

I lived there for 2 years. Best bet for $ is just to get it from the ATM. There ATMs right in the airport. Just remember everything in Japan is paid in cash. Very little use of credit cards.
Leave your phone in airplane mode and you can still.use wifi.

It's about an hour from Narita airport to Tokyo. Have fun.

 

my son said the humidity is stiffling

 

Not during this time of year. July and August, yes. Spring is very pleasant.

 

So in that case, I'm probably better off just doing my money exchange at the airport since I don't have the luxury of waiting a few days? Or as the person below me mentioned, airport ATM's? I figure I'll also call my credit card company prior to leaving to let them know I'll be out of the country just in case I do need to use it.

As to what cities, I honestly have no clue. I simply got a text message last night saying "let's go to Tokyo". She says she has the Air Bnb already taken care of and everything. She also said she's looking forward to the cherry blossoms so I imagine somewhere near those areas? I have no clue exactly, but I like surprises.

Now, if I do take money out from an ATM? Are you suggesting an ATM there? Will i have any surprise fees at my expense? I'm just trying to avoid things like that.

What's the difference between airplane mode and turning off data roaming?
And thanks!

 

I checked the weather and it's averaging 50 degrees.. Kind of cold compared to what I'm used to (Cali)

 

Anyone remember the dude that met Japanese Toyota 3rd gen engineers and made a racist-esque thread about it?

 

Not sure what bank you use but my bank I just get charged an international service fee which is only a couple bucks. I have taken out yen at the airport many times. On fact if memory serves there is a Bank of America ATM in the airport outside baggage claim in terminal 2.

If you leave your phone in airplane mode you won't get any calls or any data therefore no roaming charges. As of a couple years ago most US carrier phones don't work on Japan anyways. Not sure if that has changed.

 

And BTW, Japan is great. Very safe...I mean like no crime what so ever. You can leave your wallet on the floor in the middle of the train station and it will still be there when you come back. And that is if someone doesn't chase you down to give it back.
It is very easy to get around on the train once you get a good train map and figure it where you are going.
Things are more expensive than in the US but overall it's not crazy.

 

Japan is a rad country. Tokyo rules! I'll be going back in a few months.

I never really took cash, mostly used my card (call the bank beforehand tho). Maybe exchange a few hundo, there's so much cool shit to buy. Also, the dollar is stronger than the Yen now so enjoy more for your money. Most people don't speak any English, and subway can be tricky to navigate because it's in Kanji or whatever the Chinese characters are.

Eat lots of food, because it's super good. Visit all the popular areas of Tokyo: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Rappongi (gaijin area), Akasaka (Palace and amazeballs ramen spots), Ginza, there's a popular shrine in Asakusa and like little food vendors around, the new(ish) Tokyo skytree with great views or Tokyo tower. Do karaoke and get drunk.

Have a blast!

 

Oh yea, the customer service is next level ridiculous. It'll make you cringe thinking about dealing with any business' back here.

 

Go to Tokyu Hands for gifts and cool things to buy

 

Oh, go to any convenience store for decent food, and beer (7-eleven, Lawsons, Circle K)

 

Yes! Not like going to 7 11 here. You can actually get good food there. Cheap too.

 

When you in Harajuku, it's where the crazy intersection is where hundreds of people cross at once.

I like the Aoyama and Daikanyama area, bit more upscalely. But keep in mind I usually travelled for work which involves a lot of shopping.

You could get a love hotel

 

Wow! Thanks guys for all the input.

I bank with Wells Fargo to whomever asked.. not sure if it helped. But I think my plan will be to call my credit card company either today or tomorrow and let them know I will be traveling overseas and then exchange maybe $200-300 USD to the Yen and see how long it lasts lol.
That way I have both cash and plastic.

As for my cellphone, I'll probably leave it on airplane mode and see how that goes. Hopefully no surprises. I'll try connecting to WiFi when possible to try and store my photos and what not.

How's the night life? It looks pretty awesome from pictures i see