Going to Japan alone!

lv426 · 28 Mar 2005

I was wondering, seeing as it looks like the two friends I was going with have almost certainly pulled out. How would it be going to japan on my own, staying in a hostle in shabuya.
I have been studying Japanese for just over a year, I know the kanna and know about 60 kanji (probaly 100 to 150 by the time I go). I can probaly get by with the language, shops, directions ect... especialy if a I take a phrase book!
Would I be able to get by, has anyone else done the same?

ArmandV · 28 Mar 2005

lv426 said:
I was wondering, seeing as it looks like the two friends I was going with have almost certainly pulled out. How would it be going to japan on my own, staying in a hostle in shabuya.
I have been studying Japanese for just over a year, I know the kanna and know about 60 kanji (probaly 100 to 150 by the time I go). I can probaly get by with the language, shops, directions ect... especialy if a I take a phrase book!
Would I be able to get by, has anyone else done the same?

I traveled there alone, but met up with friends in Tokyo in 2001 for the Tokyo International Film Festival. But I did take solo excursions to Atami and near Mt. Fuji.

It is not too difficult to navigate around Japan. The train stations have signs in English script. All you really need is a good map. I stayed at a Ryokan in Shibuya and enjoyed the experience. I found the people friendly and helpful.

What would be most helpful is to get some guides for Narita Airport and the trains, etc. You can contact your local JNTO office for these: seejapan.co.uk

Don't worry, you'll have a great time!

Ackmm7 · 28 Mar 2005

If ur that familiar with the language you should be fine

lv426 · 28 Mar 2005

Cool, theres also those package trips where you go with a group or something like that. But I guess that would limit what I would be able to do.

PopCulturePooka · 28 Mar 2005

What are you doing there and how long do you plan on staying?

lv426 · 28 Mar 2005

Well I'm going there to sight see, I have never been befor and seeing as I'm learning Japanese it would be grate to go and hopefully improve my understanding of the language. Origionaly I was goning to go there for about three weeks, but I guess if I went there on my own it would probaly be more like two. Want basicaly want to try everything, karaoke bars, mt. fugi, and other things like (probaly see some movies), I'll also hopefuly be staying in shibuya.

cheapshot · 29 Mar 2005

lv426 said:
Well I'm going there to sight see, I have never been befor and seeing as I'm learning Japanese it would be grate to go and hopefully improve my understanding of the language. Origionaly I was goning to go there for about three weeks, but I guess if I went there on my own it would probaly be more like two. Want basicaly want to try everything, karaoke bars, mt. fugi, and other things like (probaly see some movies), I'll also hopefuly be staying in shibuya.

when u goin..?

lv426 · 29 Mar 2005

hopefully in july, origionaly the 3rd to the 24th.

misa.j · 29 Mar 2005

lv426 said:
hopefully in july, origionaly the 3rd to the 24th.

It's pretty hot and sticky in July in Tokyo usually, so don't forget to bring a hat. It's kind of hard to find a shade outside in Japan; there aren't many trees.

Have you traveled anywhere else alone before?
I think you will be fine getting around in Japan.
If it means anything to you, I went to NYC straight from Japan by myself before.

lv426 · 29 Mar 2005

I havent realy been anywhere befor on my own befor, only with trips with the school. But I realy want to go to Japan befor I got to Uni, I think it would help me alot in learning the language as well. Theres always those package type toures, hopefully at least one of my friends will still be going but we were ment to be ordering our flights last week.

Actualy I guess a French exchange I took when I was little was kinda on my own, and I did not speak a word of French other than ju-ma-pel and bon-jur and so forth. I think I was a bit of let down at the time to the French family I stayed with, I didnt have any intrest in France I just wanted a holiday!

Hiroyuki Nagashima · 29 Mar 2005

Since it is very sultry, it cannot sleep in the room without an air conditioner the night of Tokyo in July.
The cheap hotel of the Shibuya neighborhood is "Hotel FUKUDAYA." 3000 yen per night
http://www.tctv.ne.jp/fukudaya/fukudaya_e.html

From Shibuya, although it is far, the cheap hotel is focusing on Minamisenju.
Spocom.net
It is "Hotel FUKUSEN which I recommend." It is new, and it is clean and close to a station.
http://www11.ocn.ne.jp/~fukusen/
Other cheap hotels
Cheapest Hostels Across Japan : Khaosan Hostel Group
http://www.jah.ne.jp/~otomari/amap.html
The other stay methods.
Many comics teahouses are located in Shinjuku and Shibuya.
The price is about 2000 yen in 0:00 to 7:00 of midnight.
マンガ喫茶リスト新宿・渋谷・池袋

lv426 · 29 Mar 2005

Oh cool, thanks. Insnt Shinjuku ment to be a bit dodge, I had a friend who went there and said he saw deals being made down the back of street during the night or is that just in miike films lol? Anyway thanks, I check those out.

Keiichi · 29 Mar 2005

Going to Japanese for sightseeing reason will not help you in learning the language in almost any way. You're probabaly not even going to bother with learning the language (other than picking up words here and there, maybe) when there are so much other things going on.

Keiichi

ArmandV · 29 Mar 2005

Hiroyuki Nagashima said:
Since it is very sultry, it cannot sleep in the room without an air conditioner the night of Tokyo in July.
The cheap hotel of the Shibuya neighborhood is "Hotel FUKUDAYA." 3000 yen per night
http://www.tctv.ne.jp/fukudaya/fukudaya_e.html

What is the accomodation at 3000 yen? I stayed at Hotel Fukudaya in 2001 and the room was a single Japanese style for 5800 yen with a western-style toilet. The owners are very nice there. But I never saw them advertise a room for 3000 yen.

Hiroyuki Nagashima · 29 Mar 2005

ArmandV said:
What is the accomodation at 3000 yen? I stayed at Hotel Fukudaya in 2001 and the room was a single Japanese style for 5800 yen with a western-style toilet. The owners are very nice there. But I never saw them advertise a room for 3000 yen.

I am sorry.
The hotel FUKUDAYA of this homepage was a hotel of Taitung-ku (Minamisenju).
FUKUDAYA of Shibuya was here as pointed out.
Tokyo Japan Hotel Fukudaya
:sorry:

lv426 · 30 Mar 2005

Thanks for the replys, hopefully I wont be going on my own but it kinda looks that way. I would of thought even with sight seeing you would get to use the language, asking for directions, buying things, talking to locals ect...

YAMA · 30 Mar 2005

Hello! IV426

You don't have to worry too much.
If you can travel within UK by your own, you can travel Japan as well.

If you go to Roppongi,nightlife district in Tokyo, you'll find many Western fellows so you can
get travel tips from them.

Hard rock Cafeﾂ Roppongi
http://www.hardrockjapan.com/cafes/etokyo_rop.asp

But, as some people already mentioned, July in Japan is very hot & hiumid.
So, take care of yourself.Drink a lot of water.

If you want to stay in a traditional Japanese inn.
鳳明館 HOMEIKAN

Organised sight seeing tour in Tokyo. (Hato-bus tour)
http://www.hatobus.co.jp/english/index.html

Japan rail pass (Like Eurailpass in Europe)
JAPAN RAIL PASS | ジャパン・レール・パス

Cheap restaurants. ﾂ≫??ﾂ〜4
You can find them everywhere in Japan. So,remember these logo marks.

YOSHINOYA
http://www.yoshinoya.com/brand/index.html

MATUYA
http://www.ootoya.com/monthly/index_osusume.html

OOTOYA
http://www.matsuyafoods.co.jp/menu/index.html

Please visit Yokohama as well, my hometown.

City of Yokohama Tourist Bureau
http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/tourism/

Newgi · 31 Mar 2005

ArmandV said:
I traveled there alone, but met up with friends in Tokyo in 2001 for the Tokyo International Film Festival. But I did take solo excursions to Atami and near Mt. Fuji.

It is not too difficult to navigate around Japan. The train stations have signs in English script. All you really need is a good map. I stayed at a Ryokan in Shibuya and enjoyed the experience. I found the people friendly and helpful.

What would be most helpful is to get some guides for Narita Airport and the trains, etc. You can contact your local JNTO office for these: seejapan.co.uk

Don't worry, you'll have a great time!

I'm studying too! Can you tell me when is the best time to travel to Japan?

Newgi · 31 Mar 2005

lv426 said:
Thanks for the replys, hopefully I wont be going on my own but it kinda looks that way. I would of thought even with sight seeing you would get to use the language, asking for directions, buying things, talking to locals ect...

Hey you sound sad when you should be excited! Why :? If i could travel to Japan whether by myself or with someone, I would be most elated!! :cracker: Of course, it would be my first time on a plane but the important thing is to go. See a beautiful country right!

lv426 · 31 Mar 2005

Thanks again for the posts, Yama I'll check out all thouse things you said. I think now one of my friends is going, so I wont be on my own, hopefully It's cool cant wait to go, best thing is its a couple of days after my last A2 exam, yay!

Maciamo · 31 Mar 2005

lv426 said:
How would it be going to japan on my own, staying in a hostle in shabuya.

Sorry that's completely offtopic, but "Shabuya" would be a great name (and pun) for a "shabu-shabu" restaurant in Shibuya.

Back to your question, you shouldn't have any problem travelling alone in Japan if you have travelled anywhere else by yourself before (and even if you haven't as you are English and have indpendent travel in blood ).

I'd suggest the acquisition of a Lonely Planet Japan and/or check our Practical - Travel section.

lv426 · 31 Mar 2005

Cool, lol that and taking over other countrys and then loosing them again. Yeah miss type there shibuya!, this may sound like a stupid question but can you go to ski anywhere in Japan during july. I only ask because I know Japan has mountains, but I think I'm being pretty stupid in my asumption that there would be snow at that time of year!

Newgi · 1 Apr 2005

Why are you really going!?

lv426 said:
Cool, lol that and taking over other countrys and then loosing them again. Yeah miss type there shibuya!, this may sound like a stupid question but can you go to ski anywhere in Japan during july. I only ask because I know Japan has mountains, but I think I'm being pretty stupid in my asumption that there would be snow at that time of year!

☝ Japan is a beautiful country with much to see and do (Temples, Scenery, Arts & Literature). :?
Why there are other places you could go to for skiing and so forth. It seems that you are still learning GRASSHOPPER!

Zabuza · 1 Apr 2005

I haven't been to Japan yet, but I'll be going if I keep my grades up, if not I'll go on my 18th birthday. Have a safe trip over there.

budd · 1 Apr 2005

"How would it be going to japan on my own, staying in a hostle in shabuya."
there's a hostel in shibuya? or is it yoyogi (located close by)?
i've been 11 times all alone
i've only been on a plane to go to and from japan
recommendation above all is to practice patience and learn various directions
ie it don't do no good to know doko desu ka and don't know what massugu means
good luck, hth

Going to Japan alone!

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