Preparing/I need your help.

Anbu · 2 Dec 2007

Hello everybody!!

I'm an German (19 year old) who is going to be in Japan (Osaka) for 3 weeks between March 16th and April 21th. I just have a few questions that I was wondering if anyone here could answer.

I got the ticket and I dont know the language and I dont know Osaka. So any advice or assistance will help.I am going there alone without family part or friends.

My question is:

What is a JR Rail pass?

I got like 900€, do you think it is enough for 3 weeks?

I was wondering if anyone could be of assistance with regards to a cheap safe hotel?

Did someone move alone to Japan without any experience?

Do I need something before I move there? Because it's my first time.

Any comments/help would be great.It would be so appreciated if someone can help me out.

Thank you in advance.

ArmandV · 2 Dec 2007

The Rail Pass I can help you on.

The pass is for JR trains and Shinkansens (bullet trains) for unlimited use during its validation period. It is not good for non-JR trains or subways. If you plan a lot of travel between cities, it is a good deal (i.e., Osaka to Tokyo, etc.). Otherwise, if you are just going to be in Osaka, it is probably not worth getting.

If you want to get the Rail Pass, you go to an authorized travel agent in your home country to purchase a voucher. You take the voucher to a JR office in Japan and exchange it for the Rail Pass. You can stipulate the date you want your Rail Pass to start.

If you are only visiting Japan as a tourist, going alone is no problem. I've gone there 4 times solo (and once with a group tour where I knew everybody as I was one of the organizers) and it was never a problem. It also helps having friends in Japan, which I do. Have fun!

ifjames · 2 Dec 2007

Anbu said:
Hello everybody!!
My question is:
What is a JR Rail pass?
Also check out Amos' excellent rail pass sticky in this forum: great practical advice: have a great time!!

Anbu · 2 Dec 2007

Thanks for the comments!

I have still some questions, does someone know a cheap safe hotel in Osaka?

Do I need something before I move there? Because it's my first time.

I got like 900竄ｬ/1100$, do you think it is enough for 3 weeks?

ArmandV · 2 Dec 2007

If you have only $1,100 U.S. in cash, no, it would not be enough for 3 weeks. I usually take around $1,500 for a 10-day stay.

I budget like this:

No. of nights x cost of room per night.

Ground transportation per day (taxis and subways). For budgeting sake, I generally allow $25/day, although I never spend that much.

Food. How much do you expect to pay per day. I figure about $20-25/day.

Entertainment.

Souvenirs.

Misc.

Remember, it is better to take too much money with you than not enough (especially in overseas travel).

Anbu · 2 Dec 2007

Wow 1.500$ in 10 days? I thought there would be a cheap hotel like 1month for 450$.I only need a home to sleep, I am going out anyway.I remember a friend of me was there for 4 weeks and had only 877.770 USD.
Edit:900.000 EUR=1,316.66 USD

Hiroyuki Nagashima · 3 Dec 2007

A cheap inn of Osaka
From 800 yen
I do not recommend it very much,
Because environment is bad.

http://www11.ocn.ne.jp/~otomari/list2.html

JAPAN RAIL PASS
JAPAN RAIL PASS | ジャパン・レール・パス

Anbu · 3 Dec 2007

Thank you!

Another question, is it better to bill the EUR/竄ｬ in Yen in Japan or should I exchange it in Germany?

ArmandV · 3 Dec 2007

Anbu said:
Thank you!
Another question, is it better to bill the EUR/竄ｬ in Yen in Japan or should I exchange it in Germany?

Speaking for myself, I got better rates in Japan than at home in the U.S. I'll never exchange in the U.S. again!

Preparing/I need your help.

Anbu

後輩

ArmandV

Eight Times To Japan

ifjames

先輩

Anbu

後輩

ArmandV

Eight Times To Japan

Anbu

後輩

Hiroyuki Nagashima

TAN

Anbu

後輩

ArmandV

Eight Times To Japan

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