Japan 2012 – Here I come! (or: A new blog post, really? You must be fucking kidding!)
March 2012, yup.
Hello guys, I’m back! Did you miss me? Probably not. Anyway, I’m back to tell you about my big plan for 2012. What kinda plan? Simple, you should’ve guessed it already. If not you must be fu***** reta- (I really shouldn’t insult the few left over readers, shouldn’t I?) I’m going, or more like… flying, to Japan next year. When? Mid-March. How long? Two weeks. Where? Tokyo. Why? Because I can!? No, actually it’s more because the circumstances are rather convenient. Mainly because my mate Yuuka will let me stay at his place in Mitaka. (Thank you so much, bro!) Initially I wanted to go this year around Christmas / New Year but my finances didn’t agree with that plan. So it’s march now. That’s some time to prepare and save up money. I’m successfully pulling this through since End-September. Cancelled all my pre-ordered figures, merchandising, games etc. The only thing that got in my way were the repair and insurance costs for my car. Yup, stupid me had a little accident, no biggie (just around 4.000€ *cough*).
At least I made a good deal on the flight tickets which I purchased last month. There is quite a big selections when it comes to flights from Berlin to Tokyo. No direct flights, sadly. I decided to fly with AirFrance via Paris CDG. Wait a minute… AirFrance?… Via Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, the worst Airport in the world? Yup. I know, at first that may be a stupid (or brave?) idea. But in the end this connection has way more advantages over others. 1. The intercontinental flights are codeshare flights carried out by Japan Airlines. JAL is probably one of the best airlines to fly from Europe to Japan. Service, food and in-flight entertainment are generally above average. 2. Contrary to most flights my Airport of arrival and departure will be Tokyo Haneda, which is kinda close to central Tokyo. So no time consuming, expensive transfers. 3. This is probably the most important point. Thanks to JAL’s baggage policy I’m allowed to have two pieces of baggage @21kg each at no additional charge on the flights. Usually it’s just one piece. What an Otaku friendly airline. And all that for only 630€. I always wanted to fly on a Boeing 747 though. But KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are the only ones still operating flights with them on routes to Japan plus their fleet fucking old.
So what am I gonna do in Japan? Well, I haven’t planned too much yet, but there are a few things I’ll do for sure. Which are: Explore Tokyo on foot and by train, enjoy Tokyo’s skyline by night, visit Ghibli Museum Mitaka, go to Club Mogra with Yuuka, attend Tokyo International Anime Fair, visit my friend ssgr., visit minori‘s office and of course Akihabara! I’d also like to see more cities so I wanna do day trips. Anyone have a few pro-tips what else to do in Tokyo?
The only thing I’m a bit worried about is that I know like almost no Japanese at all. So I wonder if I can get through the day on my own and especially manage to travel on my own. We’ll see…
Nice plan! I also wanna go to Japan in 2012, not sure though if I’ll be able to make it …
As for the language bits: I guess it’ll be alright, just get yourself one of those travel dictionaries with some useful phrases. Most importantly: don’t be afraid! If you try to speak the language of the country you’re in people most likely will try to help you. (Trust me, I’m currently living in another country without speaking the language ^^ ) Akatora
Hope you’ll have a fantastic time, mate. :D cyruz
A new blog post? Finally?!! /sarcasm
Not that I want to rain on your parade, I wouldn’t recommend going to Japan.
If I have to give a reason, it would be due to the Fukushima Nuclear Plant Disaster.
You can refer to reports in the following sources for your own evaluation on the situation in addition to Google. Ultimately, it is up to your own discretion on what actions you are going to take.
Energy News
Fukushima Diary
Regards,
nvsds nvsds
Hi Buddy
First of all, Im so glad you are finally going, I remember a few months ago we were talking about Japan and your plans which were normally for October but then pushed back to another time.
Finally you manage to decide on 2012 and dam im happy for you since i know youve been longing for that day to come =)
The biggest recommendation for japan is $$$$ (euro sign btw^^), seriously with the Euro fluctuating you really need those $, especially if your going to Akihabara, trying to restrain yourself is nearly impossible!
On my trip on November i told myself that i had a budget of 500$ for goodies but in the end, ended up spending more than $1000!
Japan is expensive and im sure you know it, its going to be really hard to try and keep yourself within a budget especially if its low, or if your a first timer visiting Japan. I do hope everything goes well! Luckily your staying with a friend so that makes it so much easier!
As for Language, trust me you dont really need to know to get your way around, of course knowing a little bit the basics might help and that bit of basics will show appreciation by the japanese. The problem is that you might not get the REAL japanese experience since your restricted, maybe your friend can help you around.
If your planning to meet people or hook up with girls then yes you might want to know the language, not knowing it, it is probably a high percentage that you might not interact with japanese unless they speak english, they are very very shy people.
For Studio Ghibli you need to book in Advance, the website should tell you more info.
2 weeks in Tokyo is kinda good but maybe a bit too long..If you can try and visit for a day or two places like Kamakura or Nikko, something to break the modern touch of Tokyo (even thought they are places Asakusa)
Like i said in my tweet i have so many recommendation or places to tell you for you to visit but i have yet to upload it, will do little by little and let you know, but that is if you want ^^
Man im so happy for you i cant stop typing haha Fabrice
@Fabrice I’d say you can’t imagine how much I’m looking forward to this but then again you probably can. :P
Saving money is my big goal at the moment. But it’s looking good. The only thing that bothers me is the exchange rate. 1 EUR = 100.50 JPY at the moment. Yikes! I’m not quite sure what to do. Buy Yen here when I think the rate is “good”, or withdraw the money in Japan since the local exchange rate is usually better? I’m planning to have a budget of at least 1500€.
Oh, and don’t worry about me getting bored in Tokyo. I just received my exchange order for a 7-day Japan Rail Pass. http://twitpic.com/7zpuuv My plans: Visit Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Nagano. Maybe some more places but I’m not sure yet which. Anyway, Shinkansen ftw! I’m so looking forward to riding on these. De JaY
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