[G-girl]

Originally Posted by w0ady

well a friend of mine teaches in nagoya, japan. shes invited me to visit her and it would be neat to make the trip. i probably wont be going for a few months if i do but id like some feedback from the people who have been there. she speaks basic japanese so she can act as a tour guide and i will be staying at her place.

how long does the flight usually take?
>> Non stop flights usually takes approximately 12 hours. I'd suggest to take non-stop flights
how much do flights run and does anyone have a good place for getting a deal?

>> My company pays for mine, business class can run anywhere from 4000 for UA up to about $7k. Depending on how far advance I book my flights
what time of year is good to go? id prefer to go in warmer weather (above 60F)
>> Their winter's horrendous.... very cold unless you're used to it. Right about now is a great time to go. Summer's not bad.
what do you recommend visiting/doing?
>> There are so many things to do and see in Japan. In a nut shell, check out this site http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...ies-Japan.html
Definitely go see a Sumo match.

how expensive is japan compared to the states? >> VERY, think Euro expensive

anything special i need to take?

>> Go see your doctor. She/he may have some suggestions as in shots... maybe tetanus just in case and ask for a prescription of Cipro. It's more important than Amex, NEVER leave home w/o it. I keep forgetting to suggest this important detail to folks who are travelling. Even if you don't use it during travel, you can always use it when you're @ home.
how long would you recommend staying?

>> The longest I'd ever stayed in Japan was 1.5 months. It was mostly work, but I squeezed in 1 week of R&R. Since this will be a pleasure trip for you, I'd suggest to look at your budget because it can be expensive... unless you're staying @ your friend's place... then you'd be saving money on hotel costs. Two weeks would be great, if you can afford 1 month or more to immerse yourself into their culture, that's even better.

Just remember a couple of tips, please. The Japanese are very traditional people. Respect and "saving face" is VERY high on their list. Although they're becoming more Westernized by greeting each other with a handshake, their tradition of bowing still exists strongly. When you meet an elderly person, bow to them to show that you have respect for them. You and I visitors to their country... respect them and please don't ask or yell out, "does anybody speak English around here?" like some of the American trash that I encounter whenever I'm in a foreign country. It's a sign of disrespect. I know what I've said seem "logical" but, believe it or not, some Americans have tried to make things "the American way" on some of the foreign places I've been to... so embarrasing.

The Japanese likes to give gifts as a sign of friendship and appreciation.
Also, go to a Pachenko (sp?) place... so loud, with all the lights, but the cigarette smoke is thick... bleh, which comes to that subject, cigarette smoking. A lot of people smoke indoors.

Go to the countryside too. It's beautiful. Japan is rich in history... go see the museums too. Since you already have a tour guide , you'll be okay. Read up on Tripadvisor.


thanks in advance!

Have fun and have a safe trip. Let us know how it goes when you come back.