How much will it cost?

Vacationing in Japan isn't the cheapest vacation in the world, but it's certainly very memorable. In my mind I figure that setting aside $3000-$4000 dollars insures more than enough money to pay for everything I will need for two weeks in Japan. Flight, transportation, lodging, food, and souvenirs.

This website has the most accurate break down of a budget for a week in Japan:
Travel Budget for One Week in Japan

I also enjoyed this website's budget breakdown:
Nerd Nomads

I wish flights out of CVG were straight to Japan, but unfortunately we have to layover elsewhere. That also means a more expensive round-trip flight.

What about food? How much per day should you set aside for food? Thankfully, according to most sites, not as much as you would think. You can eat good food cheap in Japan!

How much it costs to eat in Japan

Also, for transportation, there is the question of whether or not to buy a Rail Pass. It can only be used for the slower (more stops) three Shinkansen lines, and only on JR Rails, so that excludes buses, taxis and subways. Is it worth it? Figure out where you will be going, what the local transportation is, and then see if that adds up to more than the Rail Pass's price.

Tips and Advice on the Japan Rail Pass

I tried my hand at our own trip's budget using the current Yen to Dollar, rail pass prices, hostel prices, and data collected on airfare prices.

Nao: The Robot Bank Teller

With our trip to Japan occurring in 2016, we will have the opportunity to see a lot of changes being made in Tokyo to make the city more welcome to foreigners for the 2020 Olympics. Can they hire me to work as an English speaker in their village? Please??

They also have recently implemented, in the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, a tiny robotic bank teller named Nao. He can speak 19 different languages! Can I have my U.S. dollar exchanged to Yen through him? That would be awesome!

More about Nao: Dogonews

                            The Guardian

Osaka Hostel choices

Last time we were in Osaka we stayed at J-Hoppers Osaka Guest House . While it was fine, I feel like we were sort of away from the more interesting parts of Osaka. This next time, I want to try someplace different. So here is a list of other places that seem worth a try:

-Osaka Hana Hostel
- Drop Inn Osaka
- Bonsai Guest House

Take a look and comment with any other suggestions you may have!

Namja Town: Food Disney

In my last travels to Japan, a friend took my husband and I to a place called Namja Town. She called it Food Disney. It is under the streets of Ikebukuro in Tokyo and is known for its Gyoza, ice cream, and desserts. But its more than just that. It's also a small discovery zone where you can find little hidden games and buttons to press. It's only 500 Yen to get in, and that's enough, because the passport is for big games that are in Japanese anyway. So enjoy the food, like Ice Cream town with weird flavors like Squid Ink or Tulip, and play around and have fun!

Namja Town Map (English)

Julie Gozali's Blog about Namja Town
(She mentions that the size was reduced for another small amusement park called J-World on a floor above! Built the year after our last visit I'm interested to check it out!)

Jet Lag

If there's one thing I remember wanting to do differently from last trip, it was to be better prepared to fight jet lag. Jeff and I were falling asleep around 8 p.m. and waking up at 5 a.m. while in Japan. Waking up that early really limits your meal options (read: McDonald's). So, how does one prevent jet lag. The main advice I continually read was to expose yourself to bright light at the right times, and cutting off your light exposure a few hours earlier. Doing this can set your circadian rhythm 2 hours in the right direction.  Also, staying hydrated is a big help.

Here are some websites that give the science of preventing jet lag, circadian rhythms, and tips to avoid jet lag.
Travel Smart's Tips
Mayo Clinic's Tips and Tricks
Fodor's Advice to Preventing Jet Lag
Scientific American Explains Jet Lag

Spa World

Looking for the onsen experience with flair? Spa World is a large place with many types of onsen, food, and spa experiences!  Take note that the types of spas switch with the months (European and Asian styles). Also, make sure to read the "Caution" page. People with permanent tattoos are not allowed. There is also a contradictory rule saying you may wear a bathingsuit or towel, and then the last rule says you may NOT wear a bathingsuit or towel.

http://www.spaworld.co.jp/english/