Hey everyone. I've been meaning to post in this thread for a while, and have kept it in my bookmarks until I was ready to seek some advice. I was so focused on finishing my semester in school, that I did not want my excitement for going to Japan to cloud my mind too much. Now that I have a few weeks off, I do want to plan a few things more though, and hoping some of you here may be able to fill in the gaps of what I should know, and consider.
Just to say a little about myself real quick, I have mostly been an avid gamer who has just had an appreciate for all things Japan since I was in high school. I was so bummed when they cut Japanese in my school, especially when one of my friends had got a trip to there through his class. Ever since I have tried to save, but I never had the willpower to properly save for the trip. At 31 years old though, it looks like that dream will finally become a reality. With some helpful advice from a friend of my mother's who has visit Japan often, I have learned some useful information from him that helped me consider ways to save money when planning what could be such an expensive trip. I kept planning it like I was taking a family, but I am just going to be a lone traveler, and even though this is my first time taking such a trip, this friend told me often that Japan is one of the safest countries and he wouldn't hesitate to go alone. These words of advice from really help me finally get a plan in motion, and it's taken almost a year just to get this far.
My plan for several months now has been to finally take my dream trip of going to Japan after I graduate in the spring. I am thinking in June is when I will make my trip to Japan, but I still have not come up with exact dates. I think my ideal trip will be to visit Tokyo, and Kyoto. I want to see some of the geek culture in Tokyo obviously, but I'd love to see some of the traditional and beautiful sights of Kyoto.
First thing I want to mention is that this friend I mentioned brought to my attention something I had never considered before, but staying at hostels and inns sounds like the best way to go to make this affordable for me. He specifically recommended these two to me, and they look and sound nice from what I've read... was wondering if anyone had any personal experience?
Inn in Tokyo:
http://www.kimiryokan.jp/
Hostel in Kyoto:
http://www.kyotojp.com/
One of the first roadblocks I keep coming up to is how long should I stay? and how long in each city? I feel like I need to figure out already when and how long I'd be staying so I can book these locations for my trip, but I just don't have any idea. I've never planned or done a trip like this before, and while I've tried to learn Japanese over the years, I'm sure I'm not completely prepared for how the language barrier might affect and slow my ability to travel from place to place. I'm not asking anyone here to pick dates for me, but perhaps offer your advice?
Coming up with an itinerary for this trip is something I feel unqualified for, because I've never been there. I don't know what I should try to see, and what would be practical to fit in on any given day. That's part of why knowing how long to stay is so difficult. I'd like to be able to just enjoy my time there, and relax, but I don't want to waste money and time too. I feel like I really could just simply use some advice on what I should fit into an itinerary, and how long would be smart. My budget for this trip is going to be at least $2500, but the airfare and sleeping accommodations are both a part of that sadly. Perhaps it'll jump up if some family members feel generous at my graduation party, but I'm not sure.
One thing that my mother's friend kept suggesting to me to save money was to buy my own food, and make stuff like sandwiches, etc... While I appreciate and understand how that would help greatly, I feel like going to places to eat and trying the food is part of the reason I'd like to go there. Although, how difficult is it to read the menus I wonder? lol
One thing that may not be entirely exclusive to visiting Japan is I am wondering what kind of travel gear I should bring with me. I have never taken a trip anywhere before on my own, and the last one I went on when I was 17 was with my whole family where everything was beyond my control. I hated that, and I love this idea of finally going somewhere where I'll have the control of where I want to go. I think that place Kyoto might have laundry machines, so maybe I shouldn't bring too many clothes, but still don't know how much. I am also not sure if I should confine or free I should make myself to technology too much. I feel comfortable with a computer around, but I know they can be a distraction. I don't own a laptop or tablet, so should that be something I should consider getting...or would my cell phone be enough? I did get a 720p digital video camera and case from my brother for Christmas, so that was real awesome of him. And a Duffel bag from my Mother
They all know I'm excited for the trip, but couldn't afford much else.
Ugh, this post has gone on for so long already. I can add more later, this is a good start for now where I'm at, haha. I hope it's not too long for some of you, and I appreciate any help that I receive.
