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[killertofu]

A local currency exchange in Florida did it for next to nothing.

Really? Where? I'm located in FL

I'm going in two weeks with my friend as well, I was thinking of ordering one Pocket Wifi for pickup at the airport because the pocket wifi at the AirBnB is limited to 1gb per 3 days

I asked this before but didn't I'm still not sure. I want to see Civil War there when it comes out but I'm not sure which theatre or where I could go see it in English? And I google'd what the release date was for CW in Japan and it said April 29th, is that for sure? Lol pls help

Haha, my friends are huge Marvel people and they're looking for a theater too.

 

[Zoe]

I'm looking at the banks at the airport now. I'm assuming I should just take out money before I fly out there? It says that there are different exchange rates at each bank. I'm thinking of going to Bank of Tokyo because it's located at the same area as the post office where I can pick up my SIM

Get Traveler's Checks if you have access to them without paying a fee. The website says which banks take them.

 

[cj_iwakura]

You checked what their current exchange rates were compared to the actual rate as well before you exchanged?

$200 for 20000¥ seemed pretty fair to me.

Really? Where? I'm located in FL.

Sunrise. There's a nice theater in Shibuya, also.

 

[Zoe]

$200 for 20000¥ seemed pretty fair to me.

Eh, that's 1700+ yen that you're missing out on using today's rates.

 

[ThreePiMatt]

I'm looking at the banks at the airport now. I'm assuming I should just take out money before I fly out there? It says that there are different exchange rates at each bank. I'm thinking of going to Bank of Tokyo because it's located at the same area as the post office where I can pick up my SIM

In the past I exchanged some money prior to flying out. Just enough for food and train/bus fare to my hotel. But third time around I'm not worried about my debit card being declined at the ATM. And even still I found a cache of loose change from my last trip and still have some money leftover on my Suica card.

 

[nabe_shogun]

Just wondering, but how many of you guys go by yourself? I've been wanting to make a trip this summer, but I don't think anyone I know has money or will want to go. So I've been thinking about going alone, but I don't know if I'd have as much fun.

 

[ThreePiMatt]

Just wondering, but how many of you guys go by yourself? I've been wanting to make a trip this summer, but I don't think anyone I know has money or will want to go. So I've been thinking about going alone, but I don't know if I'd have as much fun.

I went for the first time by myself and this third time coming up will be by myself. I would say going by yourself is totally worthwhile unless there are two things you want to do a lot of 1) going to amusement parks (Disney, Universal, etc), or 2) night life stuff. For amusement parks, going by yourself just kind of seems sad. And for going out at night, there's certainly people outgoing enough to go to bars and stuff alone, I'm certainly not that kind of person.

 

[Bboy AJ]

Eh, that's 1700+ yen that you're missing out on using today's rates.

Yup, sounds like a rip off. Just hit up the 7-11 ATMs in Japan.

 

[Salamando]

Just wondering, but how many of you guys go by yourself? I've been wanting to make a trip this summer, but I don't think anyone I know has money or will want to go. So I've been thinking about going alone, but I don't know if I'd have as much fun.

I'm there by myself right now! Probably not as fun as going with someone else, but damn if I ain't enjoying myself. Today I won plastic food wrap right after watching a girl walk her bunny.

Yup, sounds like a rip off. Just hit up the 7-11 ATMs in Japan.

Just do the math. Narita airport posts their conversion rates online, and they're pretty close (~2.5% fee). Compare that to international bank or credit card fees.

 

[cj_iwakura]

Just wondering, but how many of you guys go by yourself? I've been wanting to make a trip this summer, but I don't think anyone I know has money or will want to go. So I've been thinking about going alone, but I don't know if I'd have as much fun.

I just did. Akihabara will be paradise(assuming you're into anime and/or games).

 

[Rydeen]

Just wondering, but how many of you guys go by yourself? I've been wanting to make a trip this summer, but I don't think anyone I know has money or will want to go. So I've been thinking about going alone, but I don't know if I'd have as much fun.

I went by myself, it freed me up to wander and explore without being on someone else's time. Half of my trip was wandering into the suburbs to go to any Hard-Off I could find looking for retro games, which is definitely not a group activity, especially if you have friends who get easily bored and aren't in it for the hunt like I was.

 

[nabe_shogun]

Hmm, I guess it wouldn't be too bad by myself. I just kind of feel I wouldn't know what to do sometimes. When I was there last time, I did enjoy just wandering around the city and checking out stores and stuff. I probably wouldn't see many touristy things by myself.

I just did. Akihabara will be paradise(assuming you're into anime and/or games).

Oh I'm aware of that. Last time I was in Japan I had a 12 hour layover in Tokyo on my way home. I ended up going to Akihabara and spending like $300

Spoiler

of Japanese government scholarship money

 

[BannedEpisode]

Went to Sushi Dai on my last day.

It was great.

 

[mcmmaster]

I'm planning to travel to Akihabara this year with some friends, sometime between September-November for around 7-10 days. I was mainly thinking September for TGS if its even possible for me to get in, don't know how public passes work, not too fussed if we have to miss it as going in November would let me save a bit more spending money.

We are currently deciding on a hotel so any input and recommendations would be appreciated, just really looking for a hotel in a killer location that would have most things that appeal to us right outside its door step or at least not too far away, arcades, shopping malls, food, retro game and anime shops, just anything cool and fun to discover. Been a while since I last had a proper look into hotels but Niwa stood out to me when I was researching heavily a few months ago, my two friends have been looking into hotels recently and were telling me about Remm being a choice to stay at. Anyone able to weigh in on these two or better choices?

5 star hotels are not without in our budget so anything from around £100-150 is our limit for a night, so 4 stars seem to be just right for us.

 

[Zoe]

Went to Sushi Dai on my last day.

It was great.

That's brave getting sushi on the last day :lol

It did not turn out so well for the bf one time...

 

[dani_dc]

I'm planning to travel to Akihabara this year with some friends, sometime between September-November for around 7-10 days. I was mainly thinking September for TGS if its even possible for me to get in, don't know how public passes work, not too fussed if we have to miss it as going in November would let me save a bit more spending money.

You can buy tickets for it at the door (or at any conbini).
Don't go to TGS expecting to actually try games though, any non-indie game has a minimum of 2 hours queue. It's cool to walk around and see the event if that's a thing you want to do though.

 

[SiegfriedFM]

I'm planning to travel to Akihabara this year with some friends, sometime between September-November for around 7-10 days. I was mainly thinking September for TGS if its even possible for me to get in, don't know how public passes work, not too fussed if we have to miss it as going in November would let me save a bit more spending money.

We are currently deciding on a hotel so any input and recommendations would be appreciated, just really looking for a hotel in a killer location that would have most things that appeal to us right outside its door step or at least not too far away, arcades, shopping malls, food, retro game and anime shops, just anything cool and fun to discover. Been a while since I last had a proper look into hotels but Niwa stood out to me when I was researching heavily a few months ago, my two friends have been looking into hotels recently and were telling me about Remm being a choice to stay at. Anyone able to weigh in on these two or better choices?

5 star hotels are not without in our budget so anything from around £100-150 is our limit for a night, so 4 stars seem to be just right for us.

We've been staying at MyStays in Kameido and it's been great so far. It's on the Chuo line so Akihabara is four stops away and has been our hub for further travel. Shinjuku, Nakano and Mitaka (Ghibli museum) are also on the same line. MyStays is a semi-hostel in that there's no room service (unless you pay for extra cleaning) but you have a fridge, a microwave (I haven't needed it since restaurants are so good and cheap, but it's nice to have the option). The bathrooms are super tiny but have showers. Very worth around $60 per night.

Staying in Akiba would get dull, I think. We've already been past there pretty much every night and gone shopping a bunch of times, and I think it would be loud and... a bit sleazy overall. It's good to get away, even if I enjoy it.

Today we did Ginza, just browsing the cool shops. We went to Hakuhinkan Toy Park, which has all kinds of crazy toys (and a pretty decent selection of TF Masterpieces), and then browsed Tokyu Plaza. It's a really high-end mall, and there was a demo of Sharp's RoboHon. Oh my god, it's so cute, I want one! I would have bought one right there if it was for sale. Then we found a great little tapas bar before going to the jazz club No Bird and listening to the awesome Hisaka. Surprisingly no smoking and it felt very classy and still familiar.

 

[cj_iwakura]

Nakano Broadway is a must see, especially Mandarake. Spent hours there, great prices on VG artbooks too. Got Danganronpa 1's book for $6 and Robotics;Notes' for $9. And that's where I finally found The Silver Case($10!).
Mandarake Shibuya had the FSR Lospass guide. The first time my jaw dropped.

 

[cj_iwakura]

Just got back. That last flight was hell. Always the shortest ones...

Overall happy I went, mostly for the rarities and amazing arcades. Playing Groove Coaster alone was sheer bliss.

Also, there was something I wanted to get but wasn't able to. If anyone goes to the Mandarake in Akihabara and wants to do me a MASSIVE favor, I'll be in your debt. Send me a PM if you're willing.

 

[Subpar Scrub]

Just wondering, but how many of you guys go by yourself? I've been wanting to make a trip this summer, but I don't think anyone I know has money or will want to go. So I've been thinking about going alone, but I don't know if I'd have as much fun.

I'm going by myself for the second half of May.

Just do it man, can't waste time waiting on others

Nakano Broadway is a must see, especially Mandarake. Spent hours there, great prices on VG artbooks too. Got Danganronpa 1's book for $6 and Robotics;Notes' for $9. And that's where I finally found The Silver Case($10!).
Mandarake Shibuya had the FSR Lospass guide. The first time my jaw dropped.

Had it on my itinerary, but awesome to hear that it's great. Thanks for your feedback, I love me some artbooks.

 

[Subpar Scrub]

Also, there was something I wanted to get but wasn't able to. If anyone goes to the Mandarake in Akihabara and wants to do me a MASSIVE favor, I'll be in your debt. Send me a PM if you're willing.

hmm? Depends on what it is but I could be able? I'm spending like 4 days in a hotel within walking distance.

 

[Subpar Scrub]

I'm going to sound like an idiot here, but osaka to nara listed through HyperDia in this link is referring to Osaka Station right? Like, the station next to Umeda Station?

 

[daegan]

I'm really happy that at least this laundromat has lights.

I'm going to sound like an idiot here, but osaka to nara listed through HyperDia in this link is referring to Osaka Station right? Like, the station next to Umeda Station?

Looks like it to me?

 

[Subpar Scrub]

Looks like it to me?

Okay cool. I was trying to get google maps to show me that HyperDia route but it would default to other stations with different lines.

I should really stop trusting G maps so much haha. Just a bit paranoid about getting the right stations down.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Looks like it to me?

Yep

 

[cj_iwakura]

hmm? Depends on what it is but I could be able? I'm spending like 4 days in a hotel within walking distance.

The Goli Matsumoto artbook is at Akihabara Mandarake. Nowhere else, and I couldn't manage more luggage room. Appreciate the offer, let me know if you're able.

 

[cj_iwakura]

Here's my albums:

Ueno Park:
http://imgur.com/a/TOunn

Shinjuku/Ikebukuro:
http://imgur.com/a/cJiPH

Shibuya:
http://imgur.com/a/jopJw

Nakano Broadway:
http://imgur.com/a/M7q1f

Akihabara (2 parts)
http://imgur.com/a/MSrps
http://imgur.com/a/E8hXb

Shinagawa(and Aquarium):
http://imgur.com/a/4OhP2

Arrival:
http://imgur.com/a/9lXXw

Overall glad I went. The rarities and Akihabara were mind blowing, and Ueno Park was breath taking. Especially the ceremony(which I did not take photos of out of respect).

My favorite photos:

 

[Dabookerman]

Any GAF meetups happening in Tokyo around 7th - 14th May?

 

[killertofu]

Here's my albums:


Overall glad I went. The rarities and Akihabara were mind blowing, and Ueno Park was breath taking. Especially the ceremony(which I did not take photos of out of respect).

My favorite photos:

goddamn those photos are getting me so hype. 11 more days!

 

[Subpar Scrub]

The Goli Matsumoto artbook is at Akihabara Mandarake. Nowhere else, and I couldn't manage more luggage room. Appreciate the offer, let me know if you're able.

I should be able to, but I live in Aus so depending on where you are, postage could be pretty bad.

Do you know roughly how much it was? If I can fit it in my luggage I'll do it.

Is it this?

 

[killertofu]

I should be able to, but I live in Aus so depending on where you are, postage could be pretty bad.

Do you know roughly how much it was? If I can fit it in my luggage I'll do it.

Is it this?

If he's located in Sunrise, I could probably get it for him... I live in Florida

 

[cj_iwakura]

Yep, that's it. Its 2700¥, I believe.

If he's located in Sunrise, I could probably get it for him... I live in Florida

Yes, Coral Springs, and that would be wonderful.

 

[Subpar Scrub]

If he's located in Sunrise, I could probably get it for him... I live in Florida

Oh perfect. Living down under has its downfalls haha

 

[nabe_shogun]

I have a question about air travel. Looking at flights, it seems a lot of the cheap ones have a stop in Canada. Is it any more trouble to go from US to Canada then Japan? Or since I'm staying in terminal is it like any other connecting flight?

 

[killertofu]

Yep, that's it. Its 2700¥, I believe.
Yes, Coral Springs, and that would be wonderful.

I'll keep a look out then

 

[Cripplegate]

I have a question about air travel. Looking at flights, it seems a lot of the cheap ones have a stop in Canada. Is it any more trouble to go from US to Canada then Japan? Or since I'm staying in terminal is it like any other connecting flight?

I live in Canada and went through the US to get to Japan (again, much cheaper that way than direct). The only thing to keep in mind is that you will have to deal with immigration and go through security again. I did not find it to be any more trouble, per se, but you'll want to make sure your layover isn't stupid short or something. I did not find the process to be time consuming but again you never know.

 

[Laevateinn]

I have a question about air travel. Looking at flights, it seems a lot of the cheap ones have a stop in Canada. Is it any more trouble to go from US to Canada then Japan? Or since I'm staying in terminal is it like any other connecting flight?

It's not a problem. I went through Toronto the last time I went. It's like a layover anywhere in the US. Coming back, they made me go through customs in Toronto before coming to the US. It wasn't much trouble though, just slightly annoying.

 

[daegan]

I've been keeping all the non-food receipts, but how much of a pain is it going back through customs? I'm a little worried about declaring everything because we bought a lot of little gifts....

 

[MikeHattsu]

I've been keeping all the non-food receipts, but how much of a pain is it going back through customs? I'm a little worried about declaring everything because we bought a lot of little gifts....

Depends on what country you're from and the total value of the stuff you've bought

 

[daegan]

Depends on what country you're from and the total value of the stuff you've bought

I should've been more clear lol - from the US. We've probably spent quite a bit by now (the P4D vita and KOG sweater I found today probably not helping) so idk, maybe $1kish altogether?

 

[SKINNER!]

I've been keeping all the non-food receipts, but how much of a pain is it going back through customs? I'm a little worried about declaring everything because we bought a lot of little gifts....

?? Why are you keeping all your receipts?

 

[MikeHattsu]

I should've been more clear lol - from the US. We've probably spent quite a bit by now (the P4D vita and KOG sweater I found today probably not helping) so idk, maybe $1kish altogether?

Should be easy if you're 2 people:
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/454/

You're allowed $800 of duty free goods each. Just fill out the form they give you on the plane and put $500 value each or something, and then just go through the green 'nothing to declare' lane (if they got one) at the airport in the US.

Unless you've bought guns, tobacco, alcohol, cheese or other such stuff, then there's some special rules

 

[SKINNER!]

Should be easy if you're 2 people:
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/454/~/duty-free-exemption,-gifts

You're allowed $800 of duty free goods each. Just fill out the form they give you on the plane and put $500 value each or something, and then just go through the green 'nothing to declare' lane (if they got one) at the airport in the US.

Unless you've bought guns, tobacco, alcohol, cheese or other such stuff, then there's some special rules

...or you could just pack the packing/boxes in the suitcase (I'd personally throw them away), carry the expensive items in your hand luggage and not have to worry about customs or carrying any receipts?

 

[MikeHattsu]

...or you could just pack the packing/boxes in the suitcase (I'd personally throw them away), carry the expensive items in your hand luggage and not have to worry about customs or carrying any receipts?

That depends on whether the stuff you've bought fits in your hand luggage though.

It's only something you'd have to worry about if you get stopped for inspection anyways.

 

[daegan]

?? Why are you keeping all your receipts?

First time out of the country and I didn't know if I would need them!

That depends on whether the stuff you've bought fits in your hand luggage though.

It's only something you'd have to worry about if you get stopped for inspection anyways.

Should be easy if you're 2 people:
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/454/~/duty-free-exemption,-gifts

You're allowed $800 of duty free goods each. Just fill out the form they give you on the plane and put $500 value each or something, and then just go through the green 'nothing to declare' lane (if they got one) at the airport in the US.

Unless you've bought guns, tobacco, alcohol, cheese or other such stuff, then there's some special rules

Thank you again! I thought about trying to get some chu-hi through but there's no room lol

 

[SKINNER!]

That depends on whether the stuff you've bought fits in your hand luggage though.

It's only something you'd have to worry about if you get stopped for inspection anyways.

Well yea, if it's massive then wrap it with clothes/towels/anything, put it in your suitcase and pray. But if it's - say - a watch and you placed the box/packaging in the suitcase and decided to wear it on your wrist. Customs are not gonna stop you on your tracks, look at your watch and be all like "That's a fine looking Japanese watch you got there...and you just flew from Tokyo. Step inside the customs office please!". They can't prove it and even if they could it would be a waste of their time. Same goes with a sweater that's in your bag. They aren't gonna search your bags for expensive goods and call you up at customs for it.

However, if you had 200 of these expensive watches or sweaters then...yeah...that's illegal. You need to declare those unless you have a stupidly good reason (Big family? lol) as to why you're carrying that much.

Point is about customs is that they shouldn't bother you if you purchased a couple of expensive item with no intentions of selling it in your home country for profit.

First time out of the country and I didn't know if I would need them!

You don't. Not for every single purchase anyway. The only receipts you need are the one that's stapled into your passport when you buy something tax free in Japan that's worth over 10,000 yen (at participating stores). And once you leave Japan (on the plane or layover airport), you can rip that receipt out of your passport and be done with it.

Of course if you're keeping the receipt as a warranty...well, that's something else.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Well yea, if it's massive then wrap it with clothes/towels/anything, put it in your suitcase and pray. But if it's - say - a watch and you placed the box/packaging in the suitcase and decided to wear it on your wrist. Customs are not gonna stop you on your tracks, look at your watch and be all like "That's a fine looking Japanese watch you got there...and you just flew from Tokyo. Step inside the customs office please!". They can't prove it and even if they could it would be a waste of their time. Same goes with a sweater that's in your bag. They aren't gonna search your bags for expensive goods and call you up at customs for it.

However, if you had 200 of these expensive watches or sweaters then...yeah...that's illegal. You need to declare those unless you have a stupidly good reason (Big family? lol) as to why you're carrying that much.

Point is about customs is that they shouldn't bother you if you purchased a couple of expensive item with no intentions of selling it in your home country for profit.

I was talking about random inspections of course. If you're entering the US you (currently) have to fill out a 6059b form as a resident and if you put $10 or whatever, you get stopped and they find a brand new PSVita I'm not sure they'd be too happy about that. Of course, just putting a close enough ballpark of total value should be good enough anyway. And once again, that's if you actually are unlucky enough to be stopped for inspections at all.

 

[cj_iwakura]

I put $90 for the games and artbooks I bought, and they didn't even look at me twice. All depends, I guess.

 

[SKINNER!]

I was talking about random inspections of course. If you're entering the US you (currently) have to fill out a 6059b form as a resident and if you put $10 or whatever, you get stopped and they find a brand new PSVita I'm not sure they'd be too happy about that. Of course, just putting a close enough ballpark of total value should be good enough anyway. And once again, that's if you actually are unlucky enough to be stopped for inspections at all.

Ah ok. Didn't know you had to fill in a form when you go back to US. You don't in the UK. Just all comes down to if you the customs officers look at you funny here.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Ah ok. Didn't know you had to fill in a form when you go back to US. You don't in the UK. Just all comes down to if you the customs officers look at you funny here.

You don't here in Norway either, that's why I asked where daegan was from