Japan Travel Thread
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- Mar 18th, 2024 8:44 pm
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- malaujai
- Deal Addict
- Jul 2, 2007
- 2005 posts
- 691 upvotes
- GTA
- gekaizer [OP]
- Sr. Member
- Mar 27, 2011
- 954 posts
- 775 upvotes
- Toronto
Ahh. So I went with Kantor, they didn't have Yen in stock so I just made a 10% deposit and they ordered it for me for pickup on Tuesday.
So the rate was supposed to be 75.30 JPY per 1 CAD, but likely because of the amount I exchanged, I got a better rate: 76.92 JPY per 1 CAD. Also requested to have various denominations. Hope I get it!
You might want to exchange in the next few days, the Yen is not going to be in your favour due to the recent BOJ fiscal policy.
- malaujai
- Deal Addict
- Jul 2, 2007
- 2005 posts
- 691 upvotes
- GTA
Hopefully it's not too late but my general understanding is that reservations usually open at the beginning of each month for the whole month... That said, I know there are those reservation services like voyagin, etc... Am I too late to book the higher end places (thinking mainly for sushi and tempura restaurants) for October? Will I still find it difficult? I've got a couple of friends in Japan that could help me out
- hansel89
- Jr. Member
- Jul 25, 2016
- 127 posts
- 30 upvotes
Thanks to everyone who chimed in about the Ikebukuro trip. I guess I need to understand the different subway/rail lines since googlemaps doesn't always choose the best route. I will get a suica card for sure so it's less hassle.
- eeto
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- Nov 5, 2007
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Definitely cheapest, but i absolutely hate the monorail. Its crowded and a bit on the rough side. Transfer at Hamamatsucho station is also a bit chaotic with luggage. Compare to Narita-Ikebukuro, NEX, Skyliner+Yamanote is a much more pleasant experience.BobSaget wrote: ↑Travel time and cost were the two things I had in mind when I said that Haneda should be prioritized over Narita. I used Narita Express to reach Tokyo once, and yes, it's quite expensive.mkjr wrote: ↑
I actually don't agree with you about the statement HND over NRT. in fact, i think it is very imprudent to say always in this case.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
in fact, with respect to the person who wants to go to Ikebukuro, the time between NRT and HND to Ikebukuro is almost the same.
and in some cases, depending on where people stay, it is a matter of 10-15 minutes less or the same but in some cases, the customs lines are way worse at HND depending on the time of day in which you arrive.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2430.html
The shortest and cheapest option to reach Hamamatsucho station, according to the guide above, is the 15-minute/490-yen Monorail from Haneda. From what I can tell, and without the consideration of actual traffic conditions, the options at Narita do not come close.
- Madchester
- Deal Fanatic
- Nov 20, 2005
- 7607 posts
- 7342 upvotes
Quick question: how much data for each of the Softbank prepaid Traveler Sim plans? Probably picking one up at Narita Terminal 1 this weekend. I'm only in Tokyo for 4/5 days, so the 14 day expiry doesn't concern me.
- BobSaget
- Sr. Member
- Mar 8, 2008
- 771 posts
- 64 upvotes
I've only experienced NEX from Narita, not the monorail from Haneda, so I'd have to take your word. The NEX was definitely uncongested and relaxing. But 3000+ yen vs 500 yen? That's my Genki Sushi budget right there!eeto wrote: ↑Definitely cheapest, but i absolutely hate the monorail. Its crowded and a bit on the rough side. Transfer at Hamamatsucho station is also a bit chaotic with luggage. Compare to Narita-Ikebukuro, NEX, Skyliner+Yamanote is a much more pleasant experience.BobSaget wrote: ↑Travel time and cost were the two things I had in mind when I said that Haneda should be prioritized over Narita. I used Narita Express to reach Tokyo once, and yes, it's quite expensive.mkjr wrote: ↑
I actually don't agree with you about the statement HND over NRT. in fact, i think it is very imprudent to say always in this case.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
in fact, with respect to the person who wants to go to Ikebukuro, the time between NRT and HND to Ikebukuro is almost the same.
and in some cases, depending on where people stay, it is a matter of 10-15 minutes less or the same but in some cases, the customs lines are way worse at HND depending on the time of day in which you arrive.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2430.html
The shortest and cheapest option to reach Hamamatsucho station, according to the guide above, is the 15-minute/490-yen Monorail from Haneda. From what I can tell, and without the consideration of actual traffic conditions, the options at Narita do not come close.
- eeto
- Deal Addict
- Nov 5, 2007
- 1297 posts
- 643 upvotes
- Toronto
I'd never paid full fare for NE'X. There are usually deals around. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/nex_round.htmlBobSaget wrote: ↑I've only experienced NEX from Narita, not the monorail from Haneda, so I'd have to take your word. The NEX was definitely uncongested and relaxing. But 3000+ yen vs 500 yen? That's my Genki Sushi budget right there!eeto wrote: ↑Definitely cheapest, but i absolutely hate the monorail. Its crowded and a bit on the rough side. Transfer at Hamamatsucho station is also a bit chaotic with luggage. Compare to Narita-Ikebukuro, NEX, Skyliner+Yamanote is a much more pleasant experience.BobSaget wrote: ↑
Travel time and cost were the two things I had in mind when I said that Haneda should be prioritized over Narita. I used Narita Express to reach Tokyo once, and yes, it's quite expensive.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2430.html
The shortest and cheapest option to reach Hamamatsucho station, according to the guide above, is the 15-minute/490-yen Monorail from Haneda. From what I can tell, and without the consideration of actual traffic conditions, the options at Narita do not come close.
My fallback is to take skyliner, and they usually has some discounts for foreign customers http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/ ... index.html
Haneda is closer and cheaper, but I really prefer to pay just a bit more for the comfort and sit down to enjoy the scenery. There are tons of other days to experience the orderly chaos.
edit: the monorail also has this odd layout which I dislike that isn't stand/sit/large luggage friendly ...
- mkjr
- Deal Addict
- Aug 21, 2007
- 4878 posts
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have you even flown into HND?BobSaget wrote: ↑I've only experienced NEX from Narita, not the monorail from Haneda, so I'd have to take your word. The NEX was definitely uncongested and relaxing. But 3000+ yen vs 500 yen? That's my Genki Sushi budget right there!eeto wrote: ↑Definitely cheapest, but i absolutely hate the monorail. Its crowded and a bit on the rough side. Transfer at Hamamatsucho station is also a bit chaotic with luggage. Compare to Narita-Ikebukuro, NEX, Skyliner+Yamanote is a much more pleasant experience.BobSaget wrote: ↑
Travel time and cost were the two things I had in mind when I said that Haneda should be prioritized over Narita. I used Narita Express to reach Tokyo once, and yes, it's quite expensive.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2430.html
The shortest and cheapest option to reach Hamamatsucho station, according to the guide above, is the 15-minute/490-yen Monorail from Haneda. From what I can tell, and without the consideration of actual traffic conditions, the options at Narita do not come close.
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- BobSaget
- Sr. Member
- Mar 8, 2008
- 771 posts
- 64 upvotes
^^ Nope.
- jocyyu
- Sr. Member
- Apr 1, 2004
- 532 posts
- 406 upvotes
then why not still fly to hnd but take the taxi out of airport (or uber? there's a flat rate for uber to most of tokyo last time i checked)eeto wrote: ↑I'd never paid full fare for NE'X. There are usually deals around. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/nex_round.html
My fallback is to take skyliner, and they usually has some discounts for foreign customers http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/ ... index.html
Haneda is closer and cheaper, but I really prefer to pay just a bit more for the comfort and sit down to enjoy the scenery. There are tons of other days to experience the orderly chaos.
edit: the monorail also has this odd layout which I dislike that isn't stand/sit/large luggage friendly ...
honestly now that i can fly to hnd from yvr direct by ana is awesome, plus the limousine bus back to hnd is also so much cheaper than nrt (and shorter bus ride)
yes the monorail from hnd is super crowded, and quite a hassel with luggage
the view was great, but no place to sit and enjoy it
if you pay close attention to the station layout, it's actually not that difficult at hamamatsucho station, just two elevators can take you directly to ground level
and transferring with luggage to regular jr or subway is always a hassel regardless
- eeto
- Deal Addict
- Nov 5, 2007
- 1297 posts
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Because the whole conversation was about HND > ikebukuro cost, and cost of getting to the city from HND in general. Yes airport limo from HND > Ikebukuro strikes the balance of cost, comfortable and reasonable travel time imo.jocyyu wrote: ↑then why not still fly to hnd but take the taxi out of airport (or uber? there's a flat rate for uber to most of tokyo last time i checked)eeto wrote: ↑I'd never paid full fare for NE'X. There are usually deals around. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/nex_round.html
My fallback is to take skyliner, and they usually has some discounts for foreign customers http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/ ... index.html
Haneda is closer and cheaper, but I really prefer to pay just a bit more for the comfort and sit down to enjoy the scenery. There are tons of other days to experience the orderly chaos.
edit: the monorail also has this odd layout which I dislike that isn't stand/sit/large luggage friendly ...
honestly now that i can fly to hnd from yvr direct by ana is awesome, plus the limousine bus back to hnd is also so much cheaper than nrt (and shorter bus ride)
yes the monorail from hnd is super crowded, and quite a hassel with luggage
the view was great, but no place to sit and enjoy it
if you pay close attention to the station layout, it's actually not that difficult at hamamatsucho station, just two elevators can take you directly to ground level
and transferring with luggage to regular jr or subway is always a hassel regardless
I'm fine with either airport, I just prefer taking trains.
- mkjr
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- Aug 21, 2007
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then i would suggest that people may want to consider some more frequent visitors to both airports for views.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27273148-post15.html
i would say to suggest one is always better is advice that someone on this thread could read and misconstrue to their detriment. this is not meant as disrespect, but HND is not always the best for many many reasons.
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- BobSaget
- Sr. Member
- Mar 8, 2008
- 771 posts
- 64 upvotes
I was only posing the cheapest and quickest option should other budget-conscious users here on RFD be faced with travel between the TYO airports and central Tokyo, hence, my suggestion that HND be prioritized over NRT if cost and time are of utmost importance. If you want to stress the importance of balancing comfort and expenses, no problem. I'll focus on the latter (we're on RFD after all).mkjr wrote: ↑then i would suggest that people may want to consider some more frequent visitors to both airports for views.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27273148-post15.html
i would say to suggest one is always better is advice that someone on this thread could read and misconstrue to their detriment. this is not meant as disrespect, but HND is not always the best for many many reasons.
- mkjr
- Deal Addict
- Aug 21, 2007
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I know. It's a legitimate point.BobSaget wrote: ↑I was only posing the cheapest and quickest option should other budget-conscious users here on RFD be faced with travel between the TYO airports and central Tokyo, hence, my suggestion that HND be prioritized over NRT if cost and time are of utmost importance. If you want to stress the importance of balancing comfort and expenses, no problem. I'll focus on the latter (we're on RFD after all).mkjr wrote: ↑then i would suggest that people may want to consider some more frequent visitors to both airports for views.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27273148-post15.html
i would say to suggest one is always better is advice that someone on this thread could read and misconstrue to their detriment. this is not meant as disrespect, but HND is not always the best for many many reasons.
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- gekaizer [OP]
- Sr. Member
- Mar 27, 2011
- 954 posts
- 775 upvotes
- Toronto
OP updated with:
Just set your budget for the tour you want! They're quite accommodating! Look at YouTube for a glimpse of what it is like.Want to have a FREE* Tokyo Tour Guide? Click HERE
*Well, not 100% free, but it's not that bad given that these are your local Japanese citizens giving up their free time to show you around: "All costs such as transportation fare, entrance fee, meals, etc. for guests and the guide during the tour shall be borne by the guest."
- neverless
- Sr. Member
- Mar 30, 2011
- 545 posts
- 144 upvotes
- North York
Which one do you all recommend: Kantor or Goldium? (in terms of best rates/ costs)
I've used Goldium in the past with relative ease however Kantor is very close to my home (never tried Kantor).
I've used Goldium in the past with relative ease however Kantor is very close to my home (never tried Kantor).
- gekaizer [OP]
- Sr. Member
- Mar 27, 2011
- 954 posts
- 775 upvotes
- Toronto
I personally used Kantor. I called both of them up on the same time and Kantor gave a better rate. They probably won't have Yen available in store, so you will have to wait for it to get delivered. Bear that in mind and order at least a week before your trip.
- malaujai
- Deal Addict
- Jul 2, 2007
- 2005 posts
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- GTA
Has anyone ever made a reservation for a restaurant (looking at a sushi place and tempura place) over the phone? I understand many establishments do not have English speaking staff and so I've heard that it is usually recommended to have hotel concierge staff help make the booking.
We are only staying one night in a hotel in Nagoya (the rest in hostels and a night in a ryokan)... Would it be weird to ask concierge in Nagoya to make a reservation for us for a restaurant in Tokyo? On the other hand, are concierge services usually given "priority" over local callers (I've got a few friends in Japan)? I'm looking at booking for dates in October and I know the reservations open at the beginning of the month so I'm just trying to figure out the best way to do it.
Edit: Found out about Gurunavi and their "Reservation Support" in English... Anyone tried it?
We are only staying one night in a hotel in Nagoya (the rest in hostels and a night in a ryokan)... Would it be weird to ask concierge in Nagoya to make a reservation for us for a restaurant in Tokyo? On the other hand, are concierge services usually given "priority" over local callers (I've got a few friends in Japan)? I'm looking at booking for dates in October and I know the reservations open at the beginning of the month so I'm just trying to figure out the best way to do it.
Edit: Found out about Gurunavi and their "Reservation Support" in English... Anyone tried it?
- Jereina
- Member
- Mar 15, 2004
- 428 posts
- 121 upvotes
- Toronto
If you have a credit card that has concierge included with it, you can use that to make a reservation.malaujai wrote: ↑ Has anyone ever made a reservation for a restaurant (looking at a sushi place and tempura place) over the phone? I understand many establishments do not have English speaking staff and so I've heard that it is usually recommended to have hotel concierge staff help make the booking.
We are only staying one night in a hotel in Nagoya (the rest in hostels and a night in a ryokan)... Would it be weird to ask concierge in Nagoya to make a reservation for us for a restaurant in Tokyo? On the other hand, are concierge services usually given "priority" over local callers (I've got a few friends in Japan)? I'm looking at booking for dates in October and I know the reservations open at the beginning of the month so I'm just trying to figure out the best way to do it.
Edit: Found out about Gurunavi and their "Reservation Support" in English... Anyone tried it?
I used my TD credit card concierge service to make a reservation at a Kobe Beef restaurant in Kobe.