[trac]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Pond Digger Of course I knew my questions would create questions. For all of the trouble to make the trip to Hawaii, I can't imagine staying there for less than three or four days. I imagine one week in Japan would be a bare minimum. Please Advise........ I like food PERIOD! You should see my belly! I'm not just bald, I'm plump! The good news it's one of the few things that is paid for in full!

You might starve just joking portions are smaller than the average American meal so definately look into the side streets so you get a little bigger portions and its cheaper! so you can get more

Quote: I thought I was thrifty on my trip to Hawaii and the room was still 250 a night! The original choice was 450! So it sounds like there is room for play with someone quoting 45 per night for a tiny bed. The little lady has no desire to make the journey with me so, I could handle a couple roaches but community baths I might frown on.

$250 to $450a night yikes! but if you have the other half with you probably anything less would get you grief Sheesh maybe it's the bigger hotels (Hilton, Prince Hotel, Hyatt,)that cost that I haven't checked lately... I know some others that are cheaper but still really nice.

Now remember $45 room in Tokyo is probably the size of some of your Home bathrooms and those hotels are pretty much a no frill hotel for business travelers on the cheap. I know I did pay a decent $100 a night at the Shinagawa Prince hotel in 2005 they had a web special that was pretty decent.

Quote: As far as transportation goes.....I'm not good at being a passenger but don't plan on getting behind a wheel while I'm there. The rail pass sound like a plan. I am still curious to know what the travel time is between Tokyo and Niigata.

I think the travel time is about 3 hours but a lot of the way is in tunnels and sunken railways. as you get nearer to the country you will see some really nice sites like 600 year old homes with roofs made of reeds still looking beautiful. but that passes by a bit quickly. If winter time you will see a lot of people skiing or taking the train to go skiing.
Oh word of advice Bentos on the train are not that great get one at the train station its a bit better.

Quote: So it looks to me like I will be shooting for 5k so I have some extra cash for that shiatzu, dragon tattoo and gifts for the family. Now you could dump me off in Mexico and I definately wouldn't starve or go without from lack of communication! "Puedo trabajo para una cervesa y tres taquitios." Besides having an escort/translator in Japan is there a crash course book (Japanese Language for Dummbies) I should consider so I know how to order food, beer or a tattoo, I mean koi with the proper ettiquite? Looking forward to understanding the terrain and culture. Your feedback is much apprieciated. Respectfully, The Pond Digger

Tattoos I wouldn't know where to get one maybe Harajuku or Shibuya?? gifts Ueno might be a good place to check out one side is shopping the other Motorcycle alley (where I used to go to buy my bike racing parts for my GP bike)

Whee I would just say wing it and have fun Niigata side I can't really tell you much where to go I just followed my friend who lives in Tokyo.

T.