[timelesssymphony]

hmm kinda a broad question because it depends on where you will live with Tokyo being more expensive than say Kuzuha, noodles and rice aren't expensive while beef and fresh fruit is, if you plan to try to eat the same way that you do in America (or really the west) then it will be costly. There really isn't a "best" place to exchange ￥ (can't tell you how to type it though its on my keyboard) the worst place to exchange is the Airport major banks in most counties can order currency given a few days notice, there are decent rates to be found at the airports in Japan and you can get good exchange rates from ATM machines in Japan, Travlers cheques fetch a good rate at Banks in Japan as well (better than just cash) since you have some time I would save your money in $ (or what ever your currency is) and then exchange when the rates are good unless you use the euro which has an unholy high exchange rate right now. Hope this helped