Oh wow, been reading through this thread over the last week finally got to the end. What a monster thread.
You have a very interesting story Nyororin, thanks for sharing it with us. Also thanks to everyone who shared information and put up with all the stupid questions (how more of you didn't resort to shouting in all caps I don't know...)
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I would say to those of you wanting to go and stay in Japan, and to spend time living in Tokyo that while the points made here are all very valid, Tokyo is still a very exciting place to stay. I personally think it is a very unique place and it is quite unlike other big cities I have visited or lived in. I'm hoping to go and stay in Japan again for a year after my undergrad studies, probably spending most my time in Tokyo teaching english. Which has its bad points, but unfortunately its a means to an end.