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My trip to Japan June 2008 -
06-29-2008, 07:02 AM
I just got back from Japan! And I must say it's one of the best trips I've ever had in my life! And I am shocked that when I posted online asking about things to do, none of you people told me ALLLL the things that are there to do! Japan is a country FULL of things to do, seriously!!!!
We went to Tokyo, Osaka and a day trip to Kyoto.. loved the weather and mostly the people! Japanese people are kindest nation ever.. Language wasn't a trouble because there was always someone there who wanted to help when they saw us; outsiders. In Tokyo we stayed at Shinjuku and in Osaka at Soumen-Cho.. Both cities are full of attractions and very lively! The food was a challange because we're not used to that kind of food, but it was okay as other international restaurant existed. But anyway, Japanese food and eating experience is something no one should miss if they go to Japan! Expenses were okay! We expected it to be more expensive because of the way people talk about it.. but it's expensively reasonable honestly! The only thing with money is that they hardly accept any other currencies in the exchange centers except for US Dollars! And the ATM machines don't accept all VISA cards or Credit cards, which are international. Thankfully, there was a citibank bank near our hotel so we could cash money from there. The only drawback is when we landed in Japan. The security people in the airport treated us rudely and quite offensively! They did all sorts of background check ups and asked millions of questions!!! I mean, isn't that already done when requesting for a VISA!!! That put is off once we landed, but then the fun that came after that covered it all for us  All in all, Japan is a wonderful country and I'd definately go back one day! Salut to Japan and Japanese people! 
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06-29-2008, 07:44 AM
Thanks for the trip update and glad you enjoyed Japan!
As far as the customs people treating you rudely, that's a shame. I don't think it's typical, so maybe you just caught some employee on a bad day. Also, the time you came is right around the time of the G8 meeting, so maybe they were being more paranoid with security. If you look at the big Tokyo train stations during G8, you might see some serious looking police guys staring at everyone at they enter the ticket gates. But this is not normal in Japan, it's just an added precaution for the G8 meetings. Hope you have chance to visit again soon!
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06-29-2008, 11:20 PM
I'm glad you enjoyed your trip too.
The Japanese can be xenophobic but they can also go really out of the way to make your stay in Japan an enjoyable one, even if they don't know you at all. And you can keep expenses reasonable by eating "with the people," at noodle stands and ramen counters. And it's great food, too. Mata dozo! (Come again!)
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06-29-2008, 11:29 PM
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Glad you enjoyed your trip, traveling is something most people should do before the weight of a career and family makes it difficult.
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06-30-2008, 08:09 AM
I agree 100% with the sentiments posted by Omania, except the airport. I had no trouble (outside G8 summit of course).
Awesome country, awesome city (Tokyo) and awesome people. The food was good too. Awesome earthquakes were a bonus feature. I am already planning to live there. M
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06-30-2008, 02:08 PM
Interesting, where are you from? We had no problems at custom, everyone was really friendly to us. Did you make a connection flight at a high risk country?
Glad that you had fun, do post pics up when you got them
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08-24-2008, 03:32 AM
In all of my trips to Japan (several), I've never been questioned or detained by immigration or customs. I've never even had my bags looked at, I'm always quickly waved through with a polite bow.
A lot of how you are treated depends on how you are dressed when you arrive. If you are dressed wildly, have lots of facial hair or things like a pierced lip or eyebrow, you can pretty much be guaranteed a questioning by immigration and an inspection from customs. Never talk back to immigration or customs officials, just smile, and do as they ask. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip though. Things for me are now reversed, I live in Japan, and now have to deal with immigration and customs in my home country, which I have always found to be worse than those in Japan.
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08-26-2008, 12:36 PM
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My expereience with custom is also the same, i never had any problems at all, they didn't even check my bag or anything, simply walk out. And yes, myself too, not a one time thing, it seems that everytime I go to Japan, its a simple walk through Yeah, I think a lot of people think that its common sense to "Never talk back to immigration or customs officials, just smile, and do as they ask.", but you will be suprise at the number of instances I've seen perfecly sober man/woman argue with custom officers "I am not removing my shoes" type of thing.... Talking of which, my last year experieince at the airport was worth a laugh, you know how in Terminal 2, you have to come out, go through custom, go down the stairs, claim baggage and then you check out thoruh custom again? There is this Korean guy that just got off the plane from Korea, snatched a purse, ran through the upper level custom, down the stairs and made an attempt to run through the second custom gate as well. 6 custom officers jumped him and pinned him on the ground. What was he thinking! He could have waited till he is outside first
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