Taking a trip next Fall.
 

I plan on going to Tokyo for 2 weeks to a month next fall depending on my funds. I'm mainly going for sightseeing, shopping, and the arcades that I so wish we had in the US.
What I want to know is, whats the age limit for smoking and if I'm under the age limit, will I most likely be IDed at the counter?
I hear your not IDed at most bars but wondered about my beloved nicotine addiction.

I plan on skating a bit there aswell, when the oppurtunity arrises for my to go to a country other then my I own, your damn well better belive I'm going to risk myself a little bit.

I already know where to go to get some H, so that dosen't need to be asked ^//^

About the red light districts, I hear that there are alot of "Japanese Only" signs around there. Are there places that I (A White Male from the US) Go to some of these skanky and risque areas?

Thanks for the help and sorry for the long read.

The age limit for smoking is 20. You will not be able to purchase from vending machines without ID, but can at convenience stores that sell cigs.

I am not into prostitution or paying for sexual favors, so I can't help you with your other part.

Heh, I dont want to give out the wrong idea "this kid is into prostitution and is a horrible person" its just something I was wondering and might experiance while their.
Thanks for the answer on smoking though, helped out alot.

I'm pretty sure just about anyone can go to a Hostess club or a Soapland.

There is an age limit, of course. But I've never heard of a "race limit"

Thanks for the quick reply.
I just find that the shadier areas of a city can end up being the most fun and exciting.

Alanx: Love the location "An arrogant nation" I assume you live in the US?

Eh.

I find it rather shamefull to take the time, money, and effort to visit a such a great nation like Japan, only to skateboard and pick up hookers.

But to each his own, I assume.

Yes, I can tell by your posts you do too.

Oh no no no, thats not all I plan on doing at all, I just wanted more info on it incase the option was given to me and it felt like it was right, and it was one of the few things I couldn't find using the search function!
I plan on climbing up Mt. Fuji and seeing alot of historic scenery.
It sounds like I gave you guys the completely wrong idea ^_^;

Ohhh. I understand, that's better. :p
Where will you be staying?
A hotel in Tokyo for 2 weeks will be extremely, extremely expensive.

Probably a Sakura house as that has been reccomended to me in numerous threads. I dont see myself getting much sleep while I'm there so my sleeping conditions dont need to be top notch, I'll have about $5000 for this trip saved up so I have a bit of spending money ^_^

Sakura houses are often overlooked. I'm surprised to hear that others have recommended them, it seems like I'm the only one who ever mentions them on here. They are a great idea, and great deals. Dunno why people sometimes have negative views on them so much.

And $5000 is about the perfect amount for the plane ticket, 2 weeks in sakura house, all the necessities, and souvenirs. More than enough, actually.

I think it was yours or Housetek's post that I got the reccomendation from.
Do you think that $6000 would be alright for a month?

Well the way I like to think of it is like this...

You need three things in order to stay in Japan. (vacation)

1. Airplane ticket.
2. Housing
3. Money for food

Airplane ticket would cost somewhere along the lines of $900-$1,500 for an adult round-trip flight.

Sakura house charges on average about $500 a month. Yes. Very, very, very inexpensive.

And depending how fancy you eat, the price could range from $100 to sky-high figures.

Without spending anything on other that the three things above, you're looking at roughly $3000-$3,500 per month in Japan.

Might be different for others, but that's just how I have figured it.

If you have friends in Japan, stay with them. That takes care of the housing. If they're nice friends, they'll probably feed you. That takes care of the food.

Finding a friend to stay with would be my ideal situation, or possibly finding some amazing people while I'm there.

I definetely love these NOFX lyrics :]

Absolute shibari, cold noodles and hot sake
The mistress bar in Roppongi is the place
For Japanese hardcore, not the kind you’re
gonna find at the record store
Not the kind designed for the kind hearted

Do not pass go, do not get bail
Go directly to Osaka Jail
Where you get locked or drunk under the table

For just under 10,000 yen
You can visit hell and come back again
For the process of hurting and healing
Cake and candle wax dessert
It’s not fun ‘til someone gets hurt
Who’s the next to get hung from the ceiling

So if you want rewards and consequence
They got the cool and unusual punishments
Get on your knees for Japanese instruction
Rope and Cigarette burns, forget about any health concerns
This is pure assisted self-destruction