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Hi everyone,
I’m studying in Nagasaki through my college from April until August this year. I would never have been able to afford it normally but my school financial aid is covering a lot of it. I’m really excited to be visiting in a way that isn’t just a short sightseeing trip.
I think the best part is I will be in Japan just in time for hanami (cherry blossoms) which is one of my goals in life :)
Has anyone else done a study abroad? Especially any females? Most of the blogs and accounts I’ve seen are from guys. I’ve already gotten a couple of great Japanese friends in the area using the pen pal site Interpals (www.interpals.net), so I might actually have some locals who can show me around.
Shame to hear that, Gigatron – I hope your fortunes improve, before it gets too late to make a difference.
As for your can’t-book-for-a-month issue, I wonder if that mightn’t be an entirely bad thing – I can understand not wanting to move around, but maybe you could try staying in widely-separated areas, and focus your attention on where you’re staying. For example, ten days in Chiba, then ten days in central Tokyo, then ten days in Yokohama/Kanagawa. Just a thought. =)
@gigatron – I live in a ryokan in a little mountain town called Kofu about 30 minutes south of Yonago in Tottori prefecture. If you weren’t dead set on the big city and want to get a taste of country livin’ you can come stay with me for free as long as it’s before August when I’m moving back to the States. You’d have to cover your own food obviously. If you’re trying to avoid tourist stuff, this is the place to do it believe me.
Wow, that is an extremely generous offer, mate! While I did hope to see a bit of the city life, I’m certainly not averse to the countryside, and Yonago looks like a lovely small city (looks similar in “feel” to Kasukabe, which is my target city). Certainly don’t mind covering food and all.
I don’t know if I’ll be able to rake up enough quid in time, but if I can, I’ll most definitely keep your offer in mind. Cheers a million!
T-two months to my trip! I’ve been keeping track of the exchange rate USD vs JPY, and it is getting more favorable every day! woot!
2 weeks for my trip!! >.<
Next Monday!!
Blog. Post photos. Otherwise I’ll hunt you all down, lock you in closets and go in your place. =P
Is anyone planning on getting the Work Travel Visa for a year? Any experience with this?
This is the plan for 2013 (in time for the cherry blossom!) – Need to finish off my contract at work.. mover home, earn a shit load of money (not paying rent) – Then boom.. Trans-Siberian train, over and on the ferry to Japan for a year or working on organic farms and couch surfing.
My plan is not to find a tonne of work out there (Although working for the butler cafe is well appealing). More just to work for free in some places in exchange for accommodation (which there are a few resources out there for, do some WWOOF.. I dunno, just make it up as I go along.
My calculations give me about a year or so before travel, language being the most important focus. I guess this gives me enough time to get my conversational up to a level where I won’t starve to death and I can thank people for their kindness (also throw out dodgy pick up lines).
I also want blog posts MOAR BLOG POSTS! Photo’s inspire me.. plus learning from others is the best way! ^_^
I’ll be leaving Wednesday morning (the 28th) and will be there for about 18 days. I’m going to be backpacking across the entire country only with my carry-on and bought a JR Pass to accomplish this.
I made a list of places I’d like to visit, but I have no itinerary or hotels booked. Just going at my own pace and taking everything in.
I seriously cannot wait!!!
So I discovered a few days ago that it turns out I have no valid passport. :P
Obviously this poses a problem for my trip. I’m working to get this sorted and obtain a US passport before time runs out.
In other news, I’m looking at places to stay. A friend linked me to a website called “airbnb” which is somewhat similar to Couchsurfing, but IMO looks a little better for my needs. Ridiculously cheap lodging in prime locations with real Japanese style homes.
Still saving up. Taking into account the savings from Airbnb, $4000 should do. So as long as I can sort out my passport and get the money, my November deadline is still on.
@JaysFreaky.. 凄い！！！
Actually.. the most incredible thing mate. That is exactly the type of trip I need to take.. Don’t take any time away from your preperations.. but you better have a blog ready!
I’d be so interested to keep a track on your adventures.. How long are you going for?!@gigatron – $4000 is pretty good mate.. How long are you planning on being in country for?
Airbnb is actually incredible.. Combine that with couch surfing and that 4K will last you a heck of a long time..
Covering food with just Ramen and Rice.. You’ll probably earn more in interest ha!@isocracy, the plan is to stay for a whole month. I’d have preferred longer but that’s all my paid holiday hours at work will cover. It’ll be more of a hardcore research journey of sorts rather than a holiday, so I’m cutting costs wherever possible. Planning to bring only a small carry-on with clothes and other necessities. Probably won’t even bother with souvenirs or anything (unless I have enough left over).
Apart from experiencing Japanese life, I intend to get hardcore language practise in, and hopefully make some contacts for my future life in Japan. This trip will no doubt be the turning point in my life (much like it was for Danny Choo) so I am hugely excited. Who knows, if all goes well enough, I may not even come back! ;)
Luggage day today~~ When I come back I’ll post a link to the blog with photos x)
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