Travelling to Japan

[Terramax]

Now that I think of it, do colleges also go by the "Six Days of Classes, One Day Off" a week thing?

Sadly, I don't go to either a college or Uni so I wouldn't know. I'm currently in a private language school (5 days a week) for 1 more month before work.

I will say that it wouldn't surprise me though. Many school students go to school 6 or 7 days a week. It's not rare for some parents to send their children to school at least 6 days a week, to get the edge on education. I've learnt that school in Japan is immensely competitive. Every Sunday I see kids in school uniforms either on the way to, or on their way back. Although I'm aware some of these are just school clubs i.e. baseball. Still, I'd never see that in England.

 

[Amethyst Wind]

Indeed, I could do a natter on either a Saturday or Sunday. Trying to meet in Osaka will be difficult though as I don't know the area that well.

Regarding getting a visa, are you sure it will be illegal? Depending on what country you're living in, you can stay legally for a certain number of months. For instance, Brits like me can stay up to 3 months with but a passport. Ozzies are 6 months I believe.

If you want a job, getting a work visa should be fairly easy. At the moment, all I've been asked to do it support copies proving I've finished school and college from native England. What I would suggest, is that you do the same. Bring copies, or better yet, might be worth bringing originals if you're not afraid to take those with you.

Regarding how hard it is to get a job in English, I'm not sure. I applied to 6 jobs in the space of a week. Only 1 of those replied, and it ended up being the job I agreed on, so I didn't continue applying. Other teachers have told me they're desperate for native English speakers, but I'm a tad dubious on the matter. But you're much more likely to get a job if you're applying from within the country, that's for certain.

Well I was more implying that I'd take a trip to Kyoto to see you so that it won't cost you anything. I wouldn't ask you to spend the money for a complete stranger.

I can stay without a visa since I'm a brit too but I technically can't work during that time, so I'd need a work visa. Can I do that in-country? I've got copies of my university degree and teaching qualification on this computer which is coming with me. Since I'm not currently in the UK I can't get a hold of the originals.

I fly into Osaka really late tomorrow so the day after I'll message you and we'll sort out a meet-up if that's alright?

 

[Zeren]

I stayed in Tokyo for a month and spent roughly $7,000 USD. I stayed in a nice hotel and walked or took the subway everywhere I went. The plane ticket cost $1500 for a round trip.

 

[trollnystan]

SNIP SNIP SNIPPITY

Sorry to butt in, but if you have a smart phone - either Android or iPhone/iPad - there is a a pretty good app called Human Japanese available. I studied Japanese in upper secondary school/high school and got pretty good grades, but I got the app to refresh my memory of it recently. I recommend it, but it costs. Link to Google Play app store. There's also a free version if you just want to test it.

It'll give you a nice base at the very least, and they've released the Intermediate version on iPad so it shouldn't be long for it to come out on iPhone/Android. There's also a PC/Mac version available on their homepage.

Sorry for the salespitch =S But I do really recommend it!

 

[Terramax]

Well I was more implying that I'd take a trip to Kyoto to see you so that it won't cost you anything. I wouldn't ask you to spend the money for a complete stranger.

Oops. Now worries then.

I can stay without a visa since I'm a brit too but I technically can't work during that time, so I'd need a work visa. Can I do that in-country? I've got copies of my university degree and teaching qualification on this computer which is coming with me. Since I'm not currently in the UK I can't get a hold of the originals.

I fly into Osaka really late tomorrow so the day after I'll message you and we'll sort out a meet-up if that's alright?

If a job is willing to sponser you then, yes, I believe copies out to be enough to get a job in this country. You've got 3 months to find one, and that's plenty of time. There appear to be a lot of jobs in the Osaka area, but of course, more in Tokyo.

As for meeting up, give me a message any time. I'm in school until 4:45, Monday to Friday, so it'll be after then that I can meet up during the week. Message me to say where you're staying also so I can figure out how/ where to meet you.

 

[Amethyst Wind]

Well I was more implying that I'd take a trip to Kyoto to see you so that it won't cost you anything. I wouldn't ask you to spend the money for a complete stranger.

Oops. Now worries then.

I can stay without a visa since I'm a brit too but I technically can't work during that time, so I'd need a work visa. Can I do that in-country? I've got copies of my university degree and teaching qualification on this computer which is coming with me. Since I'm not currently in the UK I can't get a hold of the originals.

I fly into Osaka really late tomorrow so the day after I'll message you and we'll sort out a meet-up if that's alright?

If a job is willing to sponser you then, yes, I believe copies out to be enough to get a job in this country. You've got 3 months to find one, and that's plenty of time. There appear to be a lot of jobs in the Osaka area, but of course, more in Tokyo.

As for meeting up, give me a message any time. I'm in school until 4:45, Monday to Friday, so it'll be after then that I can meet up during the week. Message me to say where you're staying also so I can figure out how/ where to meet you.

Will do.

I'm not limiting my search to Osaka, I just chose it because it's fairly central which means I can get to Tokyo or Fukuoka (I'm already arranging an interview there) or other places easily.

 

[Terramax]

Will do.

I'm not limiting my search to Osaka, I just chose it because it's fairly central which means I can get to Tokyo or Fukuoka (I'm already arranging an interview there) or other places easily.

Nice. Originally, I wanted to get a job in Fukuoka (as there's a Japanese girl living there that I wanted to meet again), but I couldn't find anyway.

captch: Roll Over

Why? What are you gonna do?

 

[Beffudled Sheep_v1legacy]

SNIP SNIP SNIPPITY

Sorry to butt in, but if you have a smart phone - either Android or iPhone/iPad - there is a a pretty good app called Human Japanese available. I studied Japanese in upper secondary school/high school and got pretty good grades, but I got the app to refresh my memory of it recently. I recommend it, but it costs. Link to Google Play app store. There's also a free version if you just want to test it.

It'll give you a nice base at the very least, and they've released the Intermediate version on iPad so it shouldn't be long for it to come out on iPhone/Android. There's also a PC/Mac version available on their homepage.

Sorry for the salespitch =S But I do really recommend it!

No smart phone over here man. They're too big, fragile and clunky for me (plus expensive) so I just stick to my little, iron-skinned dumb phone

And you need to work on your sales pitch! Watch some infomercials by Billy Mays and soak in the super salesman glory!

 

[Angie7F]

Regarding phones, you can rent one at the airport.
I think it is good for you to have one because there are very few public phones now.
The rate is expensive, but at least you will be able to make phone calls if necessary.

If you have an iphone5, you could probably just use the free wifi in hotels and starbucks etc.
But starbucks and mcdonalds is sloooooow.

For cheap lodging, i suggest doing what college students do to pass a night in Japan.
a) karaoke box. they offer over night plans for around 3500 yen, i think
b) internet cafe. Choose a chair with flat seats and you can sleep. Big internet cafes have showers for free, as well as meals.
Also, internet cafes have internet connetcion. of course.
c) capsule hotels. I think many people have come across these in movies and stuff but it is still around, and still very cheap.
Any major station should have a few of these, but they fill up quickly.

d) not very cheap, but fun alternative would be love hotels.
If you end up staying up all night and need a place to crash with good amenities, love hotels are a cheap alternative.

Like katatori-kun, i also live in Japan, so if you need any help or have more questions, feel free to PM me

 

[Verlander]

My advice (for what it's worth) is to go legally, leave with plenty of time on your visa, and don't expect to stay. They enjoy tourists, but don't tolerate people who stay longer than their welcome.

Japan can be pretty expensive too, make sure you're prepared. Can also be quite a lonely place, might be worth traveling with someone.

 

[VanQ]

I believe this will shed some light on the subject:
http://www.cracked.com/article_20118_5-things-nobody-tells-you-about-living-in-japan.html

Oh wow, I never thought Cracked would write and publish an article that is genuinely educational. I have only spent a month there in December of last year and I was really humbled by how different the culture is but how it's also just a normal country like any other with folks just trying to bring home the bread and bacon. I have saved this link to send to people in future who think all the wrong things about Japan.

 

[VanQ]

Sorry for being blunt, I've just seen this article brought up at least 5 separate times in threads about Japan, and despite living in Japan for near to a decade and experiencing things that directly contradict most of the claims of this article, people still try to argue with me that it's accurate. It drives me up the wall because expat communities in Japan tend to form these mythologies that they swear up and down are true and the memes keep getting passed on because people who only stay in Japan for a short time (most expats) never get the experience to contradict them.

I'm glad you were blunt. It's better than sugar coating it and me not getting the message. I myself have only scratched the bare minimum when it comes to experiencing life in Japan. I only spent a month there and loved it. Hoping I can get an exchange through my university where I'm studying Japanese.

#5. Everything Is Frightfully Low-Tech

While I do agree from my little experience that there's a lot of low-tech stuff there, I never had trouble finding ATMs or getting a train which never once was late. It's absolutely a country of convenience in the cities at least.

#4. The Houses Have No Heat

I had the opportunity while I was there to stay with a family in Osaka for three nights. Their home was over 700 years old but still very comfortable and warm.

#3. The Hospitals Close on Evenings and Weekends

I can't comment on this. Luckily my trip was hospital free.

#2. You Will Always Be an Outsider

Now I agree that this is bullshit. I have only been studying Japanese for a year and the moment I attempted to speak even a little bit people opened up so much. On top of that, the family I stayed with invited me to join them for Hatsumoude, they shared Toshikoshi soba and New year's lunch with me and even allowed me to accompany them to pray at their father's grave with them. It was the most uplifting New Year experience in my life.
There's just no way a xenophobe would allow you to join them for such an occasion.

#1. The Country Really Isn't That Weird

While the thrust of what he's saying here is totally true, his examples are just bizarre. Anyone who doesn't realize that porn isn't really a part of ordinary Japanese television is an idiot who shouldn't be allowed to handle scissors without supervision.

From what I saw of TV while there, it was mostly just variety shows and food shows. Pretty boring stuff. I did catch an episode of Yu-Gi-Oh! but that show has really dropped the ball.

I'll be sure not to spread that link around. And I'll keep working my ass off to get that exchange. I feel like a month was just enough time that I was starting to really love the place and I had to come home.