Korean Job Discussion Forums

[IncognitoHFX]

I want to visit Japan in the end of July.

This always happens, I find out I have a vacation a month before I have it, so I don't have any time to adequately plan. I won't be able to buy tickets until early July and I'm not even sure whether this trip is possible. I'm working at a public school though, so I'll have the entire week off and that means I'd be wanting to book tickets for weekdays instead of weekends (should cut back on the costs / increase availability).

I've been in Korea for a year, I have zero travel experience (Canada and Korea) and I've always wanted to go see Japan, so hopefully I can make it work this time.

Anyway, how can I enjoy Tokyo on a budget? Where can I find a nice, English guide to Tokyo (online)? What are my options for lodging, considering how cheap I intend to be?

Is travelling outside of Korea an unexpectedly difficult thing to do? Who here has left Korea and went to a neighbouring country? What contingencies should I plan for?

Lastly, how much should I expect to pay for a two way ticket to Japan in the end of July if I purchase it in the beginning of July?

Thanks for any info!

[doc_ido]

First, check that you have a multiple-entry visa.

I've found wikitravel.org to be pretty helpful for Japan. Make sure you have a phrasebook if you don't speak any Japanese. You can get accommodation in the Y2000 range at backpacker hostels and small hotels - and to save money in Tokyo, walk places!

Return ferry tickets are in the region of W160,000 - W250,000.

[bossface]

I stayed at Sakura Jimbocho hostel. It was fun, I'd recommend it. There's not a lot to do nightlife wise there, but it's close to all the hot spots via the subway. It's a popular joint though, if you want to stay there, book sooner rather than later. I forget their website, but if you google the name, it's there.

Saving money - avoid taxis. Most everything else (food, booze) is similarly priced to Korea, but taxis are insanely expensive.

If you don't have a multi-entry visa (and I'm guessing no if you're Canadian) you can get a single exit at the airport immigration office for 30,000.

Change money here. You probably get the best rate at your own bank. Don't take won out of Korea, the rates always suck.

[IncognitoHFX]

Thanks for all of your help! I'm going to confirm the vacation with my boss and book the tickets this weekend. Luckily, a Korean friend of mine lives next to a nice travel agency that planned a good trip to Jeju-do for me awhile back and can assume plan a good trip to Japan. I'll mention those hostels to them as well.

[crazy_arcade]

If you want to stay somewhere near the action but pay hostel/backpacker prices then you might want to consider staying in a capsule hotel.

Usually businessmen who have missed the last train home (subways and buses stop early in Japan too) stay in capsule hotels. It's about $30/night and you get a capsule to sleep in (it's actually more comfortable than you'd expect, and they usually have a nice sauna and public bath.

[IncognitoHFX]

[Binch Lover]

I stayed at K's House http://kshouse.jp/tokyo-e/ in the traditional Asakusa district. It was probably the nicest hostel I've ever stayed in, but a bit harder to meet people in than other places. It's very close to two subway lines and a big shrine so pretty convenient too.

[mrsquirrel]

[bossface]

Your visa itself would have either an "s" or "m" on it. If its a renewal, then I think the bac of your ARC card would too.

No need to go to ICN the day before, unless your flight is ridiculously early. I did it on my last flight, it took about half an hour.