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| Where is the easiest destination for a visa run? |
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| Total Votes : 2 |
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OiGirl
Joined: 23 Jan 2003
Location: Hoke-y-gun
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 Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:18 pm Post subject: Easiest visa run for first-timer? |
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| Where do you think it would be easiest for someone with no experience in Japan (China, Thailand, etc.) to make a visa run? In terms of distance and complexity from transit point to the embassy/embassy, friendliness and helpfulness of embassy staff, accessibility of lodging, food, and entertainment, etc.? |
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kprrok
Joined: 06 Apr 2004
Location: KC
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| Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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I've been to both Fukuoka and Osaka and I would recommend Fukuoka any day to anybody. If you want to get out and drink and party during your time there, though, you might want Osaka. Fukuoka is kind of quiet, but with a fairly good party area on weekends (Thursday - Saturday). Also, Fukuoka seemed much cleaner and more enjoyable if you want a relaxing time.
The directions from the airport in Fukuoka are simple and straight forward. In Osaka, you have to navigate a train, a subway ride, and confusing directions in a big city. Fukuoka is pretty small and easy to get around in by the subway.
PM me if you have any other questions. I'll also be posting a walk-through for the Fukuoka in a couple of days when I get it all sorted out.
KPRROK |
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keninseoul
Joined: 09 Mar 2004
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 4:05 am Post subject: there is already lots of posts on 'Fuk' - see the stickeys |
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| Quote: |
| I'll also be posting a walk-through for the Fukuoka in a couple of days when I get it all sorted out. |
so easy it takes a few days to sort out? 
it is easier (and cheaper) than Osaka, but 'Fuk' sucks compared to Osaka. You can probably meet some-one doing the Osaka watlz - darn few go to 'Fuk' |
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huffdaddy
Joined: 25 Nov 2005
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| Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:28 pm Post subject: Re: there is already lots of posts on 'Fuk' - see the sticke |
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| keninseoul wrote: |
it is easier (and cheaper) than Osaka, but 'Fuk' sucks compared to Osaka. You can probably meet some-one doing the Osaka watlz - darn few go to 'Fuk' |
Really? When I was there (Fukuoka) last month, the embassy was packed. I probably saw at least 50 other people there getting their visa. |
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just because
Joined: 01 Aug 2003
Location: Changwon - 4964
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| Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 6:26 pm Post subject: Re: there is already lots of posts on 'Fuk' - see the sticke |
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| keninseoul wrote: |
| but 'Fuk' sucks compared to Osaka. You can probably meet some-one doing the Osaka watlz - darn few go to 'Fuk' |
Maybe the reason why you think few got to Fukuoka is because you live in Seoul...down my end everybody goes to Fukuoka and nobody goes to osaka |
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numazawa
Joined: 20 Mar 2005
Location: The Concrete Barnyard
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| Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 10:37 pm Post subject: |
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Well, the old knock against Fukuoka was that it took longer to process the visas, but from what I've seen in the news recently, even Osaka is going to next-day return on the process. So, if that's not the issue, I'd say Fukuoka is clearly the simplest route. I did it twice there in the mid-'90s, and once in Osaka last year. The layout of Fukuoka would make it more difficult for a newcomer to go astray, I'm sure. Even the trip from the airport (subway terminus) is fool-proof. As for cheap and convenient accommodations, I'd suggest the Green Hotel next to Hakata Station.
As my first experience of Japan, Fukuoka/Hakata will always occupy a soft spot in my heart (*sniff*)... |
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OiGirl
Joined: 23 Jan 2003
Location: Hoke-y-gun
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| Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 6:23 pm Post subject: |
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This is good information, thanks a lot, guys!
How many days should I plan to be in Fukuoka? |
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VanIslander
Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Location: Geoje, Hadong, Tongyeong,... now in a small coastal island town outside Gyeongsangnamdo!
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| Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 7:20 pm Post subject: Re: there is already lots of posts on 'Fuk' - see the sticke |
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| huffdaddy wrote: |
| Really? When I was there (Fukuoka) last month, the embassy was packed. I probably saw at least 50 other people there getting their visa. |
There were only three (3) other people there when I went a couple of weeks ago. It fluctuates.
Fukuoka is easy and cheap. Get a hydrofoil from Busan through kangsan travel and for under 200,000 won you get transportation to Japan AND accommodation at the Central hotel, a nice place (each time i've went there have been other foreigners also going to the Central Hotel so travelling together is a natural with those you meet up with on the way - the hotel/ferry deal also includes a free buffet breakfast that's all right).
you can book by phone through kangsan at http://kangsantravel.com/about_us.php
and pick up your ticket and hotel voucher at the ferry terminal.
(if you're northward, i've met some who ktx it down from seoul early morn to take advantage of the cheap ferry/hotel deal.)
the first time i did fukuoka for a visa run i took a taxi from the terminal to the embassy for about ten bucks each (split with another); the second time i took a bus and subway and needed to get directions from locals along the way, but it's easy very easy because you simply ask for "Fukuoka Dome" the baseball stadium. From there walk two blocks toward and past the Hard Rock Cafe and the embassy is across the road on the corner, within sight of the stadium. couldn't be easier to find!
get to the embassy (actually "consulate") by 2 or 3 pm and it's no problem, hasn't been a problem the times i've gone (including three weeks ago). simply drop off the number AND a passport photo! one passport photo! if you forget to bring one there's a photobooth in the consulate you can use and spend about six bucks to get three (but only need one). they'll take your passport from you.
the next day at 11 am they'll give you back your passport with your visa stamped in it!
(there's some cool handpuppets in the Toys R Us at the shopping mall across the street, movie theatres, HMV, etc.)
| OiGirl wrote: |
| How many days should I plan to be in Fukuoka? |
you only need one night but i recommend two nights (an extra twenty bucks only! for an extra night's stay at the hotel through the package deal - well worth it).
There's a tower and nice boardwalk shops beach area nearby, aquarium, park, old temples, a very different aesthetic than Korea! believe me, you'll wish you had spent two nights if you stay only one, i did, and so said others who opted for the superquick one-night option. your call. but you won't regret it. japan is NOT korea and the difference is refreshing even if you really enjoy korea as i do. and Fukuoka is a beautiful city, much more charming than Osaka (been to both places a few times, no comparison for beauty).
good luck whatever |
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