Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tombirner]

Just found out I have like six days off next week. Think I'll finally go to Japan.

I'm looking for the end-all-argument cheapest way to get there. Or most efficient. I guess those each have a different answer... can someone just tell me how much (round trip) the ferries to Osaka are? How fast they are? What do people think of heading to Osaka and then checking out Hiroshima and Kyoto? I've heard that's a good start... with six days, and considering how lazy I am, that'll probably be all.

I'm basically just having trouble figuring out if all the prices I'm seeing are one way or round trip. Also, is it worth making a reservation??

Lastly, what about a boat from Busan to Fukuoka, then the train to Hiroshima or Kyoto or Tokyo or whatever I feel like? Any thoughts? How comfortable/convenient/frequent are those trains, anyway??

Feel free to add any other advice/relevant info. Thanks, kids.

[Underwaterbob]

I'm not sure what the rates are like this time of year but I flew round trip to Fukuoka for 300'000원 in February.

[sirfro]

[tombirner]

I looked into that... but I'll really only be in Japan for three or four days. Doubt it'll be worth it... or I don't want to rush from city to city daily because I want to get my money's worth, you know?

Thanks for the advice, though. Anyone else??

Also, how does one obtain a visa for Japan? Do I do that in Busan first??

[ciccone_youth]

You don't need a visa to just visit Japan.

I went to Japan last month. Departing from Seoul, I took the slow train to Busan, which I don't recommend unless you have extra time and want to cheap out (20,000 won). The KTX would have been a better option.

I then took the Beetle ferry from Busan to Fukuoka (I reserved by phone. 250,000 round trip, which includes the departure tax). The ferry is very fast and comfortable, kind of like an airplane. It took exactly 3 hours.

I was going to stay in Japan for a full week so I got the Japain Rail Pass (7 days unlimited travel, around 300,000 won I think). I stayed in Fukuoka for a few days, and I loved it!

Then I went to Kyoto (see the traditional side), and Tokyo (I was amazed, best part of my trip), and finally one short day in Osaka (just went to the Aquarium).

I don't think you need the JR Pass, but it depends how many places you want to see. A single train ride can be very expensive.

You might find cheap flights from Seoul to Osaka, or Fukuoka. Last time I checked, Seoul-Tokyo flights were around 500,000 won... try a smaller city perhaps.

[matthews_world]

Um, swim or call a travel agent.

http://www.123bus.net/

[tombirner]

What do people think of Tokyo? I've heard mixed things.

Also, is one allowed to drink outside (on the street) in Japan??

[I_Am_The_Kiwi]

[tombirner]

Just bumping this...

Booked my flight. Going to Osaka on Friday, then likely skipping Osaka (heard it's boring) and heading to Hiroshima for Friday/Saturday night. I heard it's good for night life.

Any suggestions as to where I should go out in Hiroshima? Any cheap hotels in these areas?

Then Kyoto for Sunday and Monday. What should I see? Where should I stay? Any other suggestions? As for hotels, I'd like to go as cheap as possible, but I don't want to sleep in a room full of strangers.

And yes, I know that this should be posted in the Japan forum, but I forgot my password and apparently they aren't taking new members until the end of the month.

[ciccone_youth]

try J-Hoppers hostel in Kyoto, they might have single rooms:
http://kyoto.j-hoppers.com/

very cheap, maybe 30,000 won per night. i liked that place.

and lonely planet has a great selection of cheap hotels, i recommend reading it.

[tombirner]

Thanks. How was the location of that hostel? Was it near all the pretty stuff in Kyoto??

Also, random, but do I need an adapter to plug into a Japanese power outlet??

[ciccone_youth]

the hostel is a 10-min walk from the JR Kyoto train station. not bad. you'll have to ride a quick bus to get to the touristy sights.

as for adapters i have no idea. i did not bring anything electrical...