Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PeteJB]

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Edit I've decided to take a cheap flight to Fukuoka instead of opting for the ferry - All I need now is some good accomodation recommendations for Fukuoka and things to do - Any advice and tips are welcome, including basic Japanese help

I want to take the cheapest possible trip to Japan and still make something out of it. I need to go there because of a visa run - I would go to Shanghai but afaik you need to apply for a tourist visa beforehand, right? I've learned that the ferry is the cheapest choice (even the fast hydro one) for getting to Japan, but that means going down to Busan to get it. I have absolutely no idea about what to do when I get to Japan, have no knowledge of Japanese and no idea where I should stay, etc. And if I fly instead, where can I find information on cheap flights to major Japanese cities? I have a mere few days to make the arrangements so that is why I am thinking ferry will be a better choice...

Any information about the Busan-Japan ferry and it's destination would be appreciated.

[cangel]

Go to a travel agent in Seoul and get a visa-run special. Basically it's a Kobee (fast hydrofoil) RT ticket and hotel. You can tack on a day or two if you wish for a fee. Once you arrive in Fukuoka, get the bus from the station to either Tenjin or Hakata (times and signs in English) depending on where your hotel is more closely located. I would not suggest a taxi because they are VERY expensive. After checking in and showering, head to Tenjin for some eats followed by a stroll down Oyafuko-dori. Oh, pick up a Fukuoka Now magazine (free) from most information booths. That rag will spell out where to go and provide maps. Fukuoka is a simple city to navigate so don't stress. I lived in Fukuoka for 7 years in case you are wondering where I am pulling my info from...

[PeteJB]

I am not going on a visa run of the same kind you are thinking of. I already found a good deal with Japan Air and booked it... It seems to be a better option than travelling to Busan first. Could you provide some information about places to stay in Fukouka and worthwhile things to see? Will be staying for just a couple of days. Also anything I might need - like a certain kind of travel card, how much cash, etc...

[PeteJB]

Looking at Mystays Inn Fukuoka (Tenjin-minami ) - Looks like a fairly good deal and location. Anyone been here?

[Moldy Rutabaga]

It's been a while, because I went there for a visa run in 2003, but Tenjin is a busy nightlife part of the city, and so there will be lots of things to see around the hotel. On the first day you get there, hie yourself to the consulate and file the papers, because they will take a day at least to process the visa. There is a mall complex with a food court called Canal City in Fukuoka. It is a walkable city but the subway is clean and cheap by Japanese standards. The women are easy on the eyes.

Ken:>

[KuroBara]

I like the Chisun Hotel Hakata, though taxi drivers know it as ChisAn Hotel. The rooms aren't the biggest, but are comforatble and nice. It is near the JR Hakata line, and the bus terminal. From there, you can take a couple of loop buses around the city,. I recommend the green bus. It's 700 yen for the all day pass, but you can get on and off all day. Chisun is also near Canal City Mall, whci is a great mall, with plenty fs shopping and restaurants, not tomention the canal and water shows daily. The hotel is also near convenience stores, if you want to eat ramen all weekend. THe room hasd a neat tea pot/dehumidifer, which fits on top of a standard cup ramen. The body wash smells good too, and lathers without a poof.

[PeteJB]

Thanks for the tips, have already made all the arrangements and spent some time studying the city layout and transport system. Am going this week, so if anyone wants to meet up let me know within the next 12 hours.