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Travel in Japan

Time to get out of Tokyo. If you're like me, spending time in Tokyo will make you think...

"Holy freakin' cow get all these freakin people and their freakin' designer bags away from me!!!"

When this happens. It's time to get out.

I found out that getting enough information to take a trip in Japan can be tough, even if you can speak Japanese. The bullet trains are expensive, and there are like 10 different bus companies in Tokyo, all with different routes.

Here are some things I have learned while trying to plan trips.

Plan early.

This is common sense... but if you are planning to take a trip during a holiday in Japan, even one of the weak three day weekend holidays... be sure to book your transportation, and place to stay, about two weeks in advance.

Youth Hostels

I highly recommend youth hostels as your place of accommodation while traveling in Japan. There are a lot of them, and they usually are cheap, at about 3000 yen per night. It is easy to make friends at youth hostels, because usually the rooms are shared, and there is a lounge that other travelers will hang around in at night and chat. Usually, hostels have a strictly enforced curfew at around 9 or 10pm. This really isn't as bad as it sounds since hostels usually are in remote locations anyway, and it is good to get in so you can start your journey again early the next day. Also, since there is a curfew, there are sure to be other travelers back at the hostel when you return, still awake and looking to exchange stories.

For hostel information in Japan, try the Japan Youth Hostels official site. You can also hit Google as always, with a simple Japan, hostel, query and you will be sure to get some information.

You will have the opportunity to sign up for a Youth Hostel membership card when you get to the hostel. If you get this, you can get about a 1000 yen discount on stays at hostels for an entire year. If you plan to travel a lot while in Japan, this would be a 'good thing' to pick up.

Get on the bus. Buster.

Trains are by far the most common means of transportation in Japan. But buses are much cheaper. Buses can be confusing, but there is one key phone number that will help you out. If you are planning to leave from Tokyo. I am not sure if they speak English, but since it's Tokyo, I imagine that there are English speaking staff available.

Tokyo Highway Bus Information 03-5360-7111

If you call this number, and tell them where you want to go, they can give you the phone number of the bus companies that can take you there. I believe this is the Highway Bus homepage.

Also be sure to ask about the night bus yakou basu. These are the buses that leave in the middle of the night, usually before midnight, and arrive after 6am or so at the destination. They are pretty cheap, and also it is an efficient use of your time if you can sleep on the bus.

Next. Maybe I'll learn to use the airplanes! Until then...

- Created 10/2002