I saw that there was similar posts and got some answer to this but not exactly what I was looking for so I thought I'd ask. How exactly do you get to Japan? Such as... How do I get a visa and passport? how much does it cost to fly there and back? will I need a guide or could I go alone? How much are cabs and hotels? over costs and essential things I will need. Also how do Japanese people feel towards big people? I am 6'4 and 280 lbs. =]

How do I get a visa and passport?
You get your passport at your local passport or government office id say? We have local passport office in Dublin in our country and we apply for ours there. Im assuming it may be the same in your country

Before you get a visa it depends on what your purpose of travelling to Japan is. If it's work then you need sponsorship from a company before applying for visa. If it's for travel and tourism then you are issued a 90 day tourist visa upon arrival (some countries get 6 months).

how much does it cost to fly there and back?
Depends on the airlines in your country that service from your country to Japan. Check any airlines that are familiar with your country regarding price

will I need a guide or could I go alone?
I don't know of any guide services, their may be tour guides operating but you can always do it alone. If you have a decent travellers guide then you can make your own experiences by planning ahead

How much are cabs and hotels? over costs and essential things I will need
Both are very expensive. For accomodation i recommend youth hostels. Used them all the time i was there and had no problems with cost or quality of service. Usually cost in or around 2000-2500 yen a night. Hotels you could be paying anything from 10,000-30,000 yen a night.

Also how do Japanese people feel towards big people? I am 6'4 and 280 lbs. =]
As a foreigner you will stand out somewhat and get some stares, like yourself im a tall and broad enough guy and stood out that lil' bit more, hence you might get some stares moreso. But Japanese people overall are very friendly people.

Best of luck, any more questions fire away

Thanks for all the help!

As far a flights go I've looked on several travel sites and the flights seem to range fro $800-$1,300 (USD) one way, does this seem about right?

On guides I'm not sure on how easy it is for an English speaking person who know very little Japanese to get by there. Also in South Korea, according to their government run travel website, they offer guides free of charge who will help you get around the country with ease. I wasn't aware if Japan did the same or if it just a goo thing to have a friend with you.

On Hotels, cabs and overall costs, are you saying try to avoid tourist geared hotel as they are way more expensive? What exactly is a youth hotel? and How would a visitor use public transportation?

On being big, that's good to know someone similar was there, I didn't expect them to be rude though. Just curious.

Again thanks for all the great help!

Regarding the travel prices. Again i wouldn't be 100% sure on price since i live in Europe, fares etc may vary but iv found that an adult single way ticket usually costs around close to 1000 euros. Although if youth rates apply you may get it for alot cheaper. Iv also found return flights for any age seem to be cheaper than single way.

Regarding the knowing Japanese and getting around thing, if you plan on staying there for a few weeks and sticking mainly to the big cities or tourist spots you will be fine without knowing alot of the language. Having a phrasebook handy will be useful for some things you may have to ask like simply " Ikura desu ka? " which means 'how much is it?' while pointing at somthing at a menu or whatever having a travel guide as i said, for example the Lonely Planet travel guide (who do loads of travel guides for countries), they have lots of useful information and maps on where to go etc

A Youth hostel is simply accomodation where alot of the facilities you share with the rest of the building, be it sleeping room, kitchens, bathrooms etc. Everything in a youth hostel is communal and the cheapest form of accomodation would be sleeping in a dorm with others. You can have your own private room in the hostels but cost a bit more.

Remember, there is a difference between HOTELS and HOSTELS . But yes, staying in a Hotel instead of a Hostel will work out more expensive.

Feel free if you need to ask anymore questions

As far the flight prices they seem to be about the same in Europe and here. I looked into round trips they are much cheaper.

I have actually purchased the Lonely Planet Japanese phrase book.=] It's a great little thing. I've got down the Hello, how are you thing. And even ma yoy mash ta, I'm lost. I've been reading through it just to pick up on some things.

Oh,so a hoStel is basically a normal house with room mates. Is it easy for a foreigner to access those or do they only usually allow Japanese people?


Thanks so much you are great deal of help!

Hostels are usually established with foreigners travelling in mind, in any country . So you wont have a problem getting into one.

If you type into google "Hostelworld.com" it's pretty much the one of the number one sites for looking up and booking hostels online for anywhere in the world. It will sort you out with what you need. If in Tokyo or Mt.Fuji (or anywhere they are!) i recommend staying in K's House Hostels. Very good service, friendly staff and good price