Travel in Japan.

[Mega-Markario]

Was'nt sure whether to put this here or in "Land of the rising sun" but i opted for here anyway.

I was wondering if any of you, in your infinate wisdom, had any ideas/suggestions/help with traveling to/in Japan?

Are there any work placement programmes?

How expensive is it to live out there?

Recommended activities/places to visit?

Any kind of information about work/educational experience someone from the UK could gain whilst out there?

Thanks in advance.

Mark.

 

[elite4james]

I recently got a job in Japan as a JET participant. Whilst it is far too late to become a participant in the programme now, you can always apply for it this year for 2009.
You will work in Japanese schools as an Assistant Language Teacher, helping the Japanese English teacher and the students as an aide. You will also be required to attend extra curricular activities and after school clubs and such.
Rent is subsidized, so money won't be too much of an issue and a lot of my friends who have already taken part say they're having the best time.
I have been accepted into the program, im just waiting for my assignment and then I leave late July.
I suppose I could tell you more once I am finally over there.
Hope this helps.

 

[bell02+]

This is probably more of a "Land Of the Rising Sun" topic, personally I don't have any advice for you myself, but I'm curious as I plan on visiting some of my friends there this summer.

Well, actually, I can say that it probably depends on what type of work you are looking for. It's also hard for me to say how expensive something is (I know how much my friends pay rent there, but I can only really say how expensive it is based off of comparing it to the prices in California as I've never been to the UK)

What's your level of Japanese Comprehension? You probably don't need to know any to have a good time on vacation there, with the right tours, but if you plan to live there it is something I suggest you practice.

Also, it all depends on where in Japan you are going, I assume you mean like the Tokyo area or something.

hope that helps some, but really I'm curious myself because it's about time for me to buy my tickets, and if anybody knows any deals I'm up to know too! lol

 

[Dogasu]

Moving to the "Land of the Rising Sun" forum.

For tickets, I use JTB since they tend to be the cheapest.

As for finding a job...I just typed in words like "teaching english" into sites like Google and Wikipedia and followed the links there. Gaijinpot has job listings if you're getting nowhere with the other sites.

Living in Japan isn't really as expensive as a lot of people want to believe it is. Sure, there are things that cost more than they do back home, but if you don't eat out every meal and limit your outings to two or three times a week, you should be fine. A lot of stores have some really good point card systems while other stores have special sales days that can save you a lot of money if you pay attention to them.

 

[Mega-Markario]

Sorry for the misplaced thread Dogasu.

I was actually hoping that this thread would get your attention, as a denzin of Japan yourself XD

Thanks very much for the advice so far everyone.

Elite4james: I thin kthat would be fantastic, being part of the JET programme, and any information you could give me after you start your time there would be muc happreciated. I don't have any formal qualifications in teaching and minimal english grades, (not due to a lack of profficiency, more to taking the exams at the wrong time in my life) do you think that would affect my appliacation ( if that is the path i choose?).

Bell02二世: I'm not %100 sure on which region i would like to travel in, nor for how long. I have a basic understanding, but im currently undertaking lessons and plan to start corresponding with a Japanesse pen pal, so as to gain a better conversational Japanese understanding.

Dogasu: I've researched briefly into the cost of living, and nothing seems extortionate, as you say moderation is the key, but then again ,for the average income person, its the same no matter where you live though, right?

Thanks again, and any other advice would be greatly appreciated.