Living in Japan for a year $_$

Hello everybody,

I need your help bad... Long have I had the wish to stay in Japan for a long period of time (about 9 months). Now I am in my graduation year of highschool so after that I wanted to take a year off to visit Japan, until my college starts. I checked out the prices for stuff like flight-tickets (about $1200 retourticket), hotel (at least $70/day) and other nessessities. All in all, its so expensive that for staying there a year, I would have to work 2 years.
Unfortunately my parents aren't rich enough to support my year in Japan, so now I'm desperately looking for a sollution so I can still go. Possibilities would be:

- some kind of job + accommodation combination (so you work for your rent)
- regular jobfinding, then trying to rent an appartment
- going to Japan for only a few months, I'd have to make the money before I go.

I'm only 18 at the time I can go to Japan, so my earning isn't huge. If anyone knows how to manage, that I can pay my own trip, having only 1 year of time, you would help me out so much

Thanks for your help,

Supermidget

Hiya,

There are people who are in the same case as you but the thing is:

#1) They learned Japanese and can communicate with others with no problem.

#2) They befriended other Japanese at their university who allow them to stay temporarily at their home/apartment.

#3) Have a resume with their college credentials or had a previous job to allow them to get a job in Japan thus the company sets them up for a month or more.

* Work for your rent? Happens to many Japanese but for foreigners, not that easy.
* Remember in Japan, apartment deposits are different. Deposit for this month, next month and another key deposit. It gets costly. If you want to live in Tokyo, it's going to be very costly.
* How some people I know did it and didn't have money, for the college semester they took out a larger college loan or a bank loan saying they were going to purchase a computer. No matter the situation, you will have to pay it back.

Having a degree would help in getting certain jobs. Previous experience helps in getting jobs. I knew people who worked at Japanese newspapers with no degree but still had experience with previous jobs to get a job in Japan.

I do know people who have no degrees that are working there, don't have much money but are working there and they were able to live there via missionary purposes or through their church. Another is through college via sister-school or sister-town type of situation.

The other situation which I know people are able to live in Japan is the fact that I know people who have gone there for vacation, managed to find a Japanese girlfriend immediately and some who got married with them, thus having a place to live. Some do it for love, some do it as necessity to stay in the country. I'm not promoting this, I'm just saying that I know people who have done that.

But I'm not saying it's not impossible, just challenging. Good luck!

kndy

Good luck.

I stayed in Japan for three months last year and it's not easy. I was lucky to have a friend who knew a guy with a spare place to stay, no luxuries though - not even hot water.
I would think it would be very tough to find work and an apartment, further more there wouldn't be much point in even going for an apartment for such a short stay. Getting work requires all kinds of advance preperations. You will definetly need a work permit, obviously but getting the actual work I find is tough

I would suggest perhaps you try looking into homestays, where you live with a family. I think you should save as much money as you can and make sure you know how much you can stretch the money. Don't go out there for 9 months if you are not 100% sure you can support yourself.
I went out for three but ran out of money after 2 months until I was eating with just Y200 a day. Because of my friends I was looked after with a roof over my head but still struggled to eat.

My mistake was also overspending on things I didn't need. I advise you to not get tempted by everything out there, it can be so easy to just keep buying lots of neat things.

You have a lot to plan here but you need to look at different types of accomodation. I don't know about places where you can work for rent. I hope someone else can help you out.

Best of luck

Lucky you! I wish I could live in Japan for a year. What city are you planning to stay at?

Have u ever tried Japanese National Tourist Organization? http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ They have some really good info there.

Since u're a youth, you may want to try a Youth Hostels. A bit of info below. To learn more, there's a wesite at the bottom.

There are some 360 Youth Hostels in Japan, offering clean and simple places to sleep at very low rates. A number of them are open to the public, but others are privately run and require membership in Japan Youth Hostels, Inc., or the International Youth Hostel Federation. You can join the latter either in your home country or through its Tokyo national headquarters, or purchase a guest card at the hostel. When the guest card is used six times it becomes a full membership. A membership purchased in Japan is valid worldwide except in your home country.

Despite the name, there are no age limits on youth hostel guests. Compared with other forms of accommodation, however, there are many more regulations, including an evening curfew; and preference may be given to younger guests in busy seasons. A youth hostel will usually cost about 2,800 yen to 3,000 yen per person, without meals.


Japan Youth Hostel Association
http://www.jyh.or.jp

Hope this helps! :)

Milkchan wrote:
I would suggest perhaps you try looking into homestays, where you live with a family. I think you should save as much money as you can and make sure you know how much you can stretch the money.

I agree with Milkchan, Homestays are good. I met very few people who did that...not in Tokyo but other areas in Japan. Depending on who you stay with, what makes it or breaks it for you is your understanding of the language and culture.

Also, If you are a guy, just don't try to flirt with the older daughters.

kndy

I'd say if you don't speak Japanese well, then I wouldn't go unless you were part of some homestay program or other academic program. Without a bachelor's degree, all the English teaching positions are closed to you, and for someone who can't really speak Japanese, there really aren't all that many good options (menial labor, but even then you'll probably need an introduction). I would advise you going to college first then pursuing a time in Japan. The opportunities to work and live there will be much improved.

Think academically, maybe doing a program that'll get you credit. You can always take out loans if your parents can't support you financially. But I'd say your chances of finding a job AND enjoying your time in Japan would be close to nil...not to sound completely discouraging, but I'm trying to 'keep it real.'

It's true, as harsh as it may seem it just isn't as easy to get work in Japan as a foreigner as it was say 10 years ago. Japan is a very academic country and mostly the easiest jobs to get are teaching but as it's been mentioned only if you have a degree, BA honours equivelent or teaching experience to show.
Do not spoil your visit by trying too hard to look for work, also do NOT make the mistake of assuming that many Japanese speak English. This is not the case. You will find english speakers but believe me there aren't as many as you think, atleast those willing to try and talk English as Japanese tend to be shy when they try that.

I assumed that I would be OK but I was very surprised. Make sure you know some basic Japanese first.

Unless if you are in a rush to go to Japan this instant - hold off especially since you don't have the financial means to support yourself for a year. Go to college first (you'll need the money to pay for school) and see if the college or clubs offer student exchange programs to study abroad in Japan. One of my friends did that a few years ago through AISEC and most of his expenses were covered by the program, along with covering airfare and finding a host family. Another one of my friends went to Australia instead on a different study program but it's the same setup.

It is true, you could just look for work there, but as a foreigner you would not be allowed to work full time in Japan on a visa without at least a Bachelor's degree. You can only work part time and you are severely limited on the types of jobs you can hold - which can also mean you are limited in the amount of pay. It is very very expensive to live there and it's true - if you're are planning on renting an apt - you will have to fork over a considerable amount of key money over first....

Don't forget you need quite a bit money to bring over there first - just in case any emergencies happen. If you want to lower your expenses - don't go to Tokyo to live. I know I sound discouraging but there are people I know who did ended up going to Japan without a job - but they're people who quit the pretty high paying jobs to go there with a lot of money to spare.

I think the thing is it would be difficult to enjoy the place if you're constantly having to worry about finances, so as long as you can set up and organize how you're planning on not only getting by there but having enough money to enjoy your stay, then go for the opportunity.

No!!! I wrote a long reply, I hit POST then it asked me to log in; I did, then it erased the textbox! I can't get it back! :angry:

Ill summary what i wrote:


Thanks alot for your help, you have given me a lot of valuable information already :D

Ill just plainly comment to problems mentioned by you guys (I really wrote it in a nicer way in my original post, srry)

- When the summer starts, and I want to go to Japan, I probably won't know enough Japanese to have a conversation. I think I'd be marked "basic knowledge"
- I know no-one in Japan, thus I have no place to stay. My only options are inns or a youth hostel (thanks for that tip)
- Wouldn't working as a clerk in a supermarket-like store privide me enough money for daily expensions? I think about \4,500 per day. I could use money I take from my home for the days I don't work...
- How can I find out what homestays cost?

Again, thanks for your help guys

ps;

lucky you

I hope so... looks like my luck is deminishing... :(

Clerk in a supermarket store. That is very unlikely. You would need better than basic Japanese. Do you know how often a store worker gets hassled by a customer for help? A lot.
I don't know what kind of jobs you could do out there but for quick bucks they would likely be very horrible ones and even then just getting one is difficult.
You can find out about japanese homestays by doing a search, also email a few places like the Japanese embassy.

It's good you have an interest but I still think 9 months sounds very over ambitious if you have no contacts and no means of income. Just save like mad and maybe think of cutting your trip shorter, then atleast you will know what you need for the next time you decide to visit.

Maybe you can look into a studying abroad placement?

supermidget wrote:No!!! I wrote a long reply, I hit POST then it asked me to log in; I did, then it erased the textbox! I can't get it back! :angry:

Ill summary what i wrote:


Thanks alot for your help, you have given me a lot of valuable information already :D

Ill just plainly comment to problems mentioned by you guys (I really wrote it in a nicer way in my original post, srry)

- When the summer starts, and I want to go to Japan, I probably won't know enough Japanese to have a conversation. I think I'd be marked "basic knowledge"
- I know no-one in Japan, thus I have no place to stay. My only options are inns or a youth hostel (thanks for that tip)
- Wouldn't working as a clerk in a supermarket-like store privide me enough money for daily expensions? I think about \4,500 per day. I could use money I take from my home for the days I don't work...
- How can I find out what homestays cost?

Again, thanks for your help guys

ps;

lucky you

I hope so... looks like my luck is deminishing... :(

Probably best to read my post again. You'll need more than just basic command of the language to work anywhere, except maybe at a hostess bar. As mentioned, you won't be able to get that supermarket job unless you do a lot of grovelling or have a person vouch for you (which you say you don't). Foreigners who can speak Japanese and have degrees have a tough enough time getting a job, and you have neither. Best to go with an academic program/homestay. You will regret going to Japan if you aren't prepared.

supermidget wrote:Hello everybody,

I need your help bad... Long have I had the wish to stay in Japan for a long period of time (about 9 months). Now I am in my graduation year of highschool so after that I wanted to take a year off to visit Japan, until my college starts. I checked out the prices for stuff like flight-tickets (about $1200 retourticket), hotel (at least $70/day) and other nessessities. All in all, its so expensive that for staying there a year, I would have to work 2 years.
Unfortunately my parents aren't rich enough to support my year in Japan, so now I'm desperately looking for a sollution so I can still go. Possibilities would be:

- some kind of job + accommodation combination (so you work for your rent)
- regular jobfinding, then trying to rent an appartment
- going to Japan for only a few months, I'd have to make the money before I go.

I'm only 18 at the time I can go to Japan, so my earning isn't huge. If anyone knows how to manage, that I can pay my own trip, having only 1 year of time, you would help me out so much

Thanks for your help,

Supermidget

Sorry if this is long but I have a bit of experience + info. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but.....the following you said is probably your only bet right now:

going to Japan for only a few months, I'd have to make the money before I go.

You have to think about being allowed to be there other than finances! LOL That's besides a lot of little things you might not be thinking about.

As most people are saying, staying over 90 days is NOT LIKELY. I lived in Japan under a visa for 3 months when I took college courses abroad. I went to an American school, so I didn't exactly get "student visa" (which doesn't allow you to work). I got "cultural/general activities" (which allows you to work if it's related to your purpose/sponsor and limited to low hours). Without a job offered by a Japanese employer or student status at a recognized Japanese school, cultural activities visa might be all you are gonna be able to apply for, but I'm not sure. You need to visit the website of your nearest Japanese Consulate. Even with that, it's gonna be TOUGH. You have to prove the following for a visa to enter and stay in Japan (visas are 6 months and 12 months in length):

*You have a purpose to be there
*You have the means to stay there, IN ADVANCE (you must supply bank documents proving so...I had supply documentation that I, or my sponsor, had $9000 for 3 months. That is what the Japanese Immigration required for me to do, and it's common that they ask this. They DO NOT want you to get stuck in Japan BROKE!! Deportation could possibly cost JAPAN money to send you back in the end!!!)
*You have to have a sponsor in Japan (relative, employer, school, etc)*I'm not sure, but you may need to get international health plans as well. If you get sick and stay over for a long time, you are screwed if you can't pay....you'd have to pay CASH. Not many doctors would take credit cards like over here. I had to get a health plan for my time abroad, in case of emergencies (emergency evacuation, transport of remains if you die, etc.).

You also have to wait about 1-2 months or so for word on your certificate of eligibility to get your visa. Let me tell you honestly, Japan is pretty strict on granting visas to foreigners. You really have to have the means and a purpose to be there. They are gonna be cracking down even more soon, from what I read on news sites. Without a visa, you can only stay in Japan for 90 days. You are not allowed to work during your 90 day stay. And no, you can't just fly to Seoul and come back and have a renewed temp. visa. It just doesn't work that way. Once on a 90 day visa, you can't just go get legal legit employment. Without a bachelor's degree, you will not be able to get a job where a Japanese company will vouch for and sponsor you to get a visa.....unless you are fluent in Japanese and English and get lucky with a different type of company (maybe).

Since I lived there, I'll just tell you that Japan can be very expensive to live in. This is not counting shopping. Food, toiletries (SO EXPENSIVE), eating out (eating out can be rather cheap but can add up over time), having fun, rent, etc. You might need a cell phone if you are over there for an extended period. They are cheaper than land lines, MUCH cheaper. You also must think about any prescriptions you may be taking now....you may not be able to get a good enough equivalent abroad. Japanese drugs tend to be pretty weak.

I really think you need to plan out your trip better, or at least think of more tiny details before you get stuck in a situation. Maybe a study-abroad program would be best for you when you get to college :sweat:

Otherwise, just save a TON of money and go on the trip with a friend for a couple weeks to a month...then you can split your hotel fees :D Plus......in Japan, not as many places take credit cards as in the U.S. Many places are cash only! Some smaller places that do take credit will sometimes turn away some "American" credit cards. Also, foreigners can be limited to certain ATM's (post office and some citibanks).

some kind of job + accommodation combination (so you work for your rent)

This would probably be illegal unless it's under your 90 day limit. Or unless it's under the table while you have a visa for some other purpose. That would be something like a homestay. Even if you stay under 90 days, you'll need to work and save a lot of money before you go to pay for your living expenses and fun. Just remember, you don't want to be over there pinching every penny...you want to be able to have fun there too ^^;;

Plus...if you'd be over there alone and with minimal Japanese, that's not highly recommended. If you have no one to rely on while you only have minimal skill, that could really pose a problem during your stay (considering it's extended...say, up to 90 days). If you get a cell phone plan, you may need assistance or plenty of good reading skill to read your contract. Unless you are able to have an English guide. Just one example :applaud:

Even if you had enough money to stay there for a year, you probably wouldn't just be granted a visa to just go over there and have fun. You must have a reason to get a visa, and you need a visa to stay beyond 90 days. From what I hear, Japan wants to crack down on letting some foreigners in (make the requirements tighter) because of a rise in crimes committed by some foreigners. (so I hear :mrgreen:)

Like thetenken said, you REALLY don't want to go without full preparation.

If I screwed something up, please feel free to correct me (tactfully, though :sweat:). If anyone has any questions, feel free also.

Thanks KouSeiya315 for your extensive reply, it helped me alot. I see more and more problems being mentioned... this idea is reaching the 'impossible' level I think (as you guys thought right after I asked, Lol).

I will have to describe a different situation
* I want to go to Japan, and visit some touristical stuff. This means: not really "living" there and no working... it's a holiday
* I won't stay any longer than 90 days (so no Visa, is that right?)
* I'll probably stay in a Youth Hostel for about $35/day
* When I'll work fulltime (in my country), I can save about $700 each month. Maybe if I find a better job than supermarket clerk, I can make more.
* For the tickets, I'd have to work about 1.5 monts. Then I have to work a month, for every 3 weeks I'd stay in Japan.
* I have from June 2004 till the end of July 2005 to work and visit Japan.

What do you think is the best I can still make of my plan? What is the best balance between work and staying in Japan? I probably missed other expenses; if they're huge: I wouldn't want to work 6 months, only to stay there a week. Doh. Will it still be impossible (like because I still wouldn't know Japanese at a fairly skilled level)? Thanks for your help

supermidget wrote:Thanks KouSeiya315 for your extensive reply, it helped me alot. I see more and more problems being mentioned... this idea is reaching the 'impossible' level I think (as you guys thought right after I asked, Lol).

I will have to describe a different situation
* I want to go to Japan, and visit some touristical stuff. This means: not really "living" there and no working... it's a holiday
* I won't stay any longer than 90 days (so no Visa, is that right?)
* I'll probably stay in a Youth Hostel for about $35/day
* When I'll work fulltime (in my country), I can save about $700 each month. Maybe if I find a better job than supermarket clerk, I can make more.
* For the tickets, I'd have to work about 1.5 monts. Then I have to work a month, for every 3 weeks I'd stay in Japan.
* I have from June 2004 till the end of July 2005 to work and visit Japan.

What do you think is the best I can still make of my plan? What is the best balance between work and staying in Japan? I probably missed other expenses; if they're huge: I wouldn't want to work 6 months, only to stay there a week. Doh. Will it still be impossible (like because I still wouldn't know Japanese at a fairly skilled level)? Thanks for your help

Well, here are a few words of advice:

1. Go to Japan after university. When you're in university, take some Japanese courses and learn Japanese. While in university, you can also think about studying abroad in Japan for a semester or two. This is probably the cheapest way to go to Japan, learn the language, and see if you like the place. You also get academic credit. If you like Japan after your visit, then you can apply for teaching positions for after graduation, or even do your masters degree in Japan. There are a bunch of programs out there that will be more than willing to help you after you've got your bachelor's degree. This path gives you the most bang for your buck.

2. Get a job now. Work and save money. Try and find a homestay program that starts up about 6 months from now, and work hard until then. Living in Japan with no friends to mooch off of can get very expensive, as you're paying for meals, lodging, travel, toiletries, and whatever else you want to spend your money on. Going with a homestay program can help that a LOT. Minimizes culture shock, gives you a base to start, and gives you some English speaking contacts in case you get into trouble. If you can't get on a homestay program, then I suggest you keep your travel in Japan from 2-4 weeks. You can probably get the most bang for your buck, and see the most places without getting completely tired out. Get a Japan Rail Pass before you leave your country, then use the rail system as your primary travel point. Buy a travel book that contains locations of hostels, and plan out a travel itinerary. Two weeks will give you a bare minimum tour of Japan. 4 weeks will afford you some time to loaf around and stay at the places you really like (Kyoto and Tokyo) and spend more time there. Also, try to plan for a time when tickets to Japan are cheap. I'd recommend going in early spring, and to try and avoid the Japanese holiday travel times as well.

All the other people before me have said it enough, so I'll just give you my example, and what it took for me to work/live in Japan.

I work for Citigroup Japan as a systems engineer since Sept 2003. Before that, I came over on the JET Programme in 1999, so I've lived here for around 4 years now.

In order to live and work here, I needed a work visa. In order to get a work visa, I needed a sponsor (typically, your employer). The time it took for me to get a work visa (my visa is the International Services type) was 4 months.

The salary you get depends on your level of experience, language ability, and specialized skills. If you speak Japanese, have many years of experience in your field, AND you have specialized skills, then expect to earn 3x the salary that you would earn at home, plus benefits. In your case, this will not apply, as people that fall into the above case are typically CEOs, managers, etc.. Typical cases are like mine, in which the company hires young foreigners (mostly single, as then the company does not need to pay for the family costs i.e. schooling for children, bigger apartment, etc..). I have some experience, specialized skill in demand (computers), and language ability.

Granted, you can come over and work if you have no university degree (difficult, but can be done) but you won't be earning much, and the cost of living in Japanese cities is pretty high, so you'll be strapped for cash most of the time. If you live out in the suburbs or countryside, financial pains are lighter, but you'll probably be bored silly if you're young and single.

As other people have said, in your case it will be difficult for you to find employment here if you do not possess adequate language ability and if you do not have a specific skill in demand.

The easiest way to get in to Japan is to get a TEFL, TESOL, or TESL certificate (maybe all three) and find employment with a chain-school. They can get you in. I know of several 20 year olds who have done it this way, but all of them left within a few months as life in Japan was too harsh for them.

Come over to Japan for holidays first before you decide that you really want to move over. Stay for 2 weeks the first time, decide if you like it, then visit again for a longer period next time. If you find yourself liking Japan a lot, then come over on an exchange program first and stay for 6 months to a year.

Japan is nice to visitors, but things change if you start working here and compete with Japanese people for jobs. Economy here is not very good, so foreigners have to compete with Japanese people for jobs. That's pretty tough in itself, unless you have a specific skill that your Japanese peers don't have. At present, it is in the realm of IT and computing.

...but in most cases, you need to speak Japanese...

supermidget wrote:Thanks KouSeiya315 for your extensive reply, it helped me alot. I see more and more problems being mentioned... this idea is reaching the 'impossible' level I think (as you guys thought right after I asked, Lol).

I will have to describe a different situation
* I want to go to Japan, and visit some touristical stuff. This means: not really "living" there and no working... it's a holiday
* I won't stay any longer than 90 days (so no Visa, is that right?)
* I'll probably stay in a Youth Hostel for about $35/day
* When I'll work fulltime (in my country), I can save about $700 each month. Maybe if I find a better job than supermarket clerk, I can make more.
* For the tickets, I'd have to work about 1.5 monts. Then I have to work a month, for every 3 weeks I'd stay in Japan.
* I have from June 2004 till the end of July 2005 to work and visit Japan.

What do you think is the best I can still make of my plan? What is the best balance between work and staying in Japan? I probably missed other expenses; if they're huge: I wouldn't want to work 6 months, only to stay there a week. Doh. Will it still be impossible (like because I still wouldn't know Japanese at a fairly skilled level)? Thanks for your help

You're very welcome. If you need any more help, I'm here and there are several others in here that can share their experiences with you ;) What you now describe is much more within reach although it'll take you time to save enough money.

When you ran down prices in dollars and you didn't have your location listed, I assumed you were American :sweat: When you get to immigration in Narita Airport, there is a sign that says certain countries have automatic 90 day limit (they call it "90 day tourist visa"...they just stamp your passport). I'm fairly sure you still have 3 months (90 days) without having to go through the visa process, probably only limited to particular countries. These links may help you better understand and let you check your country's limit:

http://japanvisitor.com/jt/vi.html (country list for stay limits without visa)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

Also, you should check out the Japanese Consulate's site for your country as well, like I said before. ^__^

If you are trying to stay as long as possible, save MORE money than you are estimating you'll spend. Trust me, you'll spend more money than planned even when you pinch pennies. You won't be able to be there for 3 months without treating yourself while shopping at least a few times :love_eyes: Plus, you know what they say, things you don't expect to happen do when you least expect it and when you are least prepared. You'll be only on public transportation as well, and trains cost a little bit more than what you are probably used to (especially in Kyoto, I find). It's not just one fare for any stop. You more for the furthest stop from where you get on the train. You'll be using trains a whole lot while touring.

I don't have any experience with youth hostels, but I wouldn't plan 3 months depending to stay there if they can't guarantee a spot. From what I hear, there is a possibility that they can get full. You don't want to be uprooted during your stay, other than going to a different city. It might be better to find somewhere cheaper where you can make reservations for concrete dates, and with English-speaking attendants. Even for semi-spiffy hotels, you may be able to get a package deal with an extended stay, especially if you bring a friend or two. I guess you can figure that out when you decide which area(s) you'd like to concentrate on. Buy some Japan tour guides and decide which places you'd like to see the most.

Before anything, make sure you are well prepared culturally, well-adjusting, and open-minded before staying in Japan for more than a week or few. I can't say that with any more emphasis. Japan is not for everyone. Some people go over there expecting it to be completely fun and easy and without need for adjustment for habits and culture and such. Nope! Some people I went to school with were literally crying to go home after a couple weeks. Culture shock and adjusting hit them HARD. Even when you are prepared, some things do come up that are different. I really love Japan and had a great time. I plan to visit again several times. However, I was well prepared by education (I minored in Japanese language and culture), other friends of mine went there and told me of their experiences, and I also have Japanese friends both here and there. I was lucky and didn't have to go through hardcore culture shock.

With that being said, I would suggest less than a 90 day stay right off the bat if you have never been there unless it's for school or work (because your time would be partially occupied and you'd be surrounded by others like YOU part of the day). I would say a month or less would be better for you to see things, make a judgment on if you can handle an extended stay there, to see what costs are, and not have long to wait before you can go home. I hope you don't plan on going alone, either....:sweat:

supermidget wrote:No!!! I wrote a long reply, I hit POST then it asked me to log in; I did, then it erased the textbox! I can't get it back! :angry:

Ha ha!! Sorry but the same thing almost happened to me on another thread. I wrote something long and it asked me to log in...I said...hmmm....I don't want to go through what happened to that other poster....so I copied it before posting and then was able to repaste it :mrgreen:

Good thing I read your message before it actually happened to me :D

Go as an exchange student or something like that, and stay with a host family.

Also, instead of going to an hotel, rent a room in some house, it's way cheaper!

...Japan sure is expensive!!! :google: but it's worth going, ne? :)

Living there, the biggest expense would be prolly rent/food/transportation. Most likely you'll commute/go to school by train, and a lot of times, it'd be SO crowded this will happen:
Crowded Subway.
Sometimes, they would even there would be those train officials with batons, hold them up horizontally, and push all the commuters into the train![/url]

niko2x wrote:Living there, the biggest expense would be prolly rent/food/transportation. Most likely you'll commute/go to school by train, and a lot of times, it'd be SO crowded this will happen:
Crowded Subway.
Sometimes, they would even there would be those train officials with batons, hold them up horizontally, and push all the commuters into the train!

lol .. that video is funny