Who wants to goto Japan with me!

[Herblenny]

You know, I been wanting to goto Japan for many many years!

Wondering who wants to fork out couple of grand and goto Japan for a week?? See the motherland where our cars are made and check out some shops..

Post here if you are interested!

[fikren]

very interested, I've been trying to talk the wife into going maybe this summer money and work permitting. Get a small little group together and might be able to get some savings on lodging/plane tickets through a good travel agent.

[djmtsu]

If you're buying, I'm going!!

[Brent]

I'm going in the summer of 2009 after I get back. I've actually already started planning my trip. Love to get a group to go then, but I'm sure you guys would have all of already went by then.

[fikren]

well I don't have a time frame myself other than I'd like to go at least within the next 2-3 years. We need to see who all would be interested, set a semi solid date and go from there. Summer of 09 might be pretty good gives people about a year and a half to know about it and be able to set some funds back. Getting there and lodging is just part of the cost, you can't tell me you wouldn't show up with a couple of empty suitcases to haul some goodies back with.

I plan on my wife and I going regardless but it would be so much nicer to be able to show up with a group of people to do things with than just me and her showing up and trying to find our way around and all. Last time I was there was about 23 years ago when I was 7 or 8 so needless to say I don't remember anything about it.

Jonathan

[Herblenny]

Cool! I been wanting to go for years!! Just didn't quite work out with the plans.. 2009 I think will give us plenty of time and get some Japanese vendors to show us around. I'll start working on that... and see if there is a BIG event that we could all attend.. and give us time to learn Japanese:)

[fikren]

http://www.rosettastone.com/personal/languages/japanese

[David Jerome]

If you guys get some pricing together my Fiance and I could possibly be interested. Someone learn the language really well so we can go buy about 20 sets of new rotor housings for dirty cheap. :)

[ZGN]

Cool! I been wanting to go for years!! Just didn't quite work out with the plans.. 2009 I think will give us plenty of time and get some Japanese vendors to show us around. I'll start working on that... and see if there is a BIG event that we could all attend.. and give us time to learn Japanese:)

I speak a little bit, but not enough to carry on a conversation with anyone. :D

[fikren]

I speak a little bit, but not enough to carry on a conversation with anyone. :D
I'm thinking about trying out the rosetta stone language learner to see how well it works and how in depth it actually gets. They offer a online version where you pay for a set number of months and can then access it anywhere from any computer. If I decide to do something like that I might be pursuaded to let a few people have the info so they can make use of it also should it turn out to be a benificial program.

I doubt it will teach you to say "I need a dirt price on brand new rotors" but might get close "I need to pay little for new triangles"

[Brent]

Hey, don't buy rosetta stone just yet. Give me about a week to see if I still have a hook up with it.

As far as pricing goes. I've been looking around for a while. Typically, per person, if we flew from Nashville to Tokyo in Jan., for example, prices range from ~$1450 for airfare and hotel(holiday inn) to ~$1900 to stay at the Intercontinental Tokyo Bay. If we went in October, the price is the same. Summer months seem to add ~$400-$500.

I think our best bet would be to get airfare seperate, make a plan for traveling all throughout Japan(maybe contact the vendors and see what they reccommend), book the hotel based off of that, and prob. have everyone get a rail pass.

What does everyone think?

[1twistedrx7]

ummmm this could be fun!! get these plans made out if it sounds good i will go!

[Brent]

I PM'd Carol about it since she went earlier this year. Here is some advice she had.

sounds like fun im itching to go back, maybe in september haha. if you're looking for a big event, you can try to plan for july 7th, for Sevens Day. Or theres just usually places to go every weekend and some week nights for small events.

id say figure out what kind of tuners you want to visit, and see if you guys will plan to stay near tokyo (kanto region) or if you would like to travel down south more (kansai/kinki region).

the trains and metro there are very convenient and easy to figure out after the first day. if you're planning on not travelling far, you could get by just paying daily for subway and train tickets, or you can check out JR (japan rail) for their visitor's unlimited pass if you guys want to go all over the place (lets you use the bus system too).

my accommodations cost anywhere from 25-50 a night. for the most part i booked at hostels and small hotels. www.hostelworld.com is a good place to start. they're not bad at all, places are always clean, every place usually provides free internet access. another option is looking for what they call "weekly mansions". its basically like renting an apartment for a week. multiple bedrooms, kitchenette....much roomier, and it broke down to maybe 30 something per person ea night.

food's not too expensive there either, i spent maybe 15-30 a day on sit down meals.

i did my hwk more on the tokyo area....tuners out there would be... rmagic, re-amemiya, knightsports, wise one auto, top secret, panspeed, kazama, scoot, spoon, mugen, jun, amuse....given that a lot of them are still quite far apart from each other....90 minutes one direction, 120 minutes another direction......and a few of them aren't near a train station...you could probably take a bus or a taxi...and then walk aimlessly around pointing at a map printout like i did and asking convenience stores how to get there haha. Theres also Tskubua circuit or motegi ring, nikko circuit... the honda museum, the toyota factory tour....asahi or sapporo beer museums..

down south would have Feed, hks, signal, makers7, bride, splash, tanabe, nagisa auto, junction produce, chargespeed...

useful links:
www.japan-guide.com
http://www.gaijinpot.com/
http://gojapan.about.com/

uhm...not sure what else to say....meals are great, no tips, and tax is factored into the menu price. whatever or wherever you eat, you pretty much just bring the check up when you're done and pay.

party and drinking districts = roppongi (lots of foreigners and english speakers, for those days when you just dont feel like trying reallly hard to communicate or miming out what you need hahaha), Shibuya, Shinjuku.

if you guys plan to go out late night, find a place to stay thats in that district so its not too expensive to take a taxi or walk back....otherwise plan to stay out til 5am partying because the trains stop working at midnight.

not sure what else....ask me if you have more Qs

carol

[Herblenny]

I've checked on this and usually the best time to go is March thru May. For some odd reasons, these are the cheapest time (and OCT) to go over seas. Thats when I used to go out of the country.. back when I did quite of travelling.

Personally, late April/May is the best time togo Asia as weather is fantastic!! Japan being slightly south (lateral location is about the same as Nashville/ATL) should be kind of warm during this time.

But I think we should pick an event and try to attend as that might give us more reasons to go. Also ATL might be a better place to depart as they have several direct flights.

[Herblenny]

I PM'd Carol about it since she went earlier this year. He is some advice she had.

COOL! Hope she can come with us!

[Brent]

Yeah, I figured ATL would be a better central hub for everyone to fly out of. I was just throwing prices out there from when I had searched the last 6 months or so. If you guys go March-May I won't be able to attend as I won't be returning from Afghanistan until after that.

[fikren]

we need to come up with a list of what exactly people would want to see while there. That way we can map out the locations and see the best way to proceed as far as hotels, transportation, etc.

I know other than just about all the tuner shops specifically FEED, RE-Amemiya, Knightsports, r-magic, etc I would also like to see ground zero and visit the Mazda factory/musem.

The beer musems sound pretty interesting too.

[dregg100]

this would be insane! a trip to the motherland with a bunch of rotards! i would be down for this summer, or next summer! i will deffinately be watching this thread like a hawk!

[87 t-66]

me and the gf would be down to go in 2009!

[Herblenny]

Let me contact some people and see what they recommend..

I think the new JDM parts seller Nick might have somethings to point out.. I'll ask him to join this thread.

[fikren]

Does anyone talk to Circut Theory? I know he has offered tours, etc. I think he may have helped Carol out on her trip if I am not mistaken.

[Brent]

Does anyone talk to Circut Theory? I know he has offered tours, etc. I think he may have helped Carol out on her trip if I am not mistaken.

I have talked to Circuit Theorie on a few occasions. I'm sure if there was a large group of us going he would be willing to show us around. He did tell me recently though that he is trying to get away from the tour stuff due to him being very busy. I'm going to send him a link to this thread as well. We may even be able to schedule a couple of different trips as it sounds like some ppl would prefer to go spring of 2009, while others prefer summer 2009.

[Kotetsu]

Ｈｉ　everybody,

Herblenny just asked me to join so here I am.

Well, I hope that I can be of nay help to you guys. I've been living in Japan for a little while now but un fortunately, because of my studies at first then my job I never really had the chance to travel a lot in the country. However I'v still seen many different places and can recommand some. It just depends on what you wanna see.

If you're looking for a traditionnal image of Japan with historical places, Nara and Kyoto will be a good start. If you want to stay close to Tokyo, Kamakur is not far and is pretty similar to Kyoto in many ways. I'll recommand this place if don't have a lot of time and also want to visit tuners or other more "modern" places.

If you have a little more time and want to see a Japan alittle bit different from the "clichés", you can try to go deeper in the countryside. I personnaly live in Shizuoka which is a "small" town of 350000 inhabitants. A lot more quiet than Tokyo or Osaka with a lot of places to see arround, but it'll maybe require a car though.

Concerning the best time to visit Japan, well I'd lke to say April. Cherry blossoms every where, not too hot, not too cold, not too wet. My favourite time in the year. People also like to have picnics under the "sakura" and this a really pleasant time. But if possible avoid the Golden week at the beginning of may because most japanese have a bunch of days off at that time and hotels are crowded.

Autumn is a great season too but prefer to come just after the typhoon season wich brings a lot of rain especially in Kyushu. In Shizuoka it doesn't really matter, weather is fine during that period usually.

For the accomodation you can also choose between different formulas from business hotels, guest houses, ryokan (traditionnal japanese hotels)... Prices my vary. There again, it depends on what you're looking for and you budget.

I think that's all I can say for now but if you have questions, I'll be more than happy to answer them.

Sincerely,

Nick

[fikren]

Nick,

If you haven't been able to see much since you've been there, maybe once we get some dates locked in you might be able to join us and take in some of the sights too.

[Kotetsu]

Nick,

If you haven't been able to see much since you've been there, maybe once we get some dates locked in you might be able to join us and take in some of the sights too.

Well, it would be great but as you can imagine I'm a kind of busy guy!:D Working in a small trading company is really taking a lot of time, and I also train regulary (want to become Ju-Jutsu instructor). But if I have time, I'll be more than happy to join and be your interprete...:)

[fikren]

Well, it would be great but as you can imagine I'm a kind of busy guy!:D Working in a small trading company is really taking a lot of time, and I also train regulary (want to become Ju-Jutsu instructor). But if I have time, I'll be more than happy to join and be your interprete...:)

little off topic but if your taking ju-jutsu you might know some good equipment makers/retailers. Would you happen to know how high (price wise) good bogu sets and shinai go for there? Looking for high quality hand made. They run really high around here (upwards of 3k) for a .8 BU bogu set thats hand stitched, didn't know if they were any cheaper there. May have to bring some extra suitcases with me. Shinai arn't to bad price wise until you start getting into the carbon made ones then they get pretty pricey.

[circuit theory]

Hey guys,
Just got linked to the thread and registered for the site.
It is lunch time here now so I will post up some ideas and possibilities for your japan trip after I finish eating.
Thanks
Tom

[Brent]

Hey guys,
Just got linked to the thread and registered for the site.
It is lunch time here now so I will post up some ideas and possibilities for your japan trip after I finish eating.
Thanks
Tom

;) Thanks for getting here so quickly after I literally just sent you the link!

[Kotetsu]

little off topic but if your taking ju-jutsu you might know some good equipment makers/retailers. Would you happen to know how high (price wise) good bogu sets and shinai go for there? Looking for high quality hand made. They run really high around here (upwards of 3k) for a .8 BU bogu set thats hand stitched, didn't know if they were any cheaper there. May have to bring some extra suitcases with me. Shinai arn't to bad price wise until you start getting into the carbon made ones then they get pretty pricey.

Well, I practice Hakko-ryu jujutsu so all i need is a renshu-gi (got mine from the honbu dojo);) I usually buy my stuff at a local store. Never really checked that kind of products though...

[circuit theory]

Well todays lunch was crap so I am back early:D

Ok to start I will just toss out things that can be done and events that you could go to. After that you guys can bicker about what you want to do and what you dont want to do and what you feel so so about etc...

Please keep in Mind I am in the Kanto area (tokyo area).


Things to do:
1: If you didnt know I will inform you now, this place is RX-7 heaven, literally year round there are 7 meetings and track days all over, and I dont just mean a simple Taco bell parking lot 10 car meeting. So When coming it should not be to difficult to arrange a 7 event or join up with one

2: Time attack, December is the start of the time attack months and usually lasts until early march. There are some summer and spring time attack events but record breaking times are not set during those periods.

3: Track events. For me coming to Japan from Southern California I came here despising drifting. Mostly because so many people associated with drifting state side are mega tools and I did not want to associate with them lol. However since coming to Japan I have learned to respect drifting a bit more since it is not just young kids and fan boys doing it. A good percentage of the guys drifting here are in their late 30's to early 40`s hahaha. Ok so what I am saying is checking out a drift or a mixed drift and grip day is not as bad as it sound for you guys that have not experienced it here in Japan. I think Carol can vouch for that.

4: Used parts shopping, Retail parts shopping, Mazda OEM parts shopping

5: Tuner tours. Ideally it is best to meet the tuners on neutral ground at first, such as at a track event or 7 meeting etc... Then after meeting them once they will be much more welcoming and excited to have a group of foriegners invading their shop hahaha. I think Carol can also vouch for this.
A quick list of recognizeable shop names that could be visited:
RE-Amemiya
PanSpeed
Garage Kagotani
Amuse
Knight Sports
Wise One
R-magic
Scoot
Kazama Auto
Yashio Factory
G-corporation
PowerVehicles
etc...

6: Driving on a track in Japan. Ok so I work out of/with Wise One Auto and have been playing with the idea of setting up a couple cars for use/rental by people visiting Japan that want to race here on some of the famous circuits, tracks.
Given the right amount of time I could have a couple cars for rental and use at the track. This will take quite a bit of planning. So the more time I am given and the earlier I know who is 95 to 100% sure they want to drive here, the better chance we have at making this a reality.

7: Beer museums. Kind of a no brainer there you dont really need my help for that.

8: Track tours, tracks in the Kanto area that could be visited or driven at are:
Tsukuba Circuit TC2000 & TC1000, Fuji International Speedway, Twin Rings Motegi, Nikko, Honjo, Mobara, and Ebisu.

9: Not sure but possibly visit USS Noda (the largest car auction in the world) some cool cars there and it is also an amazing place size and organization wise.

10: Visiting the SUPER TYTE JDM TOUGE'S lol This is actually a worthwhile thing to do one evening. Both Grip and Drift cars run at night until the early morning.

You can add on or ask about other things and the chances of getting them in.
I will stop this post here and let you guys fill out some of the other ideas and answer any questions via pm or in this thread.

Thanks
Tom

11:

12:

13:

14:......

[blwnrtr93]

I'm going to buy a lottery ticket this weekend. Maybe then I'll have the money to finish up the FD and hang in the land of the rising sun. Keep your fingers crossed.

[fikren]

well we could always start a rotarycarclub lottery pool. Everyone chip in a couple of bucks a week, we will paypal it to someone in a state that has the biggest drawing that week and then all split the take. :party:

[Herblenny]

Well todays lunch was crap so I am back early:D

Ok to start I will just toss out things that can be done and events that you could go to. After that you guys can bicker about what you want to do and what you dont want to do and what you feel so so about etc...

Please keep in Mind I am in the Kanto area (tokyo area).


Things to do:
1: If you didnt know I will inform you now, this place is RX-7 heaven, literally year round there are 7 meetings and track days all over, and I dont just mean a simple Taco bell parking lot 10 car meeting. So When coming it should not be to difficult to arrange a 7 event or join up with one

2: Time attack, December is the start of the time attack months and usually lasts until early march. There are some summer and spring time attack events but record breaking times are not set during those periods.

3: Track events. For me coming to Japan from Southern California I came here despising drifting. Mostly because so many people associated with drifting state side are mega tools and I did not want to associate with them lol. However since coming to Japan I have learned to respect drifting a bit more since it is not just young kids and fan boys doing it. A good percentage of the guys drifting here are in their late 30's to early 40`s hahaha. Ok so what I am saying is checking out a drift or a mixed drift and grip day is not as bad as it sound for you guys that have not experienced it here in Japan. I think Carol can vouch for that.

4: Used parts shopping, Retail parts shopping, Mazda OEM parts shopping

5: Tuner tours. Ideally it is best to meet the tuners on neutral ground at first, such as at a track event or 7 meeting etc... Then after meeting them once they will be much more welcoming and excited to have a group of foriegners invading their shop hahaha. I think Carol can also vouch for this.
A quick list of recognizeable shop names that could be visited:
RE-Amemiya
PanSpeed
Garage Kagotani
Amuse
Knight Sports
Wise One
R-magic
Scoot
Kazama Auto
Yashio Factory
G-corporation
PowerVehicles
etc...

6: Driving on a track in Japan. Ok so I work out of/with Wise One Auto and have been playing with the idea of setting up a couple cars for use/rental by people visiting Japan that want to race here on some of the famous circuits, tracks.
Given the right amount of time I could have a couple cars for rental and use at the track. This will take quite a bit of planning. So the more time I am given and the earlier I know who is 95 to 100% sure they want to drive here, the better chance we have at making this a reality.

7: Beer museums. Kind of a no brainer there you dont really need my help for that.

8: Track tours, tracks in the Kanto area that could be visited or driven at are:
Tsukuba Circuit TC2000 & TC1000, Fuji International Speedway, Twin Rings Motegi, Nikko, Honjo, Mobara, and Ebisu.

9: Not sure but possibly visit USS Noda (the largest car auction in the world) some cool cars there and it is also an amazing place size and organization wise.

10: Visiting the SUPER TYTE JDM TOUGE'S lol This is actually a worthwhile thing to do one evening. Both Grip and Drift cars run at night until the early morning.

You can add on or ask about other things and the chances of getting them in.
I will stop this post here and let you guys fill out some of the other ideas and answer any questions via pm or in this thread.

Thanks
Tom

11:

12:

13:

14:......

Awesome!

I would like to add Mazda museum!

The track thing sound great!!

[Herblenny]

Well todays lunch was crap so I am back early:D

Ok to start I will just toss out things that can be done and events that you could go to. After that you guys can bicker about what you want to do and what you dont want to do and what you feel so so about etc...

Please keep in Mind I am in the Kanto area (tokyo area).


Things to do:
1: If you didnt know I will inform you now, this place is RX-7 heaven, literally year round there are 7 meetings and track days all over, and I dont just mean a simple Taco bell parking lot 10 car meeting. So When coming it should not be to difficult to arrange a 7 event or join up with one

2: Time attack, December is the start of the time attack months and usually lasts until early march. There are some summer and spring time attack events but record breaking times are not set during those periods.

3: Track events. For me coming to Japan from Southern California I came here despising drifting. Mostly because so many people associated with drifting state side are mega tools and I did not want to associate with them lol. However since coming to Japan I have learned to respect drifting a bit more since it is not just young kids and fan boys doing it. A good percentage of the guys drifting here are in their late 30's to early 40`s hahaha. Ok so what I am saying is checking out a drift or a mixed drift and grip day is not as bad as it sound for you guys that have not experienced it here in Japan. I think Carol can vouch for that.

4: Used parts shopping, Retail parts shopping, Mazda OEM parts shopping

5: Tuner tours. Ideally it is best to meet the tuners on neutral ground at first, such as at a track event or 7 meeting etc... Then after meeting them once they will be much more welcoming and excited to have a group of foriegners invading their shop hahaha. I think Carol can also vouch for this.
A quick list of recognizeable shop names that could be visited:
RE-Amemiya
PanSpeed
Garage Kagotani
Amuse
Knight Sports
Wise One
R-magic
Scoot
Kazama Auto
Yashio Factory
G-corporation
PowerVehicles
etc...

6: Driving on a track in Japan. Ok so I work out of/with Wise One Auto and have been playing with the idea of setting up a couple cars for use/rental by people visiting Japan that want to race here on some of the famous circuits, tracks.
Given the right amount of time I could have a couple cars for rental and use at the track. This will take quite a bit of planning. So the more time I am given and the earlier I know who is 95 to 100% sure they want to drive here, the better chance we have at making this a reality.

7: Beer museums. Kind of a no brainer there you dont really need my help for that.

8: Track tours, tracks in the Kanto area that could be visited or driven at are:
Tsukuba Circuit TC2000 & TC1000, Fuji International Speedway, Twin Rings Motegi, Nikko, Honjo, Mobara, and Ebisu.

9: Not sure but possibly visit USS Noda (the largest car auction in the world) some cool cars there and it is also an amazing place size and organization wise.

10: Visiting the SUPER TYTE JDM TOUGE'S lol This is actually a worthwhile thing to do one evening. Both Grip and Drift cars run at night until the early morning.

You can add on or ask about other things and the chances of getting them in.
I will stop this post here and let you guys fill out some of the other ideas and answer any questions via pm or in this thread.

Thanks
Tom

11:

12:

13:

14:......

Awesome!

I would like to add Mazda museum!

The track thing sound great!!

[circuit theory]

If we catch an Admin double posting on the "new and improved site" do we get an extra 500 posts added? I see Herblenny has plenty to spare!
lol
I will look into the Mazda museum. It is on the West Coast of Japan and would take about 2 days out of the trip or one really busy day to go there and come back if you guys were only coming for one week. Or the guys that are able to stay longer than a week could make a trip out there. We can work that out once we start gettting some more people that will definately be going and then hammer out some dates.

PS: You can tac on those 500 posts whenever you have a spare second :)

[Herblenny]

LOL! Done...

[fire85gslse]

Man, this would be a awesome trip with a group of people.

[fikren]

Man, this would be a awesome trip with a group of people.
That it would be. I'm definatly in if we are going to be looking near or in the summer of 09. Gives me plenty of time to set some cash back.

At least in a group we will be able to understand each other. :smilielol5:

[Pourman]

I haven't been to Japan in about 10 years ... my father is there now at times , in Sacebo ... I've been trying to get him to shop for me over there for parts , but Sacebo is a small place , and i'm not sure of the parts availability there ... STILL trying though :)

[DriftingFC]

Im sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo In on this!!!!! I have been TRYING to get to the Tokyo Auto Salon for like 8 years now. Since SEMA is like 2 months prior, I always seem to never have the money to go. Go figure, I like Blackjack! lol

Keep the info coming about pricing and what not. Im also down for going to some Togue fun! Grip and drift. Mazda factory/museum tuner shops sight seeing whatever!

[Herblenny]

I've chatted with TOM and we need to keep the size kind of to minimal.. I dont think thats going to be an issue since not many of us can drop 2K and a week off from work..

As of now, we are going to shoot for 5-6 people trip. Reason being most vans capacity is 5-6.. If more people are interested.. we could go 2 vans or try to find bigger 9 passenger van.

Cost, Well, I think it would be nice for all of us to meet somewhere and fly together to Japan.. Meeting at Japan might be pain in the ass to organize time and such..

Also, this way you could come to the city we are going to depart, hang out for a night, get in the plane and be extremely tired because of the time change... LOL!

Lets start off with a list, and post time of month you are good in 2009... or fall of 2008..

1. ME, Herblenny - Good for Fall of 2008, March-July 2009.

[DriftingFC]

1. ME, Herblenny - Good for Fall of 2008, March-July 2009.
2. Me, DriftingFC (craig)-Good for March-July 2009 (08 just not enough time for me)

[fikren]

1. ME, Herblenny - Good for Fall of 2008, March-July 2009.
2. Me, DriftingFC (craig)-Good for March-July 2009 (08 just not enough time for me)
3. Me, Fikren + wife - good for march-July 2009

[20b 3rd gen]

1. ME, Herblenny - Good for Fall of 2008, March-July 2009.
2. Me, DriftingFC (craig)-Good for March-July 2009 (08 just not enough time for me)
3. Me, Fikren + wife - good for march-July 2009
4. Me, 20b 3rd gen - good for anytime after March 09

[Brent]

1. ME, Herblenny - Good for Fall of 2008, March-July 2009.
2. Me, DriftingFC (craig)-Good for March-July 2009 (08 just not enough time for me)
3. Me, Fikren + wife - good for march-July 2009
4. Me, 20b 3rd gen - good for anytime after March 09
5. Brent- Good once I get back in country early June 2009

[circuit theory]

Of the people listed two were from TN so I went with flights out of TN for a quick price search. Keep in mind all of the listed flights have different travel windows. most of which are spring. A summer trip would be a bit more expensive but not way more expensive. A winter or fall trip would be similar pricing as to what you see here.

http://www.cheapflights.com/flights-to-narita/memphis-intl/

Keep in mind if it does not say taxes included then there is still about 200 - 300 in taxes and other charges that will be tacked on. From TN if traveling in a group I think i could find an airline to fly everyone for about 800 + or -.

Also don't feel like it is a huge rush to get on the list. The group can grow to large numbers but lets keep the list to people that are willing to commit and not back out of the trip.

[cool_as_crap]

LOL! Done...

:rofl:
That's awesome.

[cool_as_crap]

This looks like a lot of fun, I'll definitely consider getting in on it.

[fikren]

I want to goto the Japanese Diseny land while we are there, I've never seen an Asian Mickey Mouse before.

[Herblenny]

I want to goto the Japanese Diseny land while we are there, I've never seen an Asian Mickey Mouse before.

Hey, is that a racist comment.. LOL!

If you are bringing your wife, I might bring mine:) they could go do their own thing while us men go have some fun!!

[WE3RX7]

Japan is definately on my list and I always wanted to do a shop tour and maybe get some parts myself.. but I've planned a trip to Ireland for 2009! Dunno if the GF will let me slip that one past her...

I'll follow the thread though...

[fikren]

Hey, is that a racist comment.. LOL!

If you are bringing your wife, I might bring mine:) they could go do their own thing while us men go have some fun!!
Yeah so far the wife is planning on going, there are some things that I think she would enjoy such as some of the musuems maybe a few racing events, but she probley could care less about any of the tunner shops.

[railgun]

I was in Okinawa for a year in 95-96. Unfortunately I never was able to pick up the language. A friend of mine and I have been talking about it for a couple years, but it's never come to fruition.

If you're serious, then I'm serious. Week, 10 days, whatever. Week there, maybe a hop to Oki for me just for old time's sake. March and later is a perfect time for me so. I may still know someone out there too (Oki that is), but of course, that wouldn't help going to mainland.

As far as weather, those months are definitely good, though I was in the Pacific Ocean in January and was almost sweating that day.

[circuit theory]

Wives can be taken care of by dropping them off at the shopping district, or having them do something else girly. But that would only spare you a day. I am sure there are plenty of cool things for chicks to do in Japan, I just don't know what they are. Maybe RedR1 has some ideas :lol:

[85rx-7gsl-se]

OH, RedR1, feel da burn :rofl:

[AbadR1]

Hey can we get a Japan tuner model to be our guide?

[circuit theory]

No

[RATED RX-7]

Why not? ^^^:D. Sound's like lots of fun, I would want to go, but don't know yet. Hopefully I can tag along with you guy's if all goes well, If that's ok with you guy's.

[kynde]

I planned on going in September for a month this year so I would be down. Would be nice to check out tuner shops and such.. even though I would be hanging out with the oldies :P. Brother has been living in japan for the last 6 months so he has the clubbing / parties down pat, but knows nothing about cars sadly.

[Turbo II]

My son went to school in Hiroshima for a year and spent about another 3 months in the country during other trips visiting his girlfriend Tomomi in Yamaguchi. He just interviewed for a company in Tokyo last month so it looks like he'll be moving back working as a translator for them or someone else. Can you say VISIT!!!! But I would love to go over there with a bunch of rotorheads!

[Herblenny]

COOL!!!

Bad news.... I was going to order some stuff thru RHD and noticed the increase in price.. If the dollar continues drop in value, I don't think I could afford to go:(

[circuit theory]

You are right Herblenny,

Of the 3 years I have lived here the average yen exchange rate was in the 113-116 range. However Today it is 97 yen to the Dollar!!! That makes it easier for me to fly back stateside but a pain in the but for you all to come out here.

[Herblenny]

I know.. I'm PISSED!! Me and my wife were going to goto Spain next month and we decided NOT to because dollar is worth nothing over there.. I remember when dollar was more than Euro.. Dang, the good ole days are GONE!!! Gas is more, jet fuel is more, and plane tickets are going to hit record high.. I have to now wait til next year and see what the prices are going to be,....

[DriftingFC]

First, lets not turn this into a political thread. :D

SEcond, Money is just paper and you only live once and you cant take it with you. Lets go and rock out in the town of Tokyo!!!! lol. :D

Im still down.

[Phoenix7]

My wife and I are interested. Don't forget the Mazda museum too. There isn't enough time to learn the language so you all better start looking for a bilingual person to come with. Maybe have it be the annual RCC-Japan connection.

[seven lust]

You don't need learn to speak japanese, just pick up an electronic talking translator. Me and the wife hava been planing on going so who knows we all may go at the same time. we will see what happens.

[Proxy One]

I was going to go this year until I decided to buy a house, but Im planning on going next year. When are thinking of Going? I know a fair amount of Japanese and am still learning.

[seven lust]

well after talking with the wife again over the weekend about it , we are planing on going early next april 2009, so just to let you all know.

[Brent]

John, good to see you made it over here. Things got extremely busy before I left and never had a chance to send the taillights to you.

[seven lust]

no problem brent, when you get a chance and are ready you know how to get a hold of me. Stay safe!

[seven lust]

I can't wait to go. Not sure how long of a stay most are planing, but I am planning on leaving on a friday and comming back 10 days later sunday or monday. Is this still going to happen with everyone or is this trip dead?

[Miata_mx5]

I spent about 3 1/2 weeks in japan (Early Jan to Feb 2nd) Covered Tokyo auto salon, and a ton of rotary stuff.

I might go again in July for a 1 month or so, but it is not 100 percent confirmed at this point.

If anyone has questions i can try my best (w/e i know) to answer. Aol Instant Messenger is better. :)

[seven lust]

so what is the best way to get around, train, taxi, someones rx-7 over there :-) hahaha.... I know I will do lots of walking but the stuff that is not in walking distance. what did you do. Also I am looking into an apartment for rent over for the stay, but waiting on more info to come back.

[Miata_mx5]

Sent you a PM. Just go ahead and contact me, i will go over it.

[kynde]

Im still planning on going either August or September for 1 month this year. I'll probably stay with my brother for 1-2 weeks in yatsushiro but other than that I'll be searching for the tuner shops, tracks, museums and have a good look at the city's / scenery.

Any places that you suggest I go see would be great seeing as how my brother knows dick all about cars and I need to do some shopping while I'm there. I do plan on going to tokyo, osaka, mt akina, koyoto, hitoyoshi (where my brothers frien lives) and anywhere else that I am told could be exciting.

I do plan on doing some clubbing / partying while I'm in japan, but my brother will take care of that aspect for sure.

[Brent]

so what is the best way to get around, train, taxi, someones rx-7 over their :-) hahaha.... I know I will do lots of walking but the stuff that is not in walking distance. what did you do. Also I am looking into an apartment for rent over for the stay, but waiting on more info to come back.

rail pass from what I am told.

[circuit theory]

rail pass can be very helpful if you plan on seeing a lot of Japan. If you are planning to stay in one area and have someone around to drive you or show you around you probably wont need the rail pass. Taxis are pricee here, freeways are tollways and can get pricee real quick, trains are cheap but not everyone can stand the rush hour crowds. Everyone's situation is different but in general trains are the easiest and cheapest way to get around.

Renting an apartment is not very likely here especially since you do not have a residence card, address, etc... However there are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay. If you are looking for places to stay or for more info on how to get around or what places are fun etc... I suggest you take a look at www.gaijinpot.com in the forums.

www.japanguide.com (not sure if that is the exact addresss just google japan guide)
Is also a helpful site.

[seven lust]

Sweet thanks for the info, I only stated renting an apartment , because my wifes freind just got back from there and she said she rented a apartment for a couple of weeks insted of staying at a hotel. She could have ment something else but used the word apartment. Anyhow, thanks on the info & link, I will be doing lots of research from here on out.

[afterburn27]

Well, I may be interested for a 2009 trip. I am too broke this year from the FD project and my upcoming Le Mans trip. The dropping dollar is killing me. lol

If I end up going my fiance would probably come too. We were planning a trip to Europe, but Japan would be cool too.

March-May is the best time for me, but I'm not going to add myself to the list yet. I am counting on being broke still. lol

[Turbo II]

My son moves back there in July so yeah I'll be going there sometime in 2009. Would be nice if I could work a visit with him and a trip with rotorheads all in one trip.

[khronus79]

How the hell did I missed this thread?????????
I'm up for a 09 trip if every turns out as planned. 08 would be impossible for me, I've got BOTD in sep. and a south america trip in dec.

[Herblenny]

Bump!!!

Well, Looks like this idea has been put on hold as our dollar is weak, increase in gas, increase in oil (higher flight cost), etc..

[circuit theory]

Off season is the key. I will be flying back to Cali in June for 700 round trip which is about what I paid on average over the last 3 years
However I did get a couple great deals at 500 for a round trip!

[Herblenny]

WOW! thats not bad!!

[Nexcis]

How the hell did I missed this thread?????????
I'm up for a 09 trip if every turns out as planned. 08 would be impossible for me, I've got BOTD in sep. and a south america trip in dec.
:iamwithstupid: How did I miss this and I'm up for it in 09!!!

[DriftingFC]

we still planning this? I was reading Wrecked magazine (online mag bout drifting. Uber awesome) and they have some sites and tips there.

www.diddefinger.com - maps of japan in engrish
www.wikitravel.org/en/japan - site for tourist atractions and hotel and such
www.johomaps.com - rail maps in engrish
www.asiarooms.com - hotel rooms.

Im so down for this. Im even thinkin bout cancelling my SEMA trip this year to have that extra cash money.

[PortedRotorTuner]

I'm up for the 09' trip as I was going anyways to visit my girl in Osaka.
If we come up with some dates I'll try and make it a two week thing for
me. If this falls through I'll just be out there for one week.

[Brent]

Bump this to the top...
I'm putting a date out there: Oct 1-14 or 15
I just priced a ticket from Nashville and it was $834 round trip with tax and fees included. I'm still waiting on a couple of things before I commit, but as soon as I do, I will be buying my F1 ticket for the Suzuka GP on Oct 4 as well.

Anyone else have an interest in going still? I know the economy will deter most, just thought I'd check.

[Herblenny]

That's not bad.. Unfortunately, I don't know if I could go during that time as my wife kill me as our wedding anniversary will be during that time..

But I'll ask just in case :)

[David Jerome]

Bump this to the top...
I'm putting a date out there: Oct 1-14 or 15
I just priced a ticket from Nashville and it was $834 round trip with tax and fees included. I'm still waiting on a couple of things before I commit, but as soon as I do, I will be buying my F1 ticket for the Suzuka GP on Oct 4 as well.

Anyone else have an interest in going still? I know the economy will deter most, just thought I'd check.

Brent, I wont be able to commit to the trip until after my honeymoon(July 1-14th) but I think I can pull this off and I bet Turbo Squirrel here on the forum might want to go as well. Im pretty sure I can swing it as long as the finances are in order. We will talk about it when you get back.

David

[Herblenny]

Also, isn't Speed4Sale event around this time?

[Brent]

That's not bad.. Unfortunately, I don't know if I could go during that time as my wife kill me as our wedding anniversary will be during that time..

But I'll ask just in case :)

What day is your wedding anniversary Phil? We could prob. adjust the date somewhat.

Brent, I wont be able to commit to the trip until after my honeymoon(July 1-14th) but I think I can pull this off and I bet Turbo Squirrel here on the forum might want to go as well. Im pretty sure I can swing it as long as the finances are in order. We will talk about it when you get back.

David

Honeymoon? There won't be a honeymoon after you put all your money on black in Vegas and it lands on red. :rofl:

Also, isn't Speed4Sale event around this time?

Jeremy hasn't set a date yet I don't think, but historically it is at the end of October. I know their GTR/Z/G Nationals are being held on Sept. 24-27th though.

[railgun]

so...I said it before, I'll say it again. LET'S GO!

[Max777]

so i take it the trip never happened?

[Miata_mx5]

Chances are slim, with the 89 yen per dollar exchange rate.

I was planning on going again next year...but not sure now.

[angelofragnarok]

I've been trying to go to Japan for years now. Heck, I joined the Navy to go there, lol. But, luck stuck me on the East Coast instead of the West Coast. /sigh If we can organize a time frame, I'd be more than interested!

[Max777]

/\ Lol, I thought of doing that too, but there's just an easier way! :D

[Rotarydave]

Hell I volunteered for Iraq to get station of choice (JAPAN) and they are laughing at me!!!!!

[Whizbang]

ill probably take a hop there sometime