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.

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)

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

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

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

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-.../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.

:rofl:
That's awesome.

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

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!!

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...

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.

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.

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:

OH, RedR1, feel da burn :rofl:

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

No

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.

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.

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!

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:(

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.

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,....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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. :)

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.

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

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.

rail pass from what I am told.

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.

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.

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

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.