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.

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.

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..

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!

WOW! thats not bad!!

:iamwithstupid: How did I miss this and I'm up for it in 09!!!

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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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