Thinking of going to Osaka Japan for vacation

[Choochoojr]

My grandparents had a foreign exchange student our senior year in HS, he was from Osaka Japan. I have kept in touch with him over the years a few years ago he visted my grandma in Florida and had a lay over in Detroit. I drove up to Detroit and brought him back to Toledo to visit the family. So last year he commented that me and my son were welcome any time to come and visit him in Japan. Well I think this might be the year, I have 2 weeks in mid June. I have talked to him and he said it would be great.

I am hoping others here could help me out as to what I need to do before I go, what I should do and see when I get there and any other helpful hints and tips. I know Spoofee has been to Japan and I am sure others here probably have too.

I have never been out of the country before and am really unsure of what to do.

Thanks

 

[nigdonht]

Passport
English -> Japenese speaking book
plenty of $$$

 

[precocious]

Choochoo that is great! What an opportunity. I've never been there but have a great time! I'm so happy for you! (btw - beware of the Tanukis!)

 

[clubchick]

oooohhhh take lots of pictures! and you better post em
one of my best friends just got back from a 2 year stay in Japan- I'll ask him if he has any suggestions
that's so cool- and what a great experience for your son!

 

[Scoopons]

Choochoo.... awesome!.. Make sure to go see Osaka Castle.. Then there is Shibuya where all the electronics are.. you might want to bring sunglasses because it is really flashy there..

Make sure to eat all the good food! I'm sure your host will take you to see all the sites. There are night street markets where all the younger girls and guys get really dressed up and just walk around to be seen..

OH yeah, and since you are going in June.. it can get really hot and humid.. possibly warm rains..

i'm very excited for you!

 

[eabu]

Please dont wear a baby seal on your head at the polar bear exhibit at the zoo.

 

[Casey]

Please dont wear a baby seal on your head at the polar bear exhibit at the zoo.

that poor bear! that had to hurt!

 

[Scoopons]

what a wuss...

 

[Spoofee]

ohhhhh~! Very cool Choochoojr!

I been there but was on a tour so they took us around for a week. I been to the Osaka area too so this is awesome.

I'm not a master, but I think some things you need to experience are

- Todaiji - HUUUUGE temple, you can feed the deers there and they will attack you for the food. AWESOME!
- Onsen - Hot Spring / Tub (Big Plus if they have an outdoor one), you will also enjoy their futon bed and the traditional food they feed you which you may hate or like.
- Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (world's biggest bridge) and a very nice peaceful park next to it. You can go inside the bridge and walk around. It's awesome!
- Black Market - I forgot what it was called, but there is this place in Osaka area that looks like this
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3012.html
- Gosh.. there are many more but I can't remember the name.

I just found a bunch more things I have never seen on here
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2763564-osaka_things_to_do-i

I think I may have to go back soon!

 

[Choochoojr]

Oh well looks like this plan has feel through. My friend in Japan will not be able to get the time off from his job. He said we could still take a vacation in Japan but he will not be able to do much with us. He also told me about how rainy it is in June, how very expensive everything is and then not being able to have him show us around it is just not worth it IMHO. It costs $3000 just for airfare alone. I will try maybe next year, maybe I can plan something with him to both get vacation time together.

 

[clubchick]

bummer, chooch-- you can always come out to california- there's enough spoofers out here that we can show you up and down the state

** just realized that might have come out wrong-- i just mean that if you're ever out this way, i'd be happy to give you the tour of FRESNO **

 

[Scoopons]

I also went on a tour. its about $1250 a person ( for the chinese tour). This includes breakfast,lunch, dinner on most days and a nice hotel. I didn't understand a thing but they take you to all these places and they make you wake up at the butt crack of dawn... but they show you a LOT. They have you stay at pretty shi shi hotels and take you to really nice places to eat.. including Kobe beef dinner.

 

[nigdonht]

Hey, come to KY, me & Wade 'll give ya a showin around!!