How I did it: two words, my friend: JET Programme. once i met people, i go back to visit every year or so. jtb is a good airfare finder, and JR has passes that are specific to regions, so if you're only going to the east side of the island, don't buy the generic pass (cho~ takai! very expensive!)

Lessons & tips: as long as you look foreign, learn "sumimasen" (sue-mee-mah-sen), which is "excuse me", and you're set. that's how you say "i'm sorry", get someone's attention, and even initiate an order at a restaurant. also, get out of tokyo!

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Oct 01, 2008, 03:06PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer