Relaxing of Visa Requirements for Malaysia and Thai Nationals
1. On June 11 The Government of Japan announced that, Malaysia and Thai
nationals traveling to Japan for a short-term period will be exempted from
visas.
2. As this new measure will start within summer season (in coming months),
the effective date of the implementation and the length of stay without visa
will be announced soon. (For those who plan to visit Japan in the near
future, please keep in mind of the starting date of this new measure. The
Embassy of Japan will not return visa fees for all visas that have been issued
before the effective date of implementation.)

Going to Kamakura is very easy and very cheap.  and very direct ~~
First you go to Tokyo Station...which just near to your HOtel.
Then Take Yokosuka Line (Dark Blue) all the way down to Kamakura Station.
Journey take around 2 hour plus.  WIll crossing through Shinagawa Station then pass through Yokohama then pass through Ofuna then arrive.

To Nikko:

First from Tokyo Staton taking Yamanote Line to Ueno Station.
At Ueno Station Taking Utsunomiya Line (Orange) to Utsunomiya Station.  
After Arrive Utsunomiya Station then change to Nikko Line to Nikko Station. (Nikko Line Terminal Station)
Journey taking 1 hour 20 minute - 30 minute.

Want see Good View of Mt Fuji without going Shizuoka......then just go Hakone

Seriosly stimix...spent 2 day 1 night at Hakone will never regret!!!  Hakone just 1 hour 30 minute away from Tokyo Shinjuku Station only.
Take ropeway go up to Owakudani...try the Dark Egg!!....hahaha.   Owakudani is the place to see Mt Fuji and snap Mt Fuji Picture. 

After Owakudani...take Rope way down to Lake Ashi.......Here also perfect place to snap whole Family Picture that you will never forget rest of life.
What view can more perfect than this in Japan?

As you can see Tokyo Metro / Subway are private company and Toei Asakusa + Toei Oedo Line also private company.  mean your JR rail Pass are very useless in Tokyo too....except riding Yamanote Line.

Even I got JR raill pass in Tokyo I have to Top up my Suica card // Pasmo card........Solution of this JR Raill pass holder in visiting Tokyo.

Or

I just plan visiting Tokyo only...and I dun have JR rail Pass.........I am Heavily using Suica / Pasmo card for all my trip.......
Here is the Today Free Tips!!

[[Tokyo Combination Ticket]]   One Day Pass   

It cover JR line (Yamanote) , Toei Line , Tokyo Metro Line within Tokyo region

http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/1day/index.html

Budget Food Guides for those kiasu & kiampsiap travelers 

Morning/Quick lunch/Dinner

Just buy those cup noodles from nearby 7-11, Family Mart, Lawson or even Aeon Superarket (I found AEON giving the most competitive rate but they are not 24hrs)
This cup noodle cost 168yen but there are smaller cup oodle too selling ~ 100yen till 250yen

Also for those wanna meal on the go & dunwan restaurant food, also can buy thoe Bento set & heat-up there instantly & eat inside those convenient shops. Well price are almost similar to the real stuff selling in those budget chain restaurants that I ate (Check after this post). The price of cold /non-heated bento set from 300-450yen:


Proper Lunch/Dinner

Shinjuku -For Noodles & small choices of rice. Try Sanko Near Shinjuku Post Office & beside the Oval high rises district. This is like no frill concept. You can choose plain Udon & thereafter choose the tempura as topping. Or you can choose set.. You can even get the rice wth mince pork for only 200yen here!!
http://translate.google.com.my/translate?h...%26prmd%3Dimvns


Shibuya/Harujuku & probably more areas, For cheap rice, try this yummy rice..damn shiok    I luv thos rice restaurant.. cheap & yummy for sure 
http://www.sukiya.jp/



In Akihabara (And probably more branches) - My 1st proper Tokyo lunch, I just walked along Akihabara main st & found this Komoro Soba. price from 330yen and I choose the 330yen for sure haha..Damn shiok too and surprisingly now only I know they also opened in Manila!! 
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/BV.aspx...iv%2Findex.html


The common Food vending machine either outside or inside the restaurant - This one Komoro Soba in Akihabara

Halal food in Japan? Everywhere got! But don't expect Jakim logo lah. 

'halal' ... because there's no certification. one thing about a traveling muslim is that, you spend time looking for 'halal' outlets, and when you get there, you see 'halal' inscriptions, some quranic verses on the walls, maybe a pic of mecca. and in many cases there's also a bar with beers and hard liquors. so you just have to trust these guys, right, because there's no way to confirm it. like this 'halal' restaurant in danang (vietnam) -- the counter has a pic of jesus on the cross, so i asked, are you a christian operating a halal restaurant? yes, he said, but all my stuff come from a halal supplier in saigon!

obsession with 'halal' foods can sometimes take the fun out of traveling. so take it easy lah. as for me, during my travels (esp. to odd places) as long as i see rice, bread, pasta, fish, eggs, vegies, i deem them all 'halal'. of course no need to check out the kitchen lah. take the journey from lhasa to everest base camp in tibet, say -- all stops are at decrepit, dark eating places, which only serve every known body part of a yak. so how?

There are 2 train going Kansai Airport.   Nankai Airport Express or JR Haruka Limited Express.   Since you got JR Rail Pass then used JR Haruka Limited Express.
This Picture will make you easy understand

Merry X'mas & Happy New Year.

Nagoya Airport, a.k.a Chubu (( Japanese like to call it)) // Central Japan International Airport.
Why call it Chubu?  As you can see Nagoya City was located in middle of Japan. 

History Part:
Before Year 2005.  Nagoya City was serve by an Airport call Komaki Airport.  Today Komaki International Airport been renamed to Nagoya Airfield already.  Komaki International Airport was serving Nagoya as Major Airport since 1944 until 2005.

Why need Chubu?  Because Japan law.  All in land Airport have to stop operation after 10pm.  Komaki Airport was build in land , Middle of Nagoya city. Due to Noise pollution, Airport have to stop operation at 10pm.  This also heavy effect those long route International flight into Nagoya.
While Nagoya also Japan major heavy industrial located such as Toyota & Mitshubishi heavy Corp. 
The Plan of Chubu been started.  Nagoya need a 24 Hour Airport with very big cargo Airport to shipped out those Toyota component & Mitshubishi heavy component by air .  Only choice was build on Sea.


Access to Chubu:
Train
The Central Japan International Airport Station connects directly to the Access Plaza. Barrier-free access is available between the airport station and the Passenger Terminal Building.

Fastest way to Chubu was using Meitetsu Airport Line a.k.a U-Sky limited express.  From Chubu to Meitetsu Nagoya train Station (JR Nagoya Station just nearby)  just need 28 Minute.  Every next train gap was 30 Minute.
Since is run by Meitetsu Company so JR Rail Pass are invalid.
Price are 1200Yen Reserved Seat per way.
First train run at 07:00 & last train are 22:07

What Happen If I arrived late?  There was a Limited Express from Chubu to Nagoya City.  Not as fast as U-Sky. the Travel time are 35 Minute.  Cost are 850 yen per way.
The Last Limited Express train Leaving Chubu are 23:31

Limousine Bus:
Airport buses arrive at the first floor of the Passenger Terminal Building. The only way to get to the airport bus boarding point is via the Access Plaza.
*Please note that the bus stops for boarding airport buses are different from the stops used for getting off.
* Bus Stop #6 are going Nagoya Downtown
From Chubu to Nagoya downtown need 76 Minute.  Price will be 1000Yen per way. 
Last Bus Leaving Chubu to Nagoya Downtown are 23:15

Taxi:
Taxis that come to Central Japan International Airport arrive at the first floor of the Passenger Terminal Building.
The Taxi Information Counter is located on the second floor of the Access Plaza, and the taxi pickup point is located on the first floor of the Access Plaza.
From the Arrivals Lobby (second floor of the Passenger Terminal Building), take the connecting passage to the second floor of the Access Plaza, and then take the elevator or escalator to the taxi pickup point (first floor of the Access Plaza).
Price: Approx 14,500 yen ((From Chubu to Nagoya Station))  Approx 47 Minute ride
Inside Airport:
4 Thing you cannot Miss in Chubu Airport.  Chubu Airport 4F are most important part of this Airport. 
- Chubu Sky Deck: Free access.  180 degree view of Airport and Runway.  300M long walkway.
- Japan Only Airport Onsen.  1000 yen for each Entries.  Naked requires.  Soak in Onsen while waiting your Next flight.  What can better than this ?   
- Chubu Airport most famous Tontakshu // Fried Pork fillet.  Shop lot No.5  ((Personal Highly recommended))
- Chubu most famous chicken wings.  Shop lot No. 50  ((Personal Highly recommended))

Opss forgotten about the latest visa requirement. Updated

Bro, comfirmed ?? When it starts to be in effect???   September ? Or June? hehe

Heard on Radio news just now. not really started. M'sian govt & Japanese Govt is working out the neseccary to abolish this.. damn hv to change the 1st post info again

Iwonder why does it take so long to process. Just need to issue a directive only mah.

Only problem is those that applied visa need to settle their visa fees

Japanese Embassy has never charged visa fees for Malaysians -- all free.

Japanese Embassy has never charged visa fees for Malaysians -- all free.

We know its free of charge. Somehow the procedure is kinda a real hassle for all of us. LOLS. 

Better than US. Hassle and expensive

I've been to Tokyo last month for two weeks trip. Really love the city. Travelling around by JR train is really efficient and easy but the train get super crowded during rush hour. Do online survey on map, destination info & train route first before go out in Tokyo because most Japanese don't understand English. And even, i've been approached by Japanese asking me direction in train station. My favorite place is Mount Fuji, Shibuya, Akihabara, Ueno, Asakusa & Kamakura. Food is not as expensive as i expected and it taste so fresh and delicious. I'm looking forward to visit Tokyo again or maybe Hokkaido next time. Below is some of photos i took in Tokyo :

https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2836164

On your Picture ,  That Shibuya cross .....I saw my lepak heaven!!!  Starbuck !!!

even non-rush hour like midnite also still many ppl taking the train..

even non-rush hour like midnite also still many ppl taking the train..

US$160 for 10 years -- not too shabby, could be worse.

gonna be headed down to Osaka in November, and was wondering if there are any tourist passes for transportation, namely for the Osaka subway system?

will be headed out to kyoto, nara and kobe as well, but that is more with JR pass right? and i understand the JR pass doesn't work with subways. anyone can advice?

thanks

gonna be headed down to Osaka in November, and was wondering if there are any tourist passes for transportation, namely for the Osaka subway system?

will be headed out to kyoto, nara and kobe as well, but that is more with JR pass right? and i understand the JR pass doesn't work with subways. anyone can advice?

thanks

Do more homework

Btw, Kansai region alot private train company. JR pass are very limited used in this region.

In Kansai all you need is another pass than JR pass.  I won't tell you. You go figure out what pass most imporant in kansai.

Guys, I am going to japan on 18 Nov til 30 Nov. First few days in Kansai and area and last three nights in Tokyo. Now yen raise so fast I feel so painful arr..lol
Has anyone been to Mt Koya? I am spending one night in the shokubo there

Darm it, it's so beautiful. Good poison to make me wanna go back again.

hahah ur kukujiao got some place can keep it warm....18+

heading to tokyo from 30/11 - 7/12, a solo trip, n still no plan yet

but lowyatter (thx dude ^^ n nice pic, u got ask for 4D?) had gave me idea to google this -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_Famous_Japanese_Mountains
hoping to find those wit hot spring, lake, maybe some lite hiking.

any suggestion guys, and whether the date i pick good or not to go mountains place?

then my remaining days, will try to cover tokyo as much as possible. anyway, anyone around tokyo at dat time?

I think it'll be too cold and dangerous to go hiking in winter. Temperature can drop very fast and people have died before.

You can visit mountain towns but hiking would be out.

I spent one night in Mt. Koya, stayed at Shojoshinin.

Fantastic experience. The cemetery is really peaceful and quiet, feels totally safe even at night, not like the cemeteries in Malaysia.

Food was great, even though it was all vegetarian.

KTP? lol...

If weather is bad the mountain activities will be closed.  Same as current Hakone has been closed due to bad typhoon coming.....you only allow at Gora city only.  Wind is too strong, Cable car shutdown so journey to Owakudani is closed.....Fuji moutain view closed

You can still go to Gotemba to try your luck for a view of Mt.Fuji. It's included in the hakone free pass route.
Just ask for gotemba premium outlet.

How bout the replacement shuttle bus to owakudani? Shut down as well?

MAS offers RM899 to OSAKA, 15 hrs before the deal end. Too bad bought mine with AirAsia last week.

Quite a good deal Thanks for sharing. Travel period?

Osaka
Booking Period20 Jun 2013 only
Booking Time 12.00am - 11.59pm
Travel Period 22 Jun 2013 - 30 Nov 2013

you can go to its website and see, it is deal of the day
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/en/deal...of-the-day.html

Hi, I have 1 question..Usually when you guys visited japan..you guys went there by travel agent group package or just by yourself?

Hi, I have 1 question..Usually when you guys visited japan..you guys went there by travel agent group package or just by yourself?

Alone....I go so much until can be their citizen already

Alone.

You can save a lot of money by doing the research, buying air tickets during sale times / off peak, staying in cheap hotels etc etc.

Japan-Guide is a very good source of information.

Alone.

You can save a lot of money by doing the research, buying air tickets during sale times / off peak, staying in cheap hotels etc etc.

Japan-Guide is a very good source of information.

Sifus, will be going to Osaka (4N) & Kyoto (2N) in October 2013.  I have been trying to find out but could not locate it on the website information whether if we purchase a return trip ICOCA + Haruka pass, can we take the train from KIX to Osaka and then from Kyoto to KIX?  Appreciate if Sifus could enlighten!! Tqvm. 

for hotel usually u guys booking the hotel 1st before fly to Japan or u guys find a place to stay after arrive in Japan?

wa... u go osaka 4 days?
for your question, YES.

Tqvm sifu.  Yes staying 4N in Osaka bcos cannot get the hotel we wanted in Kyoto for 3N! What to do? Make do lor. Now working on patching my itinerary. 1st time am doing this but with the sifus advise given in earlier posts, shd b able to work out a decent one. Am still researching best options.

for hotel usually u guys booking the hotel 1st before fly to Japan or u guys find a place to stay after arrive in Japan?

for hotel usually u guys booking the hotel 1st before fly to Japan or u guys find a place to stay after arrive in Japan?

I would never travel to Japan or anywhere else without my hotel arrangements already finalized.

You'd be crazy to start looking for hotels only after arriving in Japan.

Agoda and Toyoko Inn are your friends, learn to use them.

hi guys, goin japan too dis november for the 1st time, any recommendations hotel around akihabara?

hi guys, goin japan too dis november for the 1st time, any recommendations hotel around akihabara?

Night time 830 onwards a lot shops closing d, u sure wanna stay there?
How many of you going?

hi guys, goin japan too dis november for the 1st time, any recommendations hotel around akihabara?

Remember, pretty cold after dark (5pm), sometimes snow.

Hi guys,

I'll be in Japan (Kyoto) for 8 weeks (9th July - 14th Sept) to attend an intensive Japanese language course. This will be my first time going to Japan, so I was wondering whether anyone has any advice for someone like me, as in what to expect, what to bring (what to pack, how much to pack), tips and tricks to save money and what not, etc..

Any advice would be helpful 

Thanks!

guys, i gt 2 option as below pls advice which is cheaper, as many said kyoto rooms r more expensive and harder to find than osaka during peak season.

1. evening from odawara to kyoto, stay at kyoto. 1 day kyoto trip next day then head to osaka.
or
2. from odawara straight to osaka, arrange kyoto 1 day trip later.

i might be travel to japan 23/11-14/12. 

any suggestion places to visit if i bring my 2 kids below 2 years old?

is there any backpackers there?

2 kids below 2 years old?
is there any backpackers there?

infants and backpacker hostels?!?!?!

im flying my *** out from kl to haneda tokyo next year on 26/2/14 until 2/3/14..i heard the weather will be below 10 degrees.. and no snow in tokyo area..what is operation hour for shops (foods, electronic, shopping mall, disneyland, disneysea etc) during that time..

and if occur snow, where is the nearest place to play ski in tokyo district..tq in advance

travelling to Japan around late august, do we still need visa?

infants and backpacker hostels?!?!?!

Hi there, what's the most economical way to get from Malaysia to Sapporo? i tried looking up cathay and goodness its rm10k+!!!! AA is to Haneda then domestic AA Japan or ANA etc?
Any advise? I'm planning ahead to see $$

Thanks.

Hi there, what's the most economical way to get from Malaysia to Sapporo? i tried looking up cathay and goodness its rm10k+!!!! AA is to Haneda then domestic AA Japan or ANA etc?
Any advise? I'm planning ahead to see $$

Thanks.

If peak season......you might need consider Kobe

kl to haneda, then bus to sapporo

thanks guys. maybe misquoted not most economical. bus would take too long. maybe domestic flt i guess or train?

Thanks.

last time i came across this discounted domestic air flight ticket in japan for foreigner
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html

i didn't really go understand how does it work as i didn't travel to sapporo tat time
u may try to read n understand, maybe u can get cheaper flight

or u may try to buy a 7days or 14 days JR pass, travel from tokyo to sapporo using shinkansen (u may need to switch station)

good luck  hunting the info

Hi there, what's the most economical way to get from Malaysia to Sapporo? i tried looking up cathay and goodness its rm10k+!!!! AA is to Haneda then domestic AA Japan or ANA etc?
Any advise? I'm planning ahead to see $$

Thanks.

AAX to Osaka, then Peach Japan to Sapporo.

Peach is damn cheap.