Oh yes would like to ask something.

I'm looking for reference books related to JLPT and so far going through Google, some of the stores recommended are:

- Bonjinsha (Chiyoda)
- Kinokuniya (Shinjuku - main store)
- Maruzen Marunouchi (next to Tokyo Station)
- Junkundo (near Ikebukuro station)

If there's time, will drop by BookOff as I heard prices are good. However I'm not sure what kind of book selection they have.

Won't have the leisure to visit all, so it's likely I'll visit Bonjinsha and Kino in Shinjuku. I've looked around the street where Bonjinsha is located and there's not much to do. I'll have 2 of my cousin sisters going along with me. So some of my questions:

1. Any bookstore recommendations besides the above 4 stores? Or the 2 i'm planning to visit - Bonjinsha and Kino.

2. Is there any interesting Cafe or places to visit near Bonjinsha? So that I can leave my cousins to rest/ sight see for 2 hours and I can check out my books. So far from what I see is the Imperial Palace and Inari Shrine... but they may not be interested in Imperial Palace. Seeking for options.

RegentCid any insights?

Yaka... probably coz this is more academic stuffs. No problem. If there's time I'll drop by Tsutaya and take a look. I've always seen it at Shibuya crossing but have never made an attempt to go.

Okay sounded too attractive to bypass i'll make a mental note to go this time around.

Yes sacwoc specifically reference books for JLPT. Taking my N4 this December, and plan to go for N3 next year (not sure can make it for July '19, otherwise it'll be December '19). Local KL Kino has a number of books, but I believe it'll be somewhat (or slightly) cheaper to get from Japan. Oraity, this upcoming trip it'll be a hunt for bookstores gotta find something for my cousins to do while waiting.

T___T so nice, private tutor get you the books. My learning centre has a mini library, but limited reference books. Would like to get more of such books to do further self-study.

Hahahahaha yes, i totally know what you mean. Feel that I'm weak at 聴解, so I bought a book to hone my listening skills. It's nerve wrecking as the syllabus is more advanced for N4 and my centre has yet to catch up. Will have to rely on apps and online sites.

Japan trip is likely happening mid Dec after JLPT N4; so am thinking I could get something in advance for N3

Not necessary. It's interesting how I looked for a book in Kino Singapore but they told me they don't carry the book there. On the contrary, Malaysia Kino has it. In terms of buying books, I prefer to browse and see what I want/ need rather than asking someone else to purchase on behalf. Partially a bookworm, I love hitting the bookstores everything is so beautiful, interesting and fascinating in there. If there's time, I would like to slowly browse around (and this could easily take hours).

Cities like Shibuya, Shinjuku etc sight seeing I've done them a couple of times and this round, my role is more of a 'tour guide' to bring my cousins and relatives around. Thus thinking of place(s) i can leave them for 2 hours to sight see or enjoy, while I could make use of the time to visit a bookstore.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Sep 19 2018, 05:21 PM

Unfortunately option 1 is not available

I do watch Japanese TV and recently have started to listen to japanese radio podcast (Spotify have wonders) but still slow in the pick up. Also need to pick up on my vocabularies otherwise there's no way I can understand ...but also, at the same time, I agree grammar is really tough. If that's the case though (forgive my rudeness) there's no issue speaking in Japanese with... borderline grammar?

Full marks in listening...! Ah envy the 'training' you can get in Japan hahahaha.

Yes, went to one of the BookOff last year and managed to buy a book. But it was an elementary reference book, not so much of JLPT related materials. The latter is kinda hard to find.

Hahaha then try out Isetan instead. Not sure about Kyoto but Tokyo's one has a variety of food at their food hall. And price should be more reasonable than Takashimaya. It's odd because in Nagoya, friend and I shopped at Takashimaya's food hall. We bought a variety of bentos, side dishes including Oregon cheesecaek (super good) food for 4 people - total less than RM400 as I recall.

You're right. Just being able to speak a few lines, they would say, "日本語上手ですね！” (translating for other forumers: your Japanese is good!). Must say, they are patronizing. My sensei said there was once when he received such compliment, he replied, "本当にあなたの心の底からですか." (translation: (what you said) is it truly from the bottom of your heart?). Hahahahaha he said it as a joke because he knew the other party, otherwise this would be considered as shockingly rude.

I guess at the end everything relies on experience ...JLPT is more like a requirement for foreigners. No choice but to take this... probably in future if there's a chance to work there, will then take up separate classes for business environment to learn the more formal terms. There's so much to learn - from speaking to superior, colleagues, junior etc... everything is different

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Sep 20 2018, 09:32 AM

Eeeeek 様じゃない ...but thank you. You've taken your N4, I'll be asking you about it soon let's work hard to master the language!

Another trip and i thought your wifey said no more Japan trip in the near future since your last one. Have fun!

I know what you mean! The little freebies with the magazines are really tempting. I saw a lot of them at the airport

How long have you been studying N2 on your own? It's tough without a teacher to refer to. Yes, I'll probably spend more when I get to N2/N1 just thinking of getting reference books or even elementary stuffs that my level can easily read. Likely won't spend more than ￥３，５００... it's hard to get reasonably priced reading materials locally. Even Japanese books are rare.

It's good to take a break and then push on again. Congrats in passing your N2

P/S: We're getting a little OOT haha. Will create a separate thread for such discussion.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Sep 20 2018, 03:52 PM

I'm quietly complaining the price in Dec. It's peak but there's no choice in my part. One of my cousin is a school teacher and she only have Dec off so our travel date is pretty much fixed. Out of choice, this will be the first time I'm paying for an expensive flight. There are people with problems like these

There's nothing much in Yokohama. What are your plans/ places to visit that you're staying there for 4 nights?

Either plan is fine; B allows you more stay. I'll say Kyoto probably max 2 nights and you give Tokyo 6 nights.

Seriously, you can cover Yokohama in 1-2 days hahahaha. You can get to Kamakura for a day trip, it's near to Yokohama - probably 30min train ride. If you wanna save your pocket, might as well stay in in either Tokyo or Kansai and reduce the number of days in your trip.

Nara yes. You should visit.

WIFI - the cost of SIM in Tokyo is likely to more expensive than getting it in Malaysia. You can refer to Page 1 Post #1 for some recommendations.

List down the onsen you have your eyes on. Let forumers give their feedback.

Lastly, i'll suggest you do some research and come up with an itinerary for forumers to comment on. Most will give suggestions on what you miss etc. Read Page #1, Post #1 for some suggested itinerary.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Sep 26 2018, 10:03 AM

This is a good package, and there's no worry that the SIM won't work if you get from a 3rd party. I personally encountered issues activating the Hello1010 sim in my last trip. But through my friend's phone i was able to activate it; meaning she has to activate the sim through her mobile, and then pass to me.

I was about to ask the same question, although my travelling period is much later. So I guess best to do half board at the Hotel. In fact i read reviews that some Hotels will need advance reservation for dinner; so if guests did not make any pre-booking, there will be no dinner for them. Walk-ins are not entertained.

Yes a lot of pretty good hotels... but also appear to be out of reach. One particular that i quite fancy - the last bus pick up is at 3pm. That is way too early to finish sight seeing

Hahahaha there's also the Hakone Shrine. Absolutely love the shrine... especially the entrance. Its like entering a magical "forest" where Totoro could appear anytime! I have been there once for Day trip and did owakudani, cruise (yes the pirate ship) and shrine. Sadly didnt manage to cover all of the shrine... was too excited and busy taking photos at the torii that it got darker and darker, subsequently it was just moonlight. Because of that we quickly go off and didnt manage to make it to the shrine. As for the crruise ride,n I actually enjoyed it hahaha 😊 refreshing.

This time i'll be revisiting the shrine, owakudani, cruise and go to the Little Prince Museum also maybe check out the Open Air Museum if time permits. Bringing a group of cousins around.

Ahhhh Fuji-Q Highland! Didnt go when i was in Kawaguchiko... but definitely not for the faint hearted ones!!

Sure you can, it did say 3D2N pass hahaha. Don't worry so much. In worst case if your pass can no longer be used, just pay cash for the train/ bus ride back. The only issue is that you'll have to pay extra

It could be tricky to meet the opening hours; will try to drop by and try it if possible. And I thought Kanazawa area's specialty is just Houtou. But i do miss the houtou noodles, they're so good

The issue with bus is that i noticed it only stops at Gotemba: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/traffic/t...ion/highwaybus/
For train they usually stop at Hakone Yumoto where one can ride the cable car to get to Togendai. Hmmmm

Anyway here's what I have in mind, look forward to comments/ suggestions:

Day 1
Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto Station -> Ride Hakone Tozan train to Gora -> Gora Park -> Lunch -> Little Prince Museum -> Venetian Glass Museum (if there's time) -> Get to Accomm (yet to book - looking for affordable yet good hotel with onsen)

Day 2
Breakfast -> Owakudani -> Ride cruise to Togendai -> Lunch at Hakone Machi (town) -> Hakone Shrine -> Balik

It's a big group and it'll be slow (due to elderly present). Thus it's a relaxing trip.

Nooooooooo onsen is the best

If 1-day out of Tokyo there's plenty of other places. Kamakura for one, is a nice place to visit for Day trip. Unless your intention is to see Fuji Mt in the day trip. Back then i arranged a day trip to Hakone and it was pretty long journey but we only did 3 things - Owakudani, Cruise ship and Hakone Shrine. Wished I've got more time... and this round happy with being able to do more things over 2D1N.

Please google: "can you bring dried meat into japan"
You'll find at least 1 helpful website.

One more - if it's not legal and you get caught, it'll be dependent on how serious the offence is. Item confiscated, you'll have to pay a penalty and you'll leave a record in their system. The next time you ever fly to Japan again, don't be surprised if they select you as one of the passenger to do checking on - where they'll open your bag and search thoroughly. This situation is embarrassing for people; in Australia they call it "bomb check" and it's random. But if a person ever has any prior records, it's no surprise that they're picked for this check whenever they fly.

The above is only based on what was shared by friends who fly often. They could be wrong. But in any case, I'll personally avoid any problem with the immigration especially when it's deemed not legal (upon your checking).

Then you shouldn't have suggested for anyone to sneak in products or substances that is not allowable into the country. You do know it's not legal so please refrain from saying such things even as a joke. There will be people who may take you seriously. And really, you don't think the Custom officers are going to believe he's from China/ SG when he's holding a Malaysian passport?

Depends on what you want to see/ do. Even 10 days in Tokyo won't be enough for me

Definitely. Apart from sight seeing, most people also go there for Onsen.
It will also be dependent on your budget, expectations etc. Read up about this: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2172.html

Commonly visited places to see Mt Fuji: Hakone or Fuji 5 Lakes.

You can do 2D 1N trip at either place. The last round I did 3D2N at Fuji 5 lakes - 1 night in Lake Yamanaka and another night in Lake Kawaguchi area.

Indeed... I'm not surprised. I believe they're as strict as Australia. It's better not to take any form of risk.
Hahahaha but man... even the bag - whether counterfeit or real! That comes as a bit of a surprise.

Next time just eat them all in the plane don't take it with you.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Oct 8 2018, 03:16 PM