Well, backpacking/hitchhiking or not, if one plans to travel from Osaka to north (Hokkaido) ... then surely will need to consider stuffs like transportation, accommodation and food.

Also, I'm no expert in backpacking or hitchhiking so I'm not in the position to comment too much the tips and tricks of backpacking but just note that this is Japan and a country where if you don't speak the language; it's hard enough to even try and get by on the day-to-day communication; let alone trying to score free rides or accommodation. Of course; with prior planning, research and contact; this is indeed possible but it'll take a lot of effort to get all this organized.

I can safely say that you'll be able to cover food for a day with 500-700 yen (think cup noodles and discount bentos) and possibly get some cheap accommodation for anywhere between 1000-3000 JPY (think capsule, Internet/manga cafe, youth hostel) aside from the free accommodations methods you mentioned earlier. Transportation is the tricky part as it comes down to the time/season, place and also mode of transport.

Anyway, my question to yoko was merely to understand what he plans to cover with that amount of budget before providing my opinion on whether it'll be sufficient to cover for a month.

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Added on October 6, 2009, 8:53 pmLOL ... I think getting sesat in Tokyo is an adventure that all visitors will experience.
Anyway, to make things simpler; as we've all repeated numerous times in previous threads; it's advisable to get a SUICA/Pasmo card if you plan to tour Tokyo so that you do not need to figure out how much to pay for each train rides plus it gets even more confusing if it involves switching from JR to Metro to Private lines. Then just spend time a bit of time to decipher and understand the Tokyo Metro map and you'll be good to go. G'luck!

This post has been edited by PsyCHZZZ: Oct 6 2009, 08:53 PM

LOL

aichiban: Good time to be outdoors now observing ppl... super windy thanks to the typhoon. haha...

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Added on October 8, 2009, 8:42 amMight be a slightly late reply but then this effectively means your budget for the trip is around RM14k.
That should be enough for a month on like a budget trip but it's best if you sort out your itinerary, accommodation and transportation plans prior.

This post has been edited by PsyCHZZZ: Oct 8 2009, 08:42 AM

Well, after the typhoon - it's clear blue skies today and most likely all the way over this weekend... hopefully next weekend will be the same as long as no more typhoons headed this way.

Cool~ hmmm... what time will the race start and end?
I have something on till around 1:30pm but I'm interested to go and see if I can make it in time.

Haha... alright. Weather report looks great tomm and I'm free after 1:30pm... I'll most likely go to Odaiba and see the race.

musha: You got PM.

Cool! Seems like that fast futuristic car actually won! ^^
It was a really fun event indeed. Here's some pictures.


The 3rd place winner!

Hmmm... never heard of it before.

Flying from KLIA, I think cheapest we've come across is with JAL at RM1350 for a return ticket. But this is like promo rate and since you're planning to travel this Sunday, chances are there are only normal ticket price available. RM2400 is about the average for a normal ticket price. You might want to check out Singapore Airlines and compare prices... if it's substantially cheaper - then flying from Changi is worth it even if you work in the AirAsia ticket cost.

You need a visa to enter into Japan as compared to Bangkok where there's no such requirement. The RM6k in the bank is to prove that you have the financial means to cover for your traveling cost as in the past, there were too many cases of ppl jump aeroplane.
Please refer to this site - http://www.my.emb-japan.go.jp/English/visit.html#visa

You'll need to apply the visa at the Japan Embassy and get it approved before you fly. And yes, it's pretty serious business as you might get denied entry at Japan if you do not have the visa. If you do not have your visa now, I'm afraid that your plan to fly this Sunday might be calling it too close.

hisabisa RegentCid-san!

Yup, the thread will soon be v3 haha... Big news? Not much... but I guess we'll see some pics posted soon as Tokyo Motor Show will take place end of the month.

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Added on October 15, 2009, 7:15 amYes, you're quite right... you can't sign up for a line if you're a tourist but I've heard that there are certain kombini (convenient stores) that do sell prepaid phones with line and they'll accept your hotel address for the registration. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if how/where to get this done.

Also, if you plan to use Mobile Internet; take note that if you're not on their unlimited packet usage - it's really expensive and not worth the money.

Actually, I think now most hotels in Japan will provide free Internet (either WiFi or wired) but the thing is if you do not have a LAN cable and ask from the reception; then they'll usually charge a fee... so, just bring your own LAN cable and you should be fine.

I would recommend you to activate your Intl roaming on your Malaysian line and roam in Japan for emergency calls or the occasional texting. Just make sure your phone is a 3G-enabled phone.

This post has been edited by PsyCHZZZ: Oct 15 2009, 07:15 AM

To quote heterosapien "Both of my friends bought their keitai at Don Quijote (called Donki) at Roppongi. "
This is the place he's referring to - http://www.donki.com/en/ You can find this chain in a few places around Tokyo.

Thanks for sharing the info heterosapien.

This post has been edited by PsyCHZZZ: Oct 15 2009, 03:07 PM

Ahhhh~ all the best man.

So... who's planning to go Tokyo Motor Show which starts this weekend?

Yup... if purchase online it's cheaper by 200 yen but must buy before this Friday.
For me, Saturday or Sunday is fine... but then ermm... Saturday a bit tough because I'll usually be out on Friday night and ... *cough* usually don't wake up so early on Saturday. But if you guys are all going on Saturday; then I can just make plans to wake up earlier...

Musha, what about you? Saturday okay?

Haha... yeah, only 200 yen discount...
Original ticket is 1,300 JPY but if purchase online it'll be 1,100 JPY.

Sure... we'll confirm again this Thursday then.

chtan470: What brings you to Sanyo-onoda? work?

Ah~ i see... cool~ Well, if you're stopping by Tokyo; give us a holler then.

Cool~ I guess we'll go on Saturday then... should be packed for the opening but then this means there's more things to see. hehe... What time you guys wanna meet up?

Sounds good to me... tanoshi, how about you? 9am ok?