A lot of times I am asked what tips I have for people that will be going to Japan soon. There are so many things I can think of and some I have written about before but the following are my top tips.
1. Learn some Japanese before you go. There are plenty of programs available at reasonable prices that will get you all the basics and then some. Big words to know right a way are: thank you, good morning, good afternoon, good evening, excuse me, sorry, navy base, where is the train?, and can you help me? If you can master these before you go you will feel more confident going out into town. The people appreciate an American who took the time to learn some Japanese and will be more willing to help you out.
2. If you are planning on staying in base housing, bring all your electronics. They will work just fine. They may not work as efficiently as they did in America but they will work.
3. When deciding on housing, really take in all the factors. Off base housing allows you to be more involved in the Japanese society. Housing is smaller and there are a lot more rules. Some of those rules are no loud noises, no BBQs on balconies (in most places people hang their laundry on the balcony and they don't want it to smell like steak), and recycling is mandatory and you will get a fine if you don't do it. On base housing is larger, has American outlets, but you are never really getting away from base life. It can get old a little quick.
4. When it comes to pets, I will always encourage people not to bring them. It is an extremely timely and expensive process to get you dog or cat approved. Also, once on the plane they might have to fly in luggage which isn't the safest place for them. Plus if there ever is an emergency situation again when an evacuation takes place, you will have to leave your animal behind if you choose to evacuate.
5. Yen is not monopoly money. It is really easy to pull out 10000 yen and think you are only spending 100 dollars. Depending on the daily rate you could be spending as much as $130. Do it a couple of times and it really adds up. I have heard of plently of people on ships that go crazy out in town on pay day and are broke the next day. Be wise with your money. One reason you or your family were allowed to go to Japan is because you looked finacially responsible enough to handle it.
Hopefully these tips help you out if you are planning on moving to Japan soon. Most of all remember that Japan is an amazing country with so much to offer. Be wise and you will love your time you spend there.
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