North-East Asia

I am in Taichung now and I have a lot of 1000 NT$ notes. Can I go to a bank to get them changed if I'm not a member?

Hi All
Considering 4 nights in Hakone mid-April. Concerned it will be packed with western and local toursts “cheek by jowl”— tours and buses etc etc— am I correct? Also is there enough to do and see to fill 4 day/nights? Seeking both relaxation and stimulation ( art, performance, history, walking/solace).
Interested b/c seems like an easy side trip from Tokyo, which I imagine would draw crowds at this time of year. And wondering if it will be more like a busy “suburb” (shops and more shops) of…

Hoping to do this sometime in April. Has anyone done it ? Im sure people have but didnt see any recent posts! I preferably want to stop off at a few islands on the way from Naha.
Thanks for any help offered!

Hi,
I am planning to visit Japan for a holiday period but with the chance to stay there for a longer period and study the language but i am worried whether i can be allowed to enter the country.
Unfortunately, a year ago i got banned from Australia for a three year period, for illegal work. I made a mistake and now i am aware of that.
My question is, could this ban effect my entering in Japan at the immigration border?
I know that i have to declare this at the japanese immigration, but i am worried…

Before travelling Korea, it is essential to understand its culture first. :>

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Hi all, we are planning to go to Japan from 25 July to 12 August and hire a car to travel around. We will book our accommodation in Tokyo but is it necessary to book for other places or will we be able to turn up and find reasonably priced accommodation? We are a family of 4 and it will be our first trip to Japan.
Thanks
Sean

Hi,

I'm a 34 year old man from the US looking to make a two-week solo trip to Japan in early to mid March and could use some advice.

Quick facts:

• I've been to Japan twice.

• Don't speak much Japanese but haven't had a problem getting around. I have a lot of travel experience.

• Have been to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Shakotan, and Otaru. Loved them all.

• Most interested in food, drinking, design, and art.

• Miyajima, Sato, Kanazawa, and Fukuoka are all…

Travelling from the Russian border into Mongolia we experienced a true rip off aboard the train to Ulan Bator. In the Mongolian restaurant car, the menu had courses of US$20-25,-. Well overpriced I thought. Maybe travellers on this train should be aware of this and bring sufficient cash (or lots of instant noodles).

Hi All,
Can you recommend an onsen in Yamanaka Onsen? I tried to book Kayotei, but they only have rooms with no bathroom. And they are over-our budget. I would love to stay in an onsen near to Kagaonsen, which offers comfortable rooms w/bath and lovely surroundings. Traveling in mid April.
Any ideas?

Many thanks!

Hi All,
Can the Smart Ex App (Shinkansen Express Ride App) only be used for the bullet trains? Or can one book express/local trains also? Has anyone had experience using this app: is it reliable & stable?
Thank you!