I. Visa Update
I sent out my visa application packet, for which I purchased a tracking number to keep up with. After I mailed it out I realized I did everything except for the stamp. I forgot to add a return stamp for the return envelope that will allow the Japanese consulate to mail my visa, passport, and other documents back to me. While this wont slow down the processing it will slow down my getting my passport and such back.
I called them up, (313-567-0120 ext. 214 if you need the number), and asked them what to do. As soon as they returned my call they said I would just have to mail them a priority or express mail stamp no big deal.
FYI ( I didn't know this but) Express mail or Priority whichever one they recommended, is $20. That was a shocker! So be prepared for that. It beats spending $80 in gas to drive to Detroit and back though!
So my visa is being processed and I will be mailing them a stamp as odd as that may sound.
The consulate also has great magazines, newspapers, tips on travel in Japan and other info you may be able to request like "Your Guide to Japan" (pdf version) which I really am fond of.
There are tons of great sites that give you a first-hand look at what to expect, how to prepare mentally, what steps you should take and how to boost your language skills.
I also like blogs like This Japanese Life even if he is a bit pessimistic and cynical, he offers good tips on what not to do.
II. Currency exchange and flight purchase
I believe a heads up is in order for anyone wanting to exchange dollars for yen. The only place in town I found (perhaps I need to look harder...) was Isabella Bank.
I don't do banks, unless I have to. I have a credit union but they are different in a lot of ways especially about who you are. With banks I am a customer, credit unions I am a member.
Anyhow this non-bank customer called talked with a teller, who knew I was a non-customer told me they do do currency exchange and that its a $25 fee no matter how much you order.
I said ok, great I will be there. I showed up, talked with a few tellers whom you could tell and said they hadn't done it in a while, and we started the process.
Midway through the application on their computer they say that it will actually be a $40 fee, not $25 because I am a non-customer.
So you deserve a heads up if you are going to go this route. if you are an Isabella bank customer have fun you only have to pay $25.
And I just found out yesterday that if you are a Chemical Bank customer you can do it for $12. So that sounds better to me than $25 or even $40.
I ordered $268.18 worth of (Y)en the rate was 0.010727(Y)en which looked like 107.27(Y)en per $1. It arrived the next day(today). I will pick it up tomorrow and load photos of the various currency bills.
To break it down I ordered bills but couldn't order coins unfortunately:
Quantity Value
1 1,0000 円
1 5000 円
3 2000 円
4 1000 円
So my goal in this was to have some cash when I arrive since Japan is more of a cash nation than a credit card one. Especially since I know I am going to a more rural area than Tokyo.
Also I purchased my flight to Japan, round-trip. It totalled under $1700 and the travel agent fee was only $25. I would highly recommend Valley Travel in Mount Pleasant in downtown.
I fly from MBS in Saginaw to Minnesota, to Seattle to Osaka KIX. I arrive and will be picked up and taken to the school by a school advisor and then classes start several days after the orientation on Sept. 2.
III. Budgeting for the semester abroad
As I've said before I'm big on the planning. So the next logical step for me is to budget out where my money will be allocated in the process of my Japan study abroad.
I have broken it down below, but it is definitely a work in progress and I can update it later when I add more or adjust certain things.
These are based on estimates and prices and the current yen to dollar rate of 99.58 to $1.
*Tuition $5550
Undergraduate rate is $370/cr.hr. I'm taking 15
*Airfare $1673
Roundtrip via Delta
*Rent $640
~$160/month at 4 months
*Food $480-$900
Trying to get closer number on this.
*Study Abroad fee $150
*Health Insurance (requ.) $80
~$20/month at 4 months
Transportation $196-226
*As a goal I want to ride the shinkansen or bullet train once to have the experience. (13,520 yen) ` $136
*Daily-walk/bike $0
*I do plan to travel to Shiga prefecture nearby Nara, and back from Tokyo after I use the Shinkansen but via bus and trains this time. $60-90
Misc. Toiletries, non-food, move-in needs like futon blanket etc. $300
FOOD:
Here are 2 videos you may enjoy about Washoku, traditional Japanese meals.
Washoku1 and Washoku2 .
And I have my first grocery list too for Japan based on what I eat, what is versatile, cheap and easily found in Japan:
*eggs- can be eaten alone or used to thicken soups.
*miso paste- I typically use it to make soups like tofu miso soup.
*fish- so many kinds and nicely priced. I usually pan fry along with veggies and rice.
*rice- I plan to get a nice big bag of it.
Nothing easier for lunch than a simple onigiri (rice ball) stuffed with fish and mayo.
*mayo- I usually make myself but I prefer to do it with a blender since whipping by hand is a little tedious, so I may buy it instead at first if I can't find a cheap or second hand blender of sorts.
*bananas- I eat them as is or use in smoothies a lot.
*veggie Juice- There is this veggie/fruit juice I had before that has tons of veggies and fruits in it. (In above photo).
 |
| Niponika magazine from the consulate. |
 |
| Japan guide from consulate. |
I called them up, (313-567-0120 ext. 214 if you need the number), and asked them what to do. As soon as they returned my call they said I would just have to mail them a priority or express mail stamp no big deal.
FYI ( I didn't know this but) Express mail or Priority whichever one they recommended, is $20. That was a shocker! So be prepared for that. It beats spending $80 in gas to drive to Detroit and back though!
So my visa is being processed and I will be mailing them a stamp as odd as that may sound.
The consulate also has great magazines, newspapers, tips on travel in Japan and other info you may be able to request like "Your Guide to Japan" (pdf version) which I really am fond of.
 |
Your Guide to Japan from the consulate offers great advice and information on aspects and regions of Japan. |
 |
| JNTO is another great site that offers information on Japan as seen here in a screenshot. Here you can choose your interests. |
I also like blogs like This Japanese Life even if he is a bit pessimistic and cynical, he offers good tips on what not to do.
II. Currency exchange and flight purchase
I believe a heads up is in order for anyone wanting to exchange dollars for yen. The only place in town I found (perhaps I need to look harder...) was Isabella Bank.
I don't do banks, unless I have to. I have a credit union but they are different in a lot of ways especially about who you are. With banks I am a customer, credit unions I am a member.
Anyhow this non-bank customer called talked with a teller, who knew I was a non-customer told me they do do currency exchange and that its a $25 fee no matter how much you order.
I said ok, great I will be there. I showed up, talked with a few tellers whom you could tell and said they hadn't done it in a while, and we started the process.
Midway through the application on their computer they say that it will actually be a $40 fee, not $25 because I am a non-customer.
So you deserve a heads up if you are going to go this route. if you are an Isabella bank customer have fun you only have to pay $25.
And I just found out yesterday that if you are a Chemical Bank customer you can do it for $12. So that sounds better to me than $25 or even $40.
I ordered $268.18 worth of (Y)en the rate was 0.010727(Y)en which looked like 107.27(Y)en per $1. It arrived the next day(today). I will pick it up tomorrow and load photos of the various currency bills.
To break it down I ordered bills but couldn't order coins unfortunately:
Quantity Value
1 1,0000 円
1 5000 円
3 2000 円
4 1000 円
So my goal in this was to have some cash when I arrive since Japan is more of a cash nation than a credit card one. Especially since I know I am going to a more rural area than Tokyo.
 |
| 2011, Chicago to Narita Japan. |
Also I purchased my flight to Japan, round-trip. It totalled under $1700 and the travel agent fee was only $25. I would highly recommend Valley Travel in Mount Pleasant in downtown.
I fly from MBS in Saginaw to Minnesota, to Seattle to Osaka KIX. I arrive and will be picked up and taken to the school by a school advisor and then classes start several days after the orientation on Sept. 2.
III. Budgeting for the semester abroad
As I've said before I'm big on the planning. So the next logical step for me is to budget out where my money will be allocated in the process of my Japan study abroad.
I have broken it down below, but it is definitely a work in progress and I can update it later when I add more or adjust certain things.
These are based on estimates and prices and the current yen to dollar rate of 99.58 to $1.
*Tuition $5550
Undergraduate rate is $370/cr.hr. I'm taking 15
*Airfare $1673
Roundtrip via Delta
*Rent $640
~$160/month at 4 months
*Food $480-$900
Trying to get closer number on this.
*Study Abroad fee $150
*Health Insurance (requ.) $80
~$20/month at 4 months
 |
| Bus in Sendagi, Bunkyo, Tokyo. 2011. |
Transportation $196-226
*As a goal I want to ride the shinkansen or bullet train once to have the experience. (13,520 yen) ` $136
*Daily-walk/bike $0
*I do plan to travel to Shiga prefecture nearby Nara, and back from Tokyo after I use the Shinkansen but via bus and trains this time. $60-90
Misc. Toiletries, non-food, move-in needs like futon blanket etc. $300
 |
| A look inside the fridge. |
 |
| From my time in Tokyo. |
FOOD:
Here are 2 videos you may enjoy about Washoku, traditional Japanese meals.
Washoku1 and Washoku2 .
And I have my first grocery list too for Japan based on what I eat, what is versatile, cheap and easily found in Japan:
*eggs- can be eaten alone or used to thicken soups.
*miso paste- I typically use it to make soups like tofu miso soup.
*fish- so many kinds and nicely priced. I usually pan fry along with veggies and rice.
*rice- I plan to get a nice big bag of it.
Nothing easier for lunch than a simple onigiri (rice ball) stuffed with fish and mayo.
*mayo- I usually make myself but I prefer to do it with a blender since whipping by hand is a little tedious, so I may buy it instead at first if I can't find a cheap or second hand blender of sorts.
*bananas- I eat them as is or use in smoothies a lot.
*veggie Juice- There is this veggie/fruit juice I had before that has tons of veggies and fruits in it. (In above photo).
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