Z Reflections

Japan is a wild mix of the traditional and the ultra new always at odds with each other. I recommend "The Last Samurai," http://twurl.nl/5bd3ha for the traditional view and "Lost in Translation," http://twurl.nl/2rumk4 for the modern view.

As they were both major blockbusters I won't summarize them here. The transformation Tom Cruise goes through in "Samurai," from an arrogant Westerner coming to understand Japan and its mindset is fascinating. "Samurai," was shot in Sho-sha-zan Engyo-ji Temple in Himeji-city, Chion-in temple in Kyoto, and the general Kyoto area.

Bill Murray is arrogant as well but befuddled by his life and culture shock. "Lost" catches the decadence and sadness of a wealthy foreigner trying to find his way. I like the scene where he is on set for a commercial and the Japanese director speaks for several minutes. Murray says, "What was all that?" The translator says something like, "More focus." Murray stayed at The Park Hyatt Tokyo http://twurl.nl/0jikh3 which has great views of Tokyo and beautiful rooms. I am saving up to buy a drink at this exquisite hotel bar.

Your Japanese Travel Guide,
-Zackary

People in Japan often pay for things with good old fashioned cash. Places such as foreign hotels, tourist spots, and the airports take credit cards. If you visit Tokyo there are more places to use your cards. In smaller areas there may not be any places. My experience is that you can't use your debit card. I've never tried at the airport, it might be possible there.

Banks in Japan are a world unto themselves and a general mystery to Westerners. The only bank with ATMs you will recognize are from Citigroup. Using your foreign ATM card at any other banks ATM will not work. In fact if you have a Japanese debit card you can only use it at your own bank. In convenience stores you will find a variety of ATMs. Some of these may allow you to use your credit card. My recommendation is that you get the yen you need for your travels at the airport. Just don't carry all your money together in one place. Japan has a low crime rate but even here there are pickpockets.

This is the first installment in my new series designed to make visiting Japan less confusing. If you have any questions please add a comment to this post or contact me at MindofZ@gmail.com

International cell phones work in much of Europe, the United States, England, etc. Most of these phones don't work on the Japanese network. You should call your cell provider to make sure of this. You can buy a temporary phone and purchase minutes if you want to. (I hear a jail broken i-Phone works great with a different SIM card but you didn't hear that from me.)

I would still recommend that you bring your cell phone. Camera phones are great for taking pictures of station stops so that you can find them later. Many phones allow you to take notes and that is great for writing down transit information and how to find places.

Your Japanese Guide
--Zackary