I was so excited to climb Mt Fuji and could not do it with my husband. I am sure he will be complaining. So, I decided to sign up by myself at the MWR tour, a night climb just to watch the sunrise in the summit.
But first I like you to watch this video clip. It was really funny. I made video as well for my own climb.
Sunday at 3:20AM, I wake up and finished for my last packing. Brian took me to Fleet Recreation Center at 4:45 and then said goodbye to him and the kids. We boarded to bus after few minutes I got there. I'd met few ladies there that climbing up by themselves as well. I met Jane, Ingrid and Sonya. At 5:07, we were finally off. I sit next to Sonya at the bus and were talking for a bit and then tried to get some sleep at least for the 3 hour-ride of the bus.
First, we stop by at Ashigara Parking Area where we were taking a leak and bought few things needed for the trip. Then another stop at the Shrine. This Shrine has the trail to go up to Mt Fuji but I heard, it took a day or maybe more to climb up at the 5th station. When we got there, they are preparing for the fire festival on August 26. This is one of the big festival in Japan where lots of people flocking from different corner in Japan and some tourist as well. Just to see a mile of fire lit started from the shrine and dunno the exact road they are using but I know it is started at the shrine
Showing posts with label Travel Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Information. Show all posts
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Do you like to rent Disney Properties for your next vacation?
I have few information about renting points to any Disney properties for your next vacation. This is a very nice information that I have in here so you have an idea of what to expect.
First: look in here for more information where is the best place to rent.
This is the rental agreement which you usually get from the DVC owner and there is also RISK in renting points. Mind you, not everything are perfect.
When you checking in to the Disney Vacation Club properties, go check out some PERKS. I like you to consider the importance of Home Resort. Go check in here when you are selecting the resorts that you wanted to stay. Try to look also the points you needed in here. It will vary in different resorts and also if it is on premier or magic times. You need to look those kind of stuff. For us, we try to be avoided the rush times like spring break Oh I hate summer time.
Mind you, do not expect that everyday you have mousekeeping. Get some information here.
I hope this will suffice your needs or shall I say information about renting points. I can also assist in renting points. I am a DVC owner for 2 resorts in DisneyWorld Florida. The Saratoga Spring Resorts and Animal Kingdom Villa. These two resorts are very nice, highly recommended. Well Disney properties are very nice.
First: look in here for more information where is the best place to rent.
This is the rental agreement which you usually get from the DVC owner and there is also RISK in renting points. Mind you, not everything are perfect.
When you checking in to the Disney Vacation Club properties, go check out some PERKS. I like you to consider the importance of Home Resort. Go check in here when you are selecting the resorts that you wanted to stay. Try to look also the points you needed in here. It will vary in different resorts and also if it is on premier or magic times. You need to look those kind of stuff. For us, we try to be avoided the rush times like spring break Oh I hate summer time.
Mind you, do not expect that everyday you have mousekeeping. Get some information here.
I hope this will suffice your needs or shall I say information about renting points. I can also assist in renting points. I am a DVC owner for 2 resorts in DisneyWorld Florida. The Saratoga Spring Resorts and Animal Kingdom Villa. These two resorts are very nice, highly recommended. Well Disney properties are very nice.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Where to rent points
Individuals interested in point rental – whether they are looking for points or have points to rent – will find a valuable resource at the MouseOwners.com Rent / Trade / Transfer board.
Posts are welcome from both Renters and potential Rentees looking to find points.
Posts are welcome from both Renters and potential Rentees looking to find points.
Rental Agreements
For the protection of both the Renter and Rentee, it is wise to create a formal rental agreement. The purpose of such an agreement is to help protect both parties involved in the transaction. The agreement should stipulate the amount and due date of each payment, what actions may be taken if payments are late, and cancellation policies (if any.)
While renting DVC points enables non-DVC members to experience upscale accommodations at reasonable prices, DVC resorts, unlike their hotel counterparts, have stringent cancellation policies. Although most DVC members will try to help renters book a new vacation subsequent to cancellation, oftentimes, their hands are tied by DVC’s policies. Expect to see these policies reflected in the rental agreement. Consider obtaining travel insurance if a strong possibility of cancellation exists.
Each rental agreement is a unique pact between the two involved parties. Before agreeing to anything, read your contract thoroughly and make sure you are comfortable with all of the terms and conditions.
While renting DVC points enables non-DVC members to experience upscale accommodations at reasonable prices, DVC resorts, unlike their hotel counterparts, have stringent cancellation policies. Although most DVC members will try to help renters book a new vacation subsequent to cancellation, oftentimes, their hands are tied by DVC’s policies. Expect to see these policies reflected in the rental agreement. Consider obtaining travel insurance if a strong possibility of cancellation exists.
Each rental agreement is a unique pact between the two involved parties. Before agreeing to anything, read your contract thoroughly and make sure you are comfortable with all of the terms and conditions.
Rental Risks
The biggest downside to renting DVC points is that it is a glorified handshake agreement. While a written contract is recommended (see below) to help define the obligations of both parties, legal enforcement of the contract is a bitter pill to swallow in light of a ruined Disney vacation.
Throughout the entire rental process, the Renter retains full control of the reservation. There is simply no way around this. Non-members cannot hold nor manage DVC points. DVC Member Services will not independently confirm the existence of a reservation when contacted by a non-member. However Member Services does not exist to service non-members or facilitate point rentals, and they have no obligation to answer questions posed by non-members.
A Rentee must accept the reality that s/he is placing a great deal of faith in the Renter’s promise that a reservation has been made and will remain in force until the Rentee’s arrival.
Some suggestions for overcoming the trust issue are:
Ask the Renter for references to people with whom the Renter has dealt in the past. Contact those references and ask for feedback on the transaction;
Speak to the Renter on the telephone and make sure you have a comfort level with him/her. Don’t just rely on email communications;
Ask for the DVC reservation confirmation to be provided prior to final payment to the Renter. DVC will send a one-page printed confirmation for all reservations made at DVC resorts. Rentees should consider stipulating that the confirmation be provided at some point prior to final payment on the rental transaction.
Thousands of successful rental transactions have been completed throughout the history of the DVC program, and the savings are obvious. Reported instances of fraud occurring are miniscule. However, Rentees should take whatever steps they feel are justified to become comfortable with the process prior to entering-into a rental deal.
Throughout the entire rental process, the Renter retains full control of the reservation. There is simply no way around this. Non-members cannot hold nor manage DVC points. DVC Member Services will not independently confirm the existence of a reservation when contacted by a non-member. However Member Services does not exist to service non-members or facilitate point rentals, and they have no obligation to answer questions posed by non-members.
A Rentee must accept the reality that s/he is placing a great deal of faith in the Renter’s promise that a reservation has been made and will remain in force until the Rentee’s arrival.
Some suggestions for overcoming the trust issue are:
Ask the Renter for references to people with whom the Renter has dealt in the past. Contact those references and ask for feedback on the transaction;
Speak to the Renter on the telephone and make sure you have a comfort level with him/her. Don’t just rely on email communications;
Ask for the DVC reservation confirmation to be provided prior to final payment to the Renter. DVC will send a one-page printed confirmation for all reservations made at DVC resorts. Rentees should consider stipulating that the confirmation be provided at some point prior to final payment on the rental transaction.
Thousands of successful rental transactions have been completed throughout the history of the DVC program, and the savings are obvious. Reported instances of fraud occurring are miniscule. However, Rentees should take whatever steps they feel are justified to become comfortable with the process prior to entering-into a rental deal.
Rental Perks
It’s important to note that when Rentees rent points from DVC members, they receive nearly all of the perks that DVC members do when they stay at DVC resorts. In fact, a Rentee’s Keys to the Kingdom card (Room Card) will say “DVC Member” on it. This will enable a Rentee to receive various discounts, pool hop to other Disney resorts (with the exception of the Beach Club and Animal Kingdom Lodge), utilize free valet parking at DVC resorts, and so on. Upon arrival at the resort, the Rentee will receive a booklet called “Pocket Perks” which summarizes the discounts currently offered.
One particularly valuable perk that rentees may choose to take advantage of is access to the popular Magic Your Way Dining Plan (For 2008, $37.99 per night for ages 10 and up, $9.99 per night for children ages 3 - 9. For more information, click here)and the new Magic Your Way Deluxe Dining Plan (For 2008, $69.99 per night for ages 10 and up, $10.99 per night for children ages 3 - 9. For more information, click here). Dining plans must be added to the reservation prior to arrival at the resort.
One noteworthy exception to the "perks" rule is the DVC member discount on Walt Disney World Annual Passes. Stringent guidelines surrounding this particular discount exclude all but the owner of the DVC contract and immediate family members.
One particularly valuable perk that rentees may choose to take advantage of is access to the popular Magic Your Way Dining Plan (For 2008, $37.99 per night for ages 10 and up, $9.99 per night for children ages 3 - 9. For more information, click here)and the new Magic Your Way Deluxe Dining Plan (For 2008, $69.99 per night for ages 10 and up, $10.99 per night for children ages 3 - 9. For more information, click here). Dining plans must be added to the reservation prior to arrival at the resort.
One noteworthy exception to the "perks" rule is the DVC member discount on Walt Disney World Annual Passes. Stringent guidelines surrounding this particular discount exclude all but the owner of the DVC contract and immediate family members.
Home Resort Priority/Resort Demand
One of the more confusing aspects of the DVC reservation system is the concept of a Home resort. Each member of the Disney Vacation Club owns part of a building (designated as points) within the program. The resort at which the member owns points is his/her Home resort.
Although all reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, the Home Resort Priority Period grants DVC members exclusive access to book specific dates at their Home resort. Members may book a stay at their Home resort up to 11 months in advance of the check-out date. Beginning at 7 months prior to the check-out date, members may make a reservation at any DVC property.
Example: A Rentee wishes to obtain a Grand Villa at Old Key West from August 1 – 11, 2008. Renting points from an owner at Old Key West, this room could be booked as early as September 11, 2007, which is 11 months prior to the checkout day. However, if points are rented from an owner at any other DVC resort, the booking process cannot begin until January 11, 2008, which is 7 months prior to the checkout day.
If an individual knows well in advance his/her dates of travel and has a preference with regard to resort, it would be beneficial to attempt to rent points and book a reservation early to take advantage of the Home Resort Priority Period. DVC resorts are among the smallest on Disney property, and owners are well-known for planning their trips well in advance.
Among the most difficult DVC rooms to obtain are:
BoardWalk Villas Standard View: Year-round
BoardWalk Villas Preferred BoardWalk Villas: Year-round
Old Key West Grand Villa: Year-round
BoardWalk Villas Grand Villa: Year-round
Any room at the Beach Club Villas or BoardWalk Villas: October to mid-November (during Food and Wine Fest at Epcot)
Any room at any DVC resort: December 1-15 (low-point season, VERY popular with most DVC members)
In each of the examples above, potential Rentees are advised to find a Renter who owns points at the destination resort, and to make the reservation more than 7 months in advance of the check-out date.
Although all reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, the Home Resort Priority Period grants DVC members exclusive access to book specific dates at their Home resort. Members may book a stay at their Home resort up to 11 months in advance of the check-out date. Beginning at 7 months prior to the check-out date, members may make a reservation at any DVC property.
Example: A Rentee wishes to obtain a Grand Villa at Old Key West from August 1 – 11, 2008. Renting points from an owner at Old Key West, this room could be booked as early as September 11, 2007, which is 11 months prior to the checkout day. However, if points are rented from an owner at any other DVC resort, the booking process cannot begin until January 11, 2008, which is 7 months prior to the checkout day.
If an individual knows well in advance his/her dates of travel and has a preference with regard to resort, it would be beneficial to attempt to rent points and book a reservation early to take advantage of the Home Resort Priority Period. DVC resorts are among the smallest on Disney property, and owners are well-known for planning their trips well in advance.
Among the most difficult DVC rooms to obtain are:
BoardWalk Villas Standard View: Year-round
BoardWalk Villas Preferred BoardWalk Villas: Year-round
Old Key West Grand Villa: Year-round
BoardWalk Villas Grand Villa: Year-round
Any room at the Beach Club Villas or BoardWalk Villas: October to mid-November (during Food and Wine Fest at Epcot)
Any room at any DVC resort: December 1-15 (low-point season, VERY popular with most DVC members)
In each of the examples above, potential Rentees are advised to find a Renter who owns points at the destination resort, and to make the reservation more than 7 months in advance of the check-out date.
Points Need/Accomodations
OK, you want to save a few bucks and rent points. How many do you need, and what size accommodations?
Well, the size accommodation you choose should depend upon the number of people you have in your party. Officially,
Studios and Inn Rooms can accommodate up to four Guests plus one child under age three in a portable crib (provided).
One-Bedroom Vacation Villas can accommodate up to four Guests plus one child under age three in a portable crib (provided).
Two-Bedroom Vacation Villas can accommodate up to eight Guests plus one child under age three in a portable crib (provided).
Three-Bedroom Vacation Homes can accommodate up to twelve Guests plus one child under age three in a portable crib (provided).
Note that some of the one- and two-bedroom villas at AKV can accomomdate up to one additional adult per villa. In addition, unofficially, some Guests have brought along an air mattress (and their own bed linens) for Guests who are a tad bit older than three and thus do not fit in the portable crib. Be aware, however, that you will only be provided with enough towels for the officially allotted number of guests.
So, now that you've decided what size accommodations you desire, how many points do you need?
Click here for a link to the point charts of the eight DVC properties.
Points can be rented for any number of nights. The point values listed in the charts are for a single night at the given resort / room class / date.
While weekday points are universally considered a bargain, note that point requirements for weekend stays (Friday and Saturday) typically are double that of weekdays. For example, Monday night in a studio at Saratoga Springs during Dream season costs 12 points while Friday night in the same studio costs 26 points.
Several options are available to the Rentee in this instance:
Pay cash for the room on weekend nights. Using Annual Pass or other discount programs, you may be able to book the room at a cash rate lower than the point rental rate for the weekend nights. Note that this process will almost certainly require that you check-in at the front desk more than once during your stay, and there is the possibility that you will be asked to switch rooms even if your cash and point rooms are in the same class;
Switch to a cheaper resort (like All Stars, Port Orleans, etc.) for the weekend. Disney will transport your luggage from one of their resorts to another at no cost;
Average the point cost of the room over the entire week and be satisfied with the expense.
Well, the size accommodation you choose should depend upon the number of people you have in your party. Officially,
Studios and Inn Rooms can accommodate up to four Guests plus one child under age three in a portable crib (provided).
One-Bedroom Vacation Villas can accommodate up to four Guests plus one child under age three in a portable crib (provided).
Two-Bedroom Vacation Villas can accommodate up to eight Guests plus one child under age three in a portable crib (provided).
Three-Bedroom Vacation Homes can accommodate up to twelve Guests plus one child under age three in a portable crib (provided).
Note that some of the one- and two-bedroom villas at AKV can accomomdate up to one additional adult per villa. In addition, unofficially, some Guests have brought along an air mattress (and their own bed linens) for Guests who are a tad bit older than three and thus do not fit in the portable crib. Be aware, however, that you will only be provided with enough towels for the officially allotted number of guests.
So, now that you've decided what size accommodations you desire, how many points do you need?
Click here for a link to the point charts of the eight DVC properties.
Points can be rented for any number of nights. The point values listed in the charts are for a single night at the given resort / room class / date.
While weekday points are universally considered a bargain, note that point requirements for weekend stays (Friday and Saturday) typically are double that of weekdays. For example, Monday night in a studio at Saratoga Springs during Dream season costs 12 points while Friday night in the same studio costs 26 points.
Several options are available to the Rentee in this instance:
Pay cash for the room on weekend nights. Using Annual Pass or other discount programs, you may be able to book the room at a cash rate lower than the point rental rate for the weekend nights. Note that this process will almost certainly require that you check-in at the front desk more than once during your stay, and there is the possibility that you will be asked to switch rooms even if your cash and point rooms are in the same class;
Switch to a cheaper resort (like All Stars, Port Orleans, etc.) for the weekend. Disney will transport your luggage from one of their resorts to another at no cost;
Average the point cost of the room over the entire week and be satisfied with the expense.
Mousekeeping
Because DVC resorts are designed to be a "home away from home," you should be aware that daily housekeeping service is not provided. (However, each One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Villa is equipped with a washer and dryer so that you can keep not just your clothes, but also your linens and towels as clean as you like. Guests staying in Studios or Inn Rooms may use the complimentary washers and dryers conveniently located throughout the resorts. Laundry detergent is available for purchase.)
For stays of seven or fewer nights, Trash and Towel Service is provided on day four. With this service, Housekeeping will
Empty the trash and put new liners in the wastebaskets
Provide fresh bathroom towels
Replace shampoo, facial soap and bath soap
Replenish facial tissues, paper towels, and toilet paper
Replenish coffee, sugar, and cream
Replenish diswashing liquid, dishwasher detergent, sponges, and laundry detergent as applicable
For stays of eight or more nights, Full Cleaning Service is provided on day four and Trash and Towel Service is provided on day eight. After that, the cycle begins again on day 12. With Full Cleaning Service, Housekeeping will provide everything included with the Trash and Towel Service, plus
Change the bed linens
Vacuum and dust
Clean the bathroom(s)
Clean the kitchen/ette and wash the dishes
*Daily housekeeping services are available, of course. Current rates for these services are as follows:
Studio/Inn Room - $25.00 per day requested
One-Bedroom - $30.00 per day requested
Two-Bedroom - $40.00 per day requested
Grand Villa - $60.00 per day requested
Trash & Towel - $10.00 per day requested.
For stays of seven or fewer nights, Trash and Towel Service is provided on day four. With this service, Housekeeping will
Empty the trash and put new liners in the wastebaskets
Provide fresh bathroom towels
Replace shampoo, facial soap and bath soap
Replenish facial tissues, paper towels, and toilet paper
Replenish coffee, sugar, and cream
Replenish diswashing liquid, dishwasher detergent, sponges, and laundry detergent as applicable
For stays of eight or more nights, Full Cleaning Service is provided on day four and Trash and Towel Service is provided on day eight. After that, the cycle begins again on day 12. With Full Cleaning Service, Housekeeping will provide everything included with the Trash and Towel Service, plus
Change the bed linens
Vacuum and dust
Clean the bathroom(s)
Clean the kitchen/ette and wash the dishes
*Daily housekeeping services are available, of course. Current rates for these services are as follows:
Studio/Inn Room - $25.00 per day requested
One-Bedroom - $30.00 per day requested
Two-Bedroom - $40.00 per day requested
Grand Villa - $60.00 per day requested
Trash & Towel - $10.00 per day requested.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Travel To Japan- great info for you
Currency
The yen(¥) is the Japanese currency. There are 4 types of notes and 6 different coins in circulation. The bills are in 10.000yen; 5000yen; and 1000yen denominations; and the coins are 1yen; 5yen; 10yen; 50yen; 100yen and 500yen. You can convert foreign currency at any bank; hotel or tourist facility that displays an "Authorized Money Exchanger" sign.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards such as American Express; Visa; Mastercard and Diners Club are accepted at all major hotels; restaurants and tourist facilities. Japan is still a cash based society; so you need to be aware that quite a lot of small restaurants and shops don't take credit card; particularly outside of the big cities.
Traveler's Checks
Only major tourist facilities and department stores accept traveler's checks. It is advised that you exchange them for yen at banks hotels and other exchange facilities.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan; so do not feel obliged to.
Hotels and major restaurants will usually add a 10-15% service charge to your bill.
Clothes
A jacket or sweater would be enough in the spring or autumn. Summer is hot and humid so you will only need light clothes.
In winter; a coat would be enough but if you are traveling in the north it is advisable to bring warmer clothes with you. Casual wear is suitable for sightseeing and a lot of restaurants.
Shoes
Bring a pair of comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking. Do not expect to be able to buy shoes here if you have a large foot. Bring along shoes that you can take off easily because you will need to take them off when entering temple and shrine buildings and some restaurants.
Medicine
Make sure to pack any prescription medicines you need. Japan does have international standard medical services and facilities. Hotels can help you if you need urgent attention.
Electricity
The electrical current is 100 volts in Japan. Furthermore the current in Eastern Japan(Tokyo/Kanto area/Tohoku/Hokkaido) is on 50 Hertz and Western Japan(Nagoya/Osaka/Kyoto/Shikoku/Kyushu)uses 60 Hertz. Japanese electrical plugs are the flat two-pin type.
Toilets
There are two types of toilet. One is western style and the other one is Japanese squat style. Squat toilet is still common in public conveniences. Do not sit directly on Japanese style toilet bowl but squat down astride the bowl facing the hood. In the toilet cubical you should change your footwear to the slippers provided there. Most station public toilets do not have toilet paper and hand dryers. There is usually a vending machine at the entrance. It might be a good idea to bring along your own toilet paper and tissues. You will find packets of tissues handed out free as promotion useful for the toilets.
Smoking
The number of non-smoking cars has increased over recent years on long distance trains. Smoking is prohibited on all short distance and commuter trains. All train stations are non-smoking with the exception of train cabin with designated smoking areas. All subway stations are non-smoking. The number of restaurants with non-smoking sections is increasing but they are still rare. Do not be surprised if you see a Japanese person light up in a non-smoking area especially if they are standing in front of a "No Smoking" sign.
Mobile Phone Manner
All trains and buses have announcements that ask passengers to be considerate of others when using their phones on the train. Some train companies actually ban the use of mobile phones on their trains. It is basically a matter of common courtesy not too talk too loudly when using a mobile phone in public.
Taxis
You can find taxis all over Japan. It is only necessary to use one if you have large heavy suitcases to carry from the hotel to the station. In some remote areas taxis are the only reliable form of transport as buses do not run as regularly. The fares vary according to the taxi company. Empty taxis can be recognized by the red light in the front of their windshields on the passenger side. From 11pm to 5am a 20% surcharge is added. Most taxis only seat 4 people and only have room for 2 large suitcases in the boot. The left rear door is operated by the driver(None of the other doors are). Wait for the door to be opened for you to get in and out of the taxi. The driver will also close it for you. Do not forget to keep your fingers out of the door. Pay the exact fare when you have arrived at your destination and you do not need to tip.
The yen(¥) is the Japanese currency. There are 4 types of notes and 6 different coins in circulation. The bills are in 10.000yen; 5000yen; and 1000yen denominations; and the coins are 1yen; 5yen; 10yen; 50yen; 100yen and 500yen. You can convert foreign currency at any bank; hotel or tourist facility that displays an "Authorized Money Exchanger" sign.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards such as American Express; Visa; Mastercard and Diners Club are accepted at all major hotels; restaurants and tourist facilities. Japan is still a cash based society; so you need to be aware that quite a lot of small restaurants and shops don't take credit card; particularly outside of the big cities.
Traveler's Checks
Only major tourist facilities and department stores accept traveler's checks. It is advised that you exchange them for yen at banks hotels and other exchange facilities.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan; so do not feel obliged to.
Hotels and major restaurants will usually add a 10-15% service charge to your bill.
Clothes
A jacket or sweater would be enough in the spring or autumn. Summer is hot and humid so you will only need light clothes.
In winter; a coat would be enough but if you are traveling in the north it is advisable to bring warmer clothes with you. Casual wear is suitable for sightseeing and a lot of restaurants.
Shoes
Bring a pair of comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking. Do not expect to be able to buy shoes here if you have a large foot. Bring along shoes that you can take off easily because you will need to take them off when entering temple and shrine buildings and some restaurants.
Medicine
Make sure to pack any prescription medicines you need. Japan does have international standard medical services and facilities. Hotels can help you if you need urgent attention.
Electricity
The electrical current is 100 volts in Japan. Furthermore the current in Eastern Japan(Tokyo/Kanto area/Tohoku/Hokkaido) is on 50 Hertz and Western Japan(Nagoya/Osaka/Kyoto/Shikoku/Kyushu)uses 60 Hertz. Japanese electrical plugs are the flat two-pin type.
Toilets
There are two types of toilet. One is western style and the other one is Japanese squat style. Squat toilet is still common in public conveniences. Do not sit directly on Japanese style toilet bowl but squat down astride the bowl facing the hood. In the toilet cubical you should change your footwear to the slippers provided there. Most station public toilets do not have toilet paper and hand dryers. There is usually a vending machine at the entrance. It might be a good idea to bring along your own toilet paper and tissues. You will find packets of tissues handed out free as promotion useful for the toilets.
Smoking
The number of non-smoking cars has increased over recent years on long distance trains. Smoking is prohibited on all short distance and commuter trains. All train stations are non-smoking with the exception of train cabin with designated smoking areas. All subway stations are non-smoking. The number of restaurants with non-smoking sections is increasing but they are still rare. Do not be surprised if you see a Japanese person light up in a non-smoking area especially if they are standing in front of a "No Smoking" sign.
Mobile Phone Manner
All trains and buses have announcements that ask passengers to be considerate of others when using their phones on the train. Some train companies actually ban the use of mobile phones on their trains. It is basically a matter of common courtesy not too talk too loudly when using a mobile phone in public.
Taxis
You can find taxis all over Japan. It is only necessary to use one if you have large heavy suitcases to carry from the hotel to the station. In some remote areas taxis are the only reliable form of transport as buses do not run as regularly. The fares vary according to the taxi company. Empty taxis can be recognized by the red light in the front of their windshields on the passenger side. From 11pm to 5am a 20% surcharge is added. Most taxis only seat 4 people and only have room for 2 large suitcases in the boot. The left rear door is operated by the driver(None of the other doors are). Wait for the door to be opened for you to get in and out of the taxi. The driver will also close it for you. Do not forget to keep your fingers out of the door. Pay the exact fare when you have arrived at your destination and you do not need to tip.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Recycle Time in Japan
If you move in into your new home offbase then you better let them take all the cardboard boxes. Let them help you unpacking your stuff. It is a big mess in the floor but hey! it is a headache to recycle here in Japan. They collected twice a month on cardboard boxes and packing material. You better let them take it to minimize all the hassle. You will be overwhelm during your move.
Here in Japan everybody is doing recycle unless you eat out and pay too much money. But if you eat on base then it is not that much you spent. I will say, it is affordable.
If you live off base in a house, mansion or an apartment and your recycle is not sorting right. Your neighbor told you "recycle properly". But if you live in an apartment or a mansion then they have people or staff checker the trash in every bag.
We live in a mansion but back in the states we called this as an apartment. So we live in a mansion hehehehe. One day, I took out trash and it was PET 1 category of recycle and I use frosted plastic bag because I was out of clear plastic bag. The lady told me use clear plastic bag and I am glad she took my garbage. I saw that she check my trash inside the bag. Just to see to it that I did it right.
One time, it was green trash category. They collect this trash twice a month and if you missed once. You will live with all your trash the whole month. There was 3 bags of trash and it was not sorted the right way. The lady checker discovered it. The shameful thing is, it was own by an American. They could not get away with the Navy Exchange bag inside. They posted photos in every building and has a letter says; it is annoying and disgusting and what stuff inside in it. The bad thing is, there was wig, food trash, nail polish and some others. What a horrible thing. It was not my trash but then I felt shame because it was from my own fellow Americans.
Their trash is labeled burnable refuse (which includes foods, dirty diapers and some others), plastic packaging (which includes plastic bottle not PET 1, packaging and food trays (rinse it if there is food clinging on it), PET 1 categories,Non burnable refuse and Groups collections which is includes cardboard boxes ( properly bundled your cardboard or else they won't take it). There are so many things we learned in here which we don't do it in our normal life back in the states. If we don't follow their rules then you will be cited.
If you wanna live here in Japan. Prepare yourself of what is the law and rules here.
BACK TO HOMEPAGE
Here in Japan everybody is doing recycle unless you eat out and pay too much money. But if you eat on base then it is not that much you spent. I will say, it is affordable.
If you live off base in a house, mansion or an apartment and your recycle is not sorting right. Your neighbor told you "recycle properly". But if you live in an apartment or a mansion then they have people or staff checker the trash in every bag.
We live in a mansion but back in the states we called this as an apartment. So we live in a mansion hehehehe. One day, I took out trash and it was PET 1 category of recycle and I use frosted plastic bag because I was out of clear plastic bag. The lady told me use clear plastic bag and I am glad she took my garbage. I saw that she check my trash inside the bag. Just to see to it that I did it right.
One time, it was green trash category. They collect this trash twice a month and if you missed once. You will live with all your trash the whole month. There was 3 bags of trash and it was not sorted the right way. The lady checker discovered it. The shameful thing is, it was own by an American. They could not get away with the Navy Exchange bag inside. They posted photos in every building and has a letter says; it is annoying and disgusting and what stuff inside in it. The bad thing is, there was wig, food trash, nail polish and some others. What a horrible thing. It was not my trash but then I felt shame because it was from my own fellow Americans.
Their trash is labeled burnable refuse (which includes foods, dirty diapers and some others), plastic packaging (which includes plastic bottle not PET 1, packaging and food trays (rinse it if there is food clinging on it), PET 1 categories,Non burnable refuse and Groups collections which is includes cardboard boxes ( properly bundled your cardboard or else they won't take it). There are so many things we learned in here which we don't do it in our normal life back in the states. If we don't follow their rules then you will be cited.
If you wanna live here in Japan. Prepare yourself of what is the law and rules here.
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