Let's plan a VFDC trip to Japan for 2009?

Although I have a schedule trip to Japan, it will be in 2010 and not in 2009.

I am sorry to say that living in the Dominican Republic and earning a Dominican Salary does not give you a lot of saving options. Maybe US$100 or US$150 a month.

On top of that, air travels in my country are taxed so much that is not even funny.
I don't think that I could get a ticket to Japan for less than US$1700

Never the less, it's a great plan and I wish you the best of luck in the project. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbs_up.gif


Heta "poor guy" Akira

 

I have no problem taking the lead, but I would like the players in a specific region to plan locally as well.

The basic plan right now is START SAVING MONEY
and then see if we can be a part of a VF event in Japan (can someone help with this?)
once a date has been locked I will look for flights and hotels from Socal to Japan.

 

We were already talking about it just yesterday again at Plague's house. Basically LA Akira already plans a trip about twice a year (Summer/Winter), and I probably intend to go at least once a year winter from here on out for a solid 2-3 weeks. Adam was also talking about it being a good idea and looking into it, and I think Konjou/Flash also may have chimed in.

We'll see what happens for the whole VFDC thing. I'll definitely meet up with other VFDC people though, or change my arrangements around to suit the timing of other people who may want to go.

 

The biggest expense right off the bat when considering Japan travel is airfare. You really need to consider what time of year you want to go to Japan in your budget. Here's some general advice from my experience:

CHEAP TIMES FOR AIR TRAVEL: Late winter/spring, national holidays
EXPENSIVE TIMES FOR AIR TRAVEL: Summer (prime tourism time), early fall, days approaching the New Year (save Christmas)

Travelling on any sort of national holiday helps save a great deal of money. I've almost always travelled on December 25 for my wintertime trips, and it's anywhere from $200-$500 cheaper than the days surrounding it.

Also, check with a Japan-oriented travel agency, as they can dig up some really nice deals, especially for groups. Niko Niko Travel here in SF has saved me loads of dough in the past, but there are sure to be others in your area.

Keep in mind Japan's national holidays, as well - if you're looking to do things besides play VF, going during times like Golden Week or the New Year is probably a bad idea, since a lot of places will either be closed or crowded as hell.

 

I dig that idea Brisal about meeting in SoCal first then all just heading out. I know it's tough to get more time off and is a lot more money but I was hoping to stay longer. But I guess I could just go with everyone, then just stay extra days if I plan to do that so doesn't really change stuff for me the more I think about it.

F it, count me in. This trip would own without question.

Great advice too Zero-Chan.

 

I so want to go. Time to start saving. I am in Richmond, TX and I doubt there are any people around here who would go so I guess I would be alone in airfare as far as discounts go but I could go in with you all for the hotel discounts in Japan most likely.

 

id love to go if anyone can contribute to my plane ticket
/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif

 

I was in Japan when they first started to Beta Test VF 4 at the big sega arcade in Shinjuku. There was a three hour line to play three rounds of the game. I started to take pictures, and I almost got thrown out. One of the better memories.

The gaming scene is vibrant. There is an arcade almost every corner, and the bigger arades are at least three floors. As for the competition, you just have to get whipped several times just to find out the disrepency in skill level.

Overall Japan has a very good vibe, especially if you are into nightlife, electonics, gaming, etc.

I wouldn't mind going there again. You could count me in. But need to brush up on my Japanese.

 

Amazing!

Talking about the period, I've bene there in august and it's really hot and damp. July and maybe june are the monsoon season as far as I remember. I reckon late spring would be a good moment. The ideal thing would be sometime warm, but not too much, so you can go with minimal clothes and have loads of luggage space to fill up with your purchases.

 

I'm down for this. Just gata figure out how much funds I'll need for it.

 

Someone give me a date or time of year.

I'd like to book a flight as early as possible so the sooner I know when we are planning to go and where we are planning on meeting up the better.Plus I'd like to put in for a holiday from work as soon as possible so I am assured I will get it off.

I don't know my way about anywhere or any places to stay so ideally I'd like to meet up with some others upon arrival to sort out accommodation and the like.


If anyone else from the UK is going to go say something, if more people are heading out from Heathrow or whatever then I'd prefer to head out with them rather than lone wolfing it across the globe.

And again, I would like to meet up with other UK punters beforehand if possible. That way it isn't as awkward when the time actually rolls around.


If anyone knows how much money would be required to live and game over there for however long we are planning this then say so.

Sorry about all the questions but I would really like to go through with this and need to have all my bases covered before I go.

 

I thought people were talking about this for next year? I think you have a bit of time Seidon (I'm going this year too, but didn't know of any huge meet up).

 

I would love to go to Japan...its something I have been toying with and now with my 3rd job, its going to become feasible...though I would have to do it during the summer. I'd love to check out some of the martial arts camps there like Grabaka, Crazy Bee, and of course the Kodokan /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

 

Brisal,

I think this is a great idea and I am definitely tinkering with making a possible Japan trip next year. I would have liked to do it this year, but next year seems more feasible. I'll keep everyone posted as the year moves along.

 

This plan is really interesting.

I would say...how about you guys move to Japan? Then you can play VF at the arcade forever.

Japan>USA /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

 

Next year is better I'm already slaving away for my trip to Hawaii and the Philippines in June. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif

 

I didn't just do good on a low budget...

I did GREAT

 

i would love to plan a trip to japan!

 

Dude, you got the hookup with the ladies as it is, over there. LET'S GO!

 

Hellz Yeah!