An interesting app that i did not get a chance to use yet is Google Translate. This app allows you to speak and it will translate to text. There is also the option to draw out the Japanese characters if you don't know how to use the Japanese keyboard in your phone.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-translate/id414706506?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.translate&hl=en
While in Japan you may want to call home. Having a phone will ding you with expensive charges and renting a phone in Japan will so the same. so, what do you do? you get Skype. Using skype you can call home for a lot less than with normal phones. With an unlimited data plan mobile hotspot you can call from anywhere. one other thing you can do is video call someone and show them things on your trip as well. please be respectful when doing this.
iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skype-for-iphone/id304878510?mt=8
iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skype-for-ipad/id442012681?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skype.raider&hl=en
Before heading off to Japan, you should take a few things with you. if you get a data plan in Japan we would like for you to download Google MAPS.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps
with Google MAPS you can be directed to any location and a general cost of the train tickets.
Saturday March 22nd will be the day we go to Fuji-Q Highlands. Please have at least $60 converted to yen for round trip tickets. please have $15 for entry fee ready and if you want an all access pass please have $50 ready and converted to yen. Please be aware that most rides will be a 2-3 hour wait. people that purchase just the entry ticket can still ride all rides after purchasing a single use ticket at the ride. most attractions are $8, so have some money converted to yen for those.
We welcome Alex C. to the 2014 Japan trip. only staying for the first week, but we will get as much as we can in.
The first seat has been reserved on the flight. when booking try and get a seat near 39H
The first room has been booked, room 503. so if nothing changes this will be the first room. when booking try and get on the 5th floor of the annex.
the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture is opening their new winter exhibit.
http://ccjac.org/exhibitions/ex2013winter.html
We will be booking reservations to the hotel soon. If you are going with friends you can save some money on the hotel by staying in one of the larger group rooms.
a small change to the 2014 trip to Japan. The airlines has updated the takeoff from LAX from 12:10 to 12:15.
