Normally, the first thing in the morning Bati, our Toy Manchester
Terrier, is pounding away on the piano keys. It's his way of asking
for food, a special treat. or sometimes to go outside. It's late
afternoon and he's not really in to the piano now. Earlier, when some
friends were over, whom he'd never seen before, he played a very long
piano composition - more than two minutes long. Sorry I did not get it
on video.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Domestic Travel in Japan: University Schedules Part 2
I said I was going to give it a rest - but I was too curious not to check out Yahoo Travel, Orbitz, ANA and UAL sites.
By putzing aroun, it will really be just wasting time until we know your exact date and the parameters - such as when are you expected to be in Matsuyama, where will you be met exactly, when (date/time) you can you actually depart the US and from where, and whether you will be planning to go home for Xmas/NewYears or will stay until the next big break.
Academic Calendars and Holidays
Typically most Japanese universities do not have classes in March and most (except perhaps only medical school) do not have anyclasses for most of January and February either. My classes for next semester are from Sept 11 - Dec 18. Often I don't arrive back in Japan until the day or two before classes begin and I typically head off for Hawaii on Dec 19/20/21.
Ticket prices start skyrocketing just around these dates (preXmas rush) and then quickly increase until and through NewYears. The New Year's holidays are officially Dec 31-Jan 1,2, and 3 but often companies (and certainly schools) are closed or employees are given longer holidays since many people travel during this time -- especially to return to their native hometowns to visit family (and friends). New Years is a special time in Japan and one that you should NOT miss, but after over 25 years, the experience is not quite the same as it once was. Moreover, since our children (and my wife's sisters' children are grown now, we don't find it as cozy and inviting to all crowd into a small house to eat homemade sweets and tiny ceremonial cups of rice wine.
In fact, these New Year's holidays unofficially continuedto as late as January 9 (the 8th is another National Holiday (Coming-Of-Age-Day) no school that day). It seems that getting - what's called an 'open jaw' --arrive Tokyo (NRT) and depart Osaka (Kansai Intl Airport (KIX) tends to be more expensive than asimple round-trip to NRT, KIX or NGO (Nagoya) might be your best fare --- because the trade-off will be the savings in time and domestic transport cost may make it worth it.
I found the sample tickets below on United.com but there are somewhat cheaper variations on different airlines (or combinations of airlines) on Orbitz. That is one of Orbitz specialities that no other online travels ervice has - -offering multiple carrier fares. American Airlines had the cheapest tickets for open jaw (just over $900), but if you really want to earn mileage on Star Alliance (and it can really be worth it since the transpacific flights will add up miles pretty quickly), then stick with a Star Alliance carrier (or combination).
For example, there was a choice for a Singapore Airlines flight from LAX to NRT Aug25, returning in Dec from KIX to LAX on Dec 20 at about $1344. If you try to add in the domestic flights booked online, the price zooms up. For example -- booking directly with ANA the price for such an itinerary soars to $1800 - $3000. To get to both Tokyo and depart from KIX cheaply, youcan buy online the international portion online at Orbitz or United (or Yahoo or Expedia) and then pay for the trains about $240 (one way) from Tokyo to Matsuyama -- provided I am going to be there to help you do that.
If you're on your own, then you'd probably be better off to make all intl/domestic connections safe, secure, and easy for you to manage. Japan is NOT like Europe (Czech) where there are people who will easily assist you when you speak to them on the street; while there are some Special Service desks / Tourist bureaus where people speak English, these are few and far between and tend to have strict hours (10am-5pm) - not very helpful when your flight arrives at the airport 60km away.
Extra Duties for foreign teacheres at Japanese Universities: Entrance Exams
So I suggest these options but you need to decide IFand WHEN you are stopping in Tokyo or not. If not on the way, then you might do so when going back. I have not yet made my December plans -- partly because I on FIVE English entrance exams committees (something that I suspect you might be asked to help out at EMU too.) 'Help out' means correcting/edit somebody else's testof English so that it has no proofreading, grammatical/syntax errors but also equally important -so that there are no ambiguous questions with multiple answers, or no correct answers.
The October-January season is the busiest time towork on entrance exams (creating / editing (bycommittee), proofing and then the actual exams are admininstered mainly Jan/Feb/March. It is unimaginable to us educated in North America, but students can take a major university entrance examin early or mid March and STILL be accepted forentrance to that school on April 1st - less than a month later. Unreal! The competition BETWEEN colleges to get students is as cut-throat and high-energy as the competition among the students themselves just to pass these exams. So many univ/colleges have two or even three rounds of their own specific locally produced exams to try to scrap together enough eligilbe students to offer them a 'place'. It is really -- really an antiquated system and I cannot begin to tell you how it affects the entire educational process right down to how parents treat their new born infants -much less its (mostly deleterious) affects on secondary and primary education.
OFF topic.... [ Don't mind my ranting. I'm justprocrastinating... I have too many things to do andjust don't want to do them - my body clock tells me it is mid-summer -- time to play and think abouttravelling, seeing Japan, etc, -- not for work.]
Back on the topic of getting travel arranged for Japan...
United had these fares listed below:
Again, I had no idea exactly what dates to choose so I arbitrarily choose Aug 25 - Dec 20 with the presumptions that:
a) you would stop by Tokyo and visit us for a few days in late Aug and
b) you'd be going back home (I don't knowif LAX or SFO or wherever you'll actually be leaving from) in December.
Obviously, if you get a direct roundtrip LAX-NRT or SFO-KIX flight, the fare will be much cheaper, but you'll have to do without seeing Tokyo or make your own way back here-- paying domestic costs (train or air fares) between Tokyo (and KIX) and Matsuyama at another time.
Consider Other Places to Visit (upon arrival or later on)
If you have time, the ferry from Hiroshima to Matsuyama is pretty cheap (takes 3 hours) but doing it alone your first time in Japan may be a big challenge.
Taking the train from Okayama direct to Matsuyama is a less traumatic undertaking by far. Okayama has a wonderful traditional restored town near by called Kurashiki, which is worth a visit.
Kobe just south ofOsaka/Kyoto has Himeji Castle -- one of the mostoutstanding castle in Japan and a UN World Heritagesite, but Matsuyama has its own castle too.
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial that I mentioned earlier is a sobering experience but the city itself is interesting and quite different from Tokyo (it still uses streetcars - whereas Tokyo's have all but disappeared, for example.
Near Hiroshima is Miyajima - an island withone of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan,reported by many Japanese to be one of the mostbeautiful building/locations in the country.
All great and sites you should see but you can't do everything in a few days.. if you do come to Tokyo, plan to stay 2-3 days so we can see the city and we'll have time to go to Nikko - it gets my vote as the most outstanding cultural and nature sightseeing location in the country. It's a three hour train ride or two hours by car - I highly recommend it. So even if I am not in Tokyo when you visit it, you should-- by all means -- take a day (or overnight) tour to Nikko - it is outstanding in all seasons - though it is most well-known for its autumn foilage - it is equally beautiful in all seasons. Cross-country skiiing in winter; hiking by cool mountain streams in summer, full of new grasses and wildflowers in spring.
On the other hand, Mt. Fuji is just NOT worth the trip.. it's beauty is most easily viewed and at its most inspiring (if you ask me) from a distance. The summer is just not the best time to see Mt Fuji either - although the summer is the ONLY time you can actually climb it. I have only climbed up partly up -- about about 1 km from the starting point -and have no intention of every going all the way up -it is mainly just a symbolic gesture to climb it since it is more like hiking than mountain climbing. What'smore, there is more danger in getting hit by a falling Japanese tourist (and subsequently killed with insurance bureaucracy and medical bills) than any other natural danger on Mt. Fuji. I am notjust joking about this point.
Back to fares..By the way, most universities have classes to approximately Dec 20 (some earlier -- some later),then there is about 2 weeks off for New Year's -- Christmas is NOT an official holiday at all in Japan, but it happens to be the Monday (?) after most schools have started winter break. Actually Dec 23 is a national holiday since it is the current emperor'sbirthday.
------------------------------------------------
SAMPLE OPEN JAW fares
==========================
United.com Quoted fare (NRT - in, KIX - out) Aug 25- Dec 20
$1148.11 USD per person
Leg Flight info Date Depart Arrive Stops
1 United Airlines 979 Aug 25 9:59 am SFO 11:28 am LAX Non-stop
United Airlines 899 Aug 25 12:33 pm LAX 3:55 pm (Nextday) NRT Non-stop
2 United Airlines 886 Dec 20 4:55 pm KIX 9:20 am SFO Non-stop
$1266.11 USD per person
Leg Flight info Date Depart Arrive Stops
1 United Airlines 9689(Operated by All Nippon Airways) Aug 25 12:00pm SFO 3:00 pm (Next day) NRT Non-stop
2 United Airlines 886 Dec 20 4:55 pm KIX 9:20 am SFO Non-stop =====================================
Hey, darn it, I have done it again --- rambled on and on page after page. After all my travel advice via e-mail, you won't have much left to learn on your own [grin]... so I'd best shut up now and hope to hear from you soon.
By putzing aroun, it will really be just wasting time until we know your exact date and the parameters - such as when are you expected to be in Matsuyama, where will you be met exactly, when (date/time) you can you actually depart the US and from where, and whether you will be planning to go home for Xmas/NewYears or will stay until the next big break.
Academic Calendars and Holidays
Typically most Japanese universities do not have classes in March and most (except perhaps only medical school) do not have anyclasses for most of January and February either. My classes for next semester are from Sept 11 - Dec 18. Often I don't arrive back in Japan until the day or two before classes begin and I typically head off for Hawaii on Dec 19/20/21.
Ticket prices start skyrocketing just around these dates (preXmas rush) and then quickly increase until and through NewYears. The New Year's holidays are officially Dec 31-Jan 1,2, and 3 but often companies (and certainly schools) are closed or employees are given longer holidays since many people travel during this time -- especially to return to their native hometowns to visit family (and friends). New Years is a special time in Japan and one that you should NOT miss, but after over 25 years, the experience is not quite the same as it once was. Moreover, since our children (and my wife's sisters' children are grown now, we don't find it as cozy and inviting to all crowd into a small house to eat homemade sweets and tiny ceremonial cups of rice wine.
In fact, these New Year's holidays unofficially continuedto as late as January 9 (the 8th is another National Holiday (Coming-Of-Age-Day) no school that day). It seems that getting - what's called an 'open jaw' --arrive Tokyo (NRT) and depart Osaka (Kansai Intl Airport (KIX) tends to be more expensive than asimple round-trip to NRT, KIX or NGO (Nagoya) might be your best fare --- because the trade-off will be the savings in time and domestic transport cost may make it worth it.
I found the sample tickets below on United.com but there are somewhat cheaper variations on different airlines (or combinations of airlines) on Orbitz. That is one of Orbitz specialities that no other online travels ervice has - -offering multiple carrier fares. American Airlines had the cheapest tickets for open jaw (just over $900), but if you really want to earn mileage on Star Alliance (and it can really be worth it since the transpacific flights will add up miles pretty quickly), then stick with a Star Alliance carrier (or combination).
For example, there was a choice for a Singapore Airlines flight from LAX to NRT Aug25, returning in Dec from KIX to LAX on Dec 20 at about $1344. If you try to add in the domestic flights booked online, the price zooms up. For example -- booking directly with ANA the price for such an itinerary soars to $1800 - $3000. To get to both Tokyo and depart from KIX cheaply, youcan buy online the international portion online at Orbitz or United (or Yahoo or Expedia) and then pay for the trains about $240 (one way) from Tokyo to Matsuyama -- provided I am going to be there to help you do that.
If you're on your own, then you'd probably be better off to make all intl/domestic connections safe, secure, and easy for you to manage. Japan is NOT like Europe (Czech) where there are people who will easily assist you when you speak to them on the street; while there are some Special Service desks / Tourist bureaus where people speak English, these are few and far between and tend to have strict hours (10am-5pm) - not very helpful when your flight arrives at the airport 60km away.
Extra Duties for foreign teacheres at Japanese Universities: Entrance Exams
So I suggest these options but you need to decide IFand WHEN you are stopping in Tokyo or not. If not on the way, then you might do so when going back. I have not yet made my December plans -- partly because I on FIVE English entrance exams committees (something that I suspect you might be asked to help out at EMU too.) 'Help out' means correcting/edit somebody else's testof English so that it has no proofreading, grammatical/syntax errors but also equally important -so that there are no ambiguous questions with multiple answers, or no correct answers.
The October-January season is the busiest time towork on entrance exams (creating / editing (bycommittee), proofing and then the actual exams are admininstered mainly Jan/Feb/March. It is unimaginable to us educated in North America, but students can take a major university entrance examin early or mid March and STILL be accepted forentrance to that school on April 1st - less than a month later. Unreal! The competition BETWEEN colleges to get students is as cut-throat and high-energy as the competition among the students themselves just to pass these exams. So many univ/colleges have two or even three rounds of their own specific locally produced exams to try to scrap together enough eligilbe students to offer them a 'place'. It is really -- really an antiquated system and I cannot begin to tell you how it affects the entire educational process right down to how parents treat their new born infants -much less its (mostly deleterious) affects on secondary and primary education.
OFF topic.... [ Don't mind my ranting. I'm justprocrastinating... I have too many things to do andjust don't want to do them - my body clock tells me it is mid-summer -- time to play and think abouttravelling, seeing Japan, etc, -- not for work.]
Back on the topic of getting travel arranged for Japan...
United had these fares listed below:
Again, I had no idea exactly what dates to choose so I arbitrarily choose Aug 25 - Dec 20 with the presumptions that:
a) you would stop by Tokyo and visit us for a few days in late Aug and
b) you'd be going back home (I don't knowif LAX or SFO or wherever you'll actually be leaving from) in December.
Obviously, if you get a direct roundtrip LAX-NRT or SFO-KIX flight, the fare will be much cheaper, but you'll have to do without seeing Tokyo or make your own way back here-- paying domestic costs (train or air fares) between Tokyo (and KIX) and Matsuyama at another time.
Consider Other Places to Visit (upon arrival or later on)
If you have time, the ferry from Hiroshima to Matsuyama is pretty cheap (takes 3 hours) but doing it alone your first time in Japan may be a big challenge.
Taking the train from Okayama direct to Matsuyama is a less traumatic undertaking by far. Okayama has a wonderful traditional restored town near by called Kurashiki, which is worth a visit.
Kobe just south ofOsaka/Kyoto has Himeji Castle -- one of the mostoutstanding castle in Japan and a UN World Heritagesite, but Matsuyama has its own castle too.
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial that I mentioned earlier is a sobering experience but the city itself is interesting and quite different from Tokyo (it still uses streetcars - whereas Tokyo's have all but disappeared, for example.
Near Hiroshima is Miyajima - an island withone of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan,reported by many Japanese to be one of the mostbeautiful building/locations in the country.
All great and sites you should see but you can't do everything in a few days.. if you do come to Tokyo, plan to stay 2-3 days so we can see the city and we'll have time to go to Nikko - it gets my vote as the most outstanding cultural and nature sightseeing location in the country. It's a three hour train ride or two hours by car - I highly recommend it. So even if I am not in Tokyo when you visit it, you should-- by all means -- take a day (or overnight) tour to Nikko - it is outstanding in all seasons - though it is most well-known for its autumn foilage - it is equally beautiful in all seasons. Cross-country skiiing in winter; hiking by cool mountain streams in summer, full of new grasses and wildflowers in spring.
On the other hand, Mt. Fuji is just NOT worth the trip.. it's beauty is most easily viewed and at its most inspiring (if you ask me) from a distance. The summer is just not the best time to see Mt Fuji either - although the summer is the ONLY time you can actually climb it. I have only climbed up partly up -- about about 1 km from the starting point -and have no intention of every going all the way up -it is mainly just a symbolic gesture to climb it since it is more like hiking than mountain climbing. What'smore, there is more danger in getting hit by a falling Japanese tourist (and subsequently killed with insurance bureaucracy and medical bills) than any other natural danger on Mt. Fuji. I am notjust joking about this point.
Back to fares..By the way, most universities have classes to approximately Dec 20 (some earlier -- some later),then there is about 2 weeks off for New Year's -- Christmas is NOT an official holiday at all in Japan, but it happens to be the Monday (?) after most schools have started winter break. Actually Dec 23 is a national holiday since it is the current emperor'sbirthday.
------------------------------------------------
SAMPLE OPEN JAW fares
==========================
United.com Quoted fare (NRT - in, KIX - out) Aug 25- Dec 20
$1148.11 USD per person
Leg Flight info Date Depart Arrive Stops
1 United Airlines 979 Aug 25 9:59 am SFO 11:28 am LAX Non-stop
United Airlines 899 Aug 25 12:33 pm LAX 3:55 pm (Nextday) NRT Non-stop
2 United Airlines 886 Dec 20 4:55 pm KIX 9:20 am SFO Non-stop
$1266.11 USD per person
Leg Flight info Date Depart Arrive Stops
1 United Airlines 9689(Operated by All Nippon Airways) Aug 25 12:00pm SFO 3:00 pm (Next day) NRT Non-stop
2 United Airlines 886 Dec 20 4:55 pm KIX 9:20 am SFO Non-stop =====================================
Hey, darn it, I have done it again --- rambled on and on page after page. After all my travel advice via e-mail, you won't have much left to learn on your own [grin]... so I'd best shut up now and hope to hear from you soon.
Domestic Travel in Japan - Part 1
Getting from Tokyo (or Kansai Intl Airport) to Matsuyama
I got some more detailed travel info on domestic travel in Japan.
However,until you decide on actual intended arrival dates,which airports (departing US and arriving Japan), howyou want to get to your destination in Matsuyama, andhow much time you will or won't have to spend intransit, the fares and schedules here are stillinexact at best.
If you are not going to be arriving in Tokyo when I'm here (Aug 26-29), then you may or may not be wantingto stopover in Tokyo on your way to Matsuyama. In thatcase, KIX might be a better arrival airport since itsaves your time and money to end up closer toMatsuyama. However, it is not impossible to see theBig Turnip (Tokyo) on your own, of course. With a good map in English (and with Japanese too sothat you can match up places names), buying a subwaycard or JR day pass/tourist card, you can get aroundthe city on your own. Believe me that will be easilyto do in Tokyo than most any other cities in Japan --except -- of course -- for the small towns where thereis only one major train station and one majorattraction (like Matsuyama for instance).
Paul (the friend in Kochi) wrote back. He's alwaysvery terse so I did not get much info, but he saysusually flies ANA or JAL from Tokyo to Kochi. His reason is that ANA offers advanced purchase faresso that you can get a one-way ticket from Tokyo forabout 10,000 - 18,000 yen (about half of the typicalfare). They are probably purchase and daterestrictions so you'd need to work on that prettysoon. JAL does too but since ANA is Star Alliance(both he and I use them). In fact, you may be able to get a flight to NRT fromyour US departure city that stops over (in Tokyo) andthen continues forward to Matsuyama directly (oranother city, such as Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka (KIX)).
ANA (All Nippon Airlines) US site
http://www.anaskyweb.com/us/e/index.html
Link on above page to their summer travel deals(although the dates seem to be for flights from Sept 1and there is a 90 day limit). However, if you are thinking of flying back home for Xmas/New Years then a90 day ticket may work out for you.
http://rs1.aspwb.com/ana/global/us/ssf/en/detail.php?id=3489
Re-Entry Permit
Remember that once you are admitted to Japan as on awork visa (6 months or year), then you must also getan Alien Registration card (easy enough to do at thelocal city office) and you must also get a re-entrypermit (stamped permission in your passport to be ableto leave and re-enter the country using your currentvisa status). This can be a pain to get especially outin the hinterlands where there is no Japaneseimmigration office close by.
So...if at all possible, applyfor a re-entry permit at the same time you get yourvisa (especially if you know you are going to leaveJapan at Xmas-NewYears). You might call ANA US and inquire about other flightoptions. ANA Customer Service Contact Center at 1-800-235-9262 TRAIN I also checked into the train schedule on the localMSN network:
The link below (if it works) will show you three options for travel for one-way travel from Tokyo toMatsuyama. (in Japanese only)
Well, I'll close for now and also put my search torest until you know something more definite about yourdates and preferences. Also, Ehime Medical should be forthcoming about travel logistics (and hopefully support) too.
I got some more detailed travel info on domestic travel in Japan.
However,until you decide on actual intended arrival dates,which airports (departing US and arriving Japan), howyou want to get to your destination in Matsuyama, andhow much time you will or won't have to spend intransit, the fares and schedules here are stillinexact at best.
If you are not going to be arriving in Tokyo when I'm here (Aug 26-29), then you may or may not be wantingto stopover in Tokyo on your way to Matsuyama. In thatcase, KIX might be a better arrival airport since itsaves your time and money to end up closer toMatsuyama. However, it is not impossible to see theBig Turnip (Tokyo) on your own, of course. With a good map in English (and with Japanese too sothat you can match up places names), buying a subwaycard or JR day pass/tourist card, you can get aroundthe city on your own. Believe me that will be easilyto do in Tokyo than most any other cities in Japan --except -- of course -- for the small towns where thereis only one major train station and one majorattraction (like Matsuyama for instance).
Paul (the friend in Kochi) wrote back. He's alwaysvery terse so I did not get much info, but he saysusually flies ANA or JAL from Tokyo to Kochi. His reason is that ANA offers advanced purchase faresso that you can get a one-way ticket from Tokyo forabout 10,000 - 18,000 yen (about half of the typicalfare). They are probably purchase and daterestrictions so you'd need to work on that prettysoon. JAL does too but since ANA is Star Alliance(both he and I use them). In fact, you may be able to get a flight to NRT fromyour US departure city that stops over (in Tokyo) andthen continues forward to Matsuyama directly (oranother city, such as Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka (KIX)).
ANA (All Nippon Airlines) US site
http://www.anaskyweb.com/us/e/index.html
Link on above page to their summer travel deals(although the dates seem to be for flights from Sept 1and there is a 90 day limit). However, if you are thinking of flying back home for Xmas/New Years then a90 day ticket may work out for you.
http://rs1.aspwb.com/ana/global/us/ssf/en/detail.php?id=3489
Re-Entry Permit
Remember that once you are admitted to Japan as on awork visa (6 months or year), then you must also getan Alien Registration card (easy enough to do at thelocal city office) and you must also get a re-entrypermit (stamped permission in your passport to be ableto leave and re-enter the country using your currentvisa status). This can be a pain to get especially outin the hinterlands where there is no Japaneseimmigration office close by.
So...if at all possible, applyfor a re-entry permit at the same time you get yourvisa (especially if you know you are going to leaveJapan at Xmas-NewYears). You might call ANA US and inquire about other flightoptions. ANA Customer Service Contact Center at 1-800-235-9262 TRAIN I also checked into the train schedule on the localMSN network:
The link below (if it works) will show you three options for travel for one-way travel from Tokyo toMatsuyama. (in Japanese only)
- The first two were by airplane from Haneda Airportdirectly to Matsuyama (cost about 30,000 yen(undiscounted).
- The third option costs was about20,000 yen and was by Shinkansen (high-speed bullettrain) from Tokyo to Okayama Station (about half waybetween Osaka and Hiroshima), changing there for anexpress train (3 hours) to Matsuyma and then you mayneed to transfer to a local line and go a stop or two (depending on where you are actually meeting the reps from Ehime Medical U.).
http://transit.msn.co.jp/
Well, I'll close for now and also put my search torest until you know something more definite about yourdates and preferences. Also, Ehime Medical should be forthcoming about travel logistics (and hopefully support) too.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Moving to Japan: Getting to Matsuyama
Tyler, I am glad that your dream is coming true, although I have to be pragmatic and honest to say that things are not always what they seem -- at least not until you've fully had time to appreciate them. I know you'll have some disappointments but you'll also have some amazing experiences too.
I hope we'll be able to meet up some day while you are living in Japan. I'll be away from Tokyo from July 31 - Aug 26 and then I'll come back to Tokyo for a 5 days before heading off again Aug 30-Sept 9. But if your flight allows you to stop in Tokyo the last week of August, it would be great to see you, show you something of Tokyo, and put you on the train/flight to Matsuyama.
I really don't know much about Ehime Prefecture or the island of Shikoku where it is located. A friend of mine, Paul, lives and works in Kochi -- not too far from Matsuyama, so I'll ask him about what details he can supply. In the meantime, I'll tell you what I know and what advice I have.
First of all, are you sure that Ehime University is not going to be at all helpful or even forthcoming with any logistical and also financial assistance for the transportation arrangements -- either the transpacific flights (probably not) or at least the domestic connections? You could / should at least ask. While their buying your CA-NRT ticket would probably not be included, I don't know why you can't ask them -- innocently about airfare reservations or train tickets from Tokyo International Airport (Narita, Chiba) NRT to Matsuyama or from KIX (Osaka Intl Airport) to the university. Perhaps they will be reimburse you later but I would imagine that a university that recruits new faculty from abroad has dealt with such requests before. While you may have been reluctant to appear to be pushy before, it wouldn't hurt to at least make an inquiry.
That being said (or already either worked out or refused), I'll give you some options.
I think it would be good to figure in your travel planning - if you'll have time, money and the adventure spirit to get out around much in Japan (or even elsewhere in Asia) before, during and after your semester of work/teaching at Ehime Univ. For example, if you are hoping to see Tokyo (including Kamakura, Nikko, and other places here in central east Honshu,or plan to visit Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (not too far from Matsuyama) or even points further south (Hiroshima, Kyushu (including Nagasaki, etc) then you might plan accordingly since it may be both cheaper and more convenient to make travel arrangements before you get here. I cannot speak for certainly about Matsuyama but if it is anything like a lot of non-metro areas I know - there are not a whole lot of people who speak English all that well - in the service industry. It's is NOT a huge problem but it does take time to get things done when people can't understand you easily (or at all) or you cannot make yourself understood well enough to get things done without a lot of assistance and depending on other English speaking Japanese (or others) to help out.
If you planning to stay for a year or two and also plan to return to the US or another place during first 6 months in Japan, I recommend getting a round trip ticket from the US to NRT and back. US carriers are generally quite a bit cheaper -- especially at peak travel times when the travel originates in the US. Tickets purchased inside Japan will likely suffer from the typical cost-raising tactics - such as doubling fares for departing for anywhere (domestic or abroad) during peak holiday periods and also actually charging people with foreign passports more for the same class seats -- There was a recent disclosure by one of the largest travel agencies catering to foreign residents that they had to 'cover' losses if the person did not use the remaining portion of a discounted airfare ticket by deciding not to return to Japan.
You could also look into your original US-Japan ticket that would go on to another Asia destination - such a Korea, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, etc. If you already know your holiday schedule (Xmas-NewYear's) then you may want to travel in Japan -- or you may even want to get away from Japan for a change -- at least that's a typical pattern for those of us who reside here permanently).
Therefore, you might consider buying a ticket that continues on to another Asian country or continues on to a different destination in Japan. Thus you might be able travel during your next long holidays for not much more than a few dollars more (to buy a ticket later just to return to the States or to go to another country could be quite expensive in peak seasons (Xmas/New Years have some of the highest airfares, followed by Golden Week (April 29-May 5 - just before and after included), and summer peak travel season (July 25-Aug 20). Of course, if you have the time and money, you could also visit another country before your arrival in Japan and when coming back to Tokyo (NRT) or Osaka (KIX) on your way home - travelling to Korea, China or Thailand, etc.
I choose my flights/airlines based on earning airline mileage - not totally on pricing or favorite destinations - although Star Alliance carriers have some of the most competitive fares - you'll probably find a slightly cheaper one on American, Northwest or Korean Airlines. It's not worth losing the mileage for me -but you may not be so invested the mileage rat-race.
Since we first met sitting togehter on a United flight, you may also be collecting United Miles (Star Alliance) so I recommend doing so unless that does not matter to you. There are multiple Star Alliance carrier that fly into (and beyond) Narita from the US: United, US Airways, Singapore, Thai, ANA, etc.
While it won't hurt to get a quote from a travel agent, nowadays, the airlines themselves generally offer the cheapest fares for their own flights. Be sure to get a ticket that could account for such problems as date/flight changes or even refunds/cancellations (although the latter are less likely to be necessary and tend to raise the price). Look at tickets on Orbitz, Yahoo Travel and directly at each airline.
You have two choice of airports (actually 3): NRT (Tokyo), KIX (Kansai Intl near Osaka) and Nagoya (has a few intl carriers - closer to Matsuyama than Tokyo but only by an hour or so).
ADDED: [Kobe, Okayama or Hiroshima may actually be physically closer to Matsuyama, but I'm not sure of train/bus or domestic flight connections.]
I am hoping you'll be able to stop by Tokyo - while I am actually here, but they may or may not work out so I've tried to describe a NRT-Matsuyama itinerary, as well as one that has you flying directly to Kansai Intl Airport (KIX) instead.
Once you decide on an arrival airport (based also on whether you have time to sightsee in Tokyo or Osaka (Kyoto-Nara) before you go to Matsuyama, you will then need to take a plane or train to Matsuyama (there are actually several routes including a ferry from either Kobe or Hiroshima - although mixing up trains, bus, ferries and taxi upon your arrival may be a bit overwhelming.
There may also be boats or ferries from the Osaka area (KIX) since Matsuyama is located on the northwestern shore of Shikoku Island (facing the Inland Sea - Seto-nai-kai). Inf act, there is a ferry to Awaji Island (from KIX ) to see High Speed Ferry (on the left hand menu on the KIX site:
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/index.htm
From KIX, there is a high speed ferry (48 min) to Sumoto, from there you have to catch a train or bus across Awaji Island (Awajima) to Shikuko (Island) and transverse it to reach Matsuyama.
http://www.atc.ne.jp/pearlline/dia.htm
Evidently, there is also a ferry from Hiroshima to the harbor just 20 minutes outside of Matsuyama is another possible way to arrrive at the city. It seems there is also a ferry from Kobe to Matsuyama. Again, this info is only in Japanese but, as best as I can tell, there is a 3-hour trip passenger ferry available several times a day. So if you wanted to first visit Hiroshima (site of the first atomic bomb attack in 1945 (Peace Memorial Park) then you might consider going to Hiroshima. There are bullet trains from both Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe.
http://www.yajyu.com/kankou/koutuu2.htm
If you are definitely NOT going to stop over in Tokyo to visit us, then your most direct route is to fly to KIX and then take a bus ( express) or a train from a major station not far from KIX.
There is express bus service from Kyoto Station or JR Osaka Station (and or OCAT2 = I think this is Osaka City Air Terminal (so this might be the best connection from KIX ). The timetable is only in Japanese but I included it here just in case (and for me to locate later if you ask).
Express Bus from Kyoto-Osaka area station to Matsuyama:
http://www.kakuyasubus.jp/kansai_shikoku/matsuyama_express/index.html
There are overnight express busses from Tokyo to Matsuyama too, but unless you stay over in Tokyo for a day or two after arrival, you'd probably not want to take such a bus and arrive completely exhausted. You'll arrive one day later and typically in the mid to late afternoon of the next day after you leave the US. So you'll need to account for your tiredness and the amount luggage you have.
By the way, you can have luggage forwarded to your domestica destination when you arrive at either NRT or KIX. It is fairly inexpensive - just $12 or $15 per bag and they will deliver it the next day or later (typically you can choose the day and approx delivery time). Since you might be coming with a year's supply of stuff - You won't need most it unless you have some very specific fashion or dietary needs but it could save you time and energy NOT to have to drag several heavy suitcases across the country if you are stopping over along the way. I frequently use these services - -they are several competing companies that are lined up as you exit customs / immigration after you have collected your suitcases in the airport arrival terminal.
Of course, be sure to find out your complete address or that of a person who can receive your luggage including a phone number (contact). Have them also write out for you in Japanese so that you can show it to various people/transportation staff, etc as you make your way to Matsuama and your new accommodations.
Domestic airline are mainly just two: ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines) both of which have both domestic and international routes and they both have affiliated regional carriers but I think you'd best try them first, if you'd prefer to fly.
There are a few separate discount air carriers, but so few in fact, that they only really serve top tourist destinations (Okinawa, Hokkaido) and not Ehime Prefecture. I have to tell you that probably most people who fly in to go to Ehime are probably going to prefer to use KIX (Osaka International Airport) -- I have not used it myself but there are flights -- although less often and few airlines to serve it - -than Tokyo's Narita (NRT) aiport. NRT is about 60 km from downtown Tokyo so it take time and some cash (or credit card) to get from the airport to Tokyo, but the same is pretty much true for KIX too.
NRT (Tokyo Intl Airport)
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/index.html
KIX (Osaka Intl Airprot)
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/index.htm
There is a domestic-flight-only airport in Tokyo called Haneda (a 20 min. monorail ride to central Tokyo or by airport express bus from Narita to Haneda)
You can find ANA ANA (Domestic) - see their Intl tab too .
http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/index.html
I prefer ANA -- only because it is a Star Alliance member.
JAL (also has an English site)
I just checked ANA for Aug 26 (for example) from NRT to Matsuyama there were not flight. But there were several flights from Haneda to Matsuyama - it appears that the cheaper airfares are not much more than the bullet train (Shinkansen -express, high speed reserved seat trains) IF you buy enough in advance.
Japan National Tourist Organization
http://www.seejapan.co.uk/index.html
Specific info on transport
http://www.seejapan.co.uk/ftransport.html
Trains from AirportsTokyo Intl Airport (NRT)Narita Airport Express (NEX)
Kansai International Airport (Osaka) KIX http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/travel/kix/index.html
The country's national network of trains a complex conglomerationof both semi-govt and private train lines but JR is the oldest and formerly THE Japan national rail service (before its being semi-privatized:
So Japan is divided into East (and North) Tokyo and northJR EAST:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/
and JR WEST: Osaka area and south are known as West Japan:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/global.html
World Eki-Net which is mentioned on the JNTO pages no longer accepts reservations so you would need to use the JR East or JR West sites to pre-book.
http://www.world.eki-net.com
I hope we'll be able to meet up some day while you are living in Japan. I'll be away from Tokyo from July 31 - Aug 26 and then I'll come back to Tokyo for a 5 days before heading off again Aug 30-Sept 9. But if your flight allows you to stop in Tokyo the last week of August, it would be great to see you, show you something of Tokyo, and put you on the train/flight to Matsuyama.
I really don't know much about Ehime Prefecture or the island of Shikoku where it is located. A friend of mine, Paul, lives and works in Kochi -- not too far from Matsuyama, so I'll ask him about what details he can supply. In the meantime, I'll tell you what I know and what advice I have.
First of all, are you sure that Ehime University is not going to be at all helpful or even forthcoming with any logistical and also financial assistance for the transportation arrangements -- either the transpacific flights (probably not) or at least the domestic connections? You could / should at least ask. While their buying your CA-NRT ticket would probably not be included, I don't know why you can't ask them -- innocently about airfare reservations or train tickets from Tokyo International Airport (Narita, Chiba) NRT to Matsuyama or from KIX (Osaka Intl Airport) to the university. Perhaps they will be reimburse you later but I would imagine that a university that recruits new faculty from abroad has dealt with such requests before. While you may have been reluctant to appear to be pushy before, it wouldn't hurt to at least make an inquiry.
That being said (or already either worked out or refused), I'll give you some options.
I think it would be good to figure in your travel planning - if you'll have time, money and the adventure spirit to get out around much in Japan (or even elsewhere in Asia) before, during and after your semester of work/teaching at Ehime Univ. For example, if you are hoping to see Tokyo (including Kamakura, Nikko, and other places here in central east Honshu,or plan to visit Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (not too far from Matsuyama) or even points further south (Hiroshima, Kyushu (including Nagasaki, etc) then you might plan accordingly since it may be both cheaper and more convenient to make travel arrangements before you get here. I cannot speak for certainly about Matsuyama but if it is anything like a lot of non-metro areas I know - there are not a whole lot of people who speak English all that well - in the service industry. It's is NOT a huge problem but it does take time to get things done when people can't understand you easily (or at all) or you cannot make yourself understood well enough to get things done without a lot of assistance and depending on other English speaking Japanese (or others) to help out.
If you planning to stay for a year or two and also plan to return to the US or another place during first 6 months in Japan, I recommend getting a round trip ticket from the US to NRT and back. US carriers are generally quite a bit cheaper -- especially at peak travel times when the travel originates in the US. Tickets purchased inside Japan will likely suffer from the typical cost-raising tactics - such as doubling fares for departing for anywhere (domestic or abroad) during peak holiday periods and also actually charging people with foreign passports more for the same class seats -- There was a recent disclosure by one of the largest travel agencies catering to foreign residents that they had to 'cover' losses if the person did not use the remaining portion of a discounted airfare ticket by deciding not to return to Japan.
You could also look into your original US-Japan ticket that would go on to another Asia destination - such a Korea, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, etc. If you already know your holiday schedule (Xmas-NewYear's) then you may want to travel in Japan -- or you may even want to get away from Japan for a change -- at least that's a typical pattern for those of us who reside here permanently).
Therefore, you might consider buying a ticket that continues on to another Asian country or continues on to a different destination in Japan. Thus you might be able travel during your next long holidays for not much more than a few dollars more (to buy a ticket later just to return to the States or to go to another country could be quite expensive in peak seasons (Xmas/New Years have some of the highest airfares, followed by Golden Week (April 29-May 5 - just before and after included), and summer peak travel season (July 25-Aug 20). Of course, if you have the time and money, you could also visit another country before your arrival in Japan and when coming back to Tokyo (NRT) or Osaka (KIX) on your way home - travelling to Korea, China or Thailand, etc.
I choose my flights/airlines based on earning airline mileage - not totally on pricing or favorite destinations - although Star Alliance carriers have some of the most competitive fares - you'll probably find a slightly cheaper one on American, Northwest or Korean Airlines. It's not worth losing the mileage for me -but you may not be so invested the mileage rat-race.
Since we first met sitting togehter on a United flight, you may also be collecting United Miles (Star Alliance) so I recommend doing so unless that does not matter to you. There are multiple Star Alliance carrier that fly into (and beyond) Narita from the US: United, US Airways, Singapore, Thai, ANA, etc.
While it won't hurt to get a quote from a travel agent, nowadays, the airlines themselves generally offer the cheapest fares for their own flights. Be sure to get a ticket that could account for such problems as date/flight changes or even refunds/cancellations (although the latter are less likely to be necessary and tend to raise the price). Look at tickets on Orbitz, Yahoo Travel and directly at each airline.
You have two choice of airports (actually 3): NRT (Tokyo), KIX (Kansai Intl near Osaka) and Nagoya (has a few intl carriers - closer to Matsuyama than Tokyo but only by an hour or so).
ADDED: [Kobe, Okayama or Hiroshima may actually be physically closer to Matsuyama, but I'm not sure of train/bus or domestic flight connections.]
I am hoping you'll be able to stop by Tokyo - while I am actually here, but they may or may not work out so I've tried to describe a NRT-Matsuyama itinerary, as well as one that has you flying directly to Kansai Intl Airport (KIX) instead.
Once you decide on an arrival airport (based also on whether you have time to sightsee in Tokyo or Osaka (Kyoto-Nara) before you go to Matsuyama, you will then need to take a plane or train to Matsuyama (there are actually several routes including a ferry from either Kobe or Hiroshima - although mixing up trains, bus, ferries and taxi upon your arrival may be a bit overwhelming.
There may also be boats or ferries from the Osaka area (KIX) since Matsuyama is located on the northwestern shore of Shikoku Island (facing the Inland Sea - Seto-nai-kai). Inf act, there is a ferry to Awaji Island (from KIX ) to see High Speed Ferry (on the left hand menu on the KIX site:
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/index.htm
From KIX, there is a high speed ferry (48 min) to Sumoto, from there you have to catch a train or bus across Awaji Island (Awajima) to Shikuko (Island) and transverse it to reach Matsuyama.
http://www.atc.ne.jp/pearlline/dia.htm
Evidently, there is also a ferry from Hiroshima to the harbor just 20 minutes outside of Matsuyama is another possible way to arrrive at the city. It seems there is also a ferry from Kobe to Matsuyama. Again, this info is only in Japanese but, as best as I can tell, there is a 3-hour trip passenger ferry available several times a day. So if you wanted to first visit Hiroshima (site of the first atomic bomb attack in 1945 (Peace Memorial Park) then you might consider going to Hiroshima. There are bullet trains from both Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe.
http://www.yajyu.com/kankou/koutuu2.htm
If you are definitely NOT going to stop over in Tokyo to visit us, then your most direct route is to fly to KIX and then take a bus ( express) or a train from a major station not far from KIX.
There is express bus service from Kyoto Station or JR Osaka Station (and or OCAT2 = I think this is Osaka City Air Terminal (so this might be the best connection from KIX ). The timetable is only in Japanese but I included it here just in case (and for me to locate later if you ask).
Express Bus from Kyoto-Osaka area station to Matsuyama:
http://www.kakuyasubus.jp/kansai_shikoku/matsuyama_express/index.html
There are overnight express busses from Tokyo to Matsuyama too, but unless you stay over in Tokyo for a day or two after arrival, you'd probably not want to take such a bus and arrive completely exhausted. You'll arrive one day later and typically in the mid to late afternoon of the next day after you leave the US. So you'll need to account for your tiredness and the amount luggage you have.
By the way, you can have luggage forwarded to your domestica destination when you arrive at either NRT or KIX. It is fairly inexpensive - just $12 or $15 per bag and they will deliver it the next day or later (typically you can choose the day and approx delivery time). Since you might be coming with a year's supply of stuff - You won't need most it unless you have some very specific fashion or dietary needs but it could save you time and energy NOT to have to drag several heavy suitcases across the country if you are stopping over along the way. I frequently use these services - -they are several competing companies that are lined up as you exit customs / immigration after you have collected your suitcases in the airport arrival terminal.
Of course, be sure to find out your complete address or that of a person who can receive your luggage including a phone number (contact). Have them also write out for you in Japanese so that you can show it to various people/transportation staff, etc as you make your way to Matsuama and your new accommodations.
Domestic airline are mainly just two: ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines) both of which have both domestic and international routes and they both have affiliated regional carriers but I think you'd best try them first, if you'd prefer to fly.
There are a few separate discount air carriers, but so few in fact, that they only really serve top tourist destinations (Okinawa, Hokkaido) and not Ehime Prefecture. I have to tell you that probably most people who fly in to go to Ehime are probably going to prefer to use KIX (Osaka International Airport) -- I have not used it myself but there are flights -- although less often and few airlines to serve it - -than Tokyo's Narita (NRT) aiport. NRT is about 60 km from downtown Tokyo so it take time and some cash (or credit card) to get from the airport to Tokyo, but the same is pretty much true for KIX too.
NRT (Tokyo Intl Airport)
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/index.html
KIX (Osaka Intl Airprot)
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/index.htm
There is a domestic-flight-only airport in Tokyo called Haneda (a 20 min. monorail ride to central Tokyo or by airport express bus from Narita to Haneda)
You can find ANA ANA (Domestic) - see their Intl tab too .
http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/index.html
I prefer ANA -- only because it is a Star Alliance member.
JAL (also has an English site)
I just checked ANA for Aug 26 (for example) from NRT to Matsuyama there were not flight. But there were several flights from Haneda to Matsuyama - it appears that the cheaper airfares are not much more than the bullet train (Shinkansen -express, high speed reserved seat trains) IF you buy enough in advance.
Japan National Tourist Organization
http://www.seejapan.co.uk/index.html
Specific info on transport
http://www.seejapan.co.uk/ftransport.html
Trains from AirportsTokyo Intl Airport (NRT)Narita Airport Express (NEX)
Kansai International Airport (Osaka) KIX http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/travel/kix/index.html
The country's national network of trains a complex conglomerationof both semi-govt and private train lines but JR is the oldest and formerly THE Japan national rail service (before its being semi-privatized:
So Japan is divided into East (and North) Tokyo and northJR EAST:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/
and JR WEST: Osaka area and south are known as West Japan:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/global.html
World Eki-Net which is mentioned on the JNTO pages no longer accepts reservations so you would need to use the JR East or JR West sites to pre-book.
http://www.world.eki-net.com
Hope this gets you started. I'll let you know what esle I find out from my friend Paul, who lives on Shikoku.
David
----- Original Message -----
Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2006 19:17:29 -0700
----- Original Message -----
Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2006 19:17:29 -0700
From: Tyler To: David Subject: japan update
David,
My year in Japan is approaching fast, and I am excited to be thrust into a new culture. As I mentioned before I will be teaching at Ehime University in Matsuyama City. I will be leaving the states at the end of August.
I was planning on flying into Narita and probably catching a flight toMatsuyama. I don't know much about the train system or ferries down south. Any advice on travel/either of the flights? Any opinions on best/cheapestfares both international or domestic? I only know what I've found onlineand don't know anyone else who travels there frequently.
On another note I just spent 2 weeks in Hawaii with my girlfriend as a kindof post-graduation relaxation. And I finally made it to the Big Island fora few days. I was blown away. The variety of landscapes and mini-climateswas astounding. And Volcanoes National Park was like nothing I'd seenbefore. We saw a lot of the island, and I really enjoyed Waimea. It's soverdant and much cooler. I can see why you are there so much.
I hope all is well. And I really want to thank you for all of your help. Ican't believe that the idea of living in Japan I spoke to you about 2 yearsago on a plane is actually happening.
Best,
Tyler
David,
My year in Japan is approaching fast, and I am excited to be thrust into a new culture. As I mentioned before I will be teaching at Ehime University in Matsuyama City. I will be leaving the states at the end of August.
I was planning on flying into Narita and probably catching a flight toMatsuyama. I don't know much about the train system or ferries down south. Any advice on travel/either of the flights? Any opinions on best/cheapestfares both international or domestic? I only know what I've found onlineand don't know anyone else who travels there frequently.
On another note I just spent 2 weeks in Hawaii with my girlfriend as a kindof post-graduation relaxation. And I finally made it to the Big Island fora few days. I was blown away. The variety of landscapes and mini-climateswas astounding. And Volcanoes National Park was like nothing I'd seenbefore. We saw a lot of the island, and I really enjoyed Waimea. It's soverdant and much cooler. I can see why you are there so much.
I hope all is well. And I really want to thank you for all of your help. Ican't believe that the idea of living in Japan I spoke to you about 2 yearsago on a plane is actually happening.
Best,
Tyler
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