- Before leaving, make sure you bring at least a decent guide book. Most people here do not speak English. Friendly people, but not that helpful if you can't communicate with them.
- This is a cash oriented country, so bring plenty (exchange booth at the airport is a big No-No), use the ATM at the Narita airport would save you a lot...Not all ATM you see accept US card, however, most 7-11 would have ATM that accepts US ATM cards. With the current exchange rate, you should brace yourself.
- Taxi is tricky unless you are going to a landmark/well known location, since most drivers do not understand English
- Street address is really tough to use, the common street number / street name system does not apply here
- Don't expect any US cell phone / blackberry / iphone to work here even if you use an int'l plan...tried it and failed with numerous carrier / devices
- If you do not want to pay ~US$250 of taxi bill, take the airport express train / bus, research the route before you leave the US.
- Shopping, depends on what you want to buy, try not to buy anything import, you'll be paying a premium compared to the US. Clothing in Japan prob won't fit you guys as well, unless you're skinny with narrow shoulders...
- Watch "Lost in Translation" and expect EXACTLY the same when you're in Japan...even if you've watched it, watch again. I did after living here, totally different feelings
- Lodging - If you stay in a service apartment like Oakwood, you should be able to save 10-15% compared to hotel and they're more spacious.
Point of attractions:
Tokyo:
- Tsukiji fish mkt - nothing beats going to fish mkt and having great sushi meal when most people are still sleeping.
- Asakusa Temples - great tourist attraction with the one of the most famous Buddist temples in Tokyo
- Ginza - The premier shopping district
- Shinjuku - Great restaurants / shopping / entertainment districts.
- Shibuya - Too much to list here, take a walk thru the area and you'll be amazed. This is where a lot of the scenes in "Lost in Translation" took place.
- Odaiba - Popular spot to spend a day/afternoon
- Yokohama - Chinatown (cleanest C-town ever, I'm Chinese), old buildings with lots of western influences...
- Tokyo Tower - it's worth a trip if you happen to tour around Roppongi.
- Roppongi - Food / entertainment / bar district. I assume w/ your 9-mo old, hard core drinking is out of the question? BTW, I live here.
- Kamakura - old coastal city that is 1-hr from Tokyo center, worth a trip...
Kyoto - Never been there, heard many great stories about the city. You will enjoy it if you like old Japan. Quiet with numerous temple and Shinto shrines.
Hokaido - Northern island, great time to visit the fields that are covered with flowers...great seafood.
Hope that helps...let me know if you need more info/help. :smile:
. I found "my" car and it's 30% more for same year with slightly less miles. 
THX lol :tongue:
