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Comment by Cat(Mom of an AO) on March 7, 2011 at 2:26pm

Hi everyone,

Don't have much to go on. All I know right now is my son will be leaving for Yoko and part of the GW real soon. It's a bit overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Kinda was just assuming he would be based in the states but what an adventure. LOL. I really don't have much more to go on and don't even know what to ask at this point in time. Just glad to be part of the group.   

Comment by DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor on March 6, 2011 at 5:24pm

I found out about an option for a rail pass/Narita Express (Suica NEX).  You need a non-resident passport (check), and you can purchase a rail pass (Suica) combined with a Narita Express ticket http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/suica_nex.html.  A round trip Narita Express ticket to Yokohama with 1500 yen on Suica is 5500 yen.  The Suica is much like the Pasmo card and can be used virtually interchangeably ... based upon what I read.

 

abc, my G'daughter is "supposed" to meet me at Narita but may not be able to get off.  I used Hyperdia.com to plan out a train trip between Narita and Sagamino (the closest station to Atsugi NAS).  I take the Narita Express to Yokohama and transfer there to the Sotetsu line.  Now my question is how difficult is it to transfer between lines at Yokohama?  I plan to have destinations written out in Konji but there is such limited time between trains that I get a bit panicky.

 

Someone recommended to me that I should call my credit card company to let them know the dates that I will be in Japan.  I did call my bank to ask about ATM charges.  When I have traveled to Europe and Canada, I found it much more reasonable in terms of fees and exchange rates to use my ATM card than I did using a bank or exchange place.

 

Okay, we are not going to that "waaaaay older like 30" remark.  Now my G'daughter says I will be treated very well given my snow-white hair.  She says that the Japanese will bow low.  We will see.

Comment by Nick'sMomTerri on March 5, 2011 at 1:09pm

@ RosemaryS.  thank you for the info.  Hopefully I will hear something today. 

Comment by Nick'sMomTerri on March 5, 2011 at 12:28pm

My son just left yesterday to report to the GW.  Was wondering how long it might be before I hear from him that he made it ok?  This is his first duty station.

Comment by abc815 on March 5, 2011 at 11:52am

oh, you're very welcome!  i also wanted to mention that the spending money she brought doesn't include lodging obviously (she stayed w/ me).  it was enough for all her travel expenses, food, shopping... and she bought a LOT of souvenirs!  so much that it wouldn't fit in her suitcase so i had to ship it all to the states for her!

Comment by abc815 on March 5, 2011 at 11:35am

katlanta, your son said when he's "waaay older like 30?"  way to make ME feel old!  yikes!  :)

Comment by abc815 on March 5, 2011 at 11:23am

ps- i also wanted to mention that there is a currency exchange right outside the base.  so you can always change your US dollar to yen as you go.

Comment by abc815 on March 5, 2011 at 11:22am

hi ladies!  looks like i have a lot of catching up to do (again)...but here is some quick info for those who are traveling here soon as i see a bunch of questions about that.  (if they were already answered, i apologize!)  i had a friend visit me in january and she brought $750 in cash as well as her bank card/atm card as back-up.  she was out here for 6 days and was fine w/ the amount of cash she brought.  we did a lot of traveling, but you most likely won't spend as much as you think you will...most of the little eateries out here are not very expensive (ie. - along blue street).   my advice is to bring most of your money in cash just because finding an english atm COULD be a hassle (unless you are on base).  when i came out here, i did the same thing just to make my life easier. 

 

also, for anyone who won't be taking the shuttle from narita to the base (because it only operates at set times), it will cost you the equivalent of about $50 total for a one-way ride to yokosuka.  ask the info desk at the airport to direct you to the NARITA EXPRESS.  tickets are about 4000 yen it and you will take it all the way to yokohama.   from yokohama, i believe it's about about 700 yen to get to yokosuka.  so you will only have to transfer ONCE from the airport.  one thing to note: once you arrive at the yokohama station, you will need to purchase a pasmo train card from a machine and charge it up w/ money.  this is what you'll use to get to the yokosuka-chuo station.  this station is at the heart of blue street & about a 10 min. walk to the main gate...

 

ok, sorry to ramble!  if anyone has any specific questions, feel free to message me and i hope to help ease any of your worries! :)

Comment by DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor on March 4, 2011 at 12:55pm

Sue, have a very safe trip!  I'm arrive a week later.

 

Sandra, love the picture of your son and family.  They are very attractive.

 

ant'smom, I have heard little from my sailor lately.  Kind of makes me nervous about my trip.  Please let's see if we can get together while there.  I would enjoy it.

Comment by ant'smom on March 4, 2011 at 12:39pm

Thank you so much for the input.  Makes me feel better communications going through to some.

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