Where to Find English Books

English books are not available in every corner of a bookstore here in Japan. One way of getting one is by ordering thru www.amazon.co.jp , though there are some inconvenience as most of them requires you to have a credit card.
Another one is the Good Day Books Bookstore in Shibuya. It is the largest bookstore of used english books in Japan though they also sell new ones. You can also trade or sell your unwanted books here so you can earn at least by not just throwing them. So if you are a foreign bookworm, better visit this bookstore. Here is their website, www.gooddaybooks.com.

Cheaper Airline Tickets

No. 1 travel agency is where you can find airline tickets at farely reasonable prices. Their website is www.no1-travel.com and their offices are located at Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Yokohama and Shinjuku. Just check it out for more details.

You Can Make Your Train Trips Easier

There are many different kinds of trains here in Japan. They have the local trains,limited express trains, rapid-limited express trains and the Shinkansen shuttle or what they call the Bullet train. Train is their no. 1 means of transportation so its a good thing to know how to used it before emptying your pocket with those much more expensive fares by riding taxi's. Travelling by train can be confusing and I recommend using www.jorudan.co.jp to save more time on thinking what line you will ride on, as there are a lot of train lines too. This tool will save you a lot of headache as it will actually give you the different route options, how much it will cost you, how long is your travel time and how much you will have to pay.

Tips on Climbing Mt. Fuji

Japan's most famous mountain is Mt. Fuji. Make your stay in Japan a memorable one by experiencing climbing its highest mountain.

A Mt. Fuji hiking stick(kongo-zue) is very helpful and a favorite souvenir you might want to have. This sticks can be purchase at Mt. Fuji's 5th station. Insignias into the stick marking the meters hiked costs around 4000 in Yen so it would be good to bring an extra cash with you. The best season to hike Mt. Fuji is during summer and here are some preparations and precautions you need to know:

Adequate Clothing and Equipment

The weather on Mt. Fuji is unpredictable. It is usually very cold in the morning and during the night even it is summer. It is advisable to wear removable layers such as T-shirt, sweater and jacket so that you will not be too hot while hiking and descending and not too cold at the summit. Go with polyester, wool or nylon-synthetic material.

-Raingear
-Warm Jacket
-Thick socks
-Hat
-Gloves
-Small Towel
-Toilet Paper
-Gaiters
-Sturdy Hiking Boots
-Flashlight
-First Aid Kit
-Sunglasses
-Water
-Food
-Sunscreen
-Sandals

Many of these items can be brought in the stores at Mt. Fuji's 5th Station but of course its more expensive.

Climbing Precautions

• Do not stray from hiking path. If you do, there is a greater possibility of encountering rock slides or getting lost.
• Do not be in a hurry. Hike the mountain slowly and be careful not to overexert yourself. It is better to take frequent short breaks rather than to stop only a few times for long periods of rest.
• If you find breathing difficult, take a good rest. If your breathing does not improve, start descending.
• If a person is injured or sick, perform the necessary first aid, carry him/her to the nearest mountain hut and contact a doctor. There should be one standing by at the 7th station.
• If you hike the mountain at night, hike with care. In rocky areas, be especially careful of your footing. It is easy to stumble and fall.

Descending Precautions

• Do not run down the mountain.
• Do not stray from the path while descending, it is possible to take the wrong path and end up on the wrong side of the mountain.
• At the 8th Station the path divides in two. Do not take the path to the right that goes to Subashiri. Take the path to the left (the Kawaguchiko/Subaru route）which goes to the 5th station bus stop. Stick to the side of Yamanashi Prefecture.
• It is easy to lose your way in heavy fog, so be cautious and take the correct path.

I hope this could be of help to those who attempt to climb Mt. Fuji. Special mention to the MWR-Outdoor Recreation Center for this useful informations.