Some information about staying in/or near Tokyo, Japan?

Question

Ok, i want to go to Japan to attend a rock concert.
Now return tickets from Delhi to Tokyo will cost around 800 USD i.e. INR 40k. Concert ticket will cost around 32k JPY i.e. around 16k INR.

The place where I want to go is somewhere near Tokyo, its called "MAKUHARI MESSE", which can be reached through "Kaihin Maukuhari"
I have to be there on 17th and 18, so i have to probably stay there on 16th(half day), 17th 18th and 19th(half day).

1. the question is I want to get some affordable accommodation in the place I have mentioned. someplace nearer to the venue. I am already spending a huge chunk on traveling, so cant afford much on hotels and all.
2. What about the food, what all can i eat. food is drastically different as compared to Indian food, and on the top of it, i dont eat MEAT and eggs, what are my chances of getting something I can eat. Probably i can compromise a little on egg and meat side, but no exotic delicacies.
3. Do i have to learn Japanese, i think its impossible to learn japanese in this much time. Wat is comfort level of average Japanese people, while talking in english.
4. I have some idea of japanese culture, only through TV and internet, but while i am going for a rock concert, do I need to take care of something?
5. what is climate like? is it cold, hot, humid, wat kind of clothing should i have?
6. How and where can I possible get VISA for japan, is it difficult, what is procedure like?

Additional Details

ok, can someone gimme an idea of cost of things:
i mean how much these hotels cost?
how much typically food cost, i mean some benchmark so that i have an idea as to how much money i need to have

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

1. I am not familiar with the area of the concert. Consider searching for a "ryokan". This is a traditional Japanese inn. They're often cheaper than hotels, and a more cultural experience.

2. I am veg. I eat egg, but not dairy. I was fine in Japan. There is even a very good Indian restaurant in the Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo. This phrase may help you: "Watashi-wa nikku-o tabemasen", pronounced "wah-TAH-she-wah NIH-koo-oh TAH-bay-mah-SEN". It means "I do not eat meat". I think egg is "tamago", so replace nikku with that to say I do not eat egg.

3. I learned as much Japanese as I could for 4 months, and it certainly helped, but most people there speak a fair bit of English. Younger people more than older people. There is a bit of racism towards non-Japanese, but not a lot. You will commonly see people making an X with their fingers to mean "is forbidden". So if you want to ask "is this allowed?" you can probably get by with pointing, making an X, and having an inquisitive look on your face :) But you can easily learn a few numbers, words, phrases before you leave.

4. When you're outside the concert, just be polite. If you enter a building, look to see if others have removed their shoes, and if so, remove yours.

5. Check weather.com, and look at "records and averages". I can say that I found Delhi in May very uncomfortably hot, and Tokyo in early October to be pleasant some days and slightly hot other days.

6. Sorry, can't help you there.

Answer 2

as others have mentioned, tokyo's train service is excellent for a budget hotel try Tokyo Inn. Just find one near a railway that services chiba.

Answer 3

Affordable hotel - With regards to hotel, you can book any hotel in Tokyo or Chiba. Basically, the transportation system can efficiently take you anywhere. For example, Makuhari Messe is in Chiba, you could book a hotel in the Ueno area and the trains can take you to your concert. The savings in hotel will more than cover the transportation costs. Name brand hotels will cost more. Take a chance with smaller hotels. Another suggestion is to try and stay in a capsule hotel. This can be risky, as you may not be able to communicate your requests. This can also be a hassle as they do not have room for luggage. Years ago, I went snowboarding and stayed in a capsule hotel before I flew out of Japan. I left my snowboard and luggage at the station left luggage service and I took only my small backpack and clothes for the next day.

Food - I am non meat eater for health reasons, and fish and occasinal meat is OK for me. In Japan, this can be a tricky thing for strict vegetarians becuase even though you ask for fish, there just might be some meat by products included in the food. How do you solve this? Basically, in your case you need to buy foods that from the convenience stores that you know by sight does not have any meat. Also, buying from store rather than restaurants can lower your overall costs. You can bring some packaged foods with you, but no fresh foods. I would suggest to buy fruit and other foods from supermarkets and
convenience stores. You can even try to buy instant cup noodles from the conveneince stores. They offer the hot water and chopsticks
free.

Do you need to learn Japanese? No, but bring a phrase book and try to speak clear English.

Getting a tourist visa depends on your nationality. Check with the consulate of Japan in India or your home country. You will only need a tourist visa.