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Language is not an issue if you dont ask too many questions about the gadgets. To be honest, you wouldnt get any answers to any of your questions. So, you should do some homework before you get to the shops.
About the stay, its per person here except in love hotels. If you guys stay late, it may be a better idea to stay in love hotels and you may save some plus you will have the experience of a life time. Your cost could start from around 4k and up...
Food, if you can eat fish, you should be ok. About getting veg. stuff 100%, I can get you info but not sure 100.Food is not that expensive and it can range from $5 and up...so it entirely depends on you.
I am in Tokyo, and if you let me know well in advance, I might be able to walk you around in Akihabara. I used to
run a shop there and I still go there alot. Just sticky or emial me.
Hope this helps...
Unfortunately Japan usually ranks toward the very bottom of the list of English speaking ability among countries in Asia. Basic English reading and writing skills will usually far surpass speaking ability. Communication can be frustrating, so be prepared to be patient. ;)
> cheapest accommodation
Depending on your age there are some Youth Hostels around Japan. They are usually some of the cheapest places you can stay. If that's not an option, then look into Business Hotels. They can run as cheap as ¥4000 depending on the location.
I don't think I'd advise staying in a Love Hotel. It might be a neat experience for some, but these places are not intended for the traveller, and you may be refused entry. Also these aren't places where you can drop off your baggage and go out and see the sights. Once you leave the room they consider you checked out. Unless you can read and speak some Japanese I'd consider one of these places a last resort.
> best time
Probably Spring or Fall would be the most comfortable. It can be quite warm until November and it starts getting nice again around April. June is rainy season and can be quite wet. Avoid big Japanese holiday times like Golden Week & Obon. The entire country goes on vacation at the same time and it becomes difficult and expensive to travel and find lodging.
> food too expensive
That depends on what you eat. You could certainly subsist on instant noodles at a convenience store for very little, but that probably wouldn't be too enjoyable. In an area like Tokyo in which you are unfamiliar I would budget a minimum of ¥1500 per meal.
Vegetarian meals can certainly be found, but I suggest you bring a phrase-book with you to help explain.
There are some cheap guest houses in Tokyo but some have early closing times (is they lock the doors at 10:30 or whatever).
The Japanese are a very friendly people and will help you however they can but as Bill said English can be a problem, so try and learn a few words and expressions.
Added in: I aslo agree with what Bill said re the "love hotels" they are made for short time and I also would not advise them for a real stay.
Bill - how much is curry rice omori at the stand up restaurants these days?
capsulesCapsule hotels are really made for the salaryman who missed the last train...usually because they went out and drank too much. Although they can be OK for a night the novelty wears off quite quickly. The guest houses suggested by Visit Thailand may be your best bet.
Will $ 1000 be sufficient per person for a 10 - 12 day trip, which includes DisneylandIf you aren't a big eater, and you aren't too picky about getting high quality food, and you don't drink alcohol then ¥1000 per meal could probably be done. A lot of the experience in Japan is the cuisine, and you should budget for a few good meals. If you skimp too much on the budget for food it may make your travels a bit uncomfortable.
I've never been to Disneyland, but have heard that it is a very expensive place. I doubt you'll be able to get away with ¥1000 for a meal in there...maybe some popcorn ;)
<added>I misread your post. You said $, not ¥. US$1000 should cover food and drink for that long. If you add accommodations and travel expenses you'll probably need double that. It really depends on what you'll be doing though.
Bill - how much is curry rice omori at the stand up restaurants these days?Around my area it's anywhere from ¥600 on up. That's a good safe food for most, but often the curry stock is made with meat, so that might be a problem for the vegetarian. It's best to ask if that's an issue.
