know only 2 people
Well you know us so that expands the list right.
I'm sure others can come up with some good suggestions re hotel stay. There used to be a very resonable, clean and convenient hostel type hotel located in the Iidabashi station building that I know is 'gaijin friendly' maybe somebody knows this one.
Nothing is ever as bad or as good as you think it's going to be just different. You'll have an experience.
