Here's everything you need to know in one package... Just contact Shihan Michael Pearce and you're good to go: Noda booking and guide Service. For a modest fee, you eliminate a lot of hassle and lost time. Unfortunately, this service wasn't available on my first trip; It would have been worth far more than what he's charging. If it's your first trip, do yourself a favor and contact him.
First timer's guide to Japan for Bujinkan training: Very useful guide to staying in Kashiwa Plaza Hotel and training at the Hombu Dojo. It made making my first trip over on my own a lot smoother than it might have been.
Guest House Hanata: A lot of Bujinkan people will stay here in Noda. It's near the Hombu, but I'm told there's not much to do around it. I haven't stayed there.
Tokyo Metro: Site is in English. Be sure to print out a couple of maps before you go. The Suica card is very handy. Note: The subway card machines all have an "English" button.
Yen to dollars calculator: I did fine changing my $100.00 bills at Narita Airport. You can research how to get the best rates, but I was able to get 97 yen/dollar there when it was 86 yen/dollar plus fees at the San Francisco Airport.
Kashiwa Plaza Hotel: Get someone who speaks Japanese to make your reservations for you. I used IACE on Maryland Parkway across from UNLV. For $25 they made the call and set up the reservation, taking all of the inconvenience out it. The hotel has small rooms with a small more or less western bathroom/tub/shower. Coin op washer and dryer available. Internet is free, just ask for a cable for your laptop. Please don't break the front door to the hotel! Kashiwa has many stores, restaurants, bars, and a couple of internet cafes very close to the hotel and train station.
