A couple of years ago after a stack of saving
we had enough money to go to Tokyo.

It was a dream of ours for many years and we had both researched it down to the finest detail.

We loved it. We had a fantastic time. Despite what everyone said it wasn't all that expensive. We just had to make sure we had plenty of cash with us as very few places take cards.
No problem, the ryokan we were staying in was just up the road from a Post Office, one of the few places which would except our UK cards.

Now we are both vegis so eating was a challenge and we often went hungry. We spent a lot of time in Akihabra eating cakes in Maid Cafes. we also found a place called Good Honest Grub, run by an American they sold some vegi dishes.

On our last night in Tokyo we still had some cash left so we decided to go to Good Honest Grub to spend the rest of our money.
We ate like kings, main courses, side dishes of fried Shiitake mushrooms, beer and puddings. Afterwards we felt so fat we could hardly move.

We go the train back to our ryokan and got out everything packed to go home. Our plane was first thing in the morning so we needed everything ready to head out in the morning.

It was then it hit us. We had spent all our cash. The trains stations only took cash. We only had enough money to the main station where we then change trains to get to the airport. The only place we could get cash out was the post office, but that wouldn't open until our plane left.
We went to the two other cash points but they wouldn't take our card.

The only option was to go to central Tokyo and find one of the 24 hour cash points that would take our card. We only had the money for one of us to go. If we couldn't find the cash point, or it didn't work we were screwed.

The money was were short was ¥1000 (£5 - $10) hardly anything, but it's a lot of money when you don't have it.

In desperation I went to ask the reception desk, to see if they could give me cash back on my card, but no.

It looked like heading into central Tokyo was the only option. So we went to the communal lounge to use the internet to get an exact location for the cash machine.

As you can imagine we were extremely stressed, sitting at the computer we were both on the verge of tears.
Then another guest came in. Seeing our distress she asked what was wrong. We explained.
"Oh is that all, here have the money, just do the same for someone else one day".

To that Canadian lady, thank you from the very soul of my being, I don't know what we would have done.


Later that night we found out that Mr Bin is violently allergic to Shiitake mushrooms, but thats another story.
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Thu 2 Oct 2008, 18:49, 8 replies)

Good samaritan story
Couldn't you have gotten cash from a japanese atm using your visa or mastercard?
(powervator and NONE SHALL PASS, Thu 2 Oct 2008, 18:59, closed)

Nope
I had Visa, Mastercard and Amex. Nothing works.
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Thu 2 Oct 2008, 19:23, closed)

Weird!
I use my visa credit card to take cash advances out of atm machines in Tokyo all the time. When I go, I usually stay in the same hotel in Shinjuku and there is a handy machine near the station.
(powervator and NONE SHALL PASS, Thu 2 Oct 2008, 19:25, closed)

As far as I understand
some do but not all. The only ones we could get to, in an Am-Pm and 7-11 didn't like any of them.

Also we were on the outskirts of Tokyo. Ones in closer to the centre are a bit more foreigner friendly.
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Thu 2 Oct 2008, 19:30, closed)

it's a shame you didn't know any japanese people
they always provide the most exceptional hospitality and have always wanted to help out.

plus if you go into their house and, say, comment that you like their tea, they will tell you to take the rest of the packet home with you.
( kitsune-tsuki tankeløst hode får lettest sove, Thu 2 Oct 2008, 19:55, closed)

Plus if the porn is anything to go by
the young women are incredibly cute.
( idonthaveafunnynickname Drink-Aware? Sure. I'm aware I want another drink., Thu 2 Oct 2008, 20:50, closed)

Cute indeed,
though it wouldn't hurt most to pick up a razor every once in a while...
(Obsidian, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 10:52, closed)

Nice
reminds me of the time I gave a random old lady in the supermarket the 50p or so she was short for her shopping. I actually did it because I was in a hurry and she was holding up the queue, but she was so grateful .... gave me a nice glow for a while.
(TheWeeWitch hasn't been here much recently .., Thu 2 Oct 2008, 19:30, closed)