Traveling to Taiwan&Japan, things to do?

[kuruuze]

Will be travelling to taipei, Taiwan with a buddy this summer for just over 3 weeks, is there anything we should watch out for as a "foreigner"? Can locals there use english or do they just speak chinese?

also,
i will be traveling to japan this summer. it will be a short trip only 2 weeks long can anyone recommend specific must see/do things? Specifically in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Any input would be appreciated the only things we have planned so far are the plane tickets.

[Hehe]

Any particular thing that really interest you? clubbing is a must in TW

For island-wide trip, I'd suggest hitting up east coast, and Kenting, then travel to Tainan for the most amazing street vendor food you will ever find...

[BlacknJean]

for japan, try not to go into shady bars, especially when you see black cars parked outside..

1) if you dont speak japanese, some bars will overcharge your alchy.
2) friend eyed some yakuza's chick and got beat up outside. got his passport and shit stolen. (this is a rare occurence)

other than that, enjoy the cheap 24 drinking in bars!

[kuruuze]

for clubbing in TW are the girls there snobby?

generally what's the average cost of clubbing in taiwan/japan?

[Expresso]

You'll need somebody with mandarin skills or some kind of chinese the very least. You won't get far with just English. I mean you probably can but it'll take you forever to accomplish any task.

[twitchyzero]

taking the cab is the most prominent form of transportation in the city for taiwan...and the cab drivers will not be able to comprehend english

best bring a map and just point for the destination.

[Okami]

i went to osaka in may.. go check out the aquarium/zoo if you like animals.. and in namba theres that place dotonbori that has alot of famous restaurants and things to see (like this king crab sign and the glico man sign)

one recommendation is to invest in a translation book because their english is pretty bad so even things such as directions or transit might become a nightmare..

in osaka they have a pass that allows you to ride transit unlimited for (1day/2day) and with it you can get admission to 20+ main attractions around osaka.. (like the zoo.. osaka castle.. and lots of high places with beautiful views)