Q:How do I get from Narita
Airport to Iwama?
A: There are two ways to get to Iwama:
(1) Train or (2) bus.
(1)Train
●Go to the basement of the terminal.
●Follow the signs to the JR line.
●Get a one-way ticket to Iwama. Ask what
time the train leaves.
○You will need to take three trains:
○From Narita Airport to Narita Station
○Change to the Narita Line, get off
at Abiko(43 minutes)
○Change to the JobanLine* and get off
at Iwama (63 minutes)
(2)Bus
○One level above the basement there are express buses
to Tsuchiura Station.
○Get off at Tsuchiura Station.
○Take the Joban Line* to Iwama
*The Joban Line has silver cars with
a dark blue stripe. Get on the train that is going towards
Mito.
Q: How much does it cost
to stay at the dojo? How can I pay?
A: You must be a member of Aikikai Foundation
to stay and train at the dojo. For Aikikai membership,
dojo training and living fee information please see the
following website
Fees can only be paid in cash; credit cards, debit/bank
cards, or traveler's checks are not accepted.
When you need Japanese currency you can:
(1)Bring your country’s currency and exchange it at the
local bank (Monday-Friday)
(2)Go to the post office and use the international ATM
(international cash withdrawal fees depend on your bank).
Exact change is appreciated when paying for your fees.
Note: The dojo does not exchange or accept foreign currency.
Q: Is there Internet access
at Ibaraki Shibu Dojo?
A: Yes. There is a wireless Internet
connection you can use, but you will need to bring your
own computer with wi-fi accessibility.
Q: Are there kitchen, laundry
and shower facilities at the dojo?
A: Yes. The dojo has a full kitchen (gas
ranges, microwave, toaster, refrigerators) that you are
free to use. However, there is limited space and you may
share refrigerator space with other uchi-deshi; please
respect this. Though there are times when the uchi-deshi
eat together, everyone usually buys and cooks their own
food. There are few restaurants in Iwama so it is best
if you know a little about cooking.
The kitchen has cups, cutlery, dishes, and pots and pans;
you do not need to bring any.
There are two washing machines available for use; you
will need laundry detergent (at the local supermarket).
There are no dryers at the dojo; all laundry is hung outside
to dry.
There are separate showers/baths for men and women. You
will need your own soap, shampoo and any other toiletries
you will need.
Q: Do I need to bring my
own mattress to sleep on?
A: No. As part of the living fee, a futon
set (mattress, blanket, pillow) will be rented for you
for the duration of your stay at the dojo.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: In summer it gets quite hot and humid;
sometimes up to 40°C. There are no air conditioners at
the dojo, or in the living quarters. If you get sunburned
easily, bring sunscreen − sunscreen can be expensive in
Japan.
Winter can be very cold sometimes -10°C and it does snow
occasionally. There are no heaters at the dojo or in the
living quarters − if you are from a warmer climate you
might find winter very difficult.
Autumn and spring are mild, but it can get cold in the
morning and at night.
Q: How many keikogi (training
uniforms) should I bring?
A: This depends on the length of your
stay, the season, and personal hygiene. Most people bring
at least two keikogi. Remember summer is very hot, and
you will sweat a lot. It is best to wear a clean keikogi,
not only for your own comfort but also out of courtesy
for others.
Q: Can I buy a keikogi (training
uniform) at the dojo?
A:No. Ibaraki Shibu Dojo is a non-profit
dojo and therefore does not sell any merchandise. However,
if you need to buy a keikogi, the sempai (senior students)
will help you order from the appropriate catalogues.
Q: Can I purchase hakama
from the dojo?
A:No. Ibaraki Shibu Dojo is a non-profit
dojo and therefore does not sell any merchandise. However,
if you need to buy hakama, the sempai (senior students)
will help you order from the appropriate catalogues.
Q: Can I buy a bokken (wooden
sword) and jo (wooden staff) from the dojo?
A:No. Ibaraki Shibu Dojo is a non-profit
dojo and therefore does not sell any merchandise. However,
if you need to buy a bokken or jo, the sempai (senior
students) will help you order from the appropriate catalogues.
Q: I have received sho-dan
from a different dojo of aikido. Is this a problem?
A: This is not a problem; however you
will be asked to become a member of Aikikai (and must
do so) in order to train and/or stay at Ibaraki Shibu
Dojo. You will also be asked to take off your hakama and
wear a white belt because any rank that is received outside
of the Aikikai Foundation is not recognized.
It is a policy that only members ranked sho-dan
or higher by the Aikikai Foundationwear hakama.
Q: What is the best way
to pay for things in Japan?
A: Japan is a cash society. In the bigger
cities a lot places accept credit cards, but most places
are cash only.
Other useful information
If this is your first time to Japan, you can expect to
feel the effects of culture shock. You might want to research
the etiquette and manners of the Japanese culture; they
might be very different to what you are used to. For example,
it is considered very rude to eat in public, and smoking
while walking is frowned upon in many places.
Try to keep an open mind (and stomach!) to new things
and make good relationships with people living with you
and in the community. |
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