Bouncing in Showa Kinen Koen’s Children’s Forest
Ellie demonstrates how you can get some serious air in Showa Kinen Park’s white, bouncy, trampoline-like mountainy thing in the Children’s Forest (子供の森).
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Ellie demonstrates how you can get some serious air in Showa Kinen Park’s white, bouncy, trampoline-like mountainy thing in the Children’s Forest (子供の森).
September 3rd, 2010 at 4:16 am
Sorry this is completely off-topic, but I was searching for information about banking in Japan and was wondering if you could answer some questions for me. You mentioned Shinsei Bank in a few posts last year. Do you know if it’s possible to transfer money directly from an account in the US to an account at Shinsei (ie., link accounts? Or would you have to wire transfer?) I have to pay a phone bill once a month but the amount will vary, and I’m trying to think of ways to minimize fees… having a Japanese atm card would be nice too 🙂 But if I have to withdraw money from my US account in Japan and then re-deposit it into my Japanese account that would be a pain and not really worth it.
Basically, is it possible to link accounts directly (to transfer between)? (Otherwise I’d have to wire transfer, which I think is about $50 ish..?)
Thanks!!
Lisa
September 3rd, 2010 at 7:41 am
Hi Lisa,
There is no way to link accounts, even if you go with a Japanese bank that has branches in the USA (like Union Bank). Wire transfers are horribly expensive. Withdrawals from an ATM aren’t as painful. See my other posts: http://traveljapanblog.com/wordpress/2010/01/wells-fargo-international-wire-transfer-still-stinks/
http://traveljapanblog.com/wordpress/2009/08/changing-dollars-into-yen-2009-update/
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:00 am
Hmmm… what if I got the money in USD somehow? If I attempt to deposit the USD into the Shinsei account will there be a charge that is over that if withdrawing from ATM?
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:02 am
USD or travellers checks, or international money orders, whichever is best
September 3rd, 2010 at 3:12 pm
First, there is no ATM withdrawal charge from a Japanese bank account.
Second, you can deposit USD into a Shinsei Bank account. I never did it so I’m not sure exactly how it works. I’m pretty sure the money stays in your account as USD. I don’t think there is a charge unless you convert it to yen. Even then the rate is minimal (less than 1% if I remember correctly).
Finally, travelers checks are best if your bank will give them to you for free. If not, international postal money orders are best. Cash is worse than either of the other options and is risky (taking it through customs is not a good idea and you can lose it or have it stolen).
September 4th, 2010 at 7:59 am
Sorry for the million questions..
I read on the Shinsei website that they charge fees for depositing checks in USD .. do you know if this applies for travelers checks too?
Because maybe I can write a check to myself and deposit it? Which would be easier than travellers checks, especially if the fee is going to be the same.
Thanks!
September 4th, 2010 at 8:11 am
I don’t know. I’m guessing that travelers checks would not have a fee. Japan doesn’t really do personal checks (hence the fees I would imagine). Travelers checks usually get you a better exchange rate than cash though.