Going to Japan next Month.

[crxgsr]

I'll be heading out to Tokyo next month for vacation.

I'll probably want to hit up some car accessories shop as well as the Mazda dealership for some JDM only accessories.

But as many have told me, not a lot of people speak english there. Any tips for helping me find English speaking friends willing to do some translating at the parts department?

What JDM items should I looking at? Small items of course... and for my 2014 Mazda 3 GT.

[JonsMazda]

There's this site that you can rent a translator for the day for free, the only catch is wherever they go with you, you'll have to pay for them..ie bus, subway, food.

[ottoyu34]

Google Translate, not sure if it support Japanese for live conversations.

Edit: just check on my phone, works for me. Just make sure you pre-load the language beforehand.

[m_bisson]

Keep in mind if you bring back anything expensive you'll be paying for it at the border.

[crxgsr]

Anyone have any links to the japanese axela part numbers? In USA/Canada, we can look it up on tascaparts.com, onlinemazdaparts.com, etc. with full diagrams and part numbers... Any links to Japan sites selling oem mazda parts?

[Jackal]

Try Autobacs.
Mazda dealerships aren't as big as here believe it or not. Mazda is a minor player in Japan but there are still small dealerships here and there. Have fun.

[SilentJay]

I remember visiting a small Mazda showroom/office in Shinjuku I think...

[ecmirand]

You might be interested for a free Mazda plant tour at Hiroshima. I think they have one english tour per day. Just have to book it at at website ahead of time.

[greyseason]

god im jealous

[greyseason]

hit up all the tuning shop

blitz
HKS
top secret!!!

[SirWanker]

Keep in mind if you bring back anything expensive you'll be paying for it at the border.

If you remember to declare it. What?

Clarification: When I was single, every out-of-country trip ended with a customs search upon return. Since getting hitched, any trip with the wife in tow resulted in no customs searches.

[crxgsr]

I remember visiting a small Mazda showroom/office in Shinjuku I think...

Do you know if the parts department is in the showroom too?


Clarification: When I was single, every out-of-country trip ended with a customs search upon return. Since getting hitched, any trip with the wife in tow resulted in no customs searches.

I've never gotten searched, singe or married.

[KL3]

You might be interested for a free Mazda plant tour at Hiroshima. I think they have one english tour per day. Just have to book it at at website ahead of time.

Yup. Its pretty cool. got to see the assembly plant for Mazda2 and miata. I had to do the tour in Japanese though lol. CS rep was nice through email and it was easy to change our booking from English to Japanese tour. Make sure you look at the times available in advance to plan your trip if you go. We commuted from another city that morning and we couldn't make the English tour. All the displays are in English and you don't get much time in there anyways.
I have some pictures from the museum there as well. They have the entire history of cars there and some concepts there as well.
Haven't had a chance to process them in lightroom yet, but will post when I get a chance.

[silverstarmazda]

i would visit Upgarage or garage off, they carry second hand stuff and is usually loaded with great deals. but you might end up buying for than you can bring back lol