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Old 07-23-2004, 05:50 PM   #2
saltlakeaiki
 
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Dojo: Salt Lake Aikikai
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 76
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Re: Visiting Hombu Dojo

The place where help might be most needed is in finding a place to stay. I wish I could be more helpful in that area, but since I lived in Tokyo it wasn't an issue However if I were to say, I'd say if you want to try to conserve cash, you could try the Tokyo Int'l Youth Hostel, which is in the upper part of a hi-rise, and actually is pretty close to Hombu (Iidabashi). Youth hostels are tough when it comes to privacy and peace of mind viz. personal items, but it's an option. If I recall from years ago, they have a nice bath

As for Hombu, by all means don't forget to bring your yuudansha passport or some other proof of Aikikai affiliation. If you're not affiliated, you may have trouble getting in. It costs 1,575 yen to get in for the day (about US$15 - even for Aikikai members), but you can stay for multiple classes. Don't be disappointed that it's a concrete box Don't be intimidated, but if you pass Doshu in the hall, make sure to nod and say hi

If it wasn't for the goat, you couldn't get in here for propaganda!
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