Update on japanese prices - 2007 - reasonable prices in restaurants - cheap food in supermakets (lot`s prepared and ready to eat) Beer same price as uk - petrol cheap enough - clothes are very well priced with "always a bargain" to be found. travel - train travel reasonable for example one way from Tokyo to Karuizawa by "Shinkansen" less than 30 pounds for non reserved. Coach for the same trip half price. Taxi prices are high!! Hotel prices can be high but if you stay at a "business type" hotel you will pay less than £50 night for a double. Continued if interested.