Bike Light Education at Tsukuba University
The University, the City, and the Police Department will be holding bike light education events on November 5, 8, and 9 from 6pm to 7pm on the University of Tsukuba campus.
November 5: Around Area 1 (in front of the student plaza)
November 8: In front of Hirasuna dorms
November 9: In front of Ichinoya dorms
The purpose of these events is to educate people about using bicycle lights at night. People will be handing out flyers and calling out to cyclists with megaphones.
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Borrowing Jumper Cables
Here is a quick hint sent in by a Tsukuban who had car trouble today:
My battery died today and I needed a boost. I don't have any jumper cables in my car, so I thought I would try going to a gas station to see if they could lend me a set. I went to the Eneos just across from Andersen and they were able to lend me the cables for a 2000 yen deposit plus some ID. When I returned the cables, I got my ID and deposit back.
So, if you are ever in the same situation, try to get yourself to the closest gas station to see if you can borrow the cables. Or, if you can't find a gas station, call your insurance provider to find out if you have road-side assistance as part of your coverage. Finally, if you have 4000 yen to spare, consider joining the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), so you will always have someone to call when you run into problems like this.
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Bus from Tsukuba to Narita Airport
There used to be an official English schedule for the Tsukuba to Narita Airport bus on the Kantetsu website, but it seems to have been removed. A kind person in Tsukuba (Yuka) has translated the schedule for us.
Tsukuba to Narita Airport Bus Schedule
Tsukuba to Narita Airport Bus Schedule (after November 20, 2008)
Please keep in mind that the bus schedule is subject to change, so keep an eye on the Japanese page for the updated schedules.
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Buying a Motorcycle or Scooter in Tsukuba: Motoshop Wildcats
Now this is the kind of sign I like to see in Tsukuba!
The sign is prominently displayed in the window of Motoshop Wildcats, a motorcycle shop in the north of Tsukuba. The shop's owner is Osamu, an expert in all things related to motorcycles -- and more than happy to serve his customers in fluent English!
The shop is located at Ozone 114-4. Take Nishi Odori north all the way to where it meets Higashi Odori (McDonald's will be on your right). Keep going north for about a minute or two. You will see the shop on your left.
Osamu's shop sells motorcycles and scooters. Also, one of my friends says that he is an excellent mechanic and that he can help people get their vehicles insured.
I think it is really important for the international community in Tsukuba to support businesses that welcome foreign clients. Feel free to give him a call at 029-864-7233 if you are thinking of buying a motorcycle or scooter, or if you need some advice about the one you already own.
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Car Auction Tsukuba
If you are thinking about buying a new car, you might want to consider asking a dealer to attend a car auction on your behalf. Car auctions happen every day of the week except Sunday all over the country. They are only open to dealers, but local used car dealers may agree to attend the auction on your behalf if you give them specific guidelines of what you are looking for and how much you are willing to pay.
The closest car auction to Tsukuba is called "Car Auction Tsukuba" (CAT) and it is held in Tsuchiura (Nakamura Nishine 1111) on Fridays. (It's quite common for events and sites in places around Tsukuba (but not actually in Tsukuba) to use the Tsukuba name, I guess because it is well-known and has good associations.)
I have never bought a car this way, so I can't offer any advice. I wonder if any Tsukuba residents might be able to tell us about their experiences?
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