I wanted to take my children to backpacking in Japan how expensive it is ? staying there

In the 90's, things were very expensive in Japan, particularly travel, compared with where I live now. This was really the apex of their economic heyday. They had a financial and corporate meltdown in the latter 90's, and things changed.

Today, things in Japan are relatively cheap, compared with where I live. But its not easy to make an income. Travel is quite expensive, unlike many other countries. Backpacking, not so sure.

I cannot imagine doing backpacking with children...

what does gajjin means??

Gai-jin gai = 外 = outside, the outer, - external jin = 人 = person, human being

gai-jin means "one from the outside", "an outsider", and is used to indicate a foreigner

I suspect this is what Fensby was referring to, apparently because someone or something told him. I cannot think of any expression that literally means "Outsider who should remain outside". That's probably someone's explanation of their interpretation of the nuances.... (I lived in Japan 7 years, had a few kids, and became fluent.)

In places like the US, or Australia, NZ, or even Europe now, where immigration has a long history, a person becomes an American, or an Australian, or British, by virtue of throwing one's lot in with the country. However, none of these countries were as homogenous as Japan is (was).

Immigration INTO Japan was virtually non-existent until the 20th century, and even then, until the latter half of the 20th century. (Koreans being an exception - many Koreans were forced to move to Japan as sex slaves, as forced laborers, etc, particularly during the 2nd world war).

Consequently, a foreigner is always a foreigner in Japan. You could move there, even become a Japanese citizen, change your name to a Japanese name, and liver there for 50 years, but you are still a gai-jin. They may love you, and include you, but your identity will always be a gai-jin and they, Japanese.

What if you marry Japanese women what then ?

Fensby: "Her father will kill you in your sleep."

Fortunately, I managed to survive. I had trained in aikido, karate, reiki and kendo, so that when my father-in-law stealthily attacked me one night, dressed in full black ninja attire, shurikens a-flying, I quickly jumped up, pulled up my katana and kicked aside my futon, where my wife was sleeping blissfully, and parried every thrust of his 27 daggers. After 43 minutes of exhaustive combat, we decided to call it a draw, and he went back to his house.

Never again did we bring it up, but somehow, there was always that glint of respect in my father-in-law's eyes when the harvest moon festival came around every Autumn.

True story, sort of.