Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Information

よく尋ねられる質問。

General questions about the club

1. I  do not speak English well, can I still join?

1b. Hello,I like outdoors. I`m Korean, but I can speak Japanese. What language do you usually talk in this group? English? I don`t speak English very well. Is it OK?

Yes of course! People try to use simple English - many members also use Japanese, and another

Japanese person will always help if you have a problem understanding.

2. Hello, we are a middle aged couple with two daughters ( both students), and very interested in your club. But unfortunately, we are all unable to speak English fluently. Can't we became your members? By the way, I am 49 years old, and husband in 51. Are we too old?

Simple English (beginner) is enough to join events. One of our climbing friends doesn't speak any English but we manage, and enjoy our trips together.

People can join at any age - it's not important, as long as you are fit enough for the activity. Younger people can attend with family members or written consent - please ask the management for details.

3. I do not have any camping tents or equipments aside from a sleeping bag. Is it possible to rent equipment from the club at a fee?

Yes, you can rent equipment from the club at low cost or free ... see the equipment page in the information section.

Joining the club; membership and fees

1. I'd like to join the OCJ but is it possible to pay a fee (1month or 1yr) after having observed it?

No is the simple answer... A lot of work is done processing membership to make sure people have agreed to the safety conditions. Then answering guest questions, so unfortunately a fee is needed to cover this time/work.In 2009 the fee is even lower!

2. My friend and I are interested in joining the club, but we want to join an activity before hand just as a trial. Can we join the drinks this Thursday?

2b.  Henshin arigato gozaimasu. Can I go to social night on Thursday?

Anyone can come along to our social nights and casual meetings - you do not need to be a member. Other social events are also often open to non-members. This is displayed in the calendar event details.

3. Hi. I am living and working in Tokyo. I found this site and interested. Price is very reasonable. Do you feel strange if I join alone?

3b.一人で参加する方もいらっしゃいますか ?? 

Most of our members join 'alone'.Our members are very friendly and you will soon make many friends - no problem at all.

4. Hi, Thank you for your email. Yes, I'd like to join the club and see how I like it. How can I join it? Will you have any meeting or event in the near future? R**

Easy to join by credit card or bank transfer - see the menu 'Join Club' for details. Meeting are now very casual ... a drink in a pub once a month. Sometimes a special event in meeting room with 20-35 people (Salsa night or movie).

5. I'm interested to be a full member of OCJ. On your website it says the 1 year fee is 4,000yen for April - March. As it is June now, if I join now will my membership be for a 1 year from now or until March 2009 for 4,000 yen?

The membership year starts and finishes in Spring (Japanese custom). If you join in the middle you pay the membership fee displayed at that time - it is reduced every few months (3,000en, 2,000en etc ). But all membership starts again in April.

Events

1. How often have the event? thanks, Ch**

If you look at the calendar or event list archive  you will see there are events almost every weekend. Some on weekdays too.

2.I read your FAQ page twice before emailing you and it does not contain any information about non-members simply learning about upcoming events.

The contact form page also says you need to read the FAQ AND the website information pages - the answer is there!

Event calendar can change daily but is a guide only. Events can be posted as little as a day before but usually a week. Signed up, paid up members only get information - not guests.

3. Hello, I'm very interested in joining this club. My friends were very keen on this outdoor club when I talked about you just went on a dolphin swim trip! Are you going to do that again?

Some special events are repeated every year, or more often ... We will probably have another dolphin swim. There are always several trips every year to the Izu islands, or BBQ camps.

4. Hi, I joined a few months back - now I have finally time to join a hike - how can I contact the organizer?

Some event details are not shown on the website - they are in the mailing list email sent to all members. Just reply to the organiser's email address, or call them - they usually include a phone number in the email.

5. Hi there... If I`m not a member of this club, How can I join one-day hike ?

5b. I am really interested in joining your group and especially joining the paragilding excursion this weekend as a day trip. Could I join the group on Saturday (and pay the membership fee on the same day?)

Everyone must agree to the safety conditions and club rules before joining an outdoor event. There is also the membership fee. This can be paid quickly using PayPal and a credit card, or by bank transfer. When these are done you can join the event.

Occasionally on large events which the management attends you can sign up and pay on the day - this is rare! The club system is designed to avoid paperwork - everything takes time and we are volunteers ...

6. Hello, I'm not the member yet. I'm interested in the event of next weekend(Alps, Nikko area or Niigata mountain ). I have questions about it. How many people are already confirmed ? And is there still availability for 2 persons? How are you going to get there, bu bus or train ?If I join you, should I book the train by myself ? Best Regards, N**

This kind of information is for members only ... you must join the club and contact that event organizer to get the details. The management does not have all the details usually - only the people signed up.

7. Hi there, I'd like to participate the Izu island or countryside camping in May (golden week). My hiking level is beginner. I haven't attended a meeting yet, but could I participate?

Yes, if your ability, experience and equipment are enough for the event level/grading. All events are graded so check the details in the information pages. You do not need to come to a meeting to join the club or attend an event. Just sign up on the website, pay the membership fee and request the organizer's contact details - thats it! ... see you there.