I've been to Japan for couple of times before and there are things that I wish someone had told me before I first went to Japan.
1. Rent Pocket Wifi
Free Wifi access is still rare in Japan and Internet is one of the most important thing to have when I am travelling. It allows you to use google maps, google translations, to browse for restaurants, to check transport timetable and more.
Renting a pocket wifi in Japan is preferred than buying a phone sim card because it is fast and most of the time it offers unlimited data. Best part is everyone in the group can share and enjoy the pocket wifi.
One of the most reliable company that provide pocket wifi renting service is Global Advanced Communications. I have used this company 3 times before and I am very satisfied with it. Twice with the standard 10GB for 14 days (5 people) and 17 days (3 people). 10GB is more than enough if you don't do a lot of streaming. The third time was for 10 days (6 people) using the Premium Unlimited as I went to Hokkaido. Global Advanced recommends to use Premium for better signal coverage.
Just a quick comparison between pocket wifi and data sim card as per October 2016.
2. Hyperdia
Just a quick comparison between pocket wifi and data sim card as per October 2016.
So I guess, only if you are a solo traveller, you may consider Mobile Sim Card. Otherwise, I strongly recommend to go with Pocket Wifi.
2. Hyperdia
Hyperdia is your best friend to know how you can get from one point to another. It is the best route finder website available to travellers. The best thing is that it allows you to untick Nozomi and Mizuho trains from the results (these two trains are not included in JR Pass), making it an excellent tool for Japan Rail Pass holders to determine routes that are valid with their passes.
For more information on how to use Hyperdia website, you can click here.
For more information on how to use Hyperdia website, you can click here.
3. Choose your luggage wisely
I strongly recommend to use medium-size luggage when travelling in Japan. It is better for you to pack lightly or even do backpackers. There are many reasons for this. Hotel room in Japan is small, most trains do not provide space for bulky luggage, there are still many train stations without escalators or elevators and more. But for me, the main reason is the availability of coin locker.
The luggage I used last year was Samsonite Cosmolite FL 81cm Spinner and it fits the large sized coin lockers perfectly. Anything larger than my Samsonite won't be able to fit the large sized coin lockers.
For me coin locker is essential to maximise my itinerary especially when moving between cities. For example, last year, I was travelling from Hiroshima to Kinosaki Onsen. On the way I stopped at Himeji. I would not want to carry my luggage to Himeji Castle right? So I used coin locker, put my luggage there, enjoyed the city, took the luggage back from locker and ready for Kinosaki Onsen.
Below are the three most common coin locker types in Japan.
Since I used quite a big luggage, I have to rely on large sized coin lockers, which are less readily available than smaller sized coin lockers. So make sure you choose your luggage wisely!
4. Cash is King
Japan is largely a cash-based society, so most places will not accept credit card. Even grocery stores are often cash-only. That means you’ll need to exchange your currency beforehand.
This might be different for everyone. But for me, I bring at least 10,000 JPY per day. So if I'm travelling for 10 days. I will bring at least 100,000 JPY cash with me. Note that most of the time, changing currency in your own country will be cheaper than changing in Japan.
During the trip, when I am able to use credit card, usually in big department stores, I will pay with credit card that do not have currency conversion fee. At the moment, I have 28 Degrees credit card and ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures credit card. Both of these are Australian issued card and do not charge currency conversion fee. The exchange rate is not bad too.
Now, if I spend all the cash that I first exchanged, instead of going to local currency exchange, I actually withdraw from ATM using Citibank Plus everyday bank account. This account is great because 'the bank does not charge withdrawal fee or FX transfer fee when you withdraw money from any ATM overseas'. I am not sure if any ATM will accept Citibank Plus card, but the two that I know are Citibank ATM and 7/11 convenience stores which are very easy to find. The exchange rate is very close to spot rate as well.
5. No Tips
Nobody tips in Japan. In fact, tipping is seen as a rude gesture. They believe that they don't deserve monetary incentive for doing a good job. So, just appreciate it, say thank you and give them a big smile. That's the conformation they need.
6. Umbrella
Japan can be quite a wet country. There is a very popular proverbs from where I come from "prepare the umbrella before it rains". This is very true in most situation but not in Japan. It is super easy to get an umbrella in Japan and it is the perfect opportunity to blend in with locals. Any convenience stores will sell umbrella by the door. It costs between ¥300 and ¥1200. My pro tip is to go to ¥200 shop and get ¥200 umbrella. Now you're ready to feel the Japanese experience.
Otherwise, if you still insist to bring your own umbrella even after you read this, I strongly suggest you to bring a rain jacket instead. You can avoid the hassle of holding umbrella. And by the time you need an umbrella, you can get back to my point and get ¥200 umbrella.
7. JR Pass
In Japan, the train system is a network of many train companies. The biggest train company is The Japan Railways Group. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a pass that offers unlimited travel on the JR Railway, selected busses, and selected ferries for overseas visitors. There are also other JR Passes that cover only specific areas of Japan – JR Hokkaido Passes, JR East Passes, JR West Passes, JR Kyushu Passes, All Shikoku Passes and Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu Passes.
JR Pass is very cost effective for long distance train travel in Japan. It will save you money and is the most convenient way to experience this amazing country. Travelling by train is comfortable, clean and easy so you can sit back and enjoy the journey. So if you are planning on making multiple trips within Japan, JR Pass offers the most affordable way to travel around.
And how do you know if you are better off purchasing JR Pass than buying separate ticket? It's easy! The Rule of Thumb is if you are doing a return trip, you are better off with JR Pass. For example, a return trip from Tokyo to Kyoto will cost you around the same price as a 7 days JR Pass. However, if let's say your inbound flight is to Tokyo and the outbound flight is from Kyoto, it means that you only need to take a one way trip to Kyoto. Then you will be better off buying one way train ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto rather than purchasing JR Pass.
Note that these passes are available to travellers visiting Japan with tourist visa only and you have to purchase the JR Pass outside Japan (On a trial basis, the pass will also be sold at Narita, Haneda and Kansai Airports, starting sometime in 2016). I bought my JR Pass from Sachi Tours. I've used them 3 times to purchase my JR Pass. I found Sachi Tours always offer the cheapest rate compared to other providers in Australia. And they send the JR Pass in express post which will arrive at your doorstep within 1 or 2 days.
There are 7 days, 14 days and 21 days JR Pass available. And it comes in two classes: ordinary and green. Green class JR Pass is equivalent to business class in an air plane which offers more spacious seats than ordinary cars. But in my opinion ordinary class is spacious enough for your leg room and even luggage.
For more information on JR Pass, click here.
8. Use IC Card
As mentioned above, the train system in Japan is a network of many train companies. There are other major and private train companies other than Japan Railway Group such as Tokyo Metro, Odakyu Electric Railway, Tobu Railway, Hankyu Corporation and many more.
The thing is that you cannot use JR Pass on these trains. You can buy regular tickets what will get you from A to B. But for me, this is troublesome since you have to purchase the ticket everytime you need to use the train.
The best way is to get IC Card. IC card is a prepaid rechargeable stored value cards that can be used to pay the fare for trains and busses. There are ten major IC cards. The most popular is Suica and Pasmo which you can get in Tokyo and Icoca which you can get in Osaka and Kyoto. These IC cards are interchangeably usable in most major cities in Japan.
The one that I own is Suica. So with Suica, it allows me to easily touch on when I'm entering the train station and touch off when I'm getting out the station. There is ¥500 deposit for the card which is refundable if you return it (you can only return the IC card to the issuing city. Suice and Pasmo are only refundable in Tokyo).
9. There are few public trash cans in Japan
It's quite hard to find public trash cans in Japan, yet Japan is one of the most cleanest country in the world. I guess you just have to hold your rubbish until you find one. I was curious and I googled why there are few trash cans in Japan. In summary, the article said that it is because of the Sarin gas attack in Tokyo subway in 1995. It was an act of domestic terrorism that killed 12 people, severely injured 50 people and caused temporary vision problems for nearly 5,000 others. After this happened, Japanese got extremely sensitive against unknown objects left in stations, and all trash cans immediately disappeared from the stations. It also disappeared from the streets and all public places within few weeks. Even now, I notice that most trash bins in Japan especially Tokyo are using transparent material.
10. Wear Comfortable shoes since you're going to walk a lot
11. Use AirBnB when on budget
What if you're travelling on budget? You don't want to stay in hostel and still want that privacy? Yes, AirBnB is your best option. Most of the time, it will be cheaper than business hotel. Make sure to find somewhere near the major train line and have a good rating. For example, in Tokyo, try to stay around Yamanote Line station. I have used AirBnB twice in Japan. First one was a Studio Apartment for 3 people in Nishi-Shinjuku which is 15 minutes walking from Shinjuku or 2 minutes by metro train. And the second one was a 3 bedroom Japanese house in Gion, Kyoto. I enjoyed both of my stay and especially you are able to experience what it feels like to live in Japan. Exactly like AirBnB brand campaign "Live There". So don't go to Japan, Live in Japan!
The last but not least
12. Get the Most out of your Trip!
My travel style is always go all out when travelling. I still do all my budget and comparison to make sure everything is within budget and I get the most value out of it. But don't save your money at the wrong thing.
I don't agree on those tips that say eat in 7/11 to save money. Yes, you can eat there when you're in a hurry or about to catch a train. But c'mon don't plan to eat there to save money. Food in Japan is amazing! And trust me on this one, you don’t want to miss out on them once you’re there! Another example is Ryokan. Although Ryokan is quite expensive, still I strongly recommend to have a Ryokan stay at least for 1 night to get the most out of your trip! After these 2 examples, I'm not saying that you should spend a lot to enjoy your trip. You have to be smart too in managing your budget like going to temples in Kyoto. There are so many temples in Kyoto, and I did save my money on couple of temples. I did my research and only pay on the most important and popular temples.
So do your research, don't save your money at the wrong thing and Get the Most out of your Trip!
Japan is an absolutely beautiful place that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Cherry Blossom in April, Autumn Colours in October, Winter Snow in January. Note that the peak season for each city is different. During this peak season, it will be very crowded and the accommodation is usually twice or three times more expensive. I like to go in May just after the Golden Week and October, it is low season and the weather is beautiful. Though, you don't get to see the beautiful colours during this time.
3. It’s not polite to eat and drink on the train, listen to your music up loud, talk loudly on the phone or to the person next to you. So it’s important to respect the Japanese culture and be quiet and respectful too.
4. Ghibli Museum
If you're planning to go to Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, make sure you purchase the ticket in advance. Click here on how to purchase the ticket.
5. Universal Studio
If you're planning to go to Universal Studio in Osaka, make sure you get the Express Pass. I strongly recommend to buy the admission ticket in advance to guarantee that you get the Express Pass as well.
Hope this will help you guys! Leave a comment and let me know what other things you wish you have known before you go to Japan.
7. JR Pass
In Japan, the train system is a network of many train companies. The biggest train company is The Japan Railways Group. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a pass that offers unlimited travel on the JR Railway, selected busses, and selected ferries for overseas visitors. There are also other JR Passes that cover only specific areas of Japan – JR Hokkaido Passes, JR East Passes, JR West Passes, JR Kyushu Passes, All Shikoku Passes and Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu Passes.
JR Pass is very cost effective for long distance train travel in Japan. It will save you money and is the most convenient way to experience this amazing country. Travelling by train is comfortable, clean and easy so you can sit back and enjoy the journey. So if you are planning on making multiple trips within Japan, JR Pass offers the most affordable way to travel around.
And how do you know if you are better off purchasing JR Pass than buying separate ticket? It's easy! The Rule of Thumb is if you are doing a return trip, you are better off with JR Pass. For example, a return trip from Tokyo to Kyoto will cost you around the same price as a 7 days JR Pass. However, if let's say your inbound flight is to Tokyo and the outbound flight is from Kyoto, it means that you only need to take a one way trip to Kyoto. Then you will be better off buying one way train ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto rather than purchasing JR Pass.
Note that these passes are available to travellers visiting Japan with tourist visa only and you have to purchase the JR Pass outside Japan (On a trial basis, the pass will also be sold at Narita, Haneda and Kansai Airports, starting sometime in 2016). I bought my JR Pass from Sachi Tours. I've used them 3 times to purchase my JR Pass. I found Sachi Tours always offer the cheapest rate compared to other providers in Australia. And they send the JR Pass in express post which will arrive at your doorstep within 1 or 2 days.
There are 7 days, 14 days and 21 days JR Pass available. And it comes in two classes: ordinary and green. Green class JR Pass is equivalent to business class in an air plane which offers more spacious seats than ordinary cars. But in my opinion ordinary class is spacious enough for your leg room and even luggage.
For more information on JR Pass, click here.
8. Use IC Card
As mentioned above, the train system in Japan is a network of many train companies. There are other major and private train companies other than Japan Railway Group such as Tokyo Metro, Odakyu Electric Railway, Tobu Railway, Hankyu Corporation and many more.
The thing is that you cannot use JR Pass on these trains. You can buy regular tickets what will get you from A to B. But for me, this is troublesome since you have to purchase the ticket everytime you need to use the train.
The best way is to get IC Card. IC card is a prepaid rechargeable stored value cards that can be used to pay the fare for trains and busses. There are ten major IC cards. The most popular is Suica and Pasmo which you can get in Tokyo and Icoca which you can get in Osaka and Kyoto. These IC cards are interchangeably usable in most major cities in Japan.
The one that I own is Suica. So with Suica, it allows me to easily touch on when I'm entering the train station and touch off when I'm getting out the station. There is ¥500 deposit for the card which is refundable if you return it (you can only return the IC card to the issuing city. Suice and Pasmo are only refundable in Tokyo).
9. There are few public trash cans in Japan
It's quite hard to find public trash cans in Japan, yet Japan is one of the most cleanest country in the world. I guess you just have to hold your rubbish until you find one. I was curious and I googled why there are few trash cans in Japan. In summary, the article said that it is because of the Sarin gas attack in Tokyo subway in 1995. It was an act of domestic terrorism that killed 12 people, severely injured 50 people and caused temporary vision problems for nearly 5,000 others. After this happened, Japanese got extremely sensitive against unknown objects left in stations, and all trash cans immediately disappeared from the stations. It also disappeared from the streets and all public places within few weeks. Even now, I notice that most trash bins in Japan especially Tokyo are using transparent material.
11. Use AirBnB when on budget
What if you're travelling on budget? You don't want to stay in hostel and still want that privacy? Yes, AirBnB is your best option. Most of the time, it will be cheaper than business hotel. Make sure to find somewhere near the major train line and have a good rating. For example, in Tokyo, try to stay around Yamanote Line station. I have used AirBnB twice in Japan. First one was a Studio Apartment for 3 people in Nishi-Shinjuku which is 15 minutes walking from Shinjuku or 2 minutes by metro train. And the second one was a 3 bedroom Japanese house in Gion, Kyoto. I enjoyed both of my stay and especially you are able to experience what it feels like to live in Japan. Exactly like AirBnB brand campaign "Live There". So don't go to Japan, Live in Japan!
The last but not least
12. Get the Most out of your Trip!
My travel style is always go all out when travelling. I still do all my budget and comparison to make sure everything is within budget and I get the most value out of it. But don't save your money at the wrong thing.
I don't agree on those tips that say eat in 7/11 to save money. Yes, you can eat there when you're in a hurry or about to catch a train. But c'mon don't plan to eat there to save money. Food in Japan is amazing! And trust me on this one, you don’t want to miss out on them once you’re there! Another example is Ryokan. Although Ryokan is quite expensive, still I strongly recommend to have a Ryokan stay at least for 1 night to get the most out of your trip! After these 2 examples, I'm not saying that you should spend a lot to enjoy your trip. You have to be smart too in managing your budget like going to temples in Kyoto. There are so many temples in Kyoto, and I did save my money on couple of temples. I did my research and only pay on the most important and popular temples.
So do your research, don't save your money at the wrong thing and Get the Most out of your Trip!
Random tips:
1. Best time to go.Japan is an absolutely beautiful place that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Cherry Blossom in April, Autumn Colours in October, Winter Snow in January. Note that the peak season for each city is different. During this peak season, it will be very crowded and the accommodation is usually twice or three times more expensive. I like to go in May just after the Golden Week and October, it is low season and the weather is beautiful. Though, you don't get to see the beautiful colours during this time.
2. Don’t catch the train rush-hour. It is between 8am and 9am in the morning, and shortly after 5pm in the evening, It’s absolutely hectic and you’ll get squished in and regret doing it.
3. It’s not polite to eat and drink on the train, listen to your music up loud, talk loudly on the phone or to the person next to you. So it’s important to respect the Japanese culture and be quiet and respectful too.
4. Ghibli Museum
If you're planning to go to Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, make sure you purchase the ticket in advance. Click here on how to purchase the ticket.
5. Universal Studio
If you're planning to go to Universal Studio in Osaka, make sure you get the Express Pass. I strongly recommend to buy the admission ticket in advance to guarantee that you get the Express Pass as well.
Hope this will help you guys! Leave a comment and let me know what other things you wish you have known before you go to Japan.
Great tips, thanx
ReplyDelete