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Saturday, May 14, 2016

Traveler's Guide to Japan: Essential Tips and Tricks

While Japan may not be the most budget-friendly destination, it consistently ranks as one of the world's most beautiful and welcoming countries. From the iconic peak of Mount Fuji to the bustling streets of Tokyo and the serene tranquility of Kyoto, Japan offers a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and the deep respect for tradition that defines its rich history.

Scenic Vistas of Mount Fuji at Oshino Hakkai 忍野八海

Before the Visit


There are some preparations to consider before you head out for Japan:
  • Watch the below video before your visit
  • Read this article before your visit
Best time and Bad time to visit Japan (YouTube link)

    Get Around


    • Train
      • Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
        • The JR Pass, is a ticket you can use many times to travel around Japan. It works on all big JR trains, like the Shinkansen and Narita Express. You can choose a pass for 7, 14, or 21 days, and pick between a Standard or Green (first class) Pass.
        • Buy your JR Pass online, and you’ll get an Exchange Order. Trade this for your JR Pass in Japan.
          • You can find more information and purchase options on the official Japan Rail Pass website.
        • While trains are generally the fastest way to travel in Japan, they can also be one of the more expensive options, depending on the distance and type of train[1]
          • In most major cities, you can buy a day pass, which gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours for around 2,800 JPY on select trains.
          • In addition to the famous Japan Rail Pass, there are many local rail passes for unlimited travel in specific parts of Japan. Read this article for more details.
        • Avoid rush hours in big cities especially when you carry luggage
          • As a rule of thumb, avoid during the following hours
            • 7:00 to 9:00 and 17:00 to 20:00 
        • Consider an IC Card, such as Pasmo or Suica, for Easy Travel in Japan
          • These cards are readily available for purchase at airports and most major train stations throughout the country.  They offer a significant advantage in convenience compared to purchasing individual tickets.
          • The majority of public transportation systems accept IC cards. Different IC card types offer similar functionality.  It's important to note, however, that IC cards may not be universally accepted on buses and trains in all regions of Japan. 
          • Having some cash on hand is a good idea, as it can be useful for buses and trains that don't accept IC cards. 
        • Download the Jorudan app (aka Japan Transit Planner)
          • Jorudan is one of the best alternative applications to download for navigating the train system in Japan.
      • Taxi
        • Cabs are more expensive in Japan
      • Bus
        • Using buses in Japan can be intimidating to foreign tourists because there are usually few English displays or announcements, and there are different systems of ticketing depending on the company.
        • Have some cash ready, bills of 1,000 yen or coins, in case the fare machine doesn't accept IC cards.  Coin exchange machines are available to convert 1000 yen bills or larger coins like 500 yen into smaller denominations.
        • This website offers helpful tips on navigating buses in Japan. Take a look before your trip!

      10 Must Know JAPAN Travel Tips No One Talks about (YouTube link)

      Eat and Drink


      • Tipping
        • Normally, tipping in Japan is not customary (maybe except for tour guides, which will be stated clearly before you join the tour from abroad).
      • Vegetarian
      • Tap Water
        • Can you drink safely? The quick answer is yes. But like in any place, it depends on your own health. For more info, keep reading from the provided source.[9]
      • Morning Breakfast
      • Buy foods with discount
        • To minimize waste, supermarkets often discount fresh produce, prepared meals, and other items with short shelf lives as closing time approaches.
      • Eating at Restaurants
        • Watch Yuka's video here and here for Japanese's traditions

      Culture, Customs and Etiquette


      • Greetings in Japan are very formal and ritualized
        • The traditional form of greeting is the bow
        • Watch here to learn Japanese greetings
      • Respecting the Culture: Social Etiquette in Japan
        • Minimize phone usage in public areas such as buses and trains. Should you need to use your phone on a train, please do so in the gangway.
        • Talk quietly in restaurants. It’s polite and keeps the place calm for everyone.
      • Don't litter
        • Bring a small plastic bag with you to hold trash and empty it when you return home or hotel.
        • Convenience stores and bathrooms are places that sometimes have trash bins.
      • Read more here.
      22 Simple MISTAKES to AVOID when you first visit Japan (YouTube link)

      Other Tips


      • Currency Exchange
        • Be aware that Japan relies heavily on cash. Many smaller shops and vendors may not accept credit cards.
        • Read [13] for good tips
      • Stay Connected on the Go: Pocket Wi-Fi Rentals
        • These pocket Wi-Fi devices are conveniently available for rental at major Japanese airports upon arrival. Alternatively, you can pre-order online and have them delivered directly to your accommodation in Japan.
        • Read [21] for many good advice(s). 
      • Language
        • Download Google Translate app
          • One of the handiest ways for translating what you want to say on the spot
        • Print out your hotel address in Japanese
      • Public Toilets
        • Public toilets are usually readily available all over Japan, and can be found in department stores, supermarkets, book stores, CD shops, parks, most convenience stores, and in all but the most rural train stations.
        • However, do carry toilet papers
          • BYOTP or Bring Your Own Tissue Paper is a common piece of advice to anyone in Tokyo who has intentions of using the public toilets.[8]
      • Public Baths (Sento 銭湯)
        • Public baths are segregated by gender, and swimsuits are not worn (read more on bathing rules).
        • Some sento, typically in hot spring resort towns, utilize natural hot spring water for their baths.
          • More commonly, however, public baths simply use heated tap water instead.
      • Shopping
        • As foreigners visiting Japan, you can get tax refund for some non-consumable items [36]
        • Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee
      • Recharging devices
        • Bring an all-in-one power adapter
      • Temples and Museums
        • You can buy city or temple passes that are valid for one day
      Proper etiquette for bathing in Japanese hot springs

      References

      1. Japan Travel Guide
      2. Tipping Etiquette When Traveling in Japan
      3. Public toilets in Japan
      4. Sento (銭湯) Guide (Kyoto)
      5. Jorudan (good)
        • "Jorudan" is a Japanese company that provides travel information and route planning services, primarily focused on Japan.
      6. Vegetarian Survival Guide to Japan
      7. Duty free shopping in Osaka
      8. 10 Things That Will Shock You About Tokyo
      9. tap water in Japan: drink it or is it not safe?
      10. Groceries in Japan – A Short Guide
      11. Travel Tips (Travel and Health)
      12. JAPANiCAN.com
      13. Currency Exchange Tips – Dollars to Yen (good)
      14. Japan Travel: Why and How to Use the ATM?
      15. When Should I Buy My Flight? (SmartTravel)
        • Avoid booking too early and too late. CheapAir's "window" for good deals on domestic tickets is 27–114 days in advance; Expedia's window is 50–100 days.
        • Start with our own free fare alerts, our sister site BookingBuddy, and Airfarewatchdog's famous fare alerts.
      16. TSA Travel Tips Tuesday: TSA Recognized Locks
      17. Japan Rail Pass user guide. How to use JR Pass to its maximum (good)
      18. JapanDict
      19. Culture, Customs and Etiquette (Japan Guide)
      20. Traveling in Japan
      21. Internet Access (Japan-guide.com)
      22. Smartphones, tables, or laptops:WHAT’S BEST FOR TRAVELERS? 
      23. Best U.S. ATM & Credit cards for Japan
      24. Things to bring or buy in Japan
      25. How does Capital One Calculate its Credit Card Currency Exchange Rate?
      26. MasterCard/Cirrus/Maestro ATM Locator
      27. ATM Abroad (good)
      28. Restaurant Japanese: A Survival Guide (Travel for Life)
      29. Survival Japanese at Grocery Stores  (Travel for Life)
      30. Travel: Must-Know Japanese Phrases in Japan  (Travel for Life)
      31. Japan Travel Guide: 5 Things You Should Know about Restaurants in Japan (video)
      32. Essential Japanese for Vegetarian Travelers (Travel for Life)
      33. NerdWallet’s Best Banks for International Travel
      34. Debit Card Foreign Transaction and International ATM Fees: What You’ll Pay
      35. 20 safest airlines in the world
      36. Japan Travel—Get Your Tax Refunds at Department Stores (Travel for Life)
      37. 15 Chain Restaurants and Coffee Shops to Enjoy Japan’s Morning Set
      38. Medical Considerations before International Travel
      39. The 10 Safest Countries in the World
        • 1. Iceland 2. Denmark 3. Austria 4. New Zealand 5. Portugal 6. Czech Republic 7, Switzerland 8. Canada 9. Japan 10. Slovenia
      40. How to Introduce Yourself in Japanese
      41. How to Eat a Typical Japanese Meal at Home
      42. How to use Chopsticks
      43. How to ride a train in Japan
      44. How to Visit Someone's House 
      45. A Solo Trip Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These 7 Rules
      46. What to do if an airline loses your luggage
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