Things you should know for your first Japan trip
Anybody travelling to Japan may often feel a sense of apprehension and anxiety about what to expect. There’s language barrier, lack of information, food issues, and the rumoured ‘unusual’ ways of life of the Japanese people that can be confusing from a distance.
When we were planning our recent trip, I would agree we were a bit stressed. But trust me, Japan will exceed all your expectations - both in terms of the convenience of travelling around and the exciting adventures it has to offer. The entire country collectively works towards public good so there is nothing to worry.
After coming back, I thought it was important to share the information R and I gathered during our trip to help all those planning a visit to Japan soon. So, here comes the pearls of wisdom.
#Order your JR Pass in advance
It makes sense to order a JR Pass if you want to travel around the country a lot. However, make sure you still have some time for your trip before you order it. The pass is DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME and you do not want to be in a situation where you do not have enough time to receive it. In case you find yourself in that situation, you can choose to send it to your hotel/AirBnB but I would say, better be safe than sorry.
#Get a pocket WiFi
While you are ordering your JR Pass, you will be given an option to order a pocket WiFi as well. I would recommend, take it. It is extremely easy to collect and drop back at the airports and during our entire trip, not even for once were we without internet. It’s unlimited and the speed is great. It may seem a bit steep but you may end up spending more if you opt for other options.
#Download the Japan Official Travel App
You will come across many videos and posts where travellers have claimed that they were thoroughly confused about the extensive train/subway network on which Japan runs. It is not untrue given there are several private operators that run their services on various routes. My advice is, please download the Japan Official Travel App. We did so and never for once got lost or confused about a train/subway route. It tells you the routes, time of departure/arrival, the money required for tickets, platform numbers and even has a map integrated to help you find the right stations in case you have to step out of one to get to another. The Japanese railway system is a work of art and there’s no reason why you should not be able to take full advantage of it.
#Save money with daily subway pass
In case you do not have a JR Pass and you need to do more than two travels in a day, get a daily pass and save money. These passes grant you the flexibility to use the subway as many times as you want in a day with no extra costs over what you have already spent. On weekdays these are about 600 yen per person and weekend costs vary between 750-800 yen.
#Eat at convenience stores
Japan offers this unique advantage of amazing convenience stores where food is stocked everyday. It includes a variety of noodles, sushi, dumplings, rice items and has both veg and non-veg options. While eating at restaurants may cost you between 1000-1200 yen per person, at convenience stores you can finish off your meal in less than 1000 yen for two people. Cutting costs become easy if you plan one meal in a day at least, at a convenience store.
#Carry suitcases/trolley bags instead of backpacks
Japan defies all travel rules that may apply to other countries. Carry suitcases - big and small - instead of your go-to backpacks. The entire country is suitcase-friendly. Trains, footpaths, tourist areas etc are planned in a way that it is easy to carry suitcases/trolleys along. In fact, if you are visiting with a kid, you must know it is extremely stroller-friendly too. Oh, let’s not forget, it is high-heel-friendly as well - just FYI!
#Use bitcoins to make purchases
Some shops, including the big brands and duty-free ones, accept bitcoins. In case you want to use yours, Japan is a good option. I am not sure how easy or complicated using bitcoins may be, but just an FYI for those who could be interested.
#Carry a coin purse
There’s a good chance you will end up with a huge amount of coins in your pocket that will be clinking around as you walk. A lot of transaction happen in Japan in coins and it is inconvenient to go around with these smaller denominations if you do not have a coin purse.
#Go-karting on streets - be prepared!
Yes, they have go-karting on streets in Tokyo. A very exciting touristy activity, this will, however, require you to have an international driving license. Please carry your own country’s driving license along as well. This is a really fun activity and I am not sure where else you can do this. Be fully prepared for this craziness if you are visiting.
#Pandas and special passes!
The entire country is crazy about pandas. Just in case you want to visit the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, ensure you have the numbered passes for panda visit. Especially if you are visiting on a weekend or a holiday, please make sure you get your pass. The passes are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. You can collect them from 9:30 a.m. in front of Ueno Zoo’s five-story pagoda, near the main entrance.
#You can trust people
Although the majority of Japanese people do not understand English, they are very patient with travellers and ready to help at any point. We have had instances where we have asked for information from someone at a store or on the streets and if they were not able to understand us, they would make sure to get somebody who would and give us a proper response. Moreover, I lost and found my phone and glasses during our trip without any hassles (and yes, I am embarrassed). I’ll have to say, if you know where to ask for help, you will always find it.
So here's wishing you a great trip and I am sure you are in for a few exciting and unforgettable days ahead. If you find this post interesting and helpful, please make sure to share with anyone who may also benefit from it.
Oh and let's not forget, ariagotou go zaimas (Thank You very much) Japan, for your many wonders!
