These are some of my top 10 tips when travelling in Japan
- Download APP Mobile Suica or PASMO card into your Wallet before you arrive in Japan (can also add to Apple Watch) This is easily done in 4 steps:
- Go to the Wallet app and select “Add”
- Select the “Transit Card” option
- Choose either Suica or PASMO, then select “Continue”
- Enter in how much you want to charge your card via your chosen credit or debit card, and then select “Add” You then need to confirm your purchase. You can add additional monies when you start to run low.
Recommend doing this before arrival Japan or you can purchase cards at main train stations eg Tokyo Station
- Google Maps will be your new best friend. Besides helping you navigate walking or driving around Japan, Google Maps is excellent for train/bus transport. It will not only give you the train times but also which platform to catch you train form and also station exit directions, invaluable
- Japan rail travel. Unfortunately the JR Rail Pass increased over 70% last year so unless you intend to do extensive train travel you maybe better to buy individual train tickets or buy pass for a particular region which are cheaper than buying for all of Japan eg JR-EAST Rail Pass. Japan Rail has three class of travel for the major train services; Standard and Green Class (like first class) and Business (on some routes). I recommend purchasing Green Class if you have extra luggage as there is more room. You can also purchase luggage space ahead of time for Standard.
I would highly recommend booking seats beforehand and this can be done either at the train stations JR information centres (often a foreign counter) or at the ticket machines. If you are travelling on a JR Rail Pass you need to use a separate machine for JR passes and if you are traveling on NOZOMI/MIZUHO trains there is a surcharge.
You can book individual sector tickets and reserve seats online and I find one of the cheapest is through KLOOK on this link: https://www.klook.com/rails-32/1012-japan/
You will receive a QR code when purchasing online and can then be exchanged for your ticket via the ticket machine at your train station.
You can also purchase tickets and reserve seats at train stations in Japan and if for the popular sectors eg Osaka to Kyoto, Tokyo to Nagano etc the trains run so frequently you can easily purchase on the day or in peak times a day or two before.
- Google Translate – Definitely download this APP. Very useful for using the camera and for conversation translating. English is widely spoken in the main cities of Japan and most signage is in English as well. In the rural areas English is less common but if you try and use a few common Japanese words the people will go out of their way to help you; Hello – Konnichi ha, Thank you – Arigato, Excuse me – Sumimasen, Goodbye – Sayonara, Please – Onegai
- Shopping in Japan – There is a wide range of quality products to purchase throughout Japan. Different areas of Japan have speciality products eg Sakai for knives, Tokoname for Ceramic, Tokyo Nippori for fabrics. Tokyo has some of the largest amount of high end designer shops, fashion capitol of Japan with Ginza having the highest amount of designer shops. Uniqlo is much cheaper in Japan and I have also found Zara to have very different fashion than in Australia and cheaper.
There are so many fantastic department stores and small boutiques throughout Japan so I recommend just go exploring, there is so much to see and buy. They really have so many unique and quality products you can buy.
One of my favourite areas is Kappabashi Kitchen Town in Tokyo (near Asakusa). Best place for buying Japanese knives, ceramics etc
The variety of markets throughout Japan is amazing, from the Tsukiji Fish Markets in Tokyo, the Nishiki Markets of Kyoto and the Omicho Markets in Kanazawa. Here is a great link with all the best markets in Japan; https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2452.html
- Accommodation options: So many accommodation options. I consider most 3 star hotels to be 4 star anywhere else and 4 star more like 5 star hotels. Known for their cleanliness and modern bathroom facilities, especially the toilets with heated seats and music. Some of my favourite chain of hotels for 3 star are the The B hotels, Hotel MyStays & APA Hotels. 4 star Hotels the Mitsui Gardens hotel chain are excellent value. Contact myself to book for most competitive rates.
- Transfers and Tours; When arriving into Tokyo and transferring to a domestic flight ensure that it is the same airport; Narita or Haneda. If not, allow 4 hours to transfer between airports via the either the Keisei Narita Skyaccess train for Friendly Airport Limousine. Here is the link to book; https://www.accesrail.com/products/friendly-airport-limousine-fal/
For private transfers from the airport, train stations or tours there are reliable companies with quality vehicles that are well priced, especially for group travel.
- Luggage transporting – Black Cat is the easiest and best way to transport your luggage from one hotel/airport to the next. Very fast, reliable and well priced. Saves having to take large cases on the train which can be difficult. You will find their counters at the airport or your hotel can arrange for you
- Local customs- Important to be aware of the local customs as the Japanese are very polite people. Some of the main do nots are; Talking loudly on public transport, eating as you walk, queueing orderly, hand on to your rubbish, don’t blow your nose in public, take your shoes off when you go indoors (homes and restaurants), place change in small dish offered, stay on correct side of the escalator (changes in Tokyo to Osaka)
- Finding best Bars and Restaurants – Japan has some of the best bars and restaurants throughout Japan. Two of my favourite bars are Bees Knees in Kyoto and Tir Na Nog in Tokyo. There are just so many that I will do a separate blog with all my favourites, stay tune.
