Japan Trip 2011: Planning and Tips
Update in progress: This post is being kept for reference while I work on a fuller update.
This post shares some useful phrases, transit tips, and general planning advice from my trip.
Planning the trip
I love history, so I knew I definitely wanted to see Tokyo and Kyoto. If time allowed, I also really wanted to visit Hiroshima and Mount Fuji. I visited a travel agency that specialized in Asia, and the agent I planned with had been to Japan before, so she had great advice based on both my needs and her own experience. What was especially nice was that there were no pre-built tours. I was given a magazine where I could pick and choose what I wanted to see and build a more customized trip.
For Japan, the local tour company was Sunrise Tours. The tours are in English, and it looks like some may also be available in other languages such as Spanish. It was also helpful that some tours included transit and meals. Check out the final trip itinerary (please note pricing and tours may change or no longer be available).
Important Notes:
For any trip it is best to see a travel doctor to see what vaccines you need. Also, look into travel insurance (a travel credit card may be a great place to start).
Be sure to check with your work to see if some insurance is included with your benefits. For example, I had medical insurance through work benefits, so I bought a non-medical travel insurance package to supplement.
Alternatively, there are some credit cards that offer non-medical insurance, such as flight delays, emergency expenses, etc. Though for any insurance you have, carefully read over your Terms and Conditions for Pre-Existing Conditions.
Lastly, visit your government travel site. This is Canada's. They will provide warnings (and other information) on places you visit, such as how cautious you need to be or other dangers. Be sure to register the days and hotels you are staying at (as well as contact info during those times). This is only used in emergencies or situations where you need to be evacuated.
Surviving a ten hour flight
Not wanting to miss connections or have trouble, I booked a non-stop flight. I brought a lightweight laptop with about six hundred gigs of space, which gave me room for my media libraries as well as storing digital photos. Power outlets were the same in Japan. It also helps to bring any media players or game consoles (like the Switch).
A travel doctor suggested bringing bottles of water, aspirin (because of sitting for so long — consult your doctor), and dry food to snack on. Also, you should do a circuit of the plane every few hours. This can help your circulation. And, you may need to advise the carrier if you have special meal requirements.
More tips are on the Smarter Travel's Site.
Transit sites to use
Note: Tokyo transit systems have the fare based on distance traveled.
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The most useful site I found to use transit in Japan is hyperdia.com, it has routes, timetables, etc for all transit types (I wish I knew of this site before I went).
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Japan Rail Pass Information : This is for temporary visitors. It saves money on trains like the shinkansen. This must be bought BEFORE entry into Japan.
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Also, in Tokyo, pick up a 500¥ re-loadable card (the one I used was Pasmo). 2500¥ (about $25 CAN) got me the card and lasted for three quarters of my time in Tokyo (I only added more to get to the airport).
Helpful basic phrases
I did not know much Japanese before my trip, but even a few simple phrases were useful for getting around and ordering food.
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(thing/place) wa doko desu ka?
“Where is ____?”
Helpful for asking where a station, hotel, washroom, or landmark was. -
(number)-ban kudasai
“Can I please have number ____?”
Useful at fast food places or anywhere with a numbered menu. -
Arigatou gozaimasu
“Thank you very much.”
Always useful and appreciated. -
Sumimasen
“Excuse me” or “Sorry.”
Good for getting someone’s attention politely or moving through a busy area.
Check out the Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook for more phrases. It was a really useful reference to have while planning and traveling.
Save money while traveling
Quick note of approximate Yen (¥) to dollars (Canadian and United States). At the time of writing $1 = 80¥ (approx). Also, taxes were about 5% (based on Lonely Planet practical information).
The easiest way to save money by traveling is to buy your meals from one of the many convenience stores. Most times you can get a full meal for about 500-700¥ (or $5-$7 in Canadian Currency). There are also small family owned shops if you do not buy meals from convenience stores. These stores have a curtain across part of the booth and what looks like a vending machine (it dispenses your order ticket) and are usually 900¥ or less.
Buy a small container of laundry detergent before you go (or once you arrive), sometimes items can be washed in the sink.
Wait as long as possible to buy souvenirs, and try to research beforehand for items like electronics. Try using search engines or places like Yahoo Answers, reddit, etc. - there are many people who can tell the names of great stores or hidden locations.
Many hotels have free Internet access, although you may feel safer with a VPN program which can be used to protect yourself online. If you use a smart phone overseas, please be sure to turn on the roaming setting, and turn off data.