{"id":7378,"date":"2019-03-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-12T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=7378"},"modified":"2020-04-02T05:36:42","modified_gmt":"2020-04-01T19:36:42","slug":"21-tips-for-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/asia\/tips\/21-tips-for-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"21 tips for Aussies travelling to Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Japan<\/a> is an incredible destination, as more and more Aussie travellers are discovering for themselves. Here are my tips for making your trip amazing.<\/p>\n

1. Pack light.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you have a jam-packed itinerary that involves moving around a lot of different cities\/hotels, try not to overload your suitcase. There are a LOT of stairs between train stations.<\/p>\n

2. Download the JapanTravel App for iPhone <\/span><\/a>or Android<\/span><\/a>.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s awesome for transport timetables and route suggestions (including alternatives when you need them).<\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t take Uber for granted.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s only available in Tokyo \ud83d\ude1e<\/p>\n

4. Sleep like a local.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The traditional Japanese sleeping arrangement \u2013 a tatami mat on a futon \u2013 is a MUST-TRY. It was the best sleep I\u2019ve ever had \u2013 seriously.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

5. Download Google Translate<\/a><\/strong> and make sure you have Japanese ready to go before you leave.<\/h3>\n

While many people in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto speak English, Translate is super helpful for when you\u2019re trying to read vending machines and labels and there aren\u2019t any pictures to help you make your important food decisions. It\u2019s a lifesaver for picky eaters and people with dietary requirements.<\/p>\n

6. Slurp your ramen\/udon.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s actually considered a compliment to the chef \u2013 it shows that the food is delicious. So slurp away! Go team udon \ud83c\udf5c<\/p>\n

7. Forget tuna and chicken sushi rolls.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sushi in Japan is the real deal, not the rolled versions we\u2019re used to. The closest you may get are the rice balls from FamilyMart.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

8. Join the family.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

FamilyMart shops are similar to our 24hr convenience stores \u2013 but better! \u2013 and they\u2019re EVERYWHERE. They\u2019re the best place to stock up on snacks and any nitty-gritty things you may need (nail file?).<\/p>\n

9. Indulge your coffee addiction.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In Tokyo, I recommend Blue Bottle Caf\u00e9<\/a> at Shinagawa Station and The Local Coffee Stand<\/a> in Shibuya. In Kyoto, check out Arabica<\/a> in Higashiyama.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

10. Don\u2019t tip.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Tipping is not customary in Japan \u2013 in fact, your tips will likely be refused. Kindness and sincere gratitude are much more welcome.<\/p>\n

11. Mount Fuji \u2013 plan for the weather.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s no denying that Mount Fuji makes for an envy-inducing Insta shot. But depending on when you go, you might be challenged with clouds or overcast skies covering the gorgeous snowy peak. So, plan ahead. Check the weather forecast and, if you can, give yourself more than one day to try to snap your beautiful volcano shot. As a bonus, you\u2019ll also have more time to explore the surrounding small towns.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

12. Grab lunch in a department store.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In Japan, the lower floor of a department store is usually a food floor. They\u2019re great for picking up quick eats and seeing the local delights.<\/p>\n

13. Prepare for crowds at the Hachik\u014d statue.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Of course you want to get a snap of Shibuya\u2019s most famous pooch. But everyone else does too. The Hachik\u014d statue is a meeting-point hotspot, so be prepared for hundreds of other people doing the same as you.<\/p>\n

14. Don\u2019t get your hopes up for a train station locker.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s survival of the fittest when it comes to train lockers, and the big lockers in particular are always in hot demand. It\u2019s 600Y a day for a large locker (but they go extremely quickly) and 400-500Y for one of the smaller ones. If you are only doing a daytrip or two, think about taking an overnight bag and just leaving your big luggage in a locker. But be prepared to split your things across two smaller lockers if all the big ones are taken.<\/p>\n

15. Go Mario Karting.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Nintendo fans, you\u2019ve got to try this! Driving a real-life Mario Kart on the road might seem intimidating, but with Japan having similar road rules to Oz and also driving on the left, it\u2019s pretty easy to do. Make sure you have your international driver\u2019s licence and passport and that you\u2019re wearing closed-in shoes. Pro tip: You might be able to save up to 15% if you agree to do a review on their Facebook page<\/a> afterwards.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16. Have a shower.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you are lucky enough to have a private onsen bath in your accommodation, make the most of it! But make sure you have a shower first before soaking in the tub.<\/p>\n

17. Cover tattoos (when necessary).<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I missed out on going to a hot spring this time around. But from my research, I\u2019ve learned that some places do not allow tattoos. If you have ink, get in touch with the onsen you\u2019re interested in before you book to check their policy (and avoid disappointment).<\/p>\n

18. Don\u2019t go to the top floor (unless you know you want to \ud83d\ude09).<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Japan (especially Tokyo) is home to some incredible anime stores, which are must-visits if you\u2019re a fan. Many of them cover multiple floors, but a heads-up: the content often becomes more… uh… adult<\/em> the further up you go. Browse wisely.<\/p>\n

19. Don\u2019t forget the accommodation tax.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some accommodation providers charge an \u2018accomodation tax\u2019, which you pay either at check-in or check-out. It\u2019s based on the city, the cost of your stay and the number of guests. Contact your hotel before you arrive for more info.<\/p>\n

20. Remember the departure tax too.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Japan Tourism recently announced they will be introducing an international tourist tax<\/a> for all overseas passengers departing Japan. But don’t worry! It’s only 1000Y (around $12 or $13 AUD) and it’ll be built into the cost of your departing flight\/cruise, so you probably won’t even notice it.<\/p>\n

21. Go to Haneda Airport early.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With so many great restaurants and stores, it\u2019s easy to feel like you\u2019re still in Tokyo or Kyoto. And you really don\u2019t want to miss the chance to go up to the Skydeck and check out the city view from afar (with the added excitement of watching planes take off, land and zip along the runway). But hold onto your hat, because it does get windy.<\/p>\n

Bonus! All about JR passes and shinkansen (bullet trains)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. Get a JR pass.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, they\u2019re expensive but they\u2019re totally worth it, especially if you\u2019re going to multiple cities. I\u2019d recommend getting yours before you leave home to save time and hassle when you arrive. But remember, they\u2019re only valid for seven days, so don\u2019t activate your pass until you need it.<\/p>\n

2. Use it like a pro.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Train stations in Japan can be hectic \u2013 not somewhere you want to be digging around your bag. Keep your JR pass handy and walk through the side counters by showing your pass to staff. Easy!<\/p>\n

3. Understand the subway map.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Circle symbols represent stations on private lines that AREN\u2019T covered by your JR pass. Stop at the stations with the square symbols only.<\/p>\n

4. Reserve a seat on the shinkansen.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re travelling to a different city (eg: Tokyo to Kyoto), go to a JR desk at the train station to reserve your seat. To find it, look for the green JR sign. They\u2019ll give you a small green ticket reserving your seat \u2013 make sure you keep it safe.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

5. Turn your headphones down.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Forget using headphones to block out train noise \u2013 shinkansen are silent<\/strong><\/em>. In fact, you should be careful not to put your sound up too loud, as you\u2019ll need to keep track of where you are (which you can\u2019t do by just looking out the window \u2013 you\u2019ll be travelling up to 300km\/h). There is a tune that rings every time you approach a stop. Some shinkansen also have power outlets, so make sure you keep your charger and adapter handy.<\/p>\n<\/i> PLAN YOUR JAPAN GETAWAY <\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Japan is an incredible destination, as more and more Aussie travellers are discovering for themselves. Here are my tips for making your trip amazing. 1. Pack light. If you have a jam-packed itinerary that involves moving around a lot of different cities\/hotels, try not to overload your suitcase. There are a LOT of stairs between …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":7381,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[754,80],"tags":[420,421,422],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7378"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7378"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7530,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7378\/revisions\/7530"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}