Japan: Things To Do Before You Go
Planning a trip to Japan? Here are 5 key things to consider/do before you go:
1) Japan Rail Pass:
For travel within Japan, forget expensive taxi rides to and from airports, long lines at taxi ranks, airport check in, baggage claim etc and hop on a bullet train (Shinkansen) instead. Travelling on a Shinkansen is one of those experiences (like cat cafes and robot restaurants) that is quintessentially Japan. Shinkansen depart from major Japan Rail (JR) stations that are always centrally located and easy to get to in every city. These trains can go up to 320kms per hour (200 miles), and are a quick and comfortable way to go from one city to another in Japan.
If you intend to visit multiple cities during your time in Japan, then a Japan Rail (JR) Pass is definitely worth your consideration for cost effective, stress-free travel. So far these could only be purchased through authorised sales offices/agents outside the country. Then, upon arriving in Japan you go to any major JR station that has a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office and turn in the Exchange Order issued to you by the agent to receive your JR pass. However, on a trail basis, these passes will be available in select stations inside Japan in March 2017 (these will be more expensive when purchased in Japan).
JR passes come in two types: ordinary and green car. The green car pass (costs ¥38,880 or US$343/AU$441 approx. for a seven-day pass) is for the superior (first class) cars on the trains. The ordinary pass (costs ¥29,110 or US$257/AU$340 approx. for a seven-day pass) applies to the economy class cars. The green cars offer more spacious seats than ordinary cars and are less likely to be full; which makes it easier for couples and families to sit together. Kapil and I activated our seven-day green pass when leaving Tokyo for Kyoto, we spent 3 days in Kyoto, then 2 days in Osaka and 1 day in Hiroshima before returning to Tokyo.
Find out everything you need to know about JR passes here:
2) Internet Access through Personal Hotspots:
We highly recommend renting a handy little wireless router, a personal hotspot (also referred to as portable hotspot, personal Wi-Fi, pocket Wi-Fi, and mifi). This is a small, battery-powered device that uses cellular network to create a local wireless network. Having a mobile hotspot allows you to stay connected, back up photos, and use maps, translation and train apps on the go.
Why bother with local SIM cards, hotel Internet etc when a little wireless router can give you inexpensive, 24/7, reasonably fast and mobile Internet access. It also allows multiple devices—laptop, tablet, smartphone, Kindle—to connect at once with un-throttled, unlimited data.
You can rent and return one of these devices easily at the telecom company counters at most airports. However, it is even cheaper when booked online before your trip.
We rented a 75Mbps pocket-wifi device for 13 days (cost US$70 / AU$92 approx.) from a company called Global Advanced Communications. You can have them deliver your device to the airport/hotel/office for free the day before your arrival. They also include a prepaid envelope for returns. We picked up ours and returned it at Narita airport in Tokyo.
3) Accommodation:
Japan has been slower to impose smoking regulations than most countries around the world. It was not so long ago that all rooms in hotels were smoking rooms. These days, hotels have smoking and non smoking room options. If you are a non-smoker do make sure you book accordingly. Best not to assume that a non smoking room is the default if this is not specified in the booking.
4) Language:
People are friendly and very helpful in Japan, and the language barrier was not really an issue. Most young people have learnt at least a basic level of English in school, although they may be too shy and embarrassed to use it. Nevertheless, we found that the Japanese always tried their best to help us out. Staff at subway stations, train stations, and information kiosks are generally able to speak some English. Public transportation in the major cities has bilingual signs. And for every other situation there is always Google Translate.
Even though we found this an easy country to get around without knowing Japanese. We suggest learning at least a few basic Japanese words and phrases before you go. This will endear you to the locals you meet and enhance your experience of the place.
5) Google Translate App:
The camera input option was extremely handy when trying to decipher street and directional signs, posters, menus etc.
6) Transport Apps:
NAVITIME for Japan Travel app: We used this to navigate the complex network of trains and subways, in Tokyo in particular. NAVITIME's routes cover pedestrian routes, trains and subways, buses, taxis, and ferries too. For train routes, you enter the departure and arrival stations and the app provides platform information, journey time, distance and approximate fare. It also suggests the most convenient carriage for transit.
HyperDia app: We used this mainly to find schedules of Shinkansen (bullet trains) that we could use with our JR passes.
Watch Before You Go: Our Recommendations
These capture the essence of this country so beautifully that they will get you even more excited about an upcoming trip.
TV Travel & Food Shows:
- Anthony Bourdain’s 'No Reservations’: Season 2-Episode 7; Season 4-Episode 16; Season 7-Episode 8; Season 8-Episode 5
- Anthony Bourdain's ‘Parts Unknown’: Season 2-Episode 8; Season 6 - Episode 4; Season 8-Episode 7
Documentaries:
- Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011): This is the story of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, who is considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. He is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant located in a Tokyo subway station; the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious three-star Michelin Guide rating.
- Joanna Lumley’s Japan (2016): In this 3 part TV mini-series/documentary, Joanna Lumley travels 2000 miles (North to South) across the 4 main islands of Japan.
Youtube Video:
- How to Eat Sushi: You've Been Doing It Wrong: Famous sushi chef Naomichi Yasuda shows us how to do it right.
