A Quick Guide to Japan for a 7-14 Day Visit
1. What You Need to Know Before Visiting:
Japan is a society strongly rooted in collectivism, meaning respect for rules and regulations is paramount throughout your stay. Be aware that English proficiency may be limited, particularly outside of major tourist areas like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, and Asakusa. Below are five important etiquette tips to remember:
a. Refrain from speaking on the phone or talking loudly while using public transport.
b. Avoid eating, smoking, or spitting while walking. Use designated smoking areas and dispose of any waste properly.
c. Don't litter, even if public garbage cans seem scarce. Convenience stores like Family Mart, 7 Eleven, or Lawson are good places to dispose of trash.
d. Keep foot traffic flowing on busy sidewalks or in train stations. If you need to stop, step to the side.
e. Respect privacy by not taking photos of strangers or in areas with a "No Photos" sign. Also, be sure to disable your camera's flash.
2. Preparing for Your Arrival:
a. Book at least one day of accommodation prior to arrival to provide an address upon landing.
b. Review travel information on Regjeringen.no to familiarize yourself with any visitation requirements.
c. Register on the Visit Japan Web and fill out all necessary information before your trip. Don't forget to save screenshots of QR codes and bookmark pages for easy access upon arrival.
d. Download a translation app such as Google Translate. Its camera, voice, and picture translation features can prove invaluable.
3. Upon Arrival at the Airport (Haneda/Narita for Tokyo):
a. Consider getting a data SIM card or booking a Wi-Fi pocket device for constant internet access. Make use of the airport's free Wi-Fi to access your QR codes and information needed before passing through immigration.
b. Withdraw enough cash for initial expenses. For better rates, use ATMs at convenience stores like 7 Eleven or Family Mart once you've left the airport.
c. Purchase a Pasmo card from the machines near the train gates for seamless public transportation access. If you plan on using the Shinkansen, pick up a JR Pass at the airport. For more tips, refer to the full guide.
d. To combat jet lag and adjust to the new climate, purchase bottled water, easily digestible food, vitamins, and ensure you get a good night's sleep upon arrival.
4. Sightseeing and Things to Do
Tokyo: Tokyo offers an abundance of activities, making a stay of 7-10 days optimal. Should you exhaust your itinerary, neighboring areas such as Yokohama, Saitama, and Chiba in the Kanto region are worth exploring.
a. Must-visit areas include Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Akihabara, and Roppongi.
b. For shopping, head to Harajuku for unique fashion (especially appealing to younger adults/teens). Shibuya and Shinjuku offer a wide range of shopping and dining experiences. Don Quijote is a go-to for tax-free, budget-friendly, and unique items. For luxury shopping, Roppongi and Ginza are your spots, while Akihabara is a paradise for anime enthusiasts and tech lovers. Asakusa is great for souvenir hunting.
c. Take in the cityscape from Tokyo Tower or Skytree - night visits are particularly mesmerizing.
d. Explore Tokyo's gardens, temples, and shrines. For a more detailed guide, see the full article.
Osaka/Kyoto:
If you plan on venturing outside Tokyo, consider the JR Pass for cost-effective travel, including Shinkansen tickets.
a. In Osaka, the Dotonbori district, Osaka Castle, and Osaka Aquarium are must-sees. Enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife too.
b. Kyoto's attractions include Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and Nijo Castle. For more on other cities, see the full guide.
5. Food, Drinks, and Nightlife:
a. Japanese cuisine is rich and regionally diverse. Make sure to sample classics like sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori, wagyu, and kobe beef. For drinks, try traditional sake, matcha tea, and the myriad of flavored beverages available in ubiquitous vending machines.
b. Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, and its nightlife is a testament to this. Enjoy evening meals and drinks in areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and Roppongi.
c. For a taste of Tokyo's club scene, pubs, and bars, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi are buzzing with activity.
6. Essential Information:
a. Always carry your passport in a secure pocket. Police may request to see it, and many places do not accept foreign IDs. While theft is extremely rare in Japan, and lost items often turn up at Lost and Found centers, it's best to double-check for your phone, wallet, and passport whenever leaving public places like trains, restaurants, or taxis.
b. Japan's weather can be extreme, so stay informed about the local forecasts. It's advisable to always carry an umbrella, and be aware that during certain seasons you may receive warnings on your phone for typhoons, earthquakes, and other extreme weather events.
c. The local currency is the Japanese Yen, and cash is king in many places. Make sure to carry enough cash as card payment may not always be an option.
d. Etiquette is key in Japanese culture. Bowing is a standard greeting, and when visiting shrines or temples, observe local customs like cleansing at purification fountains. Don't forget to remove your shoes before entering homes and some traditional restaurants.
7. Embrace the Fun:
The most important rule is to enjoy yourself. Don't fret about mastering every local custom; the Japanese people are understanding and will appreciate your efforts to be polite and respectful. Beyond the major tourist spots, there are many hidden gems to explore. Ensure comfortable footwear for long walks, familiarize yourself with the complex train stations using Google Maps (though it may occasionally lead you astray), and keep a power bank handy. Take many pictures and videos, but also remember to live in the moment, savor the unique experiences and stunning views. Japan offers an unforgettable adventure like no other!
8. Expand Your Adventure:
For more insights, consider purchasing my full, detailed guide to Japan. It comes with a slew of cool tricks and advice, plus an invitation to my Discord server, where I'll answer any questions about Japan, traveling, Working Holiday visas, and more!
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