36 Tips for travelling in Japan
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| Shibuya Disney Store where you can easily buy Disney Tickets |
I’ve just returned from a 24 day trip to Japan where (amongst other things) we went to Disneyland, DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan. This was our second trip to Japan. We also saw a lot of other nice things in Japan which I will endeavour to talk about in an upcoming blog page. These are my tips below for travelling in Japan. Some of it I knew beforehand from a previous trip, other things we learned the hard way. I hope you find the tips useful.
1. When booking flights, make
sure you land in Japan earlier in the day rather than late at night as it can
be hard or costly getting to your hotel. The best option to get to your hotel
is using the Limousine Bus https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/
(from either Narita, Haneda or Osaka airports). Its fairly cheap and easy to
move your bags. The service does not run late at night though so check times on
the official website.
An alternative to get to your
hotel, is to use the trains (which stop about midnight). Taxis from the airport in Japan to most
central hotels are expensive. So if you can – use the Limousine bus. There is
no need for a reservation, you just show up at the airport arrivals hall and it
is very clear where to go. If the bus does not go to your hotel directly, find
the nearest hotel it stops at and either walk or catch the train. Note that
children’s fare ‘single tickets’ are cheaper then return.
2. For Pocket Wi-Fi we booked
Japan Wireless https://www.japan-wireless.com/en.
It includes unlimited data, can be used
on multiple devices, the device is dropped off at your hotel and you just
return via any post office box (or ask your hotel staff to put in their outgoing
mail). Could not be easier. The reception was really good. You can get by with
free Wi-Fi in Japan too-most hotels and larger train stations have it. However
there were a couple of instances we were somewhere remote, where we really
needed the Pocket Wi-Fi for train times and directions. The Pocket Wi-Fi is
also good for Google Translate!
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| Japan Wireless Pocket Wi-fi |
3. Travel Apps – Make sure you
download the two Apps – Google Translate (only works on Wi-Fi/Internet access
currently) to translate all those signs and menus. Also another useful app is
called ‘Safety Tips’. This app gives you ‘real time’ alerts of any earthquakes,
tsunami’s or other natural disasters direct to your phone. You can set alerts
for 5 certain areas of Japan that you are visiting. It also includes
instructions on what to do in an emergency.
4. Get a Japan Rail (JR) pass if doing
a lot of intercity travel in Japan (e.g Tokyo àOsakaàTokyo
will cover the cost of the JR pass). The JR Pass can be bought as a 7, 14 and 21 day pass. You
do not need a JR Pass for just local Tokyo travel. You can get a Suica or Pasmo
card at any train station for local travel. The Suica and Pasmo card will work in other cities
too so if you are in Osaka, you can use the cards there.
5. Get your local Travel agent to
price match the JR Pass for what you can buy online. Ours (Flight Centre) did.
You cannot get the JR Pass delivered to a Post Office box and if you want to
get it couriered directly (for secure delivery) it is an extra cost.
6. Watch YouTube videos on how to
navigate the subway in Tokyo and how to buy tickets. Generally there is an icon
on the ticket machine screen at the top of the screen saying language, so it’s very easy after
you have found the icon button.
Keep your 1000 Yen notes for top
ups of your Suica or Pasmo card. I would just top up with money as you go.
Don’t put a lot on the cards. But if you do – you can cash the cards in at the
end of your trip (at the major JR stations) and get the money back minus the
deposit. Or, you could spend the lot at Lawson’s at the end of the trip like we
did. The Suica and Pasmo cards can be used at Lawson’s and I believe vending
machines will also accept them.
7. Look for Tokyo Train Maps with
stations numbered like H23 and H24. These maps are the easiest to follow, for
example you get on H23 and get off at H24. You also avoid confusion with
similar sounding station names. These station descriptions are clearly labelled
both inside the train and outside the train at the station platforms. Often
there are live screens on the trains indicating you are approaching station H24
etc. It’s also useful as you can tell from the numbers what direction you are
heading in!
8. Know your train exit for every
destination. Some train stations have over 26 exits. This can mean an enormous
amount of disorientated walking to get to your destination. It is also harder
to navigate once out of the train station and out on the surface, so it’s best
to know the exit you should leave from first.
9. www.Hyperdia.com is your best
friend. You can calculate how much tickets will cost you and work out routes
quickly and easily. It’s not full proof for routes though. In Tokyo, often the
quickest route could be found by just looking at the map and working out the
routes from the connections. However, Hyperdia really was useful when going
from city to city using the JR pass. Hyperdia also tells you the platform numbers where trains depart from which is extremely useful when using the Shinkansen
10. If you do happen to get lost
in Japan, someone will help you! They might not understand English, but they
will either find someone who can or will try their best. The train station
operators will definitely help you and most speak English. They seem to know
which train and which platform for all their trains - and how to get there.
Also – when you are on the surface outside the station– Policemen (Koban) are
also good to help you too. One phrase that I used a lot was “Sumimasen (Location
want to go) wa doku deska?” (Excuse me where is X). The problem is often you
would get an answer back in Japanese! Hmm. Most of the time it was a point in
the right direction though so make sure you learn this one. We got there
though!
11. Bigger train stations have
huge basement supermarkets. You can buy Bento boxes for about 500 Yen. Bento
boxes include meat, noodles/rice, and vegetables so are a healthy bargain. The
basements of train stations are also good to just have a look. Talking of
basements, there is an excellent supermarket at Ikspiari Shopping Mall (near Tokyo
Disneyland) with an enormous array of food choices. I do recommend getting
supplies here. Often things were discounted too.
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| Bento Box |
12. We spent an hour exchanging
our JR Pass for a JR Pass ticket at Tokyo Station on a Saturday. Save time and
exchange for the JR Pass ticket at Narita airport. You don’t have to activate
the ticket straight away. Just make sure you indicate the start date on the
right date.
13. Have luggage to take on the Shinkansen? (also known as the Bullet Train) There is no need to get the last seats of of a train carriage (which has more storage space). There is actually ample space above your seat! And there is by the way more leg room then on the plane too.
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| Inside the Shinkansen Train |
14. Everyone says to buy food on
the Shinkansen, however, I found there was not much choice in
Bento boxes and they were double the price of the Supermarket Bento boxes (like
1000 Yen up). So either buy beforehand or know that its double the price. You can eat on the Shinkansen trains, but not the normal trains.
15. Reserve Shinkansen tickets
for longer journeys during non- busy times (but during busy times – reserve
everything). This means for Osaka to Kyoto there is no need to book (reserve a
seat). But for Osaka to Hiroshima return – make sure you do book a train back
to Osaka or Kyoto. Booking with JR Pass is free so make sure you use it. You
can get help to do this at the JR Train stations. A train attendant will help
you. If you know your whole itinerary you could get your whole trip with reserved seats.
Every bullet train has unreserved seats (no booking required) in specific train
cars – but you risk standing up all the way ‘home’ or missing the train
altogether. This could mean a 2 hour
train ride standing up – so if you can book a seat for the long trips!
16. The Kodoma Shinkansen Bullet
Train is the slowest train. Beware booking this one on long journeys as it
stops at every stop. The JR pass cannot use or book Nozomi trains.
17. Miyajima Island (a world
heritage area) needs to be visited in its own right and shouldn’t be tacked on
to a trip to Hiroshima (which is what we did). However – better to go then to
have never been. But just know that this island does deserve a day or overnight
stay. There is so much to do and the atmosphere is great. The Ferry ride to the
island is covered by the JR pass.
18. Similarly, we were surprised
that Gion deserves a full day visit as well. Other than Geisha spotting – there
is so many great shops to explore here, if only to window shop. Shops selling
bamboo, old antique books and paintings, fans and Kimonos. The shops are unique.
There are also great chain shops like Tower Records and Book-Off. There is even
a 2 storey Disney store in Gion.
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| Miyajima Island is a World Heritage Area |
19. Nara – At the Deer park buy
your Deer Crackers, but immediately after doing so – hide them in your pockets
or bag (discreetly). I watched as many people bought the deer crackers – only
to be within a few seconds gobbled up by the Deer. Show an empty hand and the
Deer will give you some space. When you are ready, only then take the Deer Biscuits out.
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| You can feed the Deer at Nara |
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| There are Deer everywhere in this park |
20. There are no rubbish bins in
Japan. Really. There are none in public areas. You are expected to take your
rubbish home with you. If you purchase something to eat – either eat it there
and give them the rubbish back or take the rubbish back to your hotel. Some
Lawson’s also have rubbish bins.
21. Klook – we used Klook to buy
tickets for Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium. For Universal you will
need to know the dates you wish to attend. Depending upon whether the day is a
busy day or not will determine the cost of the ticket. I can recommend Klook and
they do have a small discount.
22. Universal Studios Japan (USJ) - Go
early to USJ- like before it opens. They open gates early. There are stacks of
people even on a non-busy day- but the park seems to dissipate the crowd. Don’t
bother with any of the Universal shows. They are all in Japanese and there are
no subtitles generally anywhere.
23. At USJ, it’s impossible to do both
the Harry Potter light show and the night electric parade as their respective
start times are very close. The night parade starts later than advertised which
caused us to miss the Harry Potter lights show completely (You can see a bit of
the Harry Potter show from outside the park so we saw a bit of it another night.
Not ideal).
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| Hogwarts Castle at USJ |
24. Food places shut at Universal
Studios Japan at 6pm (for 8pm Park close). Some restaurants are open (around the parade route),
but the vast majority are closed so your choice in food is limited. Eat early
or eat after the park closes.
25. For Tokyo Disneyland we went
to Shibuya Disney Store and purchased our tickets from there and in advance.
You need to know the dates to book. Alternatively you can purchase Disney
tickets online from the official Disney website directly. However, it has been
increasingly difficult for non-Japanese credit cards to purchase on their sites
– so I do recommend just buying from Klook, Disney Store, Ikspiari Ticket
services or Lawson’s when you get to Japan.
26. Disneyland Park Hopper – You
can only get a Park hopper on the Third day of a 3 Day Magic Pass. You cannot
purchase a 1 Day and use it as a Park Hopper. You really do need 1 day at
Disneyland and 1 day at DisneySea. However, we chose to do the Park hopper on
the third day which gives you access to both the parks. The parks are only a 15
minute walk between. We stopped at Ikspiari Shopping mall in between the two
parks and ate there. But you can also catch the Disney Monorail between the
parks. It’s only about 2 stops and your there and would save your legs from
more walking. You can use your Suica or Pasmo card for the monorail. Make sure you get a stamp out if Park Hopping. It doesn't seem to say anywhere in writing that you must do this - however we were asked for proof of the stamp out and luckily we did do this when we left Park 1.
27. Go to theme parks and other
attractions during the week (avoiding if you can also Mondays and Fridays). Go
to parks and open spaces during the weekends. Japan is so busy on the weekends it’s
incredible.
28. Pokémon Café Tokyo – You
really need to book exactly 30 days in advance. There is rarely ‘walk up entry’ and
timed places fill up fast. You need to keep your eye on this website to
determine when you can book https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/
Note the website is in Japanese, but all its really asking you for is how many
people and the date and time you wish to go. You will then receive an email
confirming your booking. No payment required. There is a large Pokémon store right next door, so if you do arrive early you can easily spend some time in there playing Pokémon games and looking at all the merchandise.
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| Food at the Pokemon Cafe. I can recommend the Teriyaki Burger, Minestrone Soup, Vegetable tips and Potato Chips and Salad |
29. Teamlab Borderless Digital
Museum is really worth visiting. You also need to book a month early and you
need to know the date. You will receive an email of confirmation. On the day of
your actual booking your electronic email ticket will have a QR code attached
to it and that is how you enter the Digital Museum. The QR won’t be visible
until the actual day. We just used my phone (print screen), but you can print
them out too.
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| Teamlab Borderless Digital Museum Balloon room |
30. We spent most of the day at Teamlab.
At 11am there was already a line for about half an hour to get in (it’s that
busy), so make sure you book a weekday, and go early. There are over 20 rooms.
Make a list of the rooms you wish to do (look on the internet) so that you do
not miss any when you are there. The place inside is a bit of a maze, mostly in
the dark between rooms. It is great fun for all ages. There are
rest break areas where you can bring in your own food and eat (I would
recommend this – as there aren't many places at all inside to eat). Note to get to Teamlab Borderless - you go through a Toyota Showroom. There is actually a great deal to look at in the Showroom (from new cars you can test drive, to car simulators and more).
31. Weather in April? We went for
the whole of April. The beginning of April 2019 began with temperatures between
5-13 degrees Celsius. The end of the month temperatures got to 27 degrees
Celsius. Bring layers of clothes and bring an umbrella!
32. Mount Fuji – You can see
Mount Fuji on a clear day from Tokyo DisneySea (near the Columbia ship).
Travelling on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto Mount Fuji is also
visible from the right hand side of the train (seat E). You will see it about
45 minutes into your journey. If you do not get this seat, or indeed the right
hand side – do not despair – there is a window between carriage cars (near the
toilets on the train) and you can see Mount Fuji perfectly well between the
carriages. Note that Mount Fuji is often covered in a veil of clouds in the
afternoons. A clear sunny morning is the best chance to view it.
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| Mt Fuji viewed from Tokyo DisneySea |
33. The Monkey Park in Kyoto is a
very steep climb to the top (20-30 minutes up hill), however the scenery going
up and the view from the top are worth it. Its fun feeding the monkeys too (the
humans are behind the bars, not the monkeys). Recommend. We did this the same
day we did the Bamboo Forest. The Bamboo forest eventually leads to a river that takes you to the Monkey Park (in a round about kind of way).
34. The Samurai Museum in Tokyo I
definitely recommend. Go about 12pm and do one of their guided English tours
(part of the entrance fee). The guides are excellent, I learned so many fun
useful facts about Japan and Samurai’s. This helped me enjoy the rest of our
stay in Japan even more. At the end you get to have a go holding a samurai
sword, wear a Kimono and dress up as Samurai (part of entry price). This place
was awesome. Please note the place is a little hard to find – but worth it! Its
near Shinjuku station in Tokyo.
35. We did the Golden Temple and
Nijo Castle as a one day trip in Kyoto. We caught the bus from Kyoto train
station.
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| Me (left) at the Samurai Museum |
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| Samurai Museum - Helmets on display |
We bought a one day bus pass for 600 Yen. The bus pass can be bought at the Bus Information Centre located just outside Kyoto Train station! (right next door to where the buses depart from). There is a very cheap bakery too inside the Information centre which we do recommend.
Nijo Castle Palace has the
‘Nightingale Floors’ (floorboards that ‘chirp’ to alert shoguns and samurai
when intruders were present). They sure were chirping with all the tourists.
Well worth visiting the inside of the Palace as there is a lot to see. No shoes allowed though so bring you best socks. There are nice gardens to explore too.
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| Nijo Castle |
The Golden Temple, whilst pretty
to look at – had nothing more to do except eat at the food carts. It was also extremely crowded, even on a weekday. Easily the most crowded place we went to in Kyoto.
The bus drops you at the front
door for Nijo castle and there is a 5 minute walk to get to the Golden temple from the bus stop.
Where the bus drops you off is where you get back on the bus. The Train
journeys are a bit more complicated to get there, particularly the Golden
Pavilion. We chose the bus as it was closer (and therefore less likely to get
lost) then the train route and Nijo castle was also on the bus route so we could easily do both in the same day (and make good use of the bus pass).
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| The Golden Temple (Kinkakuji) |
36 Where did we stay?
We stayed at Maihama MyStays Hotel in Tokyo (a 7 minute walk to Tokyo DisneySea, 10 Minute walk to Ikspiari Shopping Centre and Maihama Train Station and a 20 minute walk to Tokyo Disneyland. The hotel had a convenient bus shuttle to the train station and Disney parks too so if you didn’t wish to walk you could just catch the bus. The hotel staff were incredibly friendly and spoke English. The Hotel price is reasonable (and cheaper than staying at a Disney hotel). We caught the airport limousine bus to Disney’s Ambassadors Hotel and walked. We have stayed here twice now and do recommend.
We stayed at Maihama MyStays Hotel in Tokyo (a 7 minute walk to Tokyo DisneySea, 10 Minute walk to Ikspiari Shopping Centre and Maihama Train Station and a 20 minute walk to Tokyo Disneyland. The hotel had a convenient bus shuttle to the train station and Disney parks too so if you didn’t wish to walk you could just catch the bus. The hotel staff were incredibly friendly and spoke English. The Hotel price is reasonable (and cheaper than staying at a Disney hotel). We caught the airport limousine bus to Disney’s Ambassadors Hotel and walked. We have stayed here twice now and do recommend.
In Osaka we stayed at the Keihan
Hotel Universal City. This was also very convenient. We were a 3 minute walk to
Universal Studios, surrounded by about 3 Lawson shops and the staff spoke
English. The Hotel price was extremely reasonable too. We were about a 3 minute
walk from the train station ‘Universal City’ and we found we were 100% of the
time going against the traffic going to and from the hotel i.e
when we returned to the hotel at night, we were about the only ones on the
train as everyone was leaving Universal Studios. When we left the hotel in the morning, the trains were not full as everyone was heading towards Universal Studios. I really do recommend this hotel too. We caught the airport
limousine bus from a neighbouring hotel (Hotel Kintetsu Universal City) back to
Kansai International hotel. Very easy.
Both Hotels were clean and safe and had English speaking staff.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my
tips for travelling in Japan. If you would like to comment please do so in
Comments as I would love to hear about your experiences.
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Read more about
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Universal Studios Japan
Until next week,
KJ
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KJ
I am also on Instagram www.instagram.com/sotaram1
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sotaram1
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