Going to Japan: What Is The Best SIM Card and Transportation Option

TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 05:20

Hi guys, we are going to Japan mid Jan 2017 ( our first trip to Japan, 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 kids, 8 days trip. I know it's winter there ). Have been doing a bit of research about SIM card and transportation options. We will be mainly staying in Osaka and may be visiting Kyoto for a day.

I will be needing a data SIM card for my mobile phone (iPhone 6) for google map and Skype etc (my current phone plan does not allow global roaming and I've read that it is quite a hassle to get a prepaid SIM card with voice call).

Transportation wise, we are planning to catch taxi ( to go around Osaka. we'll be staying near universal studio ), and get a day train tickets to Kyoto, since I calculated it'll cost us around $1250 for a 7 days JR passes for the 4 of us.

In short (for anyone one with experiences in Japan):
1)what data SIM card should I get?
2) is taxi readily available in Japan ( are they really expensive)?
3) any must have apps I should download ( I have Google map, Skype, google translate, Japan Taxi, Hyperdia)

I have ordered the lonely planet book for Japan to read up a bit about Japan, mainly Osaka. Because of young kids,we won't be going hiking or mountain climbing etc. My older son want to see Universal studio in Osaka, so we booked a hotel within walking distance to USJ.

Appreciate any advices/info. I find nothing can substitute information/advices from people who have been there. Thanks again.

Travel

Comments

  • MrRobot on 13/10/2016 - 20:50
    +1

    When I went to Japan last year I went with b-Mobile. Pretty cheap from what I remember, more than enough data to use Google Maps, check restaurant reviews, etc.

  • Randxyz123 on 14/10/2016 - 04:20
    +1

    Order a wifi hotspot and use that for data. That way you don't have to screw around with swapping sims out and your kids will likely want to use the internet as well.

    Taxis aren't that expensive, but public transport is really excellent. You may want to get a taxi when you arrive however , public transport is a pain with bags.

    Check out this guide from whirlpool.

    This thread is also a good place to ask questions

    • TheMatrix on 14/10/2016 - 06:24

      Thanks for the info

  • Stolniik on 14/10/2016 - 13:57
    +1

    We travelled between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and used a JR pass only when we needed to travel between the main cities.
    i.e. Tokyo -> Osaka and Osaka -> Kyoto. For this situation we actually saved money.

    If you are only planning one day in Kyoto (I highly recommend 2-3 days personally) then it might be cheaper to buy train tickets and forego a JR pass. However if you want to make day trips to Tokyo/Kyoto/Kobe etc then JR pass is highly recommended. Perhaps even a 3 day pass.

    The best way to travel is by train.

    Their train system is incredible reliable, safe and it covers a great region. Plus, if you train it to a nearby station and walk the rest, it gives you an opportunity to experience the streets of Japan and see how the locals live.

    In regards to internet I highly recommend renting an unlimited pocket wi-fi. I rented it from the same website that sells the JR pass (link below) and for 8 days its only $83 which can be shared across all 8 people as an access point. It is perfect for Google maps, calling through facebook etc.

    https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/?ap=b6021as&currency-code=AU…

    We also visited Japan and here is our experience summarised in 13 days if you need some tips!

    http://snapshotsoffood.blogspot.com.au/p/travel.html

  • Rilakkuma on 14/10/2016 - 14:45

    Been to Osaka about 5 times so far and I still love the place.

    Re Universal Studio, it is super important to buy an Express Pass on top of Admission unless you want to be in queues ALL DAY.
    https://www.usj.co.jp/e/ticket/express_pass.html
    Its super busy there all day everyday no exceptions.

    Re Wifi, pre-order a pocket Wifi device and pick up at Kansai airport is a great idea.
    http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/service/rental/
    It allows for wifi sharing between multiple users so the whole family can use it as long as the person holding the device is not too far away.

    Re Transport, between Osaka and Kyoto there is no need for JR Pass.
    JR Pass is designed for taking expensive interstate bullet trains.
    You can get around Osaka and to Kyoto on local trains.
    Taxi will set you back around $250. (Ozbargainers wouldn't do it hahaha!)

    • TheMatrix on 14/10/2016 - 20:47

      Thank you. I am considering getting Kansai Thru Pass (as suggested by some of the comments above), much cheaper than JR Pass, it's only $67/3day per adult, what do you think? Thanks for your tips.

      • rover on 15/10/2016 - 09:23
        +1

        The Kansai Thru Pass is not valid on JR lines, this can make it slower out to Kyoto, with more changes depending on where your are heading and leaving from. Quite a bit longer if you want a longer day trip, say to Himeji. The alternative is the the JR West Kansai Area pass. The JR west pass needs to be used on consecutive days, but you can get one day passes.

        The big disadvantage is that you can't use the JR West pass on the Osaka/Kyoto metro. That being said, the Kyoto bus pass is probably better for seeing most of Kyoto's attractions.

        Use the Hyperdia with the JR/Private rail line option to see what works best for where you are staying and where you want to go. You don't have to stick to one pass, but you obviously don't want them overlapping.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/10/2016 - 03:20
    +1

    I found this web site to have most of the answers
    http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html

    • TheMatrix on 15/10/2016 - 07:50

      Great site. Thank you.

  • John on 15/10/2016 - 13:32

    Anyone ever took a taxi from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku area? Reading up it seems to go about $50 but I'm not sure if I've read correctly. Not really keen on lugging the baggage at 10pm with a sleepy toddler in hand.

  • Ciao321 on 22/10/2016 - 23:13

    I agree with the people here who have suggested avoiding a JR pass. Certainly if you're only planning a day in Kyoto, there is no need. Depending on how much you want to see in Kyoto, you might want to think about a day pass for some of the private railway lines in the city; for example the Hankyu Tourist Pass (700 yen) or the Kyoto Sightseeing Pass (with Keihan Rail).
    Hankyu Tourist Pass: http://www.kansai360.net/en/ticket/
    Kyoto Sightseeing Pass: http://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/tickets/special

    I would only use taxis in emergencies. There's really no need for them otherwise, such is the efficiency of trains in Osaka/Kyoto. Taxis usually have a base fare of around 600 -700 yen (for the first 2 km). To give you an idea, expect to pay around 16,000 yen for a taxi between Osaka and Kyoto. That being said, in answer to one of your questions, taxis are readily available, and if your tired towards the end of a day sightseeing in Kyoto, it's not going to be so expensive to take a taxi from whatever temple you're at to, say, JR Kyoto Station.

    I found this piece useful for a general idea about costs between Osaka and Kyoto.

    https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/City-Cost/MYN1z-money_transp…

    Anyway, have a great time. Should be an amazing trip.(Don't miss Nanzenji in Kyoto)

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