What do I need to prepare for Japan?

pyro love bird on 02/11/2016 - 22:06
Last edited 13/11/2016 - 10:52

Hey all,

Just wondering if you could help me and give me some tips?

My first time to japan and I'm doing a solo trip!

I have no idea what to bring, I leave in about a weeks time.

All accommodation, Jr pass, travel insurance has been all organised. What else should I bring?

Edit: so I'll be in Japan from nov 12-28

I arrive at Narita at about 9am will be taking the shinkasen straight to Osaka (spend the rest of the day there? Maybe smash out Nara)

I'll be there from nov 12-18 so a week as I've got a 7 day Jr pass. Whilst there I'll be in shin Osaka so I can use it as a base to visit; Hiroshima, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe (for the beef) and maybe Nagoya if time permits.

I wanted to visit the zoo with the red pandas about 2 hrs north but I doubt I'd have the time :(

I'm travelling to experience the culture but also to eat. I love food and Japanese food and culture has always interested me. Souvenirs and things I like too, I really want the magic totoro umbrella! It's super adorable!

After that I haven't really decided if I wanna spend a majority of my last day there (18th) in Osaka and surrounds or go to Tokyo and spend it there. I might do the former seeing as I had less time there. I just don't wanna lug about luggage is all.

Then I'm in Tokyo for 9 days 18-28 I basically lose the 28th as I fly out at about noon. :(

Here I'd like to visit, harajuku, shinjuku, shibuya, roppongi, ueno, akihabara, ikebukuro, Ginza, I'm missing places..

I'm staying near shinjuku (okubo station). So it's kinda central. I wanted to visit tsuji fish markets too. Have amazing Akita beef I'm gonna and compare it to that of Kobe. Go to the 1 Michelin star ramen restaurant, and get my hair done at nalu hair salon!

There's a place a fee hours north of Tokyo that has the fox village and they're one of my fave animals. I want to go, but time :(

Also wanted to visit Mt Fuji, but time :(

I might skip out roppongi, ueno to fit it in. I think I'd have to drive to get to the fox village :( so far though and no international license.

I'm also travelling super light I think
Bringing next to nothing, come back with everything is the plan. I'm going to the ghibli museum as well, yay!

What do you recommend buying whilst there? I remember reading Bout some amazing Thermos that kept things hot for like a week! Insane! I want two, shut up and take my money! Haha.

Edit! Day after landing in Japan, omg the food in Osaka, and my feet. Aside from that. All worries of feeling unsafe in Japan have been expelled. Takoyaki, oden, melon pan icecream, icecream sandwich, tarts, custard creme choux, dango, katsu sandwich from a combini, pasta salad. So good. Holy shit.

I'm headed to kyoto today so if y'all have Amy suggestions on food or places, hit me up

Travel

Comments

      • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 00:47

        Unfortunately I am not caucasian, will they still treat me like a foreigner?

        That's some witchcraft right there, amazing, but witchcraft!

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 00:32

      Oh gosh, I hope I don't get myself into any trouble!

      I will try, I'm sure I can pick it up better if I'm immersed in the culture :)

      I have heard this, thankyou for reminding me. I planned on just getting cash out at 7/11 whilst there.
      Thanks for your warm wishes! I've been told it's safe, but as a solo female traveller on my first solo trip, I am undoubtedly nervous and scared!

  • outlander on 03/11/2016 - 15:18

    Exceptional hygiene. Japan is a foreign land, and has its own set of local microflora. A lot of people get quite ill, and spend their holiday at the hotel puking.

    • mskeggs on 03/11/2016 - 15:47
      +1

      None of our family had any trouble, compared to Thailand or Indonesia (not that we had any real issues). Although I did hit the beer and Karaage a bit too hard one night with consequences.

    • mataeka on 03/11/2016 - 17:09

      Yes and no. Hayfever was a bigger issue with us getting allergies during sakura season - it's autumn there atm though so shouldn't be an issue particularly.

      • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 00:56

        well fark. hayfever kills me here!

        • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 21:47

          They don't really sell antihistamines so might be worth bringing a few if thats a big issue … However they sell Psuedoephidrine for hayfever instead o.O

    • [Deactivated] on 03/11/2016 - 21:18

      I got done in by sulphur poisoning from staying in a natural onsen for too long. Almost 7 years later and it still makes me shudder

      Also got done in by a dodgy meal at an izakaya about 4 years back and got severe food poisoning, lucky was staying at a large hotel (Keio plaza Shinjuku) with medical staff on hand. Fun times playing Chinese whispers with three younger women talking about horrible pain from both ends (I spoke English to missus, missus spoke Chinese to the hotel staff, hotel staff spoke Japanese to doctor).

      • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 00:59

        :/ gosh.

        I will keep those things in mind, basically go to busy places as they're safer to eat at?

        • mskeggs on 04/11/2016 - 08:12

          I think your chances of a dodgy meal are probably lower than in Australia, they take the food and hygiene pretty seriously (albeit with some startling cultural differences).
          I would absolutely not let concern over food issues intrude on my enjoyment.

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 09:48
          +2

          @mskeggs: alright, eat what the locals eat right?

        • outlander on 04/11/2016 - 10:08

          I was thinking more of buying some alcohol wipes when you're over there. If you wipe your hands regularly and avoid touching your face you can cut down a lot of the paths to infection. Also a good trick is to wipe down your cutlery before eating with them.

          I would also advise eating only hot food like ramen, anything that hot is going to be pretty close to sterile, but you're going to the land of the sushi roll, no point living in a bubble :P

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 11:51

          @outlander: well we only live once. So fark ittttt haha. But yeah ill bring some alcohol wipes and clean everything thankyou so much for your amazing tips and time!

        • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 21:50

          @outlander:

          I actually think it's not a huge concern - Japanese people are Crazy good with their hygiene - just look at how they use face masks when sick. But if anyone hands you pocket tissues (free sales advertising on street corners) KEEP THEM! Sometimes toilets don't have Toilet Paper (though this was less of an issue when I visited in 2014 vs 2007)

        • Lacko on 05/11/2016 - 14:01

          @pyro love bird:
          In my experience its sometimes quite hard to find a bin to throw normal rubbish in, theres plenty of PET bottle bins, I know you probably will, but remember to always bring a bag to put your rubbish in and throw away later.

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 00:54

      whut.

  • kolorijo on 03/11/2016 - 15:30

    if you don't hold Australian passport, then you might need to apply for a visa. Sydney website http://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/english/visa_info.htm

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 00:58
      +1

      I am aussie born, but thanks for the heads up :)

  • Jebediah_Kerman on 03/11/2016 - 15:42

    If you are using AirBNB, the host will normally give you a manual with directions from the nearest train/bus station. I would recommend following these.

    Google maps was great for getting to stations, tourist spots, shops and pretty much anything with a name. But it gave me a few troubles with residential addresses. Either that, or my hosts entered the english address incorrectly.

    Also, your host might leave you a key in the mailbox. Most Japanese mailboxes have a combination lock. Your host might give you a combination like

    1left
    3left
    6right

    This means one full rotation in the specified direction until you land on the number.

    So one anticlockwise turn to 1, one anticlockwise turn to 3, one clockwise turn to 6.

    This took me a little while to figure out.

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:06

      Thanks so much for the advice with airbnb its my first time using it!

      I'm actually a bit worried that the host might flake, I'd be screwed then, I dont think my travel insurance covers airbnb.

      I think the addresses on the actual airbnb site aren't correct. Some reviewers were saying this, idk though.

      That's a massive help, thank you so so much for the tip on the code!

      • outlander on 04/11/2016 - 10:11

        Make backup plans. Find the address, price and availability of hotels in the area before hand, so that if it does happen your safe.
        If the worst does happen, you can stay at a cyber cafe

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 11:52

          All the worries though. I've never even lived on my own so this whole trip is super daunting!

  • itbargainhunter on 03/11/2016 - 17:04
    +2

    You will need

    • Google Map, not only get you direction, it also proved accurate train / metro time schedule.

    • Google Translate, stick to simple English and have them translate to Japanese for you.
      Advance: Install Japanese input system (Kana in IOS, not Romaji) to your phone. Let local people type in your phone and have Google translate it for you, in case Google's Japanese voice capture doesn't work.

    • Japan Data only SIM (they are all as good, as Japan has one of the best mobile network in Asia)

    • Powerbank to charge your phone

    • 28 Degree Credit Card

    I personally will not depend on free wifi.

    You want to have access internet from you phone when you need them without wait. Looking for free wifi or turning on a hotspot is too slow. You may miss a train schedule just because of small delay. You don't want that.

    Get a SIM card. They are mostly data only. Voice available tourist SIM are limited and expensive. If you need to call home or think you will need to call local, get Skype and load some credit to it so you can make local/ overseas VOIP call.

    You can generally get SIM at airport. If you are super panic and want to get SIM before you go, you can pay a bit extra and buy from below.

    http://www.traveljapan.com.au/japandatasim

    Enjoy.

    BTW: Been they many times and spoke little Japanese.
    Internet saved my life as I forget a combination lock in a caspule hotel once. Google Translate got me out of trouble by helping me to get help.

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:13

      Thanks so much for the detailed advice on what I need to prepare!

      The tip with google translate is so clever! Thanks! I actually bought a powebank from Anker off ebay a few weeks ago, it's a beast!

      ah okay, I see your point, I will invest in wifi, thanks :)

      oh gosh, I'll keep that in mind!

  • mataeka on 03/11/2016 - 17:18
    +1

    get out of Tokyo - too many people

    learn the phrase or write it down/put on your phone - Where is the nearest subway station （地下鉄はどこですか？ chikatetsu wa doko desu ka） I have a theory that if you can find a subway station you cannot get lost in Japan.

    Eat Japanese food - I ended up in hospital with salmonella poisoning when a hotel tried to serve me a western breakfast … Plus Japanese food is delicious

    Find the lolly Puccho - it's amazing (bonus points if you send some my way ;) )

    Post offices (on maps often with a テ type symbol (or a T with a line above it)) often have ATMs that seem to be better at accepting foreign bank cards if you need more cash - Although NAB cards didn't work for me (CUA definitely did) Japan is strangely a hugely cash based society still - it's nothing to walk around with a few hundred bucks in your pocket - Just avoid the 'monks' who try to get cash from you - if they harass you for it they're not real monks - just keep walking (my husband got caught up with one and almost lost heaps of money in the process in Osaka)

    Try the crazy Japanese versions of Western foods - that is Maccas, Kit Kats and if you've got the dosh - Dominoes (they're like $40 pizzas instead of $5!)

    Most of all enjoy :)

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:21

      I'll keep that in mind, thankyou!

      omg why though. You're in japan! eat what the locals eat!

      the lolly what? is that the name? Maybe, depending on how many snacks I can bring back haha.

      Holy moly, that's so low of them to do that! I'll try to remember that and the atm thing, thanks for the amazing tip!

      WHAT WHY SO EXPENSIVE JAPAN

      • itbargainhunter on 04/11/2016 - 11:52

        I always smile at Japanese local queuing up in front of Itatian restaurant while I walked up to a noodle stall.

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 12:15
          +1

          :P I'm sure it's the Japanese take on Italian food which would be interesting, similarly how we have the more caucasian take on Asian or Japanese food. Food is always adjusted to the palate of those in that specific country :)

        • tanoshiiki on 06/11/2016 - 22:11

          Japanese do Italian food quite well :) It's worth trying if you have the time.

      • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 21:54

        I got the food poisoning after I'd been living there for 8-9 months - it was my birthday away from home - I wanted something different :P Gotta say starting the new year in a Japanese hospital was an interesting experience :P

        Puccho - it's a hubba bubba consistency lolly (not gum!) with gummy chewwy bits in it - I love it still miffed I can't buy it here but you can get Hi-chew (it's sorta the same but not as good) :P

  • mataeka on 03/11/2016 - 17:22

    Oh and be aware of what time you're withdrawing cash btw - I'm not 100% sure how it goes with international cards or if it's changed since I lived there (was 9 years back) but ATMs used to charge extra fees if you tried to withdraw outside of business hours o.O

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:22

      oh what. thanks, I'll look into it.

  • Cluster on 03/11/2016 - 17:47

    Japanese food is very tasty and high quality, but I would recommend against eating one food: yakitori. Chicken pieces on skewers. For some reason they like the chicken pink and quite underdone. I thought this was maybe one restaurant, but after ordering yakitori a few times serving under cooked chicken is standard.

    Anecdote time: I and a few friends went to Japan. We had yakitori. One group member became very ill after eating it, and couldn't eat any chicken, soft cooked eggs, and had allergic reactions to flu vaccinations (they're grown in eggs) for a decade afterwards. Prior to that she was fine with all poultry. Strangest thing I've seen in regards to food.

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:24

      oh. but I love yakitori :( can I ask for well done?

      whut. so basically, avoid chicken and horse sashimi like the plague. got it. Thanks.

      • Cluster on 04/11/2016 - 12:46

        Well, try it over there and see if you like it, but for me it would be risking the holiday through feeling rather unwell for a day or two. I personally have never been ill from yakitori, but the general rule over here is under cooked chicken is never eaten. I don't see why Japan would be different. Their chickens poop, scratch in dirt and are processed the same as over here. 'Organic' and 'free range' chicken doesn't get a free pass from the rules.

        I don't know how to ask for well done yakitori.

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 12:55

          Yeah I think people have said that there's a higher risk of salmonella and things here.

          Google to the rescue!

      • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 21:56

        I ate Basashi (Horse sashimi) not realising what it was from my host dad - it was actually amazing. Would eat again. But you're probably not going to come across it readily - I think My host dad paid $50 for like the smallest portion.

  • Cwong14u on 03/11/2016 - 17:54
    +1

    Don't bring your yellow fever with you!

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:12
      +1

      Joke's on you, I'm asian.

      • Cwong14u on 04/11/2016 - 07:33

        My bad. I guess you're immune then…

  • VeryCheap on 03/11/2016 - 18:12
    +2

    Bring lots of $$$. I came back last month from 2 weeks in Japan.

    Absolutely AMAZING! Very Very, expensive on par with Australia, Eat heaps and heaps of food its all delicious!

    Aavoid changing the JR pass at the airport as the lines are massive. Most stations accommodate this anyways.

    We booked every train possible in advance with the JR pass as the trains are normally packed, especially during peak hours.

    Since you're spending the $$ on JR make the most of it just be cautious as some lines are not covered by JR pass even tho you got on at a station which accepts JR.

    Get a Vodafone SIM and sign up to $5 a day plan overseas, uses your existing Aus plan so calls & texts etc sign up for 12 months and cancel within the first month for free that's what i ended up doing.

    They offer a network guarantee so i took advantage off the deal.

    A must is INSTALL Travel Wifi Japan app on your phone, it allows you to sign into the wifi networks without having to read Japanese and fill in your info every time you go to another wifi hot spot best app ever!

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:28

      how much are we talking here? I budgeted with approx 4k total, I have about 2k left after flights, accom and transport.

      oh :( this is sad. I was gonna do it at the airport.

      alright, I will try to book everything. thanks.

      where wouldn't it be accepted? Hiroshima is included right?

      what? I'm with voda but I'm gone for like 16 days, that's like $80 right there.

      oh okay, I'll make sure I do that with the wifi app, thanks!

      • mskeggs on 04/11/2016 - 08:25

        where wouldn't it be accepted?
        There are many private subway lines that don't take the JR pass (but a few JR lines that do). They all take Pasmo/Suica.

        Intercity trains are all (well, there are a couple of minor regional exceptions) operated by JR and you can ride them for no extra charge. This definitely includes travel to Hiroshima.

        When you book ahead, you get a reserved seat in a carriage with numbered seats. There will also be several carriages for travellers without reservations. If you don't have time to make a reservation you can ride in these unreserved carriages, but if they are full it is first come, first served for a seat. I am told in busy periods the unreserved carriages can have as many people standing as seated.
        We did a day trip that included a 30min shinkansen trip that we didn't bother reserving. We got a set one way, but returning home in peak hour we stood. It wasn't really a drama. I suppose it would be uncomfortable on a 4 hour trip!

        You seem really worried about wifi. Just get a travel sim with more than 1Gb on it. Your AirBNB will have free wifi, so it is only for mapping and google when you are out and about. I used http://travelsimsdirect.com/
        as they are active on OzBargain and had a pretty good deal.

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 09:17

          Ah okay, I'm so glad it includes Hiroshima!

          I'll have to book it for Osaka and the trip to Hiroshima as they'll be far.

          I just don't want to get lost in a foreign country knowing no locals with little grasp of the Language. Thanks I'll look them up!

        • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 22:03

          @pyro love bird:

          Just expanding on what's been said - JR operates to practically everywhere in Japan But for example Nagoya doesn't have much in terms of JR transport (a few buses) Hiroshima has a JR train and you can get to Miyajima on it - but the main tramway isn't JR so it would cost extra - or you can make the extra trips/walk to get to around just on JR. eg The peace dome is a fair walk from the JR train, it's literally across the road from the tram. All their transport is way more affordable than here (Brisbane) though imo

      • Elision on 05/11/2016 - 01:26

        If it helps, I budgeted $100 a day, that included a good $500 worth of theme park entries.. I did fine. I didn't find Japan as expensive as I thought it would be, maybe because it felt like Australian prices as we are considered to be a very expensive country… the prices just seemed normal. Hong Kong was more expensive imo. I didn't do a tonne of shopping though as I went to Korea as well which had very cheap shopping.

  • Cluster on 03/11/2016 - 18:15

    Download Google Maps if you already don't have it, and predownload maps for all the areas you're going to visit. Extremely handy to have on any holiday, as most of the time you'll be out of range of wifi and can't use mobile data.

    Bring some insect repellent with you. Less of a problem in November, but many places in Japan don't have fly screens. More than once I had mosquitoes in my room feast on me during the night.

  • VeryCheap on 03/11/2016 - 18:19

    Oh and google Translate, download language pack then you can take photos and translate words on the go!

  • cmilano8 on 03/11/2016 - 19:27
    +1

    I went to Japan last April with my mother and sister. It was quite the adventure - I hope you will have a blast yourself!

    Some tips:

    • For places of interest to visit, consult Japan Guide, though I think you may already have known this.

    • I got myself the prepaid ICC card SuiCa (for Kanto region) and ICoCa (for Kansai region). They are now interchangeable so you don't have to get specific ones for certain regions.

    • If you really want to save on short distance travel costs, ride on the lines operated by the same company in one trip. In Tokyo for example, the railway network is very confusing, with most stations operated by JR and others by private companies. You can save on trip cost if you transfer to the line operated by the same company. It is a tiny amount of savings however, though over time you can feel the difference.

    • The said ICC card can also be used to purchase from vending machines that are usually available at train stations (basically the ones with ICC card readers).

    • Keep the coins handy - they have many uses. You could buy from vending machines or try your hand at the iconic Japanese Gacha (sp?) machines, even used as offerings when you go to shrines.

    • Hyperdia provides a comprehensive info for travel routes and all available options sorted by price.

    • If going to theme parks, consult online crowd calendars as they provide info of when theme parks would be packed. As a general rule, avoid weekends. Example crowd calendar: Tokyo Disneyland

    • As other users have pointed out, Pocket WiFis are very useful. If you are going to consult Google Map for majority of the day - grab powerbanks as well.

    • During my trip I downloaded Google Translate app on my Samsung Note. It has the scribble feature where you can just write down on the phone the Japanese words for translation. This had helped me on more than a dozen occasions.

    • Konbini (convenient stores) are almost at every corner when you are at big cities. They sell cheap food prepared daily, and every night at 8PM or later, they chuck the unsold ones out in a plastic bag right outside their stores. If you are low on money and want free food… (we never took any but had seen them being thrown away intact in boxes).

    • If you have too many or too big luggages to carry with you during long distance travel, you could use Yamato Kuroneko service - I used their services to transfer my luggages from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka, and Osaka to the Osaka airport. They are quite reliable and handy!

    I hope that helps! Have a great trip :)

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:33

      Thanks so much for your detailed reply, I appreciate it heaps!

      Alright cool, I'll probably get the plasmo, because cute penguin.

      oh, that's a cool tip with the trains, I'll try to remember that one!

      that's pretty cool that we can use it to buy things too.

      what is gacha?

      yes hyperdia!!!

      Thanks for the advice, lots of people have recommended it, so I'll try to fit disneyland in.

      I have a powerbank the 20100mah one from anker, it's pretty solid.

      I have a z2 unfortunately, no dice for me.

      oh, well I think I can pay for the reduce priced ones.

      how long does it take to move your luggage?

      • Forfiet on 04/11/2016 - 04:07

        I think gatcha is either some type of bingo-ish game or gashapon (ガシャポン)/ gachapon (ガチャポン) which are capsule toy/collectables vending machines very popular in Japan…..

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 09:18

          Yes, I got confused cause I misread it as offer the gacha to the shrine haha

      • cmilano8 on 04/11/2016 - 10:08

        Hi!

        • Gachapon machines, as the user below pointed out, are toy machines where you typically insert 200 yen to try and win the toy of your preference. These machines are very popular with the locals. Personally me and my sister probably tried about 4 or 5 machines haha - the toys are mostly decorative if not rubbish, but it was fun.

        • Since there were 3 of us, moving big luggage while riding Shinkansen or any trains in particular was quite the inconvenience. I contacted the Yamato service via email, and they offered to come by to pick up our luggage. They will arrive with forms you have to fill (unfortunately in Japanese, but there is a guide on their website on how to fill these), and you can select the preferred delivery time (or date, though if date is not selected, the luggage will arrive at destination the next day).

        • We stayed at several AirBnB accommodations so it was great to have the Yamato guys come over. Otherwise if you are going to stay at hotels - every major hotel counters have Yamato service. If not - you can drag your luggage to the closest 7/11 or Family Mart, though I believe most convenience stores have Yamato service (watch for the cat logo).

        • Sending luggage to airports must be done 2 days in advance before travel date.

        • I would recommend Pocket WiFi instead of SIM card - but if you are with Vodafone, they charge a reasonable $5 for one day of international connection, with quota and minutes taken from your phone plan.

        • My sister sent me this during our trip, thought I should pass it on - some kawaii guides

        P.S. PASMO is the ICC card with a bus logo on it (owned by private corp), SuiCa is the one with cute penguin (owned by JR) :D

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 11:48

          Hi!!!! Omg I'm gonna end up spending SO much money on them. Where were the timeline like places in Japan, was that akihabara? I wanna spend a few hours there. Looks amazinggggggg!

          Is it possible to lug a bag on the shrinkage and be alright? I kinda want all my luggage when I arrive. How was airbnb? I'm a bit worried first solo trip and first time using airbnb.

          I think the pocket wifi would be better too. Conserve what little battery I have on my phone haha. What's voda offering tho? Surely not unlimited?

          Omgahd Kawaii guides, can you sister and I please be friends?! Oh ok. I want the suica then! Super kawaii

        • cmilano8 on 04/11/2016 - 12:49

          @pyro love bird:

          Hehehe I am glad you are having fun already planning your trip.

          • Most long-distance trains have several compartments for luggage, so as long as you don't have too many or too large luggage, you should be fine. The private railways going from and to airports typically have an area to place luggage (which mother was too paranoid to use), we ended up placing our luggage on the foot space area in front of our seats though.

          • Akihabara wasn't too much fun when we went to be honest :\ It is a "nerd paradise" (or "otaku" - so many of them there), with big electronic stores, and some themed cafes (maid cafes or the sort). We only spent a couple hours at Akihabara because my sister wanted to visit the AKB48 Cafe. There is e a pastry shop called "Mini Pablo" at Aki… soooo goood.

          • The Japanese AirBnB hosts are pretty solid. Out of the 3 hosts I had, I was only disappointed with 1 (the cleanliness was not up to par, both the bed sheets and towels stunk). You can typically tell from hosts who are responsive and accommodating, they are great. During my stay, all 3 accommodations provided me with Pocket WiFi, so I didn't have to spend extra on them.

          • Vodafone is basically allowing you to use your phone as you would when you are in Aussie - quotas, entitlements and all, for $5 a day to use overseas. I think this only applies to post-pay though :( I am not too sure, I didn't use my phone there.

          • I forgot to mention but always check the weather forecast, and equip yourself appropriately :) You shall do fine!

          Have you decided where to go yet? Or are you going to just drop yourself into Tokyo and see where it goes from there?

        • pyro love bird on 07/11/2016 - 01:16

          @cmilano8: Sorry, had a bit of a rough weekend.

          I appreciate your reply, I'm glad to hear that there's a compartment for luggage, I've got one of those antler ones that are check in luggage, I don't know what they're actually called.

          That's such a downer, I was really looking forward to it. Whats the AKB48 cafe? is that the same as the Pablo one in osaka that does the wobbly cheesecake?

          Ah okay, cool. I'm glad to hear, I've been so worried about it. Mine have provided pocket wifi too, but they've both said that it'd probably be slowed down at some point.

          my Voda plan is only 3gb of data every month, I'd use way more than that in japan!

          Thanks for the heads up. I mean, I want to go to those areas in Tokyo as in the updated post, but as to exactly where, it's like 90% food places atm, and I don't eat that much to start with, haha.

        • cmilano8 on 11/11/2016 - 00:18

          @pyro love bird:

          Hi!

          AKB48 is basically a Japanese girl band consisting of (more than?) 48 people. I'm pretty sure the AKB in AKB48 stands for "Akihabara", so it is the Akihabaran branch of the girl band. I think they have an Osakan version of the group called NMB48 (for Namba). Their fans are primarily these otaku community who are usually hard core fans…. My sister is a fan of the group so she was curious how or what the cafe looks like. We didn't enter - food is very pricey there.

          YES! "Mini Pablo" in Akihabara is the miniature version of the famed cheese tart that you can find in Osaka. They are very very great. The main Pablo stores also have these kinds of souvenir pastries, which are yummy. The Millefeuille is particularly exemplary.

          And don't worry about the eating too much lol. We ate a lot too, and we walked it off to even out hahah (we walked at least 10 km a day). Their servings aren't too large fortunately.

          As for places to visit:
          * I recommend going to Yokohama for a whole day. It is a very different place, very idyllic and tranquil port city.
          * Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Harajuku you can cover in a day. There are so many places to visit there, shop wise.
          * There isn't much to see at Roppongi and Ueno. Roppongi is basically the "rich people" area of Tokyo, though Ueno has a nice park.. but that's it.
          * Ginza is upper class shopping area. We went there to be bedazzled but didn't buy anything besides some pastries (sis is a pastry freak).
          * Since you will be at Osaka, you may want to visit Kyoto, since it is ~30 mins travel by train from Osaka. Kyoto is a cultural marvel.
          * Kobe for a whole day is also a good idea - must EAT the expensive drunk cow.

          I don't know if you would be on OzB much during your visit there, but if you are active and you managed to read this while on here (HI!), I can be reached for recommendations and advice :)

          At any rate, enjoy Japan!!!!!! Take lots of pictures.

    • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 22:05

      You forgot to mention the konbinis sell the booze - and it's super cheap :D :P

  • SaberX on 03/11/2016 - 19:33

    You should probably have detailed where you were going around Japan in your OP btw - so people can advise better.

    As I wrote above:

    1) Get the sim card, don't cheapen out - it's an once stop shop for finding food, things to do, and google mapping locations of things. How easy it is to google map a location, famous sight, or tea shop you're looking for and follow GPS. It is a godsend to the old map days. I complimented this with my lonely planet - Tokyo guide for example, in order to see a few sights.

    Given you left it abit last minute you can't order the yokoso sim card off ebay - unless you contact them and ask for express delivery. If you can't find any other sonline you'll have to a) order and pickup from airport upon arrival if during a decent time of day. Or b) walk into the common stores they're located at - I think whirlpool or ozbargain have heaps of wikis on this. There are heaps out there

    for between $25-50 there are definitely multiple options. Go with one with a few gb of data and you''ll be fine. It is definitely a must have in a connected country like Japan.

    2) Download pocket app. You can then save down web pages directly for offline reading, or you email the link and it automatically syncs it to your pocket account so your pocket app downloads it next time.

    I used japan-guide.com :

    you can search by cities and there are a fair few 'areas' or special sights that they list out about it, and pictures, and key details including the subway lines/maps directly around it to get you there. Sometimes these didn't save 100% well in pocket offline - sometimes the directions at bottom cut off, but usually fine.

    Even the desktop site is great: see the layout of how it shows the top few attactions.

    3) Get the suica (or pasmo) cards for train travels. You buy it then reload it at the machines, it's very handy in Tokyo. I think it is only in Tokyo anyway - but you can also use your card to swipe on the vending machines that have the suica readers (you'll see the logo).

    I can't help but say how awesome it is to walk up and swipe, and 2 secs later whip out a hot royal milk tea or I mix it up sometimes with: coffee, green tea, hojicha, and if you're lucky one that dispenses yakult.

    4) Pack light. Especially as you'll want to take a lot of things back. Their convenience stores will have umbrellas, ponchos and even spare temp gloves. Underwear, washing powder satchels etc you'll find this all easily in Tokyo at Daiso and other stores. If your accommodation has a washing machine you can just spend the late night washing and drying it quickly.

    I would then a) takeaway Japanese whisky which you can find all your yamazaki, miyagikyo, takesturu etc. at all convenience stores haha.

    b) eat and eat everything of interest at the convenience stores. Some aren't that great tbh, but there is something cool about whipping out a fillet of fish looking burger in a bag and they warm it up there for you (if they make suggestions at the counter it is usually asking you if you want it warmed up).

    I found this really great chicken wrap in family mart - they do beef versions, but if you can find a wrap that is like cut into 3 equal pieces and placed in a long rectangular plastic, it is divine. it's like chicken mixed with coleslaw or some sort of mayo'ed veggies around it. You will find yourself eating your 3 meals a day plus 3 supplementary ones in between. You won't go hungry!

    c) Eating while walking around is meant to be not customary there, so you see a lot will buy and stand on the side and eat. While I'm sure little snacks will be ok, be careful to not walk around with snacks spilling all over your face or eating on the subways - just as a courtesy thing. Also saw the rare occasion an older Japanese man's family getting upset when clearly a tourist had moved during the train ride and spilt the coffee drink she was having over his shirt.

    d) I hope you have it already: but the 28 degrees credit card for overseas travel fee free credit card expenses.

    second: Citibank transation card that allows you to withdraw cash overseas - again this is another common one found on ozbargain.

    You can generally withdraw fee free for it at a) japan postal office or b) any 7 elevent. So very easy to get cash out on the whim in major cities.

    e) a portable scale. just incase like me you need to ship things back home (overweight) or for your bags, because if you are like many of us you will come back overweight, hence pack light to begin with!

    f) agreed - get the google translate app, it is rudimentary but I did manage to get a few things done with it.

    All in all the main things you need are:

    a) a sim card for internet
    b) the pocket app and download all the cities and attractions to offline view on it before you go
    c) battery pack for phone
    d) your credit cards for cash

    Have fun going solo - I did too. If you stay local (i.e. don't bring any western attitudes to trying food and exploring - I know some people who only ate what they'd feel comfortable with normally. try all the local and funny things: provided it isn't crawling or some weird offal, the worse it is is some form of their local cuisine, and a lot of it is yummy).

    If you tell us where you're going we can give local tips, but TBH with a sim card and some saving to pocket - there's no way you couldn't find a) the biggest attractions in each city and b) how to get there. I would just advise having a rough feel/list jotted down to save time.

    • SaberX on 03/11/2016 - 19:40

      Oh, and japan is full of places that are expensive, as some have mentioned i.e. you walk down pontocho alley in Kyoto and you could get anything from $4500-7000 yen for sashimi, tempura and the like, or if you do abit of digging and sensible street smarts, I visited a few streets away a tempura place that not only had locals, but tourists and for 1500-4000 yen I got ALOT of tempura and sides. I ate for two, so it would have been under 3000 yen for sure if I ate 'normal'. but heck I was on holidays.

      The 'expensive' option was the tempura I saw on some restaurant sign boards nearing 4000-7000 yen for a few prawns and the other standard fare tempura vegetables etc. So yeah, definitely some street smarts required. You can find anything from noodles to katsu's and rice based dishes that are a lot cheaper or some expensive, finer options. Being such big, big cities your options are endless.

      • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:43

        WHAT why so expensive!?

        Thanks, hope I dont eat all my money.

        • mskeggs on 04/11/2016 - 10:30

          These costlier food options are likely for all you can eat BBQ places or similar protein heavy meals. 1000yen and under ramen is universally available. 600yen don too. And yakitori places will have 500yen for 4 skewers or similar.
          Since you will have at least some cooking facilities, get the 50% off fresh meals from the convenience stores after meal times if you want to save money, but obviously eating out is a huge part of Japanese life. Most stores marked down fresh food after 8pm.
          Some places mark down the lunch food after lunch time too.

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 12:13

          @mskeggs: I honestly don't think I eat enough for all you can eat. Plus I prefer to pay more, say for a more upscale dish quality over quantity is big for me. Mind you I also wanna try all the street food. Where is best for this do you know?

          Thanks for the tip with the discounted dinner! :D

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:42

      I'll add it in when I'm not so tired from replying to everyone haha, thanks I didn't realise that it would help. I also haven't really planned things out in detail, as I'm travelling on my own, I was mostly gonna wing it.

      I might bute the buullet and just get the $70 one for 9 days. I'll be there for 16 though, it's a lot of money :(

      Alright I'll give them a try on ebay, thanks.

      do you think it'd be a must to have a laptop whilst in japan or would my z2 be sufficient?

      haha I've heard about the novelty giant yakult, I want one!

      Yes, I'll have a washing machine and I plan to travel super light!

      That's pretty cool, Australia needs to step up their combini game!

      I'll make sure to keep an eye out for your chicken wrap :P

      Oh, okay I'll try to remember that.

      I do not have it as I am a uni student, and applying for a credit card is a bit difficult for me, however I have a commbank travel card.

      Thanks for the tips with the atms. super useful.

      ahahah, where to buy a cheap scale?

      Nah, I'm going to Japan, I sure as hell will immerse myself as much as I can into the culture, why the hell would anyone go to another country and culture only to try and experience their own!? no logic.

      Thankyou, you're amazing, I'm really feeling the ozb love <333

  • skanr on 03/11/2016 - 19:46

    Bring an empty stomach ;)

  • Cheapsize on 03/11/2016 - 20:02

    Vocre is an amazing app that enables real time translation that has been both an ice breaker and a life saver. It's very good but just needs Data.
    Data is more valuable than voice for your needs over there as you can use voip and family can call you for free via Skype, Viber, Whatsapp etc.

    You will not need a travel sim as pre paid Sims are not available to tourists easily. Renting a portable WiFi is the best best. Recommend Global advanced communications http://www.globaladvancedcomm.com (no affiliation) plenty of options Use Viber Whatsapp or Skype for calls. $5 was all I needed. Organise Studio Ghibili museum tickets before you go.

    Try to go on tours or social activities with tourists or English speakers because it can be isolating at times.
    4th time to Japan next year. I Absolutely love it so much.

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:45
      +1

      Ghibli is done and dusted, and I'll be looking into the wifi soon!

      We should totally do an ozb Japan travel group it'd be so good, collectively we can succeed!

  • lollyball on 03/11/2016 - 20:29

    A pair of Chopsticks. So u can blend in like a local.
    Totally legit comment 😀

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:45

      I'm sure they will provide chopsticks, I might blend in. I am asian after all.

  • Cleremy on 03/11/2016 - 21:27
    +1

    A Geiger counter.

    • Forfiet on 04/11/2016 - 04:10

      I knew this comment would be somewhere….

  • Grillman on 03/11/2016 - 22:52

    Lots of good advice here and in other threads, I'll just say that renting a pocket wifi is more than worth it, I've rented from www.japan-wireless.com and www.globaladvancedcomm.com and pretty much had the same good experience with both. Don't forget that the google translate app lets you take a photo of foreign text and will translate it. Google maps is awesome for finding how to get around via train and will often show you the cost, also I know you have the JR pass but just wanna add if you don't know how much the train ticket should cost you can just buy the cheapest amount and adjust it at an adjustment machine when you get off at whatever station. I wouldn't try to jam too many things into each day because you'll probably end up not getting it all done. You can post Japan to Aus via seamail with japan post which can be a reasonable price, takes around 2 months to arrive. Honestly though Japan is awesome, there's always more to see and do. BTW do you have netflix? If so go and binge-watch Terrace House to get yourself in the mood and to see some nice spots around Tokyo!

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:48

      Thanks, ozb is like a family and all these comments are like warm hugs, it's really quite wonderful, I'm so thankful that everyone is so helpful and kind :)

      Thanks for the advice, I'll check it out. how do I do the seamail thing? are you able to link me please?

      I don't have netflix, it makes me sad, I have been watching youtubers for ideas!

  • Morien on 04/11/2016 - 00:08

    Leaving in a week? Yikes. Not much time to prepare some of my suggestions…

    • Citibank Plus - atms at EVERY 7-11 there, Citibank branches in major cities. I took cash and never converted it. Exchange rate was always so much better from the card and I was never more than 5 minutes from an atm (except when in forrest areas).
    • You can rent a hotspot there. I suggest you do so. Carry it with you and use it for your wifi. Get a Japanese wifi app on your phone before you go and then connect at every train station.
    • iOS? Consider buying iTranslate. I can't tell you how good this was when we needed it (we went to a hospital for an emergency and this carried us through a medical conversation).

    When you are there.
    - Don't eat while walking around.
    - Throw your rubbish away in the CORRECT bin.
    - make sure you have change for vending machines.
    - make sure you have cash when you go places, it is very much so a cash based society.
    - pay attention to what locals are doing, and follow their lead. Do NOT stand on there right side of the escalator and hold up traffic!
    - get a suica card for the train system (when you get there). You can also use this as a cash card in many places!
    - be respectful and learn some Japanese (hello, thank you, if nothing else).

    Enjoy yourself!

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:50

      yes… I appreciate your suggestions nonetheless!

      Thanks for all that advice, what do you mean by correct bin?

      I was gonna exchange 1k AUD to Yen, would that be a good starting amount?

      alright, keep left, dont be an (profanity), got it!

      Thanks for your warm wishes!

      • Grillman on 04/11/2016 - 04:17
        +2

        They are gangsters about recycling, lol. Often different bins for different things. If you live there and don't recycle properly they might go through your rubbish to try and identify who you are and then leave your rubbish at your door.

        • Forfiet on 04/11/2016 - 04:18

          LOL, full forensic teams are dispatched!!! j/k

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 09:20

          Whaaat that's insane! Glad you told me I'm advance!

      • Forfiet on 04/11/2016 - 04:17

        Correct bin would be depending on how many they have:
        1.Bottles
        2.Plastic Bottles
        3.Cans
        4.Combustibles
        5.Incombustibles
        6.Plastics
        7.Recycled Papers
        8.Other wastes

        • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 09:21
          +1

          Why so many x.x what is classified as combustible

        • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 22:11

          @pyro love bird:

          Things that don't fit into the other categories that are flammable :P

        • Elision on 05/11/2016 - 01:31

          @pyro love bird:

          Most of the time it's not so bad, the ones I came across were often 2 bins - (recyclables or bottles only/combustables) or if you're in a fast food restaurant there will be a funnel thing on the top you poor any ice/leftover liquid into, then a bin for plastics.. for your straw and lid, one for paper and i think one for food.. but i dont remember as I ate all mine always :x

      • Zondor on 04/11/2016 - 09:28

        I got 1k currency converted on my solo trip over there through travelex via pre-order and got a decent rate (Don't just go there without pre ordering).

        When your over there though, all the currency conversion places have shitty rates. Go to any 7-11 and use the ATM's with your visa debit card (Important that it is a visa/mastercard). Your cards exchange rate even with the fee will be better than any of their conversion places.

        Also, while your in the 7/11 get a $1 chocolate eclair they are mad.

    • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 22:12

      Escalators depends on where you are - Osaka tends to stand on the right side where MOST of Japan is like Aus and stand on the left - Just do what everyone else is doing :)

      • Morien on 04/11/2016 - 23:55
        +1

        That's wisdom that so few people get when they travel. Look around you, OP, do what everyone else is doing!

    • tanoshiiki on 06/11/2016 - 22:18

      Citibank pulled out of Japan about a year and half ago, so you won't find any more Citibank branches in japan anymore. I think its Japanese operations got bought by Sumitomo Mitsui (major Japanese bank). Regardless, I recommend just using Japan Post or 7-11 Bank; 7-11s are pretty much everywhere in the big cities.

      • Morien on 06/11/2016 - 22:29

        Really? Must have been right after I was there. I went in Jan 2015.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 00:30

    Friendly note that most public toilets in Japan are bring your own toilet paper. There are often advertisers handing out facial tissues, keep one handy.

    Oh, also finding Mr Octopus of Ninja Warrior fame is on my next todo list.

    If you watch Lost in Translation, name any Tokyo scene and I should be able to say where it was filmed. I think I found everything, hospital waiting seats included. Many are central Shinjuku.

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 01:51

      why. and where might one find public toilets in japan? mr octopus? I know ninja warrior though! Love that show!

      that's kind of amazing, we need to travel together haha, show me all your recommended places!

      • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 22:15

        shops are the easiest place to find Toilets - be prepared for the zany :D Squat holes in the ground… Toilets with bidets, toilets that have automatic flushing noises and toilets that don't actually have buttons for flushing (if in doubt wave your arms about - some are sensor based, either flush automatically when you stand or wave your hand over a sensor to flush (though some sensors are for the flushing noise … waaaay too much tech in toilets imo :P … the heated toilet seats on the other hand are totally epic :D )

  • avenasat on 04/11/2016 - 07:19

    In Osaka, you may wish to visit the Sky Garden to get a a great view of the city. Spectacular view in the evenings. Even if you don't visit the Sky Garden, in the bastement of the building - yes the basement, not the ground floor - you'll find a 're-constructed' old-style set-up of a variety of Japanese restaurants. The okonomiyaki place was very small but great. Like other places in the basement it has a sliding door. Just walking around the basement and seeing all the different restaurants was interesting in and of itself.

    In Hiroshima, you may want to consider visiting Sai-jo "sake" town. it's around 40 minutes from Hiroshima (using JR pass) and has 7 sake breweries that offer free tastings. Even if not a huge sake drinker, visiting the places is quite interesting. Mazda has their world headquarters in Hiroshima and they offer free tours of the plant in English. However my recollection was they were only in Enlglish on Mondays at 10am. The factory tour is amazing - they have their own power station, hospital, fire brigade. It's literally a small city.

    On (I think) level 3 of Hiroshima train station is also another great place to try okonomiyaki which is prepared differently to the one in Osaka. If you go there around lunch time it might be a bit of wait but it's well worth it. Oishi desu!!!

    Also, in Hiroshima train station shopping area you can buy the genuine kumona fude. These are the real McCoy for any girls/female. They are not cheap but considered one of the best quality for profressionals. Once again, even if not buying one, it's interesting to see and hear about how they are made. When you do, you'll find out why they are so expensive but also considered the best.

    Happy travels!

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