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 - 09:26

      Thanks so much for all that information!

      I'll make sure to make time yo go to the skyline in Osaka. Omg the resturants sound like my kinda thing and omg okonomiyaki!!!

      I literally do not drink at all and cannot handle alcohol well, the smell alone is enough to give me a headache. Gosh I really like cars too, I'm not sure if I'll have the time :(

      I don't mind waiting if it's good, I can't wait to scout it out! Anything specifically from.hiroshima your recommend trying/buying?

      What is kumona fude?

  • Zondor on 04/11/2016 - 09:08
    +1

    Capsule hotels are actually amazing, I stayed in one on my solo 21st trip at the start of this year.

    I stayed in the capsule value kanda last time I was over (then Khaosan Tokyo KABUKI) and it was all heaps good.
    Get a data sim from akibahra as soon as you land, dotcom is the best provider and will cost you about $20-30 for a 4gb sim.

    Be aware though, when everyone says most speak English, it's not what I experienced when I was over there. Some shop owners YES. but google translate is a god send because if you go eng to jap and rotate your screen horizontally it put it's up in their kanji.

    The basic phrases I used to get by were:

    Good morning
    Good Afternoon
    Hello
    Excuse me (IMPORTANT)
    Sorry

    Depending on how long you're in tokyo for, you can get unlimited rail passes that are only available to foreigners from this big blue store across the river from Akibahara. It's about $5 per day.

    Lemme know if you have any other questions.

    EDIT: BE PREPARED FOR MILLIONS OF USELESS 1 YEN COINS IN YOUR WALLET

    • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 09:30

      Ahahah I have a panda purse for the coins. The life of havibg too many coins though. Sigh.

      They look like the tiniest thing, those capsule hotels. Whilst an experience I probably won't like it as I can get a bit claustrophobic.

      I'll look at the sim from akihabara, thanks for the tip!

      Hopefully google translate won't say funny things though

      I know how to say those things yay! Anime!

      Would the rail passes be better than the pasmo card? I'm there for 9 days.

      I have all the questions!

      • Zondor on 04/11/2016 - 10:36

        I am abit too but it's surprisingly roomy. Wouldn't be for everyone but if you need to stay in the middle of Tokyo for cheap it's the way to go.

        Google translate says the most broken things because Japanese is such a contextual language. But it gives them the gist of what you're trying to say.

        I learnt my basic jap the same way.

        Hmm if your there for 9 days it might be better.

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

          Yeah I guess you're right.

          Ah ok as long as it doesn't offer anyone or anything of that sort, should be all good!

          Lol anime and the useless words I've learnt like hime and hana

  • ohhmygod on 04/11/2016 - 09:51
    +1

    I was just back from Japan 2 weeks ago, going again in Japan.

    Here's a must have list:
    - Super comfy shoes. You'll need it.
    - A bag to store your trash and belongings. You can hardly find any trash bins.
    - Get a SIM card if you want stable internet. Wifi can be hard to find, and be connected to.
    - A coin purse or similar. Trust me on this one.
    - Get a Suica or Pasmo card as soon as possible. Just put 10,000 yen on it. You'll use it all in no time.
    - Navitime Japan Travel app (android) is a must have. Tokyo train system offline map and train schedule all in 1 place.

    Phrases to learn:
    - Hello (Konnichiwa)
    - Sorry (Gomen)
    - I don't understand (Wakarimasen)
    - Excuse me (Sumimasen)
    - Thank you (Arigato gozaimasu)

    • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 10:54

      Hmmm. Aren't there multiple bins outside every convenience store, which are everywhere? Tokyo at least. It might even be law. There are several sortd bin categories. Google image Tokyo convenience store.

      • pyro love bird on 04/11/2016 - 11:57

        Okie dokie, I'll do that thanks :)

      • ohhmygod on 04/11/2016 - 14:11

        There are many convenience stores around, but sometimes you can't find them at all, especially big department stores.

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

      You're going to japan in Japan? Inception much? Haha.

      Any recommended shoes? I'm basically an only sneakers person anyway. I'm gonna buy so many shoes in Japan!! I have a coin purse but do I need a bigger one? I'll make sure to download the app, thanks!

      I kmow those ones yay!

      • ohhmygod on 04/11/2016 - 14:17

        *TO Japan again in January. Jesus! Engrishception.

        The ones I brought weren't very comfy. I'd suggest running shoes…

        Well, your coin purse should hold a handful of coins. Japanese coins are twice as small as Aussie ones.

        Be prepared to walk a lot and carry a lot (if you like shopping).

        UNIQLO for cheap clothes if you need emergency clothes.

        Donquijote for cheap things. They have EVERYTHING. Buy everything there. Bring your passport to get tax discount at counter if you buy more than 50 USD (5000 yen). Look for the penguine symbol. http://www.donki.com/en/.

        Medicine - hard to navigate cause they are all in Japanese. If you need special meds then research and bring it in. We couldn't find any anti-fungal cream at all, both Tokyo and Osaka. Basic stuffs like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be found easily.

        Try to utilise your JR pass on JR lines in Tokyo. However you'd still need suica/pasmo for easy access to other lines. Don't want to fumbling around your coin purse to buy tickets.

        On escalators, people stand on the left unless you want to walk fast. In Osaka, vice versa. Weird.

        • pyro love bird on 07/11/2016 - 01:29
          +1

          ahahah your username is fitting :P

          Nikes would be suitable? Maybe?

          oh, I have one of those silicone panda ones like this. http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_156062_1.jpg

          So basically walk around with a massive backpack? got it

          uniqulo is cheap in Japan?

          thanks for the tip about Donquijote, that seems pretty cool. Penguin is super adorable though!

          okay cool, I'm an asthmatic though, so bring my own puffer?

          How much would you recommend loading onto the suica/pasmo cards?

          So keep left unless overtaking? Got it

        • ohhmygod on 07/11/2016 - 08:59

          @pyro love bird:

          I got a pair of Nike, not sure about the model. Not the running type tho. Didn't help much.

          Small backpack would do.

          Uniqlo is cheap compared to other brands in Japan. Or you can try zara but I prefer Uniqlo.

          Donquijote is awesome!

          Bring your own puffer to be on a safe side.

          Suica/pasmo: On average i use 1000 - 2000 yen per day.

          Keep left unless overtaking in Tokyo and the rest of Japan.
          Keep right unless overtaking in Osaka.

    • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 22:19
      +1

      Gomenasai might be better than gomen - gomen is casual - gomenasai is formal

    • outlander on 04/11/2016 - 22:46
      +2

      And possibly the most important phrase of all: naruto wa doko desu ka?

  • bravo82 on 04/11/2016 - 10:13

    I just came back from a 17 day trip to Japan. As others have mentioned you should get a data SIM. I bought the b-mobile 14 days unlimited data card from BIC for ¥2,380. Coverage was pretty good but your speed gets throttled once you go over 1000MB over three consecutive days. My friend got an unlimited 3G data SIM from JCR which doesn't get capped or throttled. It costs $130 for 2 weeks and $7 per additional day. The SIM card can be picked up from the airport or your hotel.

    http://www.jcrcorp.com/japan_mobile/sim_card/3G/japan_3G_sim…

    Towards the end of the trip the weather started to cool down so bring some jackets.

    TripAdvisor was really helpful when looking for places to eat.

    Hope you enjoy your trip :)

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

      Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out! I kinda was relying on yt videos of bloggers to help me navigate where I wanted to go so I don't think the sim card would work. But the wifi modem is expensive :(

  • ballsofsteel on 04/11/2016 - 12:51

    Two Things.

    1) Can I Come?

    2) DATA IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN JApan

  • John on 04/11/2016 - 14:58

    I'll be in Japan a day after you arrive :) Although I'll start of in Tokyo before flying out from Osaka. I got a toddler in tow so I'm not as flexible as you'd be (lucky you!)

    I'm also really keen on trying good Japan beef cuts. Been told by a friend who lives there to try the Yakiniku at Jumbo. Will also be heading to Steakhouse Satou to try the Matsuzaka beef. I was even tempted for all you can eat Yakiniku at Rokkasen (which also serves the Matsuzaka)! Didn't bother to go Kobe for the beef since you can still have it in other cities.

    For some western food (if you want a bit of change) - Shake Shack from the US has opened in Tokyo. And there's Luke Lobster in Harajuku I think.

    My google map has been labelled like crazy. Mostly with places to eat. So when I walk around I know exactly where I should go for good food in the area. I'm worried I'm going to gain a lot of weight…

    In case noone mentioned it here, you can also have your luggage delivered between location so if you don't want to be hassled bringing luggage in the train.

    • gm3stevens on 08/11/2016 - 18:02

      Just went to Steak House Satou Kichijoji for lunch yesterday. The waitress recommended the high grade Sirloin. Didn't try it cause too expensive, ¥10000 for 200gm. We ended up ordered the Chef's special Matsuzaka steak for ¥4000. Not worth it. Coles scotch fillet tastes better than it:-(

  • SPCHIA on 04/11/2016 - 15:10
    +6

    Made an account just to post lel… Nothing excites me more than a person travelling to Japan for the first time. I went with a friend a few years back who had never been and to watch her face as she experienced a completely different and possibly best culture in the world melted my insides.

    City guide:

    Osaka is probably the best city out of all of them. Don't buy into the hype of Tokyo. I would try to stay there for a full day and do Dotonbori in the evening to get the full experience. You have universal studios (Harry Potter yo!), the aquarium and other attractions nearby if you plan on staying longer.

    Hiroshima can be done fairly quickly, a few memorials and museums to visit. Miyajima is a must visit while you're there and try to at least make it up to the peak for an amazing view. Food there is amazing as well, they are known for their oysters while Hiroshima is the best place to get Okonomiyaki.

    Nara is condensed, I would suggest you hire a bike while you're there to get around. You can easily spend a day there if you move at a leisurely pace.

    Kyoto is pretty much just moving from temple to temple. I would pick up a guide book while you are there from where you're staying, they usually have a route for you to get you to most of the places within a day.

    Kobe is actually a good downtime city to visit. Not much to do there but it is a nice change of pace. It being a newer city due to the reconstruction of that place after the massive earthquake, the streets are very wide and not as crowded as most cities.

    Nagoya has very limited attractions and things to do. Consider using this day to rest up while you are there. The city is quite modern and lots of shopping around the CBD.

    Most of the places you want to visit in Tokyo will not take you a full day to do. They are infact all very compressed and a short train ride away so you may find time to head to a few other places. If time permits, head to Hakone for a day on a sunny day to see Fuji from a distance. Hakone is a quaint small town with beautiful surroundings and a beautiful lake where you ride a pirate ship to travel to the other side of town.

    Accessories guide:

    Get a sim card with data or alternatively get a wireless dongle so that you can connect multiple devices to it. This should only set you back $100 max for the 2+ weeks you are there. Also ensure you have a power bank for your phone/other devices. You'll constantly be on it to find where to go next.

    The best app to get around via trains is Hyperdia (or use website). Type where you are and where you want to go and it will give you the best path to get there and tell you which train lines are JR only so that you can ride for free with your pass. Google maps might also be a good alternative now as well though I haven't tried it. Once you are at your destination though switch back to using Google maps.

    Pack light. Sounds like you'll be moving a lot so maybe stay away from using a suitcase and use a large backpack instead. Bring a second backpack that you use for daily moving if you have a home-base where you can store the larger pack/suitcase. You'll need it seeing as it is close to winter but still hot in some areas so you'll be taking your sweater/jumper on/off a lot.

    Tips:

    Make sure you keep your passport with you at all times and close to you so you never lose it. You will be taking it in and out a fair bit. Same with the JR pass, I would suggest you keep those together.

    Food is actually really cheap there and drinks are available every 10 meters (hurrah vending machines). Make sure you don't litter and hold on to your rubbish. Part of the appeal of Japan is how clean it is for an Asian country so lets keep it that way.

    If you get the preference for a normal room or tatami one. Choose the later, you won't believe how comfortable and natural it is to sleep on the floor. Also try a traditional Japanese meal at least once if you are staying in a hotel that serves it to you in your room.

    Skip out on all you can eat breakfasts from hotels or your standard Aussie breaky. Head to a konbini instead and get cheap sushi and other light food items. Konbinis are also good for when you couldn't be effed and just want a quick meal/snack.

    This is one of the safest countries in the world. Don't be afraid to travel a lone at night, crime is pretty much non-existent as it is seen as an embarrassment to be caught doing something illegal to your peers.

    If you get a chance, don't wuss out and go to an outdoor onsen, especially if you're feeling worn down from all the travelling.

    Spending money wise excluding airfares, accommodation etc. Anywhere between $700 to $1000 and you'll be very comfortable. I managed to only spend $1000 over 21 days last trip but that was with light/moderate spending. Depending on your budget, $30 to $40 a day if very reasonable and filling. It will cost you a little bit more if you fine dine but just your regular run of snacks, drinks and dinner @ random side street restaurants will not cost you a fortune.

    • Elision on 05/11/2016 - 01:35

      Just posting to say that it was really nice of you to go to such trouble to write this for them! I hope they see your comment :)

      • pyro love bird on 09/11/2016 - 09:42
        +1

        I have and completely agree. I've had a super rough weekend and have been AWOL but I'll be back soon to respond to everyone.

        Actually just got dumped and was kicked out of home all in one go, and I don't even feel like going to japan anymore. The ozbargain community is so warm though. I'd honestly feel like I'd let you all down.

        If anyone is down for spending a couple days adventuring with me that'd be great. It'd give me the push I need to actually go

        • Elision on 09/11/2016 - 18:28

          Man i'm so sorry to hear that. Please don't let that stop you from going, it is seriously such an amazing amazing place to visit and I really think you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you don't. I think it would help keep your mind off the shit you've been going through.

          Don't worry about us man, you didn't let anyone down and no one would blink an eye at you not replying for such reasons.

          Try and keep your chin up, please go! it will be one of the best experiences of your life. I hope you find some people to hang out with, if you're staying at hostels you'd be likely to find some chill people to meet up with.

          Take care, I hope things improve for you.

    • tanoshiiki on 06/11/2016 - 22:24

      If you get the preference for a normal room or tatami one. Choose the later, you won't believe how comfortable and natural it is to sleep on the floor.

      Hmm, this can depend on personal preferences and upbringing. I found sleeping on the floor (with a futon, of course) very hard on my back and I'm not that old! That said, a room with tatami flooring is definitely an experience to try :) Many of the cheaper Japanese (usually "business hotels") also can have some pretty firm mattresses; this is the Asian way…

      Re: Food. I don't think I have seen this tip mentioned. If you are looking to splurge, it's often better to have your splurge meal at lunch, as many places offer discounted lunch menus for the same items you would get for dinner at a much more economical price, e.g. kobe beef, lunch buffets, etc. You can find lots of cheap food in Japan and you can find extremely premium and expensive food, just look around, but most of the time, it will taste great.

  • inherentchoice on 04/11/2016 - 15:10
    +1

    Apparently Japanese law requires foreign visitors to carry their passport at all times. Does anyone know if this is true? Surely I don't need it on the ski slopes, right?

    • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 17:09
      +2

      It's true. At certain times of the year Japan release rookie cops onto the streets with instructions to interact with foreigners as they have fewer rights under law. Practise really. If you walk everywhere, you should be fine, but if you ride a rusty bike, you will be asked by chubby or junior Koban cops about once or twice a day. Only happens under some parts f the year…they do 'public policing' showing the public how busy they are.

      They harass westerners on rusty bikes hoping the bike is stolen abandoned jni, even though they will trash the bike if they seize it. When I was there the Chinese triads were making news so there was an instruction given to publicly crack down on obvious foreigners.

      Get ready to hear a polite 'kumbawa' if you ride a bike during the harassment period. :) They are super polite still :)

      tl:dr if you stick to the tourist circuit you should be ok, but if you do anything out of the ordinary, take your passport as cops will harass you politely out of boredom.

      I loooove Japan, but do keep in mind they are politely racist and there is a hotline for dobbing in foreigners that neighbours do call on your first day! There are parts of even suburban Tokyo that get so few foreigners children will delightfully think you are from space. Only 3% of the population are foreign there and half of those are Chinese.

      • inherentchoice on 04/11/2016 - 17:22

        So in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will Japanese athletes have an advantage because they don't need a passport under their lycra?

        Think I'd much prefer to not have my passport on the ski slopes. I will try carry it around in the cities.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 17:33
          +1

          My best serious advice is to do everything in your power to look and dress like a tourist and you will be fine. Don't look like an overstaying backpacker. There are no probable cause laws for foreigners, so in one case they said the city of Tokyo had an APB for a 'dark bike' for the reason I was chosen at an intersection rather than locals :p Koban cops are like Homer Simpson quasi commnity cops on street corners, so in truth you will be fine if it's at your hotel…but do expect to be asked. Most probable place to be asked is waiting at the airport in case you are waiting for a friend.

          First time I was asked I wasn't carrying it ( it is law :( ) .

          I don't think they fine you or anything, but do expect phone calls and delays while they investigate.

        • inherentchoice on 04/11/2016 - 19:44

          @Frugal Rock: I'm just saying that surely there is an exception for sports and physical activities (including skiing).

          Are the police gonna come up to naked tourists bathing in an onsen and fine them for not having their passport? There has to be some exceptions.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 23:36

          @inherentchoice:
          Yeah to be honest, the standard 'Koban' cops are cute pushovers and aren't even likely to fine you. Just might detain you while they make enquiries. If carrying your passport is not convenient, jot the telephone number of your hotel down and give them that to give confidence you are temporary and not overstaying. Keep your plane ticket stub in your wallet, maybe.

    • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 22:25
      +2

      OP being Asian but not speaking Japanese you might be targeted - I never once got asked in my 10 month stay or in my 15 month stay (even though we went obscure places)

      There was a Thai Aussie girl at my uni who got harrassed one day because apparently a lot of Thai people overstay their visas. We had Gaijin cards though because of the prolonged stay.

    • rover on 07/11/2016 - 10:21
      +1

      True, but not sure how often you would get pulled up and asked to show. I made sure I had shirts with good zippered pockets or used a shoulder sling bag to carry our passports (and rail passes/cash).

  • j05h on 04/11/2016 - 15:32

    Hi!! I am also heading over, but at the end of December. I have one question for those who have been. How much spending money do people suggest having? I went last December on a music tour and spent about AUD$550 over 14 days. But, all of our breakfasts were paid for, and when we were at schools and homestay we obviously didn't have to buy meals. I ate comfortably and got quite a few souvenirs/memorabilia etc. This year, I am going for 16 days, and have allowed for about $850, or about 70,000yen to eat and for transport other than what I can use the JR pass for. I honestly can't compare what I spent last year because of the inclusions we got. Can someone tell me if i'm being reasonable or a bit tight? Thanks!! :)

    • SPCHIA on 04/11/2016 - 15:49
      +1

      $850 for 16 days is very doable if this is your budget for food/entertainment/non JR travel expenses. I easily did $1000 over 21 days and was full after every meal, I however did not buy any additional items being that I was travelling light so if you do plan on shopping for items maybe add a little extra.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 17:41

      Japan hasn't had inflation for twenty years :) Postal prices have gone down. I think cost of living even in Tokyo is cheaper than Australia. A melon can cost AU$20, a nashi apple $4, but bananas imported from Panama are like $1 a kilo, fish is cheap.

      Go to Gonpachi Nishi Azabu (the restaurant the inspired Kill Bill) for $10 monster lunch with unlimited sides, soup and drinks. It's where presidents and Beyonce go but peasants can eat a feast for $10.

  • figarow on 04/11/2016 - 17:59
    -2

    Get one of those radiation detectors.

  • Kevin07 on 04/11/2016 - 19:21
    +1

    ueno zoo was great and it cost like 10 aud for adults

  • YungDaggerDick on 04/11/2016 - 19:26
    +1

    Make sure you have subtitles on or at least go with dubbed…

  • tugnabs on 04/11/2016 - 20:12

    Hello!

    I am also travelling to Japan on the 12th-21st (departing MEL). We may be on the same flight??

    This will be my 3rd time travelling to Japan this year (Thanks Jetstar!) and also counting down the days!

    My advice (apologies if it's been shared before):

    1. Take it easy on your first day. You're coming off a 8 to 10 hr flight from Australia and then taking the Shinkansen straight to Osaka which would take about 4hrs from Narita Airport (N'ex to Tokyo Station 1hr, then bullet train to Shin-Osaka around 3hr). Not to mention, you'll be in a foreign country and it'll take some time for you to find your bearings.

    2. While in Tokyo Station, use this time to stock up on food/drinks for the train ride from either the convenience stores (try their sandwiches or onigiri) or grab an ekiben (bento box) from various vendors (so yummy!). All bullet trains have electrical ports so handy if you need to charge your phone. Japan uses same plugs as the US.

    3. Do light sight seeing and get a good night's rest in Osaka so you'll be refreshed the next morning.

    Some suggestions (depending on which area in Osaka you're staying):

    1. Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi area for food and shopping. This is also where you can see the Glico Running man. Explore this area at night when all the lights are on
    2. Umeda sky building to see the Osaka skyline (about 10/15mins walk from JR Osaka station).
    3. Don Quijote in shinsaibashi. 24hr walmart/kmart where they sell everything! good place to buy souvenirs and kit kats!

    Must try foods in Osaka:
    1. Takoyaki
    2. conveyor belt 100yen sushi
    3. Kushikatsu (battered things on a stick deep fried).
    5. 551 Horai (best gyoza & pork buns)

    Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions about Osaka or any other cities you're thinking of visiting.

    Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

    • John on 04/11/2016 - 21:10

      Where is that 100 yen sushi?? (Any specific place) :O

      • belongsinforums on 04/11/2016 - 21:37

        Sometimes can find them near stations. In Tokyo, there's an okay, cheap sushi place in the middle of the red light district. In Osaka, there's a 50 yen sushi place in the main outdoor covered mall (maybe 100 yen now).

      • tugnabs on 04/11/2016 - 21:39

        Plenty of them around (they're called kaiten sushi) but my go to is genki sushi in Shibuya just off the Shibuya scramble.

        You order things off an ipad and it gets delivered straight to you on a motorised shinkansen. there's a couple youtube videos about it. so cool!

        • John on 05/11/2016 - 01:12

          Thanks man will definitely pay a visit!

        • Elision on 05/11/2016 - 01:37

          @John:

          Seconding Genki sushi, not the best sushi in the world but it's a realllly fun experience and they have some crazy sushi flavours there.

  • aerona on 04/11/2016 - 21:47

    Hey Mate, I'm leaving 19th to 30th to also do a solo trip,
    Ozbargain meetup? :)

    • pyro love bird on 09/11/2016 - 09:50

      Yes please.

      • pat0809 on 09/11/2016 - 18:58

        I live in Yokohama (near Tokyo) and might be able to meet up if you guys are interested.

  • Sammyboy on 04/11/2016 - 21:49

    if you are single…Basic Japanese phrases ;)
    Decent clothes as everyone is dressed immaculately there, in their own various styles (from street to groomed etc etc). Trackies and thongs wont work there lol

    • mataeka on 04/11/2016 - 22:30

      Oooh interesting point re the clothes thongs are called Beach sandles over there - As in they wear them to the beach only … Again it's a quirk gaijin can get away with and you're going in autumn so unlikely you'll have them anyway :P

      Also women rarely show shoulders - they'll wear singlets with t-shirts underneath. Again unlikely to be an issue since autumn, and again noone really cares because gaijin but when it was pointed out to me it did begin to make me feel a little uncomfortable.

    • pyro love bird on 09/11/2016 - 09:52

      Recently single lol. But I'm not there to look for guys. I'm usually just casual I wanted to clothes shop there but am worried the sizes may run small

      • Sammyboy on 09/11/2016 - 17:54

        lol its just that if your clothes are too shabby you will feel out of place and really self conscious. Even the street casual outfits are put together with purpose. The cuts are different there so that could be a issue as brands here will fit differently than the same brand over there. Generally though, I found the quality much better for the same brand over there though such as Zara. If there are sales on the pricing is better than here. I really don't think Japan is any more expensive than here. You can have top quality sushi there for half the price as here. You will probably get a lot of private messages on here now since you said you are newly single lol

  • knucklebug on 04/11/2016 - 22:29

    Get a travel sim would be my top suggestion. My wife and I got lost a few times even we can understand some basic Japanese. Google Map was massive help to navigate around the metro, JR and other private trains, they are like spider webs…

    Personally I would suggest stay a bit longer in Osaka, lots of great food and is generally cheaper than Tokyo.

  • gorge on 04/11/2016 - 22:53
    -1

    i have a 15 hour layover in japan on my way to europe. It's on a sunday night from 7PM-11AM monday morning.

    I'm thinking of maybe getting a rub n tug. Can you recommend anywhere?

  • ETB on 05/11/2016 - 01:54

    My tip, learn to this and you will be fine

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M6Fr0z1qPw

    All jokes aside have fun and safe journey.

  • Thenarrator on 05/11/2016 - 08:16

    where r u staying for accomm? i stayed in hostel

  • Bnjam3 on 05/11/2016 - 08:36

    You need to prepare money and money and money

  • DiscoJango on 05/11/2016 - 09:11

    I went solo a few years ago, all i booked from here was:

    . flights
    . hotels
    . japan rail pass

    The rest, i winged it, everything i discovered was pure luck and chance. And i had the best time. I spent around 12 hours every day just walking and discovering.

    My tip: dont catch taxi's to get around: everything i discovered was because i chose to walk around, if i got a taxi from a to b, i would have missed them.

    • Lacko on 05/11/2016 - 14:10

      Taxi's are also heaps expensive.

  • nahi11 on 05/11/2016 - 14:14

    Japanese are great at being politely racist.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/11/2016 - 16:31

      I laugh at the reasonably common offensive term 'nanbanjin'. It actually means Southern Chinese Barbarians, but when Western Europeans arrived they said, you'll do as well, we'll lump all you barbarians together. It's now the rude term for foreigners, gaijin being the polite term. I find it a bit hard to get offended in my non-native language so I'd happily wear a Southern Barbarian T-shirt :p

      PS Annoy your friends when you get back by answering your phone like a cat with 'mya', similar to a meow.

  • ceebee on 05/11/2016 - 18:30
    +2

    Hey. Been to Japan twice 1999 (3wks) and 2011 (3wks). First time was Nov/Dec and the second time was Sept. Going again in December for two weeks.

    So we did the same thing in 2011, we took the Shinkansen to Osaka from Narita. You need to take the NEX to JR Tokyo. We never got the JR pass because you need to use the Shinkansen about 3-4 times to make it really worth while, and we never did that (plus we wanted to go on the NOZOMI line, which is excluded from Railpass). Its going to take you approx 3 hours to get to Osaka on the HIKARI line Shinkansen. So if you leave at say 10am, you'll get to Osaka at 1pm. Check in to hotel is usually and 2-3pm, so you won't be able to check in to your hotel (even most Airbnbs have check in at the same time) yet. Even if you leave your baggage there and decide to check in later, It takes approx 1 hour to get to Nara from Osaka (50 mins travel time). By the time you get there, it will be close to 3pm. Nara is big. Its a whole prefecture, and it generally takes 2-3 hours or more to have a good long look at all the attractions there— there are temples among other things, souvenir shops. Its more than just deer and its a shame to rush it. You need to set out at least a good 5 hours there with travel time. Not to mention it takes 50 minutes to get back. Moreover, if you flew overnight to get there at 9am, then took a 3 hour train ride, plus a 1 hour train ride, you will be knackered that first day. I would not do Nara that first day. Your best bet the first day is to go to attractions around Osaka, depending on where you're staying— Osaka Castle is nice and it doesn't take long to view, as its small. If you like museums, I believe Osaka museum is just across the road from the Castle. There is also Osaka Aquarium, which in my opinion is worth doing, its still one of the better Aquariums I've ever been to. If you like that kind of thing, its a good idea. The Aquarium does take a good 2-3 hours though, so does the museum. Basically, look at Trip Advisor, see whats near your hotel, and go there for the rest of the day. A park or an observatory (like Umeda Sky Building) is great at night, or shopping malls, you could go to HEP 5 at night, its a great Ferris wheel and we took it, I recommend it.

    Next day, you can either do a day trip to Nara, Kobe or Kyoto or Hiroshima (2 hours each way to get to Hiroshima, so leave early). I wouldn't bother with Nagoya, I don't think its worth visiting when you only have a week— its better to do a second day in Kyoto or go up to Himeji castle instead. We did 5 days in Kyoto and it still wasn't enough, and we're going back there now. Kobe is actually adorable in its own right, not just for beef, it is a port city with a lot of foreign quarters, they're worth a look, and its definitely worth a day trip. If you want Yakiniku (Flame grilled/BBQ) Kobe Beef (as opposed to steak), we went to a place called Matsusakagyu Yakiniku which was delicious. They have locations in Osaka. It was the best beef I've ever eaten. However, its expensive and you don't get much meat for your money, and they are very busy. It might be worth reserving online on their website (print out the reservation). It has Kobe beef. I'd also watch a video how to grill/eat Yakiniku BBQ because they do not speak much English and if you've never done it before can be confusing. For Kobe steak, I'm not so sure where to get that in Kobe. I had a Japanese friend from Kobe bring us somewhere to eat 'Kobe beef steak' and it wasn't very good beef at all, I think she was having me on because she didn't want to pay for expensive beef. Definitely research where to go. Again, book if you have to.

    In Tokyo there's the Ghibli museum (you need to book tickets now if you want to go at all though!!) and since you're a fan, I'd arrange to go. Tokyo Disney and DisneySea(totally worth 2 days imo, especially if you've never been before) etc. Are you female? Even if you aren't, Harajuku is totally worth seeing— get a Crepe from Marion. If you're bold, get the one with the slice of cheesecake! Akihabara is neat too, and there a few Otaku stores around here that were fun to look at. We were based out of Ikebukuro and I didn't like it so much though. Definitely go up Tokyo Tower, and also try a different observatory at night (one you can see Tokyo Tower from). If you like traditional Italian Pizza, the Japanese are actually rather good at it, they have an 'authentic' pizza chain called Salvatore Cuomo I recommend. Its all wood fired, legit Italian ingredients. Its great, as good as +39 in Melbourne. Yes its weird having Pizza in Japan, but you'll find that the Japanese are pretty great at copying some foods. Pastries are delicious for example, and they have bakeries everywhere and cafes everywhere (coffee is a bit meh though). I recommend going to CoCo Curry and getting OmuRice somewhere. Try to get some Sushi from Tsukiji Fish Market— but the lines are really long in the popular places there, so keep that in mind. I didn't find Roppongi Hills that great, it is huge and is literally just a swanky shopping district. But if you're a nightclub kinda person then I hear its pretty nice at night. Look into booking at a Maid/Butler cafe to experience wackiness, or check out a Cat Cafe.

    Other things: You need either pocket wifi or a data sim because physical maps are confusing and street names seldom have English when you're walking along, so its hard to pinpoint where you are or if you're going in the right direction without Google maps. We had no internet when we went in 2011. We went to the Golden Pavillion in Kyoto (Kinkakuji) and got lost getting up there because we didn't know if we were going north or south. And there are hardly any wifi hotspots either, because of a weird Japanese law. There is a free wifi network in Tokyo that is free for foreigners, but not in Osaka/Nara/Kyoto, so I'd get either Pocket Wifi there or a Sim, whatever is cheaper, maybe for 7 days only. I've never tried the Tokyo free wifi so I don't know how good it is. I believe you can totally get data sims at the airport.

    Absolutely get the google translate app— you may need an internet connection to use it sometimes. As others have said you can take photos of text and it will translate the text. Helpful in temples when you wanna buy charms, or in convenience stores or in more remote train stations where they don't have English. We used it in Korea recently and it was invaluable. And yes, people know less English than you would think.

    For your Suica cards etc, you can get at any time, I wouldn't worry very much and get that when you arrive.

    Know your basics in Japanese. I.E. — Yes, No, Excuse Me, Sorry, Please, Thank You, Help, Where Is, etc. I mostly used 'Toire wa doko des ka?' (Where's the Toilet) and 'Excuse Me' 'Shitsureshimasu/Sumimasen' Sorry and 'Orimasu' (I'm getting off/This is my stop) to disembark trains if people are in your way in a packed train or bus. Apart from that the most common thing I ever said was, "Gomen ne, Nihongo ga Wakarimasen' (Sorry, I don't understand Japanese) if I got in trouble or if I got asked a bunch of stuff.

    As for stuff to bring, it'll be cold but not freezing quite yet. Nights can be cold and windy so bring some decently warm hoodies or such for night time. Layering is your friend. Bring a small umbrella just in case, or failing that buy a cool rain Poncho at Tokyu Hands or LOFT while you're there. It's a good investment. It probably will only rain a couple of times but it does rain. Make sure you research attractions before you go, because some attractions are closed certain days. Very important.

    Uuuum. I think that's it. I really hope you enjoy your trip!

  • Sinful on 05/11/2016 - 19:12

    Bring Tim Tams to give as a gift.

    • tanoshiiki on 06/11/2016 - 22:34

      All gifts will be appreciated, but it's worth noting they can be found in Japan's Don Quijote (Donki); a type of discount department store.

  • Biance on 05/11/2016 - 21:49

    I went to Japan last year our winter (their summer).

    I strongly recommend Nara, we stayed overnight and it was my favourite part of our trip, but I do love animals.

    We calculated that it was cheaper to buy long distance train tickets than to buy a JR pass, but a Suica card is a must-have for Tokyo, you can get them at most train stations there. You can just hop on any train and not be worried that you are buying the wrong ticket or worry about what will happen if you get off at the wrong station. Be careful using it outside of Tokyo though, we got into a kerfuffle by tagging on with the Suica in Matsumoto heading to Kamakotchi, but when we got to Kamakotchi we couldn't tag off, and the station staff made us get back on the 1.5 hour train to do the whole journey again and buy a proper ticket!

  • Komorebi123 on 05/11/2016 - 22:57

    hi pyro

    try this one. i got the data for $49 3GB, looks handy for google map. and calling on LINE/whatsapp app. (incase got lost)

    http://japan.globalbroadband.com.au/

  • seedopeedo on 05/11/2016 - 23:03
    +3

    watch all seasons of Pokemon to gain an understanding of Japanese culture

    • DiscoJango on 05/11/2016 - 23:34
      +1

      this would be amusing and slightly disturbing if real life: primary school age kids leave home, to roam around the country side, either alone or with other young kids, forming gangs and harassing wild animals, for months or years at a time.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2016 - 00:16
      +2

      Play Shenmue on the Dreamcast.

  • hal9000 on 06/11/2016 - 00:29

    you like cats? visit one of the two cat islands. its amazing!

  • hal9000 on 06/11/2016 - 00:32

    also if you're visiting mt fuji/kawaguchi-ko you might want to check the suicide forest. it was mesmerizing to stroll around there just to experience the eerie atmosphere.

  • obses2ion on 06/11/2016 - 11:10

    From the Tokyo neighbourhoods you've mentioned, it sounds like you'd enjoy a lot of what I did over there :)

    Shinjuku: Robot Restaurant - food is terrible, but you're there to watch the robot show anyway. It's in the red light district so if you get lost on the way to the restaurant, it makes for a very interesting experience…
    Shibuya: Lock-up Cafe. Head downstairs through the darkness, get handcuffed and lead to your 'jail cell' (table). Again, food is average but you really get the jail experience.
    Akihabara: Maid Cafe (can you tell I'm really into my themed restaurants?!) I've been to other maid cafes around the world and nothing really compares to the Tokyo experience.
    Ikebukuro: the train station has an amazing gourmet food hall - think lining up for Kit Kats on a red carpet with a velvet rope and all your pastry dreams coming true.

  • letthiswork1 on 07/11/2016 - 13:17

    Omg this has been a great Thread,

    I am in japan from 15th Dec - 16th Jan

    Learning so much on what to do!
    TY TY

    • scottys88 on 14/11/2016 - 22:41

      Agreed. I'm leaving in two weeks and this has been a huge help. Copying and pasting info straight into Google Sheets!

  • FatBlanket on 07/11/2016 - 15:34

    Dust off your Digimon

  • luffyex2010 on 07/11/2016 - 17:06

    I went to Japan in April with my wife and kids, the experience was fantabulous.

    Both Disneylands (Tokyo and sea) are my first and its wonderful but I also love Universal Studio because of the anime theme.

    Food…..lets just say we ate non stop its that good.

    I thought this youtube channel might be some help as I only found out when I got back from Japan.

    https://www.youtube.com/user/migrationology.

    Enjoy yourself and I bet you will be planning your next trip to Japan in no time.

    Here is another one, which I find quite amusing…. we pretty much have gone to the same prefecture they have visited.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ez4EEe3j0o

    I still think the girl has an uncanny resemblance of goo hara of Kara a KPOP idol group.

  • TopCat888 on 07/11/2016 - 18:11

    All the comments people have posted, there are no shortage of information and places to see. Just a quick notes from my experiences what I done whist I was in Japan last year. I brought a 14 days JR pass in Melbourne and validated it upon arrival in the Narita airport. We also purchased a PASMO card each for all public transportation usages. Recharging the card are also very convenience just about any train station. Metro/ suburban trains runs till 12:00am Oh just remember the JR pass only operate up to 8pm. later than that you have to buy your own ticket, it can be very expensive approximately US$150 for each person per journey between cities. Touring around Japan, i have hire a WiFi modem at the airport, thereby creating hot spot for all of us to use. I use Google maps and Tripadvior to visit most places. In fact I had 10G of usage for the three week and obviously there are price for convenience. Anyway there are may places to go and these are just some of my favorite places: in Tokyo Shibuya Crossing and all of it's night life. Namba station in Osaka is also great, Viewing Mt Fuji by the lake, Shinduku and Shibuya for more night life. The list goes on and have a great trip.

  • kaio on 07/11/2016 - 22:20

    I'm going soon: sth like my 7th or 8th time. I'll reply later on. :)

  • vlahka on 07/11/2016 - 22:28
    +2

    I'm sure you're reading all of these, but theres too many for me so if anyones mentioned this then sorry. While in kyoto you need to do a proper full day tour. You can find the schedules at the hotels for one, like this large one opposite the train station. I cant recall the name. But its the best way to get into places that normally you'd have to wait ages or need special permission to. Plus you get cool informative stories etc. The day tour was brilliant when I was there. Its absolutely essential. In Osaka do go to the aquarium. Its MASSIVE and very cool. I think theres a disney land there too which I missed because my idiot friend didnt tell me there was one. Its large, even has a harry potter place fully built. Not a big fan of the movies, but walking through that would be pretty unreal. Also if you see these little stores selling these fold up pancake style things with cream and strawberries etc inside the, BUY THEM! I ate them by the truckload. Especially the strawberry shortcakes. You can find them at every store in the train stations. The japanese use the french cream recipe and they are so so so good. I was eating like 3 of them each day.

    Those are my simple tips.Also the people there are stupidly friendly. I never expected so much laughter. And how they love when you try to say something in japanese. When I was on the shinkansen I was too stupid to realize my suitcase needed to be in a special section so I had it next to me. The conductor or whatever hes called tried to explain to me where it goes. I was too stupid. He excused himself, ran off, and came back with a pad and pencil and started to draw pictures to show me what he meant. When I finally understood I apologised heaps and he just laughed. Great place, you will love it. Please take a good camera.

  • bargainhunter8888 on 08/11/2016 - 11:04

    A little off topic, but if you're going to Tokyo and love Totoro, I suggest checking out the Ghibli Museum http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
    Make sure to buy tickets in advance because they don't sell at the door

    • pyro love bird on 14/11/2016 - 01:30

      I've already booked them thru Lawson, thanks! I saw a couple of ghibli shops in Kyoto today, one on the way to Kirimizu shrine from Gion and one in Inari.

  • TheOneWhoKnocks on 13/11/2016 - 21:38

    I really really want to go to Japan now. Very intriguing to read everyone's experiences and advice.

    • pyro love bird on 14/11/2016 - 01:28

      Go! I already wanna book my next flight!

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