Just returned from Japan one week ago (Nov 2016). There are some things that I learnt while holidaying there for 2 weeks and I thought I'd share it here for future travelers to Japan (and my own reminder should I return there in the future)
1. Bring Extra Chargers
I was wrong to rely on my multi chargers to charge my 2 phones, 1 iPad and 1 GoPro. Turns out that the current was a lot lower in Japan (probably because of 110VAC voltage). I had to charge one device at a time otherwise the current will be too low to fully charge any of the device.
So it's better to have one dedicated charger per device.
2. Suica Cards can only be returned in Tokyo
I ended my trip in Osaka and when I tried to return the cards to get the deposit, I couldn't because the lady told me it can only be done in Tokyo area. Lucky I only had a little bit left in the balance so I just use it to buy some snacks from 7-11. But I cannot collect the 500 JPY deposit on the cards.
3. Accommodation and Luggage Services
We use AirBnB and Yamato TA-Q-Bin delivery service throughout our whole trip through Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka. To save you some questions:
- If applying visa, its ok to mention you are staying in AirBnB on your application (even if its not fully legalised yet in Japan)
- The TA-Q-Bin delivery is great. Most 7-11, Family Marts etc accept drop off and you generally need to drop it off before noon the day before, to get it delivered to your new destination the next day. You can ask the staff to write down the address in Japanese for you (make sure you have the address in Japanese from the hotel/AirBnB host. Make sure you specify the time period for delivery and…
- Unless you're in a hotel, I recommend to be exactly on time waiting for the courier outside the apartment on the street (not in the apartment, in case they can't ring the bell). The courier are very on time, I only waited for 5-10 minutes before I see the courier crossing the road with the trolley carrying my stuff!
4. Citibank Plus
I used this while in Japan. Very easy and convenient! Make sure you leave plenty of time to open the account. It took me 1 full month from opening the account to receiving the ATM card.
I did make sure to let Citibank know that I'm in Japan (some other users here mentioned they got blocked because Citibank weren't aware they were overseas). So better be safe than worry.
Also.. leave plenty of time to transfer money into the Citibank account if you are using another bank to transfer money to it. Once, I withdrew all the money from Citibank but forgot to top it off again. So with only 10,000 yen I had to survive (for the 3 of us) through the weekend while I wait for my cash to come through into my Citibank account. I resorted to some cheap food like Sukiya and Yoshinoya!
5. Use Skype if you need to make a call
I use data only sim card while I'm there but had to make phone call. I bought Skype credit and used that to call people (either in Australia or Japan).
Just in case you wonder how to make phone call to landline number from your phone with data only..
6. Budget your spending everyday
I went a bit overboard with my food exploration. At one point I was spending 5500 yen for a breakfast in Tsukiji Market!!!! So budget your spending for food, it can really drain quickly if you use the 'eat it while you can get it' philosophy - like I did the first week there….
7. Shinkansen
Some things I learnt about the Shinkansen
- If using JR Pass, book your seats in advance as soon as possible. The reserved seats run out by 1-2 days before departure. In fact, two of my Shinkansen legs I relied on the unreserved carrier. Luckily it was quiet between Kyoto/Osaka and Hiroshima so we were able to get one whole row for three of us. But on Tokyo bound train I imagined it would be a lot harder to rely on unreserved carrier.
- Be early on your platform. It is on time and its nice to have extra time so you can shop for bento food on the platform. The foods inside the Shinkansen is very basic (cup noodles, basic sandwiches, snacks and ice cream)
- The JR Pass will not let you go on the fastest train (Nozomi). Didn't know this until I tried to reserve the seats. Just beware of that.
8. Theme Parks Goers…
I went to Disneyland, USJ and Fuji-Q during weekdays (Wednesday or Thursday) during school period. I used the crowd prediction website and it was accurate when I was there. The line was very reasonable and especially in Fuji-Q there was probably only 15-30 mins max wait for the rides. I did not go on the roller coaster though as I only stopped by to see Thomas Land… but Fuji-Q is great because its a bit out of the way and it's much quieter and scenic. I actually had a better time there than Disneyland (we are family of three with young boy, so we love to be away from crowds)
In USJ, when I went there they did not check for timed entry to Harry Potter area. Maybe because it wasn't as crowded.. I'm not sure. But a bit annoyed that I paid for the Express Pass so I can pre-select the specific time entry, only to be in the area with the whole other park goers. Making the area super packed.
At least the express pass got me into the main Harry Potter 4D ride ahead of normal line (TIPS: After riding and going back into the locker, I think you can simply return and ride the ride again over and over… If I'm not mistaken I don't think they check your pass once you're in the locker area. I did not do this as I only thought about this after I returned home…. bugger). Apart from that, the express pass is almost useless when I was there mainly because I am a single rider anyway (my wife is with my son).
The only rides where single rider is almost no difference to normal lines is the Pterodactyl roller coaster. Where the waiting time were at least 70 minutes even for single rider.
9. SEGA Joyopolis in Odaiba
If you want to try this, best come either after 5pm or after 8pm. The price goes down drastically and they also give 300 JPY discount for being a tourist. So bring your passport with you!
In terms of rides, it was ok. Gave me a bit of headache but at least I get to try to ride on the halfpipe to the tunes of Japanese pop music. Haha..
10. Foods..
Here's some of the highlight of places I eat at, and some tips:
Grilled Scallop at Tsukiji: there is an uncle at the main strip selling grilled scallop for 700 yen, this is next to the popular 100 yen tamago stall. If you actually went to a closed shop area (forgot the name but its got a sliding door entrance opposite to the stall), there is a much quieter shop in there that sells it for 300 yen!!
Sushis at Tsukiji: I tried eating at Okame sushi. While it was great I think I would've just spend the money for the fatty tuna (toro) sushi! The rest are good but not spectacularly as good as the toro sushi. I wish I had used all the money to just eat that… its the A5 grade of sashimi……
Ichiran Ramen: one of the most popular in Japan. Generally there's always lines and the setup is like a library booth. But if you go to Hiroshima, its set up as a proper restaurant and hardly any line. My tip is that you dont choose the standard flavour (its not spectacular). Go for Rich Broth, Double Spicy (its still not spicy at all), 1 Garlic and of course with the sliced pork and green onion. I would recommend buying the extra vinegar oil for 80 yen, makes a huge difference to the taste!
Tatsunoya Ramen: I actually prefer this over Ichiran. It's located in Nishi Shinjuku. Always a line outside. But the broth is just amazing. There is also a normal table setting for small group at the back if you don't fancy sitting in the bar (eg. for family with small kids).
Tonkatsu Maisen: I tried one of the recommended at Tonkatsu Maisen in Shibuya and decided to select the best cut for 3000 yen. Was mildly dissapointed as its not worth the extra money compared to the 800 yen tonkatsu I had in down town Shinjuku.
100 Yen Sushi: I went to Kura Sushi in Namba area. It is still 100 yen per plate!! It's not the best sushi in comparison, but it was so cheap and delicious! PS: use the screen to order what you want. And yes, there's normal cooked dishes in case your partner/kids don't eat raw fish. In Dotonbori area a similar shop is selling for 125 yen per plate and there's a line for it too.
Yayoiken: one of the popular eatery across Japan. The place is very nice and fit for family. The grilled beef is great here. And what's better is than the rice is refill!
11. For parents bringing pram..
Many times we left pram outside a restaurant we're eating at (if there's space). And its very safe to do that there, noone will pinch it.
Some of the access to the train station are without elevator. But if you walk to the other exits you will find one with elevator (it was easier to find in Kyoto as they put signs for it even on the streets outside - not as easy in Tokyo). But the main big stations always have elevator.
Be ready to fold your pram on the train when it gets packed. I generally avoid travelling in peak hour.
PS: Just a side comparison, I actually found Taipei still to be the most baby friendly city and also friendliest people I have ever met on earth. So highly recommend that for baby friendly destination.
12. Shinjuku Bus Express to Fuji area
Book your buses way in advance (its open for reservation 1 month in advance). And because its no deposit required, a lot of people just reserved their way through. I did this, but also tried to cancel those I don't need so other people can reserve it. but when I get there apparently some did not get cancelled successfully.
This caused some tickets to appear sold out if you try to buy in station. But in reality, the bus can be really empty….. happened to us on our way back from Fuji to Tokyo. Luckily we reserved, but funny how they say tickets are sold out to other travelers trying to buy a ticket back.
13. SIM Cards
If there's no promotion running for sim cards, just try direct messaging the seller. Normally they can do a special deal for you (Cheap Travel Sims pointed out to a discount code for me back then - saved me $20).
14. BONUS - Thomasland & Fuji-Q (again)
If you want to visit Thomasland in Fuji-Q (for your kids or maybe yourself…….), there's a ticket that gives you unlimited rides with Thomas Land - I do recommend this if your kid is crazy about Thomas or generally enjoys fair rides. The normal rides are ranging from 200-300 JPY a pop and it can add up really easily once you try going on all the rides. Especially if the kids want to ride it again (which I recommend, because the rides are generally very short and quick.. its almost a rip off at 200-300 JPY. So you do want to go back again to really feel the 'thrill', if you want to call it that.
Also, the Mt Fuji is visible clearly from the Fuji-Q so unless you want to experience Lake Kawaguchiko, its actually good enough to take photo from here without continuing to Lake Kawaguchiko. I did this and regretted it (as Kawaguchiko is super packed with tourist). I'd rather spend more time in Fuji-Q and pay full entry so I can try all the rides and relax here
15. Coffee and Vending Machines
I didn't realise that the vending machines there have cold drink and hot drinks all in one vending machine!! I recommend getting one while you're there especially in the cold days.. the BOSS coffee is the best! My favourite is the Boss Cafe Au Lait (warm). Generally its 130 yen, but in area further away from main street it can go as cheap as 100 yen. You can also find warm drinks in 7-11
Coffees from shops are not that good - it's generally a bland black coffee (or maybe I just didn't find a good one). So I just resorted to BOSS coffee from the vending machines. Also, quite interestingly… it's very hard to find chocolate milk there in supermarkets or 7-11
There you go.. I hope it can be of a help to anyone. If you have anything you might want to ask let me know. :)
Good post, thanks.