Spending one week in Japan — 3 days in Tokyo, 3 in Kyoto, and 1 in Osaka — is common for first-time visitors who want to cover the highlights.

How much is a trip to Japan for 2 weeks?

On average, a foreign tourist spends about 15,000 yen a day, so a 2-week trip should cost about 210,000 yen.

When should I visit Japan?

In general, the best times to visit Japan are late spring and late autumn, when the scenery is gorgeous and the weather is mild and dry.

Which airport in Japan is the cheapest to fly to?

Haneda Airport in Tokyo operates several international flights to and from North America, Europe, and others, and the average cost of a return flight is just around 1,000 US dollars.

Is Japan expensive to visit?

The average budget of a foreign tourist in Japan is 15,000 yen a day, but it can be lowered or increased, depending on your budget and travel style.

How many days in Kyoto is enough?

Allocating at least 3 full days in Kyoto should give you enough time to see the city’s top tourist sites and attractions.

Is food expensive in Japan?

Eating a full meal at Japanese restaurants can cost between 500 yen and 3,000 yen. At convenience stores, sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and others average around 300 yen to 500 yen.

What is the cheapest time of year to fly to Japan?

The Winter season, from mid-January to mid-March, is the best time to fly to Japan if you want to avail of low airfare.

What is the best airline to fly to Japan?

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are highly-rated Japanese airline companies that offer direct flights between Japan and the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

Where should we go in Japan?

If you are visiting Japan for the first time, doing to Golden Route Tour, i.e. Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto, is highly recommended, especially for a week-long trip. If you are staying longer, you can also add day trips to Mt. Fuji, Nara, Himeji, and other nearby cities.

Why is Japan so expensive?

Because Japan is a developed country with one of the highest qualities of life in the world, its hotels, transportation, food, and other goods and services cost more than the other Asian countries and the less developed nations.

How much money should I bring to Japan?

The amount of money that you should bring to Japan depends on what type of traveler you are. If you have a mid-size budget, it is safe to allocate 15,000 yen to spend per day. You can always go lower or higher, depending on your preferences.

How can I eat cheap in Japan?

Japan has an abundance of convenience stores that offer 300-yen sandwiches, 500-yen bento meals, and other cheap snacks and food. It also has plenty of restaurants and diners where you can get ramen, sushi, soba, and others for less than 1,000 yen.

Can you see Kyoto in a day?

If you only have 1 day for Kyoto, you should choose two or three areas of the city to check out (for example Arashiyama district in the morning and Higashiyama in the afternoon), and make sure to start early in the morning to see as much as possible.

What should I pack for Japan?

What to pack for your trip to Japan depends on what time of the year and which part of the country you are visiting. For example, winter temperature in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is usually around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, but Hokkaido can go below zero degrees.

How much is ramen in Japan?

A bowl of ramen at regular ramen shops in Japan costs about 700 yen to 1,000 yen, but there are cheap ramen shops where you can get ramen for as low as 300 yen.

Which is the best city to visit in Japan?

Choosing the best city to visit in Japan is dependent on what you want to do and see. If you are into Japanese history, Kyoto is home to plenty of important historic and cultural sites. If you are into food, Osaka is the country’s food capital. If you like large and busy cities, Tokyo should be at the top of your list. 

Where should I go in Japan for the first time?

Visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto is popular among first-time visitors to Japan who want to see the famous tourist spots in the country.

What is Japan best known for?

People know Japan as a country home to several ancient world heritage shrines, temples, and castles; samurai and ninja; sushi, ramen, sake, and other dishes; geisha and sumo; and high-speed bullet trains and hi-tech toilets.

What is the best currency to take to Japan?

It is best to take Japanese yen to Japan. Before your trip, buy some from your bank to avail of good exchange rates.

What is Kyoto known for?

Kyoto is best known for the 10,000 torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the geisha district of Gion, the UNESCO World Heritage Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Ginkaku-ji temples, and the Edo-Period sites of Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace.

(Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto)

Do they speak English in Japan?

English is spoken in Japan, albeit not as widely and proficiently as in the other top destinations in the world.

Can you survive in Japan with English?

It is totally possible to get around Japan with zero Japanese, as there are English signages at the popular tourist sites and attractions, English menus at many restaurants in the big cities, and others.

Is Japan English friendly?

Airports, major tourist spots, train and bus stations, restaurants, and shops in the touristy areas generally have English signages. However, as you venture to the countryside, English translations become less available.

Is Japan safe to travel alone?

Because of its low crime and violence rates, Japan is a very safe country to travel to, even if you are a solo traveler.

Does Japan have a lot of tourists?

Japan has been visited by more than 20 million international tourists a year over the last few years, with cherry blossoms season and autumn foliage season recording the most number of tourists each year.

Is Japan expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Japan is on par with other developed countries in the world. The average rental cost of a small single apartment in central Tokyo is 100,000 yen per month, utilities per person cost around 10,000 yen per month, and food budget runs about 5,000 yen per day.

Is Japan safe for solo female Travellers?

Japan is perfect for solo female travelers, especially those that are doing it for the first time. It has low crime and violence rates, and offers efficient public transportation and other facilities.

Is Tokyo dangerous for tourists?

Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, but tourists should be wary of the touts in Kabukicho and Roppongi that try to lure the naïve ones into their shady nightclubs and hostess bars.

Do you need injections to visit Japan?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, polio, influenza, measles, meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, mumps and rubella (MMR), shingles, chickenpox, pneumonia, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

How much is Mcdonalds in Japan?

A hamburger or a regular-size softdrink at a Mcdonalds in Japan costs about 100 yen.

What is needed to enter Japan?

You need a valid passport to enter Japan. If you are from a country without a Visa Waiver arrangement with Japan, you also have to apply for a Japanese tourist visa.

Can I live in Japan?

To live in Japan as a foreigner, you have a number of options available — apply for a student visa, a work visa, or a spouse visa (if you are married to a Japanese national).

How can I teach English in Japan?

To teach English in Japan, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree, no criminal record, and some teaching certification.

What is the main food in Japan?

A traditional Japanese meal typically consists of rice, meat or fish, miso soup, and side dishes made of pickled vegetables.

Why is tipping rude in Japan?

Tipping is considered rude in Japan because paying extra makes it seem like you think the workers are not paid enough for doing their jobs. If you want to show appreciation for high quality service, just say thank you.

What should you drink with sushi?

The Japanese people like to pair their sushi with beer, tea, or fruit wine.

Is the water safe to drink in Tokyo?

Tap water in Tokyo and everywhere else in Japan is clean and safe to drink.

Are there Ubers in Japan?

There are Ubers in Japan, but they are only available in Tokyo and quite pricey. A regular taxi costs 730 yen for the first two kilometers, with an additional 80 to 90 yen per 270 to 300 kilometers, while Uber charges a minimum fare of 823 yen, with an additional 67 yen per minute and 308 yen per kilometer.

What should I avoid in Japan?

Ignoring the queues, tipping, sticking your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, talking loudly in public, and not carrying cash or your passport at all times are just examples of things tourists should avoid doing in Japan.

The post Here are 40 of YOUR Japan Travel Questions Answered appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

When travelling to a foreign country, such as Japan, it is very crucial to plan several months ahead to not end up facing problems and forgetting some essential matters that could ruin your holiday. Below is a list of items that you should remember to take with you for a fun and memorable Japan adventure:

1. Passport and/or Japan visa

You have to have a valid passport in order to enter Japan. Make sure that it does not expire in at least the next six months, or you will find yourself prohibited from boarding your flight to Japan or refused entry upon your arrival there.

Also, check whether you need a Japan visa or not. Certain nationalities can enter Japan visa-free and stay for a particular period of time, while there are also others that need to apply for a tourist visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website provides information on which countries and regions are visa-exempt, how the visa application process works, and other information.

2. Travel insurance

Purchase travel insurance before your trip so that you have some safety net in cases of medical emergencies, accidents, flight delays and cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and others while you are in Japan.

3. Return flights

You have to have confirmations for your flights to and from Japan. Print out a few copies and stash them in your backpack or suitcase, and also save soft copies to your phone or laptop. Triple check the departure and arrival dates, times, cities, and airports and terminals, and, if necessary, check with the airline for any changes or updates on your bookings.

4. Accommodation arrangements

While it is not impossible to find a hotel or hostel to stay last minute once you are already in Japan, it will be time-consuming and too much of a hassle. It is strongly advised that you book your accommodations well in advance before you fly out.

Use online reservation websites, such as Agoda, Booking, Rakuten Travel, and Japanese Guest Houses, to help you search for lodging options across Japan that fit your budget and taste. Once you complete the booking process, print out the email confirmations and also save them to your phone.

5. Cash and cards

Cash is still the most widely accepted mode of payment in Japan, though credit cards are becoming more commonly accepted in large restaurants, hotels, department stores, and other businesses.

Although you can just exchange your foreign money to yen upon arrival to Japan, it will not hurt to contact your local bank and see if you can buy some yen from them at a better rate. Having yen in the form of bills and coins is quite handy when visiting smaller diners, food stalls, and shops, as well as shrines, temples, and other tourist attractions.

If you run out of cash, there are ATMs at Japanese airports, post offices, and convenience stores nationwide where you can withdraw yen from.

6. Luggage

How much luggage is too much? Backpack or suitcase? These are a couple of questions that usually come up when talking about Japan travel. The answer depends on what your itinerary looks like and what type of traveller you are.

If your itinerary involves having to change cities and accommodations every few days, and you have only a week’s worth of clothes and plan to just do your laundry some time along the trip, having a carryon-size backpack is a lifesaver. With a backpack, you can move more freely and quickly, especially when navigating train stations and riding the trains during rush hour.

If you do not want to burden your shoulders and back, and do not mind spending extra on luggage forwarding services and taxi rides for your large suitcases, then take as much luggage as you want.

7. Clothing and footwear

The kind of clothes to pack on your Japan trip depends on when and where in Japan you are visiting. Japan has winter (December to February), spring (March to May), summer (June to August), and autumn (September to November), but weather and temperature conditions can vary greatly from north to south.

For example, winter days in Tokyo are generally in the 5 to 10 degree Celsius range and not snowy, so a winter jacket over a warm sweater, and ordinary shoes and socks might suffice. However, if you are going to Sapporo, winter days are almost always below 0 degrees and see several inches of snow. Thus, having more layers and thicker coats, and insulated, waterproof boots is recommended.

Regularly check the Japan Meteorological Agency website for weather forecasts and other information before and during your trip.

8. Medications

Japan has strict laws on medicines and drugs imported from overseas. Before packing your over-the-counter and/or prescription medications, take the time to check whether they are included in the prohibited list or not, or if they require a permit or other documentation. If caught, violators may face jail time. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website has more details and information on bringing medications for personal use into Japan.

9. Gadgets

Cameras and smartphones, for a lot of people, are necessities when travelling.

Cameras, whether a point-or-shoot or DSLR, let you keep lasting memories of the most beautiful scenery and views you come across on your journey. And smartphones with internet connection can make exploring Japan a lot easier, particularly for looking up bus and train timetables and directions to sightseeing spots wherever and whenever you need to. Before you fly out, you can order a Wi-Fi SIM card, such as Mobal’s Japan SIM card (check out our handy comparison SIM Card guide here), or rent a pocket Wi-Fi from here or here.

10. Pre-purchased tickets for attractions and tours

Many tourist spots and events in Japan provide the public the opportunity to pre-purchase entrance tickets or require their guests to pre-purchase tickets to avoid long lines or soldouts, avail of discounted rates, or secure guaranteed spots in a limited slot system. The following are some of the most popular attractions, tours, etc. in Japan that you can buy tickets for before your trip:

• Ghibli Museum
• Sumo
• Universal Studios Japan
• Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
• Highway buses
• Japan Rail Pass

The post 10 Items to Take For a Fun and Memorable Japan Adventure appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

For a unique and unforgettable lodging experience in Japan, why not book a night or two at one of the weird and quirky accommodation options below?

Hotel Zebra

Housed in a building covered with zebra prints and neon lights and decorations, Hotel Zebra is a love hotel situated in the heart of Ikebukuro in Tokyo. It offers rooms with rainbow-lit bath tubs, karaoke machines, and other entertainments, at a rate of around 5,000 yen to 12,000 yen. It also has massage chairs, board games, and other equipment available for rent to ensure that couples checking in will have a comfortable and memorable stay.

To get there, take the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ikebukuro Station. The hotel is just three minutes away on foot.

For reservations and other inquiries, visit Hotel Zebra’s official website.

Book and Bed

If you like to read before going to bed, Book and Bed offers you opportunities to do just that even if you are many miles away from home. It is a hostel made up of 52 standard and compact beds surrounded by shelves and shelves of books. Rates per night start at around 5,000 yen, and guests can avail of free wi-fi, shared bathrooms and toilets, luggage storage, and unlimited access to a wide selection of books.

Located in Tokyo, it is a short walk from Ikebukuro Station, which is along the JR Yamanote Line and the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.

More information is available on Book and Bed’s official website.

Ooedo Onsen Monogatari

After a week of sightseeing and touring, walking about 30,000 steps per day, spending at least a night at Ooedo Onsen Monogatari should provide the comfort and relaxation that your body needs to recharge.

An onsen theme park located in Odaiba in Tokyo, it is home to a variety of natural hot spring baths that contain warm and therapeutic natural onsen waters. Moreover, it has numerous stalls where guests can have fun playing different carnival games and activities, shops that sell various kinds of Japanese sweets, snacks, and dishes, and facilities for body massage, foot refloxology, and fish therapy.

Open from 11 am til 9 am the next day, it is equipped with a large tatami room where people can eat or just chill, and a lounge with reclining chairs where guests can rest or sleep. Admission costs about 3,000 yen, and includes yukata for guests to wear while in the park and unlimited access to the baths.

To get there, take the Yurikamome Line to Telecom Center Station, and then walk two minutes to the onsen theme park entrance.

The Ooedo Onsen Monogatari website provides more information on attractions, onsen, rules, and others.

Net Maru

Internet cafes in Japan are often used as budget, last-minute accommodation options. If you missed the last train back to your hotel, you can look for an internet cafe close to the train station and just spend the night there. These days, though, this type of lodging has become a must-try for some travellers that are seeking for odd yet exciting adventures that no other place on earth can offer.

Net Maru is an internet cafe that has private rooms equipped with desks and desktop computers, cushioned floor chairs, and just enough space to stretch out and lie down for a few hours of sleep. For the price of about 2,000 yen, you can get a room to stay for 12 hours. It is equipped with shared toilets, showers, washers and dryers, coin lockers, and other facilities, and has locations in Tokyo and Osaka.

To get to Net Maru in Tokyo, take the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ikebukuro Station. The internet cafe is about a five-minute walk away. On the other hand, the Net Maru in Osaka is situated in the Dotonbori area, accessible on foot from Namba Station, which is along the Midosuji Line and the Yotsubashi Line.

Check out the Netmaru website to find out more about its facilities, services, rates, and others.

Benesse House

To experience Japan’s natural beauty and contemporary art culture at the same time, book a room at the Hotel Benesse House. Opened in 1992, it occupies a large complex that is composed of a number of facilities that ensure guests are not only comfortable and relaxed but also kept interested during their entire stay.

With a museum containing art pieces done by local and international artists, a park, a beach, a restaurant/cafe, a spa, and a shop, you will not run out of things to do. Depending on the season, the price of a deluxe twin room starts at around 50,000 yen.

Benesse House is located on Naoshima Island, which is accessible by ferry boats from Takamatsu Port in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture or Uno Port in Tamano City, Okayama.

Visit the Benesse House official website for rates, events, reservations, and other information.

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

Established in 705, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is the oldest hotel in the world. It is said to have welcomed several Japanese historical icons, including Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun and founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1600-1868), and Takeda Shingen, a powerful feudal lord of Kai Province during the Sengoku period or Age of Warring States (1467-1603).

Found at the base of Akaishi Mountains, surrounded by the thriving forests of Yamanashi Prefecture, it offers traditional-style Japanese rooms with views of the river, Mount Fuji, and the valleys and gorge; outdoor public and private baths with natural hot spring waters; and the great-tasting Mountain Kaiseki Banquet, which is a highly-rated dish made with only the freshest beef, vegetables, and other ingredients. Nightly rates start from 30,000 yen.

To get there, take the JR Minobu Line to JR Minobu Station, and then transfer to a bus to Nishiyama Hot Spring-mae.

For reservations and other inquiries, visit the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan website

The post 6 of the Weirdest Hotels in Japan appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Crimes

The Global Peace Index ranks Japan as one of the top 10 safest and most peaceful and harmonious nations and regions in the world, along with Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Canada, Switzerland, and Ireland. The country has low crime rates, and the locals are generally nice and helpful. For these reasons, it is frequently recommended to newbie travelers as a good first destination to visit.

Natural Disasters

Because Japan lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the so-called Pacific typhoon belt, it is prone to experiencing volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, and typhoons.

Volcanic eruptions

Approximately 10% of the total active volcanoes today are in Japan, and the list includes Mount Io, Mount Rishiri, and Mount Usu in Hokkaido; Mount Aso and Mount Yufu in Kyushu; and Mount Hakone, Mount Bandai, and the iconic Mount Fuji in Honshu.

The last major eruption was in 2014 by Mount Ontake, which is Japan’s second highest volcano (at a height of 3,067 metres), located about 100 kilometres from Nagoya and 200 kilometres from Tokyo. It had a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3 or 4, which is a classification described as catastrophic to cataclysmic. It left 63 people dead, and five missing.

Earthquakes

Every year, Japan records around 1,500 earthquakes that include ones that are as strong as magnitudes 4 to 6. Throughout its history, it has encountered some of the greatest the world has ever seen, including the Great Kanto earthquake, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake that hit the Kanto Plain on Honshu island in 1923 and left 130,000 people dead; the Great Hanshin earthquake, also known as the Kobe earthquake, which was a magnitude 7 that devastated the southern part of Hyogo Prefecture in 1995 and killed more than 6,400 people; and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, which was a magnitude 9 that caused 16,000 deaths and several thousands more injured or missing.

Tsunami

Japan has a long recorded history of tsunami, and the first documented one happened in 684 CE. A magnitude 8.4 earthquake occurred and caused huge tidal waves to hit the shores of Awaji, Shikoku, and Kii. The last major one was in 2011, known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The magnitude 9 earthquake triggered 10-metre high waves that swallowed the country’s northeastern coast, leaving almost 19,000 people dead and missing.

Typhoons

May to October is Japan’s typhoon season. Each year, about a dozen typhoons hit the country, with varying impacts and intensities. The strong ones can cause landslides and water levels to rise, which can lead to disruptions to transportation services, including cancelled flights, delayed bus and train departures and arrivals, and closed down highways and expressways. Sometimes, they can also result to damaged properties, injuries, and even deaths.

Protecting Yourself

The Japan Meteorological Agency is in charge of gathering and reporting scientific data on weather, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, and other natural phenomena to the public, and they send out early warnings and notices to help everyone prepare for an upcoming natural disaster.

Before going to Japan, it is advised that you become familiar with these early warnings and notices to know what to do in these instances.

Volcanic Eruption Forecasts and Warnings

These are available for the 110 active volcanoes found across the country to allow people in the vicinity to evacuate and to minimize potential damages and casualties. Do not attempt to get near or enter an area that has been restricted due to volcanic activity. If you encounter an eruption, get as far away from the crater as possible, and cover your nose and mouth to prevent inhaling the volcanic gas and ash.

Earthquake Early Warning Alarms

These are broadcasted on televisions, radios, cellular phones, and smartphones. If you see or read one, or hear the alarm while you are in your hotel room, do not panic, remain calm, and find a spot away from windows, bulky furniture and appliances, and doorways. Hide under a sturdy and durable table until the shaking stops. If you are at a sightseeing spot, stay calm and follow instructions given by the staff.

Tsunami Advisories and Warnings

These are issued about three minutes after an earthquake occurs. If you get one of these, move to higher grounds or elevated areas and remain there until the warning is cancelled.

Weather Warnings

Weather warnings and advisories are released in cases of strong winds and heavy rains that may lead to serious devastation. If possible, cancel your sightseeing plans, stay indoors, and wait until the weather is better. Communicate with your lodging or accommodation, as they are familiar with the best steps to take during these circumstances.

Designated Evacuation Shelters

All over Japan, there are Designated Evacuation Shelters where people can stay until the dangers and risks brought about by the natural disasters are gone.  They are typically public facilities authorized by the local governments, and include community centres and schools. In some areas, they can also be ryokan, inn, guesthouses, and hotels. To know where the closest Designated Evacuation Shelter is, consult with your lodging or accommodation.

Important Websites

Before heading out to Japan, it is recommended that you bookmark the following websites for weather forecasts, natural disaster updates and advisories, and lists of agencies and facilities to contact in case of emergencies:

• Japan Meteorological Agency – for up-to-date weather forecasts, disaster warnings and advisories, and others
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan – for a list of embassies and consulates in Japan (with their addresses and phone numbers)
• Japan Health Info – for assistance in locating English-speaking clinics and hospitals in case of medical emergencies

The post Safety Tips You Should Know Before Your Trip To Japan appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Japan’s geography and geology make it prone to earthquakes, tsunami, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. For this reason, it is essential to be aware of the safety precautions to observe while you are on your trip. Train stations, tourist information centres, hotels, and other establishments should have information readily available for visitors. You can also check the Japan Meteorological Agency website for the latest warnings and advisories.

Useful Phone Numbers And Websites

Electric

The standard electric supply in Japan is 100 Volts, with a frequency of 50 Hertz to 60 Hertz. Japanese electric outlets are Type A, meaning they have two, parallel, flat, non-polarized pins.

Insurance

Japan has a National Health Insurance program that covers all Japanese citizens, permanent residents, and foreign passport holders in Japan with Japanese visa valid for at least three months. This National Health Insurance guidebook provides more information.

Internet Access

There are many ways to access the internet while in Japan. Various train stations, tourist information centres, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and businesses all over the country offer free wi-fi. There are also data SIM cards, rental phones, and portable or pocket wi-fi available, as well as internet kiosks and internet cafes.

Laws And Customs

• Drugs – Japan has severe punishments in place for drug violators. You can find detailed information on what substances are banned, how to bring your prescription medication into the country, and more on the Japan Customs
• Identification – Tourists are required to have their passport with them all the time.
• Smoking – There are designated smoking areas found outside train stations, malls, offices, restaurants, and other establishments.
• Tattoos – If you have tattoos, be prepared to be turned away at some hot spring resorts, public swimming pools, beaches, and other places. In Japan, tattoos traditionally have a negative connotation and are associated with criminals.

Currency

The yen is the official currency of Japan. It is written as 円 in Japanese. Its symbol is ¥ and code is JPY.

Money

The yen comes in bills of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 denominations, and coins of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 denominations.

How To Pay For Items

Even though there has been an increase in the number of businesses that accept foreign credit cards and debit cards in Japan in the past years, cash is still the primary means of paying for goods and services. You can buy yen from your local bank before your trip, or exchange foreign currency at currency exchange counters on your arrival to Japan.

Withdrawing Money

There are ATMs and cash machines at Japanese airports, post offices, and convenience stores where you can withdraw yen using foreign issued cards. While in Japan, you can use the following websites to find an ATM near you: Japan Post Bank, Seven Bank, and Visa.

Cell Phones

Many foreign cell phone models these days are compatible with Japan’s mobile phone networks. To know if yours will work, check with your local carrier and take note of the rates before your trip.  Alternatively, you can get yourself a Japanese SIM card or a rental phone that you can use for calling, messaging, data, and other functions upon arrival to the country.

Phone Codes

Japan’s country code is +81. Below are the area codes of some major cities:

Public Phones

Public phones or pay phones are still common in Japan. They are useful in situations in which cell phone signal or reception is lost during emergencies like earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters. They typically come in bright colours, like green and pink, and are found at airports, bus and train stations, public offices, and others. To use one, you have to insert a 10 yen coin for a one-minute call or a prepaid calling card loaded with 500 yen to 1,000 yen. In case of emergencies, you can simply dial 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance) free of charge.

Toilets

Toilets are easy to find in Japan. There is at least one in almost every train or bus station, convenience store, department stores, parks, supermarkets, temples, shrines, museums, and others. They come in different types: Western-style, modern-style with bidet functions, and squat.

Time

Japan Standard Time (JST) is the timezone of Japan, equivalent to UTC+09:00, meaning it is 9 hours ahead of the UTC or Coordinated Universal Time. It does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Public Holidays

Japan observes several public holidays every year, during which most offices, businesses, and establishments are closed.

Opening Hours

Most businesses in Japan are open on weekdays, from around 9 am until late in the afternoon. Banks, post offices, and offices usually operate from 9 am to 3pm or 5 pm; malls, shops, and department stores, from 10 am to 8 pm; and museums and other tourist attractions, from 10 am to 5 pm. It is best to visit a facility’s website to get accurate information.

Post

Japan has about 24,000 post offices that handle large volumes of letters, packages, parcels, and mail to be delivered within the country and overseas every day. They are usually situated close to main train stations, and are open Mondays to Fridays, from 9 am to 5 pm. Visit the Japan Post website for post office locations, rates, and other information.

Tipping

Tips are not expected at hotels, restaurants, and other business, and may just cause confusion or awkwardness, or even be seen as rude and offensive by some locals.

Recommended Vaccinations

Japan is one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world with top notch health and medical services. If visiting, you are not required to get vaccinated for anything else if you are up to date on your routine vaccines, i.e. polio vaccine, measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine), chicken pox/varicella vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, and annual flu shot.

Tap Water

Japan has excellent water purification and maintenance facilities that render its tap water drinkable. Wherever you are in the country, whether in a large urban area or in a small remote town deep in the mountains, you can drink water straight from a faucet in parks, temples, hotels, and others.

The post Tourist Information for Travelers to Japan appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

To make things less stressful and worrying for you before flying out, you can look up what available language translation apps you can download to your smartphone to help you get by while exploring the country. Below are some of the most useful Japanese language tools and apps that can make your trip a bit easier:

Google Translate

Google Translate supports a long list of languages, including Japanese, and offers a variety of functions that are easy to use. It can translate Japanese texts to English (or other languages) and vice versa in different ways:

• You type the characters, words, or phrases into the input field. The translation is then displayed in the output field.
• You take a photo of the Japanese text, and use your finger to select and highlight specific words or sentences in the photo that you want to translate.
• You point your smartphone camera at a Japanese text, and get a live translation of it.

With these features, the Google Translate app is especially useful when ordering at restaurants with menus in Japanese. Even though you can just look at the pictures and plastic food displays to decide whether you want a particular food or not, you can utilize the app to get a good translation and avoid asking for something that you might not really want. It can also help you read signs when you are out on the streets, train stations, temples and shrines, malls and department stores, and other tourist attractions.

Download links: iOs (free) | Android (free)

imiwa?

Imiwa? Is an offline Japanese dictionary that has more than several thousands of Japanese words and foreign language translations in store, available for iOS users. It includes more than 170,000 English translations, over 94,000 German translations, around 15,000 French translations, and at least 7,000 Russian translations.

To look up words, you simply input the romaji, kana, or kanji characters, and then get the translation that you need. It is perfect for tourists who have zero or very little Japanese knowledge. Moreover, because it is accessible even if you are not connected to the web, it allows you to search for words even if you do not have a wi-fi SIM card or if you are in an area with weak or no internet connection.

Download link: iOS (free)

Akebi

Akebi is another Japanese dictionary that boasts of a huge database comprised of over 320,000 sample phrases and sentences, 200,000 words, and more than 6,000 kanji. Once you download it, you can enjoy free and unlimited access to its catalogue wherever and whenever, as it is fully available even without internet access.

Its built-in Japanese keyboard lets you input words or phrases you want to translate right away, so you do not have to tinker with your phone’s keyboard settings. It also has handwriting recognition, stroke order, and kanji test features if you plan to venture beyond the basics of the Japanese language after your trip.

Download link: Android (free)

Learn Japanese

Learn Japanese is an easy-to-use Japanese phrasebook app that contains a thousand commonly used, essential Japanese words and phrases when visiting Japan.

Its collection is divided into 21 different categories, such as greetings, general conversation, numbers, time and date, directions and places, and transportation, to allow quick and convenient search.

Even better, it offers audio files for each entry to teach you the correct pronunciation of words and phrases, as demonstrated by native Japanese speakers.

It also lets you mark and save phrases that you expect to come in handy the most to your favourites. It is accessible even without internet connection, and provides free access to the first 200 words and phrases (the rest can be unlocked if you upgrade).

Download link: iOS (free)

Obenkyo

Obenkyo is a good app to have to start learning hiragana, katakana, and kanji. It helps you memorize Japanese characters efficiently, so that you can recognize and read simple Japanese texts without having to whip your smartphone out every single time you encounter Japanese signs while touring Japan.

With katakana and hiragana flashcards, kanji stroke animation and drawing games, quizzes, and other features, remembering as many Japanese characters as you can before you head out to your much-anticipated vacation should not be that much of a problem.

Download link: Android (free)

Yomiwa

Yomiwa is a versatile app that offers a variety of functions that should help make you less anxious of your lack of Japanese language knowledge and skills.

Its dictionary contains thousands of entries that should be able to help you look up translations for words and phrases you can use when asking for directions, ordering at restaurants, greeting and meeting people, and shopping.

With its real-time camera translation ability, you can point your smartphone’s camera at a restaurant menu, a brochure, or a sign to get a live translation of any Japanese text. It also enables the upload of photos from your camera roll that you need translated.

Available for free and accessible offline, it also has a practice drawing kanji feature for those that want to take their Japanese learning to another level.

Download links: iOS (free) | Android (free)

The post 6 Useful Japanese Language Apps That Can Make Your Trip Easier appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

The tourism in Japan usually reaches its peak in April and May, which is when the sakura (cherry blossom) blossom. Even though sakura are one of the main attractions of Japan, it would be unfair to say that the country loses its charms in the remaining seasons of the year. There are things unique to only Japan during each season. As I already said, in spring it’s the sakura, in summer it’s the matsuri (festivals) and the hanabi (fireworks) and in autumn it’s the momiji (red leaves). All of these sound pretty exciting, no? Well, that’s because they really are. I have had the opportunity to experience all of the above mentioned more than twice, and I must say, you can never get enough of it.

But these leaves the question: What can I do in Japan in winter? And in this article I am going to give you the answer for this question.
It should be noted that Japan is very cold during winter, especially in the Northern parts of the country. But believe me the cold is not a good reason to say no to all of the exciting things that one can do in Japan during a winter trip.

In this article I’m mostly going to concentrate on the Northern regions of Japan, since you get plenty of snow here, hence you have the chance to enjoy Japanese winter at its best.

• As you might already know, one of the best things about a trip to Japan is getting your body warmed up in an onsen (hot springs). In winter you can do this while it’s snowing all around you and you are basically surrounded by snow. The experience is out of this world and it brings out the best qualities of a rotenburo (outdoor open air onsen).
• Japan also offers a great amount of possibilities of going skiing or skateboarding in winter. You can find many ski resorts all over Tohoku and Hokkaido regions.
• Japanese cuisine is very famous all over the world. Unfortunately, to many people the idea of Japanese cuisine is limited to only sushi and ramen. While this is not the case and a whole separate article would not suffice to convey the amazing qualities of Japanese cuisine, it is worth noting, that there are some amazing dishes which are supposed to be enjoyed during winter. Good examples would be sukiyaki and nabe. While you can take pleasure in eating shabu-shabu during any other season of the year as well, the hot dish will seem even more delicious during winter.
• While the Northern regions of Japan may seem like the best place for a winter trip, the rest of the country also offers some amazing sights. Kyoto, the city of many temples and shrines, the old capital of Japan, shines in its beauty even during the cold winter days. One of the most famous temples, Ginkaku-ji, is extremely beautiful while covered in snow. The contrast of gold and white is astonishing.
• Valentines day! On this day girls buy or make chocolate/chocolate cakes to give them to their loved ones, friends and dear people in general. A lot of love confessions take place on this exact day and many couples start out on Valentine’s. Since the holiday is centered on giving chocolate away, Japanese stores start selling some amazing assortment of chocolate all over the country.
• There are many more things to do in Japan during February, but at the top of it all is the yuki matsuri in Sapporo. The name translates to ‘snow festival’, and as you might have guessed it involves a lot of snow! The city is being decorated by snow and ice figures, sculptures and structures. Some of those are really amazing and impressive, for example, castles and dragons! And the best part about it is that you can enjoy all of these while eating some traditional Japanese food, which you can buy from the yatai (food stalls).

As you can see, winter in Japan is by all means a very entertaining season! The country has so many many things to offer to both its inhabitants and tourists. I promise you, you will not be bored in Japan during winter season. In addition to this, by being surrounded with all of these exciting activities you won’t even feel or notice the cold. I do hope you enjoy your holidays in Japan this February!

The post Things to do in Japan this February appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

1. There are 3 types of toilets in Japan

Most Westerners are familiar with two types of toilets: the standard sitting toilet bowl, and the urinal which is available for men and boys. However, in Japan and most other Asian countries, there is a third type: the squatting toilet. Known in Japan as the “washiki” (和式) type, it consists of a ceramic hole in the floor, and the user squats over it to do their business. While most toilets in Japan are now the sitting type, known as “yoshiki” (洋式), the “washiki” type toilets can still be found in older buildings and homes.

2. Toilet slippers

When visiting someone’s home or a traditional restaurant where you take off your shoes to wine and dine in tatami rooms, there will be special slippers available for anyone who visits the loo. The Japanese believe that washrooms are dirty with lots of bacteria, so they encourage people to change into toilet-only slippers when using the washroom. Take note to change back once you’re done, it’s a major faux pas in Japan to walk around the rest of the house in toilet slippers!

3. Otohime

One of the coolest things about Japanese toilets is probably the “otohime” (音姫), translated literally as the “sound princess”. The name is derived from an underwater princess from a Japanese folktale, but is now ubiquitous in the modern washroom. The “otohime” is a small button, usually located in the washlet panel, that plays a soundtrack of running water. The Japanese think it impolite for others to hear the sound of you doing your business, so the “otohime” is used to hide those embarrassing noises. Try it out the next time you visit Japan!

4. A spa experience

This one’s for the ladies! In more upscale restaurants, stores, or salons, visiting the washroom on the premises will make you feel like a pampered princess. Washrooms in these places are usually stocked with everything you’ll need to freshen up. That includes items like cotton pads, cotton buds, and soft tissues if you’d like to touch up your make-up, as well as hand sanitizers, hand creams, and sometimes even small bottles of perfume, all free for use. All these are available because most Japanese women spend a few minutes after using the bathroom to reapply their make-up, so if you see them, don’t hesitate to doll yourself up before you head out to face the world again!

5. Washlet unit

The washlet unit is probably one of the best intriguing things to see when visiting a Japanese bathroom. Consisting of a washlet nozzle located inside the bowl and a control panel either next to the seat or installed on the cubicle wall, this washlet unit is used to clean your bits after you’ve finished your business. There are buttons to choose which areas you’d like to wash, how strong the nozzle sprays water, and even if you’d like the water to move in a pattern for a more thorough cleaning. A word of advice: remember to find out where the stop button is before trying the washlet out! The first time can be quite a bit of a shock, so it’s always good to know how to stop the spray of water if the experience is too much for you!

6. Heated seats

It can get quite chilly in Japan, especially during the winter months from January to February in the northern prefectures, and there is no worse way to start your day than bracing yourself to take a seat on the freezing toilet seat. But most modern toilets now come equipped with a heating unit. Just press a button and the automated unit will keep the toilet seat nice and toasty for you, 24/7. It certainly makes going to a washroom a much more comfortable experience.

7. AI toilets

Having talked about washlet units and heated seats, you may think that Japanese toilets are really high-tech. However, those technologies have been around for ages, and new wonders are always being developed and installed in toilets all over Japan. Some of the newest models of toilets have amazing features, such as a toilet lid that opens and closes automatically by sensing the presence of people who enter the cubicle, and toilets which flush by themselves once you get off the seat. There are even some toilets that speak to you, so don’t be surprised the next time you enter a toilet in Japan and are greeted by a pleasant voice welcoming you to take a dump!

Remember these to enjoy your trip to the washroom next time you visit Japan!

The post Etiquette Series – 7 Interesting Things about Japanese Toilets appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

NON-VERBAL CUES

Before we look at greeting phrases, let’s first look at some of the non-verbal cues that are just as important as the words.

1. Expression

It is usual for Japanese people to accompany greetings with a smile. However, an open-mouth smile that shows teeth can be seen as too forward, so you’ll notice that many Japanese people, especially the ladies, tend to smile with lips closed.
Of course, smiling may not be appropriate for all business situations. Thus, take note of the tone or atmosphere of the scene to decide if a smile will be appreciated.

2. Tone of voice

When greeting someone, do it in a cheerful tone! It is also important to speak in a clear voice so that the listener can understand you easily.

3. Gaze

Eye contact isn’t a big thing in Japan, where many people avert or lower their gaze as a sign of respect to the other party. However, it is always polite to meet the other person’s eyes when greeting them, just be careful not to continue staring too much!

4. Bowing

Bowing is the easiest way to show respect in Japan, and a Japanese person does it many many times during the day! When greeting someone casually, it is good manners to accompany that greeting with a slight bow of your head.
In business situations, bows are more complex, but you can usually get by with a 20-30 degrees bow from the waist.

CASUAL GREETINGS

Next, let us look at some casual greetings. Similar to in English, the phrases used are different depending on the time of day, your relationship to the person you are speaking to, and many other factors.

SAYING HELLO

Let’s look at some phrases which are used at different times of the day. These greetings are used as a start when you see that person for the first time that day.

• Good morning – “Ohayou gozaimasu.” (おはようございます。) – You can just use “Ohayou.” for a more casual greeting.
• Good afternoon – “Konnichiwa.” (こんにちは。) – It can also be used to mean ‘hello’,
• Good evening – “Konbanwa.” (こんばんは。)

If you are meeting someone for the very first time, the following phrase is used before you introduce yourself.

• Nice to meet you. My name is ~. – “Hajimemashite. Watashi wa ~ desu.” (はじめまして。私の名前は〜です。)

If you really want to impress the other person, you can add the following phrase after introducing your name.

• Pleased to make your acquaintance. – “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.” (よろしくお願いします。) – You can just use “Yoroshiku.” in a more casual situation.

In the case when you haven’t seen the other person for a long time, we usually use this phrase instead of “konnichiwa”.

• Long time no see. – “Hisashiburi.” (久しぶり。)

SAYING GOODBYE

At the end of the conversation, there are a few ways to bid goodbye to the other person. Let’s look at some of them and the situations we use them in.

“Sayonara” is probably the most common goodbye phrase that many foreigners know of. However, it is actually very rarely used in day-to-day conversations in Japanese society. That’s because “sayonara” holds the meaning of a final goodbye. Therefore, if you are probably seeing the other person again someday, “sayonara” is not a greeting that you should use.

The most basic and common form of goodbye is “mata”, which can be translated to mean ‘see you’. There are many words that you can attach after “mata” to customize the greeting to each situation. Here’s a list of the most common forms.

• See you again. – “Mata ne.” (またね。)
• See you tomorrow. – “Mata ashita.” (また明日。)
• See you next week. – “Mata raishuu.” (また来週。)

Choosing the best reply depending on when you’ll meet the listener again is a great way to customize your greeting and make you sound more natural!

Of course, with the influence of Western culture, ‘bye bye’ (バイバイ) itself has also become a much-used greeting, especially among the younger generation.

TELEPHONE GREETINGS

When answering a phone call, there are a set of special greetings that are used.

• Hello – “Moshimoshi.” (もしもし。)
• Goodbye – “Shitsurei shimasu.” (失礼します。)

“Shitsurei shimasu” is a polite way to say ‘excuse me’, and is used to end phone conversations politely, indicating that you are sorry for taking up the other person’s time and attention by talking to them over the phone.

Try these phrases out the next time you speak with your Japanese friend! Keep practicing, and you can surely impress them with how natural you sound greeting them like a real Japanese person!

The post Etiquette Series – Basic greetings in Japanese appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

In 2020, it expects another major tourism surge, as its capital city, Tokyo, will host one of the world’s most anticipated multi-sport events in the summer — the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

From July 24, 2020 to August 9, 2020, athletes from all over the world will compete in 33 different sports disciplines to bring honor and pride for their countries. If you want to go to Japan to watch your favorite players in action and support your national teams and representatives, you should start planning your trip now.

How can I get tickets to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games?

Getting a ticket to watch a game in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is a bit tricky.

If you are a Japanese resident, you can visit the official website of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and join the ticket lottery. The first lottery application period was opened from May 9, 2019 to May 28, 2019, and the results were announced on June 20, 2019. If you were unlucky, you can try again later this year or in early 2020, when the first-come-first-served ticket sale period opens in the autumn of 2019 and the last-minute ticket sale period opens in the spring of 2020.

If you are a non-Japanese resident, you have to reach out to an Authorized Ticket Reseller in your home country to get a ticket. Read the Tokyo 2020 Ticketing Guide to learn more.

How much do the tickets to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics cost?

Ticket prices for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics range from 3,000 yen to 110,000 yen, depending on various factors, such as venue, seat type, sport, and stage of competition.

Below are some notable Tokyo 2020 Olympic events and their ticket prices:

CLICK HERE to see the full Tokyo 2020 ticket price list.

When should I book flights to Japan?

The costs of flights to Japan vary, depending on where you are coming from, when you are visiting, and other factors. Usually, they are more expensive in peak tourist seasons, such as during the cherry blossom or sakura season, autumn foliage season, national holidays, and festivals.

Because the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is a big event, you should start looking up flights to Japan now. Plane ticket prices will become much more expensive as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics gets nearer.

You can make use of plane fare aggregator and comparison websites, such as Google Flights, Momondo, and Skyscanner, to help you out.

Where should I stay?

There are several things to consider when deciding where to stay in Japan during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, such as proximity to the Olympic game venues you plan to watch games at, distance to tourist sites and attractions, access to public transportation, availability of restaurants and other entertainment establishments in the area, and your budget.

In and around Tokyo, there is a good selection of five-star luxury hotels and high-end traditional Japanese inns or ryokan for those who can splurge 100,000 yen or more per night, business hotels and capsule hotels that are ideal for those with a mid-range accommodation budget of around 10,000 yen per night, and hostels that are highly recommended for travelers with a lodging budget of 3,000 to 5,000 yen per night.

You can use Rakuten Travel, Japanican, Japanese Guest Houses, Booking.com, or Agoda.com to find yourself a place to stay in Japan that fits your preferences.

What should I pack?

Summer in Japan, especially in the Tokyo area, can be quite hot and humid, with daily temperatures that range from low to high 30s Celsius, so you have to pack clothes that are light and breathable for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

In addition, do not forget to have deodorant to fight off body odor, sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun, water to keep you hydrated, a face towel to wipe your sweat off of your face and neck, and a fan to cool you off.

You also have to make sure that your shoes offer optimal support, as you will surely do lots of walking.

How can I get around?

Japan is home to one of the best public transportation networks in the world, so you should not worry so much about how to travel from one point to another while in the country.

In Tokyo, you should take advantage of its extensive metro, subway, train, and bus services that conveniently link the metropolis’ areas and provide easy access to the different Tokyo 2020 Olympic venues (you can find more information by CLICKING HERE) and various points of interest.

If you need to travel long distance, there is the Shinkansen or the Japanese bullet train, which travels in superfast speeds and offers comfortable seats. Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, for instance, only takes two hours and 30 minutes via the Shinkansen.

What mobile apps should I download before my trip to Japan?

If you have never been to Japan before and your Tokyo 2020 Olympic trip will be your first time there, it is normal to be overwhelmed, anxious, or confused the moment you land.

To help you get through the language barrier and culture shock, and have more fun and less stress during your trip, you should download useful Japan travel mobile apps, such as:

• Google Maps (Android | iOS) – for directions, transportation options, and navigation
• Hyperdia (Android | iOS) – for transportation routes, timetables, etc.
• Navitime (Android | iOS) – for transportation routes, travel tips and recommendations, etc.
• Google Translate (Android | iOS) – for Japanese to English (and vice versa) translations

To use these apps you will require a SIM card to keep you connected all over Japan. Check out our article on How Japan SIM Cards to compare to find out which SIM is best for you.

The post How To Start Planning A Trip For The Tokyo 2020 Olympics appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.