First time in Japan? Tips which can help you.

[ArtyZ]

The Asian region getting more popular direction to visit last days, especially Japan. Homeland of many well-known brands and trends is very attractive from many points of view: unique cultural features, great cuisine, developed transportation system and awesome service. Here are some tips for new travelers to Japan based on my experience.

1. Visa. To get Japanese visa is quite easy. Mostly you can apply online date of interview and bring standard set of documents (passport, tickets, accommodation, travel plan). The consideration will take 5 working days. Do not hurry up, because there is list of 66 countries citizens of which can visit Japan without visa.Here is the list.

2. Transportation in country. Japan is well-known by high speed train system “shinkansen”. The railways connecting whole country. It is the best way to move over whole island during the trip. To minimize costs of trip and encourage visitors sightseeing whole country the Japan government launched JR Pass - Japan rail Pass - for overseas travelers. It gives unlimited rides by national JR system for 7/14/21 days. The costs and details are here. The main thing the JR pass is effective if you are about to visit several cities of Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, etc). Use Hyperdia service to build routs with ease.

   

3. Transportation in Tokyo. The subway system is clean and safe, full of navigation tips and fresh toilets. But the subway operates by two companies: Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway and single ride tickets for one do not fit to another. That makes moves/transfers quite complicate. But Once again here is option for overseas travelers - 24/48/72 hours passes. The cost is more than attractive if you using the subway more than 2 times a day. Moreover, passes are fully unlimited and available for whole subway system with (except Narita airport transfer)

   

4. Hotels. The hotel facilities are in high level even for 1-star hostel. Thus you can find accommodation for every budget. Everywhere you will find clean bathroom, fresh bed, robe, slippers, toothbrush etc. I recommend you use Agoda.com for booking - prices mostly less than on Booking.comyou can choose between between traditional Japanese ryokan, casual type hotel, futuristic capsule hostel

   

5. Food. Personally, I do not spend many time in Micheline-level restaurants during my trips. I prefer small local cafes and bistros. I do recommend to visit one of many conveyor belt sushi bars! Fresh fish and authentic experienced are guaranteed. Here is my favorite in Tokyo, nearby to Shibuya Crossing - Genki Sushi. The average check is 25$ per person.

   

[ArtyZ]

Hi @JustineE , @DanniS ,

And additional info you have asked

• Tokyo regions worst to be visited: Shibuya (crossing, hatiko monument), Shinjuku (kabukicho nightclubs, golden gai street with bars), Akihibara mostly after sunset (famous gamers area), Ueno park (with pandas!), Sensoji Temple (the oldest and very beautiful), Tokyo Sky Tree (city view).
• Budget. My trip in May 2019 has following rout Tokyo (4 days) - Fuji (1) - Kyoto (2) - Hiroshima (1) - Tokyo (2). Expenses for two people: JR Pass - 500$, accommodation 3+ stars hotels - 850$, Tokyo subway + airport transfers - 150$, Sim-card or wifi router - 50$, Food (street food, local bars, cafe) - 750$.

PS. Japan is a good place for shopping, because mostly there is TAX-free option. So even local apple store has attractive prices. Moreover photo equipment stock is wide and cheaper everywhere else.

[DanniS]

@ArtyZ Thanks a lot for this detailed information! It’s really helpful to have more perspective on Japan and where to go.

[JustineE]

Thanks @ArtyZ . I have found food and shopping to be quite expensive in Japan. Probably because the exchange rate from AUD to Yen is quite low. The people, culture and food are amazing. Even though we have mostly eaten from convenient food stores like Lawsons, ministop and 7/11, because we are on a budget, we have found the food to be fresh and tasty. Staying in downtown Harajuku has been great in terms of being close to lots of other places too.

[marcorp]

@ArtyZ a very nice post my friend! thanks a lot for sharing! hope to visit Japan one day!

[Christine_T]

@ArtyZ Thanks for the great tips about traveling to Japan. I hope you had a good trip here.
I think the JR Rail Pass is so convenient! It definitely helps keep your travel costs down. You can also use it with JR subway lines.

[955HIRO]

@ArtyZ さん、おはようございます。

日本へ旅行する方への素晴らしいアドバイスを投稿して頂きありがとうございます。

アドバイスは全て仰る通りで、大変有意義なことだと思います。

日本全国で活躍している日本のlocalguideに質問するのも有意義だと思います。

有用な情感をありがとうございます。

[HiroyukiTakisawa]

Hello, @ArtyZ

Thank you for sharing nice tips! This is very helpful for visitors:-)

Transportation in Tokyo is amazing. We can make use of it anytime without timetable.

But a problem is that they are very complicated and crowded. I recommend everyone give themselves extra time.