Eat out for lunch, many places offer lunchtime specials
Get cash YEN before or when you arrive. Many restaurants and all Metro ticket machines will only accept CASH
this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2023
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- Download the language on Google translate.
- Always translate your searches for more authentic dining. If you search for "Ramen", you will likely get tourist trap Ramen. Instead chuck it in translate a search the output
For food, some of the best stuff isn't on Google Maps. General rule is if there is English on the sign, you're welcome in. Walk around a few blocks and stop in somewhere that looks delicious.
this is a great idea, thanks
- I had only good and accurate experiences booking hotels and whole places on Booking.com.
- My sim card was through Sakura Mobile but I found its speed was bad around Tokyo. I had much better luck with iVideo pocket wifi rental.
- Buy a coin purse when you arrive, and keep cash on you.
- 100% try tsukemen over ramen, stuff was delicious!
- Comfy shoes -- if you can fit them, pack two pairs. Switch them out each day so the foam decompresses.
- Take the train an hour or two out of Tokyo to somewhere like Kamakura or Hakone when you need a break from the city.
- Make time to visit a real onsen -- it's an experience you won't get anywhere else!
Google fi, or airlo for having a sim ready to go before you leave.
Get the Tokyo metro card, it works basically everywhere
Uber works in Japan too
Hotels usually won't let you check in early, but they will hold bags for you.
Preinstall Line!
Outside of the major cities Japan is really suburban. Bring a international driver's permit (very cheap, AAA has it for $20). Rent a car.
is the Tokyo metro card the same as Suica?
What's the use for Line?
I believe the SUICA card is for JR rail where is the MetroCard is for the Metro around Tokyo. Anyway you can buy it at the ATM machines when you get here no rush
Line is a messaging application that's very popular in Japan. So when you meet people you will want to be able to talk to them via line.
You might want to load up the hello talk application. And meet some people in the places you're going to visit have some conversations with them and then when you're in town you'll have a local that you can bounce ideas off of and perhaps making sure you around a little bit.