Meta: Flying to Japan for the first time? While there are many travel tips going around, here are the essential, anti-mainstream travel tips that will ease your trip.
While Japan is famous for many extraordinary things it has and invents, no one can just fly directly to Japan without ended up culturally and financially shocked, especially for first-timers.
The only key to survive your trip to Japan peacefully is to make a comprehensive plan. However, sometimes you need more than basic plans. Since Japan has quite distinct cultural differences, you need to know what’s acceptable and what’s not so that you won’t come out as rude or indifferent.
Unfortunately, most of Japan travel tips don’t cover these necessities. To help you, here are five essential tips to know before flying to the Land of the Rising Sun.
1. In Japan, Cash Rules
Being a cash-based society, you’d be surprised at the number of Japan stores which usually take credit cards, such as fast-food joints, do not. Additionally, exchanging your currency in sketchy money changer also doesn’t guarantee much.
That being said, make sure to bring a lot of yen with you everywhere you go, especially if you’re going to buy something from the street. Keep in mind that withdrawing your money from the local bank doesn’t always yield the best rates. Currently, the one with decent fees and rates is 7-Bank, owned by 7-Eleven.
2. Buying a Rail Pass is a Great Investment
If you’re planning to explore a certain region or the whole country, buying a rail pass will save you a lot of money. Consider buying an unlimited pass for country-wide to have easier access to Japan’s bullet train, JR commuter trains, ferries, buses, among many others. As an addition, you can also install Hyperedia to keep track of your trains schedule.
3. Railway in Japan is not 24/7
Planning for a late night out? You might want to think twice as you’ll need to sprint as fast as you can to catch the last train. Depending on which line you’re on, Japan’s railway usually operates only until 11.30pm or 1:00am.
Either you wander aimlessly throughout the night or spend a rather pricey amount of money for a cab, you decide.
4. Flying to Haneda is More Convenient
It is commonly known that Japan has two famous international airports: Haneda and Narita. If you’re planning to stay around Tokyo, Haneda serves you better with its relatively closer location. Find out more about Tokyo at www.worldroamer.com.
Although there is an inter-connecting train between Haneda and Narita, you might want to pick your destination carefully not to waste time.
5. Tipping is Offensive in Japan
Coming from a country with a tipping culture, it might be normal to leave some money as a token of appreciation. However, who would’ve thought that this gesture is considered rude in Japan? In fact, if you leave a tip in a restaurant, big chance that the waiter will run after you because they think that you’d left your money.
Getting paid for their living wage, Japanese waiters do not take tip as it implies that they don’t earn enough money.
Japan has a handful of quirky things and culture that tourists need to pay attention to before coming. If you happen to visit Japan this holiday, make sure to apply these tips and visit WorldRoamer to avoid any unnecessary problems and misunderstandings.
Jalan Haiyu 