It’s often said that cash is king in Japan, which surprises many people, as it has a reputation for being a technologically advanced country. The first time I visited around 2005, this was still definitely the case, but what about now? Do you need to carry a wallet full of yen, or can you get away with paying with your credit cards or even Apple Pay? We decided to find out on this trip…
Japan Travel Tips
The best advice for planning your trip to Japan – and getting around the country once you arrive.
Which JR Kansai Area Pass is Best For You?
The Kansai Area Pass – and, its siblings the Kansai Wide Pass and Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass are regional train passes from the Japan Rail Company that allow you to travel around the Kansai area – which includes Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara – but, do you need one, and which one do you need if you do?
What the JR Pass Price Rise Means For Your Trip?
The Japan Rail Pass used by thousands of tourists every year just raised its prices by a lot – so, what does this mean for your trip budget? We took a look…
Where Should YOU Buy Your Japan Rail Pass?
There seems to be as many places to buy your Japan Rail Pass as there are Shinkansen lines – so, where’s the best place to buy your Japan Rail Pass? The short answer is the official site is likely to be the best. But here’s where to find it – and your best options if you don’t want to use that, or it won’t play nicely with your credit card.
The Easy Guide to the Shinkansen Luggage Rules
If you’re planning on travelling on the bullet train during your Japan trip, it’s important to know the rules about where your luggage is allowed to go on the train, as it might change how you need to plan your trip. Here’s what you need to know…
Do You Have to Carry Your Passport in Japan?
If you normally put your passport in your hotel safe as soon as you reach your hotel room and leave it safely there until it’s time to leave, it might shock you to find out that all tourists must carry their passport with them at all times while in Japan – no exceptions. Here’s what you need to know…
Is English Widely Spoken in Japan?
This is a very common concern for people traveling to Japan for the first time. If you don’t speak any Japanese, and there’s no one around who speaks English, are you going to be able to make yourself understood, will you be able to get from A-B, and how the heck are you going to find anything to eat? Do not worry, let us explain…
Narita vs Haneda: Which Tokyo Airport is Better For You?
The first thing you need to do when planning your trip to Japan is to book your flight – and depending on where you’re coming from, you may get to choose between Tokyo’s two airports – Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. But which is the best Tokyo airport for your trip? Having flown into both of them multiple times, I think there are a few things to consider in the battle of Narita vs Haneda…