Tips for Japan:
A JR Railpass will help you catch Shinkansen and similar trains in/between cities - worth it when catching more than a few trains a week and/or long journeys
For local trains, get the Suica Card in your Apple Wallet (or a physical card - but why?!). Go to Wallet, + sign, Transit Card, and in Japan choose Suica - load money then tap & go
Suica Pass can also be used to pay at stores like 7/11, restaurants etc. - some, not all
Japan loves cash - carry some with you always
Try to keep your hands warm during winter - it’ll make using chopsticks much easier
Mobile SIM cards are very expensive when buying at the airport or in Japan (10GB ~ $50 AUD). Use a travel eSIM like Airalo - I can give you a referral code for a discount (yes, I get a small credit, also)
Have your passport if intending to buy items over 5,000 JPY (roughly $50 AUD). Japan has an efficient system for tax-free shopping i.e. if your passport shows a tourist stamp, they’ll give you the tax-free price at the retail store/counter. Brilliant and no need to do a claim at the airport. Some more expensive items require you to scan your passport at customs on the way out - it’s very simple.
25 DEC 23
Landed in Tokyo, grabbed my JR Railpass and it’s straight on the bus to Hakuba to rendezvous with Justin, Sanae, Maki, and Antoine. Wishing Liam could have made it but unfortunately his health wasn’t 100% to join us. Big thanks to JJay & Sunny for collecting me at Nagano late in the evening. Sleep ASAP to get on the mountain 1st thing in the morning - I want fresh overnight powder!
Food, coffee, and bar recommendations for Japan can be found here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y84Tq8uJnRLy6D258
05 JAN 24
I’ve been having too much fun with JJay, Sunny, Maki, and Antoine to keep writing. Now in Osaka solo for the rest of my time here so, have time to write. Will share a small photo-journal of the last 1.5 weeks.
The food in Osaka has been great. The transport system here can be a little tricky to navigate due to average signage so give yourself time to make trains.
