When I booked flights to Japan on the spur of the moment in 2016, I soon realized that choosing what to do and see during my one week in the country would be a tougher decision than anticipated. Since it was my first trip to the country, I had no clue what resources were available to help travelers (especially foreign visitors) see and experience the cities, countryside, and culture.
If it is your first time in Japan, I understand the struggles you are going through trying to figure out which sights to see, how to navigate the public transportation systems, and deciding on all the other minutia that go into creating an incredible vacation. As such, I have compiled a couple of resources and tips I learned and found most valuable while planning my trip. Read on to learn about 5 useful resources that will help you plan your first trip to Japan!
1. Japan Rail Pass
If you plan to explore outside of Tokyo for any length of time, purchasing a Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a wise decision to allow you access to any JR line in the country, including several of the shinkansen (high-speed) trains. You have the option of choosing a pass for 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days, with prices varying based on which option you choose. For 7 days, one adult rail pass costs $261. Make sure to order this before your trip to Japan as it is a better price and you can redeem the voucher at any station (there is currently an option to purchase passes at selected stations once you arrive in Japan, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Hiroshima, Shinkjuku, Nagoya, and Osaka. However, they will charge you more to do this and it is only available as an option until March 31st, 2018).
One useful aspect of this pass is that you can wait to redeem it (up to 3 months after purchasing) which means that you can spend time in Tokyo first using the subway system and then activate your pass to leave Tokyo and travel for the next 7, 14, or 21 days. This allows you to maximize the use of your pass instead of wasting pass days on the inexpensive subway system. To get the rail pass, you have to be a foreigner and entering the country as a temporary visitor for less than 90 days, and you can order online or choose a travel agent to sell you passes. If you have more questions or concerns, check out this guide to all things related to the JR Rail Pass.
2. Hyperdia
Google Maps is always a useful option for navigating cities and transport systems, but Japan also has a specialized site to help visitors navigate the sometimes-confusing train and public transportation system. If you plan to purchase the JR Rail Pass or use the shinkansen or other forms of public transport during your trip, Hyperdia is a helpful resource to make navigation a breeze. Use the website or download the app to explore transit times and route options while planning, or use the app while in Japan to view up-to-date departure and arrival times. This certainly helped save us a lot of time while we were in Japan since we could plan out when exactly to arrive at stations and how long it would take to get to our destination. Download Hyperdia for android or for iPhone or check out their website.
3. Electronic Converters
If you are traveling from the US to Japan, the good news is that Japan uses the same type A and B plugs that we do in the States! The two-pronged type A is far more common, though, so don’t rely on being able to use your type B/3-pronged appliances without a converter. Pick up a three-prong to two-prong converter like these if you think you may need it, or if you you want a voltage converter as well (for hairdryers or other appliances) consider purchasing a universal travel adapter/voltage converter.
4. Etiquette Guides
If you have never been to Japan before, take some time to familiarize yourself with Japanese culture and etiquette before your journey. A good place to start is Lonely Planet’s guide “Japan Dos and Don’ts.” Learn common customs such as how to greet people, discover the cultural footwear rules, and understand behavior for traveling on trains so you are prepared to be polite and friendly in this beautiful country!
5. Japan Guide Website
As you prepare for your trip and decide which cities and attractions you want to visit, check out Japan Guide to learn more about Japan and the different regions. On the site you can explore by areas or attractions, and can also find specific information on opening hours, costs, and history of locations. For example: Matsumoto castle. You can learn that it is “one of the most complete and beautiful” of Japan’s castles, as well as learning it is a 15-minute walk from the JR Matsumoto station (there is even a helpful map!). Additionally, Japan Guide tells you Matsumoto is open from 8:30-17:00 and costs 610 yen to enter. Now imagine this for all the main cultural and historical locations across Japan! You will find all the pertinent information you need to help you choose where to explore. It can be fun to travel without an agenda and explore more local and hole-in-the-wall locations, but if you have heard of specific sites or want to visit the main attractions then Japan Guide is the perfect place to start learning about them.
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