You booked your flight and you’re finally going to Japan!
Now you’re overwhelmed by all the videos you saved for your trip. Maybe a little green owl is hounding you about completing your Japanese lesson. Or you’re wondering if you need to break that piggy-bank you’ve been keeping for a rainy day.
You don’t know where to start. Take a seat and a deep breath: here are 5 tips for your first trip to Japan.
1. Learning the language
You don’t need to know any Japanese. It’d be nice if you knew some common phrases or simple answers. You can definitely get around perfectly fine using a translation app and map apps. The street signs are in Japanese so navigation reminds me of a Mario Kart circuit.
2. Get a Suica card
The Suica card is like if your metro card and your debit card had a baby. You can purchase a virtual one on your iPhone through Apple Wallet. But if you’re like me and like keeping your cards as a souvenir, grab a physical card at the metro station once you land.
3. Use public transportation efficiently
The train system is gorgeous. The Japanese have really figured out public transportation. Fares are charged based on distance. You essentially tap in using your Suica card and tap out as you exit at your destination station.
Unlike Montreal, Tokyo has multiple metro line companies. Different routes to go to the same place will cost differently. For example, Tokyo’s JR Line is pricier than the smaller, local lines.
4. Japan is not for the lazy
As much as I love their trains, it’s best to walk when it’s possible! You’ll save some money and you’ll stumble on small local restaurants that you wouldn’t have found otherwise. I found the most comforting bowl of ramen this way. If you’re traveling with a friend or partner, find out if they can get through the 30k steps per day that you trained for.
Here are a few more things you should know about your travel buddy.
5. Prepare a budget
Even if it’s not detailed, have a general plan on how you’ll be paying for things. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
Budget for train fares
It can add up quickly if you’re zooming around back and forth. A ride from one side of Tokyo to the other (Asakusa to Shibuya) is about 200-500 yen ($2-5).
Use your cash for eating out
Some restaurants and most food markets will only accept cash. I’d cry if I missed out on eating the yummiest tuna-ikura-uni donburi at Tsukiji Market.
Pay with your credit card for large purchases
Use it for your accommodation or long-distance train tickets, like your ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. A credit card is good for security. It also gives points if your credit card does that.
It’s so important to have a budget. You’ll spend everything in one day if you’re not mindful about it. So know how much you have for spending, after having pulled out your Yen.
Bonus tip!
As someone who worked in banking: when using your credit card, make sure to not tap your card. Use your PIN instead. This is to prevent getting your card blocked by the bank.
Hopefully this helps you prepare for your upcoming trip. Wishing you a lovely trip and safe travels!
The Lilac Blog 