Japan for dummies
When I was planning a trip to Japan, I got some really good advice from friends who had travelled there before. These were just small things that made our trip so much easier. I want to pass them on, and I also have some advice of my own.
So here it is: Japan for dummies - 5 practical Japan-tips, that I think you might appreciate.
1. PORTABLE WIFI
If your addicted to Internet or GPS (Google maps helped us a lot - it suggests train routes etc. and is amazing), I suggest you rent a portable WIFI from the airport. Unfortantely I don't remember how much we paid, but it was reasonble and absolutely worth it. I travelled with a friend so we just shared one - BUT next time I'm gonna rent my own WIFI - 'cause sharing one kind of made us dependable on each other, and if you're a person like me who need space... Well, you know what to do.
My face when I don't get space, documented by my lovely friend Sverre (location: Akihabara, Tokyo)
2. CASH
Need cash? We only travelled to Tokyo and Kyoto, but we had no trouble finding ATMs. They're usually at a 7-Eleven, and 7-Elevens were easy to find. Also we used an app called Splitwise which is a great app when travelling with friends. That way you always know how much money you spend, and how much you owe your travel partner(s) and vice versa.
3. WHEN NOT TO EAT
We experienced that it was difficult to find places to eat around 14:00-17:00, it seemed as if most of the cafes and restaurants went on a break around that time or something. If you're desperate, go get a o-nigiri at 7-Eleven. It's made from rice, formed into triangular shapes and wrapped in seaweed. The fill/flavors can be different, from pickled ume to salted salmon. It was surprisingly tasty and helped me survive.
4. THIS YOU KNOW, BUT...
Remember that the socket may be different from your country.
5. BRING A SINGLE-USE CAMERA
It's fun, charming and easy. Also, if you have any technical digital issues with your fancy camera or the camera on your phone, you'll still have SOMETHING (I ended up loosing almost all of my photos from my phone, and all that is left now is photos I've posted on Instagram. Luckily we have all the pictures we took with our disposable cameras).
I'm going to end this post with one of my favorite pictures amongst the very cute single-use camera pictures we took - and it also serves as a cool places to see-tip.
We went to Ueno Park, which is a beautiful public park in Tokyo, near Ueno Station. Here ended up by Shinobazu Pond, where we rented a pedal-powered swan. This was probably meant to be a for couples, but I would argue it works for friends too. After we were done giggling over this kitchy activity, I closed my eyes for a few seconds and started to enjoy floating around in the sun.
Want more Japan?
So here it is: Japan for dummies - 5 practical Japan-tips, that I think you might appreciate.
1. PORTABLE WIFI
If your addicted to Internet or GPS (Google maps helped us a lot - it suggests train routes etc. and is amazing), I suggest you rent a portable WIFI from the airport. Unfortantely I don't remember how much we paid, but it was reasonble and absolutely worth it. I travelled with a friend so we just shared one - BUT next time I'm gonna rent my own WIFI - 'cause sharing one kind of made us dependable on each other, and if you're a person like me who need space... Well, you know what to do.
2. CASH
Need cash? We only travelled to Tokyo and Kyoto, but we had no trouble finding ATMs. They're usually at a 7-Eleven, and 7-Elevens were easy to find. Also we used an app called Splitwise which is a great app when travelling with friends. That way you always know how much money you spend, and how much you owe your travel partner(s) and vice versa.
3. WHEN NOT TO EAT
We experienced that it was difficult to find places to eat around 14:00-17:00, it seemed as if most of the cafes and restaurants went on a break around that time or something. If you're desperate, go get a o-nigiri at 7-Eleven. It's made from rice, formed into triangular shapes and wrapped in seaweed. The fill/flavors can be different, from pickled ume to salted salmon. It was surprisingly tasty and helped me survive.
4. THIS YOU KNOW, BUT...
Remember that the socket may be different from your country.
5. BRING A SINGLE-USE CAMERA
It's fun, charming and easy. Also, if you have any technical digital issues with your fancy camera or the camera on your phone, you'll still have SOMETHING (I ended up loosing almost all of my photos from my phone, and all that is left now is photos I've posted on Instagram. Luckily we have all the pictures we took with our disposable cameras).
I'm going to end this post with one of my favorite pictures amongst the very cute single-use camera pictures we took - and it also serves as a cool places to see-tip.
We went to Ueno Park, which is a beautiful public park in Tokyo, near Ueno Station. Here ended up by Shinobazu Pond, where we rented a pedal-powered swan. This was probably meant to be a for couples, but I would argue it works for friends too. After we were done giggling over this kitchy activity, I closed my eyes for a few seconds and started to enjoy floating around in the sun.
Want more Japan?
I totally agree with your portable wifi recommendation! I meant to make it to the swans in Ueno Park, but ran out of time- they look like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure you had loads of ther fun things to do. As for the swans, next time, Jess!
DeleteJapan is my #1 bucket list travel destination! I'm hoping to visit within a couple years, and I'll keep this advice in mind if/when I do so :)
ReplyDelete