Just wanted to share some points from my recent trip which might be useful.
First of all, I loved Japan. I had my share of trips (Europe, America, Asia, Africa), but Japan is really unique. And honestly, I was struck by the kindness and the people. With a bit of luck, this will be only my first trip, and can’t wait to go back.
So, about my points:
Don’t underestimate transfer times. Even though Japanese public transport is practically impeccable, commuting from one place to the other will take time. Try not to fit too much in one day (this is true especially for Kyoto, where many locations are reachable by bus).
We found that keeping a free extra day in Tokyo allowed us to see and do what we weren’t able to do on the other days for one reason or another. Four days feeled a bit rushed, even without day-trips.
Cash isn’t king, at least in the traditional first time locations (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima). A small amount of cash will be necessary indeed, but in many occasions you can just use an IC card or a credit card. Conbini ATMs usually have fair change rates.
Google maps and google translator (in particular the picture translator) are fundamental. Google maps even tells you the right metro exit for your itinerary!
Public transport is really easy to grasp, once there. I was a bit worried about that before our trip, but really, everything is well indicated and understandable. Even if you get out from the wrong exit, it’s fine, you will just have a longer walk.
Yes, you’ll walk a lot. We covered 160km (or 100 miles) by foot in 12 days. Good walking shoes are a must.
Shinkansen tickets will also cover the metro ticket just after arriving to your destination. I’m not sure this is true for every city, but it’s definitely true for Tokyo.
The luggage shipment system frome hotel to hotel was a godsend. It allowed us to visit Himej on our way from Hiroshima to Osaka without having to get mad with all our suitcases (they probably wouldn’t have fit coin lockers…).
One curious thing: in some tourist attractions spots, the maps found around where “upside down”, having the south on top and north on the bottom. 😅
PS: Since many are asking about the luggage shipment fares, I’ll post the link here:
[https://www.global-yamato.com/en/hands-free-travel/scene02.html](https://www.global-yamato.com/en/hands-free-travel/scene02.html)
by eirinn1975