● It's important to have cash, it is not customary to pay for small things with a credit card as in Europe (it is better to take dollars and exchange a certain amount at the airport), since currency exchange is not carried out in all banks, but only on a national scale.
● Even if your mobile operator assures you that you will have roaming in Japan. It won't exist if your phone doesn't support it 3G network! It is not easy for a foreigner to buy a local fare in Japan - only with a foreigner registration card, which can be obtained only a month after arrival or, at a minimum, having received a certificate that you have submitted documents for its registration. So rent a handset at Narita Airport or call from a payphone if you're only traveling for a short time.
● The Japanese exchange mobile emails, and not SMS, for this you need to activate this service when buying a phone, create your address (it’s better to ask some Japanese for help). You will be asked for this address immediately after your phone number - and text messages will be sent to it.
● Mobile communications are quite expensive. Be careful when choosing a tariff(there were cases when foreign students received bills for 300-400 dollars for no reason). The most favorable tariffs are based on a subscription fee. It is possible to connect to the prePay system, but calls will cost several times more and calls to your number are also paid, so you should warn your friends and acquaintances about this.
● In Japan not accepted leave tips. As a rule, they bring you the bill, and you need to pay at the checkout when you leave.
● In order not to die, calculating how much a ticket costs for where, and not to buy tickets over and over again, purchase a transport card from the machine at the railway station PASMO or SUICA. The card costs 500 yen. Next, you put money on the card and simply apply it to the turnstiles at the entrance and exit - the fare is automatically charged. Recently, these cards have been accepted for payment in many 24-hour supermarkets and kiosks on the territory of railway lines, as well as on buses.
● Students can usually purchase travel card on the railway from the station of the training place to the station of residence. Therefore, it is better to address the question to the foreign department or to Japanese students - they will explain where you should go, and maybe they will go together)))
● Taxi in Japan - luxury. Usually there is a sign on the window indicating the minimum payment. It only makes sense to take a taxi for short distances.
● Transport system quite complicated for a beginner, but very convenient - you just need to learn how to use it. Everywhere, except in completely remote places, there are signs in Latin; stations, as a rule, are assigned numbers; many carriages are equipped with information boards.
● To travel more safely, it is better to stock up in advance metro maps and railway network Tokyo (or the area where you are traveling).
● One important tip: if you need to get to a station, you should remember and write down not only its name, but also thread name, where it is located - then you won’t get lost and it will be easy to find help.
● It’s better, of course, to plan your route in advance using search sites, choose the most attractive one in terms of time and money - print or write out the route details.
● Don't throw away your ticket until the end of the trip, it must be presented both at the entrance and at the exit.
● Necessarily take an adapter with you, if you are bringing a computer, in Japan socket type A.
● For help in Japan, it is better to contact police officers and station attendants(cashiers, etc.), employees of 24-hour supermarkets (they always have maps of the area under the counter and they nicely explain where you are and where you should go next). Helping citizens is their sacred duty (but it’s better not to ask ordinary passersby - this is not customary).
● In Japan toilet rooms available at every step, including at every railway and metro station, not to mention supermarkets. There you can see a large number of people brushing their teeth. Don't be alarmed, this is normal!
● Can buy bike or rent. All bicycles are registered - it is better to find out how when purchasing so that there are no problems in the future. In Japan, getting around by bicycle is very convenient.
● Roller skating in Japan it is not allowed anywhere, except perhaps in special roller skating rinks, where they can probably be rented. Therefore, it makes no sense to take videos with you.
The first thing that all tourists are advised to take to Japan is a phrase book. Without it, it will be almost impossible to navigate in cities or resorts. It is worth looking for dictionaries for mobile devices with the ability to optically recognize hieroglyphs. With their help it will be possible to translate inscriptions.
It is believed that there is no need to take a lot of luggage to Japan. It will be enough to choose clothes according to the season and bring comfortable shoes. Tourists usually walk a lot, so comfortable things are a must. You should also remember that you need to take a detailed guidebook to Japan. It can be easily downloaded from the Arrivo website and downloaded to any mobile device.
When it comes to money, it is believed that taking some money to Japan is worth it in cash, and some on a card. The country has developed e-commerce, so you can pay by card almost everywhere. They usually bring dollars. It is important to remember that for Japanese sockets you will need an adapter.
What medications to take to Japan
When getting ready to travel, you need to take all the necessary medications. The fact is that you need to take as many of the usual medications to Japan as possible. The products in local pharmacies may differ from ours, making it difficult to choose. Be sure to pack medications for headaches and colds, antiseptics, and medications for stomach pain. People with chronic diseases are advised to take care of a supply of medications.
What to take your child to Japan
A trip with a child will be a highlight. You just need to think about what to take to Japan with your child. Firstly, you should take care of clothing that is appropriate for the season. Things need to be selected depending on the region. Coastal areas can be windy and cool. In addition, parents take medicines for children and other necessary items based on travel plans.
We answer a popular question among tourists - what currency to take to Japan? Plus we give some useful financial tips.
What is the currency in Japan: Yen (JPY);
What currency to take: If possible, yen, but you can take dollars or euros to change on the spot.
Personal experience
Buying currency was the third step on my way to Japan. First of all, second - the Lonely Planet guide.
I live in St. Petersburg, so finding an exchanger that issues yen was not a problem. The first thing I did was find an aggregator in Yandex for places where they change currency. It contains current courses, addresses, opening hours, etc. It’s easy to find out where it’s more convenient to drive. I chose the exchanger at Ligovsky 2. I heard a lot about it and the rate there turned out to be 1 ruble more favorable than at Sberbank (for dollars and yen). And this despite the fact that I came without an appointment. As far as I understand, if you inform about your visit in advance, you can change money even more profitably.
general information
The Japanese prefer to make all payment transactions in cash in their currency. Terminals for paying for goods and services are installed at train stations, shops, hotels in large cities, and the likelihood that you will be able to use a bank card decreases as you move away from them, therefore, when going on an excursion to the countryside, it is worth stocking up on “real” money . Some restaurants only accept credit cards at night or in the evening.
You can find out the yen to ruble exchange rate today using this calculator.
Exchange currency in Japan is not difficult. This can be done at one of the many banks that are open only on weekdays from 09:00 to 15:00, post offices or special licensed exchange offices located at airports. Many hotels sell national currency to their guests, albeit with some restrictions: no more than $500 can be exchanged per day, but the rate here is not the most favorable. It is best to exchange dollars and euros for yen at the airport: the exchange rate is the best here, and the service does not take much time, unlike banks, where the procedure can last from 40 minutes to 1 hour.
To withdraw cash from an ATM, it is worth remembering that many of them do not accept bank cards that were issued outside of Japan. But this does not apply to 7-Eleven ATMs located in most department stores and post offices. Their exchange rate is quite favorable and competitive, but fees will depend on which bank issued your card. Also exceptions are Citibank and Japan Post Bank ATMs. It is worth remembering that Japanese ATMs do not operate at night, and some on weekends.
Japan is an amazing country with a place for lovers of both antiquity and modernity. A trip to Japan can cost a fortune, but with proper planning you can avoid the big expenses and enjoy your trip.
Steps
How to get to Japan
Food and shopping
- Noodle bars and late night stalls selling traditional noodles ( ramen), is an excellent choice for a budget-conscious tourist, since you can buy a fairly large dish at a low price. Restaurant that serves ramen, can be recognized by the long benches and people bending over bowls from which steam rises. Udon and soba noodle dishes are other cheap options for Japanese food (provided you choose an inexpensive restaurant).
- Izakaya is a Japanese eatery serving classic Japanese as well as European dishes. They serve simple food that is usually cheap.
- Yakitori- These are small kebabs of vegetables and chicken meat grilled over coals. This dish is usually eaten with beer or sake at the end of the workday and can be enough to fill you up. There are restaurants specializing in this dish ( yakitorii). Such establishments are often located near railway stations. Remember that menus usually list the price for one yakitori skewer, so take this into account when planning your food budget.
- Although sushi is considered a snack food, you can order it as a full meal for lunch or dinner. pay attention to kaiten sushi, that is, in cafes where sushi travels along a conveyor belt, and anyone can take the portion they like. The color of the plate indicates the cost of the dish, and the entire list of prices can be found on a poster on the wall. Choose your portion wisely and you'll be satisfied without spending a lot of money.
- Choose places where locals eat, although in such places, knowledge of Japanese is usually appreciated, because English will not be on the menu. Search for restaurants nomiya And aka-chochin or cheap Chinese restaurants chuka-ryori-ya.
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Buy food at grocery stores. The stores sell a large number of different semi-finished products, which will cost less than going to a cafe.
Take a closer look at food vending machines. They are found almost everywhere, and you can buy both food and drinks there: snacks, green tea, coffee, beer, etc.
Visit a familiar chain of fast food restaurants. Japan has McDonald's and other well-known chains. Try Mosburger, a Japanese fast food chain that offers hamburgers.
Eat at food courts and food markets. You can eat at these places not at all expensive, and there will be a large selection. Just like in stores, you can find fruits, vegetables and rice here.
- You can also eat at bakeries, but everything sold in such establishments will be sweeter than you are used to.
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Don't buy alcohol or clothes. You've probably heard that everything is expensive in Japan, but if you stop buying clothes and alcohol, you'll find that prices for everything else are quite reasonable. However, sake is a must-try in Japan. Just don't go to bars every night.
Buy semi-finished products in regular stores. In stores you can find delicious and inexpensive ready-made dishes, ranging from noodles to beef. Some stores have bakeries. Most stores are equipped with microwaves where you can heat food, and you can take disposable utensils and chopsticks. In addition, stores often have a counter where you can eat.
Take as many pictures as possible instead of buying souvenirs. Photos are cheaper and more heartwarming, and they will definitely help you preserve memories for years to come.
Choose inexpensive bars and restaurants. Japan has quite a lot of inexpensive dishes on the menu, so don't deny yourself the pleasure of going to a cafe. The design of an establishment usually indicates the cost of food there, so be careful. In Japan it is not customary to tip, and this way you can save some more money. It's useful to have a guidebook with you describing local dishes or a list of popular dishes on your smartphone so you know what you're ordering and how much it usually costs. We recommend that gourmets try it meibutsu. This word denotes a local delicacy, so such dishes will allow you to appreciate all the delights of Japanese cuisine.
Entertainment
Set aside money daily for entrance fees and other expenses associated with visiting tourist sites. This will allow you to understand what is worth spending on and what can be skipped.
Make a list of free or cheap activities. There are many ways to experience Japan without spending a lot of money. Here are some tips:
Buy souvenirs in cheap stores. In Japan, there are stores where all goods are sold at the same price: 35, 105, 175 and 350 rubles. There are also more expensive stores with the same price. Many of the items in these stores look like they cost more and would make great gifts for both you and your loved ones. Check out DAISO, Seiriya and 3 Coins stores, but there are many others in Japan.
- Always carry cash with you. Although credit cards are accepted in many places, cash is often the primary payment method.
- Osaka is famous for shopping. If you want to go shopping, this "city of merchants" is for you. Kyoto has very good flea markets and many fashion boutiques. Tokyo has everything, so it's easy to spend all your money there. Be careful.
- Take less things with you. The less you take, the less you will worry and the lower the chance that you will want to buy yourself something to calm down.
- Plan your trip in advance. Carefully calculated expenses will help you stick to your budget. Knowing possible prices in advance will help you save money or spend more than you otherwise would from time to time, knowing you can afford it.
- If you are over 60 or 65, find out if you qualify for discounts. Many places, including some airlines, require you to show your passport to receive a senior discount.
- If you decide to stay in a mountain hut on your trek, make sure to book your accommodation in advance. Some cabins include breakfast, but it's cheaper to cook it yourself.
- Go on a trip with a friend. This will allow you to share some expenses, including food.
Warnings
- If you want to visit Roppongi in Tokyo, be careful. The Japanese mafia (Yakuza) and other criminals gather in this area. It is not recommended to drink anything there, since tourists are often given sleeping pills in their drink, and in the morning they realize that all their cash and credit cards have been stolen.
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1. When is the best time to go to Japan? In Japan, the three most vibrant periods are cherry blossoms (late March-early April), wisteria blossoms (late April-May), and red maples (October-November). There are a lot of tourists these days, prices for hotels and tickets are higher than usual, but you definitely won’t be disappointed after the trip. 2. Japanese currency is the yen. 1 dollar is now approximately equal to 108 yen. It is best to carry cash with you, as not all restaurants, markets and temples accept credit cards. They say that not everyone is in hotels, but we didn’t have any problems with that. We withdrew money from ATMs rather than changing them at exchange offices. When paying by card, choose to pay in local currency; the bank rate will always be more favorable. 3. In good hotels, as a rule, you can take an adapter from the reception, but there are exceptions. Therefore, it is better to bring it with you or buy it on the spot. Sockets in Japan are similar to American ones, but may not fit some electrical appliances. 4. Buy a JR pass in advance, with it you can travel throughout Japan on Shinkasen high-speed trains, some local trains and buses in Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama, etc. The pass comes for 1, 2 or 3 weeks, so plan your itinerary based on that. Its price is scary at first - about $270 for a week, but that’s how much a round-trip ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto will cost. And in a week you will have time to make many more trips around the country, and it will not cost you anything. Print out Tokyo and Kyoto subway maps at home. In Tokyo, a 24-hour pass costs 600 yen, one trip from 240 yen, depending on the distance. On the Tokyo subway, specially trained workers wearing uniforms and white gloves push passengers into cars during rush hour. Also in the Tokyo subway there are carriages only for women, so that no one presses too closely against them in crowded transport. It is not customary to talk on a mobile phone on the subway. In Kyoto, many attractions can be reached by bus, so their routes will also come in handy. We traveled around Kyoto mainly by taxi, since we don’t like buses, sometimes you have to walk a lot from the metro, and the price for two was sometimes not much higher than a taxi. 5. Taxis in Japan are not very expensive (compared to our Geneva). Depending on the city and region, the car arrives with the number 590, 610 or 730 on the meter, after a certain distance the price begins to rise. All cars have automatic doors, do not try to open them yourself. Drivers wear white gloves, and the front seats are covered with white lace or openwork knitted covers. 6. Never leave a tip in Japan! This could even be considered an insult, since Japanese culture dictates that work should be done without any expectation of additional remuneration. In the same taxi they will always count out your change to the last penny. 7. Contrary to the stereotype, Japan is not an expensive country. 4 and 5 star hotels can be found for $250-350, while the same level in Europe will be much more expensive. This does not apply to traditional ryokan hotels, which are very expensive. Most parks and attractions in Tokyo are completely free. In Kyoto, entrance to the temple costs about 5-10 dollars. You can have lunch for 10-15 dollars. Street food is even cheaper. True, it didn’t work out that way for us, we always wanted something unusual, and the score was about 50 and higher. What's so expensive in Japan is fruit! A small box of strawberries in the supermarket at the station costs about 30 dollars, and oranges - about 50!! 8. Internet in Japan. I read that in Japan it is difficult to find access to the Internet. Nothing like this. Many subway and train stations have wifi, not all cafes and restaurants, but in our hotels there was internet everywhere, as well as on the streets in some areas of the city, for example, Asakusa in Tokyo. In addition, at a hotel or train station you can rent a special device with which you will be online everywhere, as long as your phone battery lasts. This service costs 1200 yen per day or 6000 per week. 9. I thought that in Japan sushi is sold at every turn. Not at all, sometimes you need to look for them. Moreover, sushi with salmon, avocado and Philadelphia cheese can only be found in very tourist places. An interesting fact about Japan: salmon appeared here thanks to Norway in the 80s. There are a lot of restaurants with noodles and even cutlets, but you can eat such “exotic” food at home, so we tried not to visit such establishments. Once we bought a typical lunch box with rice for the train. All Japanese love this food, it costs about 1000 yen. I didn't like this food at all. Fast food, but Japanese. But it was very interesting to try high-quality Japanese cuisine, Kobe meat, real fresh sushi, tofu dishes and Japanese sweets. We even went to a Michelin-starred restaurant in Kobe. Almost everywhere they serve miso soup and a cup of matcha green tea with their food. You can find a variety of desserts made from green tea. I ate ice cream, chocolate, cakes, cookies, candies, and even green tea cheesecake.
10. Even very good Tokyo hotels may have a modest-sized room and a small bed. In Kyoto the situation is better, but almost everywhere we had two separate beds in our rooms. It's probably not customary here to sleep in the same bed. I recommend staying at least one night in a traditional Japanese ryokan hotel. You will have to sleep there practically on the floor, food is served in your room, and, as a rule, breakfast and dinner are included in your stay. These hotels usually also have public or private hot tubs. We stayed in two ryokans, one seemed designed purely for tourists, and the second was simply luxurious and cheaper. It was recommended and booked by my husband's Japanese colleague. All hotels have plenty of bathrooms and toiletries: creams, masks, shampoos, conditioners, bath salts, combs, shower caps, razors, toothbrushes, slippers, bathrobes. All good quality brands.
11. Japanese toilets are famous all over the world. At first it’s inconvenient to use all the buttons, and even the control panel, but then you’re not surprised by the warm water on command, or the hairdryer, or the warm seat, or the welcomingly rising lid☺️ The Japanese have separate slippers for the toilet! I remember how our maid in the ryokan looked at me in horror when she saw me leaving the room for the bathroom in slippers.
12. It is very convenient to plan the route on the website japan-guide.com. We printed out a whole folder from there with different sights of Japan that we wanted to see. The site is in English, everything is written simply and clearly, all the interesting cities, temples, parks, areas are described, the forecast and places of cherry blossoms, how to get to them and how much it costs.
13. In Japan we felt completely safe; it was not at all scary to walk along the streets in the evening. Once in the park, while admiring the sakura at night, we witnessed a scene where two Japanese photographers did not share a place under the trees and fought with their tripods, it was very funny! The police immediately approached, the fighters were already exchanging chewing gum and quickly made peace. Most of all I was worried about possible earthquakes. Yes, they happen often, but they are not always felt. We then looked at the seismic activity website; during our trip there were several tremors that we had no idea about.
14. Since I learned Japanese as a child, I know that they do not have the “l” sound and practically no closed syllables. That's why my name sounds like "Origa" in Japanese. Understanding Japanese speech in English can be very difficult. The subway's "Blue Line" is called "Bru Rain" instead of "Blue Line" in Japanese. At first we had difficulty understanding them, but then it was fun to guess what they meant. In general, the Japanese are very friendly and always try to help tourists.