A land of delectable foods, bowing deer, and fancy toilets, Japan is undoubtedly a top travel destination. Now, if this is your first time journeying to Japan, fear not, here are five tips to remember as you envision your trip.
When in Japan, it is wise to carry cash, as many shops, street vendors, and machines only accept bills and coins. If you are running short on cash, a great place to withdraw more is at the 7-Eleven ATM. You can then use your newfound cash to purchase a snack or two. 7-Eleven stores in Japan are most delightful and sell many goodies from onigiri to strawberry cream sandwiches. However, be sure not to use your cash for tips in this land of no tipping.
Be sure to bring a reusable bag with you, as not all places will have bags readily available. Luckily, if you do not have a reusable bag, you can easily find some lovely or wackily designed ones at many a shop.
Another quirk of Japan is that you are often hard-pressed to find a garbage can. Therefore, it will be helpful to carry around a few bags for your garbage as well, though not garbage bag sized bags.
Now, if you enjoy long walks, Japan is the ideal place for a long walk along the beach, down the streets, up the stairs, or from one train platform to another. If you wish to still feel your feet, be sure to bring comfortable and durable walking shoes. You can even train beforehand by incorporating long walks into your routine while pulling along a suitcase.
Many washrooms do not have paper towel and hand dryers typically emit a light breeze. Rather than wringing your hands in the air, it is customary to carry a small towel or handkerchief to dry your hands and maintain a semblance of sanity.
In Japan, tourists must always carry their passport with them as it is the law. Although it may not happen, Japanese police can request to see your passport at any time. You will need to present your passport upon checking in at accommodations as well.
Moreover, Japan offers many tax-free shopping opportunities, whether it is paying the tax-exempt price or receiving a tax refund for purchases of 5,000 yen or more. To take advantage of these, you will need to present your passport.
Lastly, in the spirit of generosity, here is a bonus tip. As Japan is quite the popular destination, many spots will be bustling with people clamoring for that perfect photograph. It will be near impossible to avoid being caught in someone’s photo. Therefore, be sure to smile and look presentable at all times…or mix things up by dressing as a clown for your impromptu photo shoot.
Here were a few things to know before you go on that journey to Japan. Keep an eye out for more tips swooping out of the sky.
I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to sharing more unofficial tips with you. Happy travels!
The Unofficial Florence
