1. RENT A WIRELESS ROUTER "POCKET WIFI"
In Japan , it is difficult to get a prepaid sim card unlike other Asian countries. To get connected to the internet while in Japan is a must especially for first time travelers. One can find it essential to have this device specifically for train navigation , restaurant finds , places and tourist spots ,GPS and to update social networking sites in an instant.
The pocket wifi allows multiple gadgets to connect at once using unlimited data.
One can choose to rent the device from any of the company counter offering at the airport. However , booking online before your departure to Japan may cost you less and more convenient as you may choose to have the device delivered at your hotel and includes an envelop for return.
PUPURU wifi service for example offers 400 JPY/day . Please check their website for more information.
2. BOOK JAPAN RAIL PASS BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL IN JAPAN
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| This is the exchange order that you will get from your country when you purchased your Japan Rail Pass |
This priviledge are for foreign visitors with valid tourist visa to Japan and only available for purchase outside Japan. You can get the Japan rail pass from the travel agency offering or book online thru https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/ .
Once arrived in Japan, You must exchange the voucher to the actual pass from any JR office center at the airport and in major train stations like Tokyo , Nagoya ,Kyoto and Osaka.
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| The actual pass that you are required to show to manned gate at the train stations |
This particular pass can be used throughout the extensive JR train networks all over Japan including the Shinkansen train ( except Nozomi).
There are two types of Japan Rail Pass. The green pass is for superior class on trains which cost USD304 for seven days. The ordinary pass cost USD227 for seven days and applies to average/economy class passengers on trains.
3. Download the Hyperdia Application in your Smartphone.
For first time travelers to Japan and in Tokyo in particular. One can find the trains and subways in Japan intimidating and tricky at first and with many exits particularly in Shinjuku. One can easily get lost. However , all these dilemma can easily be solved as long as your armed with Hyperdia in your smartphone and internet connection .
Hyperdia applications guides you with your transportation finds in Japan including Shinkansen, local trains and buses.
Taking trains in Japan is the cheapest and fastest mode of transportation that even locals and locals alike used the trains everyday. Taking a cab is expensive in Japan.
4. ATM's for CASH WITHDRAWAL
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| image grabbed from Tokyo Consult |
Apparently in Japan not all ATM's you will find will let you dispense cash. Suprisingly it is the situation in Japan. Foreign cards are not widely accepted in Japan.
However , the widely known convenience store 7/11 has their own ATM machine and can be used for cash withdrawals accepting foreign cards .Other ATM's to try are Citibank and post offices.
5. BUY A GENERAL USER PASMO or SUICA CARD.
If you are to stay in Tokyo using the trains and subways most of the time, it is a must for you to get either the SUICA or PASMO Card for convenience on automatic ticket gates for multiple trips on short distance trains.
The card is same like the Octopus Card in Hong Kong which saves time rather than buying individual tickets per journey. Just swipe the card at the automatic ticket gates at the train stations. You can also easily purchased the card at any of the ticket machines available all throughout the stations in Tokyo area with 500 JPY card deposit .
I used my Pasmo Card in train stations in Kyoto and it was accepted. Thus , PASMO and SUICA can also be used in Kansai Region for trains and buses as with all the IC cards available in Japan.
Also these cards can also be used for purchased in any convenience stores and vending machines.
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