The “Land of the Rising Sun” also called the “Land of Cherry Blossoms”, Japan occupies a unique position in world history and has contributed much to the world. It is a very beautiful country to visit but selecting the right season would be imperative when the flowers are in bloom and the country turns into a festive atmosphere everywhere. Summer would be the best time to visit Japan but with many tourists arriving during that time prices of accommodation could get expensive. There is ample moderately priced accommodation available if you book before you would get there.
Travelling in Japan
Whilst most countries of the world are experiencing an increase in crime, Japan has seen a sharp decline since it peaked during the turn of this century. Since then the country has seen a drop in the crime rate making Japan a very safe country to visit. Visitors could get about without any issues and the people are very cooperative and helpful though there could be issues with language. Most Japanese do not speak English and hence getting directions could be a major issue and without a proper guide or some help, you could find it difficult to get around the country.
One of the best Asian countries to visit and has many things of interest to offer, from cultural, historical and economic interest to a cross-section of those who would choose to visit. Make your visit in the right season and you are sure to enjoy what this great country has to offer. They have infrastructure that could beat any country anywhere and their transport systems are flawless and on time. Getting from one place to another would have many choices but the best would be in the high-speed bullet train which would take you there quickly and safely. It runs through some of the most beautiful countrysides you would see anywhere.
We have compiled a list of best tips that would help you when you are traveling in Japan which should hold you in good stead.
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Book Early
It is quite difficult to find accommodation after you land there hence it is advisable that you make your bookings early so that you would not be kept in the lurch. There is ample accommodation from single capsules the latest craze and luxury hotels. Depending on how you would travel there are ample places in Tokyo and the rest of the country to see. You could travel alone and it is safe, but said that taking care of yourself would be your prerogative.
Having your accommodation sorted out would hold you in good stead because during the summer most of the places would be booked and hence find suitable places to stay could be an issue. Booking early would easier and also you would have a place to stay when you get there.
Buy a Japan rail pass
The Japan rail pass is the easiest and cheapest way to get about, if not transport could be quite expensive. There are ample taxis but they could be quite expensive to get around especially the city. Wherever you could get a rail it would be the easiest way for which you would need to have a pass with you.
This is the cheapest way to get around the cities or on long distances with very comfortable trains and running on time and fast. They reach destinations even before you could blink. Especially with the bullet trains in operation.
Write down some key phrases
It would be prudent to write down some of the very common phrases in Japanese that you could use for asking directions especially to places of interest or back to your hotel. The people are very friendly and cooperative but you would need to overcome the language barrier. Learning a few phrases would do you good and make your trip more enjoyable.
This is one pertinent issue that many tourists encounter in Japan and tend to travel in a group with a guide helping out but if you choose to travel alone whilst it is safe you would need to brush up on your Japanese.
Buy a Smart Card
A Smart Card would allow you access to make many payments, especially for public transport, at vending machines, supermarkets and other places where you would not have to pay in cash. Smart Cards are available everywhere and once you have one it would open up easy access everywhere.
It is when you have to make small payments that the Smart Card would come very handy and with the one you could get around without much of a hassle.
Be in touch with the travel agent
Keep in regular touch with your travel agent preferably with someone who could converse with you. This would help if you are stuck with anything and need to find a solution or answer. The Japanese may not understand what you are trying to convey which could be quite frustrating sometimes. You would need to tune yourself to this problem but have an open mind as you are sure to find your way.
Shopping
There is shopping galore in Japan with new products in electronics which you would not see anywhere else but they could be expensive. Check out and you may get a bargain. You could get a good selection of rolex watches for men if you pound the streets with many outlets selling originals with authentic certification. Japan may have its own brands but they are obsessed with European cars, watches and other products.
It is a very colorful country to move and shop and if you have the time there is much that you could assimilate and find a good bargain on what you would want. Japan has much to offer the discerning traveler and if you want to see a disciplined nation going about their daily chores in an orderly fashion it is here you should go to learn from their culture.
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