Travel- Japan Edition

It has been about two months since I left Japan. Miss it so so much. It has always been “The” place for me. The country of every manga-lover dream to visit. Has you been to the place where you only see it in the book? Have you walk in the street where your favorite manga artist/ writer walk on? And Disney Sea- the happiest place on Earth!  Yup that was Japan. Not joining a tour was scary for first timer. But here are the things that help me, not only survive, but make my trip memorable.

#1: Shelter

-Find a place to stay in a foreign country where you don’t speak their language is extremely difficult. Hotel is too expensive for us folks who just graduated from college. Let me introduce to you, AirBnb. It was the best thing that could have possibly happen to us lone traveler. Cheap to reasonable price, good locations, and the gateway to experience the local life yet travel like a tourist. There are many choices and it is very reliable. The room rate goes from $20-90 per night. Private room for two person usually run around $30-120, depending on the area and condition of the room. AirBnb charge service fee and the host can also charge cleaning fee so keep that in mind. Full refund is only applied under certain conditions and AirBnb service fee is non-refundable. Read their FAQ pages for more info.

#2: Food

Visual cue, such as food display stand, will be your best friend.

Using your favorite finger, point it at the picture in the menu-> make eye contacts with the server +smile (optional) -> said “はい” -> Dinner is serve.

If you have good memory, memorize the item number -> DONE!

If you are too shy to walk in a restaurant, go to convenience store! Japanese live up to their words. Convenience stores are very convenience. From quick snack to everyday supplies, they have it all. Price are very reasonable too, not overcharge. Their onigiri, Japanese rice ball, and instant cup noodles are among my favorite. I think through out my stay in Japan, I went to the convenience stores the most. Sometimes, just to get my fix for milk tea, yogurt drinks or just about anything kekeke. Growing up in North America, I have never been in love with convenience stores until now. The two big chains I see in Japan are Seven11 and Familymart.

Now you know have a place to stay, food to mouth. it is time to explore this beautiful country. I will write a separate blog post for it.

Something to note in Japan:

1. In US, we walk/stay on the right side. In Tokyo, it is the opposite. When ride escalator, single file line of people will stay on the left. The other side is kept open for people who want to walk/run. So don’t be ignorant and block the “walk” way for others 😉

2. You can walk around the city with an alcoholic drink on your hand. It is completely legal to drink in public unlike America.

3. People are polite until the point where you inhibit them to do their job. Politeness will turn into passive-aggressive. They are not being rude and attack you personally. So don’t be mad

4. Money exchange services are not very big in Japan. Only found couple places in Shinjuku station close to UNIQLO that offer that. So, when you get off the airplane, unless you already have ¥, Japanese money. Please exchange it over there. Something to take note of, when exchange money, store clerk will ask for your host address. Make sure to have that with you all the time.

5. Google map is helpful, and I was able to use my phone everywhere in Japan. I do not have to pay for new SIM card or data fee. Just make sure to notify your mobile company before travel.

6. Japan and America have the same electric voltage so converter is not needed.

TL;DR: Bring money, your phone, and an open mind when travel.

Sincere,

4pril