I am absolutely blown awaaaaayyy with all this highly useful information so concisely written and set out as well. I know it takes a lot of time to do this, so I thank you very much Andrew. Greatly appreciated !
Great summary, esp. Tokyo overrated. However, having lived in Japan, it is not necessary at all to carry your passport, and in fact a friend recently lost theirs doing so. Second, 7-Elevens are way more common and easier to use than post office ATMs. Lastly, get your e-sim online and activate before you arrive. Airalo is good and cheap.
This is so helpful. We are visiting Japan as a family in July because it’s the only time we can all go. I’ve had so many people say it’s a bad time to go and recent headlines in the uk about bookings being down because of earthquake/tsunami fears left me wondering if we’d made a really bad decision! But your post has cheered me up and the straightforward advice is really welcome.
Essential reading for anyone planning a Japan holiday. Used a pocket WiFi last time, carried the router & charger and it was useless when out of range of the router. Ta for eSIM tip Andrew amongst many others.
Great advice. There is one thing I entirely disagree with. Long lines in front of food actually tend to be the best indicator that the food is awesome. And the longer the queue usually the better the food
This is no longer true in the age of Instagram. People will line up for places they've seen gone viral, irrespective of food quality. The supplies to other things as well including activities and places.
I am absolutely blown awaaaaayyy with all this highly useful information so concisely written and set out as well. I know it takes a lot of time to do this, so I thank you very much Andrew. Greatly appreciated !
This was fun to write, and you're welcome!
Great summary, esp. Tokyo overrated. However, having lived in Japan, it is not necessary at all to carry your passport, and in fact a friend recently lost theirs doing so. Second, 7-Elevens are way more common and easier to use than post office ATMs. Lastly, get your e-sim online and activate before you arrive. Airalo is good and cheap.
This is so helpful. We are visiting Japan as a family in July because it’s the only time we can all go. I’ve had so many people say it’s a bad time to go and recent headlines in the uk about bookings being down because of earthquake/tsunami fears left me wondering if we’d made a really bad decision! But your post has cheered me up and the straightforward advice is really welcome.
If it's the time when you can all go then it's definitely the BEST time to go!
Essential reading for anyone planning a Japan holiday. Used a pocket WiFi last time, carried the router & charger and it was useless when out of range of the router. Ta for eSIM tip Andrew amongst many others.
Going to Japan in September and so appreciative of the tips! Thank you!
Brilliant practical advice!🙏
Great advice. There is one thing I entirely disagree with. Long lines in front of food actually tend to be the best indicator that the food is awesome. And the longer the queue usually the better the food
This is no longer true in the age of Instagram. People will line up for places they've seen gone viral, irrespective of food quality. The supplies to other things as well including activities and places.
Exactly my point. I've queued for mediocre food one too many times. Gullible people are everywhere.
GREAT!
A real treasure trove of valuable advice. Thank you, Andrew!