TRAVEL TIPS SECTION
Packing for Japan
The yen is the Japanese currency unit. It's convenient to bring major credit cards, such as MasterCard or VISA. You can use them at various places such as department stores, hotels, and restaurants in major cities, though not all.
If you are travelling the countryside of Japan, many stores might not accept credit cards/traveller's checks. It's good to carry some Japanese yen in cash while you are in Japan. as with the rest of the world be careful of pickpockets if you are taking a crowded train or going to an event where you can expect a large crowd. Sadly the offenders often tend to be westerners!
You can exchange currency at post offices; (you MUST have your passport with you) and in Kyoto station. You can use some foreign credit cards/ATM cards at Japan Post Office ATM.We have found that the currency in Kyoto station gives the best rate of exchange, indeed better than the UK.
Appliances:
The electricity in Japan is 100 volts, and there are two cycles (50/60). In the southwest Japan, it's 60 cycles. Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya are in the southwest side.If your appliances are three-pronged, you will certainly need a plug since Japanese appliances are two-pronged. It shouldn't take much space in your luggage. These are available from most supermarkets. Matalan also have them, as do certain Pound Shops.
Buy BEFORE you get to the airport, as the price is ridiculous. Make sure that it is suitable for Japan. If you want to email your family or friends from Japan, there are Internet cafes or our Ryokan usually has that facility. However feel free to bring your laptop.
Luggage
Compared with westerners, who often travel with large suitcases, it's not common for Japanese people to travel with a large suitcase around the country. There are no spaces to store large luggage in trains, and the coin lockers aren't large enough to hold them either. Keeping luggage small is recommended when you travel around Japan. We will be able to wash and dry clothing, though you may want to bring a small travel iron.After we arrive in Japan we will take a bus, then taxi to Ryokan. Please be sensible and try to pack light. Remember the more clothing you bring the fewer goodies you can take home.The weather during the daytime is similar to UK springtime. Usually short sleeves. After dark the temperature does drop so a lightweight, but warm coat is essential.
Shoes
Since it's a Japanese custom to take off your shoes indoors, you might have to take off your shoes often in Japan. Bringing a pair of shoes that you can slip off and on easily might be convenient. Make sure to bring, and wear, a nice pair of socks or pantyhose to avoid any embarrassment when you take off your shoes. Trainer socks are perfect to pop into your handbag.
Handkercheif and Tissues
It's important to carry a handkerchief in Japan. Many restrooms in Japan don't have paper towels. Be sure to bring a handkerchief in your pocket to dry your hands. I will provide everyone with a tenugui, hand cloth when possible. These can easily be rinsed out at the end of the day.
Gifts
While you are in Japan, you might be visiting a Japanese home. If you are wondering what to bring for gifts, anything like sweets (traditional British), postcards of where you live, t-towels, T-BAGS! Etc. You will find that the Japanese will regularly help us, so these gifts will come in handy.
Telephone
We can hire you a mobile telephone once in Kyoto. This can be delivered direct to your room. The charge for 10 days is 4,900 Y (approx £35). You will be billed or calls after returning the handset.However using the public telephones in Japan is the same as in the UK. You will be provided with a list of useful numbers should you get separated, including my mobile number. It is much cheaper than in the UK.
Travelling on buses, taxies etc
I will provide you with the hotel address both in English AND in Japanese. Should you ever become separated from the group you will be able to show this to any taxi driver. Taxi travel is very cheap in Japan. Most trips costing less than £5.00
Check List:
* Passport
* Airline Tickets
* Traveller's cheques if applicable
* Japanese yen in cash if possible. Please remember to fill in the onboard airline forms honestly when declaring cash and food.
* Your passport MUST have at least 7 months remaining before expiry
* Travel Insurance, I will need to see this 14 days before travelling
* Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
* 2 Photocopies of all these documents. One spare for you and one for us
* Small suitcase or extra bags. There are many Pound shops where these can be bought.
* Camera (film is cheap in Japan). We are near to a camera shop where photos can be quickly be put onto CD's
* Umbrella, though these are as cheap as £1 in most stores
* Sewing kit
* Walking shoes, slip-on if possible
* First Aid Kit including plasters
* Prescription medicines, please put some in your hand luggage and half in your case
* Alarm clock, our Ryokan has no wake up service
* Glasses and Contact lenses. Buying glasses in Japan is very cheap. Bring along your last eye prescription you may see some you like.
* Pen and notebook
*Cosmetics, unless you use special shampoo etc these can be bought cheaply in Japan. This will free up case space
