Travel Tips

Whether you are a first time visitor to Japan or a seasoned traveler, we hope our travel ideas can help you make the most of your trip.

Planning your Trip

• If you have never stayed at a ryokan, then Planning Your Stay at a Japanese Ryokan will help you better plan your stay.
• For First Time Visitors to Japan, here are a couple of suggested trips you can take beginning in either Tokyo or Osaka.
• Second or Third Time Visitors to Japan: for those travelers who have been to Japan before, here are some interesting places you will enjoy.
• Seasoned Visitors or Foreign Residents: this is for those travelers or residents who are familiar with Japan and want to visit unique and off-the-beaten-track places.
• Japan Transportation Tips: if you have never been to Japan or if you are unfamiliar with public transportation in this country this page will give you some useful advice to help make your journey(s) as pleasant as possible.
• If you have never taken a train in Japan read all about the The Joy of Trains in Japan by David Paget.
• Planning to visit Tokyo? Let David Paget tell you about the city's numerous delights and treasures in Tokyo Treats and discover what makes Tokyo one of the most exciting, dynamic, and fascinating cities in the world.
• Recently named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, read what it is like to stay overnight on holy Mount Koya at a Buddhist Temple: Japanese Buddhist Temple Overnight," by David Paget and A Night on Mount Koya,"

Money

• Credit Cards - Japan is a cash-based society, and credit cards are not as widely as in other countries. MasterCard and Visa seem to be the most widely accepted. Please inform your credit card company that you will be visiting Japan so they will know not to block your transactions.
• ATMs - The Japanese Post Office is your best place to find an international ATM as most bank are strictly domestic. Post Office is open from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 and 17:00. If you are traveling outside major cities please be aware that it might be very hard to exhange money. Please visit the Japan National Tourist Organization's Money page and also check out Japan-Guide.com's ATM web page for more information.
• Exchange Rates Table for converting Japanese Yen and other foreign currencies

Help for Foriegn Tourist

• A list of Tourist Information Offices around Japan you can print up and take with you  
• Lost in Japan? Call Japan Travel Phone at 0088-22-4800 (9:00 - 17:00 JST)
• If you have to visit a doctor you can use these Medical Questionnaires to better communicate.

• Planning Your Stay at a Japanese Ryokan
• First Time Visitors to Japan>
• Second or Third Time Visitors to Japan
• Seasoned Visitors or Foreign Residents
• Japan Transportation Tips
• The Joy of Trains in Japan by David Paget
• Tokyo Treats by David Paget
• Japanese Buddhist Temple Overnight by David Paget
• A Night on Mount Koya
• Money and ATM
• Citibank ATM and bank locations
• Exchange Rates Table
• Tourist Information Offices
• Rentafone Japan