Part 3: Additional Tips for a Comfortable Journey

1. Internet and Communication

• Pocket Wi-Fi Rental:

  • Available at airports or through online reservation.

  • Can be shared among multiple devices and offers generous data allowances.

  • Related Websites:

    • Japan Wireless

      • Website: https://www.japan-wireless.com/

      • Description: Pocket Wi-Fi rental service with airport pickup or hotel delivery.

    • Sakura Mobile

      • Website: https://www.sakuramobile.jp/

      • Description: Offers SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi for travelers.

    • eConnect Japan

      • Website: https://www.econnectjapan.com/

      • Description: Provides SIM cards and Wi-Fi routers for short-term visitors.

    • NINJA WiFi

      • Website: https://ninjawifi.com/

      • Description: Pocket Wi-Fi rental service with various pickup locations.

• SIM Card Purchase:

  • If your smartphone is compatible, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for use in Japan.

• Free Wi-Fi Spots:

  • Available in urban areas at cafes, hotels, and airports, but be cautious of security risks.

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2. Power Plugs and Voltage

• Power Plugs: Type A (two flat pins), same as in the U.S.

• Voltage: Japan operates on 100V, lower than the U.S.'s 120V. Most electronics are compatible, but it's best to check beforehand.

  • World Standards - Power Plugs and Sockets in Japan

    • Website: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/jp/

    • Description: Information on electrical outlets and voltage in Japan.

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3. Health and Safety while journey

• Medical Facilities: It's advisable to have travel insurance in case of emergencies.

• Emergency Numbers:

  • Police: Dial 110

  • Ambulance and Fire: Dial 119

• Food Allergies: Carry cards that explain your allergies in Japanese to show at restaurants.

  • U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan - Medical Assistance

    • Website: https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/

    • Description: List of English-speaking medical facilities in Japan.

  • Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) - Medical Assistance

    • Website: https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html

    • Description: Guide for medical emergencies and assistance while traveling in Japan.

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4. Waste Disposal and Littering

• Scarcity of Trash Cans: Public trash cans are rare, so be prepared to carry your trash until you find one.

• Sorting Garbage: Waste is separated into burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables like PET bottles.

  • Japan Guide - Garbage and Recycling

    • Website: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2224.html

    • Description: Explanation of Japan's waste disposal system and recycling practices.

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5. Smoking Rules

• Public Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in many public areas; only smoke in designated smoking zones.

• Restaurants and Bars: Smoke-free and designated smoking areas are increasingly common.

  • Japan Tobacco - Smoking Rules

    • Website: https://www.jt.com/sustainability/society/smoking_policies/index.html

    • Description: Overview of smoking regulations and designated smoking areas in Japan.

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6. No Tipping Culture

• No Need to Tip: Tipping is not customary in Japan. Service charges are included in the bill.

  • Japan Guide - Tipping in Japan

    • Website: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2225.html

    • Description: Information on why tipping is not customary and its cultural background.

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7. Useful Apps

• Navigation Apps:

  • Google Maps

    • Website: https://www.google.com/maps

    • Description: Useful for navigation and public transportation routes in Japan.

  • NAVITIME Japan Travel

    • Website: https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/

    • Description: Route search and travel guide app for Japan.

  • Japan Official Travel App by JNTO

    • Website: https://www.jnto.go.jp/smartapp/eng/

    • Description: Official travel app providing tourist information and navigation assistance.

• Translation Apps:

  • Google Translate

    • Website: https://translate.google.com/

    • Description: Camera function can translate signs and menus.

  • VoiceTra

    • Website: https://voicetra.nict.go.jp/en/index.html

    • Description: Speech translation app developed by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).

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8. Cultural Experiences

• Onsen Etiquette:

  • Wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath.

  • Note that some establishments may not allow guests with tattoos.

  • Japan Guide - How to Use a Japanese Bath

    • Website: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2292_how.html

    • Description: Guide on proper manners when visiting hot springs.

  • Tattoo-Friendly Onsen List

    • Website: https://tattoo-friendly.jp/

    • Description: Directory of hot springs and baths that allow visitors with tattoos.

• Visiting Temples and Shrines:

  • Bow once before passing through a torii gate.

  • Purify your hands and mouth at the purification fountain.

  • Japan Guide - Visiting Temples and Shrines

    • Website: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2059.html

    • Description: Information on how to respectfully visit religious sites in Japan.

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These websites provide valuable resources to assist in planning your trip to Japan, offering detailed information on transportation, cultural practices, accommodation, and more. Safe travels and enjoy your journey through Japan!