I went to Japan a few months ago for the first time, and I had an amazing time. I had always wanted to go there as I grew up with Japanese friends and a Mom who spoke the language, and it was everything I imagined to to be and more. I was there for ten days, and I still think about it almost everyday. There was, however, quite a big learning curve when I got there, and here are some things I wish I had known before I left that I couldn’t find easily online, so I will share them with you now in case anyone is planning a trip…I cannot wait to go back! Cherry blossom season in on the top of my wish list.
Osaka Castle, Japan
1. The subway/train system is a little tricky. It’s fantastic, but it’s unique in that it has several different train companies sometimes at the same station, and you may need different tickets when changing trains. Getting a Suica card makes it easier. I also highly recommend the tourist Japan Rail pass, (which must be purchased from outside the country, and about least a week in advance as they need to mail it to you) which will work on JR Lines- which includes some but not most Tokyo subway rides,and the Bullet train and regional trains
2. I have a good sense of direction generally but I found Tokyo and other Japanese cities pretty difficult to navigate, the signs are usually just in Japanese and the layout not always so straightforward. However anyone I asked for directions was amazingly helpful and almost every person I asked actually walked with my to my destination to make sure I got there. I was really blown away by the kindness and generosity in Japan.
Osaka, Japan
3 I picked up a Sim card when I got to Tokyo. I had read all sorts of things about renting SIM cards, or having them delivered to your hotel, but it I just went into the large BIC camera electronic store attached to Uniqlo in Shinjuku and was able pick out a temporary one for myself, I got a 1GB BIC sim called “Japan Travel Sim” for mobile internet access (no calls) and popped it right in, no complications at all.
4 I made one mistake of staying in Kyoto on a bank holiday weekend. I mean, it is never a mistake to go to Kyoto, but that weekend was crazy packed. I am talking shoulder to shoulder at the main attractions, and I had to go back after the weekend to some of my favorite spots to get a cleaner shot, including some pre- dawn outings
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto, Japan
Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto, Japan
5 Something great to know in Kyoto is that a lot of the Temples and attractions are open at night, with great lighting designs and some even stay open 24 hours, which is great to know if you after a unique shot.
6 Hotels/ accommodations. Because I was there on a holiday weekend, I was having a lot of trouble finding accommodation. I read a lot in advance about tourist hotels v’s smaller business hotels in Tokyo and red light districts in Shinjuku, which made me nervous (it need not have, having walked around alone at night, I felt totally safe and would no problem staying in that area). However I wasn’t left with much choice, so I booked the Dormy Inn near Shibuya, a business hotel, which I LOVED. I didn’t find the rooms that small, and I loved this chain so much that I booked in again when I needed to stay an extra night in Kyoto, near the train Station. It might be everyone’s cup of tea, and I haven’t tried other chains, but I loved the details, the free noodles and laundry, there havw onsens, they give you lounge clothes to change into, and there is an emergency toilet in the elevator! I loved the attention to detail, they had everything you might need. I also stayed in Airbnb. This was my first time in an Airbnb and I was nervous about it but I had a fantastic experience, and ended up in a great location in the center of Kyoto… Also, useful tip, restrooms when you are out and about restrooms can be found in convenience stores.
7. It going to very very helpful to learn some phrases before you go ( Sumimasen, arigato gozaimasu, doku desu ka? shasin etc…), and the basic customs and manners before you do (taking off shoes, bowing, putting money on the tray etc…). I was surprised that english was not widely spoken as I would have imagined, but I did find that when I attempted a few words of Japanese people did to understand and were incredibly helpful. I would definitely learn a lot more Japanese before my next trip.
8 I think Japan is a pretty photography friendly country, and the times I did ask people if I could take their picture they seemed genuinely happy for me to do so, and on my next trip I would definitely make more of an effort to interact with people for street photography shots etc, as I got such positive responses. Especially in tourist spots where people are often dressed in traditional kimonos, the people I spoke to seemed more than happy to have their picture taken. Obviously it is important to be respectful, but it is fun to interact with people if they are cool with it.
Memory Lane (Piss Lane), Tokyo
9. The food was above and beyond, and I also regret not taking more food shots as it is is so much part of the experience there and my memories of being there. So much care is put into the presentation there are food ops all around. Often in restaurants you pay at the cashier at the end, no tipping.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto, Japan
1o I accidently left my macbook air on the Shinkansen, really not clever, but I did get it back! Japan is a surprisingly safe place and it was returned to me the following day, so if you do lose any gear, don’t give hope, and maybe contact the lost and found, or police department, you just might get it back! That being said it might be a good idea stick a label to write your name and contact info on the bottom of your camera, or computer, will it will increase your odds. Because my name was on my laptop when you open it, I think lost and found they were looking for me too. Also I had luckily backed up all of my files on an external hard drive, so I wouldn’t as devastated as I might have been. Always back up, right as soon as you can.
All in all, a fantastic experience, with amazing photo ops everywhere, and I cannot wait to go back and explore further.