19 May 2015
| Last updated on 26 May 2015
Holiday Guide to Japan
Japan is one of the most unique countries on the planet.
It's a great place for a summer break due to the fact there is heaps to see and explore. Your taste buds will be taken to new places and you will leave this country calm and relaxed. The Japanese culture is polite, calm, clean and ever so helpful. Here are some of our top tips if you are visiting Japan this summer holiday and our highlights of Tokyo.
The local currency is the Japanese Yen. It is important you have cash on you while traveling around Japan. Though more places are starting to accept cards they are not accepted in many shops, restaurants and train stations. Some ATM does not accept cards from other countries. The best place to get cash is the Airport when you arrive.
Tipping is not expected in Japan. The culture prides itself on a saying that translates to “always trying to do better” and you can see them really live this through their daily lives. If you do leave a tip you will more than likely be chased down the street for leaving your change.
SEE ALSO: The ExpatWoman guide to living in Japan
Using public transport is the easiest way to get around. It is fairly priced and is a very reliable service. Everything seems to run on time in Japan. Japanese efficiency and reliability is something to be envied across the world. Even if your mode of transport is one minute late you will receive an apology from the PA systems or transport staff. All the airports have good links in and out of Tokyo. Train or bus is the best way to get into the city if you are traveling by yourself. If you are traveling as a family with luggage then a flat fare taxi might be a better option. Taxis are easy to use. They are more expensive than public transport and unless you speak Japanese or have your destination written down it might prove tricky finding your destination.
Learn some Japanese phrases. You should use Japanese phrases such as, Arigatou gozaimasu (Thank you very much) when you are out and about. It is always appreciated when used and extremely respectful. Another polite culture observation is to do a slight bow with your head whenever you are thanking someone in Japan.
This is a foodie place and there is more to Japanese food than just sushi. You will get try dishes here that you would not even think imaginable, like a lotus flower pizza! Most places have pictures of the food they severe which will help you with your menu choice. There is also a trend of displaying plastic food in Japan. Many restaurants display their food in a shop window style with 3D models of dishes that are on their Menu.
It is common in Japan to pay for your food before you go into a restaurant. Some eateries you will notice a vending machine by the door. You make your selection from the machine by pressing the button with the image of the dish you would like to have. Pay the machine and then it will issue you with a ticket. You then hand that ticket to your food server inside the restaurant. They have this process so that food handlers do not need to handle money.
Tokyo
Tokyo is an electric city that has so much to do and seen. Tokyo is spread out and made up of lots of different districts. There is plenty to see across the city. The Metro system is the best way to get round and now displays most signs in English characters. Here are some highlights for you to try:
City Views
There are many places you can have a great view of the vast city of Tokyo. Most of the attractions charge for you to go up to their viewing galleys. The best one is the new Sky Tree Tower standing 634m high. It is untouchable in the Tokyo skyline and has impressive observatory. For another impressive view of the city, get down to the government Building in Shinjuku. They have an impressive veiw of the whole city. On a clear day you can even see Mount Fuji in the distances. The best bit about the government building? It’s absolutely free!
Asakusa Temple
This is one of the most famous and visited temples in Tokyo. It is a Buddhist temple located near Asakusa train station. Once you leave the station it is well sign posted and there are usually a crowd of people walking towards the temple. The approach is quite impressive as you walk along a narrow and crowed street full of small vendors’ selling souvenirs and food.
Harajuku
This is a vibrant and fun area that is a must see. It is the center of Japan’s youth culture with lots of side streets with shops and cafes to explore. It is even home to the largest DAISO store in Japan, and at most things priced at 100 yen it’s worth a peek.
Shibuya
This is a district that is not to be missed. It is the shopping and entertainment capital of the city. It is also home to the famous Shibuya street crossing. A great place to take a selfie! This is the place to shop till you drop! After you can chose from the many bars, restaurants and clubs to visit. It is also home to the famous Hachiko Statue. He was a dog made famous by the Hollywood movie Hachiko: A dogs Story. The loyal dog waited every day for his master outside the train station, even after he had passed.
New York Bar, Park Hyatt
This Bar is famous from the film ‘Lost in Translation’ its drinks are priced highly but it a great place to relax look at a great view with the relaxing sounds of live jazz.
Tokyo Disney Resort
This is a fabulous day out of the city. There are many great links between the city and the resort. It is one of the most reasonably price Disney Resorts. A walk in ticket on the day is 6900 Yen. The resort is made up of two parks, DisneySea and Disneyland If you only want to spend one day at the resort then visit Tokyo DisneySea. It’s the only one in the world and like no other park. Its theme around water and the sea and has more of the adventures rides. Many of the guest wear fancy dress and are look so happy…..You might even be tempted to buy and where a pair of Mickey Mouse ears!
