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Japan Travel Guide

Guide to visiting Japan

Traveling to Japan can be overwhelming especially when not familiar with the language, culture, or traditions. It may feel like a shock to the system, but with a little preparation it is easy to navigate and enjoy. Most importantly do not worry– Japan is very safe, and if you are respectful and apply basic good manners, you can usually find  help.

Where to stay

It is recommended to stay in IKEBUKORO, within an easy walk to Ikebukuro train station.  Although JKF Wado Kai training and other event related activities are distributed around Tokyo, Ikebukuro is a central hub that connects to all venues.

Two tried and tested hotel options are:

There are numerous hotels within walking distance of Ikebukuro  train station that are reasonably priced and serviceable.
Check out AGODA https://www.agoda.com for almost every hotel within a 1 km radius of the train station.   Verify via Google directions to the station ensure the walk is reasonable.

Arriving in Japan

All passengers must complete an immigration and customs application to enter Japan. This can be done online: https://viw-ip.digital.go.ip/en/ Read the “Visit Japan Web” instructions. Scan the QR code or click on https://www.viw.digital.go.jp to go to the login page to register as a new user. Once logged in you can register your details, you can also register as a family so only one person needs to fill in the application. A blue tick will confirm when you have completed each section. You can also complete a manual form upon arrival.

There are two international airports – Haneda (within metropolitan Tokyo), and Narita (further from Tokyo). After passing through customs book transport to your accommodation by bus  or train. Taxis are expensive.

Narita airport  to Ikebukuro:  Narita Express is the fastest way to get to Tokyo. It is a convenient, and comfortable limited express train that directly connects this airport with Tokyo and its districts such as  Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku within ~ 1 hour. Change at Shinjuku for the JR Yamanote line to Ikebukuro (about 15 min), which circles around Tokyo every two minutes. Ikebukuro is a large and busy station with many exits. Ensure that you take the exit indicated on your hotel booking to walk to hotels.

The orange “Limousine Bus” departing from both Narita and Haneda is a good option. https://www.klook.com/en-CA/activity/2274-narita-haneda-airport-limousine-bus-tokyo/. Reserved seats to Ikebukuro can be booked  online. However, it takes up to 2 hours depending on traffic, but luggage comes with you. Seats can also be purchased and reserved at both airports.

Haneda airport  to Ikebukuro: Catch the monorail train (~$6) to Hamamatsu station, which is the terminus of the monorail (16 min). Change to the Yamanote line for Ikebukuro (20 min)

Depending on factors such as the time of arrival and exhaustion status, luggage can be sent from the airport to your hotel by services in both  airports  such as Yamato, Kuroneko (black cat) for $30-$50. However, this can take up to 3 days to arrive at Ikebukuro hotels depending on the season.

If you plan to use these services, then ensure that you have what is needed for up to three days in your carry-on baggage.

Cellular data / WiFi access

Having a phone with constant access to data is helpful in terms of Google maps and Google translate at all times. Beware of  “Roam like Home” options as they can cost $15 per day, whereas e-sim cards cost in the range of $12 – $20 for the entire stay. Airalo is popular. Sim cards can be purchased in advance online for specific periods and amounts of data.

For Sim Cards:

  1. Follow the setup instructions of the provider carefully, as it cannot be redone if you make an error.
  2. Most e-sim cards are only for data. The primary provider (to avoid roaming charges) will not be able to receive or make calls on your usual number, but outgoing and incoming calls can be accessed using WhatsApp.
  3. Although free Wi-Fi is available in many places, it can mess with sim cards, therefore it is recommended that you use only the e-sim card.

Transport

Getting around Tokyo  involves lots of walking and sitting  on trains. Google Maps is your best friend, and will give you extremely accurate directions, even telling you where to stand on which platform, for which train and at what time. Trains are punctual, and stations are well signposted with colour coding to help navigation. The trains are clean and efficient but become extremely crowded at peak times. Therefore,  avoid traveling during peak hours if possible. But if you must, then be prepared for standing room only and no personal space. You may also need to wait in line for several trains to pass before your chance comes to get pushed (literally) into trains. On board, bags should be limited or kept on the floor or placed in overhead racks to allow space for others. Backpacks  are a liability as they can be at the same height of a person’s face. To travel by train, and to enter and exit some train stations, requires a SUICA card, which saves time buying tickets every time you need to step on a train. SUICA cards are available for purchase on an App. for your phone (which you can download to your wallet), or you can get a physical card which you upload with money at machines located at all station entrances. The green version requires a refundable deposit of Y500 and an initial starting balance of Y1,500, but is refundable and reusable for future visits. The red “welcome Suica” version is a visitor’s card and requires no deposit, but any funds left on it will expire after 28 days. The cost of trips varies by the distance, the speed pf the trains, and number of transfers, but is usually between $2.50 – $6 (250-600 Yen) within Tokyo. About 5,000 thousand yen should be sufficient for about a week. The machine (or the app) will tell you what your balance is when you exit the station, so you will know when it is time to top up. Tap the card over the machine sensor (not wave or swipe). Observe how others do it if you are not successful with your initial attempts. The Suica card can also be used to purchase things at vending machines, convenience stores, and coffee shops

If you plan to travel around Japan before or after an event, a JR Rail Pass enables travel on all JR train lines that are above ground including specific bullet trains and local lines such as the Yamanote line. Subways and most private lines use the Suica Card). https://www.jtb.ca/en/jrpass.

Budget / Money

Although credit cards are widely accepted, Japan is still largely cash based. Therefore, pre-order yen for your trip, or withdraw money at ATMs in many convenience stores  upon arrival. Stick to Y1000 – Y5,000 denominations if you can. A few Y10,000 notes are okay, but can be hard to change at times if you are spending a small amount. Some banks will offer Y2,000 notes but many vendors in Japan will NOT accept them.

Daily expenses will depend on the level of comfort you choose. Good hotels are affordable ( Y8,000 -Y20,000+/night) in Ikebukuro. Many restaurants offer “sets” of 2- or 3-course meals with a beverage which are generally good value. A basic breakfast or lunch set will typically be around Y1,000 – Y2,000+. Dinners are usually a bit more (Y2,000- Y3,500 +). Lawsons, 7-Eleven, and Family Mart convenience stores (konbini) are everywhere and offer a diverse range of products and services. They are a great place to pick up inexpensive packaged take outs for  breakfast or lunch and find an ATM. Overall budget should be a minimum of $150+ per day and closer to $200+/day for accommodation, food and travel.

Meals

Breakfast is an opportunity to meet, and discuss daily plans, regarding training, shopping, or sightseeing. Café Gusto in Ikebukuro  is the traditional morning meeting point. Western breakfasts  are ~ $7. Before training it is typical to stop into the convenience store for a drink, sandwich, and anything else you may need to fuel you during the day/session. After training, instructors sometimes invite a group to join them at dinner. Attendance is not at all compulsory, but it allows  the instructors to get to know you and vice versa. Regardless of what is eaten and how many beverages are consumed, the bill will be divided equally amongst the group, which can be ¥3,000 – ¥5,000, depending on the restaurant. Some cafés offer separate billing, but in groups one person at the table will collect the ¥3,000 – ¥5,000 from all individuals in the group and pay the total bill. Tipping for services including taxis and restaurants is not customary in Japan. The table bill is often delivered to your table with your food , and then paid at a front desk when you leave. If you add to your initial order, the first bill may be removed and a second bill delivered. At Gusto for example, food is ordered using an i-pad (English option and pictures) and the order is delivered by robots, which will stop at your table for you to unload it. Many restaurants have English menus available on request, but if not, the Google translate app will help if you place a phone camera over the Japanese text.

Chopstick etiquette: Using chopsticks for anything other than eating is as disrespectful as using forks and knives for anything other than eating. Sticking chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice is bad karma because it is  how rice is offered to deceased persons. Passing food from one to another with chopsticks is also a no-no as it is unhygienic. Once you have eaten simply place your chopsticks side by side on top of a plate, or on chopstick holders.

Safety

Japan is very safe, and theft, pickpocketing etc. is rare. Notwithstanding as a tourist you will stand out, so take the usual precautions you would anywhere to ensure you and your valuables safe. If you find yourself in an extreme event such as an earthquake, typhoon, or tsunami, follow instructions that re  provided in several languages.

Should you become ill or injured, call The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Visitor Hotline at : 050-3816-2787, which is a 24/7 call centre for foreigners needing medical assistance.

Police: 110

Fire Department: 119

Tokyo English Life Line: 03-5774-0992

Weather

It is recommended that you investigate the weather conditions for the time of year you are planning to travel as the conditions can vary from season to season.

General etiquette

Shoes: Japan keep  things clean. Outdoor shoes are never worn indoors unless you are shopping. Upon entering a building, or traditional style restaurant  shoe racks are for exchanging your outdoor shoes  for indoor sandals or slippers that are found on or in racks. They are complimentary. Sandals  specifically worn in toilets and bathrooms, where they are placed at the entrance. Switch the outdoor shoes for the slippers and reverse the process when you exit. Take care not to trudge around a hotel,  inn, private home, or restaurant wearing “unclean” toilet slippers.

Pointing is rude, as it has a negative connotation. Always point using the whole hand with the fingers together when indicating anything

Trash: Garbage cans are not prevalent in public spaces due to an incident that occurred a couple of decades ago. Recycling is a way of life, so taking your own  trash  to your hotel is frequent.

Smoking is not allowed on the street and is limited to designated smoking zones. Unfortunately, most restaurants and bars allow it, although you can request non-smoking zones…

Eating and Drinking on the go: Starbucks is prevalent all over Tokyo. Therefore people do walk and drink coffee on the streets. Find somewhere to sit and eat if it must be done on the street. Avoid eating and drinking on trains. All this is to do with the sheer density of crowds and having food and drink spilled on your clothing is never good. Eating and drinking on the trains is not encouraged.

Oshibori: Many restaurants provide hot towels to wipe hands before starting a meal.

Soy sauce – Most restaurants provide small bowls for soy sauce, for dipping morsels of food.

Clothing – Working Japanese people tend to dress conservatively and more formally than Westerners. Tourists are usually more casual, but tight or overly revealing clothing is in bad taste.

Stand left, walk right – Go up and stairs or escalators on the left, leaving the right for people in a hurry.

Gifts – If training at dojo or teams, bring some small gifts with Canadian content to present to others. Maple Syrup, Canadian candies, Canadiana, CZWKA karate swag are all good options. Gifts should be presented with both hands and a bow to the specific individual, or the most senior person if a group.

Tattoos – Tattoos tend are associated with criminals in Japan. Some sideways glances and being refused entry to onsen (public spa/bath) or public swimming pools. Very visible tattoos should be taped  over to avoid unwanted attention.

Training Locations

BumB Tokyo Sports and Culture Center (BumB TSCC, 2 Chome 1-3 Yumenoshima, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0081, Japan) . From Ikebukuro station: Platform 3, Yurakucho line to Shin Kiba Station (15 stops), then walk 17 mins.

Urayasu Gymnasium (2-2-7 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan). From Ikebukoro Station: Platform 3, Yurakucho Line to Shin Kiba Station (15 stops), change to Keiyo line to Maihama Station (2 stops) then walk 12 mins

Nippon Budokan (2-3 Kitanomaru Koen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo). From Ikebukoro Station: Platform 6, Yamanote line to Takadanobaba, Change to Tozai Subway line, platform 1 to Kudanshita (towards Nishi Funabashi), take exit 2 and walk 8 mins.

Kobayashi Dojo, Guseikai, Okumachi, and Arakawa dojo are often visited.

Schedule

It is always recommended that individuals arrive several days prior to the training event as it takes time to adjust to the change in time and environment.