A long shot...............Japan

[Brooke01]

Hi all,

Bear with me - my questions are probably very much a long shot, but maybe someone out there can offer some help

Hubby and I are looking to go to Japan in August to see Aerosmith. Never been to Japan before.

Looking at Tokyo (then having to get to/from Marine Stadium), Nagoya (then having to get to/from Nippon Gaishi Hall) and finally Osaka (then having to get to/from Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium). Obviously, we will be doing other things in between the concerts - but the above is our "firm" itinery. I "think" we can catch the bullet train from Tokyo to Nagoya, then on to Osaka - so that would be pretty cool.

I have a free night at the Peninsula in Tokyo through Centurion - and I have all the hotel status' that go along with Centurion (HHonors. Priority Club, Starwood etc).

Can anyone point me in the right direction for accomodation in the above places, and perhaps distances from accomodation to the stadium's etc ?? We would like "central" accomodation for the other activities that we would like to do - sightseeing etc, but also want to be able to get to/from the venue's without too much stress ! LOL. Would certainly consider a "car service" from the hotel to/from the venue's if that was easier.

Google is my friend - this is true, but I don't know where to start ! How "english speaking" oriented is Japan - I don't want to come across as a total "western tourist", but this will be our first time to a traditional "non western" country.

ANY assistance would be GREATLY appreciated........please

Cheers,

Brooke

 

[opusman]

Getting around Japan is easy for tourists. Signage on public transport is generally in English as well as Japanese. Some travel guides may suggest a JR rail pass but I've found these aren't economical unless you are doing a lot of travelling, so if you can't book your Shinkansen tickets online just buy them at the station the day before you want to travel.

Most people in the tourist industry will speak some English, otherwise generally no but most Japanese people are very friendly and polite so if you learn the words for please and thank you and smile a lot you will be fine. I've been to Japan several times and never had any problems getting around or making myself understood. A lot of restaurants have plastic food displayed outside - if a restaurant doesn't have an English menu just go outside with the waiter and point at what you want!

 

[Hvr]

To travel on Japan trains this site is invaluable: Hyperdia |

Enter the beginning and destination stations and it will give you several choices on how to get there as well as the fare.

As noted above Japan is easy to travel about and there are always signs to direct you and the people are friendly, just talk slowly and clearly and you'll be fine.

 

[drron]

Travelling around Japan is easy.Most Japanese do get taught English but are reserved in speaking it.Just learn a few words,mangle them so you have lost face and they then have no problem talking to you.
If you look lost it wont be long before someone comes to help.At a train station just be aware their understanding of English is not perfect.So if someone tells you the next train is yours it may be to us the train after the one that is due in not the next to arrive that they mean..
On the other hand I doubt that there are any stations now where the English version of the destination doesn't alternate with the Japanese version.
Hotels.In tokyo with hilton i would prefer the Hilton shinjuku over the conrad.For Starwood the Westin is the best one.
Nagoya.I have only stayed at the Westin-small rooms but the view is magnificent over Nagoya castle.For a half day trip at most we loved this place-
Arimatsu tie-dyeing | Japan National Tourism Organization

A long time since I have stayed in Osaka though.

 

[Boris spatsky]

I have found that Japanese ATMs seldom take Aussie cards. Take so currency with you in case you have similar issues.

 

[kevrosmith]

Sorry, don't know much about Tokyo or Nagoya options, but I visited Osaka with a group of friend back in December 2012.

We stayed at Fraser Residence, across the road from Namba station. Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka: Osaka Hotel, Osaka Apartment And Osaka Serviced Residences Great place to stay. Very handy to the subway and trains and shopping districts etc. Rooms in Japan are compact, though they seem to have the art of making good use of small places well down to an art.

In Osaka area, we found these passes invaluable for using the subways/private rail trains and getting into tourist attractions. The Kansai pass especially provide ability to get to the greater Kansai area, covering areas like Kobe, Kyoto, Nara etc. as well.

Kansai Thru-Pass
KANSAI THRU PASS (English) | Ticket&Goods | SURUTTO KANSAI


Osaka Unlimited Pass
Osaka Unlimited Pass 2013

I took a lot of cash and there were probably many places that accepted cash only, but since I just paid with cash 99% of the time, I never knew the extent to which places didn't accept credit card. I bought some stuff from major stores and paid with credit card fine.

It was very easy to get around as a tourist as all the train stations signage and announcements were in English. I tried to ask a few random people directions once or twice, but this was a struggle. Trying to show a map was a little bit more successful.

As others said, ordering food is very easy as they nearly always have picture or plastic models and you just point. I found everyone very willing to help you order: you'd just point at the picture, say "ichi, kudasai" and then point at yourself and they'd reply "one" and point at you and then the food. Lots of nodding and smiling.

 

[kevrosmith]

If you want a local guide as well, you may want to check out their "Goodwill guides":
Volunteer Guides to take you around Japan | JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine | Japan National Tourism Organization
Japan National Tourism Organization | Plan Your Trip | Travel Tips | Guide Services

 

[here2go]

I have found that Japanese ATMs seldom take Aussie cards. Take so currency with you in case you have similar issues.

I had no problems in 07/08, but that was mainly around North Thredbo aka Niseko - but apparently 7-Eleven ATMs are always good for "Gaijin" credit cards.

 

[amaroo]

Tokyo is brillant. Very easy to get around, friendly and a real pleasure to experience.

IMO public transport doesn't get any better than Japan.....I would avoid a car.

Peninsula would be a great choice however, I wouldn't bother for a one night stay if you have more days in Tokyo - stay there for the whole visit......we've enjoyed staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo and would recommend this hotel if you are looking for other options.

Also, I would highly recommend that you take the opportunity to visit Kyoto - you wont regret it!

 

[fdken]

We have traveled to Japan 7-8 times on leisure trips, most recently in April/May.

I had read on our last trip that 7 Elevens were going to cease international card access to their ATMS and may have already done so. However you can use and VISA/Mastercard through the Japan Post international ATM terminals. Also there are a few Citibank ATMs, there is one at Narita, however I don't think any do Savings/Check accounts only those through Visa/Mastercard ie: Credit Cards or Visa/Debit type cards.

Hyperdia is a good source to make comparisons of costs, to weigh up the Railpass. For convenience it may be worthwhile to pay more for the pass, it just depends on cost. For one week it may be cheaper but if you were there for 2 weeks then the railpass is a good option. If you don't do the railpass then the NEX/Suica card is a really good saving. If you google it you can get all the details.

In Tokyo, I doubt it matters where you stay. You will want to visit Shibuya/Harajuku and the Ginza/Tokyo Areas which are on opposite sides anyway. The subways criss cross, however if you get a Railpass you will probably use the JR services instead.

I downloaded a free App called MetrO and used it in about a dozen cities, It is awesome for train/subway connections. If you are using the subways then I can recommend it for Tokyo. Tokyo is the only Japanese city I have used it in, but I imagine it would be good for Osaka, and you probably don't need anything for Nagoya

Assuming you have an Iphone, use the microsoft maps not the Google Maps, they have much better detail. I zoom in and out of the areas I want to go to in the hotel wifi, and the phone then uses triangulation by telephone towers to map your location when you are out without using wifi. Much easier than a paper map. You can also get wifi at Starbucks after registering.

You cannot purchase any form of sim for a phone or Ipad. You can rent a wifi device at the airport or a rental phone, but you have to do it there and about $15 a day I think.

On the last trip I noticed a counter that offered tourists free access to one of the carriers wifi spots(I am not sure but maybe NTT but don't quote me), but the desk was empty as it was after 8pm. It was on the level where you come out of customs before you go down the elevators to the trains. The Citibank Teller is on the right going down towards the trains.

Enjoy, I am sure you will have fun

 

[markis10]

You cannot purchase any form of sim for a phone or Ipad. You can rent a wifi device at the airport or a rental phone, but you have to do it there and about $15 a day I think.

You can get a data only prepaid sim from B mobile through Yodobashi Camera or BIC Camera stores. Y3480 for 1gb valid for a month. You can also buy one online with 14 day expiry for y3980 and get it sent to your hotel for your arrival, just use Name, Guest in residence from 15 June, Hotel Name etc, or you can arrange to pick it up from the airport PO on arrival for an additional fee.
http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/

 

[fdken]

You can get a data only prepaid sim from B mobile through Yodobashi Camera or BIC Camera stores. Y3480 for 1gb valid for a month. You can also buy one online with 14 day expiry for y3980 and get it sent to your hotel for your arrival, just use Name, Guest in residence from 15 June, Hotel Name etc, or you can arrange to pick it up from the airport PO on arrival

b-mobile VISITOR SIM | b-mobile wireless internet

Wow, wish I knew that last month. We tried 2 phone companies, and even the Apple Store and they all told us the same story. Next time!

Thanks

 

[LadyC]

Another vote for Kyoto if you have an opportunity - beautiful city!

Also, big thumbs up for the Trip Advisor City Guides app. It's free to download and the city maps are free. It contains locations of hotels, restaurants, attractions, shopping etc and if you connect to a network (data roaming not required), it will pinpoint your location using the in built GPS in your phone. Very helpful for getting around, especially when you get lost!

 

[calroth]

It was very easy to get around as a tourist as all the train stations signage and announcements were in English. I tried to ask a few random people directions once or twice, but this was a struggle. Trying to show a map was a little bit more successful.

A little bit more information on this.

A lot of signs in Japan are in English... and as a result, although many Japanese aren't great at speaking English, they're more accustomed to reading it.

So if you're talking to someone and they look confused, try writing your question on a piece of paper (in clear and well-spaced lettering!). If you're lost, even something simple like "Aerosmith concert, Marine Stadium". This also has the advantage that they can draw maps for you, write down train stations, etc. without getting too embarrassed about their English speaking skills.

Also, Japan is awesome and you'll have a great time.

 

[Cynicor]

What exact status do you have? If SPG plat then Westin is nice. If only SPG gold and HH diamond or gold then stay at the Hilton or the Conrad. All 3 are in good locations. Tokyo doesn't have a central area per se, everything is over lots of different areas so you stay on the main Yamanote line (all the above are) and you will be ok.

Tokyo is so easy to get around on their metros, you don't really need an app, but they an help for the long inter-city trips.
Everyone is willing to try to help you even if they don't speak a word of english!

Osaka I think the folks stayed at the Westin and had no issues.

 

[scaredeycat]

The only major difficulties in Japan you're likely to encounter in Japan are that you won't be able to rely on your credit cards being widely accepted (apart from hotels -and railway booking offices did accept Amex, I seem to recall); the other stumbling block is data. I would strongly recommend that you organise to rent a wireless hot spot, which can be done before you leave Australia - have it waiting for you at your first hotel.
Anytime you find an ATM in Japan that takes Australian cards you should take out plenty of cash. Japan is very safe and theft is very rare.

 

[opusman]

Oh and remember never to try tipping! We once had a waiter chase us down the street to return the 5 yen coin I'd left behind after they brought the change.

 

[Deleted member]

Some items already covered, but some points to consider.
my experience is :
1 people very polite and helpful
2 directions: keep questions simple. Don't ask questions using long sentences. A single word or two is best
Eg Bus Stop? Shinkansen? etc
3 buy plenty of yen before you go. IME you get a better exchange rate here and I think Japan is quite a safe place so having lots of cash wasn't a worry for me
4 ATM's don't like Aussie CC's
5 small establishments generally don't use CC's either. Hotels etc no problem
6 taxis are relatively cheap for short trips ( and get you to where you want to be)
7 I didn't notice lots of signs in English .
8 learn basic phrases before you go, it will be seen in a positive light . Courtesy will get you a long way

 

[Fruitcake]

I heartily agree with recommendations of getting some form of mobile internet access. As pointed a lot of signage is in English but with extremely few street names navigating on foot can be quite confusing. However, Google Maps and its transit directions in Japan are fantastic.

 

[serfty]

... Don't ask questions using long sentences. A single word or two is best
Eg Bus Stop? Shinkansen? etc
3 buy plenty of yen before you go. IME you get a better exchange rate here and I think Japan is quite a safe place so having lots of cash wasn't a worry for me
4 ATM's don't like Aussie CC's ...

I find the 28° card (also, it seems, the Citi Debit)tends to give the best spot rates and I have always been able to find an ATM that works with it.)