A quick look at the history of cherry blossom season in Japan

Japan’s tradition of going out to view the beauty of the blooming cherry flowers is known as hanami (which translates to “flower viewing”). It started many centuries ago, back in the 8^th century, during the Nara Period, and was even referenced in the Heian period literature piece titled “The Tale of Genji.”

The custom was originally observed as a way to celebrate harvest, and welcome the beginning of the rice-planting season. During the Heian Period, Emperor Saga organized sakura viewing parties for his Imperial Court to enjoy food and sake underneath the blossoming cherry trees. Eventually, the practice was adopted by the rest of the society.

Best sakura viewing or hanami spots in Japan

Because cherry trees are everywhere in Japan, the country has no shortage of sakura viewing spots. But, there are some that stand out among the rest, and are highly rated by locals and foreigners alike.

Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)

A large, spacious park in the heart of Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is home to lots of different varieties of cherry trees. Around late March, they start to bloom and turn the park into a stunning visual spectacle. It is open every day throughout the cherry blossom season, and charges 200 yen to enter.

To get there, you can take a 10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, or a 5-minute walk from either JR Sendagaya Station or Shinjukugyoenmae Station.

Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto)

Approximately two kilometers long, the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto is a pleasant stone pathway along a canal in a quiet neighborhood in Higashiyama district. It is lined by cherry trees on both sides that create a tunnel-like walkway of incredible pink flowers. It starts near Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion) and ends around Nanzenji, and takes less than an hour to traverse.

From Kyoto Station, bus numbers 5, 17, and 100 offers direct connections to Ginkakuji, where the beginning of the path is only a few minutes’ walk away.

If you decide to start the trek at the Nanzenji end of the path, take either the Tozai Subway Line to Keage Station, or Kyoto City Bus number 5 to Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop, and then walk 5 to 10 minutes to the path.

Himeji Castle (Himeji)

Himeji Castle is one of the most important and iconic castles of Japan. Referred to as the White Heron Castle (or Shirasahijo in Japanese) for its sophisticated, white exterior, this 400-year-old landmark is one of the only 12 surviving original castle in the country. Its castle grounds consist of numerous gates, buildings, and winding paths, and its gardens have an abundance of cherry trees that people flock to during cherry blossom seasons every year.

From Tokyo, Himeji Castle is a little over three hours away via the Shinkansen. If coming from Kyoto or Osaka, the Shinkansen ride takes less than an hour. And, from Himeji Station, the castle is about a 15 to 20 minute walk.

Kakunodate (Akita Prefecture)

An old castle town and samurai district, Kakunodate is one of the best hanami spots in the northern Tohoku region. It is most famous for its well-preserved samurai houses and hundreds of weeping sakura trees. The Hinokinai riverbank serves as the biggest viewing spot in the city, and hosts crowds of people who want to enjoy picnics under the beautiful pink blossoms.

JR Kakunodate Station is about a three-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station. To get to Hinokinai riverbank and samurai house district, you can either walk 20 minutes or take a cab from the train station.

Fort Goryokaku (Hakodate)

A Western-style fortress constructed during the Tokugawa Era in the city of Hakodate, Fort Goryokaku is large, star-shaped citadel that has a massive public park that is home to more than a thousand cherry trees. It is visited by many people around early May, when cherry blossom season is at its peak.

The closest major railway station to Fort Goryokaku is Hakodate Station, and from there, you can get on the tram going to Goryokaku Koen Mae, which is about a 10-minute walk away from the fortress’ main entrance.

Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto)

A 17^th century castle known for its black-and-white exterior, large stone walls, and impressive castle tower, Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan’s top three most famous castles. Its grounds are abundant with different varieties of cherry trees that reach peak bloom around late March to early April.

From Kumamoto Station, the castle is a 15-minute tram ride away, or a 30 to 45 minute walk.

Takayama Matsuri (Takayama)

Takayama Matsuri is a two-day annual festival held every spring, from April 14 to 15, in the city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. It features several elaborately adorned festival floats displayed around the city, a karakuri performance where karakuri dolls are controlled mechanically to perform dances, a mikoshi (a portable shrine) parade, and an evening festival where the festival floats on display are paraded around town.

To get to Takayama from Tokyo, take a two-hour Shinkansen ride to Nagoya, where you need to transfer to a limited express train for another two-hour-and-twenty-minute train ride.

Cherry blossom products, souvenirs, and other merchandise

During sakura season, you can find many stores and shops around the hanami spots and festival sites that sell a wide variety of products that are sakura-related.

There are sakura ice cream, sakura dumplings, sakura beer, sakura coffee, sakura tea, sakura soda, sakura cake, sakura-flavoured Kit Kats, and even sakura-themed Starbucks drinks.

There are also non-food sakura-themed items, such as mugs and tumblers, jewelry, clothing, shoes, and accessories, which are sometimes available for a limited time only.

The post Best Sakura Viewing or Hanami Spots in Japan appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

What is the Suica card?

The Suica card is an IC card issued by the JR East Railways that people can use for travelling, shopping, and other transactions in Japan. It works as a prepaid electronic money card that you can top up or recharge to be able to pay for subway, train, and bus fares, drinks and snacks from vending machines, items bought at convenience stores, and more. With it, there is no need to wait in line at ticket vending machines, or rifle through your coin purse for exact change.

How do you buy a Suica card?

There are three ways to acquire a Suica card.

1. You can buy a Suica card at the JR East Ticket Offices or Midori-no-madoguchi, and JR East Travel Service Centers at the major JR East Stations in Tokyo.

If you are flying in to Japan via Narita or Haneda Airport, you can head straight to a JR East Travel Service Center at either airport to purchase your Suica card. Here are maps on where you can find these offices:

• Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3
• Haneda Airport International Terminal

In central Tokyo, you can purchase your Suica card at the JR East Travel Service Centers found at the following locations:

• Tokyo Station
• Shinjuku Station
• Shibuya Station
• Ueno Station
• Ikebukuro Station

2. You can get your own Suica card at ticket vending machines once in Japan.

It is also possible to purchase your own Suica card at ticket vending machines found at train stations in the JR East region. Here are the steps on how to do it:

1. Tap the screen and select the “English” language option.
2. On the next screen, choose the “Purchase New Suica” button.
3. You will be presented with two choices: “MySuica” and “Suica”.
4. If you want a Suica card that has your name on it and can be replaced in case you lose it, press the “MySuica” button. You will be asked to input your full name, birthday, sex, and phone number in order to create the card. If you are okay with having a regular, blank card with just the Suica logo on it, choose “Suica”. You do not have to provide any personal information for this one.
5. Decide how much credits you would like to put into your Suica card. You have six choices: 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen.
6. After selecting your desired card value, insert bills and/or coins into the machine’s bill and coin slots to pay for your purchase.
7. Your new Suica card should be ready in seconds.

3. Purchase your Suica card online before you leave for your trip.

If you do not want to have to deal with figuring out how the ticket vending machines work or how to find your way to the JR East Travel Service Centers after a 12-hour flight, you can always buy a Suica card online, weeks or months before your departure.

We recommend purchasing your Suica card online through a company called simcardgeek.com. They can ship your Suica card to your home address, so you can have one with you ready for use as soon as you arrive to Japan.

How much does a Suica card cost?

Suica cards, whether for adults or children, are sold for the following prices:

• 1,000 yen
• 2,000 yen
• 3,000 yen
• 4,000 yen
• 5,000 yen
• 10,000 yen

Out of the total cost, 500 yen serves as a deposit that you can get back when your return your Suica to any JR East service centre at the end of your trip, while the rest is the amount of credits that you can use for train and bus travel, and others.

If you get an adult’s Suica card, the adult’s rate is deducted per use. If you get child’s Suica card, the child’s rate is deducted per use.

How do you use the Suica to get around?

At train stations, you have to touch your Suica card onto the card readers at the ticket gates. You do this at your departure station right before entering the ticket gates to your train platform, and also after getting off the train to exit your arrival station. Doing so automatically deducts the exact fare from your card.

When riding buses, you also just touch your Suica onto the card reader by the doors or next to the driver upon getting on or getting off to have the exact fare automatically deducted from your card.

How do you use the Suica for shopping?

You can use your Suica card to buy a wide variety of goods and items while in Japan.

• While aboard a train, you can pay for food and beverages you buy from the train trolley service using it.
• You can get bottled water, soda in cans, coffee, ice cream, and other goods from vending machines using your Suica instead of bills or coins.
• Many convenience stores and restaurants also accept Suica as methods of payment. Just check with the staff in advance.
• At many train stations, you can use your Suica to rent coin lockers for your luggage.

Where can you use the Suica card?

A Suica card has wide coverage all over Japan. Upon purchasing it in Tokyo or some other areas in the JR East region, it is valid in several other transportation networks from as far north as Hokkaido to as far south as Kyushu.

It can be used to travel on JR and non-JR train and bus lines within a city or from one city to another, as long as both the departure point and the arrival point belong to the same area. For example, you can use it if travelling between Kyoto and Osaka, as both cities are in the JR West/Kansai area. Take a look at this Suica Map for more details on where you can use your Suica.

Also, just recently, the Tokaido-Shinkansen and Tohoku/Joetsu/Hokuriku Shinkansen lines have started accepting IC cards, including Suica, for non-reserved seats. Your Suica card has to be registered first to be able to avail of this service. More information is available on the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen Reservation Information Page.

How do you recharge your Suica?

You can recharge your Suica card at the ticket vending machines and recharging machines at JR and non-JR railway almost anywhere in Japan. You can top it up as many times as you need in multiples of 1,000 yen, to a maximum amount of 20,000 yen. You must pay for the load in cash (bills and/or coins), as the machines do not accept credit cards payments.

What is its validity period?

Your Suica card is valid for a period of 10 years. If you get one on your first trip to Japan, you can choose to keep it and not return it yet for a refund, so that you can make use of it once again if you come back to the country within the next decade. If you fail to use your Suica in 10 years, the card becomes invalid, and you will have to get a new one for your next Japan trip.

The post The Prepaid Suica Card; Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Long-distance travel

There are a number of options to choose from when it comes to long-distance travel within Japan. Which one to use depends on a variety of factors, such as your budget, how fast you wish to arrive to your destination, and what amenities you would want to have to ensure that your trip is as comfortable as you would like it to be.

Plane

There are many airline companies that offer domestic travel in Japan. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are the big two that operate the majority of the flights in the more than fifty airports all over the country. There are also a number of smaller airlines — such as Peach Aviation, Vanilla Air, Jetstar Japan, Air Do, Air Asia Japan, Spring Airlines Japan, Starflyer, IBEX Airlines, and Fuji Dream Airlines — that offer flights at cheaper rates, perfect for travellers on a budget.

Shinkansen

Most of Japan’s major cities are connected by a high-speed bullet train network that is run by the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). Known as the Shinkansen, these bullet trains can travel up to speeds of 320 kilometres per hour.

Shinkansen lines run from Hakodate in the north to Kagoshima in the south, from Tokyo in the east to Hiroshima in the west, and vice versa, almost all day long. They offer comfortable, cushioned seats with sufficient foot space and luggage space in both their ordinary cars (regular type seats) and green cars (business class type seats); toilets; smoking areas; electrical outlets in every seat; and food trolleys with quite a good selection of beverage, snacks, and bento.

If you expect to use the Shinkansen a couple of times in your trip, consider getting the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which offers unlimited rides on most of the Shinkansen lines and JR-operated trains, buses, and ferries across Japan, for 7, 14, or 21 days. Check out our post on Japan Rail Pass FAQ’s for more information.

Regular trains

Some Japanese cities are not part of the Shinkansen network, so getting there can be done via regular trains.

In the Hokkaido region, for example, the Hokkaido Shinkansen line only goes up to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. So, from there, you take a local train, a rapid train, a limited express train, or a combination of these to get to Sapporo, Wakkanai, Asahikawa, Kushiro, Abashiri, and other parts of Hokkaido.

Highway Buses

Highway buses are recommended to budget travellers who do not mind travelling slower or spending the night on a reclined seat to save a night’s worth of hostel stay or several thousands of yen on a Shinkansen ticket.

To illustrate, a one-way, 135-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around 13,000 yen, while a one-way, 9-hour overnight bus ride costs only 4,000 yen.

The JR Group and Willer Express have highway buses that serve interregional and intercity routes all over the country. They typically offer reclined seats with trays and cup holders, overhead luggage racks, storage trunks, electric outlets, and toilets. Learn more about the different highway bus routes, ticket prices, and reservation procedures on Japan Bus Online.

Travelling within a city

Getting around any Japanese city has been made easy and convenient for tourists by city buses, metro and subway trains, and cabs.

Metro or subway

Japan’s popular tourist cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, are served by extensive metro and subway train networks operated by Japan Railways and other private companies.

Train operations typically begin at around five in the morning, and end around midnight, and trains come and go every three to twenty minutes or so. A lot of a city’s most popular sightseeing spots are a short walk or bus ride from metro and subway stations.

City buses

City buses are an alternative to the metro and subway to get around many cities in Japan.

In Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Sendai, Nagoya, Kanazawa, and other favourite tourist metropolises, there are even special city buses that follow a tourist sightseeing route, meaning they only stop at the most famous attractions in the city to give visitors quick and convenient access to places that are high on their must-see lists.

Cabs

Some of the most interesting hidden gems and off-the-beaten path attractions in Japan are way out of the train and bus routes, so taking a cab is a good way to reach them.

There are usually cab or taxi stands found outside train stations and other landmarks in any Japanese town or city. For non-Japanese speakers, it is advisable to have the Japanese address of your destination on a piece of paper or marked on a map to easily relay to the cab drivers where you want to go.

Other modes of transport

Rental cars

Much of the Japanese countryside tends to not be very accessible via public transportation, so rental cars are a convenient and economical option, especially if travelling with a group or with tons of luggage.

You can rent a car at a rental car company booth found at airports and major train stations once you are in Japan, or make an advanced online reservation through these car rental companies’ websites, such as: Toyota, Nippon, Nissan, and Times.

Ferries

An archipelagic nation made up of more than 6,800 islands, Japan has a reliable ferry network that offers a wide variety of amenities, which include tatami mats and beds for long-distance routes, restaurants and lounge areas, and even public baths. Check out aferry.com for information on the different routes and bookings.

Bicycles

Biking is a fun, healthy, and economical way to explore Japan, particularly the small towns, where tourist spots are not that far away from one another but are too taxing to get to on foot.

Many hotels and hostels in the country provide free bicycles for their guests or rent them for a small fee (typically around 1,000 yen for one whole day of use).

Some of the best places in the country to explore by bicycle are Kyoto, Biei, Shimanami Kaido, Hagi, Otaru, and Naoshima Island.

The post The Japanese Transportation System appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

SIM Cards For Short-Term Stay

For some tourists in Japan, staying connected to the internet while exploring the country is a necessity.

Fortunately, there is a wide selection of prepaid SIM cards available in Japan that can provide different types of data-only plans and data-and-voice plans to ensure that you have access to the internet anytime and anywhere. These can easily be inserted into any smart phone or tablet that is unlocked or compatible with Japan’s mobile phone networks, and be ready for use right away.

Japan prepaid SIM cards vary in data transfer limits, connection speeds, and network used. Here is a table with a list of prepaid SIM card providers in Japan and basic information about their offers:

These are highly recommended to short-term visitors of Japan, as well as those who do not have a Residence Visa, Japanese credit card, and other requirements needed to get a Japanese SIM card.

Important Notes:

Purchasing

Among all the providers on the list, only Mobal and SIM Card Geek offers worldwide shipping. This means, you can buy from either of these websites, and have a Japan SIM Card shipped to wherever you are in the world. Click here to learn more about the Mobal Japan Unlimited SIM card. Click here to learn more about SIM Card Geeks range of SIM Cards.

Mobal have now introduced a free collection service for their SIM Cards in Japan. More information can be viewed here.

Sakura Mobile offers online purchase, and ships within Japan. They also have pickup points at airports and post offices in the country. More information is available here. Please be aware that Sakura Mobile charge an additional 50 yen fee per day on all plans aside from the basic cost.

Ninja SIM offers online purchase, but you need to pick up your SIM card at a designated airport, hotel, or post office in Japan. You can order your Ninja SIM card here.

OCN’s Prepaid SIM for Japan SIM cards are available at airports, train stations, electronic retail stores, convenience, stores, tourist information offices, travel agencies, and hotels in Japan. More information is available here.

Customer Support

If you encounter any issues with your Japan SIM card, visit your SIM card provider’s website and read their resource pages and guides. You can also contact their customer service department to help you figure out and fix the problem. Mobal, Sakura Mobile, Ninja SIM, and OCN all have English-speaking customer support staff.

Data

The SIM cards offer 4G LTE data. However, speed is throttled when data use exceeds the cap.

Voice calling

Unlike the other providers on the list, Mobal Japan Unlimited SIM card provides voice calling services in all of their plans. All incoming calls are free, and calling another Mobal Japan SIM is also free of charge. Domestic calls cost 29 yen per minute, and international call rates start at 65 yen per minute.

Texting

In addition to voice calling, Mobal Japan Unlimited SIM also allows texting. You can receive as many text messages as possible, free of charge. Outgoing text messages to Japanese numbers cost 12 yen per message, and texting to international numbers cost 140 yen per message.

SIM Cards For Long-Term Stay

Most data-and-voice SIM card providers impose a minimum contract period, charge cancellation fees, and require various documentation, such as a Residence Visa and a Japanese credit card. For these reasons, they are better suited for people staying in Japan for at least 12 months.

However, there are a couple that do not have minimum contract periods nor charge cancellation fees.

Purchasing and other information

Here are links to the official websites of the SIM card providers with data + voice plans listed above to find out more about their plans and services:

(English)

• Mobal
• Sakura Mobile
• SIM Card Geek

(Japanese)

• Nuro
• DMM Mobile
• Rakuten Mobile
• U-Mobile
• UQ Mobile
• IIJmio

Customer Support

Among them, only Mobal and Sakura Mobile offer English-speaking customer support.

Discounted Rates

Mobal offers discounts to students, teachers, and interns of as much as 1,500 yen per month. Find out if you are eligible for this offer here.

The post Japan SIM Cards; How Major Brands Compare appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Travel around Japan easier and cheaper with the Japan Rail (JR) Pass. Here are the answers to some commonly-asked questions about purchase and use of this advantageous Pass!

What is the Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a special pass issued by the Japan Railways (JR) Group to travelers visiting the country. With unlimited usage of all railway lines operated by the JR companies and even buses, streetcars, and ferries, the JR Pass is one of the easiest and most economical ways of traveling around the Japan archipelago.

Who is the JR Pass for?

Any visitor to Japan who is there for sightseeing purposes are free to purchase the JR Pass. Here are the two broad conditions that you’ll have to meet:

1. You are a non-Japanese visiting the country for sightseeing purposes. In other words, you hold no special visa, and are allowed to stay in the country for 90 days as a temporary visitor.
2. Japanese citizens who don’t reside in Japan, and are just visiting for sightseeing purposes.

Why should I buy a JR Pass?

While it is true that the JR Pass is not for everyone, it is generally right to say that it’s a bargain to get the Pass if you plan to travel widely around the country. Transportation can be one of the largest costs of traveling in Japan. For example, a single train ticket for a one-way trip from Shinjuku to Shibuya in Tokyo costs ¥160. Thus, if you plan to visit a few major sightseeing spots, transportation can easily cost up to ¥1,000 per day.

As such, purchasing a JR Pass is a good idea, not only because it can help you save on transportation costs, but it also makes it easier to use the trains and buses. Having a JR Pass eliminates the hassle of having to buy tickets every time you take the train, or the inconvenience of purchasing a commuter pass card.

Are there different types of JR Passes?

There are quite a few different types of JR Passes available, depending on your needs. For example, if you only plan to travel within Tokyo, purchasing the “JR Tokyo Wide Pass” is a better price option than the standard JR Pass.

Visit the JR Pass website (http://www.japanrailpass.net/) to learn about all the different types of Passes available. Here is a list of the more common ones.

• Standard JR Pass (all Japan)
• Hokkaido Rail Pass
• JR East Pass (covers the eastern prefectures like Aomori, Nagano, and Sendai)
• JR Tokyo Wide Pass
• JR West Rail Pass (covers the western prefectures like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara)
• JR Kyushu Rail Pass (covers the southern prefectures like Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima)

What does the JR Pass cover?

First and foremost, the JR Pass covers most railway lines operated by the JR companies. That includes the monorail lines, as well as the shinkansen or bullet train lines. However, do note that there are several types of shinkansen trains, and you cannot use the JR Pass to take the 2 fastest types: the NOZOMI and MIZUHO trains.

The JR Pass also covers local bus routes in most major cities, but express highway buses operated by JR Bus are not covered. The Pass also covers the ferry operated by JR West that runs between Hiroshima and Miyajima in west Japan.

Is the Narita Express covered by the JR Pass?

The Narita Express is a special train line that runs from Narita Airport into central Tokyo, stopping at major stations such as Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Tokyo stations. Rides on the Narita Express are covered by the JR Pass, so make sure you turn in your Exchange Order at the airport to get your JR Pass!

Similarly, the JR Pass covers the Nankai-Limited Express which runs between the Kansai International Airport and major train stations like Osaka, Tennoji, and Namba stations.

Can I use the JR Pass for the subways?

The subway lines in Tokyo as well as other major cities such as Osaka and Kyoto are run by a different company; hence you cannot use your JR Pass to take those lines. Similarly, train lines run by other companies, such as the Yurikamome line that connects Shingawa to Odaiba in Tokyo, or the Hankyu and Hanshin railway lines in West Japan, are not covered by the JR Pass.

When in doubt, bring your JR Pass to the station master’s office. The station attendant there will let you know if you can use the Pass.

How much is a JR Pass?

The price of the JR Passes differs depending on the type of Pass you purchase. Here are some examples:

• The JR West Kansai Area Pass costs ¥6,300 for a 4-day pass, while the standard nationwide JR Pass costs ¥29,110 for a 7-day pass. This is simply because the Kansai Pass can only be used in a smaller region of limited Prefectures.
• JR Passes for children usually cost half of an adult’s price.
• For JR Passes that include shinkansen or bullet train rides, you have the option of choosing between a Green Pass or an Ordinary Pass. The Green Pass allows you to book tickets in the Green Cars of the shinkansen, which are akin to First Class seating on an airplane. 

How do I buy a JR Pass?

Purchasing a JR Pass is a 2-step process. First, you’ll have to purchase an Exchange Order from an associated tour agency in your home country. Visit any tour company to find out more, or simply order online by clicking the book now link below:

BOOK NOW

After you arrive in Japan, you can turn in your Exchange Order at any major JR station to receive and activate your JR Pass. Take note that you’ll need your passport to do this, so make sure to bring it along. This is to prove that you are in Japan on a temporary visitor visa, and for the staff to check that the name on your Exchange Order matches your passport identity.

Do note that all JR Passes have a usage limit (e.g. a 7-day pass is valid for 7 consecutive days). As such, the staff will ask when you’d like your JR Pass to be activated. If you’re staying in Japan for more days than the Pass’ limit, make sure to plan out your itinerary to fully maximize the Pass!

Can I get a JR Pass in Japan?

Usually, Exchange Orders can only be purchased outside of Japan, which means that if you are in Japan, there is no way to obtain the JR Pass.

However, the JR Group is running a trial until 31 March 2019, where Exchange Orders can be purchased at specific major JR stations. Do note that the prices of Exchange Orders sold in Japan are higher than those sold overseas!

For more information on this, click here.

How do I use the JR Pass?

To take a JR train, simply flash your JR Pass to the station attendant at the station master’s office. The office is usually located next to the ticket gates. The attendant will check your Pass and wave you through. Do note that you cannot use the Pass to go through the ticket gates like the rest of the commuters, so make sure you head to the lane where the station attendant is!

The procedure is similar for buses, just show your JR Pass to the driver when disembarking. You’ll see other commuters taking tickets from a little machine when boarding, but there is no need for you to do that if you have the Pass.

For the Miyajima ferry, show your JR Pass at the ticket gates and you’ll be able to board the ferry without problems.

Must I use the JR Pass on consecutive days?

Most types of JR Passes are for consecutive days, so once you activate the Pass, you have a limited number of days left that you can use it. However, there are some special passes which allow you to choose certain days during which to activate your Pass.

For example, the JR East Passes allow you to choose any 5 days out of a 14-day period in which your Pass is valid for use. This allows for much more flexibility in your planning, and there’s no rush to zip around the city trying to hit all the major sightseeing spots in a set number of days. Overall, a much more pleasant vacation!

Can I reserve seats on the shinkansen?

Yes! To do so, you have to visit any JR “Midori no madoguchi” ticket office. Simply look for a green sign of a man sitting on a reclining seat. While at the office, you can reserve a seat on the shinkansen at no cost. You’ll receive an additional ticket that you’ll have to show to the station attendant at the ticket gates, together with your JR Pass.

Do note that there is no need to reserve tickets for the shinkansen. You can choose to show your JR Pass to the station attendant, and board the shinkansen in any of the unreserved seat carriages. However, there is no guarantee that you’ll get a seat in these carriages, especially during busy periods or the holiday season. Therefore, it is recommended that JR Pass holders reserve a ticket so you can travel in peace and comfort.

The post Japan Rail Pass FAQ appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Learning to hold a pair of chopsticks

For a beginner, chopsticks can be quite challenging to use. Using your dominant hand, hold one of the sticks like a pencil, and place the other one against your ring finger and the base of your thumb. Both sticks should be pointing towards the same direction. You can then use your middle, thumb, and index fingers to move the upper chopstick to pick up food, while the lower chopstick simply rests on your purlicue, which is that space between your thumb and index finger.

Important chopsticks etiquette to remember

When dining in Japan, whether at home or at a restaurant, it is important to observe the proper chopsticks etiquette. You will be considered rude or impolite by your Japanese friends, family, or colleagues, if you fail to observe good table manners. It is best that you learn and take into heart the following chopsticks etiquette:

1. Eating directly from common bowls, plates, and other dishes is a big no-no.

You cannot just take food from a shared bowl or plate in the middle of the table, and shove it straight into your mouth. In Japanese culture, that is seen as very bad-mannered and discourteous. The proper thing to do is to put any food you take from the common dishes on your own plate or bowl first, before eating it.

2. Do not stick your chopsticks upright into your bowl of rice.

Did you know that sticking chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice is a practice that is related to death in the Buddhism and the Shinto religions? That is how they prepare rice for individuals who are at their deathbeds, and also for offerings for home altars.

So, do not stick your chopsticks into the rice. If you are not using your chopsticks, place it in your chopsticks holder or over your bowl.

3. Do not lick your chopsticks.

It is seen as ill-mannered and disgusting to lick chopsticks. To prevent meat, rice, and other food bits from sticking into your chopsticks, you can begin your meal with liquid dishes. Food gets stuck to the chopsticks because the sticks are dry, and soupy foods can prevent that from happening.

4. Do not use your chopsticks to point at another person.

In many countries, pointing your finger at someone is viewed as rude. In Japan, pointing at someone with your chopsticks is viewed similarly.

5. Do not hover your chopsticks over the food on the table.

If your table is filled with a wide selection of dishes, that you are having a hard time making up your mind on which you would like to try first, you should put your chopsticks down while you are thinking, and not hover them over everything on the table.

6. Do not use your chopsticks as skewers.

Certain foods are hard to pick up using chopsticks. Boiled eggs, beans, and other slippery foods are some examples. So, what do you do?  Use a spoon or fork. You should not stab or skewer them with your chopsticks, as doing so is being impolite to the people who prepared the meal for you.

7. Place your chopsticks in their chopsticks holder when not in use.

When eating out at restaurants, your chopsticks should be placed on their chopsticks holder if you are not using them.  If not available, you may use your chopsticks wrapper as a temporary holder. You should never leave your chopsticks haphazardly scattered on the table, stuck upright into a bowl filled with food, or crossed.

8. Do not rest your chopsticks crossed on the table, over your bowl, etc.

When placing your chopsticks on the chopsticks holder or over your bowl, make sure that they are resting parallel next to each other. Do not leave them crossed, as this is something that is related to death and funerals in the Japanese culture.

9. Do not pass food around from one pair chopsticks to another.

In Japan, after a cremation is done, the bones are passed from one funeral staff to another until every piece is collected in the urn. Passing food from your chopsticks to another person’s chopsticks is eerily similar to this custom, so doing so should be avoided.

10. Do not let liquid drip from your chopsticks.

When eating food with soup or sauce, you should not let your chopsticks drip liquids anywhere — the table, your clothes, etc.  It is considered unacceptable behaviour, as the dripping liquid reminds people of tears and crying.

11. Do not bite your chopsticks.

Be careful about biting your chopsticks and leaving tooth marks on them. This is viewed as childish, unpleasant, and impolite. It is very important that you do not do it, especially if you are not using your own chopsticks.

12. Avoid using your chopsticks as drumsticks.

If you are not using your chopsticks, you should not be playing with them or using them to tap the table or plates. It creates noise and is annoying to the people around you who just want to enjoy their food in peace.

13. Do not dig for specific foods in shared dishes.

If you are a picky eater, and only want to eat a particular type of vegetable or meat, it is better if you just order your own food or go to a restaurant that caters to your preferences. Digging into bowls or plates using your chopsticks, looking for a specific ingredient, is extremely rude and classless, and very inconsiderate to the people who are sharing the table with you. Just take whatever is already on top.

The post Important Chopsticks Etiquette to Remember appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

If you are planning to travel to Japan for the first time, whether as a tourist, school, or work you will have a much better experience if you do some research before your journey to the country. This article will tell you some of the must-know facts about Japan and I hope it will help you with your future travels!

Without further ado let us dive into the mysterious world of Japan.

Transportation – Unlike most Western countries, 90% of your travel is going to be done by public transportation. The public transportation system in Japan is extremely efficient. Be it a train or a bus, everything is scheduled to exacting precision. Even though this is very convenient and reliable it can also be a bit of a pain in the neck. When I came to Japan for the first time as a tourist, I thought that I could manage to catch the bus even if I was a couple minutes late. The only thing I managed to do was to see the back of the bus as it was leaving on time according to schedule. Make sure to be careful how you time your travel.

Shrines and Temples – If you are in Japan then it is a given you will want to visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Some of these can be extremely majestic and leave a huge impression on you. However it would not be a bad idea to keep in mind that most of the temples close to public after 17:00, while the majority of the shrines can be visited even during the nighttime.

Medical Masks – You will most certainly see a lot of people wearing medical masks in Japan. But fret not! This is not a sign of an epidemic or anything of the like. People in Japan wear medical masks when they are sick, do not have any makeup on, do not want their faces to be seen or just in general try to blend in with the public and be ignored. This being said, foreigners wearing medical masks might get some stares from the natives.

Vending Machines – Japan has vending machines for pretty much any purpose: alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, ramen, fruits, ice-cream, cigarettes, toys, etc. They are literally everywhere. The best thing about the vending machines in Japan is that they provide you with cold, as well as hot drinks. An amazing appliance for the hot summers and cold winters of Japan. But then again, do not overdo it! Vending machines tend to charge you more than a store would, and there is probably a combini (convenience store) just around the corner.

Combini – Talking about the combini, I just want to let you know these are one of the most convenient things I have ever experienced in my whole life! These type of stores are open 24/7 and you can get practically anything there (food, drinks, snacks, makeup appliances, underwear and tights, gloves and hats, etc there is literally no end to it). In a combini you can use the toilet, get connected to free wifi, heat up your food and even get hot or iced coffee from the coffee machine! Quite amazing no?

Restaurants and Cafes – In most Japanese restaurants and cafes you will be served water or tea when seated. This varies from place to place and season to season. For example, during summer you may be served ice water or iced tea, while in winter it will most likely be hot tea. This is complimentary and you can get refills as many times as your heart desires.

Shoes – This is perhaps one of the most important things you want to know about Japan. When entering somebody’s home you will be expected to take your shoes off at the entrance. You may or may not be given some slippers to wear. Entering your host’s house with your shoes on can be taken as an insult. As a matter of fact, you might be asked to take your shoes off when entering the changing rooms of a clothes store. Additionally, you will be required to remove your shoes when entering some very old and famous temples. In general, try to wear shoes that are easy to take off and put back on since that is something you will probably do frequently during your stay in Japan.

Skinship (Public Display of Affection) – As a Westerner myself, I usually greet my friends with a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. When making a new acquaintance I usually exchange a handshake. That’s pretty common and normal right? Well, not in Japan. Do not get very touchy-feely with your Japanese friends, hosts, and acquaintances. In Japan skinship is only reserved for close family and in a place away from the public eyes. You will probably see a lot of couples walking around the cities of Japan not holding hands and especially not kissing in the public. This is considered to be very embarrassing. In short, know your boundaries.

Onsen (Hot Springs) – Now this is something that’s talked about a lot around the world. Japan is situated above a huge number of volcanoes, hence it is not very surprising that the country is overflowing with hot springs. They have been a part of Japanese culture since ye olden times! However, entering one might be quite shocking for a Western tourist. For starters, you have to be naked from head to toe! Quite an interesting experience believe me. Make sure to at least rinse your whole body before getting into the water, and get a thorough shower afterwards. Nonetheless, entering an onsen feels amazing! Do not miss the opportunity to experience this, even if it is embarrassing to get naked in front of dozens of strangers!

Japan is not anime – This might sound like something very obvious, but I have met so many people who think that Japan is identical to its portrayal in an anime but believe me it is not. Like any other country, Japan too, has its quirks. While Japanese people are some of the kindest I’ve ever met in the whole world, it doesn’t mean that you will be treated nicely all of the time. You may be looked down on just because you are a foreigner. There are also a lot of internal problems which will not be visible to the casual observer whose visit lasts a couple weeks or months. Even if the country is the dream of every otaku (hardcore anime fan) it will most probably be quite different from their expectations.

Japan is an extremely unique and pleasurable travel destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime

The post Ten Must-Know Customs Before Travelling to Japan appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.