Important Information on Traveling to Japan

Japan boasts some of the most impressive natural sites and historical landmarks, all while maintaining a level of modern convenience we've come to rely on. Traveling to any foreign country will have its hurdles, and Japan is no exception. If you are planning for fully tailored trips Japan, here are some tips to help make the visit as easy as possible.

Plan to rent a mobile phone while you are in country. While it's possible that your existing phone may work, chances are it won't and it's best to be prepared. If you make arrangements for a rental phone before you leave, you can get the number in advance to give to your friends and family. With your rented phone, you should be able to send and receive texts and phone calls, as well as access the Internet.

If you're going to be exploring the country for a honeymoon in Japan, invest in a rail pass. With a JR Pass, you can use ferries and buses, as well as the regular and some of the bullet trains. Rail passes must also be purchased ahead of time and can be gotten at licensed outlets outside of the country. Passes can be activated once you arrive, either at a rail station or in the airport. Passes are available in week-long increments, from one to three weeks, and for five days during the holiday seasons in spring and summer.

Don't let food expenses get out of hand, which can easily happen if you aren't a savvy food shopper. Eat out for lunch instead of dinner and save with lunch specials. Another budget option is to get food at the food courts in department stores, which are often inexpensive but still reasonably good. Restaurants in Japan often close down to prepare for dinner service, so don't be surprised to find your options severely limited in the late afternoon between three and five. While many restaurants accept credit cards, not all will, especially smaller vendors, so carry cash for meals. The concierge at your hotel will be able to book a reservation at more upscale restaurants for you if you're concerned about making a reservation yourself.

Hotel rooms can become expensive, particularly for long stays. If you stay in smaller towns outside of the major metropolitan areas, or at smaller independent hotels, you can save yourself some money. If you're going to be in Japan for more than a few days, or if you're going for family travel in Japan with a large group, you can rent an apartment and save yourself some money. Renting an apartment not gives you more space, it can also reduce your food expenses by giving you a way to prepare your own meals.