Visiting Japan is a wonderful experience. However, a tourist boom from regional neighbors and global visitors has led to several recent changes in the nuances of traveling in Japan.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler to Japan or have visited before but not in the last year or so, here are a few updates you might not be aware of regarding travel in this fascinating country.
More Regional Rail Passes Than Ever
From Hokkaidō to Kyūshū and all places in between, Japan now features numerous regional rail passes alongside the renowned Japan Rail Pass, which covers most JR trains nationwide. These passes offer outstanding value for those looking to explore different regions of Japan.
It is important to note that some of these regional passes offer different durations than the traditional Japan Rail Pass, which is available in units of seven, 14, or 21 consecutive days.
The Hokkaidō Rail Pass, for instance, allows travel over three, five, or seven consecutive days. You can also purchase a flexible four-day pass, allowing travel on any four days within a 10-day period, which can be especially beneficial for those wanting to enjoy multiple key locations.
If you recall the old JR East Pass, this has now been divided into two zones: either the Nagano–Niigata zone or the Tōhoku zone. These passes follow the ‘flexible days’ model as well, allowing travel on any five days over a set period.
Consider the Hokuriku Arch pass when linking Tokyo and Osaka, which provides travel along the Hokuriku Shinkansen high-speed train route from Tokyo to Kanazawa, and then onward to Kyoto and Osaka on the slower trains. This seven-day pass can save you over ¥4,000 compared to the seven-day Japan Rail Pass, making it an economical choice for exploring the region.
Japan’s Upcoming Olympic & Paralympic Events
Unless you are specifically traveling to a host city for the Olympic and/or Paralympic Games, it is wise to plan your visit to avoid coinciding with the events (or immediately before or after). This recommendation holds true for Tokyo, where the 2020 Olympics are scheduled from July 24 to August 9, while the Paralympics will run from August 25 to September 6.
While Japan successfully hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2019, Tokyo is expected to be extremely busy during the Olympics. If you wish to visit Japan during the summer, consider exploring the cooler northern regions of Hokkaidō and Tōhoku, or areas west of Osaka if you don’t mind the heat.
Conversely, the Games have triggered a hotel boom in Tokyo, a location where accommodation has often been limited and pricey. Additionally, initiatives to promote multilingual communication will enhance travelers’ experiences both during and after the events.
Reduced Need for Cash
In the past, few establishments in Japan accepted overseas credit cards, forcing travelers with foreign bank cards to seek cash at post offices or convenience stores like 7-11, as ATMs rarely accepted international cards. Fortunately, this is undergoing a transformation: international cards are now widely accepted, and more ATMs offer access to overseas cards.
While cash remains useful, tap-to-pay stored-value cards like Suica and ICOCA are becoming essential, allowing for convenient travel; however, it is necessary to load these physical cards with cash initially.
Set Up the Tap-to-Pay Suica System Before Departure
If you possess a smartphone released in recent years (iPhone 7 or later or an Android smartphone of similar generation), you may be able to store a JR East Suica card directly on your device.
This innovation makes travel significantly easier, as you can recharge the card from your phone using the credit or debit card connected to Apple Pay (or Google Pay). Consequently, you can simply tap your phone on the Suica reader at turnstiles or when making purchases at shops.
Consider Utilizing an eSIM
Though improvements have been made, Japan still presents some challenges regarding SIM cards that can confuse many international visitors. Instead of renting a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi device, consider obtaining a roaming plan that covers Japan if you have a recent phone equipped with an eSIM.
Moreover, the availability of user-friendly public Wi-Fi on trains, in stations, and around tourist attractions has greatly improved over the years, reducing the urgency for high-data packages.
Bring an External Battery to Stay Charged on Trains
While Wi-Fi access has become more prevalent, having a portable charger for your smartphone, tablet, and other devices remains a practical idea, particularly when traveling via train. Only the newest trains include power outlets; hence, many older models are still in operation, making it essential to stay charged on your journey.
