情
Reference 05 · 情報 · jōhō
Trip Info.
The practical bits. How we get around, what to pack, which apps to install, useful Japanese phrases, money etiquette, and who to call if something goes wrong.
The practical bits. How we get around, what to pack, which apps to install, useful Japanese phrases, money etiquette, and who to call if something goes wrong.
Tap-and-go cards for trains, subways, buses, konbini. Add a Mobile Suica to Apple Wallet before you leave — top up with a credit card, no queues.
From Narita T2 to Shinjuku on arrival (9 Jun, late evening): Narita Express (N'EX) is fastest — about 80 min, ¥3,250. Buy at the JR counter on arrival.
Download Smart-EX for reserved seats on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Book the night before, pay by card, tap your IC card at the gate.
Mid-late June is tsuyu — warm, humid, intermittent rain, 22–28°C. The final week tips into full summer: 28–33°C, 70%+ humidity.
Toiletries, basic clothing, snacks and SIM cards are all easy to buy. Don Quijote and konbini have everything.
Electrolyte sachets for the hottest days, a sweat towel (everyone carries one), sunglasses, refillable water bottle — stations have free cold water points.
Hyperdia was great, and is now retired. Anything pointing you there is stale — use Jorudan or Google Maps.
Most konbini, hotels, chains and bigger restaurants take cards — but ryokan, small izakaya, temples, shrines, markets and some small eateries are cash only. Carry ¥10,000–¥20,000 at all times.
7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs take every foreign card. Open 24/7 inside most konbini. Max ~¥100,000 per withdrawal.
Don't. It can genuinely offend. Exceptional service is the standard.
Remove shoes when entering ryokan, some izakaya, temples, private homes. Look for a step up, slippers, or shoes already off.
Public bins are rare. Eat on the spot or carry rubbish with you. Konbini usually have bins inside or near the door.
Shower and rinse thoroughly before entering. No swimwear. Towel stays outside the water — on your head or beside the tub.
2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8361
+81 3 5232 4111 — 24-hour consular line.
Everyone needs a policy before departure. Save policy number and claims line in your phone and write them down offline.
Report lost/stolen passports to the Australian Embassy in Tokyo. Keep a photo of the ID page on your phone, and a printout separate from the passport itself.