FAQ's
Navigating Japan & Japanese Language Basics
Whether it's your first time or not, we think these tips will make the experience even better. <3
AUTOMOBILES
If you would like to drive in Japan, you must have an International Drivers Permit before arriving. There is no feasible way to get one
once you're here.
We recommend renting a car ONLY if you are planning on traveling outside of the Tokyo metro area. Parking can be an extremely expensive nightmare.
Be sure to add a rental ETC card with your reservation if you plan on taking toll roads. Many exits require it.
If you have a motorcycle license, double-check to make sure that the agent checks that box for you as well.
If it is not checked, you will not be able to operate a motorcycle in Japan.
This is how to apply in person at a AAA Branch. (with links)
You will need to provide:
-
Download and fill out an application, and bring it to your nearest AAA branch office.
Please call office to ensure IDP services are available at the desired office. -
Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA branch offices).
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A valid U.S. driver's license.
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Pay $20 USD permit fee and done!
MAPS
Google Maps is king.
All of our suggestions are on Google Maps to make it easy for you guys to refer to and map to. It gives all of the times, train lines, train line colors, platform numbers, expected delays, etc., with a lot more accuracy than any other maps.
Some people like Apple Maps, but we think it's worse.
DO NOT use ChatGPT for directions. I hate that I have to say it, but you'd be surprised by how many visitors have tried to. It's horrible. Just don't.
There are no open container laws for passengers in the vehicle. As long as the driver is 100% sober, the passengers are free to partake as much as they would like! Do with that information what you'd like.
On a fun note:
Important Reminder:
Please keep your passport with you at all times in Japan.
If anything happens at all, it's a headache if you don't!
Plus, you can't make tax-free purchases without it!
Taxis are fairly cheap
and completely worth it!
They have Uber here! So for no surprises, Uber is a great way to call a cab if you don't want to flag one down.
If you're feeling tired, sort of fed up with trains, past last train, or just want to get there fast, taxis are the best option.
Trains cost more than you think, so dividing up
a taxi can be cheaper than a train ride.
(Google maps will give you the cost of your train routes, by the way)
If you have more than 4 people, an Uber Black will summon you a Toyota Alphard, which is the big luxury van
and doesn't cost much more than a normal taxi.
REMEMBER:
As a parting thought, remember,
your time and energy is valuable.
Spending slightly more to fly into Haneda on a non-stop flight, taking a taxi to and from your hotel, and also taxiing when you're exhausted can really improve your experience in Japan exponentially.
Japanese Language Basics
We made this chart for anyone to reference as needed.
Feel free to save the image to your phone or print it off and carry it with your passport.
Duolingo is only good to use to learn the Japanese alphabet
so you can learn proper pronunciation. It's horrible for
learning any practical Japanese that you actually need. Just select the alphabet tab and try some hiragana lessons.
These are by far the most useful phrases you may use while traveling in Japan. Don't stress about needing to memorize all this unless you want to. Just have a quick glance if you need to communicate something simple to someone.
**Please memorize 'please', 'thank you', and 'it's okay/no thank you'.
These polite gestures go a long way! No matter the country. <3**
Reference Notes
Counting People for Restaurant Tables:
For any number of people above 2,
use the standard number + nin.
*For example, 5 people is Go-nin,
6 is Roku-nin, and 10 is Juu-nin.
Daijoubu
This is very versatile. If a clerk offers you a bag or a receipt and you don't need it, a polite smile and "Daijoubu desu" works perfectly as
"I'm okay/No thank you."
Taxi Tip
When you are nearing your destination in a taxi, saying "Koko de onegaishimasu" tells the driver to pull over exactly where you are.
Download the Google Tanslate App/Widget
It's best to have it handy on the home screen of your phone. Make sure to download the 'offline mode'. If you do not have data, or just bad service, you can turn your phone on airplane mode and the translation service will work a lot more effectively.
Try to familiarize yourself with the app before getting here to minimize stress.
Click here to download the full,
printable cheat sheet image
