Solo Japan Trip (April 2018)

I'm proud to say I've successfully completed this trip—the first in four years. I traveled to Japan from March 26 to April 1, 2018 (during Holy Week) and truly enjoyed the destination.

I’d like to share some personal tips for anyone planning a trip to Japan. Keep in mind that this was a DIY (Do It Yourself) trip, and I didn’t manage to visit all the sites—but that’s part of the charm—it gives you something to look forward to for your next visit.

If you're traveling solo or with a companion (who isn’t fussy and doesn’t complain much), here are some tips to make your trip to Japan easier or, in some cases, more manageable.

• Wear comfortable shoes, specifically a reliable pair of rubber shoes that can handle the demands of traveling in Japan. I wore my Adidas Energy Boost during my entire stay. You will spend a lot of time walking—especially if you are not part of a tour group that transports you from one site to another.

• Be ready for the large crowds heading to the same attractions you plan to visit. According to the blogs I read before my trip, this is minor compared to Golden Week. It's not only foreign visitors but also local tourists exploring popular sites across the country.

• Carry cash, as Japan primarily operates on a cash basis. While some establishments do accept credit cards, smaller mom-and-pop shops often prefer cash. The amount you bring should depend on the length of your stay. Reserve Japanese Yen at least one week before your trip at your local bank or foreign exchange services like Czarina.

• Looking to exchange Pesos or USD without visiting the bank? Seek out ATM Currency Exchange machines. I discovered one at Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT). You can also withdraw using your regular ATM cards at banks, though service fees apply. I recommend using the 7-11 & Japan Post ATM, but ensure you notify your local banks in advance.

• If you plan to use your credit cards, inform the issuers beforehand to avoid any issues.

• Purchase tickets, IC cards, rent Wi-Fi, or book tours through Klook in advance for discounts. I bought an ICOCA card, KIX to OCAT tickets, and a Tokyo 48 subway card before my trip.

• Since I didn’t rent Wi-Fi through Klook (due to procrastination), I recommend Big Sky (located in Makati). It's the cheapest at 2,700 (for seven days) with a 2,000 down payment (refundable). There are some limits (e.g., 500 mbps - not suitable for YouTube, but who needs it when traveling and the scenery is beautiful?), but I found the price and deposit reasonable compared to Flytpack or HIS. An employee from Flytpack suggested this company when I was in a hurry to get one.

• If you couldn't secure a Wi-Fi unit before leaving despite trying, don't worry. There are plenty available inside Kansai (or Haneda/Narita). You can also use the free Wi-Fi inside Narita/KIX/Haneda while getting one for yourself. However, at the end of your trip, you'll need to mail it back; they will provide an envelope for this.

• Reserve your hotel, ryokan, capsule hotel, and hostel, and pay for them immediately with a credit card. Prices have increased since I initially reserved them, for example, Hotel WBF Namba Inari went from Php 14,000+ to Php 16,000+. The uncertainty of whether my visa would be approved or rejected prevented me from paying in advance.

• At Shin Osaka Station, you can purchase Shinkansen tickets at the counters and select your seating preference—Reserved/Non-reserved/Green & Smoking/Non-smoking—or choose your departure time. Tickets are also available at the Ticket Machine. Unfortunately, by the time I bought mine, the window seats were already taken (insert sad face here). It's your choice whether to opt for the Reserved Area, but I've heard that during peak travel seasons, the non-reserved coach can become quite crowded. Nozomi is currently the fastest Shinkansen in the Kanto/Kansai Region.

• To reserve tickets in advance, consider using Shinkansentickets.com. They can deliver the tickets to your hotel. It is slightly more expensive due to service fees for securing and delivering the ticket to the hotel.

• At Shin Osaka Station, you can purchase lunch and drinks before departure to enjoy during your journey. There are shops throughout the station up to the boarding platform. Although the Shinkansen offers food via a food cart, it is a bit pricier compared to buying at the station.

• If you have a sensitive stomach, bring medication (think Diarrhea or in Japanese - Geri). I'm serious—restrooms are hard to find here (unless you're inside a mall or station), and when you do find one, there's usually a line. I learned this the hard way, which limited my food choices (read: I have a sensitive stomach—there's nothing wrong with their food, folks).

• McDonald's Japan and other burger chains offer salad as a healthy alternative to traditional French fries. Be sure to try their limited-time or seasonal offerings as well.

• To save money, have a substantial breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore. You might end up snacking or even skipping lunch because you're busy sightseeing. Except in Nara, where I enjoyed Omurice at the Nara Government Building.

• Their restrooms are among the best—without exception. They are heated, private, and even have a button for flushing sounds in public restrooms. The lid opens automatically whenever the door opens and I walk by.

• Shopping in Japan is tax-free for tourists, provided your purchase is over ¥5000 and you have your passport. I'm not much of a shopper, so I didn't take advantage of this, being more of a traveler. However, I did see Filipino tourists carrying large shopping bags at Donki (Don Quijote Mega Shop) in Dotonbori.

• Looking for Anello bags? Head to the other side of Ebisu Shinbaishi (not the HM side). The cheapest I found was priced at ¥3,750. The street vendor is near a drugstore. I actually saw their flagship store in Osaka while searching for a bargain in that area.

• Don't hesitate to ask questions (think "Wag mahiyang magtanong" from the Rite Med theme)—they are willing to help. Learn some basic Japanese phrases like "Sumimasen," "Dozo," "Arigato," and "Eigo" (use "sumimasen, English please"). They might even guide you to your destination. I was personally assisted by a security staff member to the station for a train to Shin Osaka, and the train master laid out a map and explained in Japanese how to reach Yayoi Gate of the University of Tokyo to find Hatchi and Dr. Ueno's statue. Listen carefully and don't worry about the language barrier.

• Purchase a JR Pass (Kansai Wide/Area, 14 days pass) from Friendship Tours or any authorized travel agency, preferably with cash to avoid extra charges from credit cards. This was extremely useful during my stay in the Kansai Region.

• Utilize an ICOCA card (or PASMO / SUICA if you're in Tokyo) for stations that don't accept your pass (whether Kansai Wide or Tokyo Subway Tickets). These cards can also be used in select stores and shops. I used mine to buy food at Starbucks on my way to Tokyo. Unfortunately, my ICOCA got dented when I accidentally sat on it at the University of Tokyo while exhausted from searching for Hatchi.

• Don't return your ICOCA/Pasmo/Suica card if you plan to return, as it's valid for 10 years.

• Learn to read maps, whether Google maps or subway guides. Remember the color codes and numbers when navigating the subway and JR Lines.

• I love their convenience stores, whether it's 7-11, Family Mart, or Lawson—everything is available! From food, toiletries, shirts (7-11 has partnered with Muji), to snacks!

• Looking for cheap souvenirs? Visit Daiso or 3 Coins (items are Y300 each with some exceptions). Personally, I find Donki to be overrated.

• Due to my plantar fasciitis, I use heating pads to relieve the pain either before bedtime or when I wake up in the morning. Although these pads are meant to be attached to your inner clothing rather than directly on the skin, I applied them to my feet for a few minutes to ease the soreness, and it was effective!

• If you want to see Hatchi without dealing with the large crowds in Shibuya, head to the University of Tokyo. As a bonus, you can also see Dr. Ueno. Take the green subway line to Todae-mae Station, unless you're up for a long walk.

• When in Kyoto and Nara, purchase a one-day pass. This allows you to show it to the bus driver each time you board, instead of paying cash. I didn't buy one in Kyoto because I have an ICOCA card, but I did purchase one in Nara.

• You can utilize Google Translate to scan letters or search for words that describe your condition or situation. I did this at 7-11 Namba to find medicine for diarrhea (he directed me to the pharmacy because they were out of stock).

• In anticipation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, English translators/guides are now accessible in Tokyo. I encountered one in Asakusa who assisted me in planning my route to UTokyo.

• Looking for a better view of the scramble at Shibuya Crossing? Head to the JR Shibuya station; it's far superior to the view from Starbucks.

The sole advice I can give is to focus on one area. If your visit is just for 7 days, avoid hurrying and turning it into a race-like journey. I discovered this through experience, though I don't regret it. Plans might shift based on the distance to your desired attractions, travel time and transportation, your general endurance for long walks, and any unexpected events or situations that may arise.

My suggestion: plan your itinerary, allocate funds for your trip, and be ready to travel solo if necessary. Japan is a beautiful and secure country. If you miss any places, you'll find yourself returning before you know it.