If you're headed to Japan soon, do yourself a favor and take time to prepare for the journey. For Westerners who have never been to the Land of the Rising Sun, the excursion can be a life changing experience. The nation's historical development is unique in many ways, and the modern culture is as intriguing and interesting as you'll find anywhere on earth. However, it's easy to miss out on the full impact of such a vacation by not doing the right kind of preparation.
Those who make
detailed itineraries get a lot more out of their time in Japan than those
who don't, and because Japan's cost of living is higher than most other Asian
nations, it's imperative to employ a financial strategy to cover all
trip-related expenses. Additionally, leverage the savings power and convenience
of an in-country rail pass, which you must purchase before departing. Here are
details about how to minimize costs and maximize the educational and fun
aspects of a vacation in Asia's top travel destination.
Use a Smart Financing Strategy
Financing an excursion to a top destination can be a costly
venture. That's why so many strive to get discounts by booking as early as
possible and borrowing enough money to cover all the trip-related expenses
upfront. Fortunately, there are convenient platforms and websites where you can
compare personal loan rates and prices from the most reputable providers. That
way, you're never left wondering about what the best loan rates are. Likewise,
it's helpful to see side-by-side pricing
comparisons from multiple lenders all in one place. No one wants to jump
around among dozens of websites in a frantic attempt to evaluate deals.
Don't Focus on Tokyo
While there is plenty to see and do in Tokyo, don't fall
into the tourist mentality of assuming there's nothing else worth
investigating. Be sure to include Kyoto and Hokkaido in your Japan tour to acquire a
fuller taste of what Japan's national culture is like and get a sense of how
varied the climate and landscape are. Most outsiders are surprised to discover that
Kyoto has been well preserved through two world wars and countless local
rebellions. Today, the city is a United Nations designated cultural heritage
city and offers unique attractions to visitors year-round. To the north,
Hokkaido serves as the country's snowy region, annually hosting an ice festival
in Sapporo.
Book Lodging and Air Tickets Far in Advance
Whether your destination is one of the nation's larger
cities or smaller towns, it pays to book rooms and air tickets several months
in advance. Not only can you snag
major discounts by doing so, but early booking is the surest way to
guarantee the availability of hotel rooms in or near your favorite locations.
Be careful about booking online because unless you go through a reputable,
licensed travel agent, it's possible to fall victim to advance payment scams.
Whenever possible, deal directly with the hotels and airlines you intend to
use.
Take a Free Online Language Class
If you plan on staying for more than a week, take a basic
tourist language course online. There's no need to struggle to learn useful
phrases and words. Japanese is easier than most Westerners think, and there are
many no cost video tutorials that are fun and educational. Plan on spending
about 15 minutes per day for a month or two before leaving. Japanese people
welcome all visitors with open arms but are especially excited to meet
outsiders who have taken the time and tried to acquire some basic speaking
skills.
Learn about Culture and History
What's true for most overseas journeys is doubly applicable
to Japan in that time spent studying the nation's culture and history pays huge
dividends. The Japanese have a unique social structure, historical record, and
cultural background. Read at least one good book that explains the country to
curious visitors and outsiders. There are many, so browse your favorite website
and start learning about subjects like tea ceremony, the development of the
Shinto religion, the era of the Shoguns, and more. Check out a few
documentaries that address what it's like to reside and visit the nation and
consider joining one of the many online discussion forums for folks who are
interested in all things Japanese.
