Listen to Ultraman here: In Japan, these handy little gadgets are the best way to stay connected, allowing multiple devices unlimited, un-throttled data at the same time while allowing local calls via Internet calling apps.
1. Rent a wireless router —
Listen to Ultraman here: In Japan, these handy little gadgets are the best way to stay connected, allowing multiple devices unlimited, un-throttled data at the same time while allowing local calls via Internet calling apps.
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The flat-rate, foreigner-only Japan Rail Pass can be used throughout the extensive JR train network and save a lot of money for travel by train. They must be reserved outside of Japan.
2. Book a JR pass before the trip —
The flat-rate, foreigner-only Japan Rail Pass can be used throughout the extensive JR train network and save a lot of money for travel by train. They must be reserved outside of Japan.
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You too can become a whirlwind blur in a Japanese subway station. For short-distance trains, these pre-loaded transportation cards save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent buying individual tickets, and are especially handy for transfers.
3. Buy a Pasmo or a Suica card —
You too can become a whirlwind blur in a Japanese subway station. For short-distance trains, these pre-loaded transportation cards save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent buying individual tickets, and are especially handy for transfers.
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Speaking of trains, this app is a godsend for foreign travelers navigating the complicated subway and train networks. It's accurate to the minute.
4. Download the Hyperdia app —
Speaking of trains, this app is a godsend for foreign travelers navigating the complicated subway and train networks. It's accurate to the minute.
from itunes store
Thank you, price wars. Japan's major carriers are offering discounts for foreign travelers for air travel within Japan. Again, bookings must be made outside of Japan, before your trip.
5. Get discounts on domestic flights —
Thank you, price wars. Japan's major carriers are offering discounts for foreign travelers for air travel within Japan. Again, bookings must be made outside of Japan, before your trip.
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images
Haneda Airport is much closer to Tokyo city center than Narita International Airport, meaning the train ride is considerably cheaper, too.
6. If there's a choice, fly into Haneda —
Haneda Airport is much closer to Tokyo city center than Narita International Airport, meaning the train ride is considerably cheaper, too.
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If you're flying into Narita, take the N'EX (Narita Express) into Tokyo -- it's more comfortable than alternative trains, with nicer seats and more luggage space, with no transfers.
7. From Narita, book N'EX —
If you're flying into Narita, take the N'EX (Narita Express) into Tokyo -- it's more comfortable than alternative trains, with nicer seats and more luggage space, with no transfers.
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It's not perfect, but whipping out the Google Translate app is a handy way for translating what you want to say on the spot.
8. Download Google Translate app —
It's not perfect, but whipping out the Google Translate app is a handy way for translating what you want to say on the spot.
CNN
In case the battery for your phone or wireless router dies, always carry a print-out of your address.
9. Have your address printed in Japanese —
In case the battery for your phone or wireless router dies, always carry a print-out of your address.
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ATMs at Citibanks, post offices and 7-Elevens are the best bet for your foreign card. We know it may be obvious, but check to be sure it's activated for foreign withdrawals before you leave home.
10. Know where to get cash —
ATMs at Citibanks, post offices and 7-Elevens are the best bet for your foreign card. We know it may be obvious, but check to be sure it's activated for foreign withdrawals before you leave home.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images file photo
Forgot your phone charger? Craving hot chicken? Need a change of underwear? How about concert tickets? When in doubt, head to a "konbini" -- Japanese convenience stores anticipate pretty much every need of people on the road.
11. Know where to find refuge —
Forgot your phone charger? Craving hot chicken? Need a change of underwear? How about concert tickets? When in doubt, head to a "konbini" -- Japanese convenience stores anticipate pretty much every need of people on the road.