First Trip to Japan

Moshi moshi from Japan. We decided to pack our bags, make no real plans, purchase a Lonely Planet guide book, and get on a plane to Japan. We both have been infatuated with the Japanese culture since we were children, so where better place to go for 8 days. To say the least, with no planning, it was one of the most stressful (not in a bad way), yet amazing vacations we have ever had.

We landed in Narita and took the newly built Narita Express, the express train that travels between Narita Airport and Tokyo. The 50 mile distance is covered in 60 to 75 minutes, making usually only three stops before arriving at Tokyo station.

There is almost no reason to rent a car in Japan unless you are looking to explore rural parts of the country. Even then, the public transportation is so extensive and inexpensive, you can get anywhere between the numerous trains, subways, monorails, ferries and buses.

Things to note in Japan:

Currency seems to be very closely pegged to the US Dollar at $1 to about 100 yen. Quick conversion for prices for me was to drop the last two digits and voila, the US price; an item that cost 1500 yen equates to about $15. I have always preferred to not exchange currency as to avoid the various fees that many exchange locations impose. For the best exchange rates, I always pull cash directly form ATMs. My bank reimburses all ATM fees, so this is my best option. Make sure to contact your bank as some require advance notice for travel or use overseas. Keep cash on hand and have plenty of change. There are a plethora of vending machines which offer both hot and cold beverages, to include beer, and snakes or pseudo meals on the go.

Credit Cards are accepted almost everywhere from what I was able to see. Though there are smaller shops that still prefer to do business in paper currency. Again, contact your credit card company to ensure they do not place a hold on your account when they start seeing a multitude of charges in a foreign country.

Language - almost everyone in the country speaks English. If you want to practice your Japanese with someone, good luck, as soon as they find out you speak English, the locals begin practicing their English with you.

Food Etiquette
 - It's OK to slurp at the dinner table when eating noodles.
 - Never stick your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice when at the dinner table. This actually symbolizes an offering to the dead which can quickly turn a pleasant meal sour. Rather, lay the chopsticks horizontally over the lip of the bowl. Also do not pass food to someone else using your chopsticks as this is another religious ritual for the dead.
 - It's customary to fill the glass of a drink of the person next to you, not your own. Filling your own glass is a sign that you are an alcohol to the Japanese.

Other Etiquette
 - Tipping is not a common practice in Japan. If you are looking to tip a tour guide or hotel cleaning staff, place the money in an envelope first.
 - Remember to keep your eye out for places that require you to take off your shoes; places like some temples, restaurants, private homes, etc. A tell-tale sign to removing your shoes is seeing a cubby or some type of closet designed for shoes located by the doorway once you enter a building.
 - Making a payment, ensure to place the currency or credit card on the tray provided and never hand it to them directly. As a sign of respect, use both hands when giving or taking back the items.

Things to pack
 - Tissues - public restrooms do not provide toilet paper and many do not have any means to dry your hand after washing them
 - Hand sanitizer - it's a crowded country with soap only provided in hotel bathrooms.
 - Extra pocket change - like I mentioned earlier, I continuously used the hot/cold vending machines.