Traveling Advice

[SaShman]

So next week I'm heading over to Japan for two weeks. Not only is it my first time overseas, I am going alone, I can't read any Japanese and I can only speak the bare essentials of Japanese that a tourist may need. I already have accommodation sorted out (staying at multiple hostels in Osaka and Tokyo) as well as a pass which will allow me to catch any train, bus or ferry in the country.

As far as finances go I have about $2200 saved up. Transport, my plane ticket and accommodation have already been subtracted from my savings, so the $2200 is really to cover food, shopping and other expenses.

I intend to travel light, ideally I just want to be carrying an average sized backpack and a satchel bag which doubles as a suitcase. I have never experienced extremely cold weather before and whilst Japan isn't the coldest place on earth, I've heard it's a lot colder than what I'd be used to.

So basically the purpose of this thread is not just to ask you guys about traveling tips for traveling to Japan, but to get people to share more general advice for travelers who are traveling to places which they know little about.

 

[Icarus]

All joking aside, I'd suggest you visit some historic places while you're there. Learn the language, and learn it good, because in most countries, people are proud of their language and don't like having to learn others. Try ethnic foods as well- I've been to Japan once, and though I didn't learn the language (mostly I just stayed in the hotel room playing video games) the food was good.

 

[Rey]

Oh are you so Lucky Sash! I want to go there so bad! Japan So yeah buy some stuff look at hot girls watch lots of anime on tv if thats your thing xD. I think you should go to Tokyo first thing xD even though its really crowded. Damn and this was supposed to be our FFF trip