「早稻田」民宿周邊遊

To navigate within Tokyo city, Google Maps is super useful. It displays the best route with price and travel time. HyperDia is another great tool you can use, especially for train travel. It displays detailed timetable and compares routes and prices. Besides the web-based version, it also has an app for iOS and Android.

Coin lockers are everywhere and can always be found at train stations. They come in Small (¥300), Medium (¥400), and Large size (¥500-¥800), though the per-day prices may vary. Unfortunately, large-wheeled suitcases won’t fit inside these lockers, and this is why we always recommend traveling light.

The 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and other corner stores have a lot of pre-set meals for 120-370 JPY that make for a cheap lunch option. Additionally, supermarkets also have many set meals at similar prices. You can also find a lot of cheap meals at the major bus/train stations, as well (such as curry, ramen, and donburi). Even the locals eat here.

Since cabs can be expensive (they have a 475 JPY starting fare), use the public transportation to save money. It goes everywhere and late into the night!

Carry a plastic bag to gather your trash while exploring.

It’s perfectly safe to drink from the tap!

In Tokyo, people walk on the left-hand side, just like road traffic. On escalators, it is a common, unspoken rule to stand on the left and leave the right side for those who want to climb the steps. Exceptions exist in some metro stations though. To avoid running into other pedestrians, always check the signs!

The very first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Japan is the electronic toilets. These hi-tech toilets are EVERYWHERE and will amaze you with their remarkable functionality! What exactly can they do? The sophisticated toilets come equipped with an array of smart functions, including a heated seat (super great for winter!), water sprays for front and posterior wash (with adjustable position and water strength), noise maker (for privacy), and air-drying.

One of the things you need to know about Japan is that tipping is not a common practice. Actually, leaving a tip can be seen as demeaning and disrespectful to the server.

Below is a list of useful words and phrases for your survival in Japan: Hello = [konnichiwa] Yes = [hai] No = [ie] Thank you = [arigato gozaimasu] Excuse me = [sumimasen] Pro tip: Download Google Translate app – it is a handy tool to have when you need instant translation between Japanese and English.

Suica and Pasmo can almost be used interchangeably. The only difference is that they are sold by different companies. Pasmo are sold at any ticket vending machine at Tokyo subway stations whereas Suica are only available at JR EAST stations. Both machines have English instructions. But if you’re taking a train from the airport to Tokyo city center, you can buy either card at Narita and Haneda airports. You can even use them to make small purchases in convenience stores and vending machines! One card costs as little as 1000 yen (500 yen for deposit, 500 yen credit). You can top up as you go.