#japan rail pass price

[travelerguide1]

Get the Japan Rail Pass to Discover Japan's Magnificence – HIS offer the Best Deal!

Have you ever had the desire to see Japan's stunning scenery, modern cities, and affluent way of life? Look no similar to the Japan Rail Pass Price, your ticket to a seamless tour throughout the Land of the Rising Sun. At HIS, we're proud to provide the first-class costs on this must-have pass, making your Japanese journey greater inexpensive and handy than ever.

Access to Japan's extensive railway network, which includes the well-known Shinkansen(bullet train), is unrestricted with the Japan Rail Pass. The JR Pass covers you whether you want to visit the peaceful landscapes of Hokkaido, the ancient temples of Kyoto, the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, or the busy metropolis of Tokyo.

Our aggressive expenses make certain that you get the most fee from your trip. Choose from a range of bypass periods to swimsuit your tour plans, whether or not it is a brief getaway or a prolonged exploration. It's now not simply cost-effective; it additionally saves you the problem of buying personal tickets for every leg of your journey.

With the Japan Rail Pass from HIS, you may journey in relief and fashion whilst making the most of your time in Japan. Plus, it is a remarkable way to ride the country's stunning surroundings along the way. Don't leave out out on this remarkable chance to see Japan, and do not overlook a look at our unique provides and reductions to make your outing even extra budget-friendly. Explore Japan easily with HIS – the place your journey begins!

[cerealandchoccymilk]

(shaking) book-off please please please please have trigun maximum omnibus version please only be out of stock on book-off online please this thing is out of print and theres no ebook or torrent for this anywhere ggrrrgrehegrgeGUHEUGRHFOAMINGATTHEMOUTH

[rock-the-baby]

【小説：2024年GWの貧困JAPAN】

2024年のGW、衰退国家日本は通貨危機に陥り、円は数年で40%も下落していた。

かつてあれだけハワイ旅行が流行った繁栄国家は急速に衰退し、貧しく海外に行けない国民ばかりになっていた。

貧乏な白痴大衆を主な視聴者層にするテレビ局はこぞって、「日本人はハワイに行って自炊生活をしています!ハワイへの旅行客は貧乏旅行をみんなしています!」と報道していた。

「ハワイに行っても楽しくないんだ! 俺は家で遊んでるけど幸せなんだ!俺は勝利している!」と国民は精神的勝利をし、「すっぱいぶどう」を見せるテレビ局と、それをみて満足に浸る視聴者の相互補完関係は今日も保たれていた。

東京で36歳になったたかしはまだ結婚をしておらず、GWの暇を持て余していた。

海外旅行に誘う相手もいないわけではないが、友人は次々結婚していき遊ぶ人間も減り、今年は円安であまりにも高いので、趣味の一人海外旅行も行かずに、特にすることがない。

銀座や新宿、渋谷にふらっと出かけていくと、外国人観光客で店がごった返し、次から次へと商品を買っていくのをみる。

かつて白人のみ、そして次に金持ちの中国人ばかりだった観光客。

いよいよ貧しくなり果てたJAPANでは様変わりし、一体どこの国から来たのかわからない国の人々ばかりになっていて、彼らの国籍は全くわからない。

渋谷の道端で缶ビールを飲む連中に、横一列で歩いてくる人々。時折悪態をついて見下してくるような態度を取る外国人。

いよいよ富裕層だけではなく中産階級でも来られるようになった国、JAPAN。

かつて日本人が東南アジアなどにいって現地の人々を下に見て、それが態度に出ていたように、彼らにマナーも期���することはできない。

好きだった海鮮の店も外国人向け商品ばかりになり疎外感を感じる。

今や海鮮丼が3000円4000円で、もう自分では食べられない。

店の中では外国人らが「What a price! Delicious!(マジで安すぎ!うまい!)」とガツガツ食べている。

店員も外国人ばかりになり、オーナーも経営者もおそらく外国人になったのだろう。

一体自分がどこの国にいるのかわからなくなり、日本に金が落ちるのかもわからない。

疲れ切って自宅に帰り、仕方なく冷凍食品を温めて食べる。

誰かを誘って温泉旅行にでも行こうと予約サイトを開く。

一泊一人3万も出せばそこそこの宿は泊まれるだろうと思ったが、一泊5万10万は当たり前で、20万30万の宿も出てくる。

あらゆるサイトを確認したが同じで失望する。

そういえば先日大阪に出張に行ったときも会社の規定の宿予算で泊まることができなかった。

大阪の街で買い物に興じる大量の外国人たちをみて、一体なにが起きているのかを理解した。

両親にLINEをして、帰省すると伝える。

東京駅に行くと、大きなスーツケースを抱えた外国人でごった返している。

駅の広告には「Uber Eatsで美味しい食事を頼みましょう」とか、「Netflixでシティーハンターを独占配信」という広告がどこの壁にも画面にも出てきて、我が国資本の広告は藤原竜也のよくわからないSKyなんちゃらというIT製品の広告しか目立たない。

そんな自分も、Google Mapで乗り換え案内を検索し、手元にはiPhone、仕事の携帯はAndroid、東京駅まで来る途中はSpotifyで音楽を聞き、旅の写真はGoogle PhotoかiCloudに、旅行にブッキング・ドットコムやエクスペディアを使っており、新幹線に乗る前にスタバでコーヒーを買っている。

これらを使うたびに円が売られドルが買われ、円安を加速させる。

かつて世界中に自国の家電や半導体、車を輸出しまくって外貨を稼ぎ、世界トップの金持ち国家に君臨していたのは日本だと聞いても、にわかに信じがたい。

新幹線の改札に向かうが、特急券と乗車券が分かれるという極めて奇妙なシステムを理解できない外国人らが改札で混乱し、スマートEXの使い方すらわからないアナログ日本人もまた通れず混乱している。

自動改札なのに駅員が大量に配置されている風景は、毎年繁忙期の風物詩である。

東京駅で、新幹線のぞみ号に乗る。

弁当を買っていたら時間がなく、申し訳ないと思いながらもグリーン車に飛び乗って、自分の普通車車両を目指した。

東京駅を出る時に弁当を食べ始め、新横浜に到着する前に食べ終わりゴミを捨て、そこから静かに寝るのが常である。

運良くグリーン車の隣の車両だったのですぐ座席についたが、隣に座った大きな荷物を持った外国人らがどこに荷物を置けばよいのかわからず、立ち往生していた。

大型荷物置き場の予約もしていなさそうだが、荷物置き場が諸外国の鉄道と比べ極めて少ない我が国の新幹線に苦労するのは当たり前である。

無理やり荷棚に置いたりしようとしてはうまくいかず、今度は最後尾の座席の後ろのスペースを勝手に使ったりと右往左往し、あれこれと出入りが多くて自分も弁当を食べることが出来ない。

車両をよく見みると、他にも外国人が多く乗っている。

JAPAN RAIL PASSというJRが提供する格安乗り放題チケットがあるが、ひかりやこだましか乗ることが出来ない。あまりにも安すぎて日本人差別かと言われるほどだったので、こないだ値上げをした。

JAPAN RAIL PASSのおかげで多くの外国人は「ひかり・こだま」押し込まれて「のぞみ」には乗っていなかったのに、今日はやけに多い。

JAPAN RAIL PASSの値上げのせいか、それとも「円安でのぞみ安いからこれでいこうか」となったのか、それはわからない。

さっき通ったグリーン車も外国人だらけで、しかもインドかタイなのか、かつては想定もしていなかった国々の人がたくさん座っていた。

結局は「日本が安いから」たくさん乗っていることは間違いない。

デッキには、指定席を買わず自由席券でケチって乗ろうとしたのか、GWは全席指定なのを知らなかったのか、ずっと座り込んでたり立っている日本人がちらほらいる。

弁当を食べて飲み物を飲みたくとも、車内販売は先日終了した。

日本を代表する高速鉄道である東海道新幹線の車内販売すら、少子高齢化による人手不足には勝てない。

今やここで水一杯を調達することも出来ない。

東京からうっかり飲み物を持たず博多までのチケットを買ってしまったら悲惨だ。

三島を超えると車窓から、雪が多く残る5月の富士山が見える。

かつて日本国民に愛された「シンカンセンスゴイカタイアイス」こと、スジャータのアイスの販売もグリーン車に限られ、たかがアイスですら上級国民と下級国民で差をつけられる現実をひしひしと感じて辛い想いがこみ上げてくる。

そういえば、先日北陸新幹線でスノボに行った時も、グランクラスに乗っていくのは外国人、というかインド人ばかりだったのを思い出す。

格安SIMのギガ数が少ないのでケチケチと新幹線のWifiにつなごうとしたが、全く速度が出ないどころかろくにつながらず途中で諦める。

N700Sという新しい車両が導入され、一部車両ではWifiは2倍高速と言っているのに繋がらない。

隣の外国人もWifiと悪戦苦闘し繋がらず、話しかけられたが何か助けることもできず、お互い言葉は通じないが諦めた顔をしている。

本当に通信回線が用意されているのか疑問に思いながら眠りについた。

実家の最寄り駅(といっても車で時間もかかるが)につくと、老いた父親がプリウスで迎えに来ていた。

車窓風景は何年たっても変わらないが、よくみるとなじみの店が閉店し、空き家が増え、建物は残っていても人が少なく街がひっそりしているように感じる。

家に到着すると、田舎者らしく居間には大きなテレビがありニュースを流していて、母がそこでお茶を飲んでいる。

ニュースは「本日はこちらの地域に振り込め詐欺の電話がかかってきています」などと呼びかけ、その他にも「85歳の老人がコンビニに突入しまいました」とかいうニュースが流れ、その車がプリウスであると心の中で予想すると、やはり映像にプリウスが流れる。

「外国人の爆買いは凄かったなあ」と疲れ切ってソファに座ると、テーブルの上には新聞の折込チラシが置かれていて、そのチラシをパラパラとめくって父が「ワークマンが最近いいらしいぞ」とワークマンのチラシを渡してくる。

誰かのXの投稿で「日本人がワークマンが凄いだのなんだの言ってる間に、東南アジア人はパタゴニアを着てスキーをするようになりました」と見たのは、1年半前くらいだろうか。

あの時は「そんなことはない」と思っていたのに、迫りくる現実をひしひしと感じ、なんとも言えない悲壮感が漂ってくる。

テレビをぼーっと見ていると、夢グループの通販が始まり、誰が使うかわからないポータブルDVDプレーヤーが1万円で売られており、「やすぅ〜い!」とおばさんの歓声があがる。

「ねえ母さん、こんなの誰が買うの?」と母の方を見ると、居間のすみっこに夢グループと書かれた段ボールが置かれているのがちらりと見える。なにが入ってるのか怖くて開けられなかった。

ニュースを見ても老人向けの意見ばかり言うコメンテーターばかり、バラエティを見てもよく知らない低俗な安い芸人が飯を食ったり、ガハハとつまらない話でひな壇で笑い合うだけのものばかりしかない。

CMにはコンドロイチンとか腰痛、尿もれパッドだのといった広告ばかりが流れ、同じ国なので東京と田舎でここまで違うかと驚愕する。

ワークマンの折込チラシの横においてある新聞を開いてみる。

母がむかし「高級紙」と呼んでいた朝日新聞。

「天声人語というのがあったな」と昔を思い出していると、母がおもむろに「こんなのが最近は本屋さんにあるのよ」と「天声人語書き写しノート」という公式の謎ノートを差し出してくる。こ���が累計500万冊以上売れてるらしい。

発行部数が減り実質不動産屋となって食いつないでいる会社の政治思想機関紙が、今でもこうして高齢有権者に幅広く読まれている現実を知って、複雑な気持ちになる。

数年前、YouTubeの見すぎで陰謀論にハマり、ディープステートだロスチャイルドだと毎日言い続けていた父。

地元の友人も離れていった者も少なくはない。

そこでNetflixやAmazon Primeを契約しインストールしたiPadをプレゼントし、YouTubeとの接点を消したのが一昨年の年末であった。

陰謀論を唱えることは多少減ったものの、右翼韓国嫌いの父はNetflixは韓ドラばかりで嫌だと言うので、U-NEXTを契約して日本や中国のドラマも見れるようにしたのが去年の年末。

あれから4ヶ月経ったが、U-NEXTでは実は隠し機能でアダルト作品が見放題になったのを私は知らなかった。

案の定、自慢げにiPadを町内会に持っていった時にうっかり視聴中の熟女系アダルト作品が大音量で再生されてしまったそうで、なかなか停止の操作もできず、大きな恥をかいたという。

アダルトの世界も女優の高齢化が進んでいるというが、視聴者が高齢者が増えているのが理由なのだろうか。

元気にこんな騒動をしている親も将来介護が必要になると思うとつらい思いがある。

いつか家を処分するのを見越して、私がかつて着ていた服とか、使っていた本とかを処分していく。

私が寝泊まりしていたかつての子供部屋には、ショップチャンネルやQVCの箱が山積みされ、食べ物や健康グッズなどを買った形跡があり、母が浪費をしていないか心配になる。

戸棚からカセットテープやCD、MDが大量に出てくるが、カセットテープからMDへの進化には当時誰もが感動したのに、もう今や誰も使っていない。

ソニーのウォークマンに電池を入れて久々に再生してみるとまだ動くことに感動し、浜崎あゆみのSeasonsが流れ、当時の情景が思い浮かんでくる。

ケツメイシの「さくら」が流れてくると、自然に手に取ってしまった高校の卒業アルバムを開いた。

一緒に勉強や部活を頑張っていた彼らはいまどこでなにをやっているのだろうか。

音楽は記憶を蘇らせる道具だなと感心する。

優秀だった何人かの名前を検索して見ると、大企業で管理職についていたり、外科医となり手術をこなして人を救っていたり、田舎に残って地元のイベントを盛り上げていたり、名前が出てくると嬉しくなる。

「あいつらも頑張ってるんだな」と思うと、自分も腐らず頑張ろうと思えるのは、いつの時代も同じなのだろうか。

頑張って活躍してる彼らに連絡を取れたらと思っても、携帯メールが衰退しLINEなどが勃興した今、連絡先は断絶している。

高校時代や大学時代のメアドに連絡してもきっと届かないだろうと思うと、技術の進化と人間関係の継続性については本当に進化をしているのだろうか、と考える。

そうこうしているうちに夕食の時間になった。

久々の帰省で張り切って高い肉を買ってきたのだろう、久々のステーキだった。

彼らはもう年金暮らしだが、お金はあるのだろうか。

「こんな良い食材わざわざ買ってこなくてもいいのに」

そう言っても、

「いやいや、たいしたもんじゃないよ」

と返す父と母。

陰謀論にはまろうが、怪しい通販にハマろうが、子を想う親の心は消えていないことに少し安心する。

「同級生の春奈ちゃん、二人目の子供産んだって」

「成績良かった大介くんは、トヨタで働いてるんですって」

「栄町の美奈子ちゃん、不妊治療でやっと1人目生まれたらしいわよ、よかったわね」

どれも本人たちに直接聞いた話でもなんでもない。

田舎人たちは、ITもクラウドもキャッシュレスも遅れているはずなのに、都会人よりも他人の個人情報を細かく早く把握しているのはなぜだろう。

自分は、同級生たちにどんな情報が伝わっているのだろうか。

「なあ、たかしはいい人はおらんのか?」

ビールで酔った父からそう言われても、

「いや、特に」

としか返すことも出来ず、美味しいステーキのはずが味が落ちていく。

なんとも言えない雰囲気になるが、

「つらいことあったら、いつでも帰ってこいよ」

と父が言う。

それから両親とはたいして多くを語り合うことはなく、休みも最終日を迎えた。

翌日、東京へ帰るバス停に両親が送ってくれた。

同じように、都会へ帰っていく若者たちが何人かバスを待っている。

バス停のプレートもずいぶん劣化し錆びてきている。

地面のアスファルトも割れが目立つ。

「つらいことがあったら、いつでも帰ってこいよ」

父がまた同じことを言う。

バスに乗り、車窓から両親を見る。少しさびしそうな顔をして、前より小さくなったような気がした。

バス停のアスファルトの割れ目からは、たんぽぽが咲いているのが見えた。

そのたんぽぽが、妙に力強く、たくましく見えた。

バスが発車すると、どんどん小さくなる両親。

両親も私も、お互いが見えなくなるまで、ずっとずっとお互いを見つめていた。

—終---

https://x.com/japantank/status/1786595831841509692?s=12&t=2udZ4HodM8nXVRmb1FbVUA

[pix4japan]

Capturing Nostalgia: Sekizushi Sushi Shop at Gumyoji Shotengai

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan Timestamp: 17:14・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter ISO 1250 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2 Classic Negative film simulation

Nestled within the charming streets of the Gumyoji Shotengai in Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan, lies a hidden gem of tradition and flavor: Sekizushi.

As a street photographer, I often find myself drawn to the Showa-esque allure of places like this where history mingles with the aroma of fresh cuisine.

Established in 1980, Sekizushi beckons the locals with its modest facade and welcoming noren curtain, adorned with elegant strokes of the shop's name in white kanji characters on a traditional Japanese indigo blue background.

I didn’t ask permission to shoot the interior, but learned that the restaurant has tatami mat seating for up to 12 patrons and counter seating for up to 11 patrons. The popular 5-piece sashimi platter priced at 2,000 yen seems to strike a balance between quality and affordability, particularly for overseas travelers benefiting from the favorable exchange rate.

What truly captivates me, however, are the subtle details that remind me of bygone days. When you open the wooden-framed glass sliding doors, they make a distinct rattle as the old metal rollers pass over the worn metal railings on the floor.

The rattling sound evokes memories from my late teens of visits to friends' homes that had the same style of sliding doors at the entrance. That “gata-gata” rattling sound of the window panes shaking in their wooden frames takes me back to a nostalgic time of my youth and Japan's economic heyday during the late Showa period.

For links to Google Maps and additional source references, please check out the full write-up, a concise 2-minute read (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240409-sushi).

[apple-pecan]

Sin and Punishment (2000)

once upon a time, a small company called Treasure existed. they made a bunch of awesome games but none of them sold particularly well, but that didn't stop them. until the early 2010's in which case they actually did stop. oops. either way they had a bunch of cult classics under their belt and had the idea to partner up with nintendo themselves to work on their first fully 3D game.

thus Sin and Punishment was made and it sold twelve billion copies and solved world hunger and world peace was finally achieved. just kidding, no one bought it because it was a japan exclusive N64 game, a country the N64 did awful in. a north amercian release was in mind from the very beginning (to the extent that all the voice acting is in english and not japanese) but it was cancelled because nintendo are cowards. thankfully they rectified this mistake in 2007 when it got released on the virtual console and it's been playable on all their main home consoles ever since. about time.

so what's the deal? why's this game so good? think star fox 64 with the plot of end of evangelion. it's a rail shooter where you have a rapid fire gun, the ability to melee enemies if they get too close, and a player character bound to the laws of gravity that can walk from left to right, jump, and dodge roll. there is also a worthless lock on mode that you should never use.

what follows is a non-stop barrage of action, explosions and vast amounts of awesome boss fights. so, like the best kinda games treasure made. BUT IN 3D!!!!!!! it's always a rush of energy and fun and there's never a dull moment. but it comes at a price: this game is horrifically short. you can easily beat the entire game in around 40 minutes, and aside from unlocking harder difficulties there's not that much of a reason to play again. except yes there is because the game is fun as balls and you can replay it to get a high score. i guess what im trying to say is think of this more as an arcade game rather than a full fledged AAA adventure, and you'll be good.

if you bought this game back when it first came out (somehow) the steep price would've been an issue. but if you have the nintendo switch online expansion pass, this is included in the nintendo 64 catalog for the low low price of 0 dollars. i mean, besides paying for the expansion pass but. you know what i mean. or you could pirate it that's fine too. either way, play this game however you can, it's the very definition of short but sweet. definitely treasure's best game on the N64, just narrowly beating mischief makers, and honestly one of the best games on the N64 in general. play it, you won't be disappointed.

9/10

NOTE: my favorite part was when saki turned into EVA-01 and said "AWW YEAH IT'S SIN AND PUNISHMENT TIME" and he sinned and punished the evil twin clone of the planet earth so hard it exploded. this joke is still funny right.

[yridenergyridenergy]

I am really really hesitating about Tour23 Phalaris Final -the scent of a peaceful death-. Because of other expenses in the last few months, I don't have as much saved as I would like, and I would prefer to target an upcoming sukekiyo tour instead. Nothing guarantees one in February though and I can't go between June and September inclusively...

All that to say that I might have VIP tickets to transfer. I applied for Nagoya and early December as soon as the first round of a knot lottery started and if I don't decide to withdraw by June 20nd or something, then I would pay them as soon as the results come out, so they should be really good numbers.

I love the Phalaris songs and would love to hear Kamuy live, but I'm also totally infatuated with sukekiyo... Another thing that weighs in the balance is that even if I shift my focus on sukekiyo, the tickets are way more of a headache to get than Dir en grey's. Plus, if I go before 2024, I could buy a Japan Rail Pass now for the current price because the drastic increase in October 2023.

[nhidalgo9]

May 30 - Tea Ceremony

Day three in the UF study abroad was reserved for one thing and one thing only, the tea ceremony. An ancient tradition that has undergone many changes to when it first started changing from an activity mainly dominated by samurai and emperors to conduct business or show their power to an activity mostly done by women to showcase their etiquette. The tea ceremony was conducted by an older women who was the tea master at this certain school of tea that existed in Japan and her reputation preceded her, she does the tea ceremony in all parts of the world including but not limited to New York, Las Vegas, and France. In her actions you can tell that all of them were done deliberately, there was not a single movement that wasn’t done for a reason from the folding of the napkin to serving us the tea and bowing while doing so. Before having a quite bitter tea we were served traditional Japanese sweets that were nothing more than sugar with bean paste filling in the middle, this is served in order to counteract the bitterness of the tea. Finally it was time to taste the matcha tea that she had made and it was very delicious, no sugar was added like in what you tend to see in maybe a Starbucks or other cafes and the entire experience was very calming. After walking around the beautiful park and pond that was next to the tea ceremony place we went to Odaiba a district known for its smaller replica of the statue of liberty, its coastline view, and a huge model of a gundam mech from the very popular anime.  We even stopped at an aquarium which was beautifully constructed inside and for me the thing I was most excited about was the small sea horses that I saw roaming around the different habitats. We also tried conveyor belt sushi today or Kaiten as its called here which boats affordable and convenient sushi that is delivered to your table via rails with trays that zoom the food towards you. It was very affordable where one could get 4 or 5 rolls of sushi for under $20, an unmatched price for some of the best sushi you will find around.

Academic reflection 

The most interesting part about the reading was that we see a complete paradigm shift in how and why the tea ceremony is conducted. You go from some of the most powerful people in the country like the emperor and the samurai conducting business and high stakes negotiations over the tea ceremony to women continuing the practice not only as a remnant of the past and to remember but also to show off a family’s etiquette. This was made apparent in today’s tea ceremony when our teamaster was an elderly woman who had been doing it for years. The tea ceremony also becomes accessible to more people and less regulated as the traditions and methods are passed down from family to family. 

The reading also touched on how there were different schools of thought in regards to making tea and to conducting the tea ceremony. As we move into the 21st century with the innovations in technology and science so comes innovations to the different materials and tools used to conduct the tea ceremony. This point was hammered home when our tea guide explained to us that her school saw matcha tea that had more foam at the top of it as a higher quality of matcha while other schools believe that a tea with less foam at the top is of higher quality.

[twominifigsinjapan]

Our chance in a life time trip is now over but I wanted share some knowledge with anyone thinking about traveling to Japan in the near future.

Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass was a very cost effective way of getting around Japan. It allows access to the bullet trains( Shinkansen ) and many local trains for one flat price because it's more expensive if you purchase individual tickets to individual destinations when you're there. I went with a JR West Rail pass to save money since we were only traveling to Tokyo and West of there.

The JapanTravel app for the smartphones is an effective way to plan your train journey and see the current status of trains. We used it to travel to Hiroshima, Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo.

We flew to Chitose airport in Hokkaido from Tokyo and chartered a White Liner bus to Niseko where our friends picked us up. In winter, it's crucial that you allow at least a four hour buffer for the bus to go through the mountian passes because weather can delay the 2.5 hour journey.

Any hotels were booked using the Booking app. Next time I might stay in Hostels to save more money like I did 11 years ago.

I have a smart phone with an eSIM so I went with the company Ubigi to buy a 50gb data plan, no voice, that expires in 1 month. We were watching Youtube videos so you may only need a 25gb package. Be aware that the price is in $USD.

The Customs App is filled out ahead of time per passenger and it contains passport information, declarations and places you're staying at. Customs will check the resultant QR codes when you land. You will also need to show customs the QR code that shows proof of three vaccinations.

GoogleTranslate was invaluable in deciphering script characters on grocery products using camera mode as well as communicating with people using a microphone or typing text. Lifesaver!

The three phrases I learned as a Gaijin( foreigner ) that came in handy:

Sumimasen - Excuse me

Arigatōgozaimasu - Thank you

Hhayo gozaimasu - Good morning ( which I accidentally used at all times of the day )

Oh! Another great thing about not having any checkin baggage is that it made it easier to hop on a different plane when we missed our connection flight.

I would espeically like to thank our host family for showing us around the local area and tolerating our aloof and messy nature.

[influencermagazineuk]

Golden Week Getaway: Magic of Japan During the Land of the Rising Sun's Biggest Holidays

Dreaming of a trip to Japan? Consider setting your sights on Golden Week, a string of national holidays in Japan that offer a vibrant glimpse into Japanese culture and a chance to experience the country at its most festive. Buckle up, travel adventurer, because this guide will illuminate the wonders of Golden Week and equip you with essential travel tips to navigate the festivities like a pro. Golden Week: A Celebration Extravaganza Golden Week isn't just one holiday; it's a glorious week-long stretch of national holidays celebrated in late April and early May. Here's a breakdown of the key holidays that make up Golden Week: - Showa Day (April 29th): This day commemorates the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, the emperor during World War II. Many public facilities close, but parks and shrines often hold special events. - Constitution Day (May 3rd): This day celebrates the adoption of Japan's post-war constitution in 1947. It's a day to reflect on peace and democracy. - Greenery Day (May 4th): This day is dedicated to appreciating nature and the environment. People often spend time outdoors, plant trees, or visit parks. - Children's Day (May 5th): This day celebrates children's happiness and well-being. Families often fly colorful carp streamers (koinobori) representing their children's strength and determination. Golden Week: A Cultural Kaleidoscope Golden Week isn't just about taking a break; it's a time for cultural immersion. Here's what you can expect: - Festivities Galore: Many cities and towns host special festivals with parades, food stalls, and traditional performances. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and witness Japan's rich cultural heritage firsthand. - Theme Park Mania: Golden Week is peak season for theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan. Expect long lines, but also the thrill of experiencing these iconic attractions with a festive Japanese twist. - Nature's Embrace: Golden Week coincides with pleasant spring weather, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Hike amidst the beauty of Mount Fuji, explore serene gardens, or have a picnic under cherry blossoms if they're still in bloom in some areas. Golden Week Travel Tips: Brace Yourself for the Crowds! Golden Week is undeniably magical, but be prepared for the crowds. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip: - Plan Early: Book your flights and accommodation well in advance, especially for popular destinations. Prices tend to surge during Golden Week. - Embrace Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your itinerary if necessary. Popular attractions might be crowded, so having backup plans is key. Mornings often have shorter lines than afternoons. - Transportation Savvy: Public transportation can get very crowded during Golden Week. Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains (except bullet trains with reserved seats) or renting a car if you're comfortable with driving on the left side of the road. - Explore Beyond the Usual Tourist Spots: While major cities offer a quintessential Golden Week experience, consider venturing to smaller towns and hidden gems. You might encounter unique local traditions and avoid the biggest crowds. - Cash is King: While Japan is increasingly cashless, having some cash on hand is still recommended, especially for smaller shops and restaurants that might not accept credit cards. - Etiquette Matters: Be mindful of Japanese customs and etiquette. Avoid loud talking in public places, take off your shoes when entering temples and shrines, and be respectful of queues. - Embrace the Festive Spirit: Golden Week is a time for celebration! Soak in the positive energy, participate in local activities, and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Golden Week Delights: Foodie Adventures Await! No trip to Japan is complete without a culinary adventure. Here are some Golden Week food highlights: - Golden Week Sweets: Special edition sweets and treats are often available during Golden Week, featuring festive colors and themes. Look out for limited-edition snacks and indulge your sweet tooth! - Seasonal Specialties: Spring is prime time for fresh seafood and delicious seasonal vegetables. Sample dishes featuring asparagus, bamboo shoots, and fresh fish. - Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Delights: If you're lucky enough to catch the tail end of the cherry blossom season, enjoy special hanami bento boxes and snacks perfect for picnicking under the beautiful blossoms. Golden Week: A Time for Connection and Cultural Understanding Golden Week offers more than just sightseeing and tourist attractions. It's a chance to connect with Japanese people but make sure to do your booking and stuff as there will be hell rush of crowd on every place you will want to see! Read the full article

[japan-tourists-spots]

Tips and Advice for Budget Travelers in Japan

Travelers may think of Japan—known for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine—as an expensive vacation. However, traveling to Japan on a tight budget is not only feasible but also quite fulfilling if you prepare ahead of time and make wise financial decisions. In this blog, we will provide you with valuable tips and advice for making the most of your Japanese adventure without breaking the bank.

Let's read it out:

Plan Your Trip During Off-Peak Seasons

Traveling in shoulder or off-peak seasons might result in substantial savings on lodging and transportation. To avoid major holidays and the busiest travel times, think about visiting Japan in the spring or fall.

Use Japan Rail Pass

For a set fee, the Japan train Pass provides unrestricted travel throughout the vast train network of the nation. Make the most of your pass by planning your itinerary; using a pass might be an affordable way to visit several locations.

Enjoy Affordable Dining Experiences

Good and cheap meals may be found in convenience stores, local restaurants, and Japanese street food vendors. For inexpensive culinary excursions, check out your local markets, sample "bento" (boxed meals), and enjoy the casual pub eating culture of "izakayas."

Select Low-Cost Accommodations

Japan has a range of affordable lodging choices, including guesthouses, hostels, and capsule hotels. Particularly in well-known tourist locations, do your homework and reserve well-reviewed inexpensive lodgings in advance.

Use Local Transportation Options

Use the subway, trams, and city buses in addition to the Japan Rail Pass to navigate around cities. To reduce transportation expenses, think about getting regional transport passes for particular regions.

Low-cost and Free Attractions

Japan has a plethora of free or inexpensive activities, such as parks, hiking trails, temples, and shrines. Look into and plan an itinerary that combines these less expensive attractions with more well-known locations.

Learn Basic Japanese Phrases

Gaining some knowledge of basic Japanese words will improve your trip, particularly when interacting with locals at restaurants and stores. To facilitate conversations, familiarize yourself with standard greetings and courteous language.

Shop Smart for Souvenirs

In specialist stores and local markets, Japan provides reasonably priced and distinctive keepsakes. Shop for souvenirs at local markets and booths to avoid tourist traps and upscale retailers.

Think about Cultural Exchange Initiatives

A more in-depth cultural experience and possible financial savings are provided by several programs that provide the opportunity to stay with a Japanese family. Examine credible possibilities for cultural interaction and peruse feedback from past attendees.

Accept and Value Onsen Culture

It's possible to have a pleasant and reasonably priced experience in traditional Japanese hot springs, or "onsen". Seek for public baths or onsens in the area that you may enter for a fair price.

Conclusion

Budget travel in Japan doesn't have to entail a lower standard of travel. It's possible to take advantage of everything Japan has to offer without breaking the bank if you prepare ahead, make wise decisions, and are open to learning about local customs. These pointers and recommendations can help you plan affordable, unforgettable trips to the Land of the Rising Sun. After reading this post now if you are looking for the best Japan tourist spots you can connect with us here we have a professional team to offer you the best travel experience.

[contentwithit]

Two weeks spent in Japan recap. And prices at the bottom.

This trip was planned very little research I went out and picked random places on a map. Some great some just good. Some hotels were super fancy some were kinda rundown, all were clean and I think they all had laundry.

Traveling in Japan

Welcome Suica (ic card basically a reload able debit card that you can use at vending machines, convenience stores and subways and buses) and jr pass made travel easy.

Jr pass has gone up since we bought ours, was 917 for two with shipping and all now for one it's 735, so honestly not sure if it's worth it now. But it makes travel easy jump on a Jr train without getting a ticket first super great. We used an app call navitime, better than google maps and tells you what's covered on Jr pass and what's not.

The ticket system for the subways and buses that aren't covered by Jr pass were scary confusing. I'm sure there's an easy guide somewhere for it, but having an IC card made it easy just scan in at the gate and scan out when you leave the next gate. We didn't take any public buses so I don't know how those worked

We started at Narita which was less overwhelming than say starting in Tokyo Central might have been, we had a shuttle bus to the airport and Narita station which made life easy, to get our Jr pass and ic card set up the next day instead of figuring out a new train system after a long day on an airplane. But Narita isn't really exciting.

We had issues with Sim cards, I didn't order my Sakura Sim card until the night before I left so I had to wait a day, my friend got a virtual Sim card and figuring that out was weird so he ended up getting a Sim card from the airport the second day and honestly that's what I should have done to, or just ordered early enough to get it when we landed 😅 Sim cards are everywhere and setting them up is easy.

We were both new to travel so we learn those lessons.

Total ¥861155 (roughly just under $8000 CAD)

¥598343. ($5500 CAD) Flight for 2 people from Canada with 13hour time.

¥100188 ($917 CAD) 2 JR rail pass

¥27047 ($250 CAD) Narita Tokyo hotel

¥34289 ($300 CAD) Lake Fujikawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji view) 2 nights.

¥27540 ($250 CAD) Kyoto 3 night

¥13657 ($125 CAD) Kobe 1 night,

¥24583 ($225 CAD) Osaka 2 nights,

¥35508 ($325 CAD) Tokyo Central for 1 night.

Split that between two people that's 4000 dollars then you just need spending money.

[air470]

[bxbakery]

Price of Japan Rail Pass to Increase

[antonio-velardo]

Antonio Velardo shares: Japan Rail Pass, One of Travel’s Great Deals, Gets Pricier by Allan Richarz

By Allan Richarz After decades without a significant increase, the price of the passes is jumping by as much as 76 percent. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t still a good value, if you know how to use them. Published: August 29, 2023 at 05:00AM from NYT Travel https://ift.tt/hM9YOj1 via IFTTT

[cliffdog01]

JR Rail Pass Price Hike | Update & Info (August 2023)  ONLY in JAPAN * GOONLY in JAPAN * GO

I wish when they were creating new passes, they made a Tokyo-only pass for 5000Y because I'd buy that or a pass that works with all the companies inside Tokyo. In Sydney and in Wellington, you could get passes like that. In Sydney, my family used a pass to go from our Motel in Parramatta out to the city via train/subway and then used Ferries to go to Manly and the Paramatta Wharf; it was a blast.

[buzz-london]

*In Japan , there is no Teacher's Day* . One day, I asked my Japanese colleague, teacher Yamamota: - *How do you celebrate Teacher's Day in Japan?* Surprised by my question , he replied : - *We don't have Teacher's Day *. When I heard his reply , I was not sure whether I should believe him or not. A thought passed through my mind : " *Why a country , which is so advanced in Economy, Science & Technology, so disrespectful towards teachers & their work *? " *** Once, after work, Yamamota invited me to his house . We took the Metro rail since it was far away . It was the evening peak hour, & the wagons in the Metro train were overcrowded . I managed to find a space to stand, holding tightly the overhead rail. Suddenly, the elderly man who was seated beside me offered me his seat. Not understanding this respectful behaviour of an elderly man , I declined, but he was persistent, & I was forced to sit . Once we were out of the Metro , I inquired Yamamota to explain what exactly the whitebeard did . Yamamota smiled & pointed towards the tag of teacher I was wearing & said : - This old man has seen the tag of a teacher on you & as a sign of respect towards your status , offered you his seat . Since I was visiting Yamamota for the first time , I felt uncomfortable going there with empty hands so I decided to buy a gift . I shared my thoughts with Yamamota, he supported the idea & said that little further, there is a shop for teachers , where one can purchase goods at reduced prices. Once again , I couldn't hold my emotions : - *Privileges are offered only to teachers ? I asked *. Confirming my words , Yamamota said: - *In Japan, teaching is the most respected profession & the teacher is the most respected person*. *The Japanese entrepreneurs are very happy when teachers come to their shops, they consider it an honour .* *** During my stay in Japan, I've observed multiple times the utmost respect of the Japanese towards teachers. *They have special seats allocated for them in Metro , there are special shops for them , teachers there don’t line up in queue for tickets for whatever type of transport.* *That's why the Japanese teachers don't need a special day , when every day in their live is a celebration.* Spread this story to everyone. Let the society grow to appreciate the teachers to this level . Once again as many times as you can , please tell this story to your colleagues , so that their chests swell with pride . *My teacher,* *I bow 🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️down to your name* *. 🙏*Acharya Devo Bava*🙏