1. We should always carry a card from the hotel we are staying in
2. Please always carry a copy of our day-by-day itinerary and some form of identification; call Judith, text or WhatsApp if there is a problem; and Natalie’s number is on the itinerary
3. Please speak up if something is wrong!
4. The English speaking concierge is our best friend! She/he will write the name of where we want to go on a card, in Japanese, for the taxi driver.
5. Because there are very few street names, and we are moving from city to city, look for landmarks near our hotels; maybe take a photo of the hotel entrance and your room door

Power converters: US plugs, flat 2-pin will work in Japan and are not readily available in all hotels

Currency: the Japanese unit of currency is the Yen. Japan is still a cashed based society. ATMs are available in 7eleven stores, at Post Offices and at the airport. Credit cards are accepted at major stores, most restaurants and at our hotels.

Mobile phones & wifi: having access to your mobile phone is useful for google maps; we will have wifi in our hotels and can contact one another on WhatsApp or via email; you may also like to investigate the Telstra International Day Pass,or, travelsim card

Tipping: is not required in Japan! There is one exception which may be of interest: if you are very pleased with a guide, then a small gift from home, eg a tea towel or a box of local sweets, would be appropriate. Because I have personally requested some of the guides I met last year, I will have gifts for them. If you would like to come prepared, please feel welcome to bring something with you. The culture of gift-giving is very big in Japan!

Medications: could I ask everyone to please read this: https://www.insidejapantours.com/travel-tips/

Weather & What to Wear: May brings lovely mild weather with temperatures around 74°F (23°C) during the day and 59°F (15°C) in the early mornings and evenings. The average monthly rainfall is only 145 mm (6 inches), but bring a light-weight sweater, a raincoat or waterproof jacket, and an umbrella.

Japanese Etiquette: the Do’s and Don’ts: How to Behave in Japan