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Japan is a truly fascinating country, but certainly very different and far from ours in terms of culture, traditions, ...
For this reason, I recommend approaching this wonderful country with an open mind and a desire to learn.
English is not widely spoken, even in large cities. The Japanese people are very helpful and friendly, so it won't be difficult to understand and make yourself understood.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, cash is preferred. So consider leaving with some yen. It is also possible to withdraw cash locally with your ATM card, using the international Maestro circuit, at Seven Eleven supermarkets which have ATMs enabled for international withdrawals. Please note that ATMs found in Japanese banks are not enabled for international ATM service.
If you intend to drive, remember that driving is on the left and you must have an international driving permit which you can request in Italy at the DMV or at a driving school that will handle the entire application process for you.
To make your stay in Japan easier and more complete, I recommend using the Free Guide service. This service provides you (in the cities where it is available) with guides who, based on your needs or a set program, will take you on a guided tour of the city. The service is only in English and is FREE. The guides are generally retirees or students who offer you their time and knowledge of the city. The only cost to you will be transportation expenses (if you use public transport) and the lunch expenses for the guide, who has the option to choose the restaurant for lunch. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity because it will allow you to maximize your visit and get tips for an experience like locals. Highly recommended especially if you visit large cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. The service must be booked in advance.
To travel light, especially by train, use the TA-Q-BIN luggage delivery service provided by Yamato. It is available at major airports or you can request it at your hotel in Japan. Also remember that you can use lockers to store your luggage or purchases for a few hours while you visit the city. You can easily find them inside train or subway stations.
Important: take out adequate health insurance. As with the USA, in Japan it is also necessary to have insurance to cover any health needs. There are many that can be purchased directly online.
Last but not least, portable wi-fi. In Japan, wi-fi is widespread but not available everywhere. To always have data coverage, especially when visiting cities and to have maps and directions available in real time, portable wi-fi is a must! There are several providers offering device rentals. On my last trip, for which I needed constant coverage since I was using my phone as a car navigator, I relied on Wi-Ho. This provider offers two types of data coverage: city-type, if you are moving within large cities, or wide-type if you are also traveling in rural and less populated areas. I can guarantee that the wide-type works very well, always ensuring constant coverage wherever you are. The device must be rented online in advance and, at the time of booking, you can choose whether to pick it up at the airport or have it delivered directly to your hotel upon arrival. For the return, I suggest opting for return by mail or courier. You will be provided with a prepaid envelope that you simply leave at your hotel reception. They will take care of sending it for you.
© 2025 Susy Travel all rights reserved