Tips for First-Time Travelers in Japan
Mobile phones and Postal Service
iPhone apps @ William Hook, Unplash
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MOBILE PHONES & DATA
If you want to use the mobile phone data anywhere you go, it is recommended to consider purchasing a SIM-card or a pocket WiFi. The simplest option is to purchase a SIM-card with unlimited data before your arrival, and pick it up at the airport you land in. The staff helps you to prepare the card and make sure the data works. After arrival, you can also purchase Japan Travel SIM-cards for example at Bic Camera stores, which can be found in many locations. Rental pocket WiFi is another possible option for using data while exploring Japan. With a tourist visa, you can also purchase voice/data SIM-cards.
Helpful Apps
When visiting Japan, mobile apps are a great help for having a smoother travel experience.
For overall Japan information and traveling in Japan, apps such as the Japan Official Travel App, Tabimori (App Store & Google Play), and NAVITIME can assist you. In case you are not familiar with speaking Japanese, apps such as Google Translate and VoiceTra (App Store & Google Play) can help to ease the language barrier.
You can find more apps for traveling in Japan from our Tokyo Travel Guide and Kyoto Travel Guide!
POSTAL SERVICE
Post office in Hokkaido @ Magic Mary, Unsplash
At the post offices, you can send letters, postcards, parcels and registered mail, as well as insurance services and savings. The small post offices are open from 9AM to 5PM from Monday to Friday, and stay closed during weekends and national holidays. The larger post offices are open until 7PM, and might also be open on weekends. The mailboxes are red and have the “〒” service mark on them. A small selection of postcards and stamps can also be found from most of the convenience stores (combinis).
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