Top Tips for Visiting Japan

Inspire's Head of Marketing, Product & Commerical - Claire Dutton, had a fabulous holiday to Japan, so here is her blog detailing her experience and some top tips. If you want to make your Japan trip a reality, get in touch today!
 
I flew direct with BA Heathrow - Tokyo, then stayed for 3 nights at the Sunroute Shinjuku Plaza in Tokyo. This hotel in very central, 5mins walk to Shinjuku Station, so excellent for getting around the city . We then went to Yokohama Port ( 45mins by taxi from the centre of Tokyo) for an 11-night cruise on Diamond Princess. The ship was really good. Good size, not too big, great service and has a good mix of Japanese and Western food on board.
Our itinerary was Yokohama – 2 days at sea – Hiroshima – Kanmon Straits & Shimonseki – Busan South Korea – Nagasaki – Kagoshima – Kochi – Kobe ( for Kyoto) – Shimizu ( for Mt Fuji ) - Yokohama.
 
When we got back we had 1 night at a the Mecure Haneda – which was a fab 4* Mecure, in Haneda district, Tokyo We then had a 26 hour delay due to the plane going tech (!) so BA put us up in the Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda – which is a EXCELLENT hotel for a stopover at the hotel with a beautiful spa and a shopping/restaurant complex attached.
  • If customers want to make the most of their trip to Japan, consider booking a cruise or escorted tour which give you a stress-free way to explore the countries mix of ancient culture and modern cities.
  • When in Tokyo, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. There is a FREE observation deck on the 45th floor giving you panoramic 360-degree views of this vast city and Mt Fuji on a clear day
  • Buy a Japan Rail (JR) Pass which is cheap, easy to use and helps you to get around Tokyo and other places in Japan very quicky
  • The Don Quijote stores are the best places to buy everything and anything, including souvenirs
  • When visiting Kyoto, don’t miss the stunning Golden Temple and the Bamboo Forest which are just outside the city centre. You can also hire traditional Kimonos to have photos taken or wear for the day as you walk around the city.
  • Learn a few Japanese phrases and customs, as Japan is very respectful. Using two hands to exchange items , not tipping, keeping voices low on public transport and bowing when greeting someone for example. They really appreciate you making an effort.
  • A must visit is Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Park and the Museum and learn about the moving history, the cities reconstruction and message of global peace.
  • Visiting during Cherry Blossom season is very beautiful, but it can get very crowded, consider visiting in the Autumn when the foliage is out, the weather is pleasant and it’s less busy.
  • If you are staying in Tokyo and want to visit Mt Fuji for the day, take the 60 -70-minute bullet train ( Shinkansen) from Tokyo station. Book in advance though, as it gets busy. Sit on the right- hand side for the best views of Fuji!
  • Enjoy a traditional Japanese Shiatsu Massage at the end of your holiday. This helps to relive muscle tension after lots of walking and sightseeing ! You wear comfortable, loose clothing ( some places supply traditional ‘pyjama style’ clothing for you to wear) and are performed on a floor mat ( futon) and the masseuse uses deep pressure to relax you and restore balance.