Helpful Information

Calendar of Events

①Todaiji Temple's Omizu-tori Festival in Nigatsudo Hall (Nara)
②Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori)
③Sanja Festival (Tokyo)
④Aoi Festival (Kyoto)
⑤Gion Festival (Kyoto)
⑥Kanda River Fireworks Festival
⑦Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival
⑧Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aomori)
⑨Kanto Festival (Akita)
⑩Awa Odori (Tokushima)
⑪Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi (Kyoto)
⑫Owara Kaze no Bon (Toyama)
⑬Danjiri Festival (Osaka)
⑭Hakata Okunchi (Fukuoka)
⑮Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival (Saitama)

In Japan, each of the four seasons in marked by special events. Learn about the best times to enjoy various flowers, when different fruits and other foods are in season, and the dates of festivals and celebrations ahead of time so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Temperature

Winter
The temperature drops considerably in January and February. In particular, the temperature in places that experience heavy snowfall such as in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region as well as in the mountains and the along the coast of the sea of Japan can be extremely cold. As such, coats, gloves, scarves, and so on are a must. However, stores can be quite warm inside, so dressing in layers can be helpful.

Spring
The number of warm days begins to increase starting in March. However, the mornings and the evenings remain quite chilly, so it's a good idea to bring a light coat or jacket with you.

Summer
Japan's rainy season begins in June. Showers can start suddenly, so carrying an umbrella and some rain gear is recommended. The humidity during this time can be intense, but there may still be some days where a light coat is needed. The temperature rises suddenly once the rainy season ends, making short sleeves a good choice. The sun is also feels very strong in Japan, so it's a good idea to take along a hat, sunscreen, and water.

Fall
September is typhoon season in Japan, so be sure to check weather reports regularly when traveling during this time. Long sleeves or a cardigan are appropriate choices for early fall, but by mid-November you'll want a coat or a jacket.

Clothes Sizing

Clothing in Japan is made based on the average heights of Japanese males and females, which are 170cm and 158cm, respectively. Clothing sizes differ greatly by brand, so it's always a good idea to try on clothes before making a purchase.

Shoe Sizing

Sizing varies depending on the country of origin, manufacturer, type of shoe, and design. Be sure to try shoes before making a purchase.

Baggage

No one wants to drag a big, bulky suitcase around while sightseeing. Use a baggage storage service or stash your stuff in a coin locker instead.

Baggage Storage

There are locations to check large baggage at stations and some tourist spots. Limits on how long you can store your things, the price, as well as the quantity and size of the items allowed will vary by location, so please be sure to double check the details of the service.

Hands-Free Travel Counters

Counters displaying the "Hands-Free Travel" logo offer service in English. Depending on the location, services offered may include holding your bags for the day or even delivering your bags to your hotel, a station, or your next destination.

Coin Lockers

When looking for a place to store your luggage or purchases, the coin lockers found in most stations and many other facilities are very convenient. Most lockers located in stations are available for use during the period between the first and last trains. Expect to pay around 300-600 yen. Keep in mind that your bags may not fit depending on their size. Another important thing to remember is that some locker areas are closed off at night; if your belongings are still inside, you may have to pay an additional fee.

For conventional coin lockers, you insert the money, lock the door, and take the key. The locker number and location can be found on the key. Lockers that allow payment by IC card print a receipt with a PIN code on it. Be careful not to lose this receipt.

Using Coin Lockers with IC Card Compatibility　※Some coin lockers allow payment via IC cards such as Suica or Pasmo.

① Storing your baggage: using the digital display, select your language and then select Insert Baggage.

② Find an empty locker: when the small light on a locker is lit, it indicates that the locker is currently in use. Look for a locker where the light is not lit.

③ Place your baggage in the locker: close the door and then lower the lever until you hear a locking sound.

④ Verify the digital display: the location of the locker that you just closed will be shown in pink. Verify that the location is correct and then press the Confirm button at the bottom right.

⑤ Pay: the locker usage fee can be paid by cash or IC card.

⑥ Completion: if paying with an IC card, simply place your card on the reader when the usage fee is displayed to complete the transaction.

A receipt will be printed that specifies your locker's location and a PIN. Don't forget to take the receipt. You will need it when removing your baggage, so be careful not to lose it.

Removing Your Baggage

① Using the digital display, select your language and then select Remove Baggage on the right.

② If using an IC card, place the card on the card reader.

For payment by cash, input your PIN.

③ The lock will release and you can remove your baggage.

What to Bring From Home

True to their name, Japanese convenience stores are very convenient. In addition to the things you'd expect like food and drinks, many sell household cleaning supplies, makeup, health and beauty supplies, and even collared shirts, ties, and underwear! So if you realize you've forgotten something at home, chances are you can find it at a convenience store.

However, there are some items that it's best to take from home with you including deodorant and toothpaste. For women, you might want to consider bringing your preferred brand of feminine hygiene products. Japan has a variety of pads to choose from, but the choice of tampons is extremely limited; also, all of them are applicator-type.

Prices

Water: expect to pay around 120 yen for a 500ml bottle purchased at a convenience store or from a vending machine.

Coffee: expect to pay around 350 yen for a regular sized cup of drip coffee.

Beer: canned beer is available in two varieties: normal and low-malt beer. Expect to pay around 110 to 350 yen per 350ml.

Subway Base Fares: the base fare on the subway will be around 200 yen. Some examples: 170 yen on the Tokyo Metro subway, 210 yen on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, and 180 yen on the Osaka Municipal Subway.

Taxi Base Fares: base fares for taxis will vary depending on the region and taxi company. In the 23 wards of downtown Tokyo, the base fare is 730 yen for up to 2km in a medium-sized taxi. In Kyoto, it will be around 600 yen for up to 1.7km. In Osaka, it is 680 yen for up to 2km in a medium-sized taxi.

THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 11 11,2016