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Traveling to Japan is a great place to experience unique culture, rich history, and breathtaking scenery. However, unexpected troubles may occur for first-time visitors due to different cultures, customs, language barriers, etc. In this article, we will explain in detail the common troubles that occur when traveling to Japan and how to deal with them. Acquire the knowledge to enjoy your trip with peace of mind and get the best travel experience.

1. Transportation troubles

Worries about delays and purchasing tickets in advance

Japan’s transportation system is highly regarded worldwide for its punctuality and efficiency, but travelers who are not familiar with it may stumble in unexpected places. For example, train and subway transfers in urban areas span many lines, so route maps and guide boards can look complicated. In addition, certain trains and express buses require reservations and ticket purchases in advance, and if you try to purchase tickets at the last minute, they may be fully booked and unavailable. In addition, during rush hour and tourist seasons in big cities, congestion can be more intense than expected, making it difficult to travel as planned.

Countermeasures: Allow more time than expected and check the necessary tickets in advance

To avoid such troubles, it is important to allow yourself plenty of time for travel. When planning your itinerary, carefully calculate the total travel time, including transfers and waiting times. In particular, when traveling between tourist destinations, it is necessary to plan taking into account the congestion on weekdays and weekends. We also recommend checking the ticket information of the transportation you will be using in advance and reserving tickets early if online reservations are possible. In addition, by using official train and bus apps, you can keep up to date with the latest operating conditions and route guidance, so you can respond smoothly even if your plans change.

2. Communication problems

Can’t find free Wi-Fi, poor smartphone reception

Using a smartphone or tablet while traveling is now an essential part of travel. However, there are many cases in which foreign travelers in Japan experience inconvenience in their communication environment. While free Wi-Fi is available in tourist destinations and major cities, in rural areas and at certain tourist facilities, signals may not reach or access may be restricted. In particular, in areas where many tourists gather, Wi-Fi connections are prone to being unstable and communication speeds are often slow. In addition, there are cases where the device brought from overseas does not support Japanese communication standards and data communication cannot be used.

Countermeasures: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card, and use offline maps

In order to avoid such communication problems, some preparations are necessary. First, it is wise to rent a pocket Wi-Fi before traveling and ensure a stable Internet environment even while traveling. Many rental services allow you to pick up and return the device at the airport, so you can start using it immediately when you arrive. In addition, if you have a SIM-free device, it is also convenient to purchase a data communication SIM that can be used in Japan and use it locally. In addition, if you install a map app that can be used offline in advance, you can check information about tourist spots without being affected by the communication environment. By combining these methods, you can achieve a smooth trip.

3. Problems with food

Can’t find food that caters to allergies, can’t find a suitable restaurant

Japan’s food culture is highly regarded worldwide, and many travelers consider food to be one of the pleasures of traveling. However, many restaurants do not have adequate allergy-friendly measures, and there are cases where there is a lack of information for travelers to eat with peace of mind. For example, if you are allergic to a certain food, it can be difficult to check in advance whether that ingredient is included in the dish. In addition, popular restaurants in tourist areas are often fully booked or have lines on the day. As a result, it is not uncommon to waste time.

Countermeasures: Research restaurants that cater to allergies in advance and consider making reservations

If you need to cater to allergies, research restaurants that can accommodate you in the area you are visiting in advance. Many cities and tourist destinations have websites and apps that list restaurants that cater to allergies. Using these, you can easily find a suitable restaurant. In addition, in tourist areas where congestion is expected, you can shorten waiting times by planning meals outside of peak times. In addition, in some cases, it is a good idea to consider eating at your accommodation as an option. Hotels and inns may be able to provide meals that take allergies into consideration if you request them in advance.

Summary

If you encounter unexpected troubles during your trip, your fun memories of the trip can turn into stress. However, by being well prepared in advance, you can prevent such problems from occurring. Please use the transportation, communication, and food-related troubles and countermeasures introduced here as a reference and make a plan. If you prepare yourself so that you can calmly deal with any situation, your trip to Japan will surely be a wonderful experience that will become a lifelong memory.

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