When traveling to Osaka, Japan, there are actually many things you need to pay attention to. The editor below will tell you the relevant things that need to be prepared in advance. You can read more guides when you go there. Only when you prepare enough things can you play better.
1. Japan visa
Just two words: simple. Visas for Japan must be processed through designated travel agencies. Different regions provide slightly different information. It’s a bit troublesome here in Chengdu, but the sunrise visa for five jobs is no problem. Friends with high income can directly apply for multiple visas.
2. Important websites, books, and software
1. The sunrise and sunset time website allows you to control your schedule and watch the sunrise and sunset.
In Osaka in July, the sunrise is less than 5 a.m. and the sunset is around 7:30 p.m., so there is plenty of time for travel.
Second, Lonely Planet "Japan" is still available to watch.
3. Tips for traveling on a budget in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc. Must recommend often.
Fourth, in Japan, the super easy-to-use GOOGL Maps APP has a bus navigation accuracy rate as high as 99%. Comment on the public APP, it’s totally fine to find food in Osaka. Don't use Baidu Maps. what the hell.
Fifth, the official website of a famous Japanese freelance writer in Taiwan, a stingy boy. The most complete in history, bar none.
3. Conversion plug
It is directly used in China, but both have two holes. It is very convenient to charge with a universal converter and a wiring board.
4. Financial preparation
Say important things three times and bring enough cash! Indeed, many large stores in Japan can use WeChat and Alipay. However, transportation ticket vending machines, many restaurants, attractions, buses, and ticket vending machines only accept cash. Many of the above credit cards are not applicable. Please bring enough cash. Of course, many local banks can withdraw cash through UnionPay. As for whether there is any handling fee, please consult your card issuing bank.
5. Exchange
If the domestic yen is not enough, there are still many exchange points in downtown Osaka, but certainly not as many as in the United States. Don’t worry about not finding 10,000 yen bills in the self-service ticket machines. Totally appropriate.
6. Security preparation
Japan’s public security is a very good country. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t bad guys. Mainly burglars and drunk adult males. Special reminder: some streets you know can only be viewed but not photographed. Please also respect customs and practitioners. They're not easy either.
7. Responsible travel
First, the sanitary conditions in Japan are very good, but it is recommended to bring sanitary pads. Some attractions have squat toilets, which are perfect for Chinese tourists. At the same time, Japan has very few trash cans. If you encounter a trash can, please bring your own trash bags and discard them separately.
Secondly, you must first obtain the consent of the other party when taking a group photo, and do not take pictures in places where it is not allowed.
Third, when there are many people in the scenic area, please queue up consciously and do not make noise in public places. Some restaurants allow smoking. Please look to see if there is an ashtray on the table.
8. Choose hotel essentials
Osaka, Kyoto and Nara belong to the same city. The actual distance is within 40 kilometers. Osaka is of course the center of this urbanization and is home to Kansai Airport. Osaka is the most convenient place for eating, drinking and having fun. Zhaiqiao and Meitian business districts can give you a feeling of maximizing the commercial atmosphere. Of course, there are many unique hot spring hotels in Kyoto. As for the price, haha. I stayed in Osaka for 7 nights. Osaka hotels are not cheap, and the rooms are inevitably smaller. This time, I chose Yogyakarta Bridge Keihan Hotel. Let’s talk about the advantages first. The location is super convenient. It is located in the CBD of Osaka, one subway stop from the Meitian Transportation Hub and three subway stops from the Xinzhaiqiao Commercial Center. There is a subway for 5 minutes on both sides of the door, and a 24-hour FamilyMart store for 2 minutes. Breakfast is included in the hotel. The room must be small, but very clean. There are disposable slippers, various toiletries, and most importantly, various washing samples are available for free in the lobby on the first floor. There are vending machines on the 1st and 5th floors of the hotel. Lazy people can even buy drinks without leaving the hotel.
9. Weather and props
After all, Japan is an island country, and the weather in summer is random. Sunscreen and umbrella are a must. Here is an I
For credit card security, GlobalConnect must be turned on. If Internet service is activated, it costs 30 yuan per day at most.
But this time, because there were two of us, the airport rented a WIFI transmitter for 30 yuan a day, and the effect was super good. There is no problem for two people to watch the video at the same time. As for navigation, in addition to the complete paper maps and guide signs, please use Google Maps for navigation!
11. Medical care and hygiene
Japan’s hygiene and medical conditions must be new. However, after all, high medical expenses are definitely something that every tourist does not want to face when encountering difficulties. Buy an insurance policy. However, here is a special reminder that secret love insurance is very deceptive. A webpage error was encountered during payment, which showed that the payment failed but the deduction was successful, and no policy page was generated. As a result, I had to fill out a very complicated paper form and send it back to the Allianz China headquarters to get a refund. I was really speechless.
12. Delicious food.
Japanese food, Kansai region, wow, there are so many. You are familiar with sushi, tempura, seafood barbecue, ramen, octopus balls, barbecue, buffet hot pot, eel rice, and tofu feast. I can't say any more. You can choose your own needs based on where you live, go to Dianping, tripadvisor, and travel tips. Remember, many delicious restaurants are chain stores, and there is more than one. Oh, there’s no need to join in the fun at Xinzhai Bridge.
13. Language
English is basically useless here. The Japanese can't understand or speak clearly, so they just look at the signs. There are a lot of Chinese menus anyway, it’s that simple.
14. Other issues you may be concerned about
First, the Chinese service at the airport is very good. The Immigration Bureau has Chinese volunteers, and the queues for fingerprint and border inspection are also very efficient. Don't worry about anything unnecessary.
Second, Japan is the country with the most convenient public toilets. Keys are free and clean. There are indeed toilets not far from the scenic spot, many of which are squatting, which is completely thoughtful.
Third, eat and shop. It’s really frugal to eat, and the streets are full of food, which definitely makes the choice difficult. FamilyMart and 711 are all over the street, and they accept credit cards. However, the prices inside are not the cheapest. The prices of goods in local supermarkets are really not expensive. You'll find it really funny that the story about the Japanese not being able to afford apples in the past. It goes without saying, shopping. There is no need to ask which one is the cheapest at the pharmacy. Because the streets are full of them. As for the business districts, Xinzhaiqiao and Umeda are both very good. In that kind of business atmosphere, you will feel how boring online shopping is.
Fourth, clothing. The air conditioners in Japanese subways, trains, and restaurants are too cold. It is recommended that women bring a coat and wear it on the bus, otherwise it will be unbearable.
Fifth, security issues. It is necessary to buy insurance abroad. If you get sick, you'll go bankrupt.