Planning Your Trip

Helpful Tips

• Nikkei Tour Operators [PDF]
• Japan Rail Pass - A great way to travel in Japan. Purchase before you go. They have a 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day pass. Also if you are exploring specific areas, there are regional passes offered by each company of JR Group (such as JR Kyushu pass, JR West Pass, JR East Pass, JR Hokkaido Pass).
  
  As for other transportation info: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/transportation/index.html
  
  
• Cell Phones - United States cell phones or blackberries do not work in Japan. You can rent one online and receive it once you arrive in Japan.
  
• Money - Exception of major hotels, restaurants and other facilities in major cities, you might not find convenient using your credit cards. Japan is still relied on cash more than in the U.S. so it is advisable to always have a certain amount of cash. Foreign issued credit and ATM cards can be used at Post office and Seven Eleven Bank ATMs throughout Japan.
  
  For more information http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/index.html or consult with JNTO.