Mistakes Made By One Japan Traveler

Above, the Keisei Skyliner at Narita Airport. The JR Rail Pass can be used on the
 Narita Express trains, but not with the Keisei Skyliner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I have mentioned on a number of occasions, I like to read about other people's experiences in visiting Japan, whether or not I agree with them. Such is the case today with a blog post at the In An Age blog titled, "Japan Travel Tips."

I don't know if the writer is a man or a woman, but it really doesn't matter as it seems that she/he didn't have that great a time in Japan. But, I noticed a few errors made that would have made that person's visit more enjoyable and could have saved some money. On some points, I have no disagreement with what she/he has to say, except on others there's a few things that led to complaints which could have been avoided.

Here are the complaints she/he made and my responses:

Technology is a lie. Apparently, the person was unaware that the Japanese cell phone system is different than those in the U.S. Generally, U.S. cell phones are useless in Japan, with very few exceptions. I don't know what airline she/he took, but I have never had a problem with checking in to get my boarding pass. There's too much reliance on technology anyway. I get electronic tickets and print them off before heading to the airport. This saves a lot of potential hassle and I don't have to depend on QR Codes via a smart phone that may go on the fritz.

Don’t rely on your smart phone. This is related to the one above. There's an old saying, "If anything can go wrong, will go wrong." Sometimes, going "old school" is more efficient.

The JR Pass might not be worth it. This person got the 14-day JR Rail Pass. That, as stated, cost around $460. Unless one is planning to use the JR train systems a lot and is going around to different cities and prefectures, it isn't worth it (the 7-day JR Rail Pass worked great for me in 2007 when I went to Kyushu and I saved mucho dinero). This is especially true if one is just going to stay in Tokyo a few days. The subways are generally non-JR. She/he could have gotten a 7-day rail pass for almost half the cost. Plus, it could be "activated" when it is needed for use. It doesn't have to be activated right when one steps off the plane. Once activated, the Rail Pass's clock starts ticking. So if one isn't planning to leave Tokyo until, say, 4 days after arrival, have it activated on the day (4 days later) it is needed. Also, this person could have obtained a Metro One-day Open Ticket for ¥710 and saved money as most Tokyo subways are Tokyo Metro. They also have other passes (One-Month, Six-Month, etc.) available. 

The points on picking aisle seats on planes is exactly why I do so. I like to get up and walk around and stretch. This also helps to avoid blood clots from forming in your veins. The tip on summer heat is also spot on as is the lack of paper towels. Bring your own or collect those free packets of tissue paper that are handed out free as advertisements near train stations.

To read the original blog, go here.