Page 47 - WDT Winter 2018 japan

private cars everywhere, you’re going to have to walk – whether it’s
up daunting flights of stone stairs to a temple or shrine, or through
subway tunnels looking for the exit you need.
I estimated we walked four to seven miles every day we were in
Japan. Even on a travel day, you have to walk through huge railway
stations. Plan on walking several extra miles due to getting lost.
And of course, we had walk several blocks every evening to the
nearest 7-11 to pick up a bottle of wine and a snack for our mandato-
ry wine time and daily debrief. Wear good shoes and pace yourself
according to your own needs. And if you run out of steam, find a
café, grab a beer and then get a cab; your body will thank you for it
in the morning.
Tip: Always carry a card or print out in Japanese with the name of
your destination. The majority of taxi drivers do not speak English. If
you’re going out, have the doorman tell the driver your destination.
For the return trip back to the hotel, be sure to carry the hotel’s busi-
ness card with its address in Japanese. Another option is to use your
smartphone Google maps to show the driver where you’re going.
Lastly, don’t be intimidated by travel here. It doesn’t take long to
figure out the basics. And ask for assistance; the Japanese love to
help, even if they can’t understand a word you’re saying.

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