Page 137 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2025 THAILAND

Smart Apps Shinkansen (bullet train). It saves money
Download apps like Google Maps, Hy-
perdia for train schedules, and Google
Translate (with offline Japanese pack). If
you are in a group, use WhatsApp to up-
date everyone on schedules, meeting
times and locations, and important daily
details. Our trusty travel advisor, Laura,
connected us with the AXUS Travel App, an
itinerary-building and collaboration plat-
form for travel professionals.
ATJ created a detailed itinerary to
share through our travel advisor, Laura,
who could update as needed. The custom
itinerary had daily activities, links to the
hotels, travel arrangements, restaurants,
and other details. It started with our travel
to LAX, the flight to Japan, everything in
between, and the return home. Everything
online and in one app saved a lot of time,
probably 75 pieces of paper. Nice!
Technology helps everywhere. In the
middle of Tokyo, looking for directions to
the sushi restaurant a quarter of a mile
away, we clicked on the app. It pulled up a
map and provided walking directions, and
we were there in seven minutes. We used
WhatsApp for short daily communications
and confirmations.
Our itinerary allowed us to enjoy vari-
ous foods from each city, including sushi,
ramen, tempura, okonomiyaki (savory
pancakes), and regional specialties. Many
restaurants use plastic food models or pic-
ture menus, so ordering is easy even if you
don’t read Japanese. Open the Translate
app, point the camera at a page, and it
magically turns to English on your screen.
Japan Rail Passes
Use a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for un-
limited travel on most trains, including the
and time on multi-city trips. Reserve train
seats well in advance during busy seasons
(e.g., cherry blossom season, Golden
Week). Japan’s trains and subways are
punctual and efficient. Pay attention to
signs and colored lines. Be punctual. Trains
and tours run on time, so aim to arrive a
few minutes early to avoid stress.
To avoid crowds, visit popular attrac-
tions early in the morning or later in the
evening.
In many areas, Japan is still a cash-
heavy society, so carry enough yen for
small purchases. A strong dollar boosted
our buying power (151 Yen for $1; down
about 5% to about 140 yen in June 2025).
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, and
FamilyMart) have English-friendly ATMs,
plus fresh, ready-to-eat meals, snacks,
and essentials. We grabbed lunches
throughout our trip at different 7-Elevens,
which are favored by locals for the quality
and value of their offerings.
Politeness and respect are paramount
everywhere. Cultural etiquette includes
following local customs and rules, bowing,
learning basic phrases, mastering proper
chopstick use, removing shoes when enter-
ing homes and restaurants, understanding
onsen (hot spring) etiquette, and being
quiet and respectful of your surroundings
in public spaces, temples, and shrines.
Avoid eating while walking. Don't tip (it's
not customary). Carry a small towel for
hand-drying. Be prepared for limited Eng-
lish communication. Most bathrooms have
automatic toilets and bidets. Adjustments
can be tricky. Ask for help if you aren’t
sure, or take a test drive in your first hotel.
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