Japan - Revision history

Ampdot: /* Hotels */

2025-10-28T18:03:01Z

Hotels

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:03, 28 October 2025
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	* Book a '''minimum''' of 14 days ahead		* Book a '''minimum''' of 14 days ahead
	* APA Hotel is a bad experience and more expensive. but when booking late, it is sometimes the only option close to the city center.		* APA Hotel is a bad experience and more expensive. but when booking late, it is sometimes the only option close to the city center.
			* The year a hotel was constructed is a potential indicator of what features it will have. For example, older hotels may not have per-room AC

	===== Hotel check out =====		===== Hotel check out =====

Ampdot: /* High-speed Broadband (>100 Mbps) */

2025-01-08T16:21:13Z

High-speed Broadband (>100 Mbps)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 8 January 2025
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	* '''Free''' wi-fi is common in Japan. All Lawson convenience stores have free wifi. Many of them require verifying an email. Some commercial streets, especially around youth-oriented areas like Akihabara and Shinsaibashi, offer high-speed free wifi. The [https://www.ntt-bp.net/jw-auto/en/index.html Japan Wi-Fi Auto-Connect] app automatically connects you to nearby wifi networks without needing to verify an email and connects you to new ones as you move, but it consumes lots of battery life. Caveat: Shinkansen wi-fi tends to be fairly slow and only good for basic browsing and low bitrate calls.		* '''Free''' wi-fi is common in Japan. All Lawson convenience stores have free wifi. Many of them require verifying an email. Some commercial streets, especially around youth-oriented areas like Akihabara and Shinsaibashi, offer high-speed free wifi. The [https://www.ntt-bp.net/jw-auto/en/index.html Japan Wi-Fi Auto-Connect] app automatically connects you to nearby wifi networks without needing to verify an email and connects you to new ones as you move, but it consumes lots of battery life. Caveat: Shinkansen wi-fi tends to be fairly slow and only good for basic browsing and low bitrate calls.

	==== High-speed ~~Broadband~~ (>100 Mbps) ====		==== High-speed internet (>100 Mbps) ====

			* Some hotels have 200-800Mbps connections, though the speed varies throughout the day
	* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can obtain an Ethernet to USB-C adapter by asking the front desk or purchasing one online or at an electronics retailer. The Ethernet speed is usually somewhat (up to 2x) faster than the Wi-Fi speed.		* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can obtain an Ethernet to USB-C adapter by asking the front desk or purchasing one online or at an electronics retailer. The Ethernet speed is usually somewhat (up to 2x) faster than the Wi-Fi speed.
	* Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps		* Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps
	* Some hotels have 200-800Mbps connections, though the speed varies throughout the day

	=== Set up personal infrastructure ===		=== Set up personal infrastructure ===

Ampdot: /* High-speed Broadband (>100 Mbps) */

2025-01-08T16:20:49Z

High-speed Broadband (>100 Mbps)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:20, 8 January 2025
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	* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can obtain an Ethernet to USB-C adapter by asking the front desk or purchasing one online or at an electronics retailer. The Ethernet speed is usually somewhat (up to 2x) faster than the Wi-Fi speed.		* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can obtain an Ethernet to USB-C adapter by asking the front desk or purchasing one online or at an electronics retailer. The Ethernet speed is usually somewhat (up to 2x) faster than the Wi-Fi speed.
	* Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps		* Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps
			* Some hotels have 200-800Mbps connections, though the speed varies throughout the day

	=== Set up personal infrastructure ===		=== Set up personal infrastructure ===

Ampdot: /* High-speed Broadband (>100 Mbps) */

2025-01-08T16:19:53Z

High-speed Broadband (>100 Mbps)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:19, 8 January 2025
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	==== High-speed Broadband (>100 Mbps) ====		==== High-speed Broadband (>100 Mbps) ====

	* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can ~~purchase a~~ USB-C ~~to Ethernet active~~ adapter. The Ethernet speed is usually somewhat (up to 2x) faster than the Wi-Fi speed.		* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can obtain an Ethernet to USB-C adapter by asking the front desk or purchasing one online or at an electronics retailer. The Ethernet speed is usually somewhat (up to 2x) faster than the Wi-Fi speed.
	* Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps		* Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps

Ampdot: /* Zipair */

2025-01-08T16:18:35Z

Zipair

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:18, 8 January 2025
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	*Bring as many '''debit cards''' as possible. You need it to withdraw cash from an ATM to recharge transport cards, and if you lose one, it is critical you can continue to withdraw cash.		*Bring as many '''debit cards''' as possible. You need it to withdraw cash from an ATM to recharge transport cards, and if you lose one, it is critical you can continue to withdraw cash.

	==== Zipair ====		==== Prepare to fly on Zipair ====

	* Check the weight of your bag. If your bags are higher than the weight limit, purchase extra weight at least 24 hours beforehand or reduce the weight.		* Check the weight of your bag. If your bags are higher than the weight limit, purchase extra weight at least 24 hours beforehand or reduce the weight.

Ampdot: /* the language barrier */

2025-01-08T16:18:05Z

the language barrier

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:18, 8 January 2025
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	=== the language barrier ===		=== the language barrier ===

	* ~~Most train~~ stations have English signage and announcements~~. Major stations like Tokyo, Shibuya, and Shin-Osaka have English-speaking staff at information counters~~		* Train stations have English signage and announcements
	* Google Translate's camera feature works well for reading menus and signs		* Google Translate's camera feature works well for reading menus and signs
	* Japanese staff who don't speak English generally try their best to accommodate language barriers, and are often the first to pull out a translation app if you don't have one up		* Japanese staff who don't speak English generally try their best to accommodate language barriers, and are often the first to pull out a translation app if you don't have one out
	* In tourist areas, restaurants commonly have English menus or picture menus. You can point to what you want to order
	* Hotels in major cities usually have English-speaking staff at the front desk
	* If you need healthcare, you can seek it at clinics and hospitals with dedicated English-speaking medical professionals		* If you need healthcare, you can seek it at clinics and hospitals with dedicated English-speaking medical professionals

Ampdot: /* Set up personal infrastructure */

2025-01-08T16:16:05Z

Set up personal infrastructure

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 8 January 2025
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	=== Set up personal infrastructure ===		=== Set up personal infrastructure ===

	* Withdraw 10,000¥ from an ATM to pay at transit, arcades, gachapon, and some restaurants		* Withdraw 5,000-10,000¥ from an ATM to pay at transit, arcades, gachapon, and some restaurants
	* Download the Google Translate app. The camera function lets you translate Japanese signs and menus		* Download the Google Translate app. The camera function lets you translate Japanese signs and menus

Ampdot: /* the language barrier */

2025-01-08T16:15:45Z

the language barrier

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:15, 8 January 2025
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	* In tourist areas, restaurants commonly have English menus or picture menus. You can point to what you want to order		* In tourist areas, restaurants commonly have English menus or picture menus. You can point to what you want to order
	* Hotels in major cities usually have English-speaking staff at the front desk		* Hotels in major cities usually have English-speaking staff at the front desk
			* If you need healthcare, you can seek it at clinics and hospitals with dedicated English-speaking medical professionals

	== How to... ==		== How to... ==

Ampdot: /* Find a place to stay */

2025-01-08T16:14:11Z

Find a place to stay

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:14, 8 January 2025
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	=== Find a place to stay ===		=== Find a place to stay ===

			==== Hotels ====
			* Recommended for small groups between one and three people
	* Avoid rooms where smoking is permitted		* Avoid rooms where smoking is permitted
	* Book a '''minimum''' of 14 days ahead		* Book a '''minimum''' of 14 days ahead
	* APA Hotel is a bad experience and more expensive. but when booking late, it is sometimes the only option close to the city center.		* APA Hotel is a bad experience and more expensive. but when booking late, it is sometimes the only option close to the city center.

	==== ~~Check~~ out ====		===== Hotel check out =====

	* Return room keys to check out		* Return room keys to check out
	** There will usually be a hefty penalty if the keys are not returned		** There will usually be a hefty penalty if the keys are not returned
	* You can usually pay 1000-2000¥/hour to get late checkout as late as 1pm-2pm		* You can usually pay 1000-2000¥/hour to get late checkout as late as 1pm-2pm

			==== Manga cafe ====

			* You can rent a private room in a manga cafe for many hours continuously
			* Cheap, ~$15/night, ~$30/24hrs
			* Inside city center
			* Excellent option for spontaneous daytrips and for saving money

	=== Connect to the internet ===		=== Connect to the internet ===

Ampdot at 16:11, 8 January 2025

2025-01-08T16:11:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:11, 8 January 2025
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	* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can purchase a USB-C to Ethernet active adapter. The Ethernet speed is usually somewhat (up to 2x) faster than the Wi-Fi speed.		* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can purchase a USB-C to Ethernet active adapter. The Ethernet speed is usually somewhat (up to 2x) faster than the Wi-Fi speed.
	* Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps		* Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps

			=== Set up personal infrastructure ===

			* Withdraw 10,000¥ from an ATM to pay at transit, arcades, gachapon, and some restaurants
			* Download the Google Translate app. The camera function lets you translate Japanese signs and menus

	=== Maintain a good schedule ===		=== Maintain a good schedule ===

	* To be online at the same time as your friends in North America and Europe, you get up early or stay up late. While nightclubs stay open as late as 3am, most stores close at 8pm, so an early-to-rise schedule is generally recommended. 6am Japan time is 2pm PT and 5pm ET, so 8am is 4pm PT and 7pm ET.		* To be online at the same time as your friends in North America and Europe, you get up early or stay up late. While nightclubs stay open as late as 3am, most stores close at 8pm, so an early-to-rise schedule is generally recommended. 6am Japan time is 2pm PT and 5pm ET, so 8am is 4pm PT and 7pm ET.