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Yes, you can travel Japan without a Car

Yes, you can travel Japan without a Car


TRAVELLING JAPAN


FIRST THINGS FIRST; THE ESSENTIALS


PARKING AND TRAFFIC: THE HEADACHES OF USING A CAR

Kobe Harbourland

DON’T MESS AROUND WITH TICKETS: GET A SUICA CARD!

SUICA WORK ON VENDING MACHINES!


SHINKANSEN AND THE JAPAN RAIL: DO’S AND DON’TS

The Shinkansen, or “Bullet Train”.

THINGS TO DO


COLLECTORS BEWARE: GATCHA ARE EVERYWHERE!

Gatcha can be found almost anywhere.
A whole street in Akihabara was filled with gatcha!
Some mini Gatcha I bought from a Gatcha machine.

MARIO-KART, ARCADES AND THEME PARKS

SEGA Arcade in Akihabara, Tokyo. These sadly no longer exist.
J-World is found in Sunshine City Mall, Ikebukuro, Tokyo

MUSEUMS, PARKS AND HERITAGE SITES

The “Atomic Bomb Dome” in Hiroshima
Tokyo Tower is not the tallest in the city, but is the most iconic.
Arakura and Fuji-san.
The “Henry Station” for Arakura travellers.
The temple in Nara.
Kobe City viewed from the Herb Gardens.
Kurashiki Historical Quarter is a nice bit of history, hidden away in Okayama Prefecture.
The deer at Nara are very docile.

HOTELS AND INNS


HOTELS ARE NOT ALWAYS CRAMPED!

My hotel room at Fujikawaguchiko.
Hotel in Kyoto.
Freebies at my hotel located in Kyoto.

Do take note though that many, if not all, Traditional Inns have shared bathroom facilities. If you are Transgender like I am this can be a little off-putting, but thankfully these sorts of Inns are quiet so there’s always a good chance to sneak into the bathroom without anyone seeing or bothering you.

Traditional Inn in Kyoto.

EATING OUT


FAST FOOD

Melon Soda is my favourite!
Salmon Donburi with cheese.
Negitoro Donburi; my favourite!
Sukiya Cheesy Beef Donburi.
We had a big breakfast in Okinawa.
KFC Christmas buckets usually come with a commemorative ceramic plate!

NOODLE BARS: LEARN TO LOVE THE NOODLE!

Kitsune Udon
Salted-Pork Ramen, Fukki Restaurant, Tokyo
Pork Ramen in Okinawa
The front of the Noodle bar in Naha, Okinawa

KOBE BEEF: THE MOST EXPENSIVE MEAT IN THE WORLD

Grade A filet and sirloin Wagyu Beef

Wagyu Beef has distinct marbling.

Outside the restaurant. Be sure to reserve a table.


SHABU-SHABU: THE PERFECT GROUP MEAL

A typical set-up for Shabushabu.

SNACKS AND TREATS

Okinawa Omiyage (お土産)
Selection of Marzipan-like treats eaten during New Year.
You can get cold coffee everywhere, including Vending Machines!
Tully’s is like Starbucks…but better.
Go! Go! Gorilla Curry! is a chain of curry-houses, with its HQ stationed in Tokyo.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I loved every minute I spent in Japan, and look forward to going back!

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