ASK ME ANYTHING
Ask me anything about Japan!
This website is both a blog about Japan and a Japan travel guide. I am an Aussie living in Japan, with many Japanese friends.
Soon I will be starting a vlog (video blog) series to speak about information on Japan and traveling Japan. In part of each of these videos I will answer questions from you, the visitors of JapanTravelMate.com.
So please… ask me anything! Just leave a comment on this page, or send me a message using the contact form. This could be questions about traveling or living in Japan, or simply about any specific thing you are interested in.
For example:
- Japan 2011, what’s going on?
- How to travel Japan?
- General Japan travel advice and Japan travelling info,
- What are some of the hidden secrets to visit?
- Do you need to know Japanese for visiting Japan?
- Japan travel tips,
- How much is the shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka?
- I’m an anime geek/nerd (otaku), what should I do in Japan?
- I want to experience Japanese tradition and history during my visit, here should I go?
- Can I use my hairdryer/mobile phone/camera charger in Japan?
- Are electronics really cheaper in Japan?
“If you would know thoroughly anything, teach it to others.”
Tryon Edwards.
To ask a question, leave a comment on this page, send me a message through the contact form, or even send me a message through the JapanTravelMate Twitter.
when is the sakura festival in Okazaki in 2012????
It will take place on Sunday April 8 in 2012. It’s usually in the first 2 weeks of April – when the cherry blossoms are at their best!
Hi, my boyfriend and I are going to Japan for New Years. So I have two questions.
1. What is the best thing to do on new years eve? (I’ve heard most Japanese people go to temples)
2. Do you have any accommodation recommendations in Tokyo, Kyoto, Takayama or Koyasan?
Thanks! (love the blog btw)
Hi Dani,
To answer your questions:
One big piece of advice I give to all travellers to Japan – get a Japan Rail Pass! It will save you a lot of money. Check out my post on the shinkansen (bullet train) for info on how to get one… and you can buy the JR Pass online.
Any other questions, let me know!
Thanks for the advice! I have actually booked a night at 9hours already – very excited about that. And yes, I definitely plan on getting a rail pass.
Hello! I plan on going to Japan and study abroad in the future! I’m from America and I’m wondering if you have tips for my future travel? How is college life in Japan? Are transfer students welcome? Does the education count for the United States as well? (Meaning: Can I still get a job in America if I finish my education at a university in Japan?)
Thank you.
In the spirit of AMA: what’s the most awkward moment you’ve had in Japan?
Haha that’s an interesting question… There’s been a fair few awkward moments!
Pretty lame, but the most awkward was at an izakaya. The toilets only had kanji for male and female – at that stage I was very bad at kanji, so I confidently walked into the ladies toilets thinking it said “male” on the door… where bout 3 Japanese girls, all doing their makeup gawked wide eyed at me and asked “What are you doing?!”. At the same time I was helpfully guided to the male toilets by a waiter who saw my error.
From that day, the correct kanji is burned into my minds-eye!
Plenty of other awkward moments, all mostly to do with not being able to read signs in Japanese.
I am a collector of Japanese swords and armour and have been visiting Japan for the past seven years.Can you recommend someone to conduct a private tour for two people over three days of castles in the Osaka area in October 2013
Hi Peter. While I’ve never done tours myself, here is a very good reference for tours in Japan…
http://www.japanican.com/tours/list.aspx?destcd=28&so=c
I live in Japan and use this site almost every time I travel Japan, to book accommodation.
Alternatively, I could help you plan an itinerary for you to do a self-tour. Here’s my go-to site for Japanese castles… http://www.japanese-castle-explorer.com/castles.html?view=Kansai