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.

ROSWITA KHAIYATH says:

19 January, 2012 at 12:32

when is the sakura festival in Okazaki in 2012????

JTM says:

24 January, 2012 at 18:17

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!

Dani says:

12 October, 2012 at 14:33

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)

JTM says:

14 October, 2012 at 18:12

Hi Dani,

To answer your questions:
1. Yes typically Japanese people go to temple on New Year’s – that’s the big midnight thing. You could always find a party at a foreigner bar, but the traditional Japanese way is a great way to experience the culture. There are so many temples to choose from, my suggestion would be to find one near your accommodation. New Years eve is one of the few nights of the year where trains run all night, but if you can find a temple close to your accommodation it will be safe to walk as there are so many people out at this time.
2. If you want a unique experience, try 9hours capsule hotel in Kyoto. In Tokyo I usually stay at a capsule hotel in Shinjuku – which is a very handy place to stay as the train station is a major intersection of lines. I’ve never been to Koyosan and never stayed at Takayama – but I always use http://www.japanican.com/ to book accommodation. Try and stay at a ryokan – traditional Japanese inn – for a great traditional Japanese stay.
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!

- Dani says:
  
  15 October, 2012 at 06:42
  
  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.

Jamie Hayford-Yacapin says:

1 December, 2012 at 13:50

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.