Going to Japan: What Is The Best SIM Card and Transportation Option

TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 05:20

Hi guys, we are going to Japan mid Jan 2017 ( our first trip to Japan, 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 kids, 8 days trip. I know it's winter there ). Have been doing a bit of research about SIM card and transportation options. We will be mainly staying in Osaka and may be visiting Kyoto for a day.

I will be needing a data SIM card for my mobile phone (iPhone 6) for google map and Skype etc (my current phone plan does not allow global roaming and I've read that it is quite a hassle to get a prepaid SIM card with voice call).

Transportation wise, we are planning to catch taxi ( to go around Osaka. we'll be staying near universal studio ), and get a day train tickets to Kyoto, since I calculated it'll cost us around $1250 for a 7 days JR passes for the 4 of us.

In short (for anyone one with experiences in Japan):
1)what data SIM card should I get?
2) is taxi readily available in Japan ( are they really expensive)?
3) any must have apps I should download ( I have Google map, Skype, google translate, Japan Taxi, Hyperdia)

I have ordered the lonely planet book for Japan to read up a bit about Japan, mainly Osaka. Because of young kids,we won't be going hiking or mountain climbing etc. My older son want to see Universal studio in Osaka, so we booked a hotel within walking distance to USJ.

Appreciate any advices/info. I find nothing can substitute information/advices from people who have been there. Thanks again.

Travel

Comments

  • CyberMurning on 11/10/2016 - 06:59
    +6

    I think you can forget about taxi. Super expensive I heard. Just use public transport but pick non peak hours to travel because you have children if they are too small.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 07:08

      Thank you.

      • altomic on 11/10/2016 - 09:14
        +3

        this one time when I lived in Tokyo and had caught a very late flight back from [i forget where]. I'd missed the last train and bus - taxi was the only option and I lived 50kms away and not far from the direct toll way from the airport -surely it wouldn't be that much. the trip at 3am by a dude in his 60s at high speeds - i.e. fast&furious tokyo drift -$400

        • ItsMeAgro on 11/10/2016 - 09:37
          +1

          50kms late at night could cost you over a hundred bucks in Sydney, easy. I got charged $130 (on the meter) for Sydney airport to Parramatta once, and that's only 45kms (about ten years ago, too).

          So it's not like it's never-do-it expensive, just only-do-it-if-you-must expensive (just like here). I took a couple of short taxi trips when I was in Japan. But rail and bus are cheap, ubiquitous, and cleaner and safer than Oz.

          Most of the rumours online about crazy taxi fares come from rural Americans visting Tokyo who have no idea a very long taxi ride in a big city can cost more than ten bucks.

        • altomic on 11/10/2016 - 10:07
          +3

          @mgowen: exactly. I took a taxi for a few short trips when I was recently in Japan. but they were outside Tokyo and in a smaller city (every city is smaller than Tokyo)

        • Yamai on 12/10/2016 - 15:38
          +1

          should have just stayed at a hotel!

        • mightyhawks23 on 12/10/2016 - 15:40

          yeah it's not too bad for short distances

          We had a flight out of Kansai last year but was leaving from Kyoto - this meant I had to catch a 6.15am train to make it to the airport in time. Had the Airbnb host book us a cab to the train station (a few blocks) and was about $10 - much better than lugging the suitcases onto the bus or thru the subway at 5.30am

      • bs0 on 13/10/2016 - 13:05

        It's an interesting experience though haha. I went to Japan last Nov, and I still remember this one taxi whose door swung open as it slowly pulled up next to us.
        Also the drivers are mostly older men, they're super formal and polite, with full uniform too.
        Just remember that if you get in a taxi and give directions, it best to give them in japanese. TripAdvisor has them function where you locate a restaurant etc on a map in English, and then you can translate the map to the local language.

    • Tech5 on 14/10/2016 - 02:00

      Depends where you are.

      I took Taxi's in Kyoto all the time but it wasn't that expensive, since most of the accom/stuff is quite concentrated in a very small radius.

      Only did it because I got absolutely sick of the buses there. The amount of people on it was actually giving me depression

      • TheMatrix on 14/10/2016 - 06:21

        Thanks for the info. I am concerned about the crowd as well…you see on TV passengers being shoved into the over crowded train as it is leaving the platform….lol

      • Daabido on 12/11/2017 - 22:09

        You're not wrong. Kyoto buses drive me coo coo bananas.

  • pyramid on 11/10/2016 - 07:03
    +4

    Check with your hotel and airbnb. Airbnb host provides pocket WiFi so you can keep it with you during your stay and no need for separate Sim card.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 07:08
      +1

      Thanks. Our hotel has free wifi in the room and in public area, but I need internet acess when going around (for googling or make skype call etc and we speak zero Japanese. )

      • jeka1103 on 12/10/2016 - 20:26
        +2

        I think what Pyramid could be suggesting is that some hotels might offer a portable device for internet usage, eg a modem or smartphone. When we were in Hong Kong last year our hotel provided us with a free smartphone for our use while we were there. It included free international calls (to selected countries, Australia was one of them) and internet. We took it with us when we went out and used it as a hotspot when we needed internet, it was great. The system in Hong Kong was called 'Handy' and from what I've seen online it's only in Hong Kong and Singapore at the moment, but who knows, it's possible that your hotel in Japan might offer something similar. Here's a more detailed description:
        https://www.cnet.com/au/news/handy-phone-gives-travelers-fre…

        • TheMatrix on 12/10/2016 - 20:32
          +1

          That would be great however our hotel only offer free WiFi in the room and around the hotel area. It doesn't mention about portable WiFi, but will double check.

  • pyramid on 11/10/2016 - 07:06
    +2

    Also, Jr pass cost depends on age of your kid. I traveled with 4 yr old and we did not buy his Jr pass but 99% of time we got empty seats for him in Jr. If your main purpose for Osaka is universal studio, I would say stay for a night in Osaka and rest in Kyoto. I found kyoto more interesting than Osaka.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 07:14

      Thanks. Already booked the hotel. Can you buy JR pass in Japan or you have to buy it before leaving Australia?

      • Shadowsfury on 11/10/2016 - 07:25
        +3

        Needs to be bought before leaving.

        Agree with Kyoto > Osaka. At least they aren't far apart, worst case scenario take the train ride each day to Kyoto.

        • CyberMurning on 11/10/2016 - 08:25
          +1

          agree kyoto better - osaka just that one universal studio the rest is so so.
          JR Pass HAVE TO be bought outside japan.

      • pyramid on 11/10/2016 - 09:28
        +2

        You can't buy JR pass from Japan. You need to arrange JR Pass order from outside Japan. And when arriving in Japan, you visit JR office at airport and get your JR Pass by exchanging your JR Pass order.

      • urzu on 12/10/2016 - 11:26
        +1

        Also make sure you have RECEIVED the JR pass letter before you leave… Japan loves its bureaucracy and paperwork!

      • robotsy on 12/10/2016 - 11:43
        +2

        The other comments are all good answers, but one thing to note is that you must redeem the JR Pass at the airport but you don't need to activate it on the day that you receive it.

        • Daabido on 12/11/2017 - 22:12

          Are you sure about that? I'm pretty sure you just have to make sure you get a visitor's stamp in your passport (so you want to go through a manual point rather than an automated one). Then you take your JR pass piece of paper to a JR station that does the exchange and you get your JR pass there. Unless they've changed things you don't need do anything at the airport (except bring it in your luggage and get your passport stamped as a tourist).

    • moocher on 12/10/2016 - 13:41
      +6

      If OP is only going to be in Osaka and Kyoto, there's no need for the national JR pass which is ~$367 for 7 days. The Kansai Thru pass ~$67 for 3 days covers private company trains and subways and some buses, and even a side trip to Nara or Kobe or Himeji.

      Edit: Subways are more useful within cities than JR trains esp for Osaka and Kyoto. JR trains are good inter-city.

  • lupiter on 11/10/2016 - 08:29

    When I went Dec last year I got this sim, from a vending machine in Narita Airport, worked fine with my iPhone 6: https://umobile.jp/d/lp/prepaid/eng.html (prices exclude Japanese GST of 7%). I was staying 25 days, so needed the longest one, there are more options for short stays so it may not be the cheapest. Uses Docomo so good coverage.

    I also second using public transport. Get a Suica card from the JR office inside the airport, it's the equivalent of miky and a good deal, can be used all over Japan on (non-reserved seat) trains and buses. Just return them to the office at the end to get your balance back.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 08:46

      Thank for the info.

  • boomramada on 11/10/2016 - 09:18
    +2

    Taxi in japan, almost same price as here, reliable.
    Only get a JR pass if you doing lots of travel for given time but you have to buy before you leave, even tho if you get your JR pass it good to book trains day you landed.
    Japan you can only get data sim, then use skype for voice calls.
    more info at http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/japantravelfaq

  • altomic on 11/10/2016 - 09:21
    +2

    JR pass. i wouldn't bother if you're just going to visit Osaka. there are regular trains between them or you can get a bus. about 1.5 hours. sure not as fast as the shinkansen ~20minutes. but an adult bus ticket is ~$30 1 way. kids half price. and if you're just going there and back ~$120(bus) vs $1200 (JR pass)

    here's a link to a spiel I made about my last trip to Japan with some tips for travelling and also about booking buses.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 09:42

      Thanks.

      • RockyRaccoon on 12/10/2016 - 19:14
        +1

        If you do buy a JR pass, and flying in at night (jetstar), then pick up the pass at the airport that night. We stayed at Osaka airport the first night. I picked up the pass that night. Next morning the queue was very very long, I'd estimate an hour or two to have waited.

  • rambutann on 11/10/2016 - 10:40
    +1

    There's a bunch of passes that you can get once you're there for super cheap like the keihan railway pass and another one that I cannot remember the name of that will take you to Kobe/Kyoto from Osaka on certain railway lines for about 500-700 yen per day. Taxis are about $4 per kilometre so being in one will literally give you a heart attack.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 11:15

      Thank you for the information. I am thinking of catching a taxi on arrival to our hotel (Kansai air port to USJ, according the app cost around $200) since we arrive late (around 8pm) and don't want to be hunting around for train station with 4 large luggages with us. After that we may catch the rail for a day trip to various places around Osaka and Kyoto.

      • kasumi on 13/10/2016 - 16:47

        Can you check whether your Hotel is near a Airport Limousine stop (Bus) or is one of the stops on one of their routes? it may be cheaper than catching a taxi

        • TheMatrix on 13/10/2016 - 18:11

          There is a shuttle bus to USJ, about 8 min walk from our hotel. Our flight arrives fairly late, may be able to make their last run if everything goes smoothly.

  • pantsparty on 11/10/2016 - 10:50
    +2

    Instead of hiring a data sim card, I always hire a portable wifi modem, this way more than one device can take advantage of the connection. I always hire from these guys, used them 3 or 4 times, never had an issue. I get the 75mbps model: http://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html

    I always choose to get the modem posted to my first hotel so it is waiting for when I arrive.

    In terms of taxis, no idea, never used one in Japan. There is honestly no need. The train network there is outrageously better than anything in Australia. Just buy each person a train card when you first arrive, similar to the Opal card in Sydney. In Tokyo it is called the Suica card, I believe its called Pasmo in Osaka, but you can use them Japan wide. Just purchase from a vending machine at the train station: http://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/about/

    Honestly Google maps is pretty awesome for getting around. I do use Hyperdia a bit for the trains, but the train data in Google Maps is pretty solid.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 21:58

      Thank you.

      • mattacrazy on 13/10/2016 - 21:03
        +1

        I used global advanced comm pocket wifi as well while I was in Japan last year. Was waiting for me at first hotel, battery comfortably lasted all day, fast enough to stream video and upload about 30GB of RAW photos each night with no issues getting a usable signal anywhere I went.

    • Maxxy on 15/10/2016 - 15:15

      What kind of cost do you get for pocket wifi per week?
      Got around $150 for 1 month ($37.5/week) even with the cheap version.. seems quite expensive

  • FloatingPoint on 11/10/2016 - 11:12
    +1

    Only buy JR Pass if you prepared to use Shinkansen (bullet train) a lot for longer distance travel.

    For Osaka-Kyoto you should take Special Rapid JR service. ¥560, only take 28 mins.
    Of cause you 'can' take Shinkansen between Osaka-Kyoto. That is sooo fast it only take 12 mins but ticket is more than 2x more (¥1420 unreserved seat).
    For local travel, JR trains and local metro should take you almost everywhere you want to go. Get a IC card (pre-loaded smart card) and pay-as-you-go. They have daily ticket as well if you prepare to travel a lot on metro.

    HyperDia Website can help you to plan and get the cost for all train travels.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 11:22

      Thank you. The special rapid JR service sound good, for ¥560 yet is only around $8.00 (I assume it is only one way). For $64 would give the four of us around trip from Osaka-Kyoto. Does this need pre booking or can we just turn up at the station and purchase the ticket ?

      • FloatingPoint on 11/10/2016 - 13:33
        +1

        No booking needed. ¥560 one way. It's just like a 'normal train', running every 15 mins most of the day. Just turn up and buy the ticket from the machine/counter. That also mean you're not guaranteed to get a seat.

  • ckcc44 on 11/10/2016 - 13:56
    +5

    1) For sim card, if you only need to used data then try b-mobile:
    http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/
    It is only around $30 AUD for two weeks, and you can pre-booked it and then pick it up at the hotel or post office in the airport

    2) If you only travel between Osaka and Kyoto, then don't worry about the JR pass as it is too expensive for your use, try the local train or bus pass instead:

    Osaka: http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
    Kyoto: http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-pa…

    3) If you are going to use the free wifi service you may also want to download the japan free wifi app. Trip adviser is another helpful app for sight seeing

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 14:31

      Thank you @ckcc44.

      • KBZ on 12/10/2016 - 18:34
        +1

        Just take care to not over use your data and just use it for vital stuff I.e maps, emails etc. It's not really unlimited.

        used more than approximately 1000MB over three consecutive days.The speed restriction will be released the day after your total usage in 3 past days go below 1000MB

        I also recommend a yokoso Sim card I used it last month and was great.
        http://stores.ebay.com.au/yokososimaustralia/

    • downhillmtbr on 12/10/2016 - 03:03
      +1

      Can't vote this enough. Not sure why everyone always seems to recommend renting a sim card or wifi hostspot when you can get a tourist sim from b mobile.

      • gotcha on 13/10/2016 - 23:30

        apparently VirginMobile is not a roaming partner according to the PDF

    • antzz on 12/10/2016 - 16:10
      +1

      Agree b mobile is solid. I put them in unlocked wifi hotspot and mobile phone both working fine

  • rover on 11/10/2016 - 14:00
    +2

    If you are flying into and out of Osaka and only going to Osaka/Kyoto/surrounds then you won't need a JR pass.

    The Kansai area rail pass is a good buy. Hint: you can use this as an airport transfer on the Haruka express, so at least 2x1day passes is a good investment. You need to buy these before you go, you get sent a exchange voucher which you exchange for the pass. You cant use the bullet train with these, but it is only 30min to Kyoto on a limited express. Then again the bullet train from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto is only about 1420yen.

    You will want to use JR and/or the metro in Osaka as opposed to taxis. In Osaka, the metro is much more extensive than JR, but if you have a JR Kansai area pass your use the JR lines in Osaka. You can get day passes for the Metro, so on days you're zipping from place to place this would be more economical then buying tickets for cash or using the Pasmo/Suica. But on days when you go from hotel to destination and back then Pasmo is better.

    If you are going with kids and based in Osaka I would recommend Toei Studio Park in Kyoto. Kids might also like Den Den Electric town (akin to Akihabara in Tokyo) for electronics and anime/mange stuff.

    The metro in Kyoto is ok, but most of the sights are around the city and so buses are often better. 500 yen gets daily bus pass (1200 for a metro/bus combo ticket). Check transport maps to plan what is best for you based on sights you are going to.

    I got the Docomo sim 500MB per day card when I got there, which was about $25 for 14 days. It's not a major expense so getting a more expensive SIM card before you go will save time.

    I would have stayed in Kyoto and visited Osaka rather than the other way, so a pity you're booked already. Still, you strike out from Osaka to other places, like Himeji, Nara or Kobe. Himeji castle is the best castle (imho) to visit, check extent of grounds etc as it can be a bit of a walk. Osaka castle is quite nice but a modern reconstruction once inside it is basically a modern museum (still definitely worth a visit if you are Osaka based). If your kids like deer Nara is nice. If I was based in Osaka I would give Edo Wonderland Ise, though this is about 2 hours away.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 14:30

      Thank you @rover for those info. Sound like you know a lot about Japan. This is our first trip, so I just want to take it easy. My older son also want to visit Tokyo as well but that's 3.5 hours from Osaka (so I told him may be next time). The main purpose of this trip is to see Harry potter at USJ. But I heard Kyoto is really nice and not too far away from OSaka, so will try to do a day trip or two to Kyoto and the rest just explore Osaka.

      • rover on 11/10/2016 - 21:25
        +1

        I've only been twice, I do stupid amounts of planning for these trips.

        How long are you staying? You will probably want to do some day trips out as while Osaka has some great attractions you will want see some more, I'd have trouble filling in a week in Osaka… but your guide book will probably help pad it out more. The train system is very easy to use, even as a foreigner. Kyoto is so close you should go there to go there. And it's a good way to to see the scenery. If you are just doing Kyoto the Kansai pass might be overkill but stretching out to Himeji you will be saving with a Kansai Area Pass.

        Tokyo is certainly a bit of a stretch if you are based in Osaka and expensive without the rail pass. However, without a rail pass you can go on the superfast Nozomi, about 30000 yen return, 2.5 hours each way… that is still a big and pricey day of travel.

        Also if you travelling with family, get your SIM card before you go otherwise they have to wait around while you get that organised there.

        • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 21:41

          Thank you. It is an 8 days trip. I was just reading about the Kansai area pass ( JR West). Price seem reasonable, $28/day for an adult. I am considering getting data sim card from here ( http://www.jtbtravel.com.au/japan-tickets/japan-internet-sim… ) , many SIM cards I've looked at seem to have usage restrictions eg can't use more than 1G in 3 days etc, this one doesn't.

        • puztin on 12/10/2016 - 09:25
          +2

          @TheMatrix:
          Look into CDJapan's wifi hotspots. I would reccomend a hotspot over a sim card as the battery lasts (almost) all day (buy a USB Battery pack) and the rest of your family can all connect to it.
          I was in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo in february and this was the cheapest/best provider i could find at the time, the service was fantastic and i just picked it up from the post office at the airport on arrival.
          You will love harry potter world at USJ but heres a tip: Get to the park MINIMUM 30 minutes before opening and as soon as the gates open SPRINT towards harry potter world as you cannot just enter and need to book in for a ticket to go in later in the day, they often sell out very quickly in the morning.
          I would be looking to get a VIP pass if i were you as the lines for most rides are 1h30m long at least.
          I still had a fantastic time and im sure you will too!

          Also i would reccomend atleast one full day in Kyoto, rent some bikes and ride around all the main stuff that's in the city. The streets are quiet (traffic wise) so you wont have any problems.

          If you have any questions feel free to message!

        • moocher on 12/10/2016 - 13:48
          +1

          @TheMatrix: See comment above. You can also consider the Kansai Thru Pass. I've used both JR west and Kansai Thru pass.

        • TheMatrix on 12/10/2016 - 14:44

          @puztin: thank you for the tips. We can buy ticket for USJ from our hotel, we stay in one of those hotel that is associated with USJ.

        • Manh on 12/10/2016 - 17:46
          +1

          @puztin:
          I went to Japan last year and we also rented CDJapan's mobile wifi. That way we all can use wifi and not have to rent a sim card each.

          Sim cards are also available for rent from CDJapan but we went with the unlimited but 3GB per consecutive 3 days mobile wifi instead (the most expensive model).

          Our mobile wifi definitely needed to be plugged into our battery pack after about 5 hours of use.

          We set up the pickup location to be at the Post Office in the airport (Narita airport, Tokyo) and it comes with a fully paid self-addressed satchel so you can put the mobile wifi into it and drop it off at any post box when you leave Japan (we dropped ours off in Kansai airport, Osaka).

          http://rental.cdjapan.co.jp/

        • endymion on 13/10/2016 - 12:04

          @TheMatrix: The JTB card is awesome. Very easy to set up, but it needs to be done when you land in Japan. Luckily there's free wifi in airports. I traveled around Japan for a week and didn't have any issues with it at all.

        • puztin on 13/10/2016 - 13:10
          +1

          @TheMatrix: thats great! Just keep in mind that the harry potter world suggestion still stands: your hotel cannot give you the entry tickets to harry potter world. Also the lines for every other ride are extremely long

  • pyramid on 11/10/2016 - 20:14
    +1

    Forgot to mention, there is nice train museum in Kyoto and kids will love it. As other said, take 500jpy daily bus pass and it will cover most of the places. Another place near kyoto is monkey park as Arishiyama. Kids will love to feed monkey. Also there is aquarium in Osaka which I visited but I felt that it's not worth spending money.

    • TheMatrix on 11/10/2016 - 20:44

      Thank you.

    • rover on 11/10/2016 - 22:24
      +1

      and a cool way to get to Arishiyama is on the Hozu-gawa river trip. A two hour river trip with a spattering of pretty mild rapids. 4100yen (2700 for kids). 1140 yen and 90 minutes to get Kameoke from Osaka and then an 8 minute walk to the boat launching site.

      There is also row boat hire where the trip finishes. Arishiyama is very pretty, it also has the bamboo grove featured in many tourist brochure/guides.

  • aj3000 on 12/10/2016 - 07:55
    +1
    • Use the camera option on Google Translate to translate Japanese text. Very helpful, especially for convenience store products, signs etc.
    • When in Kyoto, get a full day bus pass for ¥500. It costs ¥250 per trip otherwise. And remember to enter the bus from back/Middle door and exit from the front.
    • Kyoto is a big city with countless temples, and other heritage attractions. Don't miss Nishiki market right in the middle of the city, and also the laneways of Gion and Ponto-chō.
    • Railway stations have luggage storage facilities
    • Would highly recommend taking the 15 minute Shinkansen ride from Osaka to Kyoto. Not a cost effective option. But will be a highlight of your trip if you haven't been on one yet.
    • Suica, Pasmo or Icoca cards can be loaded with cash and can be used for public transport and at most convenience stores. Helps avoid having to deal with a lot of coins.
  • cheapgeek on 12/10/2016 - 10:00
    +1

    there's been some great suggestions above… if you feel more comfortable having the SIM before you go, consider
    Travel Sims Direct

    I've used their USA & Japan sims…always worked well for me

    • mskeggs on 17/10/2016 - 17:06

      I also recommend Travel SIMs direct. Good service.

  • cuteseal on 12/10/2016 - 10:07
    +3

    I used yokoso sim off ebay - they use the docomo network.
    I recently bought 2 x 4GB with 31 day expiry for $40 each.
    Hint: submit a lower offer than their advertised price - they often knock off $5-10 each card especially if you are buying multiple.

  • Hedgehog girl on 12/10/2016 - 10:49
    +1

    I'm so jealous :)

    Japan is absolutely amazing country (we've been there last cherry blossom season and even with crowds everywhere it was amazing!) but Winter trip should be something truly magnificent!

    Also take into account how you are going to get to your hotel from the airport - research your options because as other people have mentioned taxi is expensive for long distances. We had to take the taxi once - it was for 5 min drive (because we were sooo tired before) and took a taxi and paid only $8 equivalent at that time. There are other passes available with various conditions, not just JR pass, you better check them as well. Also you can order them through Flight Center (and use their price beat guarantee - can save some $).

    Regarding sims, when we arrived at the airport (after lunch time) all the airport shops have sold out all the sims (can you believe that) so have a back up plan. We had to buy $40 travel sim in the last shop that had them and I think it was 2-4 GB of data (we didn't really used calls as well) and it was enough.

    Also when you arrive in the airport there should be free wi-fi booth available where you just show your passport and they give you passwords to use wi-fi for free (all around Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other big cities) - sometimes it was handy.

    Otherwise have a great trip!

  • cosmic on 12/10/2016 - 10:55
    +1

    Don't have much time right now to see exactly what's been covered already; I'm sure there's a lot of useful information already posted so I'll be brief. I did a Ctrl+F and didn't see anyone mention the Kansai Thru Pass: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_005.html
    This is good value especially if you use it for day trips to Koyasan/Himeji/Nara/Kyoto. It covers almost all private rail and bus networks, which are very extensive in that area of the country, making it preferable to JR passes which only cover JR (however, note that JR is much faster getting to Himeji.) You also don't have to use it on consecutive days like you do with the JR Kansai Area Pass.

    Last time I went, CDJapan was the cheapest SIM for my needs, but obviously depends on your circumstances and current prices.

    • moocher on 12/10/2016 - 13:50
      +1

      +1 for Kansai Thru pass. I had forgotten about being able to use it on non-consecutive days.

    • TheMatrix on 12/10/2016 - 14:50

      Thank you.

    • TheMatrix on 12/10/2016 - 14:51

      Thanks

  • theguyrules on 12/10/2016 - 10:58

    Yeah I used AirBNB in Tokyo and Kyoto and they both gave us Pocket Wifi which was genuinely amazing to have.
    So if you do AirBNB (highly recommend) just look for ones that give you wifi and you'll be sorted.

    AirBNB in Japan was so good. Really cheap (cost us $900 for 10 days accomodation, $45 a day each), we got a studio apartment to ourselves both places, and they were insanely tidy and immaculate.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/10/2016 - 17:15
      +1

      Hey, do you have a link to the places you stayed? I'm heading there next month and this sounds perfect.

      • theguyrules on 15/10/2016 - 20:30

        Sure! We went last November.
        Here's where we stayed in Tokyo. We loved this apartment! It is very conveniently located, a walk away from the subway connecting you to the best Tokyo spots. It was extremely clean, and we loved meeting Taka, he was wonderful and very helpful. We'd absolutely stay here again and recommend it to 2 travelers, as any more could be too cozy.

        Unfortunately the place we stayed in Kyoto seems to be no longer listed :(

  • 811b11e8 on 12/10/2016 - 14:19
    +1

    We got a pocket WiFi from the car hire company when I went.
    Pocket wifi was a lot more helpful than having a car.

    I strongly recommend you don't get a car.

    Spent hundreds of dollars on parking, and toll roads significantly more than the cost to hire the car lol.

    The public transport makes it very easy to get around, google maps works very well with the public transport and will show which train and bus to catch etc.

    Taxi are similar to Australia for price.

    Everyone speeds in Japan including the taxis outside of the city's, 30kms over on main roads is pretty std and the fixed cammeras wont book you unless you are significantly over speed limit.

  • lainey13 on 12/10/2016 - 16:18
    +1

    In Osaka I recommend the aquarium it was amazing! Sky Garden is also good. I didn't spend too long there though because other cities were more interesting. Have an amazing time!!

  • [Deactivated] on 12/10/2016 - 17:16

    Heading there at the end of the year. This thread will be useful.

  • oz-dave on 12/10/2016 - 17:29

    1)what data SIM card should I get?

    At $5 per 24hrs times 8 days (total of $40, or less, if you don't use it every day), Vodafone roaming might work well for you, if you are on a suitable Vodafone plan with calls and data.

    As well as providing data;
    * You can call/SMS people in Australia,
    * People in Australia can call/SMS you on your regular number,
    * You can make calls/etc to most Japanese numbers,
    and all of the above will be included as part of most Vodafone postpaid plans (i.e. no additional cost apart from the flat $5 per 24hrs).

    • TheMatrix on 12/10/2016 - 19:55

      Thank you. I am with Aldi at the moment. How much data does Vodafone give for $5 per day?

      • oz-dave on 13/10/2016 - 02:06

        You get to use use your entire monthly data amount overseas.

        But if you are with Aldi currently, I probably wouldn't suggest a Vodafone plan just for an 8 day trip, unless you are prepared to sign up for a month, and then port out again…

  • brayhouse on 12/10/2016 - 20:47
    +1

    One more vote for getting a pocket wifi rather than a sim card, if only for the fact that you can then connect it to multiple devices.

  • nathjean on 12/10/2016 - 22:02
    +2

    For SIM card, I am using FREETEL. FREETEL SIM is compatible with " Xi " area and FOMAR area of NTT DoCoMo .

    ¥1780,1GB of data lasts 7 days or
    ¥2780, 2GB lasts 30 days.

    The best thing is:

    Unlimited data for your favorite social apps.

    When using SNS applications such as Facebook and WhatsApp with「 FREETEL Prepaid Data SIM for Japan」, the data used by these applications is free. You can freely use the applications without worrying about your data limit.

    That is free data for: Facebook, Wechat, WhatAp,p Kakaotalk & Line

    Details can be found on: https://www.freetel.jp/prepaid/

  • Username123 on 12/10/2016 - 22:48

    Been to Japan twice and in both times we hired portable wifi from eConnect (I think that's the name of it). The earlier you hire them the bigger the discount. Although wifi is in a lot of places in Japan, it's better to have that piece of mind. If you decide to hire the wifi, better to bring a portable charger too. You get supplied one with the wifi but I am a big worry wart and bought one and was never without power for any of my devices.

    As for the SIM card, I bought a travel sim from Australia Post but didn't really need it because I downloaded an app called WePhone (Apple store). It's incredibly good. You make calls through the app like normal and you're charged like 1 cent per minute depending on the country. They also give you 5 cents (I think) just for 'checking in' on the app each day. This used data of course so if you have the wifi it's awesome.

  • nikey2k27 on 13/10/2016 - 07:31
    +1

    http://maps.me/en/home is one fav app for traveling get power mi power thing for your phone.

    public transport is good. Japan rail pass if your going travel it going save you money i did not get one went went over i payed for it.
    Taxi not cheap but do marth family of 4 might cheap to take a taxi over public transport.

    Citybank VISA debit card get one total worth it.

    Mastercard my NAB travel card did not work all the time over there. stay clear of mastercard as your main card.

  • Kevin07 on 13/10/2016 - 09:29
    +2

    In japan atm.
    In hindsight jr pass ended up costing more
    Make sure you use hyperdia beforehand to calculate all the costs of the trip
    The JR pass is only valid on JR Lines and if you primarily stay in kyoto and osaka it costs much less to just use the jr and metro lines. JR Pass becomes useful when you are travelling to and from osaka <> tokyo

    You can buy data and voice sim cards at the airport otherwise you can get pocket wifi

    The price at the airport is about 1200 yen a day for either pocketwifi or voice sims. I installed the skype app for extra credit for voice calls to hotels. I have heard sims are cheaper at yodobashi but have not clarified.

    Going to universal today!

    • Kevin07 on 13/10/2016 - 09:31
      +2

      Also have been using the 28 degrees mastercard! Getting good exchange rate at 78.5

  • Clivey In Space on 13/10/2016 - 09:57
    +1

    we used Global Communication to purchase our pocket wifi when we were there last year. Found them great. Collection of the device was from the airport and when we left we just posted the device back with the envelope that was provided.

    http://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html

    Not sure if they are competitive in price but at the time we found their cost very reasonable. battery life was excellent and for where we travelled to, we always have coverage.

  • mezje on 13/10/2016 - 10:47
    +2

    1)I used YokoSIM, was the best bang for buck while I was there.
    2)Yes, not many drivers speak English and they are quite expensive, always take PT where possible. Get the JR pass and smash the travel with it in that week, bullet trains city-city can be about $50+ one way, it is well worth it.
    3) The Google translate app lets you photograph text, highlight what you want translated and it does it.

  • Osprey06 on 13/10/2016 - 14:40
    +1

    My only suggestion is to install a map app that supports offline nav. I used OsmAnd (available for both iphone & android) many years ago when I was in that area of Japan. The nav routing often isn't the best and search function is hopeless, but I still found it quite useful to give me a basic idea of where I was going when walking & cycling around. There are heaps of other alternatives that may be better (I note that a poster above linked to maps.me as well).

    I found I could only withdraw from ATMs at the post office when I was there. This app should help you locate a post office.
    https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/japan-post-office-navigation…

    I have found sites saying that 7-11's will now work, so maybe that's changed.
    http://www.mastercard.co.jp/personal/atm-notification.html

    • StrayfireX on 13/10/2016 - 16:40
      +3

      My Citibank card worked fine at 7/11s

    • TheMatrix on 13/10/2016 - 18:13

      Thank you. Google map now allow offline download of map for the area you are visiting.

      • Osprey06 on 14/10/2016 - 21:58
        +1

        Yes it does, however I wasn't able to download areas in Japan and it told me when I try to download an area around Osaka just now that the area isn't available for download.

        Good luck with the trip.

  • skazclaw on 13/10/2016 - 18:57
    +1

    Sakura Mobile has been excellent in terms of price/data ratio, and the connection quality was flawless.

    • TheMatrix on 13/10/2016 - 20:40

      I took a look at Sakura Sim, reasonable price without daily limitation, but they don't ship oversea, so can't buy them ahead of time.Thanks

      • skazclaw on 14/10/2016 - 01:07
        +2

        You have it ordered to arrive at the Post Office. You pick it up at airport's post office and just plug it in and go.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join