Yokoso! Japan!

PROLOGUE

I am making this journal to hopefully inspire people to grab their bag and travel around the world

This was my first trip alone outside of Canada, its a hastily planned trip so there were a lot of things that Ive overlooked like when to go, budget, memory cards, souvenirs - to name a few. I had no solid iterinary until I got to Matsumoto where I decided to go Castle hunting.

On large cities I stayed in Business Hotels, on smaller ones in Ryokan (traditional inn) - with private facilities as I wake up early to beat the crowds. I highly recommend staying in a ryokan.

I had no problem communicating. If you're lost or got a question its better to ask a lady, chances are they speak & understand basic english, though in the smaller cities I visited they dont but are still way more helpful than the men. Every city i visited got a Visitor Info kiosk at the train station

Transportation is easy and efficient. I rode the train to get to the city and I rode the bus to get around the city. I bought a 14-day JR Rail pass which gave me unlimited access with some restriction to trains under the JR flag. Japan Railways is the majordomo of railways in Japan.

Buses are like....cabs.....yea....a very huge cab

Food. bring lotsa pepto-bismol or immodium! and your health insurance hanged around your neck you gonna need it! naaah I'm just jokin, its not that bad unless you crave raw octopus or squid. Picture the shops in the mall with their latest clothing line displayed up front. now replace those clothing with plastic replicas of dishes...welcome to dining out in Japan.  Drop by an Izakaya(pub) youll love it.

REHYDRATE every hour! there are vending machines on every corner, ABUSE it. The humidity is unforgiving.

http://www.japan-guide.com/  Everything you need to know about.

http://www.itcj.jp/index.html  Where I booked my stay. The directions to your hotels are priceless.

I also bought Lonely Planet's Guide to Japan.

Now on with the show...