Day 11 – Kyoto to Narita to Australia

After saying goodbye to our Kyoto ryokan, we had breakfast at a cafe and then visited Kyoto Tower. This gave us an impressive 360 view of Kyoto, with interactive touch screens dotted around the viewing platform that pointed our key landmarks and shrines.

Then we retrieved our luggage and headed to our booked seats on our 5 hour Shinkansen to Narita Airport, with one change over in Shinagawa.

Next we had an early burger dinner at the airport, got through check in, security, Japanese customs and duty free, before waiting at the gate and then boarding for our 9 hour over night flight back to Australia. Unfortunately I didn’t immediately fall asleep like the rest of the cabin, but on the plus side I did watch some interesting documentaries!

Mum and Dad and our gorgeous dog Scout kindly picked me up from the airport and of course we decided to have Japanese for lunch (sadly the restaurant was closed, so we ended up eating yummy Chinese cuisine). And then of course distributing all the gifts I had bought!

I’ve had a beyond amazing time travelling in Japan, the experiences were once in a lifetime and the people were so polite and considerate. It was so safe and welcoming it really felt like the whole country was living out the lyrics to Disney’s “Be Our Guest”!

So, if you’ve stuck with me thus far on the blog, thank you! Your support reading this travel journal has only enhanced the adventure for me. So I’m signing off on Japan (for now, maybe there will be more travel blogs to come), but as a parting gift I’m leaving a list of tips and myth-busting that I experienced throughout the trip.

Left: My Dad bought me back a yukata after his first trip overseas to Japan. Right: 20 odd years later I bought a yukata back on my first trip overseas to Japan.

Sayonara!

Tips (according to me) for travelling to Japan:

1. Book your JR Shinkansen seats beforehand – reserve your seat when you can (located at JR Office at each station), as all but two of the carriages are reserved seating. You might discover, like we did, that all the carriages are full particularly on a Japanese public holiday and/or a busy route. It became first on, first served for those two available carriages!
   Also pick up a 24hr, 36hr or 72hr Tokyo metro pass when you can get to a participating store that sells them (can’t get it from the ticket machines at the stations) like Bic Camera stores.
2. Tele-communication – the Japanese wifi was not as easy to use as I thought, so I would suggest getting a data sim card, or a portable wifi device so you can access Google Maps, HyperDia.com.en (transport transit times) and Google Translate.
3. Language – learn a few words i.e. sorry/excuse me – sumimasen, thank you – arigato gozaimas, not right now – shegalmas, yes – hai. The majority of people we met did not speak fluent English or were to shy to. But the Japanese people will be unerringly patient with you while you try to convey your meaning, so just be as respectful and patient with them in return.
4. Politeness – Be very respectful of Japanese culture, we did research before our trip so as not to be offensive. This included that cleavage is not acceptable, but legs out is fine. The colour palette for clothes is also neutral. Stand on the left side of escalators, stairs and most streets so that other commuters in a rush can get by you. Always thank people with an “arigato goziamas” and a head nod/bow. Or use it to acknowledge a person – the bow is used as a sign of respect and greeting like we would use a wave. Put your money in a tray at the counter when your are paying and try to pay the exact amount if possible. Receive your change and receipt with two hands and the thanking gesture. Take your shoes off when entering a place and slip into a pre-laid out pair of slippers. Be very aware of your voice volume and tone, especially when in public – I’m sure even though we were trying to be quieter, our voices were naturally too loud for the locals.
5. Snacking on the go is not done – This may seem odd and there are drink vending machines everywhere to make it more  challenging especially when you’re thirsty or hungry. But try to avoid it unless you do it very discreetly, I think a quick sip of water to stay hydrated is fine. But especially don’t snack on the metro/subway system as it will be more obvious, but also because its too unsteady and busy to achieve.
6. Bins – After the Tokyo metro attack by a racist cult, the Government virtually removed all rubbish bins (as this was used in the attack) especially around Tokyo. This means that you must hold onto your rubbish until a random bin at a convenience store or your accommodation becomes available to use. It is even more admirable that the country is impeccably clean considering this.
7. Hand towel – we quickly learnt that being presentable is important, so the Japanese carry a small face towel with them everywhere to wipe away sweat, water droplets or wipe their hands. This helped me out as, an often rain soaked or sweaty Aussie girl in humid typhoon season (September). A convenience store umbrella and raincoat kit also came in handy during the rainy storm.
8. Onsen – this might be the most enjoyable and eye opening experience of your trip. I recommend trying it at least once, as it gets easier and natural the more you do it. Remove your clothes at the locker area, tie your hair up, you can take a small towel, and enter the onsen area. Use the wash bays to scrub yourself thoroughly and then enter the warm soothing waters of the onsen. After you are finished, wash again and pour water over your feet either from the washing area or a water type-fountain near the door before exiting to go get dressed. There are usually mirrors, hair dryers and even brushes to help you get presentable again! Be respectful and casual of yourself and other peoples’ nakedness and just try to embrace the experience. Note: Tattoos are not allowed in onsen because they symbolise connections to the mafia (and shiftiness like sunglasses, unless on trend) so cover these up with a bandage if possible.

So go forth and politely conquer!