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Interestingly my worst experience was way back in 2019 during the Rugby World Cup, or at least I thought that was the reason. Post covid I've been 4 times but yet to came across really bad immigration queues, even though I went in late Mar and mid Nov last year. The Nov trip I landed at NRT at...

Actually that's changed a lot since covid. In Tokyo at least, I didn't use any cash (other than to charge the IC card, Apple users don't even need that). Might have something to do with what kind of restaurants and shops I go to. Other places less so. But all big ticket items can be paid by...

That's the main thing. Can be a good saving though, especially if you are not a fan of waiting like me...The worst airport is probably KIX, I've heard people queued for like two hours during peak season. Second is to use the card as ID. That's about it I guess 🤣

Notes I've heard reports of people being denied tax refunds as they don't have the "temporary visitor" stamp on their passports (the stamp is on the back of the card). Since I didn't enter Japan with this card, I couldn't test it out myself - TBD I used it a few times when checking into...

Secondary Inspection Once the preliminary inspection is completed, you will received another email tilted "Notification of completion of preliminary inspection". I recommend print this out take it with you. There are a few places you can complete the secondary inspection but obviously for most...

Preliminary Inspection Once you think you fulfill the requirements - refer to official website, but by far the easiest one is to have a Platinum or higher credit card. The initial application is done online and fairly straight forward. Once submitted you will receive an email saying...

As I mentioned this previously in my TR, there seems to be some interest. So I thought I would post a separate thread about my experience applying and getting the JTTP card. Japan Trusted Traveler Program So in short, if you have been to Japan at least twice in the past 12 months and fit a few...

Received email from Bankwest today saying they doubled the points in May so will deduct in June. Except that they already did one week ago. If nothing else this is really poor customer service.

Well I'm a recreational cyclist at home, mostly do 15-30K per ride. So 70k split into two days shouldn't be that hard...we shall see! I'm going in Feb for the snow and onsen and crab, tickets already booked. Then maybe Nov to do the cycling! This one obviously is just in my head atm.

Me too me too (not the movement!) ATM I'm thinking about cycling Shimanami Kaido next year....

That is also why, some places don't take solo guests! This happens frequently with more high end ryokans. Or no single guest plans on weekends and public holidays. Or they only offer the smallest room...etc I am very used to it, to the point that I get annoyed if a hotel is charging the same...

No. They charge by the room type but also by number of guests. Most likely you will get something like this (random numbers on top of my head), same hotel room (big enough for 3 let's say, not always the case in Japan!) One person, 20000 Yen. Two person, 15000 Yen pp, so 30000 total. Three...

Very very common. They don't charge by the room (well they do also but let's simplify matters just say this hotel has only one type of room) but by number of people. So stick 3 in there you will be paying more! As you know I travel solo, so I avoid places don't take solo travelers. And I...

Any particular reason you are doing this Manila thing? I assume it's a redemption but honestly, Tokyo to HK is a 4 hour flight, not worth the trouble. Just buy a cash ticket fly direct?

I consider myself to be well versed with Tokyo Station, but damn they are doing a lot of renos atm and lots of shops are changing! Well thank god the platforms are still the same. 👀

Yeah I don't quite get these Green cars when you get practically nothing.... The Azusa is the same. NEX also...

Have you checked the "surcharge"? I have, and quite frankly that's bloody ridiculous. I'm not sure they actually want people to do it!

Ha you found the secret! I love CI, apart from the slightly disappointing lounges in TPE, they are excellent. Especially for going to Japan. Plus, Taipei stopover would be fun too. 😎

Oh trust me I know... Great motivation for me to study the language!

Also note with National JR pass you can't take the fastest Nozomi Shinkansen between Tokyo & Osaka. So I'd say No to that. Agree with @drron look into a JR West pass.