Further prep q
Need to get an e-Visa:
JAPAN eVISA
Any tips or traps? (I'm a bit paranoid after applying for Chile, USA and Indonesia recently!!)
Are you an Aus Citizen? or one of the many other countries that Japan just gives you a visa on arrival? (no need to apply). I've lost count of how many JP stickers are on my old passport. You just show up, have the visit japan online form filled (you need this regardless for immigration and customs).
The Digital Agency, has been established on September1, 2021, contributes to reforming the culture of administration in a user-driven manner through digitalization.
www.digital.go.jp
Getting from NGO airport station (flight arrives 9am on a Friday) to Nagoya city station, in order to catch the shinkansen to Shin-Osaka (where I'm staying nearby) Rome-2-Rio says I should catch Meitetsu Railways Limited Express to Meitetsu Nagoya station, then walk across to the shinkansen departure area. Does that sound right? Would I just buy the tickets as I arrive at the respective stations, or can I buy the complete journey to Shin-Osaka at NGO? <Decided above its not worth getting a pass>
From memory of when I lived in Nagoya, this sounds about right although I didn't take many flights to NGO. You would need to get tickets separately in this case as they're not the same company.
So at NGO you would need to buy a ticket to Nagoya Station. Then at Nagoya Station at the JR Travel center get a ticket to Shin-Osaka.
Side Adventure - Stop at Nagoya for Chicken Wings (Tebasaki 手羽先) at either Yamachan 山ちゃんor Furaibou 風来坊. Nagoya style chicken wings is definitely a thing they're known for.
I've noted
@Seat0B 's advice above about having to buy luggage type tickets if I have >160cm of luggage and the nature of Shin-Osaka. I'll be taking a carry-on and a computer bag. Separate, they measure >160cm but Ill just strap them together to form one.
Without an actual checked suitcase size, you can use the overhead storage for normal carry-on sized bags. If you do have checked luggage size suitcase then the reservation for the last row may be necessary.
Book online and get on board the Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen with your mobile. You can change your reservations anytime, free of charge. This service is essential for all travelers to Japan.
smart-ex.jp
Petrol around Hokkaido - do I pump it myself (and perhaps have to pre-pay?) or are there usually attendants? Credit cards usually accepted?
I'm not certain about Hokkaido, but Japan in general has both the attendant ones and self services. Attendant ones you just tell the person how much to fill up (Mantan 満タン = Full tank)
So "Regular, Full Tank, Credit Card" would be "Reh-gu-rah, Manh-tanh, Ku-reh-jitto kah-doh"
The "english" but not english words when pronounced in english might not actually get recognised sometimes.
In case you choose to utilize a vehicle for your ventures all through Japan, there are a few things to consider-one of those being the fundamental assignment of how to fill your gas, or petrol, tank.
en.japantravel.com
I was going to ask about the nature of the toll roads but I'm pretty sure I'm getting a toll pass with my Toyota hire car. Oh, must remember to renew my int Drivers Licence.
You'll get an Pass to use for expressways (might need to ask for it at the rental) but with the pass, use the EC lanes and it'll charge it to the card which will charge you later.
As you'll be driving in the warmer seasons in Hokkaido, it should be more similar to regular conditions and you won't need to worry too much about snow conditions.
You'll also probably get slapped with a "Gaijin sticker" (foreigner driving sticker) at the back to warn other Japanese drivers. For the most part, it's relatively similar to driving here - speed limit on highways is whatever everyone else is going. (so if your lane is going at 150kmh, you can also go at that speed if you feel comfortable).
The one thing that might be of use if you drive on freeways is that JP drivers will flash hazards for a couple of seconds if the freeway is slowing down to warn drivers behind them. Beyond that you'll also see Hazards being turned on smaller streets as a "I'm going to park here even if it's not ok and I definitely block some traffic" signal.
). Booked via its web site, with Japanese dinner and breakfast 
), not a good thing for ryokans imho but the familiarity can be comforting.
, But I went as far as I could without paying (thinking it will expire), so It'll be OK. Will install properly just before I leave. EDIT: Now installed, after advice below.
Only issue is that it looks like you can only install it on your phone OR watch, not both; but I think you can swap it over if its inconvenient. I have all my cards on both and never use my phone for payments (too clunky).
