1st Time to JPN

[apoolbahari88]

Hey guys.

I plan to go for an approx 10D backpack trip to Japan

Osaka (2D)
Kyoto (4D)
Mt Fuji (2D)
Tokyo (2D)

Day 1: Osaka (Tentatively I'll be staying at Hostel Base Point Osaka)
Pokemon Ctr
Sky Building
Osaka Station City
Nanba Shopping District

Day 2: Osaka (Tentatively I'll be staying at Hostel Base Point Osaka)
Castle Park
Peace Osaka
Central Mosque
Shinsakai
Modern Transportation Museum

I've not planned Day 3 onwards. I've also not planned the transportation route for the 1st 2 days (I'll get to that soon)

- I've browsed around and found out you can't really use VISA cards in JPN. If that's the case, how much yen should I bring to JPN in cash?

PS Any Muslims been to JPN before?

Critique away!

 

[haato89]

If you are backpacking may I recommend piece hostel Kyoto?

It's great for solo backpackers and hands down the nicest hostel I've stayed in. Super near to Kyoto main station too

I'm not sure about halal food in Japan man--that means you won't be able to eat at most places

 

[haato89]

Flying to Osaka and returning to SG from Tokyo?

I pay for my hostel accom in cash upon check-in. If you are not planning to shop much a good estimate will be $70-100 per day for me--excludes accom.

If you aren't getting the jr pass for your Osaka-Fuji-Tokyo journey then prep extra cash for that too. I was able to pay by visa at the customer service counter FYI

 

[dakboyan]

Hiya,

I've been 'exercising' my VISA cards without much problems in most places that i've been to in Japan. This includes main cities, mountain resorts and some ulu townships. But of cos they would still prefer to be paid in case, esp with smaller merchants and smaller hotels/inns. If you are uncomfortable with carrying so much cash on you (even though it is quite safe) you may opt to open a Citibank account and utilise their ATMs which can be found in most of their big cities.

For halal food you may go and visit this link -> For Muslim Visitors - JNTO Singapore Office. But it would still take some considerable effort to find these eateries...and if you are short on time it would not be most effective use of your time. If you are not picky, you can just opt for vegetarian, sushi or seafood restaurants.

 

[fuzzybear]

Actually jp Is still king
But at major shop or dept store credit card is accepted

I signed quite a hefty amount too
Even hotel pay by credit too

In here hwz jp got Muslim go jp too but accords to him he bring own food and cook

Ya by right jp I don't see any halal store around or put it simply not a single one

 

[dakboyan]

Yeah...and be careful when you come across kebab carts or stalls, manned by middle eastern workers. Once when i asked them if the food is halal...they said yes yes, but then i found there's pork in the menu. Oh and halal food in Japan is mostly of the Pakistani, Indian-fare types. Hard to find Malay or Indo cuisine.

 

[albertchng]

Are you okay with Japan don't have Halal certified foods?

Credit cards are widely accepted by major hotels and establishments. Usually i will try to carry one of each type (Visa, Mastercard & JCB). For JPY, most of the time i will bring around 200k-500k for 8-14 days trip.

 

[c1528351]

Just came back from toyko and hakone after 11days...spend almost 300k for 4 person just for food and some shopping. At times is quite difficult to find money changer on the street in toyko

 

[fuzzybear]

Just came back from toyko and hakone after 11days...spend almost 300k for 4 person just for food and some shopping. At times is quite difficult to find money changer on the street in toyko

300K yen or SGD ? hahah
yea $$ changer in tokyo is hard
best is if change enough $$ yen then sign card

 

[c1528351]

Bro...300k yen la...actually I changed around 200k yen in singapore but last min looking for money charger since not enough but was so difficult to locate one and the rate was not so good

 

[hoshiyume]

In osaka, there are a few 'halal' shops. Their halal refers to food wise but they still sell alcohol. Using the guide on jnto, my friend managed to find 3 shops in shinsaibashi area, while we were in osaka and one in Kyoto near the castle. The shops that we went to were Pakistan food like kebab and then she did eat bryni. The food cost around1000-2000 yen

 

[apoolbahari88]

Yes I'll be doing an open jaw travel SGP - Osaka then Tokyo - SGP. Regarding halal, I did research on their restaurants and hopefully I don't have to be served alcohol. Anyways, my backup plan will be dry food from home or seafood.

Anyway, will it be recommended to purchase the JR pass since I'll eventually head to Tokyo? And can give me suggestions on other train passes I can buy too?

 

[haato89]

Calculate your train fares using hyperdia then decide whether its worth the pass...