Tips going winter japan

[Nakedtoes]

Just back from my first japan winter trip. Some tips i think is important which i made mistakes and learn from them..

1) try to book airbnb which have washing machine and thus u dun need to bring many clothings .. u can wash them.

2) another advantage of air bnb is the vacuum machine.. can use it to vacuum pack yr clothings.

3) For winter wear just get something cheap in singapore and go Japan's GU to buy... it is same company as uniqlo quality is good and but way way cheaper.. i bought nice 3 ways winter jacket with water and wind proof for 2990 yen. My taobao $7 winter jacket cannot even last 3 days and it got torn off. Else branded like columbia winter jacket can get from 7990 yen at premium outlet.

4) If u going multi cities at least 4 cities.. cal the price of the shinkasen and see worth it or not..then JR pass is a must. But with JR pass if u limit yrself to JR coy rail only u might waste time on traveling. Google map will tell u the shortest travel time route.

5) Last day at tokyo i cant get back my deposit for my ICOCA card cause i bought it in OSAKA and thus they said need to refund from OSAKA.. SO my advice is u reach Tokyo straightaway get yr JR pass and yr IC card which can be refund in tokyo

6) At rail station really need to spend some time to see the electronic board.. some train at same platform go different places... some are rapid service.. I make a mistake supposed to go Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort cause of the premium outlet cum play snow. But board the train to gala yuzawa snow resort.. But still ok cause GALA are real snow and is high up the mountain thus different experience.

7) Shopping tips.. if u see something cheap in donki or big cam or any shop or drug stores... just wack... cause other same brand outlet the price is not going to be the same. Like DOnki always see the promotion sale items outside the shop .. different outlets different items.

8) For premium outlets, Gotemba one and Karuizawa one are the bigger and better one... dun waste time to visit the one at Mitsu... Think venus fort one can give it a miss also. Do check the store listing online to see worth to visit or not..

9) Many 100 yens shop like diaso, can do and seria.. where u can buy souvenir like fridge magnet at 100yens.. outside u see smelly smelly selling 400yen to 600yen

 

[Gixxerfied]

Why need refund the card??

My suica card since 2015(Still using)..Icoca is valid for 10 years also..Unless of cos nt planning to revisit again.

 

[apeape]

ergh, dont remind me of number 7. diff shop, same situation sighhhhh. good tips btw.

 

[Nakedtoes]

Why need refund the card??

My suica card since 2015(Still using)..Icoca is valid for 10 years also..Unless of cos nt planning to revisit again.

Yah it valid for 10 years..

 

[Nakedtoes]

Anyone else got tips can just share... i learning also..

I also find that basically Osaka food and stuffs are cheaper compare to Tokyo.. and Osaka and kyoto ppl are more friendly and helpful... those in tokyo are not as friendly..

 

[Gixxerfied]

The pace of life ba...u see the subway scene(ppl) can see the difference riao..

 

[thwysg]

Airbnb not for me and my mister. There are so many hotels with coin laundromats and laundry services. Tokyu Stay has washers cum dryers within the rooms. Could use the concierge for luggage storage and forwarding, on top of restaurant reservations.

GU is cheap but I’ve seen reviews that the quality would still be way better with Uniqlo instead.

 

[purpleberry]

The only time I noticed Google Maps is incorrect is the bus network in Kyoto. Just note that the same bus number can have 2 routes so you need to recheck with other passengers there. If you feel you are the only foreigner in the queue, 99% it's the wrong bus lol

 

[evilerniex]

1. many business hotels also provide coin operated washing machines. and actually winter time wun really sweat, so can reuse the clothes, or just rinse it

5. dun need to refund ur card, since u keep for next trip. if u really want to refund, bear in mind there is an admin charge to refund the remaining amount in the card. so best is to use the card until there is nothing left. u can always go to the convenience store and partial pay with ur card to use up watever is left.

9. may not be a good idea to buy souvenir from daiso. some of those fridge magnets are available in sg daiso also, and they mostly look cheapo

 

[wongkc]

Now hotel laundromats very high tech liaoz... can check your load cycle through the tv in your room... can see which floors washing machine and dryers are available...

personally i will just wash my own underwear and hang it in the room bathroom... usually by next day will dry liao...

i dun really see the need to wash other clothes since winter will not sweat much... just spam more perfume and reuse... hahaa

 

[deodorant]

I think one tip from me is don't skimp on the shoes. My first winter trip I bought really cheap lazada winter boots thinking "won't use often buy cheap one can liao" which ended being worst decision cos the boots weren't comfortable at all. End of the day one trip spend 5k, doesn't make sense to try and save that 50 bucks on cheap shoes

 

[Nakedtoes]

I think one tip from me is don't skimp on the shoes. My first winter trip I bought really cheap lazada winter boots thinking "won't use often buy cheap one can liao" which ended being worst decision cos the boots weren't comfortable at all. End of the day one trip spend 5k, doesn't make sense to try and save that 50 bucks on cheap shoes

nice tips... i think for traveling.. the best is fitflip sandal if u go warm country and ultra boost for colder country.. so far for mine winter trip .. ultra boost is superb. I did wear to snow resort and rent their rubber boots..

 

[purpleberry]

nice tips... i think for traveling.. the best is fitflip sandal if u go warm country and ultra boost for colder country.. so far for mine winter trip .. ultra boost is superb. I did wear to snow resort and rent their rubber boots..

You mean adidas ultra boost? Can withstand cold winds?

 

[wongkc]

You mean adidas ultra boost? Can withstand cold winds?

i wore my ultraboost for my recent trip to korea... with proper socks... i dun really feel the cold...

but ultraboost got All Terrain models... those more suitable for winter and hiking...

 

[Nakedtoes]

You mean adidas ultra boost? Can withstand cold winds?

Yes.. With emart sock and anti water spray no problem..

 

[apeape]

While we're on the topic of shoes, I used Dr Martens 8 eyelets boots in Sapporo. Walking on Ice is abit tough, but extremely comfortable and warm (with proper socks/heatech/jeans) in snow. my other shoes i used is adidas spezials and tobacco, comfortable in Tokyo only.

Assuming most of you will go during christmas and NYE, please wait for new year sales. Discounts aplenty! also take note of early closure or total closure of some stores in the first and second week of January.

 

[Nakedtoes]

Those going thick snow area.. If yr boot sole is those like army boots.. The thick snow will struck in the gaps.. And turn to ice.. And super slippery.. So take note..

 

[Gixxerfied]

I have this for hiking and apparently alot of ppl(ang mo) use them in the snow and they work well..

Spoiler

 

[sereneong19]

I have this for hiking and apparently alot of ppl(ang mo) use them in the snow and they work well..

Spoiler

lol...you hoot so much le creuset

 

[Gixxerfied]

lol...you hoot so much le creuset

Wife lor..first trip, it's cheaper there even after comparing to sg lc warehouse sales.

Anyway, the collection grew bigger already.