Hearted Youtube comments on Life Where I'm From (@LifeWhereImFrom) channel.
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I remember when i first arrived at Tokyo Narita Airport in March 2016 during Hanami festival for my 16 day long trip. After customs, i was scared what would i do if my ATM cards do not work. I had some cash but only for a couple of days worth. Went to a 7-11 ATM and when i got my money out i was so relieved. And here's pro tip: You would want to take as much cash in one transaction if not you'll run into lot of transaction fees. And have a couple of backup cards as well.
After that, i strapped up my large oversized backpack (never bring too much) and went to the Airport post office. And here's Pro tip #2: You can have a Data Sim card mailed to you waiting at the Tokyo Narita Airport Post Office. I had purchased 3 GB Data card (https://www.econnectjapan.com/products/sim/3gb) which runs on Docomo 4G LTE/3G Network Band. The NTT Docomo network has the widest coverage in Japan. You can turn on hotspot on your mobile if you would like to share the Wifi.
Then next i went down to the train station. Here's pro tip #3: You can take the NEX train to get to tokyo in style! But there are some cases where i would not recommend it. I had a 14 day Japan Rail Pass and unlike German Rail pass, once you activate it the clock starts! You can ride the NEX on Japan Rail Pass but i recommend to activate it only when you're leaving tokyo and going to other cities - if you are staying more than the JR Pass days. Buying regional JR Passes also is a great idea if you are sure to visit only one\two regions. Anyways, if you buy NEX tickets instead, one irrational decision they made some time back is to only sell two way tickets. One way is not allowed (this may have changed). Your ticket is valid for a return journey to Narita Airport within 7 days which is a waste (unless that's your program). Take either the buses or the wonderful Kesei or JR lines.
Pro tip #4: You can purchase Suica or Pasmo at any Ticket counter Kiosks and they work throughout Japan at all Train stations and major convenience stores (ex. 7-11\Lawsons) as well as buses and some ferries\rides (research!). There is an option to enter your name and have it printed on the card. Yes, its very cool!
Pro tip #5: Do not underestimate the size of Tokyo. It is very big and there are some amazing destination a couple of hours outside Tokyo. So plan your day programs well, do not sleep in till 8:30 AM like me and get out early. Trains start around 5 and get a head start to explore. This applies to Kyoto and Osaka (or any big city).
Pro tip #6: There are some tourist traps here and there, its okay once in a while to be a typical tourist but go down the beaten path, the unknown alleys more often. Eat where locals are eating - do not judge just because the restaurant looks small. And do not buy unnecessary souvenirs and trinkets. Do not rush and take some time to explore properly. Have faith that you'll come back to Japan again. I do.
Back to the story of when i first arrived at the Narita Airport. I was staying at capsule hotel at Akasaka and with no internet, just asked an attendant at the Keisei counter to show me the way and she explained on a map and gave it to me. I took the Keisei line, changed the train at Ueno (i think) and made my way to Akasaka. Once outside, i remembered having studied the roads on Google map before leaving India for Japan and easily found my hotel.
Checked-in, dropped off my bag, activated by Data Sim card and then took out my camera and captured my first video of typical afternoon at Akasaka, next to Hie shrine, watching all the Salaryman go in for quick lunches. I joined too and had a great meal. It was very exhilarating and satisfying. In the evening, i stayed at the hotel to rest up and watched a popular songs competion on TV which they run during Hanami festivals. Oh how i wish i could go back right now.
Anyways, for the first time visitors, please DO NOT worry, its extremely easy, do not get intimidated by the unfamiliar language, people are very friendly and ready to help. I had a great time and hope you do so too!
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A couple have people have left comments about the chlorine smell and how it's not really chlorine that I'm smelling. I actually edited out a part where I tried to explain further what I meant, so sorry for any confusion. But to be honest, I still don't really understand it all, even after reading stuff like this https://waterandhealth.org/healthy-pools/smells-chlorine/.
I'm suspecting that the #1 reason I don't smell anything bad at Japanese onsens is because people are quite clean before entering and thus there is less stuff with which the chlorine can interact with and cause odors. From what I understand, the odors are mainly (or totally) caused by the interaction of chlorine and nitrogen (or in other words organic matters like body oil, urine, etc...).
However, answer me this those who know what they're talking about. If I go to a swimming pool or hot tub in Canada that is "fresh", like a pool the first thing in the morning before anyone jumps in, or a hot tub at some condo where there doesn't seem to be anyone using it, I can smell that pool smell from even before I enter. Is it always that chemical reaction between organic matter and chlorine that I'm smelling, or can it be that I can smell high levels of chlorine that are FAC's (freely available chlorine) and not CAC (combined available chlorine)?
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Some things about Japan that seem unusual to me are the availability of cigarettes and alcohol in vending machines, the fact that men are not afraid of "cutesy" things, and the fact that there seems to be a process to everything that MUST be followed. Also, I've noticed how openly Japanese people tend to talk about bodies, even commenting on things that might be frowned upon in other places. I've heard people casually talk about someone being "fat" or they have "big ears." They aren't necessarily being rude or mean, but pointing out flaws doesn't seem to be a sensitive topic in Japan.
In Australia, some things that others might find weird include our habit of shortening words (we do it a lot-almost excessively), the fact that we are so casual with colleagues, bosses, even university teachers (it's not uncommon to call your boss by his first name), the whole "byo" thing, and the fact that it is perfectly acceptable (with exceptions) to go to a store, fast food eatery, or voting booth shirtless, shoeless or wearing swimwear.
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