conferences_japan
Table of Contents
travelling to Tokyo, Japan for conferences
see also:
Introduction
- population of over 14 million residents as of 2023 (41m in Greater Tokyo) and the second-most-populated capital in the world
- part of the Kantō region on the central coast of Honshu, Japan's largest island
- rail is the primary mode of transportation in Tokyo
- “nightlife district of Tokyo is centered around areas in the west of the city such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi, with high a concentration of bars, clubs, host and hostess clubs, and live music venues”
- Golden Week (aka Gōruden Wīku or Ōgon Shūkan)
- a series of national holidays and vibrant holiday season, spanning from late April to 1st week of May (eg. Tue, Apr 29, 2025 – Mon, May 5, 2025)
- this is peak period with high volume of travelers so transportation and accommodation prices often surge, and tickets and hotels can sell out quickly and crowded tourist spots, restaurants, and public transport
- popular destinations include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and hot spring resorts as well as hiking (esp. Kamikochi) and camping (esp. at Lake Motosu) as it is the most comfortable time of the year
- Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tohoku: The cherry blossom season in Japan starts in the south and gradually moves north. During Golden Week, there are still a lot of cherry blossoms to see in the northern areas of Tohoku.
- Kawachi Wisteria Garden: This garden is known for its stunning wisteria flowers.
- Hakata Dontaku Festival: This is one of the most famous festivals held during Golden Week.
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: This route is known for its stunning views and is a popular destination
- Amanohashidate: Known as one of Japan’s three most scenic views
- Kinosaki Onsen: Kinosaki is a famous hot spring town, and visiting an onsen is a popular Golden Week activity.
- Hachijojima Island: This island, located in the Philippine Sea, is known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate
Getting there from Melbourne, Australia
- mainland portion of Tokyo is served by two international airports:
- Haneda Airport in Ōta - mainly domestic flights until new runway opened in 2011 for international flights
- Narita International Airport further from Tokyo in neighboring Chiba Prefecture
- as of late 2024:
- Direct flights take ~10.5hrs
- Qantas and Japan Airlines have a few direct flights to Tokyo Narita airport (NRT) but tend to be much more expensive than the more frequent flights via Sydney
- One-stop flights
- most are via Sydney (Qantas and Japan Airlines) and these tend to fly to Tokyo Haneda airport (HND)
- Thai Airways via Bangkok
- Jetstar fly via Cairns (CNS) or sometimes Brisbane then to Tokyo Narita airport (NRT)
- Cebu Pacific fly via Manila
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore but this adds 6.5-8.5hrs
Warnings
- you must purchase travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage
- Japanese encephalitis virus
- only about 11 cases per year reported in Japan
- vaccination for short term travel only if hiking or camping where protection against mosquitoes is poor during the peak transmission period of June-Oct
- not needed if only going to Hokkaido or urban areas
- more details at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan
- Hep A vaccination if visiting smaller cities or villages
- Tick-borne Encephalitis
- All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs (although rabid dogs are uncommon in Japan), bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes.
- some unwritten rules in Japan
- how you make people feel matters most - in fact, defamation law in Japan upholds even if what you said was true!
- NEVER be late or on time, BE EARLY (although Japanese may be late if meeting a foreigner but never if meeting a Japanese)
- there is NO tipping in Japan - this may make them uncomfortable if you push it
- Japanese people are generally quiet and like their personal space - don't be loud, boisterous or over-friendly - they are not huggers or high fivers
- Try to speak Japanese if possible
- Place cash on a tray when paying (and if giving cash it should be in an appropriate envelope - there are envelopes for marriages, bereavements, etc - don't get the wrong one - if you are just re-paying someone, use a cheap envelope made of thin paper without any decorations)
- Bring business cards and receive them with TWO hands respectfully and place them in your wallet, not your back pocket (this is because Japanese people need to know how the other person's name is written as there are several variations in written language)
- Don't use your phone on public transport or in restaurants / pubs / cafes (keep it in silent and go outside to use it)
- Keep public places including trains clean - only eat or drink whilst walking in food market areas
- Don't put soy sauce on a bowl of rice - only on a meat dish
- When Japanese people go on a holiday they are expected to bring back gifts for fellow employees or friends - so they often avoid telling them they are going
- It may be rude to wear sunglasses, especially in certain places or when meeting those in higher standing than you
- It is rare for Japanese to wear shorts (shorts are “only” for children) even on hot days in central urban areas, during professional work, or on more formal events (residential areas, Kansai and south-west Japan it is more acceptable, and if you are a tourist “gaikokujin”/“gaijin”) In Tokyo, slacks are the fashion - blue jeans and polo shirts are NOT, whereas in Osaka it is much more relaxed.
- Keep to the left on escalators in Tokyo (right side in Osaka) and don't push in on queues
- Don't point your finger as this is very rude, especially at a person - they use whole of hand gestures instead
- People leave a possession such as a bag or phone on a table to reserve the table - if you find a wallet or purse on the ground never open it but you can place it somewhere more visible
- Wait for someone to take you to a table when you go to a restaurant
- NEVER criticise food even if it tastes awful (this is only done anonymously online later - hence the often poor online ratings!) - Japanese people often mumble “uma!” as soon as they put the food into their mouth
- Always accept food when offered to you, or you are not just rejecting the food, you are rejecting the person and gesture of kindness
- Don't open or close taxi doors - the driver will do this remotely for you and be upset if you try to
- Wear masks in crowded places such as on trains
- In crowded places, move your backpack to your front to avoid knocking people
- If an overly friendly person comes up to you in English, they want your money or for you to join their cult
- Don't talk to the touts outside bars / karaoke rooms (usually in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Roppongi, or even Akasaka by Nigerians who speak English and appear to be super friendly) who will be almost impossible to get away from and entice you into a bar for free drinks only to seriously over-charge you for drinks but also use hostesses and spiked drinks to scam your credit card 1)
- Avoid friendly Japanese women who try to entice you into a “party” or offer you pamphlets to join a Buddhist cult to “make you happy” 2)
- the Yakuza are the organised crime syndicates in Japan
- Japan may have very low reported crime rates because the police tend not to act on many reports
- key Japanese phrases:
- hai = yes
- iie (“i-ye”)= no
- sukoshi = a little bit
- konnichiwa = hello / good afternoon
- ohayou gozaimasu (ohayou by itself is a casual way to a friend only) “o-ha-yo” with a longish yo = good morning
- kon ban wa (“kon-ba-wa”) = good evening
- sa yo u na ra (emphasis on yo) = good bye
- arigatou gozaimasu (u is silent?) = thank you
- douitashimashite or i i e, or daijoubu desu (no worry) = you're welcome
- sumimasen = excuse me
- gomen nasai = sorry
- onegai shimasu = please
- douzo = go ahead / after you when opening the door
- kore wa pen desu = this is a pen
- …. wa doko desu ka? = Where is ….?
- there are 3 written languages with over 2200 characters and Google translate will struggle with many hand written menus and there is a steep learning curve to start learning Japanese and will take at least 6 months immersion in it to start to become fluent
- the speech pattern is reversed to English - similar to Yoda style
- train travel is Japan is relatively easy HOWEVER:
- use Google maps or the Japan app to help you work out train stops and times as well as pricing
- buy a Suica card at a major train station (needs to be topped up with CASH) - this makes travel MUCH easier - and you can add your name to the card when purchasing in case you travel in a group and get cards mixed up
- for intercity trains and bullet trains:
- you will need to buy a ticket (easiest at a major train station but can be done online with care) and this will give you a “fare ticket” and a “train trip” ticket for each train (eg. one for Kyoto to Shinagawa and one for the Narita Express from Sinagawa to Narita airport) - insert the fare ticket 1st then the applicable train trip ticket in the turnstile machine to get onto the platform region.
- get CASH from 7Eleven ATMs - these only charge 110yen for a 10,000 yen transaction compared to 660yen at Lawsons ATMs
Tokyo climate
- coldest in January when it is also dry with very low humidity and rainfall clearer skies, averaging 5degC avg max 8degC, avg min 2degC
- cool season lasts for 3.5 months, from 3 December to 19 March
- hottest in August and humid with humidity ~91%, averaging 26degC avg max 29degC, avg min 23degC
- hot season lasts for 2.7 months, from 26 June to 17 September
- wettest and most overcast in June and also wettest in Sept, averaging 180-190mm rain
- late April through May is the “most comfortable” period:
- average temp ~18degC, avg max 19degC, avg min 12degC
- average rainfall 120mm/mth with 16 rain days/month
Places to see in Tokyo
- Shibuya:
- Shibuya Crossing is the “world's busiest pedestrian crossing”, with around 3,000 people crossing at a time
- Yoyogi Park,
- Hachiko statue
- Shinjuku: Kabukicho, Shinjuku Gyoen
- Ginza: Shopping district, Kabukiza
- Marunouchi/Nihombashi: Imperial Palace, Shopping district (Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya)
- Asakusa: Sensoji, Tokyo Skytree
- Akihabara: electronics and anime culture
- Ueno: National Museum, National Science Museum, Ueno zoo, Ueno Park
- Harajuku/Omoesando: Meiji Shrine, Takeshita dori
- Roppongi: Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills, National Arts Center Tokyo, Suntory Art Museum, Mori Art Museum
- Ikebukuro: Shopping district
Other places to see in Japan
- summarised from https://bizarrejourneys.com/where-to-visit-in-japan/
- Kyoto
- a wonderful destination worthy of being included in every first trip to Japan itinerary
- the old capital of Japan is extremely rich in terms of the sites that represent Japan`s history and culture
- preferably spend at east 3-4 full days
- Hiroshima, Himeji, or Kobe are all close to Kyoto/Osaka thanks to the direct line.
- Shikoku, known to international visitors with its famous Shikoku Pilgrimage Route covering 88 Buddhist temples, is one of Japan’s most rural islands.
- takes only three hours to get to Tokushima, one of the principal cities of Shikoku, from Kyoto via train
- Tokushima Prefecture is one of the culturally most rewarding regions in Shikoku
- Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route: hiking in a culturally rich region
- a network of pilgrimage routes spread to Yoshino, Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and Koyasan.
- the 4 day hike Nakahechi Route is the most popular one and goes mainly through forest - starting point, Tanabe City, is connected to Osaka via a direct train service that takes around 2,5 hours.
- Iseji Route: coastal version of Nakahechi Route of Kumano Kodo
- Hakone is a popular choice near Tokyo.
- The town is home to a large selection of ryokan and onsen-type facilities, but the main draw is the mighty Mount Fuji – the highest mountain in Japan. Hakone is a beautiful place, but seeing Mount Fuji and its iconic peak is far from guaranteed, particularly during summer.
- Nikko: a wonderful alternative for sightseeing and easy day hiking or overnight trip from Tokyo
- one of the most important religious centers in Japan. Toshogu Shinto Shrine, built in the 17th Century during the Edo Period, is one of the landmarks.
- esp. Okunikko - the region that starts at picturesque Lake Chuzenji and ends at Lake Yunoko, is home to a network of (easy) hiking trails that take hikers through an incredible variety of landscape scenery.
- Tohoku: the most underrated region of Japan
- Its beautiful nature feels more untouched than most other places in the country.
- locals are admirably dedicated to keeping the traditional arts and crafts alive, many centuries-old sake and soy sauce breweries
- experience in a small onsen town in Tohoku allows one to get a glimpse of daily life in Japan during the Edo Period.
- if going in winter, must go to Nyuto - a forest of tall trees covered in snow and enjoying the scenery from the warmth of an onsen tucked in the middle of the forest.
- Tohoku is also one of the best fall foliage viewing destinations in Japan.
- take the train from Tokyo to Aomori (in a little over three hours) and use local trains or a hotel shuttle to get to Aoni Onsen hidden in the middle of a forest.
- also popular in fall is Oirase Stream
- if you don't have the nationwide JR rail pass, the JR East Tokohu Pass is a five days pass (30,000 Japanese Yen) that allows you unlimited rides on all Shinkansen and JR lines in Tohoku (with Tokyo departure) for five days (you are allowed to buy more than one pass per person covering different dates or consecutive five-day periods).
- Matsumoto: art, nature and history
- limited express in less than 3 hours from Tokyo
- Matsumoto Castle, built in 1594, is referred to as “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior
- Kamikochi, one of the most picturesque hiking destinations in Japan - an hour’s drive from Matsumoto
- Nagiso, one of the most well-preserved towns along Japan’s ancient postal route, the Nakasendo Route
- Sadogashima Island: intriguing history, exciting nature
- Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Niigata City in less than two hours and brings you near the ferry terminal, where you can hop on a jetfoil that will take you to Sadogashima in an hour.
- great rural experience, historic gold mines
Hiking trails
- Nakasendo trail - the historic 17th century Shojun era trail from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo):
- best time is late April - early May and you will hopefully catch the late cherry blossoms at this elevation of 600m and higher as well as wild Wisteria and magnolias along with the fantastic variety of spring blooms in the village gardens such as tulips
- whilst there are many sections to this trail which runs through valleys and over mountain passes, they can be walked selectively thanks to the many train stations and post villages - most with accommodation and cafe options (although credit cards or ATMs may not be available in all)
- most people just hike the one section from Magome to Nagiso via the historic post village of Tsumago-juku
- tip: stay a night in Magome - there is enough local to explore,has the largest grocery stores, etc of the trail to Narai-juku and there are some nice valley and mountain views
- the 1st 2km or so is a steady ascent mainly on bitumen until you reach Magome Pass then its a steady descent through mountain forests and river streams for ~7km to Tsumago-juku
- there is even a luggage transfer service from Magome to Nagiso if you want to just carry a light backpack over the lovely Magome Pass with its late cherry blossoms, streams and small waterfalls
- you can get to Magome via train from Tokyo to Nagoya then a bus from Nagoya to Magome
- you can then catch a bus back to Magome from Nagisa or continue on via train or hike to Narai-Juku so you get to hike over the lovely Torii Pass with its wild magnolias and Ontake shrine (there is a squat toilet on the east side of the pass if you really need to go) and go to the historic post village of Narai-Juku where you can catch a train back to Tokyo
- tip: consider train from Nagiso to Okuwa for some great snow-capped distant mountain views then hike to Suhara for overnight stay then train to Yabuhara for the hike over Torii Pass (elevation ~1250m)
- NB. much of the hike from Nagiso to Okuwa is along the busy bitumen road which follows the wide boulder-strewn Kiso River, so this section could be skipped
- Kumano Kodo Nakahechi trail - UNESCO listed pilgrimage walk
- this is south of Kyoto
Conferences
-
- 2-6 May 2025, Keio Plaza Hotel, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
- well known for its shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment options. It is one of the most visited parts of Tokyo and is easily accessible by public transportation from Haneda and Narita Airports.
SHED
final
- Sun 27th April: Flight to Tokyo
- Mon 28th: night 1: 5-6hr train (passes 3800m Mt Fuji on the left) to Minshuku Suhara 6 bedroom house; elevation 600m in valley surrounded by 2800m peaks to the east and 1700m peaks to the west; overnight temps are 8-12degC colder than Tokyo and likely to drop to 1degC while day time max are 3-6degC colder than Tokyo averaging 15degC late Apr
- Tues 29th night 2: 15km 3.5hr walk down to (35m ascent, 173m descent) MOUNTAinn Nagiso - whole house; elevation 550m;
- Wed 30th night 3: 11km 3hr walk up to (423m ascent, 200m descent) Magome Chaya - 4 person room and 2 person in mixed bunk beds (room of 8) at 600m elevation
- Thurs 1st May night 4 - Mon 5th May : 5.5hr train at 1040hrs? to Tokyo JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
- Tues 6th May - Sat 10th May train to Kyoto Tassel Hotel Sanjo Shirakawa
- Sat 10th: train to Tokyo and flight home
conferences_japan.txt · Last modified: 2025/05/17 11:43 by gary1