Dreaming about your first Japan trip but worrying about the finances behind the vacation? Fret not, and let personal finance expert Jax Reyes help you through the planning, booking, and traveling phase of your Japan trip. Plan with ease and enjoy your trip to the fullest (as you should!).
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What about Japan makes you come back?
The country, the people, and the food. It is a safe country that even if you travel alone, you will feel safe and you will enjoy the trip. People are friendly and nice but most especially, the food is a big factor. Now, since the Yen is at an all time low, it's perfect to go to Japan since everything is almost 30% cheaper than it was back then!
What prefecture or area do you love the most in Japan?
Kanto region, my favorite is Tokyo. Within the Kansai region, my favorites are Osaka, Nara, Kyoto
How do you save and prepare for a trip to Japan?
List down your non-negotiables or your MUST DO, MUST EAT, MUST BUY during the trip. After, you can budget accordingly.
Book everything in advance at least 30-60 days in advance to make sure you get the best rate, more often than not, failing to plan in advance will cost you more. So book everything in advance (and wait for seat sales, promo codes, voucher codes, and added sales)
Create a rough itinerary (if you like to keep a relatively open/free flowing trip) or a detailed itinerary (for my type A friends out there) so you have a plan in place and everything that you will be needing in the trip is in 1 place. - my personal pro tip here is that if ever your plan does not go according to plan, don’t fret and don’t stress out just find the next best thing to do, you’re on a holiday remember.
Any tips on best ways to exchange currency? Do you exchange in PH or in JP?
I use the GCash card when withdrawing and swiping for big purchases since I get really good rates. I also do not want to carry a lot of cash since Japan is a country that is almost 100% cashless and a lot of merchants accept credit card payments.
For credit cards make sure you look at the foreign currency transaction fees of your credit card, some credit cards out there give it as low as 1-1.7% depending on the card type that you have. And when purchasing, always select the local currency in the country that you are in. (meaning if your are in Japan, choose to pay in Japanese Yen).
I have a backup of a few hundred USD just in case all else fails and I will be needing to convert to local currency or if for some emergency situation.
How do you choose your hotel and restaurants? Do you create an itinerary prior to the trip?
For hotels my best tip is to always check hotels near the station (main station as much as possible) since you have direct train or bus from the airport.
Staying near the station also is more convenient since all the sights that you would want to see and go to will be easier.
Transportation cost usually adds up, public transportation is the most cost efficient way to go around the city.
For restaurants I always mix and match, I would go eat at street foods walking around the town, street food markets, and other convenient store places. Then sometimes I would go find a restaurant that is highly rated either from local recommendations as well of Japanese friends or even the hotel reception/concierge.
Any message for travelers who dream of traveling to Japan but are intimidated or discouraged by the country?
Source: Jax Reyes (@jaxreyes_) on Instagram
We often feel that a country is overly expensive because of the stories and social media posts that we see online. Horror stories often are the news that trends, we rarely hear the wonderful stories of travelers.
When I first traveled to Japan, I had the same sentiments of Japan being such an expensive country or a country where I will have a hard time to converse in. But these are just fears I made up in my mind. Now that the Philippine peso is more competitive than the Japanese Yen, it's the perfect time to go to Japan.
Just remember my tips, whenever going to a new place, do your research and plan and book your hotels, airlines, tickets, attractions early since you get the best rate and ensure that these are all budgeted (so you don't overspend).
Now more than ever, Mobile Data is so much more affordable, getting lost in a foreign city and having a hard time to understand the language is a thing of the past. You just need your phone and your eSim, travel sim card, or data roaming. Your problem will be solved in an instant.
Lastly, don't fret, Japan makes you feel safe; it's my favorite country to get lost in. I get to buy whatever street food that tickles my fancy, while immersing myself in the culture. Traveling, immersing yourself, and getting to know [foreign] people will always broaden your worldview.
