You're in Japan! Now what?

Japan is f*cking amazing.

Seriously.

It has earned itself the top spot as my all-time favorite trip and all of it was completely unplanned. (Even the hostel I stayed at was on brand with my poor planning, it was called, UNPLAN Shinjuku).

I was already on my way back to Hawaii, and since Japan had opened its borders to travelers, I figured…why not? I would already be on that side of the world anyway. Hawaiian airlines seemed to agree with my spur of the moment adventure, because it was offering a VERY affordable round trip ticket straight to Tokyo from Honolulu.

HOWEVER, there was ALOT of paper work involved in being approved to fly to Japan. I had to get a COVID test, fill out travel forms, and get approved by the government prior to boarding. They give out some snazzy QR codes and easy-to-follow list of instructions for getting through customs. Easy-peasy, right?

WRONG. Let me just give you one word of advice, if you’re getting tested to travel to Japan, make sure your results are EXACTLY 72 hours before departure. Not 71. Not 73. 72. They WILL NOT LET YOU ON THE PLANE.

I ended up being an hour off, thankfully, I managed to sneak my way in (that’s an anxiety-inducing story for another time) and after a very unpleasant, turbulence ridden, 9-hour flight over the Pacific Ocean, I landed safely in Japan.

The airport is a beautiful yet alien world (as is all of Japan). But it’s actually a lot easier to navigate than I thought. If you’re planning on landing in Japan for the first time anytime soon, here’s some tips:

1. Get Google maps. It will save your life.

2. If you’re near an ATM, take out some yen. (most places do accept cards, but its good to have some cash before you arrive to your destination)

3. Get a metro card!!! Fill it with enough cash for your entire trip.

4. If you smoke, find a room. They’re scattered around the airport. It’s a good spot to ask for directions if you’re lost. Most smokers are willing to chat while puffing their cigs!

5. Finding the metro can be confusing, even if the direction of the signs seems off, don’t veer off the path. Follow the signs. They eventually get you where you need to be.

Okay, so. Now, we’re out of the airport. We’re on a train to Tokyo.

We arrive at Shinjuku Station. We step outside.

“WOW. yes.”

Tokyo is fun. It’s funky. It’s clean. It’s like someone duplicated NYC, gave it a good scrub-a-dub, and said, “No smoking on the streets. No Trashcans. No Rats.” It’s a beautiful, exciting city. There’s so much to do and see.

(I’m running out of time, but I’ll be back to edit this.)

To be continued!!