Bask in the Land of the Rising Sun

Make the most of your match-free days by investing in a Japan Rail (JR) Pass allowing you to explore Japan efficiently and in comfort.

These gems allow you to hop aboard the famed Shinkansen (bullet trains) and the Narita Express (which operates between Narita Airport and Tokyo) at a fraction of the price for locals.

However, there are a few caveats to be aware of, so make sure you read up on it.

While technology in Japan is good, finding reliable free wi-fi without being tethered to a Starbucks or McDonald’s can be challenging.

Hiring a wireless hotspot means you can stay connected without worrying about a painful roaming bill when you arrive home. I hired one for 10 days, picked it up on arrival at Narita Airport, was given a free local sim card – all up it cost about $90. Returning it was easy: put it in the pre-paid post bag provided and pop it in a post box.

Surprisingly, many eateries and retailers – particularly in smaller centres – don’t accept credit or debit cards, so having some yen in your wallet is always a good idea. With 290 stations, 13 Metro lines and carrying 8.7 million passengers a day, Tokyo’s Metro can be a daunting prospect. However, its reliability, costeffectiveness and punctuality means it’s worth persevering with.

Pick up a PASMO Card when you arrive and reload it as needed – it’s cheaper than buying individual tickets and can also be used in vending machines and convenience stores – bonus!

In June, about 80 per cent of Japan’s Airbnb listings disappeared virtually overnight, thanks to new laws that forced all homeowners to gain official approval before listing their properties.

But fear not – there are plenty of other options ranging from capsule hotels to the nation’s more-than-900,000 hotel rooms.

Instead of playing it safe, why not step out of your comfort zone, slip into a yukata (a casual kimono) and spend a night or two in a ryokan?

In existence since AD705, rooms at these traditional inns feature sleeping futons, low tables and tatami mats, authentic food and artwork, and sliding paper doors – all exuding a distinctive Japanese ambience.

Being able to say the basics will help in most situations – if all else fails, the locals will appreciate your efforts.

Downloading Google Translate – which can be used offline – can also prove very useful. Japanese bathrooms are an interesting experience. Most public bathrooms are converted to Western-style toilets, but be warned. The seats are warmed, which is an odd sensation.

Many are equipped with buttons, transforming them into warm-water bidets and even allowing users to make a flushing noise or music.