Your travel tips

YOUR TIPS ON... JAPAN We asked you for your top tips for travelling in Japan – and you didn’t disappoint. From places to visit and advice on getting around to culinary customs and taking photos, here’s what you said…

You lot love Japan, and it really showed when we asked you for tips: we got little-visited islands and crowd-free back streets.

Timely advice

Seasonal sights

“Timing a visit for the cherry blossom in spring can be hit and miss. It’s very weather-dependent and lasts only a few days. Fans of Japanese gardens will appreciate the autumn leaf colours just as much. It’s a less short-lived event, so you’ll be less likely to miss it.” David Kingsnorth

Island life

Odaiba

“When in Tokyo, spare an afternoon to visit the island of Odaiba. See the

Gundam statue [right], shop till you drop, eat traditional food and relax in the gardens. Oh, and don’t forget to see the robotic receptionist. Well, it is Japan!” Mark Blyth

Saving face

Dining etiquette “When eating out, most restaurants give you a small, damp cloth before your meal. It’s to clean your hands before the meal – not, as I found out, to clean your face with. If you use it for your face, some people find it funny, some find it weird and most will not tell you about your faux pas until you’ve done it innumerable times.”

Oliver Futter

Take the train

Travel plans

“If you’re planning on visiting a number of places, a Japan Rail Pass (bought prior to arriving in Japan) makes life much easier, as

you avoid having to buy tickets on the day of your trip. Make sure you download the Hyperdia app (or use it online), which is the Japan rail timetable – you can plan your routes and then go to the ticket office with the train times written down. The friendly staff will take care of your bookings and issue tickets and seat reservations. Travelling by train in Japan is one of the best experiences, and they run exactly to time!” Nick M

Coastal charm

Miyajima

“You must, must, must visit the beautiful island of Miyajima, off the coast of Hiroshima. It has mountaintop views and a ‘floating’ shrine, which is a World Heritage Site. For romance, take a private rickshaw tour.” Pat Reed

After hours

Nishiki Market

“Don’t worry if you get to Nishiki Market after everything has closed. There’s some incredible shutter art to admire and it’s a lovely walk from west to east towards the Shirakawa Canal.” James Donaldson

Night life

Golden Gai

“For a glimpse of old Tokyo, head to Golden Gai in the Shinjuku district. It’s a warren of narrow alleyways lined with tumbledown bars.

Barely more than shacks, they come to life at night, each with different themes and atmospheres. Great fun!” Lydia Houghton

Photo opportunities

Helpful hint

“At Fushimi Inari-taisha everyone stops to take a picture at the first few shrines. Walk past them – the shrines go on for ages, so if you just walk and enjoy them for a few minutes you will have lots of room and space, and no surrounding tourists, for all your fab pictures!” Rhianna Hobbs

Visual feast Visit Japan in autumn, and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant colours, such as in these maple trees surrounding Kyoto’s Daigo-ji Temple