Domestic Travel¶
Travel Information¶
Probably the first place you should check is a travel guide (we don’t really need to tell you this, do we?). You probably brought one with you when you came. If not, check any of the big bookstores. Last year, there were special deals with Foreign Buyers’ Club for JETs. Lonely Planet’s is pretty much the standard, but each guide has its adherents, some of whom religiously defend the merits of their respective sacred texts.
AJET has a series of travel guides, written and produced by JETs, for JETs, from a JET perspective. Contact the AJET representative (you’ll know who this is) for info on these guides.
There is a travel section one day each week in the English newspapers. You can get up-to-date information on hotels, airlines, day/weekend trips, festivals, etc.
Tourist Information Centers (TIC)¶
There are good and useful pamphlets and brochures available at the TICs in major cities. The staff at the Kyoto TIC can also make reservations for accommodations free of charge. For addresses, telephone numbers, and hours of the TIC offices refer to the Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto sections.
Japan Travel Phone - mainly has info on accommodation and access. Toll-free:
JR Info-Line - for inquiries on JR and information on the railway network in Japan.
American Express Offices have very friendly and helpful English-speaking staff. AMEX also offers good package tours within Japan.
There are various books on camping, cycling and onsens in Japan written in English. These can be bought at Kinokuniya, Maruzen or Asahiya bookstores.
Don’t forget to ask around and find out where other JETs have been to or where they’re planning to go to. There are many more wild stories than are printed here. Keep your ears open and ask lots of questions!
Traveling on the cheap¶
Staying¶
Youth Hostels usually offer the cheapest accommodation. Many guide books have lists of Youth Hostels. The Lonely Planet guide book lists hostels according to geographical area. You can also read a book from JNTO office called “Welcome Inns” in Japan. This lists Youth Hostels and other affordable accommodation. You may also like to have someone send you a Youth Hostel guide book in English from your home country.
Tatami Timeshare AJET members have access to this system in which you are able to stay at a fellow JET’s place for free.
Ryokan Traditional Japanese style inn that features tatami rooms, ofuro (Japanese bath), Japanese food, yukata, slippers and geta. Refer to Welcome Inns book and other guide books. Ryokan range in price from ¥3500 to ¥20,000+.
Minshuku Similar features to ryokan but usually a little cheaper. Usually run as a family business. Price sometimes includes two meals.
Capsule Hotel Capsule hotel: 2 meters by 1 meter. Found in major cities and usually offered for men only. Originally intended for commuters who missed their last trains and need a place to crash. Prices range from ¥3800-¥5000.
Business Hotel Usually Western-style accommodation (i.e. bed and western-style bathroom). Usually ranging from ¥9000 for a double or twin up to the really expensive. Often located near stations or city centers.
Love Hotel Usually very easy to detect compared to other hotels. They often have small windows and private parking lots. There many along the highways. You never see the receptionist who takes your money. After 10pm these hotels usually have a fixed rate for the whole night—about ¥4000 to ¥8000.
Kokumin shukusha Government guest houses are sometimes open to JETs - check at the kencho or with your schools.
Shukuboo Accommodation at a temple. Often has to be arranged in advance. You may have a chance to get up at 5:30 and hear the chanting of the sutras, or eat a traditional priest’s meal.
Cycling Terminal Japanese and Western-style. Most are located in beautiful, quiet settings and offer various activities, and all rent bicycles. Price is ¥5000 including 2 meals.
