Welcome, folks!  This is the first installment of Geekly’s nerdy coverage of Japanese culture by Michael DiMauro and Carly Shields. After falling in love with the country during a visit in September, 2017, we noticed a lot of other people were contacting us about our experience. In an attempt to help out others on their first trip to Nihon, we’ve put together a 5-part audio series that covers a number of topics from food to nerd attractions.

Scroll to the bottom to listen to the audio.

In the first installment, we cover planning & travel prior-to, and while-in the country. *Please note: These are our own personal experiences and don’t reflect that of Geekly. We’re just two Japan-loving nerds that want to help others find the fun on their trips!

Topics covered:

• Flights
• Trains
• Subways
• Bringing Medication into the Country
• Maps & Address system
• + more!

Natto your typical Denny’s menu

Helpful Links

• Tokyu Hands: https://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/en/
• JR Rail: http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/
• Suica/Passmo subway cards: https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/common-questions/difference-Pasmo-Suica
• Japan as a Lost & Found Culture: http://www.attendly.com/the-astonishing-lost-and-found-culture-of-japan/
• Yakkan Shoumei: http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/dl/qa1.pdf
• Nakano Broadway: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3069.html

Once we listened to the audio we also realized we didn’t cover one important fact: Japan is a paper money culture. While some places accept credit cards, for the majority of purchases you’ll want actual cash. The best place we found, with the lowest fees and the best exchange rate, was 7-Eleven (Yes, that 7-Eleven).  They are plentiful in Japan (and so much better then the ones in North America).  Google maps helps in locating these!

We’ll be back with part-2 where we talk about the highlights of the trip, and pinpoint some places you might want to check out on your journey!

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