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🚄 Getting Around
JR Pass
7-day (~$200) · 14-day (~$320). Covers most JR trains including Shinkansen bullet trains. Consider if the Tokyo-Kyoto-Kaga route justifies the cost vs individual tickets.
IC Cards (Suica / Pasmo)
Tap-and-go for trains, buses, and convenience stores. Pick one up at Narita on arrival. Works across all cities.
Between Cities
- Tokyo → Kyoto: ~2h15m by Shinkansen (Nozomi)
- Kyoto → Kaga Onsen: ~2h by Thunderbird limited express
- Kaga → Tokyo: ~3h via Kanazawa Shinkansen
Within Cities
Subway + walking. Google Maps works perfectly for transit directions in Japan. Taxis are clean but expensive.
💴 Money
- Currency: Japanese Yen (¥). ~¥150 = $1 USD (as of 2026)
- Cash is king: Japan is still cash-heavy for smaller shops, restaurants, and shrines. Carry ¥20,000+ at all times.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards (no fee from the ATM side)
- Cards: Credit cards accepted at hotels, department stores, major restaurants. IC cards (Suica) widely accepted.
- Tipping: Don’t tip. It can be considered rude.
🌡️ Weather — June (Tsuyu / Rainy Season)
Heads up
June is Japan's rainy season (tsuyu). Expect warm, humid days with frequent afternoon showers. This is NOT a dealbreaker — it's atmospheric and the crowds are thinner than spring/fall.
| City | Temperature | Conditions | What to Wear |
| Tokyo | 20–28°C (68–82°F) | Humid, frequent rain showers | Light layers, rain jacket |
| Kyoto | 20–28°C (68–82°F) | Humid, misty mornings at temples | Light layers, umbrella |
| Kaga / Mountains | 18–25°C (64–77°F) | Cooler at elevation, possible mountain rain | Trail-ready rain gear for race |
🗣️ Useful Japanese
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
| Hello | こんにちは | Konnichiwa |
| Thank you | ありがとうございます | Arigatou gozaimasu |
| Excuse me | すみません | Sumimasen |
| Yes / No | はい / いいえ | Hai / Iie |
| How much? | いくらですか？ | Ikura desu ka? |
| Delicious! | おいしい！ | Oishii! |
| Cheers! | 乾杯！ | Kanpai! |
| Where is...? | ...はどこですか？ | ...wa doko desu ka? |
| I don’t understand | わかりません | Wakarimasen |
| Beautiful! | 綺麗！ | Kirei! |
🧳 Packing Essentials
- Passport + copies
- Packable rain jacket (rainy season essential)
- Compact umbrella (konbini sell them too)
- Comfortable walking shoes (15–20k steps/day)
- Light, quick-dry layers (humid 20–28°C)
- Pocket WiFi or eSIM (rent at Narita)
- Universal power adapter (Japan uses Type A, same as US)
- Small towel (many places don’t provide)
- Cash (¥20,000+ recommended at arrival)
- Trail running gear (KAGASPA 100K mandatory kit)
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen + hat (UV is strong even overcast)
🙇 Etiquette
- Don’t tip. Service is included, and tipping can be considered rude.
- Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some restaurants. Look for shoe racks at the entrance.
- Bow when greeting. A slight nod is perfectly fine for tourists.
- Don’t eat while walking. Find a bench or stand to the side.
- Be quiet on public transport. Phones on silent, conversations in low voices.
- Onsen etiquette: Wash thoroughly before entering the bath. No swimsuits. Tattoos may be an issue at some places — look for “tattoo-friendly” onsen.
