some quick tips for traveling Japan 👇🏼💭
✨Eating Celiac friendly✨
The first time I came to Japan I didn’t eat raw fish and while it was still possible to eat gluten-free, that definitely limited my options. Honestly this trip I’ve ate 7-11 onigiri or random sushi places for majority of my meals. I’ve been to gluten free dedicated restaurants in Shibuya, Shinjuku and surrounding areas so they exist!! And more seem to be popping up. I am currently out in the countryside of Japan and my first night of accommodation told me they couldn’t do gluten free meals so I brought extra food but on my second night the hotel was very knowledgeable on gf and my meal was incredible.
✨Booking accommodation✨
I still use @Hostelworld for cities and then @agoda or @Booking.com when I’m in an area without hostels. Booking a few days in advance is a bit better for options and price selection (especially on weekends). The areas on the outskirts of Tokyo tend to be cheaper and you can easily get into the main city area with a subway ride that costs less than $2.
✨JR pass? Suica??✨
I’ve never purchased the JR pass since I never really know what my plans will be like and if I’ll be going to the locations that make it worth it.I do recommend getting a Suica card immediately either in person at the airport train station or on your apple wallet (go to wallet, click “+”, click “transit card”, click “Suica”). This is what I use to tap in and out of all the subway stations.
✨Navigating the subway✨
The transportation system may seem intimidating at first but the best way to go about it is to pop your destination into google maps, give yourself extra time, and follow the color coded lines. The time I got stuck in the subway was because I didn’t have a Suica, had bought a paper ticket and was at an exit that only allowed cards. Took me a while to figure out what my problem was and then go find a different exit that would accept my ticket.👯♀️ @abby moore#solofemaletraveler #traveljapan #backpackasia
