All posts tagged: featured

What is Pocket WiFi and How Do You Get One?

One of my favourite things about visiting Japan is this handy little box, the Pocket Wifi. You can rent one from a few different companies and most will let you pick yours up from the post office at the airport or deliver it to your hotel. Included in the package are instructions, packaging for when you return the device and of course the device itself. The one we got worked a bit like your router at home would. The instructions will tell you the name of the wifi and the password will be stuck on the device somewhere. Once you’re connected, that’s it! You’re free to surf the internet to you heart’s content. It’s tempting to make jokes about all those Snapchats and Instagram posts but honestly, Google maps will be your lifeline. One thing to bear in mind however, is the fact that the device has to be carried around with you. If you’re in a group this isn’t normally a problem as the radius is pretty decent. The only time it might be …

How to Use the Trains and Metro in Japan

The rumours are true. Japanese trains always run on time. But that’s not all there is to know… What you need There are 2 things that will make train travel in Japan so much easier, 3 if you want to count your smartphone. Number 1 is a portable wifi box. For info on how to get one and how they work see this article right here. With access to wifi you will be able to use the wonderful app that is Google Maps. Train travel becomes a lot less scary when you have a full breakdown of train times, train numbers and changes. One thing I like to do on a route I’m unfamiliar with is to search for a journey but not start the navigation, because then you can follow yourself as you travel along the highlighted route. Number 2 is a Pasmo or Suica card. Similar to London’s Oyster card, they let you add credit on to them and you simply swipe in and out at the barriers in the train stations. The …