Discover How These Simple Tips Can Make Your Travel Experience in Japan Smoother

Traveling to Japan is a memorable experience, but a few things can help make your journey much smoother—especially if you’re a Muslim traveler. From navigating food options to making sure you’re prepared for daily activities, here are five essential tips to ensure a more convenient trip.

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1. Bring Your Own Halal Breakfast

Finding halal breakfast options in Japan can be challenging. While most halal restaurants open around lunchtime, hotel breakfast buffets may not always meet your needs.

Even though you can sometimes select suitable items from the buffet, such as boiled eggs and coffee, concerns about the use of shared tableware or contamination might still arise.

To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend bringing your own halal breakfast. This way, you can start your day with peace of mind, knowing you’re adhering to your dietary preferences.

2. Pack a Hand Towel and Travel Prayer Mat

For Muslim travelers, performing wudu’ in public toilets can sometimes be tricky. Carrying your own hand towel ensures that you can quickly dry your hands and face without having to rely on restroom facilities.

Additionally, a light, portable prayer mat is a smart choice if you need to pray but can’t find a nearby mosque or prayer room. These small items can go a long way in ensuring your comfort during your travels.

3. Know Your Toilets: Not All Have Bidets

Japanese toilets are famous for their advanced features, but not every restroom is equipped with a bidet. While many public restrooms, especially in shopping malls and newer train stations, have high-tech toilets with bidets, some older facilities do not.

Remember, bidets are typically available only in sit-down toilets, not squat toilets. To avoid discomfort, opt for newer buildings or convenience stores with more modern facilities and bring wet tissues. Familiarizing yourself with this in advance can save you from surprises.

4. Always Carry Both Cash and Card

Although Japan increasingly adopts electronic payments, some establishments only accept cash or cards. To avoid awkward situations, it’s essential to carry both.

Having a coin purse is also a good idea, as cash transactions often result in receiving coins, and Japan tends to use a lot of them. By preparing accordingly, you’ll ensure a smoother shopping experience wherever you go.

5. Download Key Transportation Apps

To make traveling by train and Shinkansen more convenient, consider downloading transportation apps like Suica, SmartEX (for the Tokaido Shinkansen line), or Ekinetto (for the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen).

If your phone is compatible, these apps allow you to charge your card or purchase tickets with ease, simply by tapping your phone at the ticket gates. This will save you time and the hassle of purchasing tickets manually.

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