Suzanne Bhagan

Suzanne Bhaganhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/suzanne-bhaganSuzanne Bhaganhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/japan/know-before-you-goFirst time in Japan? Don’t panic. From money tips to how to get around, here are 6 helpful tips from our local insider to help you have a smooth trip.2019-03-15T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/japan/know-before-you-gohttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>1. What Not to Do in Japan</h2> <p>In Japan, before you enter someone’s house, step on <em>tatami</em> mats, or touch holy ground (<a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/11-temples-and-shrines" target="_blank">temples and shrines</a>), you must take off shoes. Wear easy slip on/off shoes and clean socks. In the bathroom, use the slippers provided and remember to take them off afterwards. </p> <p>When traveling on trains and other <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan" target="_blank">public transport</a>, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japanese-etiquette-and-faux-pas" target="_blank">keep your phone on silent</a> and avoid having long, loud conversations or you’ll get angry stares from the other passengers. </p> <p>Another great thing you need to know about Japan: no tipping!</p> <h2>2. Rules in Japan</h2> <p>Japanese society generally runs like clockwork because everyone (well, almost everyone) follows the rules. That includes you, <em>gaijin</em> (aka foreigner). </p> <p>Japan has a strict drug policy. Even some over the counter meds are banned, so check your nearest Japanese embassy for the latest guidelines.</p> <h2>3. Money Tips</h2> <p><a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/money-in-japan" target="_blank">Cash is definitely king</a> in this part of the world, so stock up enough yen before you go. Don’t be afraid if your wallet starts bulging as carrying around a lot of cash in Japan is normal. </p> <p>Warning: if you plan on using your bank cards from back home, many Japanese ATMs won't accept them. However, if you’re really strapped for cash, head to 7/11 (open 24/7) or the Japanese Post Bank for international ATMs.</p> <h2>4. Getting a SIM Card in Japan</h2> <p>To avoid sky-high roaming rates and spotty free Wi-Fi, buy or <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/sim-cards-in-japan">rent a prepaid SIM in Japan</a>. </p> <p>Be aware, these SIM cards are data-only and you need to have an unlocked phone. Order online with BMobile, pick up at the major airports or buy at electronic stores like Yodobashi Camera.</p> <h2>5. How to Budget For Japan</h2> <p>Traveling through Japan can get pretty expensive, but you can save a lot of money with a <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan" target="_blank">JR Rail Pass made just for visitors</a>. Sign up before you arrive and get up to 21 days of unlimited travel on JR lines. </p> <p>Tip: keep your passport handy to show rail staff and download Hyperdia on your phone to get train times in English in real time. </p> <p>Looking for souvenirs that won’t break the bank? Japan’s ¥100 stores are to die for, with great quality items like bamboo chopsticks, summer fans and ceramic tea bowls.</p> <h2>6. Learn Some Important Japanese Phrases</h2> <p>The Japanese language is incredibly complicated with three writing systems. But don’t let that put you off from <a href="/explore/guides">learning a few key survival phrases</a>. </p> <p>If you need to interrupt someone to ask a question, or you stepped on someone’s foot in a crowded train, say “<em>Sumimasen</em>” (Excuse me). </p> <p>If someone does something nice for you, be sure to say, “<em>Arigatou gozaimasu!</em>" (Thank you). </p> <p>And if someone starts speaking to you in rapid-fire Japanese, just say, “<em>Wakarimasen. Eigo de onegaishimasu</em>.” (I don’t understand. English, please) and hope for the best!</p>Martin Hong 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/japan/hiroshima-nightlifeFrom sake bars and izakayas to all-you-can-drink craft beer, Suzanne Bhagan shows you the best of this city's vibrant nightlife.2023-07-24T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/japan/hiroshima-nightlifehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#sake"> Sake in Hiroshima </a></li> <li><a href="#bars-and-clubs"> Bars and clubs in Hiroshima </a></li> <li><a href="#top-restaurants"> Top restaurants in Hiroshima </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="sake">Get serious about sake in Hiroshima</h2> <p>Did you know that Hiroshima is <em>the</em> place to try world-class sake? They’re so serious about this drink that on the second Saturday and Sunday in October each year, the Saijo district hosts a huge sake festival where you can drink to your heart’s content. </p> <h2 id="bars-and-clubs">Hiroshima’s most popular bars and clubs</h2> <p>Even if the Japanese staple isn’t your favorite tipple, there are lots of places to cosy up with a glass of wine or whiskey and munch on some <em>yakitori –</em> Japanese-style meat on a stick. </p> <p>Start at Nagarekawa, Hiroshima’s ultimate party district. Wander around the streets to check out beer gardens, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/best-food-in-hiroshima" target="_blank"><em>izakayas</em></a>, bars, nightclubs, pachinko parlors and hostess clubs. </p> <p>If you’re looking for some decent craft beer, try Raku Beer, the self-styled Japanese craft beer café. They offer an all-you-can-drink menu so you try as many craft beers as you like. Be sure to try Kaigunsan, craft beer from Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture. </p> <p>If you’re after a more rock ‘n roll type atmosphere to swill your whiskey or <em>shochu</em>, Koba cranks out the tunes into the wee hours. Bom-san, the bar’s musician-owner, makes you feel right at home, as though you’ve been friends for ages. Koba also hosts live music on occasion.</p> <p>With a name like Wonderful Joke Bar, you’re bound to be curious. This tiny bar has an intimate feel and there’s free karaoke if you’re into belting out 80’s hair band anthems or some sweet Taylor Swift. </p> <p>Looking for something more familiar? Molly Malone’s is the closest thing you’ll get to an authentic Irish pub owned by an Irish man in this part of Japan. Popular with expats and locals, you’re bound to meet an interesting crowd here on any night. Catch up on the latest footy or rugby match or enjoy some live Irish music <em>–</em> you can even get a weekend roast!</p> <p>Other hot spots in town: The Shack, Bar Pretty, Mac Bar, Bar Alegre, Tropical Bar Revolucion.</p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/hiroshima-nightlife2.jpg" alt="Okonomiyaki being cooked on a grill." /><figcaption>Okonomiyaki on the grill. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="top-restaurants">Top Hiroshima restaurants you have to try</h2> <p>You can’t leave Hiroshima without trying its claim-to-fame dish. <em>Okonomiyaki</em> is a one-size-fits-all crepe overflowing with noodles, meat, seafood, vegetables, and any other ingredient you want – all smothered with a savory-sweet sauce. </p> <p>One of the best places to chow down on this awesome deliciousness is Okonomimura. In this four-story building, you can choose from loads of <em>okonomiyaki</em> restaurants.</p> <p>Follow the crowd (or your nose), pull up a chair to the hot griddle (watch those elbows) and let the chef do their thing. </p> <p>Another famous place to try <em>okonomiyaki</em> in Hiroshima is Micchan. This restaurant chain claims to be the inventor of the Hiroshima-style diish, serving it up since the 1950s. If you're looking for the local's recommendation, they all swear by the one in Hatchobori.</p>iStock 0