Question

Getting to the Wedding venue

Answer

The "Garden Oriental Osaka" (ザ・ガーデンオリエンタル・大阪) is located just north of the Osaka Castle. The closest Station is "Osakajokitazume Station" (大阪城北詰駅); Exit 3. By Taxi / Uber / GoTaxi: About 20 minutes from JR Osaka Station: ¥ 1,600 About 25 minutes from Namba Station: ¥ 2,000 About 25 minutes from JR Shin-Osaka Station: ¥ 2,500 About 20 minutes from Tennoji Station: ¥ 2,500 Please let me know if you plan to take Taxi from "Osaka" Station. We have some taxi coupons specifically from that venue.

Question

Japan Visa Requirements

Answer

Check the visa requirements for Japan based on your nationality. Many countries have visa-waiver agreements with Japan for short-term tourist stays, but it doesn’t hurt to check.

Question

Visit Japan Web

Answer

Japan has an optional streamlined entry procedures through the Visit Japan Web website. This website allows you to pre-register your immigration, customs and quarantine procedures. Complete these steps before you fly to save time upon arrival. Just remember to screenshot the QR code it generates while you have access to the internet.

Question

Cash and Credit Cards

Answer

I strongly recommend preparing some Japanese Yen (JPY) for the trip. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs at convenience stores, Aeon malls & post offices; just make sure which ATMs are supported by our bank before your trip. Touch-less payments like Applepay, Googlepay, Wechat & Alipay is supported in many places. It is still recommended to bring a physical credit card or two just in case. Visa, Mastercard, American Express & JCB are widely accepted in Japan.

Question

Get Mobile Suica (for iPhone Users)

Answer

If you’re an iPhone user, consider installing Mobile Suica app. The Suica is a rechargeable IC card used as a cashless form of payment for public transportation and accepted at many convenience stores, vending machines and some chain restaurants. Suica card can be used interchangeably with other major cards like Pasmo, Icoca, Kitaca, Nimoca etc. on public transit systems and everyday shopping throughout Japan. Adding it to your Apple Wallet allows for quick taps at ticket gates eliminating the need to purchase a ticket each time. You can charge this digital Suica with your Apple Pay (you can’t get refunds so don’t charge too much). Mobile Suica is only supported for iPhone users overseas. You can still purchase physical IC cards (Suica or Icoca) in train stations.

Question

Prepare Data SIM Cards or Pocket Wi-Fi

Answer

eSIMS are convenient; a quick search suggests Airalo and Ubigi are good in Japan.

Question

Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and GoTaxi

Answer

Download Uber and GoTaxi (Japan’s popular taxi-hailing app) before your trip. UberEats also works in Japan.

Question

Japan Socket Type

Answer

Japan uses the type A socket plug (without the 3rd earth prong like in the U.S.) runs on 100v at either 50 or 60Hz.