Training in Japan: Choosing flights and hotels

Organising your trip abroad can be fun provided you stick to a few simple guidelines. The first two are probably the easiest and certainly the most important.

Firstly, ensure you give yourself plenty of time to arrange all your flights and accommodation. If you're staying at a Ryokan they may not have internet or email access and prefer fax. You also want to make sure you have enough time to search for any deals and special offers so you have more money to train with.

Secondly, you must set out your budget and stick to it. You'll need money to eat, possibly go out but most importantly train. Make sure you account for enough money to train and to get to the dojo (unless of course you're staying nearby).

Ryokans

As with any modern country, Japan has a wide selection of hotels and Ryokan. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese hotel and their size and quality vary. Most cities have them and their amenities depend on the type of clients they wish to cater for. Unlike more modern hotels, Ryokan will expect their clients to live and stay as a Japanese national would. At the very least you will be expected to remove your shoes and wear indoor footwear throughout the Ryokan. Not all Ryokan will have western amenities such as for bathing and the lavatory so your experience may be more authentic than you bargained for!

There are over 55,000 Ryokan in Japan (as of March 2006) but few are in the larger cities such as Tokyo. To stay in places such as Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo you can use Ryokan but you may find it easier and more familiar to stay in a larger hotel.

Hotels

Hotels in the larger cities of Japan are typically the same as Western hotels. Most will offer the same type of amenities but not all are free. Even the larger 4 or 5 star hotels may charge for the internet by the hour (or half hour). Larger chain hotels do have the advantage that they may be able to offer foreign exchange services so be sure to check.

Be sure to confirm your checkin time for your flight as your hotel will need to know when to expect you. Many will be able to offer a later checkin time but they'll need to know you are definitely coming. If you are delayed, it is a good idea to have your hotel details so you can contact them on your arrival (or at your connection). They can work out any new arrangements (or alternatives) while you are on your way from the airport to where you are staying.

Just remember that whether you are dealing with the staff of a large hotel chain or with an Okami (landlady) of a local Ryokan, provided you're polite, smile a lot and have a go they'll be willing to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Preparing for a long flight

Flying to Japan from Europe can take anything from 12-19 hours depending on whether you fly direct or not. Flying from the UK can involve a change in Denmark, the Netherlands or Germany (to name a few). Connecting flights will not leave right away so you'll have the opportunity to stretch your legs before the next major part of the flight.

As with any longer flight, you must prepare accordingly. Most important is to ensure you move around frequently and drink plenty of water. Since smoking was banned on flights, the air may not be recycled as must as it used to and can be dryer and staler. There's no need to remove the smoke from the atmosphere. Also, sitting still for 8-12 hours in potentially cramped conditions (depending on the ticket you've bought) can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

If you can, wear flight socks as well as these are designed to help with your circulation. You should also consider removing your shoes and loosening any tight clothing.

Handwipes and a spare set of underwear are also good ideas as you'll have to travel still further to your hotel and a shower isn't always available. Narita airport does offer day room and washing facilities if you need them.

Passing the time on long haul flights

The biggest challenge for a long haul flight can be passing the time. Trying to sleep helps (certainly for adjusting to the new time zone) as can taking a book or watching the films available with the flight.

If you can afford it, choose an airline with personal view screens so you can watch what film you wish from the angle you wish. Some upgrades will also allow you to choose when your flim starts and ends.

You may be tempted to take a walman or personal game console with you. These should normally be ok but you will need to check with the airport security advisories before your pack them into your unchecked baggage.

However, if you can then it is an excellent means of passing the time, especially if you have small children.

Things to take with you

Most international flights will have restrictions on what you may and may not take in your luggage. At the time of writing, all liquids are restricted in one form or another. Narita airport has released an advisory on this based on the Ministry of transport guidance.

The Japanese Ministry of Transport has produced a video with subtitles on checking in and flying from Japan. Please be sure to watch the video or read the guidelines before making your trip. The English content is to the bottom of the page.

Also be aware that anything you buy in duty free may be confiscated at your connecting airport. Unless you are making a direct flight be sure to double check the restrictions on your connecting airports as well as your point of departure.