The Japan Rail Pass

Japan’s rail services are one of the best in the world. They are extremely efficient and go just about everywhere in Japan. If you plan to do a lot of travelling in Japan then you should consider the Japan Rail Pass. The pass allows for unlimited travel on the national JR network, including the shinkansen (bullet trains) excluding the Nozomi superexpress.

This pass can only be purchased outside of Japan and will save you travel money in Japan.

If you plan, like most tourists to travel the Golden Route of Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima it is well worth looking at this pass. You must be travelling in Japan under the visa status of “temporary visitor” to be eligible.

Dr NakaMats The World’s Greatest Inventor

Who is the world’s greatest inventor? Many people in Japan will tell you it is Dr NakaMatsu also known as Yoshiro Nakamatsu.

Dr NakaMats has been called the Edison of Japan and has invented thousands of products. He is still going strong at the age of 84 and is a quite a celebrity in Japan.


Some of his greatest inventions include:

The Rules of Sushi

Like most things in Japanese life there are precise codes and formalities involved with eating the national dish of sushi. Its preparation, presentation and consumption are subject to a surprising number of rules.

Here are some of the most important sushi etiquette

Japan Festivals August 2012

Summer in Japan is the time for festivals and August is one of the hottest months for Japanese festivals and events with lots happening around the country. The hot weather is the perfect excuse to head outdoors and enjoy these spectacular events.

Some of the big festivals and events include:

Find Cheap Flight Deals

How do I find cheap flight deals? There are a few little secrets to help you achieve this and plenty opportunities out there if you know where and when to book. The list below has been complied with the help of Escape.com.au.


The following is the ultimate guide for finding the best deal:

Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport

There are a few options available for you to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport and these include taxi, bus and trains.

Taxis are the most expensive means with a taxi to downtown Tokyo costing between 20,000 yen – 30,000 yen depending on the final destination and traffic.

Bus is a cheaper option at around 3,000 yen. A regular limousine bus service (www.limousinebus.co.jp) runs between Narita and Tokyo City Air Terminal in central Tokyo, to Tokyo and Shinjuku stations. They also run to most major hotels in Tokyo. Tickets can be purchased at the airport after clearing immigration and customs. The buses leave every 20 minutes and usually take 2 to 3 hours to arrive at central hotels.

Trains are usually the quickest and cheapest way to reach Tokyo. There are two train alternatives into Tokyo: Japan Railways (JR) Narita Express (www.jreast.co.jp) and the Keisei Skyliner (www.keisei.co.jp) they are twice as fast as taxi or bus, but not as convenient as you must find your own way around the city once at a station.

The Narita Express has more connections stopping at JR stations in Chiba, Tokyo (station), Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama. It costs around 3,000 yen for a regular ticket. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the station.

The Keisei Skyliner stops at just Ueno Station and nearby Nippori. Tickets cost around 2,000 yen and can also be bought in advance or at the station. 

Check out my Tokyo post to discover what you can see and do in Tokyo

These are some great resources to help you explore Tokyo

Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is a type of Japanese green tea, which is produced by steaming young green tea leaves, which are then ground into a fine powder. Matcha is very healthy because the whole leaf is consumed. This method delivers a huge dose of polyphenol catechin compounds, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known for its antioxidant activity.

Studies have suggested that tea polyphenols can help halt the replication of the influenza virus and rev-up T-cells, the first line of defence against nasty microbes.

How Can I Use Matcha Green Tea? To make matcha, place a teaspoon in a small bowl, pour simmering water over the top and whish briefly.

You can also add matcha to smoothies, baked goods and whipped creams.

One of my favourite Japanese desserts is Matcha Ice-Cream

Makes about half a litre