1. Read the signs!
But beware! The signs don't always make sense and can sometimes just add to your confusion.
2. Your Australian credit card, key card or travel money card will only work at the ATM at the Post Office. 7-11 stores have ATM machines but your card won't work in them no matter how many buttons you push.
3. You need CASH as it is rare to find a shop or restaurant that will accept cards.
4. BYO rubbish bin. There are very few rubbish bins available anywhere, so be prepared to carry your rubbish with you all day.
5. If you decide to chew gum, the lack of rubbish bins means you could be chewing that piece of gum for up to 8 hours.
6. To prepare yourself for riding crowded trains and subways, lock yourself in small cupboards for up to 30 mins at a time to adjust the size of your personal bubble.
7. Bring a packet of small koala toys to give as gifts. For the best reactions, give the koalas to the lady cleaning the public toilets, the girl at the ice cream shop, the cook at the cafe, etc, rather than those who constantly deal with Australian tourists and probably have a cupboard at home that is full of small koalas.
8. Google detailed map directions rather than use mud maps from hotel websites, as even the locals can't read those.
9. Practice keeping your balance whilst standing on a water bed to prepare you for standing on subway or train trips.
10. Always check the English version of a restaurant's menu to avoid eating local delicacies like minced pork intestines or the like.
11. In spite of what the travel guide books say, squat toilets are rarely seen. Toilets and rest rooms are modern (with all sorts of buttons that play music and do some very fancy things). They are clean, with plenty of toilet paper, so don't stress about having tissues.
12. Highlights to include in your itinerary:
- Nikko
- Sumo wrestling
- Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observatory
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