Japan 2023

Introduction

This series of posts will be more like a diary of random observations, and less like a consistent story. Over 2 years had passed since that trip, and some memories inevitably got lost, but… 

This trip was longer than previous one in 2018, and had more complex itinerary:

• Tokyo
• Osaka
• Hiroshima
• Kyoto

And then some “improvised”  day-trips from Tokyo at the end.

Let’s begin with a fact that as of spring 2023, Japan still had some COVID-related restrictions for foreign visitors. You needed to be either fully vaccinated, including 3rd booster shot, or provide a negative COVID test taken within certain time frame before flight. So yes, this complicated things a bit.

I ordered a Japan Rail Pass + data sim card in advance (I could probably find a data sim in Japan too, but just didn’t want to bother). I think 2023 was the final year when Japan Rail Pass still made financial sense (while still being not cheap), after that they raised prices dramatically. I guess you can’t subsidise tourists forever...