Fujisawa Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Travel to Fujisawa need not be expensive. Apply these strategies to manage your budget effectively.

Discount Cards and Passes

Enoden One-Day Pass (Noriorikun): For ¥650, enjoy unlimited rides on the scenic Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) between Fujisawa and Kamakura. This delivers excellent value for several stops.
Enoshima-Kamakura No-cost Pass (Odakyu): This pass includes a round-trip from Shinjuku (Tokyo) or Fujisawa on the Odakyu Line and unlimited rides on the two Enoden line and the Odakyu Enoshima Line. It delivers notable discounts for excursions from Tokyo.
JR Pass (if applicable): For extensive long-distance train travel across Japan, a Japan Rail Pass may offer savings, depending on your itinerary. It covers JR lines to Fujisawa.

Free Activities and Attractions

Place of worship and Shrine Grounds: Many temples and shrines, including Enoshima Shrine grounds and Yugyo-ji Temple, are free. Experience cultural and historical sites for free.
Parks and Beaches: Enjoy the Shonan Beaches on the coast (Katase-Kaigan, Kugenuma-Kaigan) for free. Stroll through Shonan Kaigan Park.
Walking and Cycling: Explore Enoshima Island and coastal areas on foot or with an affordable bicycle rental.
Capture stunning views and experiences at no charge.

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

Lunch Sets (Teishoku): Many restaurants have cheaper lunch sets (Teishoku) than dinner. This is an excellent way to sample quality Japanese cuisine for less.
Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: Purchase affordable and tasty meals, snacks, and drinks from convenience stores (FamilyMart, Seven-Eleven, Lawson) or supermarket delis.
Look for daily specials and discounts.
Local bakeries also possess delicious and inexpensive options.

Transportation Savings

IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): These rechargeable cards offer seamless public transport, often presenting small savings on fares compared to individual tickets.
Public Transport vs. Taxis: Rely on Fujisawa's excellent rail and bus networks. Taxis cost more and suit specific situations or late-after-dark travel after public transport stops.
Walk More: Many attractions in Fujisawa and Enoshima are walkable distances from each other.
Utilize walking maps to explore nearby areas.

Time-Saving Tips

Manage your time efficiently in Fujisawa to discover more and minimize waiting.

Skip-the-Line Options

Online Booking: For popular attractions like Shin-Enoshima Aquarium or Enoshima Island Spa, check if online advance booking grants faster entry or discounts.
Enoshima Escar: On Enoshima Island, use the Enoshima Escar (outdoor escalators) for a brief ascent of the key hill, saving effort compared to climbing stairs.
Pre-purchase admission to reduce time spent in queues.
Consider booking popular experiences well in advance.

Best and Worst Times for Popular Attractions

Best Times: Visit popular attractions like Enoshima Island or Shin-Enoshima Aquarium early morning, right after opening, or late afternoon (if closing permits) to avoid peak crowds. Weekdays are generally quieter.
Worst Times: Avoid weekends, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom, summer, autumn leaves), and major Japanese federal holidays (Golden Week holiday period in japan, Obon, New Year's) as attractions become extremely busy.
Look at local schedules for events that draw large crowds.

Express Transportation Alternatives

JR Tokaido Line: Employ this line for quick travel between Fujisawa, Yokohama, and Tokyo; it offers express and rapid services with fewer stops.
Odakyu Romancecar: From Shinjuku (Tokyo), the Odakyu Romancecar delivers comfortable, direct express service to Katase-Enoshima (via Fujisawa) or Odawara (for Hakone), saving time compared to local trains.
Prioritize rapid transit lines for inter-city travel.
Select routes with fewer transfers for quicker journeys.

Efficient Routing Suggestions

Group Attractions: Plan your day by grouping nearby attractions. For example, explore all of Enoshima Island's main sites together.
Use Navigation Apps: Rely on Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan/Hyperdia) for real-time public transport routes and schedules to optimize travel time.
Outline daily itineraries with geographic proximity in mind.
Combine walking segments with public transport rides.

Local Insights for an Authentic Experience

Gain a genuine insight into Fujisawa with these local perspectives.

Common Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Not Carrying Cash: Japan frequently uses cash. Do not rely solely on credit cards; carry yen for smaller shops, automated retail machines, and some eateries.
Ignoring Public Transport Etiquette: Avoid loud conversations on trains, phone calls, or eating/drinking on crowded public transport. Offer priority seats to those needing them.
Forgetting to Remove Shoes: Remember to remove your shoes when entering homes, ryokans, traditional restaurants, and some temples. Wear clean socks.
Over-planning: While itineraries are helpful, leave some room for spontaneity to discover unexpected local gems.

Local Customs That Visitors Should Know

Bowing: A slight bow is a polite gesture when greeting or thanking someone.
No Tipping: Tipping is not customary and can be confusing or even considered impolite.
Plastic Bag Fees: Many stores charge a small fee for plastic bags; bring your own reusable shopping bag.
Queueing: Japanese people form orderly queues for everything. Wait your turn patiently.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

Quiet on Trains: Maintain a low voice on trains and avoid phone conversations.
No Eating While Walking: Generally, eating or drinking while walking on the street is impolite. Find a bench or designated eating area.
Separating Trash: Follow local rules for separating trash and recycling, even if it means carrying your rubbish until you find correct bins.

Phrases That Impress Locals

"Arigato gozaimasu" (Many thanks): Always received with appreciation.
"Sumimasen" (Excuse me/Sorry): Use it to gain attention, apologize, or say "excuse me" when moving through a crowd.
"Onegaishimasu" (Please/I request): Useful once you order or making a request.
"Konnichiwa" (Hello) / "Ohayo gozaimasu" (Good morning) / "Konbanwa" (Hello): Easy greetings are well received.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Customize your approach according to your travel companions for everyone's positive experience.

Solo Traveler Safety and Social Opportunities

Safety: Japan is a very safe place for solo travelers, including women. However, always use general caution, especially at night.
Social Opportunities: Stay in dormitories or guesthouses with communal areas to meet other travelers. Join local tours or cooking classes to connect with people.
Dining: Many restaurants accommodate solo diners with counter seating.
Explore at your own pace and discover personal favorites.

Family-Friendly Adaptations and Kid-Specific Tips

Accommodation: Choose hotels with larger rooms, connecting rooms, or vacation rentals with kitchen facilities.
Transportation: Public transport is efficient. Consider a pushchair for younger children, but note crowded trains during rush hour.
Activities: Shin-Enoshima Aquarium makes a great family attraction. Beaches entertain children. Seek out parks with playgrounds.
Food: Many restaurants have kid-friendly options, and convenience stores offer a wide array of snacks and drinks.

Managing Group Logistics and Reservations

Pre-Booking: For groups, book accommodations, popular restaurants, and tours well in advance to secure availability.
Communication: Set clear communication within the group for meetup locations, schedules, and budgets.
Transportation: Consider larger taxis or mini-vans for shorter distances. For longer travels, group train cards or passes can be cost-effective.
Dining: Restaurant reservations for groups are often necessary, especially for dinner.

Accessibility Considerations for Different Travelers

Mobility Challenges: Investigate specific attractions and transportation routes for accessibility features (elevators, ramps). The Enoshima Escar on Enoshima Island is extremely useful.
Visual/Hearing Impairments: Use tactile paving. Translation apps are a tool. Inquire with information centers for purpose-built services.
Dietary Restrictions: Carry language cards. Look into eateries in advance. Consider self-catering options.
Consistently communicate specific needs to accommodations and service providers.

Communication & Dietary Needs

Translation apps are a valuable means for bridging language differences. For dietary restrictions, phrase cards or prior restaurant research are highly recommended.

Resources & References

Utilize technology and materials to streamline your travel planning and enrich your experience on the ground.

Digital Guides

Access essential apps and websites for navigation, language, and timely information.

Print Materials

Find recommended guidebooks, maps, and local publications for offline reference and insights.

Safety Contacts

Keep essential emergency, medical, and embassy information readily available for peace of mind.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

Google Maps: An indispensable app for general navigation, walking directions, and comprehensive public transport routing. Download offline maps.
Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan or Hyperdia): These applications are vital for detailed train schedules, routes, and fare information across Japan's extensive railway network.
Google Translate: A powerful Translation app. Save the offline Japanese language pack. It covers text, voice, and image translation.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Japan The Country's tourism board Organization (JNTO): Www.japan.travel – The official tourism website for Japan, providing comprehensive destination information.
Kanagawa Prefecture Official Tourism Site: Www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/eng/ – Information for the broader Kanagawa region, including Fujisawa.
Fujisawa City Tourism Association: Www.fujisawa-kanko.jp (Japanese, some English) – Local tourism site for Fujisawa, with event and attraction details.

Staying Connected

For uninterrupted service, consider a VPN like NordVPN for secure browsing plus admission to your home content while abroad.

Emergency Information

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

Police: 110
Ambulance/Fire Brigade: 119
Japan Helpline (Multi-language): 0570-000-911 (24/7 assistance)
Save these numbers on your phone.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

Fujisawa City Hospital: 2-6-1 Fujisawa, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa.
Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital: 1-6-2 Tsujido Fujisawa, Kanagawa.
Have these addresses ready.
Consider Travel insurance for medical necessities.

Embassy and Consulate Information

Find the embassy/consulate of your country's embassy or consulate in Tokyo.
Keep their contact details accessible.
They assist with lost passports and emergencies.
Visit their website for amenities.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport Loss

Report lost or stolen passports to the local police (dial 110) right away.
Acquire a police report for your records.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Earthquake Preparedness

Use the "Safety tips for travelers" app for real-time alerts.
In an earthquake, "Drop, Cover, Hold On."
Close to the coast during a major earthquake, move to higher ground for tsunami safety.
Follow emergency broadcasts.
Know your nearest evacuation point.

Typhoon Safety

Follow instructions from local authorities and hotel staff.
Be prepared for transportation disruptions.
Stay indoors during severe weather.
Charge your electronic devices.
Keep emergency supplies ready.

Critical Medical Preparedness

For your peace of mind, ensure your travel insurance covers overseas medical expenses. World Nomads provides reliable travel insurance options.

Cultural Immersion

Language Learning Resources

Language Learning Apps

Duolingo:
Interactive lessons for learning basic Japanese sayings and vocabulary.
Memrise:
Offers interactive lessons emphasizing memorization and real-world language.
Babbel:
Provides structured courses for practical conversational skills. Start learning Japanese with Babbel.

Phrasebooks & Textbooks

Japanese Phrasebook:
A simple phrasebook is a pocket-sized resource for common expressions.
Beginner Japanese Textbooks:
A beginner textbook develops foundational grammar and vocabulary.
Audio Companions:
Many phrasebooks and textbooks come with audio, helping with pronunciation.

Social Media for Travelers

Official Tourism Channels

Follow official tourism accounts for JNTO, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Fujisawa City on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter).

Visit JNTO's website

Reddit Communities

Subreddits like r/JapanTravel share a wealth of information, advice, and tips from other travelers. Engage with seasoned tourists for recommendations.

Explore JapanTravel on Reddit

Podcasts for Insights

Listen to broadcast series about Japanese culture and travel (e.g., Japanology Plus, Abroad in Japan) for cultural context and practical advice.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Lp Japan: A highly detailed guide offering extensive information on destinations, culture, and practicalities.
A Popular series of travel guidebooks Japan: A comprehensive resource covering various regions with an emphasis on history and local experiences.
Frommer's Japan: Focuses on travel itineraries and trusted recommendations, covering the Kanto region.
Choose a guidebook that covers the Kanto region for Fujisawa and nearby areas.

Local Publications & Maps

Comprehensive Maps: Pick up detailed maps of Fujisawa and Enoshima, often free at local tourism information centers.
Free Local Brochures: Discover these at train stations, information centers, and hotel lobbies; they present maps, event schedules, and attraction highlights.
These resources provide up-to-date local information for your visit.
A physical map serves as a reliable backup when digital access is unavailable.

Cultural Insights

Books on Japanese History and Culture

"Japan: A Short Cultural History" by George Sansom: A foundational text to grasp Japan's rich past.
"The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" by Ruth Benedict: An anthropological study shedding light on Japanese character and society.
"Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers" by Leonard Koren: Explore aesthetic principles guiding Japanese art and life.

Japanese Fiction

Haruki Murakami's works: Novels like "Norwegian Wood" or "Kafka on the Shore" offer a glimpse into contemporary Japanese life and introspection.
Yukio Mishima: His powerful narratives, such as "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion," explore themes of beauty, death, and identity.
Yasunari Kawabata: Nobel laureate whose delicate prose in works like "Snow Country" or "Thousand Cranes" reveals traditional Japanese aesthetics.
These authors offer cultural insights and a sense of place, even if not directly set in Fujisawa.

Connections to Place

Engaging with the art and literature from Japan deepens your connection to the destination, providing context and valuing of its rich heritage.

Fujisawa Travel Hacks