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Communication

Communication

Western Honshu, Japan

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Data-only SIM cards for visitors have online purchase options, airport availability, or major electronics stores.

Connectivity Options

  • Providers: NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile.
  • ESIMs: A popular option for compatible phones for immediate connectivity.
  • Pocket Wi-Fi: Portable devices for rent, multiple device access.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is widely present in various public and commercial spaces.

Access Points

  • Hotels, guesthouses, cafes, major train stations, airports.
  • Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart often provide free Wi-Fi.
  • Portable Wi-Fi, SIM, or eSIM for consistent internet on the go.

Language Barriers & Translation

Japanese is the official language. English proficiency varies, being more common in major tourist areas.

Translation Resources

  • Google Translate: Text, voice, camera translation. Download offline Japanese pack.
  • DeepL Translate: Often delivers natural-sounding translations.
  • A Japanese phrasebook has common phrases.

Important Phrases

Basic Japanese phrases enhance interactions.

Common Expressions

  • Hello/Good day: Konnichiwa (こんにちわ)
  • Thank you: Arigato gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
  • I don't understand: Wakarimasen (わかりません)

More Phrases

Everyday Use

  • Excuse me/Sorry: Sumimasen (すみません)
  • Yes: Hai (はい)
  • No: Iie (いいえ)
  • Please: Onegaishimasu (おねがいします)

Traveler's Aids

  • Cheers!: Kanpai! (かんぱい！)
  • Delicious: Oishii (おいしい)
  • English?: Eigo? (えいご？)
  • Where is...?: ...wa doko desu ka? (...は どこ です か？)

Postal Services

Japan Post is the national postal service. Post offices are easily identifiable by a red symbol. They provide domestic and international mailing services. Red mailboxes are common.

Business Hours & Schedules

Tourist Attractions

Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Ropeway typically open 8:00-9:00 AM, close 4:30-6:00 PM (seasonal variations).

Shops & Restaurants

Miyajima shops (Omotesando Shotengai) often open 9:00-10:00 AM, close 5:00-6:00 PM. Dinner service may close early, 7:00-8:00 PM.

Banking & ATMs

Bank branches generally open 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Mon-Fri. ATMs are widely present at 7-Eleven, Post Offices, and major banks.

Religious & Public Holidays

National holidays may change business and attraction hours.

Travel Impact

  • Businesses and attractions may have altered hours or be closed.
  • Transportation can have crowding during long holiday weekends.
  • Examples: Golden Week (early May), Obon (mid-August), New Year.

Seasonal Closures & Schedules

Full closures on Miyajima are minimal.

Winter & Weather

  • Some attractions or restaurants may have reduced hours in the low season (winter).
  • Ferry services maintain reliability even in winter.
  • Severe weather, like typhoons, may suspend ferry service.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

  • Priority Pass: Access to independent airport lounges globally.
  • 10% commission, 30-day cookie duration.
  • Benefit for frequent travelers.

Flight Compensation

  • Compensair: Assistance with flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
  • €5-12 fixed commission, 30-day cookie duration.
  • Protection for air travelers.

Money & Banking

Foreign card withdrawals are most accessible at 7-Eleven, Post Offices, and major bank ATMs. Currency exchange facilities exist at airports and some major hotels.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engaging respectfully with Miyajima's culture is part of a fulfilling journey.

Greeting Customs

Bowing is the standard Japanese greeting.

Actions

  • A slight head nod generally suffices for visitors.
  • bows signify greater respect.
  • "Sumimasen" conveys "excuse me," "I'm sorry," or "thank you for service."

Appropriate Attire

Dressing appropriately shows cultural mindfulness.

Contextual Dress

  • Religious Sites: Cover shoulders and knees.
  • General: Choose neat and modest clothing.
  • Onsen: Nudity is standard in most public onsen. Tattoos may necessitate covering.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan.

Mealtime Practices

  • Remove shoes when entering traditional restaurants or private tatami rooms.
  • Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food between them.
  • Slurping noodles and soup is acceptable.

Photography Permissions & Restrictions

Photography is generally allowed in public spaces and most attractions.

Guidelines for Photography

  • Observe "No Photography" signs, especially in museums and certain temple/shrine halls.
  • Always seek permission before photographing individuals, notably children.
  • Avoid photographing ongoing rituals or people at prayer in shrines or temples.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Actions to Avoid

  • Blowing your nose in public.
  • Loud conversations or calls on public transport.
  • Eating or drinking on local public transport (Shinkansen are exceptions).

Sensitive Subjects

  • Disrespect towards the flag or Imperial Family.
  • Atomic Bomb Dome/Peace Park: Approach with solemnity.
  • Avoid loud or irreverent behavior in sensitive areas.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Considerations

  • Japanese society generally holds more conservative gender roles.
  • Urban areas show evolution in gender attitudes.
  • Societal norms differ from Western countries.

LGBTQ+ Community

  • Same-sex marriage lacks nationwide legal recognition.
  • Attitudes generally show tolerance, notably in major cities.
  • Public displays of affection are rare for all couples in Japan.

Accessibility Information

Consider accessibility when planning your trip, especially for mobility challenges.

Accessibility Information

Travel planning with accessibility in mind.

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

Miyajima's main path to Itsukushima Shrine is generally flat and paved, making it accessible.

Miyajima & Hiroshima

  • Miyajima side streets, Daisho-in (stairs), and Mt. Misen hike present challenges.
  • Hiroshima: Major train stations, airports, and newer public buildings have good accessibility (elevators, ramps).
  • Newer Hiroshima streetcars are low-floor.

Accessible Attractions & Transportation

Several attractions and transport options offer accessibility.

Easy Access Spots

  • Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine main grounds, torii gate area (low tide), ferry, Miyajima Ropeway.
  • Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome exterior, Peace Memorial Museum (wheelchair accessible).
  • Hiroshima Castle (some accessible areas), newer streetcars.

Services for Sensory Impairments

Support for visual or hearing impairments enhances the travel experience.

Available Aids

  • Braille: Some public facilities and major stations have Braille signage.
  • Audio Guides: Present at some major museums, like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
  • Assistance Dogs: Generally accepted in public facilities; checking with establishments is advisable.

Accessibility Information Resources

Resources exist for detailed accessibility planning.

Where to Find Information

  • Accessible Japan: An independent resource on accessibility for Japan.
  • JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization): Their website contains some accessible travel information.
  • Direct contact: Communicate with specific hotels or attractions to confirm features.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Respectful interaction with Japanese culture creates a better experience.

General Guidelines

Acknowledge greetings with a slight bow. Keep noise levels low on public transport and in residential areas. Be mindful of privacy in photography.

Specific Practices

Remove shoes when entering homes, ryokan, some restaurants, and temple or shrine buildings. Understand onsen bathing rules.

Additional Information

For more specific details on photography ethics and privacy concerns, review the relevant sections on "Photography Permissions and Restrictions" and "Taboos and Sensitive Topics" earlier in this guide.

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