Here, as promised, follows a list of the research done for my upcoming, three month, tour of Japan.
The research is done from the perspective of a South African travelling to Japan, which I am, and so a lot of the information is applicable to South Africans but it will be able to assist most other travellers.
Here we go. Here is the list, which is mostly links to other sources of information found across the Net.
- Visa:
- Visa requirements for South African citizens – https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Visa_requirements_for_South_African_citizens
- Temporary Visitor’s Visa – http://www.za.emb-japan.go.jp/en/visas/consular_visa_temp.html
- Japanese Consular Agency in Cape Town, South Africa – http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy19038/
- Information on Japanese visas for South Africans travelling to Japan – https://www.intergate-immigration.com/japanese-visa.php
- Accommodation:
- Airbnb – Japan – https://www.airbnb.com/s/Japan?room_types%5B%5D=Shared+room&ss_id=e710326l
- Sakura House – http://www.sakura-house.com/en/B00059/0/room
- Where to Stay in Japan on a Backpacker Budget – http://www.hostelworld.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-japan-on-a-backpacker-budget/157886
- Booking.com – Tokyo – http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?label=gen173nr-17CAEoggJCAlhYSDNiBW5vcmVmaPsBiAEBmAExuAEEyAEE2AEB6AEB-AEC&sid=32cf237163f35d49cf492da85071fbb0&dcid=1&checkin_year_month_monthday=2016-04-02&checkout_year_month_monthday=2016-04-03&city=-246227&class_interval=1&csflt=%7B%7D&dtdisc=0&group_adults=1&group_children=0&hlrd=0&hyb_red=0&inac=0&label_click=undef&nflt=pri%3D1%3Bany_deal%3D1%3B&nha_red=0&no_rooms=1&redirected_from_city=0&redirected_from_landmark=0&redirected_from_region=0&review_score_group=empty&room1=A&sb_price_type=total&score_min=0&ss_all=0&ssb=empty&sshis=0&order=price_for_two
- Khaosan World Asakusa Hostel – http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/khaosan-world-asakusa-hostel.en-gb.html?label=gen173nr-17CAEoggJCAlhYSDNiBW5vcmVmaPsBiAEBmAExuAEEyAEE2AEB6AEB-AEC;sid=32cf237163f35d49cf492da85071fbb0;dcid=4;checkin=2016-03-28;checkout=2016-03-29;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;no_rooms=1;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;srfid=76b5e545fe736c353e186794aaa4e1c92c921448X15;type=total;ucfs=1&
- Hostels in Tokyo, Japan – http://www.hostelworld.com/search?search_keywords=Tokyo%2C+Japan&country=Japan&city=Tokyo&date_from=2016-04-01&date_to=2016-04-15
- Hostels in Japan http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/japan/?affiliate=roughguides1
- Budgeting: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2410.html
- Transport: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2028_transportation.html
- Air travel: http://www.flysaa.com/us/en/flyingSAA/baggage/handBaggage.html#hand
- Money:
- ATMs – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html
- MasterCard World Currency Card – https://www.bidvestbank.co.za/world-currency-card.aspx
- 2015 Charges for international ATM withdrawals and POS payments with your South African debit/credit card – http://travpacker.com/much-charged-atm-withdrawals-pos-payments-south-african-debitcredit-card-abroad/
- Capitec Global One Card – https://www.capitecbank.co.za/global-one/transact/fees
- Travel guides and reports:
- Japan National Tourism Organisation – http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/
- “The Tourist’s Language Handbook,” – The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) publishes a wealth of free, colorful brochures and maps. -Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/japan/620272#ixzz3xzWBxPSA
- When to Travel – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2273.html
- Japan-Guide User Reports – http://www.japan-guide.com/community/
- Historic Sites – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2422.html
- 21 days, 20 nights – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2400_osaka_19.html
- The Great Traverse of Japan – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2400_traverse.html
- The cost of backpacking in Japan – https://leavemehere.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/the-cost-of-backpacking-in-japan/
- The Old Tokaido: The Eastern Sea Road – http://www.thetempleguy.com/akimeguri/tokaido/index.htm
- The Nakasendo Trail – http://www.okujapan.com/walking-tours/nakasendo-trail/index.php
- Oku Japan Self-guided walking trip – http://www.okujapan.com/self-guided-walking/index.php
- Walking from Tokyo to Kyoto via the Nakasendo (546km) – https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/asia-north-east-asia/topics/walking-from-tokyo-to-kyoto-via-the-nakasendo-546km
- Practical Travel Guides – http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/
- Radiation in the Mountains – https://japanhike.wordpress.com/2012/04/08/radiation-in-the-mountains/
- Financial Travel Tips – http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/financial-travel-tips/
- National Geographic Traveler: Japan, 4th Edition – http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Traveler-Japan-Edition/dp/1426208626/ref=pd_cp_14_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=00JSR6NVGVFBEG6PVTBD
- Lonely Planet Japan (Travel Guide) – http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Japan-Travel-Guide/dp/1743216742/ref=pd_cp_14_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=00JSR6NVGVFBEG6PVTBD
- Hiking in Japan: An Adventurer’s Guide to the Mountain Trails – http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Japan-Adventurers-Mountain-Trails/dp/0870118935/ref=pd_cp_14_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=00JSR6NVGVFBEG6PVTBD
- Lonely Planet Hiking in Japan (Travel Guide) – http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Hiking-Japan-Travel/dp/1741040728
- How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Japan? – http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-japan/
- Where to Stay in Japan: A Guide to Accommodation Options – http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/where-to-stay-in-japan-accommodation-options/
- Japan Golden Week 2016 – From 29 April 29 to 8 May.
- How I planned my trip to Japan – http://us.jnto.go.jp/blog/how-i-planned-my-trip-to-japan/
- Etiquette for First Time Travel Experiences in Japan – http://japantravelmate.com/random/etiquette-for-first-time-travel-experiences-in-japan
- Japan Main Surf Spots – http://www.japansurf.com/surfspots.php
- Japanese castles – http://www.japanese-castle-explorer.com/
- Top 7 Places to Visit in Kyoto – http://www.travelocafe.com/2013/02/Kyoto-Japan-top-places-attractions-to-visit-see.html
- 21 free things to do in Tokyo – http://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/tokyo/travel-tips-and-articles/77715
- The Best Gear for Travel – http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/travel-guide/
- Sendai – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5150.html
- Ciba volunteer tour guide – http://japan-chiba-guide.com/en/traveltips/volunteer.html
- Kyushu – http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/japan/ky%C5%ABsh%C5%AB/
- Kiso Valley – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6075.html
- Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4952.html
- Himeji – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3500.html
- Kenrokuen Garden – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4200.html
- 7 Tokyo Cat Cafes – http://wanderlust-japan.com/tokyo-cat-cafes/
- A guide to cat cafes in Tokyo – http://travel.cnn.com/tokyo/drink/tokyo-cat-cafes-006992/
- Explore Japan – http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/japan/explore/
- When to Go – http://www.frommers.com/destinations/japan/620273
- Nakasendo Trail – http://www.traildino.com/trace/continents-Asia/countries-Japan/trails-Nakasendo_Trail
- Tokaido Maps – https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zRN70wW_L7Us.k6uIlT3HujjA&hl=en
- Good Nakasendo Route Map – https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&msa=0&z=8&ie=UTF8&mid=zmGlwuDehHRs.kyFVcuc2eCXM
- A First-Time Itinerary for Japan – http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2014/09/first-time-itinerary-japan/
- Cycling across the ocean along the Shimanami Kaido Expressway http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/routes/g_route/golden_49.html
- Shimanami Kaido Cycling – http://www.go-shimanami.jp/global/english/bicycle/
- The Nakasendo Diary (2007) – http://thewalkingfool.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Nakasendo%20diary
- The Tokaido Diary (2009) – http://thewalkingfool.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Tokaido%20diary
- Temple stamp book, where to buy? – http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+96547
- Wasabi Farm – http://gaijingojapan.com/wasabi-farm/
- Ferries Route Details – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2355.html and http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2355_01.html
- World Heritage Sites in Japan – http://www.seejapan.co.uk/jnto_consumer/experience/traditional/world-heritage
- History:
- Geography of Japan – https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Geography_of_Japan
- Samurai – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2127.html
- Language:
- Japanese Phrases for Dummies- http://www.takealot.com/japanese-phrases-for-dummies/PLID35455159
- 16 Best Apps for Learning Japanese Like a Boss – http://www.fluentu.com/japanese/blog/best-apps-for-learning-japanese/
- Learn Japanese Phrasebook – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.codegent.apps.learn.japanese
- Japanese Phrases – http://www.japancycling.org/v2/info/lang/jpphrase.shtml
- Electricity:
- Report for using plugs from South Africa in Japan – http://whatplug.info/from/southafrica/to/japan
- Japan Travel Electronics – http://www.travelproducts.com/japan/electric.html
- Gear:
- Urban Tool caseHolster – https://www.urbantool.com/en/waistholsters/caseholster.html
- 5.10 Guide Tennie Leather – https://www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=3049
- Adidas Terrex Solo – https://www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=3109
- Osprey Farpoint 55 – http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/travel_packs/farpoint_55
- Osprey Farpoint 70 – http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/travel_packs/farpoint_70
- Osprey Waypoint 80 – http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/travel_packs/waypoint_80
- Osprey Distributor in SA – http://www.adventureinc.co.za/brands/osprey/
- Steripen Freedom – https://www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=2365
- Vapur MicroFilter – http://jcm-brands.myshopify.com/collections/vapur/products/microfilter-1l?variant=1023524745
- Travelon 3 Space Mates Compression Bags – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-3-space-mates-compres
- GO Night Shade – De Luxe – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/go-night-shade-de-luxe
- Sea To Summit Eye Shade – Grey – http://www.takealot.com/sea-to-summit-eye-shade-grey/PLID29984309
- Cape Union Compact Travel Adaptor – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/cape-union-compact-travel-adaptor
- Skross Evolution USB World Adaptor – http://www.mytravelshop.co.za/my-accessories/skross-evolution-usb-world-adaptor.html
- Skross Evolution World Adaptor – http://www.mytravelshop.co.za/my-accessories/skross-evolution-world-adaptor.html
- Travelon Travel Clothes Line – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-travel-clothes-line
- K-Way Traveller Pouch – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/k-way-traveller-pouch
- K-Way Forex Money Belt – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/k-way-forex-money-belt
- Travelon RFID Wallet – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-rfid-wallet
- Travelon Anti-theft Travel Wallet – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-antitheft-travel-wall
- Design GO Micro Scale – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/design-go-micro-scale
- Travelon Micro Scale – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-micro-scale
- Travelon Stop and Lock Luggage Scale – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-stop-and-lock-luggage
- Travelon Self Laminating Luggage Tags – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-self-laminating-luggage-tags
- Cape Union Travel Bottle 11-1 Kit – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/cape-union-travel-bottle-11-1-kit
- Travelon Smart Tubes Set of 2 (89ml) – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-smart-tubes-set-of-2-89ml
- Sea To Summit Cool Adaptor Liner – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/sea-to-summit-cool-adaptor-liner
- Travelon Packing Folder Small – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-packing-folder-small
- Travelon Lightweight Packing Organiser – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-lightweight-packing-o
- Travelon Silicone Luggage Tags – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/travelon-luggage-tags-silicone
- Case Tidy – http://www.mytravelshop.co.za/my-accessories/case-tidy.html
- Cabin Bottles – http://www.mytravelshop.co.za/my-accessories/cabin-bottles.html
- Airline Friendly Nail Clippers – http://www.mytravelshop.co.za/my-accessories/airline-friendly-nail-clippers.html
- Quiet Zone Earplugs – http://www.mytravelshop.co.za/my-accessories/quiet-zone-earplugs.html
- Go Travel Ear Phones – http://www.takealot.com/go-travel-ear-phones/PLID28060073
- PowerTraveller Powermonkey Explorer – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/power-traveller-powermonkey-explorer/_/A-194281AAAE9
- PowerTraveller Solarmonkey Adventurer II – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/power-traveller-solarmonkey-adventurer-ii/_/A-194281AAAF1
- PowerTraveller Powermonkey Extreme Charger – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/powertraveller-powermonkey-extreme-charger/_/A-194281AAAD3
- Garmin eTrex 10 – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/garmin-etrex-10/_/A-194275AAAB0
- Garmin eTrex 20 – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/garmin-etrex-20/_/A-194275AAAB3
- Garmin eTrex 20x – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/garmin-etrex-20x/_/A-194275AAAD2
- Garmin eTrex 30 – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/garmin-etrex-30/_/A-194275AAAB2
- Garmin GPSMAP 64 – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/garmin-handheld-gpsmap-64/_/A-194275AAAB8
- Garmin GPSMAP 64s – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/garmin-handheld-gpsmap-64s/_/A-194275AAAB9
- Olympus TG-4 Underwater Digital Camera – http://www.takealot.com/olympus-tg-4-underwater-digital-camera-black/PLID38664663
- Olympus Tough TG-860 Orange – http://www.cameraland.co.za/olympus-tough-tg-860-orange
- Adidas Terrex Solo Hiking Shoes – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/adidas-men-s-terrex-solo-hiking-shoe/_/A-194614AAAA1
- TTTM Hammock Single Hammock – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/tttm-hammock-single
- Due South Vespiary Tent – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/duesouth-vespiary-1-person-tent/_/A-194237AAAA4
- Coghlans Emergency Tent – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/coghlans-emergency-tent/_/A-194235AAAA5
- Suunto Traverse Black – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/suunto-traverse-black/_/A-194272AAAJ0
- Denim/Canvas Men’s Slingbag – https://www.oldkhaki.co.za/ok-denim-canvas-sling-bag
- FujiFilm FinePix XP80 Digitial Compact Camera- http://www.takealot.com/fujifilm-xp80-underwater-digital-camera-graphite-black/PLID38287154
- Adidas Daroga Two 11 – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/adidas-men-s-daroga-two-11-leather-sneakers/_/A-194614AAAD0;jsessionid=25FA729C6DD1E2B00F0CAC06AB034D5D.node2
- Totes Travel Umbrella – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/totes-travel-umbrella
- UST Waterproof Notepad 3×5 – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/ust-waterproof-notepad-3×5
- Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/outdoor-research-radar-pocket
- Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/outdoor-research-seattle-sombrero
- Nite-Ize Curvyman Cord Supervisor – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/nite-ize-curvyman
- GO Folding Headphones – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/go-folding-headphones
- Cape Union TSA Combi Lock – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/cape-union-tsa-combi-lock
- Eco Soulife 3PC Cutlery Set – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/ecolife-3pc-cutlery-set
- Bear Grylls Bactrack G2 GPS – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/bear-grylls-bactrack-g2
- Cape Union Silicon Ear Plugs – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/cape-union-silicon-ear-plugs
- Bear Grylls Bactrack D-Tour GPS – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/bear-grylls-bactrack-d-tour
- Trackimo – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/trackimo
- First Ascent Self Inflating Pillow – http://www.outdoorwarehouse.co.za/product/first-ascent-self-inflating-pillow/6391
- XSORIES U-Shot Aluminum Extension Pole – http://www.takealot.com/xsories-u-shot-black/PLID32837985
- Blackview Finder 1 Sports Camera – http://www.takealot.com/blackview-finder-1-sports-camera/PLID41204597
- Sea To Summit Document Pouch A4 – http://www.takealot.com/sea-to-summit-document-pouch-a4-black/PLID29984361
- Spork n Case – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/light-my-fire-spork-n-case/_/A-194231AAAO8
- Light My Fire SporkCase Pin Pack – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/sporkcase-l-my-f-pin-pack
- Pack-up-Cup – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/light-my-fire-pack-up-cup/_/A-194231AAAM5
- Blue Sky FlexWare Cup – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/blue-sky-flexware-cup
- Goalzero Rockout Speaker – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/goalzero-rockout-speaker/_/A-194229AAAN4
- Little LogBook GO – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/little-logbook-go/_/A-194229AAAH5
- Bivy Sacks: How to Choose – http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bivy-sack.html
- Bivvies + Shelters – https://www.campandclimb.co.za/camp-hike/tents/bivvies-shelters
- https://www.campandclimb.co.za/camp-hike/tents/bivvies-shelters/3315/msr-e-bivy-detail
- MSR eBivy – https://www.campandclimb.co.za/camp-hike/tents/bivvies-shelters/3315/msr-e-bivy-detail
- SOL Escape Lite Bivvy- http://www.rei.com/product/891011/sol-escape-lite-bivvy
- Black Diamond Twilight Bivy – https://www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=1967
- Black Diamond Spotlight Bivy – https://www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=2199
- K-Way Poncho Rucsac Rain Cover – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/k-way-poncho-rucsac-rain-cover
- Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Daypac – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-daypac
- Sea To Summit X-mug – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/sea-to-summit-xmug
- K-Way Men’s Jetstream Shell Jacket – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/k-way-slipstream-jkt-mens
- Cape Union Men’s Asherson Canvas Hat – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/cape-union-men-s-asherson-canvas-hat
- K-Way Packing Cell 3 Pack – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/k-way-packing-cell-3-pack
- Deuter Zip Pack Medium – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/deuter-zip-pack-m
- K-Way Trip Pack – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/k-way-trip-pack
- Design Go Travel Bag Packers – http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/design-go-travel-bag-packers
- Drift Stealth 2 = http://www.actiongear.co.za/drift-stealth-4
- Leatherman Style PS / Monarch 3 – http://www.duesouth.co.za/pdp/leatherman-style-ps-monarch-3/_/A-194241AAAE9?gclid=CjwKEAiA0ZC2BRDpo_Pym8m-4n4SJAB5Bn4xYsOmu1k6sc25sILBsuE0b49Wf1Jzi_9FwGxScNQukBoC5Prw_wcB
- K-Way Overflow Travel Bag – https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/k-way-overflow-travel-bag?utm_source=PriceCheck&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PriceCheck
- Buying Folding Bike in Japan – http://www.yodobashi.com/ec/feature/152032_000000000000008010/ and http://www.amazon.co.jp/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?__mk_ja_JP=%E3%82%AB%E3%82%BF%E3%82%AB%E3%83%8A&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=folding+bike
- Apps
- Stay.com City Guides – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stay&hl=en
- Memrise Learn Languages Free – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.memrise.android.memrisecompanion
- Duolingo: Learn Languages Free – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.duolingo
- TripIt: Trip Planner – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tripit&hl=en