Watching YouTube Videos

3.7.2023

Trip Dreams

The trip is quickly approaching. And I always watch Japan trip videos on YouTube. They are very helpful and informative. I found out that the JR Rail Pass has changed. It is now like a standard Shinkansen ticket that is placed into the entrance gates. Tourists using the pass are no longer required to stop and show their pass to the gate attendant. Car reservations can also be made at the machines. This is great news and will speed up travel. But I must remember not to forget my pass and confuse it with others. Check out the wonderful selection of videos that will answer all the important questions.

As you watch videos and talk to experienced travelers to Japan, jot down notes and add to your things-to-do list. Keeping a comprehensive list is really important. As I check out items on my list, it keeps growing.

  • Tickets
  • Passport
  • Vax Card
  • Rail Pass
  • Credit Cards
  • Travel Bag
  • Electronics
  • Pocket Wi-Fi
  • Footwear
  • Clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Jacket
  • Itinerary
  • Packing
  • Currency
  • Prepare devices

I’ve also started watching NHK for news updates, inspiration and ideas for travel destinations. NHK is a free priceless resource for all things Japan. There are programs on the arts, history, language, culture, anime and more. One of my first blog posts was about a NHK interview of an animator with his SHMA Godzilla figure.

My various pre-trip purchases are arriving daily. I always debated taking my electric shaver. It’s big, bulky and weighty taking up valuable space in my bag. I need to shave at least once during a short trip so I needed a solution. And I found an inexpensive travel-size shaver. It’s the perfect size, cordless and takes a USB cable for recharging. Most importantly, it works. It’ll do just enough to get me by. My second pair of walking shoes arrived and they are better than the first pair. Glad I ordered them.

On previous trips I developed bad blisters after long days of walking. The worst was when walking to various Shin Godzilla places during my 2018 trip. Be prepared to do a lot of walking in Japan, especially in the big cities and in the train and subway stations. You will climb many flights of steps. Whether sightseeing or shopping you will walk a lot. So I picked up tape to prevent blisters. While I was at it, I picked up a new hat and some lip balm that I seem to need during every trip.

For the last couple years I have had many great dreams about going to Japan. And they always involve going to Godzilla shops buying new figures. I’ve even spoken Japanese in my dreams. Last night I dreamt I was running to a favorite Godzilla store in a mall I frequent in these dreams. I didn’t want to wake up.

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