MoneyAll expenses such as accommodation, travel and food have already been paid for before we leave for the trip. However, you will need to take your own spending money.
The recommended amount is between $300-$500. You will need to convert this money into Japanese yen before we leave for the trip. To do this take the Australian dollars in cash to a money exchange or bank, and ask them to convert it into Japanese yen. Try as best you can to have it converted into 1000yen notes, avoiding if possible the 2000 yen note. Please put a note in your purse/wallet that has the exact amount of money you are carrying written on it. You'll need to fill out a card on the flight that says how much money you are holding. Australian Dollar - Japanese Yen Exchange Rate Click on the "yen" kanji character below to be taken to a website that will give you an indication as to how much the Australian Dollar is worth in yen. Japanese Currency
Money for AirportsWe will be spending considerable time in airports on our way to Japan. Whilst you will be receiving meals to eat on the plane, you will probably want to eat in the airport too.
In international airports Australian dollars can be used. The suggested amount to take is AU$50 for use both on the way to Japan and the trip home at the end. As the change from your purchase will be given to you in the currency of the airport's country, it is important to take the $50 in low denominations ($5, $10 notes - NOT COINS). TransportWhile in Japan we will use the following forms of transport:
Plane ひこうき Bus バス Train 電車 Bullet train しんかんせん Ferry フェリー Tram ろめん電車 (トラム) Foot 歩いて Subway 地下鉄 While we travel ALWAYS make sure you know where your ticket (きっぷ)or Rail Pass is. Japan Trip BookletComing soon! A booklet for you to take with you to Japan and a copy to stay at home with your folks!
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PackingRemember that you need to pack all the things you're taking with you to Japan into a suitcase (check in luggage) and a smaller backpack (carry on luggage).
For Singapore airlines in 2015, your suitcase is allowed to weigh 30kg. For Singapore airlines in 2015, your carry on bag (the one you will be able to access in the airport and will need to use when we travel on the Bullet Train), is only allowed to weigh 7kg. As for the size of the suitcase the sum of it's length, width and height is not to exceed 115cm. Packing List Click on the suitcase to be taken to the suggested packing list for the trip PLEASE NOTE: A TOWEL is no longer needed as all accomodation has them.
When travelling wearing layers is a good idea. You can see by the photos below that whilst some days are warm enough for a t-shirt by night time a jumper is needed. Trains can also become quite warm. We walk A LOT on the trip, so having comfortable clothing and shoes is a must.
What should I wear to the airport?
On flights you want to be as comfortable as possible. On the 2015 trip we are leaving early in the morning on Monday and arriving in Japan early in the morning on Tuesday. My suggestion is that you pack clean underwear and a clean t-shirt to change into at Singapore airport so that you arrive in Tokyo feeling a bit fresher! Pack your trip top into you carry on back pack so that it's ready to wear as soon as we reach Mobara.
Packing Planning HelpThe following page will help you plan your packing for the trip. The page will be in your Trip Booklet (coming soon), but if you want to do a "draft" already, download the file below:
Travel Document WalletAs we travel through Japan you will need to be able to access your passport, rail pass, train tickets, bus tickets quickly and easily. Keeping them in one place and well organised is vital. Therefore it is stongly suggested that you purchase a travel document wallet and bring it to the airport on the departure day ready to be used from day 1.
Inside your document wallet, you'll be able to keep: tickets rail pass passport a pen for filling out forms immigration documents customs forms keys for your luggage excess money (your every day money can be in a purse) Australian money (for the airport) trip booklet Miss Garrett's business card in case you get lost Some examples look like this: Brag book of photosAvailable for a couple of dollars at Officeworks or some supermarkets, a little brag book of photographs is a good idea to take with you. Put in photos of family, friends, pets, your house, neighbourhood, things you like to do. It will be a great way to start conversations with people you meet on the trip such as your host families and students at the school.
Itinerary in MobaraItinerary in Musashino |