Travel expert shares must-have item for trip to Japan

Japan is the hot holiday destination for Aussies at the moment. A quarter of a million Australian tourists visited Japan in the first three months of this year, up 46.3 per cent from 2019.
From bustling cities to pristine beaches, and snow fields to ancient villages, Japan has it all.
But there’s one thing to keep in mind when you visit. Carry cash… or you might miss out on one of the most iconic tourism experiences. 
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Celebrity Cruises’ Ismail Arikam, Hotel Director on the Millennium, is a certified Japan expert, with over ten years of experience cruising in the region. He let us in on three main things to know before heading to Japan.
He tells 9Travel that the most important thing is to always have cash on you. If not, you’ll miss out on the vending machines.
“If you want to experience Japan’s legendary vending machines that offer everything from hot drinks to fresh eggs, you’ll need plenty of coins,” Ismail says.
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There are plenty of other places around the country where cash is king. 
“While credit cards are accepted in many places, Japan is still cash-oriented, so it’s good to have yen on hand for small purchases and in rural areas.”
For tourist sites with small entrance fees, like temples and shrines, cash is often the only way to pay. The same goes for some smaller shops and restaurants.
Ismael says that around ¥8000, or $80, is typically a good amount of cash to have on hand each day. If you’re sailing with Celebrity, you can stock up on yen at the guest relations desk or onboard ATMs to ensure you’re never caught without cash.
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If you’re planning on seeing a bit more of Japan outside of Tokyo, Ismael recommends purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass).
“You can get to just about everywhere in Japan via train, so it’s a great way to continue exploring the country.” JR Passes offer unlimited travel and will save you money on transport costs.
Don’t be intimidated by the trains, he adds. “While Japan’s train system is large, it is shockingly easy to navigate. Signs are in English at most stations, and staff or a friendly local can help out if you need directions.”
Finally, Ismael says that Japan is a very clean country, which is something travellers need to respect.
“Japan’s spotless streets are a point of pride, but rubbish bins are few and far between.
Pack a tote bag (which you’ll get as an in-room amenity on Celebrity Cruises!) which can be used to carry any souvenirs you buy, or stash your rubbish until you find a proper bin.
“This small gesture shows respect for Japan’s pristine cleanliness, and helps you stay eco-friendly on your travels,” he says.