photo by jun560
The omicron variant hasn’t gone away yet, though, things are getting a little easier than at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, so many countries across the world including Japan have started opening their borders. The Japanese government hasn’t announced to re-accept of foreign tourists yet, but they have lifted some regulations at the border. It may not be so long before short-term visitors can visit Japan again. There are many facilities convenient for traveling or short-term stay, not just privately-owned facilities but also public facilities.
Certified Tourist Information Center
Japan Tourism Agency collaborates with tourists information centers across Japan to establish information centers that provide adequate guidance for tourists from overseas. Those information centers are classified into three categories according to the level of service they can provide.
- Category 1: No full-time staff with foreign language skills on duty. However, service is available with minimal English and other languages may be available. Information within the city/prefecture.
- Category 2: English-speaking staff is on duty full-time. Information within the city/prefecture and neighboring prefectures.
- Category 3: Service is available in English and 2 other languages, with full-time staff. Information on all over Japan. Open year-round. Wi-Fi is available. Gateways and popular tourists destinations.
Certified TICs are located all over Japan, mainly in popular tourists destinations. There is a TIC locater by category and address on the website of the Japan Tourism Agency. Each center has different facilities, but most category 3 centers have services such as Wi-Fi, a free use space, money exchange, and SIM card sales.
Public sports centers
Everyone is health conscious these days, and public sports centers are the best place to visit if you are one of them. Most centers are operated by local governments, being fully provided with a training gym, gymnasium, outdoor multipurpose ground, indoor swimming pool, changing area, and shower room. Fees are normally a few hundred yen for each facility such as a training gym and swimming pool, a lot cheaper than a privately owned gym. Also, public sports centers can be used on a one-off basis (you might have to purchase a ticket book). If you want to use a gym during your stay in Japan, try a nearby public sports center.
Kokumin Shukusha (National Lodging Network)
Have you heard about Kokumin Shukusha (National Lodging), a public accommodation network? There are 58 accommodations located nearby a national park, nature park, and hot spring across Japan. They are called National Lodgings, but anyone including foreign tourists can use them. The best advantage of this network is, that each accommodation provides facilities as good as privately operated hotels with lower prices from 7,000 yen to 10,000 yen per night per person, including two meals. (There may be a seasonal charge during GW, New Years’ holidays). Also, some accommodations offer special meal options using locally produced ingredients (an extra fee will be charged). A booking can be made by phone, and some accommodations accept online bookings as well. Allow plenty of time before you make a booking because Kokumin Shukusha is very popular!
Public camping site
The Kokumin Shukusha network also operates public camping sites. There are 61 camping sites across Japan, and you can find a few free camping sites on their website. These free sites have only toilets because they are free of charge. But they are open year-round and no booking is required. Others are paid camping sites with a caravan site, cabins, lodges, and rental camping tools service. Fees are lower than privately owned camping sites. A booking is required to stay at a paid camping site.
Enjoy your stay in Japan!
There are many public facilities in Japan. Not only libraries and community centers but there are also sports centers, accommodations, etc. These public facilities can be used by anyone, including foreign nationals. But sometimes, private use is not available at public facilities during events are held, so check if you can use it before you visit there. Public facilities have great equipment but their fees are low or even free of charge, so they are very convenient for everyday use.
