Bright and sunny Tuesday afternoon to everyone -

Most folk will have Golden Week on the mind at the moment, and though it’s fantastic that so many people are about to enjoy trips around Hokkaido, Japan and overseas, this year in particular there are a couple of very key points that I really hope folk will keep in mind…

Those Tripping About Within Japan:

  1. Check you have enough cash to help you in a tight spot – some banks’ ATMs still close for public holidays and you don’t want to find yourselfunable to pay for your hotel room.
  2. Keep vigilant about that cash – picket pockets and thieves are well aware of those mass cash draws that Golden Week necessitates, and so ramp up their efforts over this season, especially in crowded tourist spots.
  3. Even if you’re staying domestically it’s a good idea to give your BoE and/or me a copy of your itinerary in case of earth-shattering earthquake or tsnami. Onegaishimasu.

Those Heading Overseas:

  1. Yes, swine flu. This is at the top of the list not only for the possible danger it could put you in for catching the thing, but also for the fact that customs/quarantine is likely to be increasingly strict, especially as Japan fights to keep the flu from entering. Be sure to give yourself extra time to catch your flights, and also to be very aware of any flu-symptoms you might develop while away.
  2. Visit: http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/ or your local embassy homepage for further updates and travel warnings.
  3. Make sure you have an re-entry permit, or swine flu-infected or not you won’t be getting back into the country. Here is a PDF of the instructions for those using the Sapporo bureau.
  4. Photocopy all of your important docs before you head abroad (gaijin card, passport, even credit card details can help) in case you have an issue with lost important things.
  5. Provide your BoE and/or me with a copy of your itinerary. Please.
  6. Please don’t go to Mexico (this is just me asking personally, because it may limit my ability to sleep at night).

Thanks very much for reading this far – I really hope that everybody enjoys a happy and safe vacation and that folk still in the Hokk get the chance to see some of our simultaneously leaf-and-flower blooming cherry blossoms.

Take care!

Chelle