Going in less than a week to Japan and scared...

[TinyTear]

First long haul holiday in ages (probably 15 years (pre-kids) and I am scared
Been exhaustively planning since we booked it in April and probably researching way before if I am being honest.

Kids are 13 and 10 and also super excited.

It will be Japan, with 3 cities in the itinerary and I have a good list of stuff to do, but not too full and tiring that we will be rushing from place to place without appreciating things...

But what if? what if? what if?
what if things go wrong? what f we get covid on the flight (might take masks)? what if kid 1 gets sick as she tends to get car sick and sea sick and plane sick even short haul...

What if we can't find foods she will eat? what if we get bad stomachs? what if the heat is too much?

Please talk me down!

I have researched and researched , i will buy cooling wipes and UV umbrellas and Pocari Sweat and so on...

• please reassure me?

If you have been before - give me hints and tips - even if just for me to say "yes I know that, I read that, I am prepared!!"

Thanks!

Seconding Tokyu Hands for the stationery.

Just remember to step back to enjoy the small stuff. Each 7/11 is its own adventure. Menus are usually in pictures. There are some beautiful and quirky things, like roadworks barriers made up of plastic squirrels.

Japanese toddlers and their parents will be delighted to meet you. DH had a gentle snowball fight with one little lad in Aomori, and we practiced our beginner Japanese greetings with another in the Peace Park in Hiroshima. Leave space for the unexpected interactions and memories. And have a truly wonderful time.

Oh the precious blonde white women being adored and worshipped 🙄

Not Rtft but I recommend those rechargeable hand-held fans. A lot of people have them and they are handy for public transport. It's a pity you are so close to going but if you have time have a look at Chris Broad's Abroad in Japan YouTube channel. Short funny and affectionate videos of tourism and culture in Japan (maybe after the kids are in bed - there's a fair bit of swearing).

yes, in Japan is like that. They like it. Some white men prefer darker or olive skin, especially Asian. This is not racism, is just cultural like

I am white but have my own liking also, so what

Am soooo jealous!! Always wanted to go to Japan.
Enjoy yourselves

Thanks everyone!

Yes we have watched Godzilla minus one too and want to go to the stairs from Your Name and I want to go to B5Fin shibuya because of Jujutsu Kaisen...

I am feeling less stressed now... Thanks

Regarding Hiroshima we decided against it because of anxiety from the children and even my Japanese friend says her child will only go with school when she is 14

Have you got kwells or other brand of travel sickness tablets? Mine are often sick on long haul flights, and often multiple times, it isn't the best, but once you get off the plane they rally quickly and it's totally worth it. Japan is fabulous, everyone will eat, no-one will get food poisoning, just take it slow in the heat.

@FlyLice - where's the misinformation?

The Japanese (and I am part Japanese so feel I can speak with some authority here) HAVE worn face masks for years. It's normal in a lot of Asian countries.

Just the same proportion of people in other countries may have covid and those countries don't culturally wear masks.

Should we be telling the OP she's at a high chance and hope her anxiety comes down?

Jesus. Calm your tits.

Oh you are going to have the most fantastic adventure!

7/11 sandwiches are just delicious (especially egg mayo but I see your dc doesn't like egg)

We went 6 years ago pre kids and it was really easy to get around with lots of cheap and tasty food options. Never had a bad meal.

Ghibli museum was beautiful - if you are Ghibli fans you will love it.

Tokyo is a real sensory experience - the sights and sounds are just fantastic and unlike anything in the UK.

I am desperate to take my kids but they are 3 and 5 and I want them to remember the trip if I'm forking out so much so will wait until they are older.

Just try and soak in every moment and enjoy!

I lived in Japan and speak Japanese. I also keep up-to-date with the latest Covid stats. Japan is currently experiencing Covid wave.

Stop displaying your ignorance.

My carer is planning his third or fourth trip.

Food - McDonalds are everywhere. Sorry I have just seen she doesn't like them, but there is KFC.

Travel sick child - take travel sickness pills.

Take antihistamines (carer didn't and came back with infected insect bites worth of sporner corner) but you can buy Piriton.

My carer loves 'off shops', in particular 'Hobby off' where he fulfils his desire for Japanese toys.

What if something goes wrong - well you will deal with it, just like you do at home.

Thanks. I've been told Book Off is good for Manga in English too

@TinyTear a week ago I was like you, and we were only going to Europe!!!! I totally understand the pre holiday stress. I hope it goes well for you.

Thanks so much. Hope you had a great time

Sounds amazing and I'm sure you will have an amazing time. To avoid stomach bugs, choose cooked food over salads, drink bottled water and remind your DC to wash their hands before every meal. It's a good idea to take rehydration sachets and loperamide anti-diarrhoea tablets in your "just in case" medicines pack.

I'd also take insect bite repellent and afterbite solution or hydrocortisone cream to treat any bites you do get. Using air conditioning to keep your room cool will also help to deter insects.

I assume you have all had your travel vaccinations? If not I'd get them booked as a priority and talk to the travel clinic about any other concerns that you have.

I was in Japan last October and caught covid as it was spreading at the time. The Japanese guide wasn't worried as she had also had it recently, but took me to a pharmacy and recommended what to buy. Their drugs are amazing - VitC 2kgms! Covid symptoms were mild, stuffy nose and slight fever at night. No fatigue during the day and we were walking 18/20k steps a day. I was the only one in a group of 14 to get covid. Take masks, the Boots anti viral 6 hr foam for hands and antiviral spray to disinfect surfaces. This version of covid was highly contagious but mild.

Japan was wonderful, so enjoy your holiday!

Keep small coins in a separate purse for using on buses. It’s usually a flat fare 230y for an adult I think, 150y children.

Which travel vaccinations?

For a golden route visit to Japan there aren’t any vaccinations needed.

Japan is also not somewhere where the OP needs to worry about avoiding salads. Japan has some of the best food safety standards of anywhere in the world.

*Which travel vaccinations?

For a golden route visit to Japan there aren’t any vaccinations needed.

Japan is also not somewhere where the OP needs to worry about avoiding salads. Japan has some of the best food safety standards of anywhere in the world.*

The OP asked about getting sick.
Japanese Encephalitis is recommended for some travellers, especially in late summer/early autumn, depending on where they are visiting and their activities.

Tick-borne encephalitis is also recommended for some travellers, in some areas. The best plan is to seek travel advice for the trip early on.

I understand that but the OP has already said she is doing a three city Golden Route trip. She won’t need any vaccinations for that.

The OP is feeling anxious about getting ill but Japan is not somewhere where that is at all likely. The tap water is safe to drink, food safety standards are excellent and the healthcare system is also great. There’s pharmacies everywhere if anyone does get ill.

She really doesn’t need to worry about encephalitis vaccines for Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto.

Thanks all, please don't get into fights.
I did check vaccines and no need. We will take extra antihistamines and mosquito bracelets and repellent and will check for ticks after Nara

Considering we got ticks in lake District and isle of mull, we know the procedure for those...

I am really appreciative of everyone who is giving advice. It's best to be prepared (yes packing Calpol and plain paracetamol and ibuprofen - why won't they allow my lemsip in? 😜)

I was totally stressing yesterday.
Now I'm just mildly freaking 😁

Thanks again

I'm really jealous. After reading this thread, I want to go to Japan! Have a great trip, OP.

It’ll be fine. I lived there for years, birthed and raised my kids there. Anything you’ve forgotten (sounds unlikely!) will be easily sorted, people will want to help you.

Make sure you take photocopies of passports, carry a notebook with the British embassy number and important phone numbers, and some cash. At the moment the possibility of a large earthquake is on everyone’s minds and you want to be prepared to quickly fly home.

Yes I would be ready for earthquakes small ones are frequent so don't freak out.

Unless you are planning on picking rice in the inaka, I wouldn’t worry about not having the JE vax.

Neither of my children, born and raised in Tokyo, had it, due to national shortage. This was not deemed concerning by any HCP.