AIR - Delta Airlines
In-Seat Power Connections
SHIP
Our deluxe staterooms with balcony are in Deck 3 Cabin #328 and #324
TRAIN
Japan’s latest record-breaking Shinkansen bullet train doesn’t only run faster and smoother – it’s also able to transport passengers to safety in the event of an earthquake. It links Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka. Time is little less than 3 hours.
It can run up to 360 kilometers per hour, a new record set during a test run in 2019, making it one of the fastest trains in the world. The operating speed, however, will be capped at 285 kilometers per hour.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Please review the following three (3) sections: Cancellation Waiver - Provided by Tauck, Travel Protection Plan Certificate - Including Applicable State Exceptions, Non-Insurance Assistance Services - Provided by CareFree Travel Assistance
WEATHER
Temperature
It gets warmer in Osaka, the capital of the Osaka Prefecture, in May. Average daily temperatures are on the significant rise and they usually range between 59F and 75.2F. Deviations to a smaller or greater extent are possible. In this regard, daily low temperatures may vary from 48.2F to 68F, even more on rare occasions. High temperatures tend to fluctuate between 62.6F and 84.2F, in general.
Rainfall
The amount of rainfall this destination receives in May is a bit larger than in the previous month. In general, the port city of Osaka receives between 5.5 in and 5.9 in of precipitation during this period. The average number of rainy days in the course of May is 11. Typically, the possibility of rain fluctuates between 30% and 35% throughout the month. Yet, the amount of precipitation increases from the beginning of the period toward its end.
Days are usually rainier than nights in this Japanese metropolis. The highest chances of rainy weather are at midday, around noon and 1 pm. The lowest possibility of rain to take place is around midnight.
Humidity
In regard to the humidity levels, this Japanese city is a pleasant destination this time of year. The average relative humidity is 64%, which feels either dry or comfortable for the most part. From the statistical point of view, the possibility of humid conditions is on the rise from 2% to 10% in the course of May.
Extraordinary weather occurrences
Because of the nearness of the boundaries of 4 tectonic plates, Japan is the country where earthquakes happen very often. In this regard, the city of Osaka is no different from most other places. Note, however, that most of these natural hazards aren't dangerous.
Tsunamis are other extraordinary occurrences that are possible to take place here. Caused by underwater earthquakes, tsunamis take form of a series of waves that hit the coastline. An additional feature of these natural disasters is that waves become larger by the coast. Entering a secured structure, taking a higher ground and distancing yourself from the shore, if possible, are the best safety measures.
MONEY/ATM in JAPAN
150 Yen per USD (approx on 2/22/24)https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=JPY
Not all ATMs in Japan can be used with international cards. If the ATM is able to offer services to international card holders it’ll normally be marked as international and will usually also offer service in a range of languages including English.
However, there are a few pretty extensive ATM networks you can rely on when in Japan, including cash dispensers in more than 20,000 post offices and 10,000 7-Eleven convenience stores across Japan.
https://wise.com/us/blog/atms-in-japan
Japanese Currency Guide: All About Bills And Coins
TELEPHONES
Having a working cell phone internationally is very helpful. We often use a cell phone as a "walkie talkie" when travel members roam separately. The options are "burn phones", SIMS, Internet, and Verizon/AT&T internationally plans. They usually work while on land but no so much when on the ship. Avoid on planes.
For our two-week trip, using Verizon/AT&T internationally plans and Internet is the simplest and least expensive. The international plans charge $10/day (as your phone uses domestically, voice, text, and mostly data) only when used daily when used.
Before departure, set up your carrier's internationally plan. When you arrive in Korea and Japan, your carrier will recognize your location and send you a text message about the connection.
VERIZON TRAVEL PASS
AT&T INTERNATIONALLY DAY PASS
Similar to Verizon
INTERNET CELL PHONES
Internet connections can be FREE when on the hotel and ship with WiFi. On some airports you can find low cost or free WiFi (best to use a VPN in public WiFi).
When calling between two cell phone on iOS, use FACETIME.
When access between Androids and Apple, use WhatsAPP. Set up the app before departure.
