7-11 in Tokyo.

Because that’s when the sun comes up?

The judging is far more rigorous than it used to be. For spectators who don’t skate, what looks difficult and IS difficult is hard to discern. That’s why the judges have immediate playback video - to confirm that they saw what they thought they saw. Everyone competing knows the rules - they are constantly making that…

Probably e-mailed, like most of the others.

I didn’t get this joke until I’d read it three times. Thank you Tim

Some people have friends. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t, but some people do.

“Some links have been added.” Seems like some Rhetts, too.

On the subject of Pocket WiFi devices.

Just be sure to google whether they’re legal in Japan. Some American OTC meds - like those containing pseudoephedrine - are actually illegal in Japan. Some prescription meds too, like Adderall.

I would suggest having download areas on google maps so you can use it offline in case you don’t have a pocket wi-fi, are on limited data, or won’t always have a signal.

We used the ATMs at post offices and banks to replenish our cash. We were there for two weeks in September. They’re bi-lingual and easy to use. 

I like to get small confectionery tins from local boutique stores to use as my gift. Learned the practice when the kid that crashed his motorcycle into my house was forced to come over and apologies with his parents staring him down behind him. All four of us got a large tin, mostly because we stabilized him when he…

It really boils down to your preferences and comfort level. Do you want to visit the same attractions, photo ops, restaurants (which can be less authentic and might cater to their idea of western palates), and shopping centers as everyone else? Do you enjoy standing in lines? Do you value comfort and ease? Or are you…

Yeah, apps are fine, so is practice for sure—I just like having one physical thing with me just in case :)

wow, very interesting. and great points you brought up. This is cool info to know.

Tokyo is an incredibly clean city! One of the cleanest in the world. The lack of trash cans is part anti-terrorism after the Tokyo subway sarin attacks in ‘95 (fewer places to hide weapons and other bad stuff), part saving money on waste disposal costs, part cleanliness (New York has trash cans everywhere—which means…

Excellent list - we carried all of the above on our two-week trip last year.

It’s really not that much stuff... Maybe have a day pack for when you travel? But okay, since you’re going to be that guy, here’s what I recommend for the bare minimum:

Pasmo or Suica card