In this 2nd installment, I will be introducing a Japan travel app as well as some basic food tips.
1. WAGYU waiting for?
So you are in Japan but you have not eaten WAGYU beef? Atrocious. I've discovered that it isn't necessarily cheaper in Japan but be rest assured the quality of wagyu in Japan is far superior. Japanese wagyu has to meet strict regulations by the authorities before they can label it as 'wagyu'.
First and foremost, all Kobe is wagyu but not all wagyu is Kobe. Yep Kobe cows and cattles are genetically predisposed to have fattier meat. That explains the gorgeous marbling on Kobe wagyu beef!
Which cuts? Sirloin, ribeye and tenderloin are the preferred cuts of wagyu. For the adventurous souls out there, try Gyūtan (牛タン) - beef tongue and, Hachinosu (ハチノス) - tripe.
What grade? Wagyu grades range from A1 to A5. A5 being the most marbling and the best of the best!
2. Skydesk Media Trek
If you are going to Japan free-and-easy, this app will prove to be very useful. SkyDesk Media Trek is a free voice guidance app provided by Fuji Xerox that uses the GPS position of your smartphone to automatically play sightseeing audio guides when you are near a point of interest. Perfect for walking tours. Some of the audio books are in English while some are in Japanese. The English audio sounds quite robot-like but understandable and it serves its purpose. Available on Apple Appstore and Google play store,
3. Important Japanese phrases for tourists
How much does that cost? Kore wa ikura desu ka?
Can I get on the internet? Intaanetto o tsukattemo iidesu ka?
Where is the bathroom? Ofuro wa doko desu ka?
Where is the subway? Chikatetsu wa doko desu ka?
Where is the subway? Chikatetsu wa doko desu ka?
When you enter a restaurant/cafe
You will be greeted with "irasshai mase" (welcome)
Next, you will be asked "nan mei sama desu ka?" (how many pax?)
You can reply "futa ri desu" (for 2 pax)
Catch the waiter's attention by saying sumimasen.
You may request for an English menu if you catch no ball in the Jap menu "eigo no menyuu ga arimasu ka?" – Do you have an English menu?
After ordering your items, return the menu and say "Onegaishimasu" to conclude in a polite manner.
Etiquette
Do not pass food from one chopstick to your partner's chopsticks directly! (related to Jap funerals)
Do not stick your chopsticks upright on your ricebowl (resembles joss sticks).
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