Lessons Learned In Japan

This will continue to get updated as I have more insights to report

1. Reservations in Tokyo are recommended if you want a cheap private room. Since hotels are pricier and hostels only a a few private rooms, its better to reserve ahead of time. That way, you avoid bicycling miles around town with your heavy packs on in the sweltering heat trying to find a place to sleep while you could be sightseeing.
2. If you are lost, simply hold up a map with a confused look on your face and, in less than a minute, you will be approached by someone and asked in English if you need help.
3. For squat toilets, you do not always face the door. You face the hooded part of the toilet.
4. So far, beds for couples do not seem to exist. We ahave only encountered double beds, even in private rooms.