Japan / Singapore

Dancing in the Orient

NOTE: Top-10 List – Practical Travelling Tips at bottom of page

(Fall 2023)

This adventure only involved our daughter, Jenna. It was a 10-day tour involving Jenna and her dance group who took off from Calgary and made their way toward Denver, US, before heading across the Pacific Ocean enroute to Tokyo. It would turn out to be a long flight because of a major flight delay in Denver – the girls were tired when they arrived in Japan! They spent the first half of the trip in Japan before heading off to Singapore for the last half. They attended lots of dancing classes and took in so many sights and events.

I’ve been encouraging Jenna to write up a daily log on it all… hopefully soon!

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(this picture was not taken on their trip – was involving a dance competition in Calgary – but many girls in this picture were on the trip. That’s Jenna doing the flip in the middle! Good timing for the shot)

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(Jenna and her friend, Addison, somewhere in Singapore)

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(Another picture of Jenna’s dance group many of which were on the trip to the Orient)

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(People everywhere in Tokyo!)

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(solo dance for Jenna back in Calgary)

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(Massive garden pavilion in Singapore. Jenna really enjoyed this tour!)

TOP TEN LIST – PRACTICAL TRAVELLING TIPS (FOR CANADIAN FAMILIES WITH TEENAGERS) – JAPAN AND SINGAPORE

JAPAN

Here’s a top-10 list of practical travelling tips tailored for Canadian families with older-aged teenagers (e.g., 15-19 years old) planning an 8-day trip to Japan. Japan blends futuristic cities, ancient temples, incredible food, anime/gaming culture, and safe streets—perfect for teens who love tech, street fashion, pop culture, and adventures. It’s one of the world’s safest destinations, with excellent public transport.

  1. Focus on a realistic 8-day itinerary: Tokyo base + Kyoto (or Osaka) — With limited time and jet lag, base in Tokyo (4-5 nights) for neon lights, Shibuya crossing, Harajuku fashion, Akihabara anime/gaming, and day trips (e.g., to Mount Fuji area or Kamakura). Then take the Shinkansen (bullet train ~2.5 hours) to Kyoto (3 nights) for temples, geisha districts, and teen-friendly spots like Fushimi Inari hikes or Nintendo stores. Avoid cramming in more cities—teens prefer depth over rushing. Fly direct or one-stop from Calgary to Tokyo (NRT/HND) via Air Canada or partners (often CAD 1200-2000+ round-trip).
  2. Book Shinkansen and attractions early—JR Pass may not be worth it for short trips — High-speed trains are thrilling for teens (smooth, fast, scenic). For 8 days, individual tickets or regional passes often beat the nationwide JR Pass (price hikes make it less valuable unless heavy travel). Book reserved seats via the JR app or site. Reserve popular spots like teamLab Planets (immersive digital art), Pokémon Centers, or Ghibli Museum tickets months ahead—sell out fast!
  3. Handle entry and prep smoothly — Canadians enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days (passport valid for your stay; no extra validity needed). No COVID rules in 2026. Use the Visit Japan Web app for faster customs/immigration (QR codes speed things up). Notify banks of travel; cards work everywhere (contactless/Apple Pay common). Download Google Translate, Hyperdia/Navitime apps for trains, and Pocket WiFi/eSIM for constant data—essential for family check-ins and teen navigation.
  4. Pack for walking, seasons, and teen style — Expect 15,000+ steps daily—bring comfy walking shoes (no holes in socks for onsen/ryokan rules), layers (cool evenings, AC indoors), light rain gear, portable chargers (long days, photos), and casual trendy clothes (Harajuku vibes, anime merch). Include reusable water bottles (free fountains), face masks if preferred in crowds, and adapters (Type A/B plugs like Canada).
  5. Embrace public transport for independence — Japan’s trains/metro are clean, punctual, and safe—teens love figuring out routes. Get Suica/Pasmo IC cards (reloadable for trains/buses/vending machines). Allow older teens some freedom (e.g., explore Akihabara solo with meet-up plans)—super safe, but set rules. Shinkansen rides feel like adventures!
  6. Prioritize teen-engaging activities — Mix culture with fun: Tokyo—teamLab digital art, Akihabara arcades/anime shops, Shibuya scramble, maid cafes (if they’re into it), baseball games, or Pokémon/Sanrio experiences. Kyoto—Fushimi Inari torii gate hikes (Insta-worthy), ninja/ samurai workshops, street food in Nishiki Market, or kimono rentals for photos. Add ramen-making classes or Gundam statues. Let teens pick 1-2 daily for buy-in.
  7. Budget wisely—Japan is pricier but rewarding — Expect CAD 200-350/day for family of four (food/transport/entries). Meals affordable (ramen/sushi ¥800-1500/person), konbini (convenience stores) for cheap snacks. Book family rooms/apartments (Airbnb or hotels near stations) with WiFi/laundry. Use pocket money for teens (arcades, merch). Groceries/picnics save cash—teens eat a lot!
  8. Dive into food culture — Japanese cuisine thrills teens: ramen, sushi, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, conveyor-belt sushi, street food, and convenience store treats. No tipping; service excellent. Try family izakayas or conveyor spots. For picky eaters, options abound (burgers, pizza, McDonald’s with unique items). Hydrate—vending machines everywhere.
  9. Stay connected, respectful, and safe — Japan is extremely safe—low crime, polite locals. Watch for crowds/pickpockets in tourist spots. Use apps for family tracking. Respect etiquette: quiet on trains, no eating while walking, remove shoes indoors, bow slightly when thanking. Teens appreciate the independence in safe cities.
  10. Balance high-energy, culture, and downtime for memorable 8 days — Alternate busy days (temples, arcades, hikes) with chill ones (cafe-hopping, park picnics, hotel downtime). Build in free time for teens to shop, game, or explore. Japan’s blend of old/new creates epic family moments—bullet trains, neon nights, shared ramen, and teen-led discoveries.

SINGAPORE

Here’s a top-10 list of practical travelling tips tailored for Canadian families with older-aged teenagers (e.g., 15-19 years old) planning an 8-day trip to Singapore. Singapore is an ultra-modern, incredibly safe, clean, and efficient city-state—ideal for teens who love tech, food, shopping, thrills, and Instagram-worthy spots. It’s compact, English-speaking, and packed with futuristic attractions, street food, and green spaces. Perfect for a mix of family bonding and teen independence.

  1. Time it for shoulder season and book flights early — Visit in February–April or September–November for warm weather (25-32°C), lower humidity than peak, and fewer crowds. Direct flights aren’t available from Calgary (YYC) to Singapore (SIN)—expect one-stop via Vancouver, Seoul, Tokyo, or Europe (Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, KLM partners; often CAD 1,000-2,500 round-trip). Book 3-6 months ahead for deals. Singapore is super safe and walkable/MRT-friendly—no need for a car.
  2. Base centrally for easy access and teen freedom — Stay in areas like Marina Bay, Orchard Road, or Bugis (e.g., Marina Bay Sands for iconic infinity pool views, or budget-friendly spots like Hotel Boss or 30 Bencoolen with family rooms). Central locations mean quick MRT access everywhere—teens can explore independently safely (e.g., shopping or arcades) with meet-up plans. Book family suites or connecting rooms for space and privacy.
  3. Master the MRT and contactless payments — Singapore’s MRT is clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and teen-approved (fast, reliable). Use contactless bank cards (Visa/Mastercard) or Apple Pay—no EZ-Link card needed for short trips. Download the Grab app for affordable rides (cheaper than taxis for four). Teens love the efficiency—set family check-ins via WhatsApp.
  4. Pack for heat, walking, and city style — Expect 10,000+ steps daily—bring comfy walking shoes, light breathable clothes, hats, reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottles (free fountains everywhere), portable chargers (for photos/gaming), and trendy casual outfits (Orchard Road shopping vibes). Include light jackets for AC indoors and rain ponchos (tropical showers possible).
  5. Get the Singapore Tourist Pass or Go City Pass for savings — For 8 days, a multi-day Tourist Pass (unlimited MRT/bus) or Go City Pass (bundled attractions like Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, S.E.A. Aquarium) saves money on must-dos. Teens enjoy value—many passes include thrill spots. Book skip-the-line tickets for popular sites via Klook or official apps to avoid queues.
  6. Prioritize teen-thrilling attractions and independence — Hit Sentosa Island (Universal Studios Singapore for rides, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Skyline Luge, zip-lining), Gardens by the Bay (Supertrees, light shows, Cloud Forest), Jewel Changi Airport (vortex, Canopy Park mazes—fun even on arrival/departure), and Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders). Add Orchard Road (SCAPE teen mall with skate parks, arcades, XSCAP8 gaming), teamLab digital art, or VR experiences. Let teens roam safe areas like malls or East Coast Park (cycling/beach).
  7. Embrace hawker food culture affordably — Singapore’s hawker centres (e.g., Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat) offer cheap, delicious street food (chicken rice, satay, laksa, chilli crab)—teens love the variety and Instagram aesthetics. Meals ~SGD 5-15/person. Mix with mall food courts or trendy spots (crazy shakes at Black Tap). No tipping; hygiene is top-notch. Hydrate constantly—bottled water cheap.
  8. Balance high-energy days with chill time — Singapore is compact—alternate thrills (Sentosa full day, zoo/Night Safari combo) with relaxed ones (Marina Bay light shows, botanic gardens, rooftop pools). Build in free afternoons for teens to shop, game, or explore (e.g., Bugis Street markets or Haji Lane street art). Avoid overload—jet lag from long flights hits hard.
  9. Stay connected and follow local rules — Get an eSIM or airport SIM for data (cheap, unlimited plans). Singapore is one of the safest places globally—low crime, polite locals—but no chewing gum (fine), jaywalking, or littering (heavy fines). Respect quiet on public transport. Download Google Maps offline and translation app (though English everywhere).
  10. Maximize 8 days with a focused itinerary — Sample: Days 1-2 arrival/Jewel/Marina Bay/Gardens by the Bay; Days 3-4 Sentosa thrills (Universal, waterpark, luge); Days 5-6 Mandai wildlife + cultural spots (Chinatown/Little India for food/vibes); Days 7-8 Orchard shopping, free time, Night Safari/light shows, departure. It’s perfect for family memories—futuristic cityscapes, shared food adventures, and teen-led explorations.