
Are you excited about your upcoming vacation, but worried about missing important mail? Don't worry – it's not the end of the world. There are many ways to solve this problem. 

In this article, we'll discuss various strategies to help you keep up with your paper mail, ensuring you won't miss any important information.

## Ways of Managing Your Paper Mail

1. Let Mail Accumulate in Your Mailbox
2. Convert Paper Communications to Digital
3. Request USPS to Hold Your Mail
4. Ask a Friend or Neighbor to Help
5. Temporarily Forward Mail to a Family Member or a Friend.
6. Temporarily Forward Mail to Your New Address
7. Use a Paid Virtual Mailbox

Let's talk about these options one by one.

## Option 1: Let Mail Accumulate in Your Mailbox

If you receive minimal mail, you might not have to worry much. However, a high volume of mail could lead to mailbox overflow and lack of information updates.

## Option 2: Convert Paper Communications to Digital

Bills, medical statements, bank records, and government paperwork are often important paper communications. 

### How to Convert Paper Communications to Digital
Visit the sender's websites and update your communication preferences to receive information electronically via email.

### Limitations
It would take a lot of work to convert, and the work may not be exhaustive. Especially for paper mails from the government, their mails may come out of nowhere. If the mail has a deadline to respond, you are out of luck.

## Option 3: Request USPS to Hold Your Mail

For trips lasting less than a month and if you're not too concerned about mail, you can request USPS to hold your mail. This is free of charge.

You can either pick up accumulated mail or have it delivered upon your return.

### How to Request USPS to Hold Your Mail
To request USPS to hold your mail, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official USPS website at www.usps.com.
2. Go to the "Track & Manage" section on the website.
3. Choose the option for "Hold Mail" or "Request Hold."
4. Enter the start and end dates for the mail hold period.
5. Provide your personal details, including your name and address.
6. Confirm your request and review the details for accuracy.
7. Complete any required payment or verification process.
8. Receive a confirmation of your mail hold request.
9. Keep the confirmation details for reference.

### Limitations
You can only hold your mails for up to 30 days, based on USPS.

## Option 4: Ask a Friend or Neighbor to Help

If you have a friend or nearby neighbor close by your original address, you can ask them to check the mailbox for you periodically and hold your mail. 

You can give their permission to open the mails if needed and communicate about mail if necessary.

Additionally, make sure that your friend or neighbor doesn't have any travel plans during the same period as you.

## Option 5: Temporarily Forward Mails to a Family Member or a Friend

Forward mail to a trusted family member or friend who can hold it for you.

Upon your return, you can collect the mail or have them mail it to you.

Also, remember to return the favor for this nice person for keeping your mails.

### How to Temporarily Forward Mails to Others
To set up mail forwarding on USPS.com, follow these steps:

1. Visit the USPS website and navigate to "Track & Manage."
2. Select "Forward Mail" from the options.
3. Enter the start and end dates for your mail forwarding.
4. Specify that your move is temporary (if applicable).
5. Provide your personal details and the new address where you want your mail forwarded.
6. Pay the required verification fee to confirm your request.
7. You will receive a verification code sent to your old address; enter this code online.
8. Review all the details you've provided and confirm your request.
9. Complete the payment for the remaining forwarding fee.
10. Await a confirmation letter at your new address.

### Limitations
Temporary forwarding lasts up to 6 months; renew if needed.

## Option 6: Temporarily Forward Mail to Your New Address

### How to Temporarily Forward Mail to Your New Address
To set up mail forwarding on USPS.com, follow these steps:

1. Visit the USPS website and navigate to "Track & Manage."
2. Select "Forward Mail" from the options.
3. Enter the start and end dates for your mail forwarding.
4. Specify that your move is temporary (if applicable).
5. Provide your personal details and the new address where you want your mail forwarded.
6. Pay the required verification fee to confirm your request.
7. You will receive a verification code sent to your old address; enter this code online.
8. Review all the details you've provided and confirm your request.
9. Complete the payment for the remaining forwarding fee.
10. Await a confirmation letter at your new address.

## Option 7: Use a Paid Virtual Mailbox

A virtual mailbox is a mailbox you rent at a mail center, nearby or far away from your home or place of business. It can be at a retail pack and ship store or at an executive business center in a professional office building.

### How to Set Up a Virtual Mailbox 

Depending on whether you want to set up mail forwarding on USPS, there are two ways to go about it.

**Without Changing Your Address on Different Places**

1. Apply for a virtual mailbox and get the postal address of this mailbox (for example, 1234 Elm Street Unit 567 #789, Cityville, CA 12345).
2. Provide necessary documents for mailbox activation.
3. On USPS website, request to temporarily forward your mails to this new postal address.
4. Done!

This approach involves setting up two services, one on the virtual mailbox service and another one on USPS.

**Changing Address on All Places**

1. Apply for a virtual mailbox and get the postal address of this mailbox (for example, 1234 Elm Street Unit 567 #789, Cityville, CA 12345).
2. Provide necessary documents for mailbox activation.
3. Update all places that have your previous address with the new postal address from the virtual mailbox.
4. Done!

This approach does not involve setting up temporary mail forwarding on USPS, but it involves more work and is harder to track. For example, changing the address on your driver's license could be challenging. This approach is not recommended.

### Options of Different Virtual Mailbox Services
1. **Anytime Mailbox:**
   - Offers various plans with global physical addresses.
   - Receive mail notifications and manage mail digitally.

2. **iPostal1:**
   - Virtual mailbox service with mail scanning, forwarding, and secure shredding.
   - Features package receiving and management.

3. **TravelingMailbox:**
   - Plans include mail scanning, forwarding, and check deposit.
   - Integrates with popular cloud storage services.

4. **Earth Class Mail:**
   - Virtual mailbox services with mail scanning and forwarding.
   - Option for check deposit services.

5. **VirtualPostMail:**
   - Provides mail scanning, forwarding, and secure shredding.
   - Offers check deposit and online mail management.

6. **PostScan Mail:**
   - Virtual mailbox services with mail scanning and forwarding.
   - Manage mail online with scanning options.

7. **US Global Mail:**
   - Offers mail scanning, forwarding, and check deposit services.
   - Options for multiple users and personalized plans.

8. **Mailbox Forwarding:**
   - Virtual mailbox solutions with scanning and forwarding.
   - Choose from various mailing addresses.

When selecting a virtual mailbox service, consider factors like pricing, available locations, service offerings, user reviews, customer support, and additional features that suit your needs. Compare the options and choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and requirements.

### My Personal Experience

During our travels, we used Anywhere Mailbox and had a great experience. When setting up Anywhere Mailbox, I visited a local private mail shop responsible for managing our mail, met the owner, and provided necessary ID documents to verify our identities. The owner's assistance boosted my confidence in using the service.

Tip: Setting up a virtual mailbox may involve form filling and notarization. The online notary service provided by the virtual mailbox service may incur a cost, such as $45. Many US banks offer free notarization; check your bank's benefits and make an appointment if needed.


## Conclusion

You have multiple options to receive mail while traveling. Consider your circumstances and choose the method that best suits your needs. You can even combine strategies for optimal results. Keep your communication flowing and enjoy your vacation without worrying about missing important information.


How to Get Mails While Traveling: Tips and Strategies


I've been using [Anytime Mailbox](https://anytimemailbox.referralrock.com/l/1LEHUANG07/) for two years now. The setup experience hasn't changed much over that time. However, the process is a bit complicated, and I found myself scrambling to contact all the parties for the second time around. So, I decided to write down my experience to remember it for next year!

[Anytime Mailbox](https://anytimemailbox.referralrock.com/l/1LEHUANG07/) is a virtual mailbox service that allows you to manage your postal mail online, offerin gmail scanning, forwarding, and virtual addresses in various locations worldwide.

If you find this article helpful, please consider using [my promo code](https://anytimemailbox.referralrock.com/l/1LEHUANG07/) when you sign up for Anytime Mailbox.

## Contents

## When to Use A Virtual Mailbox

If you run a business and have decided not to disclose your physical address to the public, you can rent a virtual mailbox.

If you travel extensively (i.e., for durations longer than one month), you should consider renting a virtual mailbox. For durations less than one month, you can request USPS to hold the mails for you.

If you travel and want to keep an eye on the paper mails that come in, virtual mailbox services often handle opening and scanning the content, allowing you to get notified as soon as possible.

## The Key Parties During Setup

- **You**: the recipient of the mails.
- **Anytime Mailbox**: the virtual mailbox provider, which has contracts with many mail centers worldwide.
- **Mail Center Operator**: often the local physical mailbox provider that receives, stores, scans, and shreds the mails for you.
- **USPS**: the United States Postal Service, which forwards your mails from your original address to the mail center operators.

So many parties! I know! This is what makes the progress so complicated, unfortunately. But don't worry! I will explain them.


## Set Up Anytime Mailbox & Mail Forwarding

### 1. Choose a Physical Mailbox Center that Works for You

A mailbox center is a physical store where your mails will be received, stored, and scanned upon request. Staff at the mail center will handle your paper mails. These mail centers are independent privately owned businesses.

To find one, 

1. Visit [Anytime Mailbox](https://anytimemailbox.referralrock.com/l/1LEHUANG07/).
2. Search for mail centers by location.

When choosing a mail centers, consider these factors:

- **Proximity**: How far is it from you? You may need to pick up some mails later, so it may be important to have it closer to you.
- **Number of Recipients**: If you want your partner's mail delivered to the same mailbox, choose an option that can include multiple recipients.
- **Pricing**: Different locations offer varying prices for the same service level.
- **Reviews and Ratings**: Mail centers are typically private mom-and-pop shops, so check Google Maps for reviews. Are they responsible? Is their customer service good?

**Pro-tip**: In the location search results, you can view the price for the lowest tier of each location. Beware! Some mail centers display a low price to attract users, but if you opt for a higher tier (e.g., because you need two recipients), their price for that tier may not be the cheapest anymore. I have seen some mail centers do that. Be cautious!

![Compare Mail Centers](/assets/blog/set-up-anytime-mailbox/mail-center-compare.png)
*Which one would you choose, between Mail Center A and Mail Center B?*

A is cheaper for one recipient but more expensive for two recipients, and it also allows fewer incoming mails. On the other hand, B is more expensive for one recipient but cheaper for two recipients, and it allows more incoming mails.

At the end of the day, these mail centers are independent private businesses. They have the freedom to charge what they choose.

<screenshot example>

### 2. Sign up 

1. Once you've found the ideal mail center, you can begin the sign-up process. The required information is standard.
2. Choose a mailbox number at that location.
3. Pay for the mailbox in full for one month.

By the end of this step, you should have a mailbox assigned to you, but it won't be activated until your paperwork is approved.

However, as soon as your payment goes through, your subscription begins, even though your mailbox is not activated. You will need to submit the paperwork, and then it will take an additional 2-3 days for activation. Plan accordingly.


### 3. Prepare the Paperwork 

You will need three things to submit your application to activate your mailbox:

1. Your photo ID
2. A secordary ID to prove your address
3. A notarized USPS Form 1583

You can find the [details about the IDs and the form here](https://www.anytimemailbox.com/usps-form-1583#usps-5).

The USPS Form 1583, or Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent form, is a document that authorizes a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) to handle and receive mail on a customer’s behalf.

For the two forms of IDs, you can use your phone to scan them and upload them to your account on the website.

For the notarized form, you have two options:

- The Online Notarization service that is offered within Anytime Mailbox. (Cost: $25)
- You can download a pre-filled USPS Form 1583 with your information, print it, and have it notarized by a certified notary. (Cost: Free or Paid)

I have used both options in the past. The first one was super fast: you can get it notarized within minutes. The second option saves money because I found that my bank can provide notary services for free.

For the second option, after the form is notarized, scan it and upload it to your account. Now your application will show as "pending."

### 4. Get Approved by Anytime Mailbox and the Mail Center Operator

At this point, your application to activate your mailbox is pending for approval. It will need to be approved first by Anytime Mailbox, then by the physical mail center operator.

**Pro tip**: To expedite the approval process, call the contact phone number of Anytime Mailbox, and they can immediately review your application and approve it over the phone if everything looks good.

Once it is approved, pick up the phone and call your mail center operator. You can find their phone number under your account. Depending on how responsive they are, talking to them most of the time moves things faster.

Once the mail center operator approves, you are all set. The mailbox is now activated.

### 5. Add Additional Recipient(s)

(If you don't want to add more recipients, skip this step.)

Even if you have purchased a multi-recipient plan, at this point, you have only set up one recipient for this mailbox.

To add an additional recipient, they need to submit the same 3-piece paperwork (photo ID, proof of address, and notarized USPS Form 1583).

Go to Settings > Authorized Recipients, and add a new recipient. Then click on the mailbox number, fill out the information, and download the pre-filled USPS Form 1583.

![Anytime Mailbox](/assets/blog/set-up-anytime-mailbox/anytime-mailbox-new-recipient.jpeg)
*To an addtional recipient on Anytime Mailbox, go to Settings > Authorized Recipients, click Add. Once the recipient is added, click the mailbox number to get to the USPS form*

![Anytime Mailbox](/assets/blog/set-up-anytime-mailbox/anytime-mailbox-add-recipient.jpeg)
*Click the button "Prepare USPS Form 1583" to download the form*

(The user interface is confusing, honestly. If you are stuck, there is a chat box on the bottom right side of the website, where you can chat with a human agent, which is very helpful.)

Tip: If the pre-filled USPS Form 1583 does not work, download [the form from USPS directly](https://about.usps.com/forms/ps1583.pdf). 

### 6. Set Up Mail Forwarding at USPS

1. Go to <https://moversguide.usps.com/>.
2. Fill out the form for mail forwarding. 
   - The old address is your original address. The new address is the address that is assigned to you at Anytime Mailbox, often with a mailbox number. 
   - Here is an example of the new address: *123 Main Street,Mailbox #456, Anytown, CA 12345, USA* 
3. Pay $1.10 to verify your address and identity. 
   - The billing address of your credit card must match either of the new address or the old address.

![Select Yes, if you are travelling for a few months](/assets/blog/set-up-anytime-mailbox/usps-request-temp.png)
*On USPS website, select Yes, if you are travelling for a few months*


**Pro-tip**: If this is a temporary move, you don't have to set the end date of your mail forwarding to when you are coming home. Instead, set it to one week ahead of your return date, so you will start receiving mails right when you are home. This assumes you don't need to get the mails immediately for the last week of your trip.


### Done!

Now, the entire [Anytime Mailbox](https://anytimemailbox.referralrock.com/l/1LEHUANG07/) mail forwarding process is done. 

Your mails will now be forwarded from USPS to a mail center of Anytime Mailbox. The operator will manage the mails for you. You can view the mails on the website or on their mobile apps of Anytime Mailbox.

## Use Anytime Mailbox

### Download Anytime Mailbox Mobile App

To manage your mailbox on the go,  download the Anytime Mailbox mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store. With the app, you can access your virtual mailbox, view scanned mail items, and perform various mailbox management tasks right from your smartphone or tablet.

### Decide What to Open, Scan, and Shred

You will receive notifications for mails with the scan of the envelope. You can decide whether to open it or not. 

Since there is a quota under your plan for scanning the content of the mails, you can decide whether to scan by judging the envelope. If you are sure it is a junk mail, you can request them to shred it immediately. If you are unsure, you can request them to open it for you.

Remember, the opening and scanning process is a manual action at the mail center, so there is a delay between your request and the time when it is actually scanned into the system. This is another reason why you need to find a reliable center.

## Cancel Anytime Mailbox 

After returning from your vacation, you can cancel your Anytime Mailbox by following these steps:

1. There's no action needed for USPS, as you've already set an end date for your mail forwarding.
2. Collect any paper mail from your mailbox that the Mail Center Operator has set aside for you.
3. Close your Anytime Mailbox using the app.

Note that Anytime Mailbox charges for each mail pickup visit, so make sure to request all your mail in a single pickup request. Once your account is closed, any additional charges (pickup fee, storage fee) beyond the monthly fee will be charged to your payment method.


## Conclusion

Overall, the virtual mailbox has been a lifesaver for me. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my mail is being securely managed even when I'm not able to physically receive it. 

I would love to hear your experience of setting up a virtual mail box as well. Please feel free to comment.

If you find this article helpful and want to support my work, please consider using [my promo code](https://anytimemailbox.referralrock.com/l/1LEHUANG07/) when you sign up for [Anytime Mailbox](https://anytimemailbox.referralrock.com/l/1LEHUANG07/). 

My Experience Setting Up an Anytime Mailbox


Turkey, especially Istanbul, is one of my favorite places to visit. The country offers great people, great food, rich history, stunning architecture, and even great cats! My secret to making a great first impression when visiting a new place is learning a bit of the local language, starting with greetings. 

In this article, I’ll share a list of common Turkish phrases and words to get you started on your journey! I learned most of them from the locals in Istanbul.


## Contents

## Greetings and Basic Expressions

- **Hello (Merhaba)** - Pronunciation: *mare-ha-ba*  
  Start your interactions on the right note with a friendly "Merhaba," the Turkish way to say hello.

- **Thank you! (Teşekkürler)** - Pronunciation: *teh-shek-kur-ler*  
  Express your gratitude by saying "Teşekkürler" after receiving help or a kind gesture.

- **You're welcome! (Rica ederim)** - Pronunciation: *ri-jah eh-deh-rim*  
  If someone thanks you, respond with "Rica ederim," meaning "You're welcome."

- **Excuse me (Pardon)** - Pronunciation: *par-don*  
  "Pardon" is a versatile phrase used to get someone's attention or to say "Excuse me" when navigating through crowded places.

- **Please (Lütfen)** - Pronunciation: *loot-fen*  
  Use "Lütfen" to politely ask for something or to make a request.

- **Yes (Evet)** - Pronunciation: *eh-vet*  
  Simply say "Evet" to agree or affirm something.

- **No (Hayır)** - Pronunciation: *ha-yir*  
  "Hayır" is your go-to word when you need to say no.

## Essential Phrases for Dining

- **Menu (Menüyü)** - Pronunciation: *men-oo-yoo*  
  When at a restaurant, ask for the "Menüyü" to see the list of available dishes.

- **Check (Hesap)** - Pronunciation: *heh-sahp*  
  When you're ready to pay, say "Hesap" to request the bill.

- **Credit card (Kredi kartı)** - Pronunciation: *kre-dee kar-tuh*  
  If you're paying by card, just say "Kredi kartı."

- **Cash (Nakit)** - Pronunciation: *na-kit*  
  For cash payments, use the word "Nakit."

- **The food is great! (Çok iyi)** - Pronunciation: *chok ee-yee*  
  Compliment the chef by saying "Çok iyi," meaning "The food is great!"

- **Water (Su)** - Pronunciation: *soo*  
  Simply ask for "Su" if you need water.

## Asking for Prices

- **How much? (Ne kadar?)** - Pronunciation: *ne ka-dar?*  
  Whether you're shopping at the Grand Bazaar or buying street food, "Ne kadar?" will come in handy to ask for prices.

## Numbers You Should Know

Knowing basic numbers can be extremely useful, especially when dealing with prices.

- **One (Bir)** - Pronunciation: *beer*  
- **Two (İki)** - Pronunciation: *ee-kee*  
- **Three (Üç)** - Pronunciation: *ooch*  
- **Four (Dört)** - Pronunciation: *dert*  
- **Five (Beş)** - Pronunciation: *besh*  
- **Six (Altı)** - Pronunciation: *ahl-tuh*  
- **Seven (Yedi)** - Pronunciation: *yeh-dee*  
- **Eight (Sekiz)** - Pronunciation: *seh-keez*  
- **Nine (Dokuz)** - Pronunciation: *doh-kooz*  
- **Ten (On)** - Pronunciation: *ohn*  

## Navigating Places

- **Toilet (Tuvalet)** - Pronunciation: *too-vah-let*  
  Asking for the "Tuvalet" is essential during your travels.

- **Airport (Havalimanı)** - Pronunciation: *ha-va-lee-ma-nuh*  
  If you need to get to the airport, ask for the "Havalimanı."

- **Bakery (Fırın)** - Pronunciation: *fuh-ruhn*  
  "Fırın" is where you'll find delicious Turkish pastries and bread.

## Food and Drink

- **Turkish Tea (Çay)** - Pronunciation: *chah-y*  
  "Çay" is a must-try in Turkey, often enjoyed in small, tulip-shaped glasses.

- **Coffee (Kahve)** - Pronunciation: *kahv-eh*  
  For a strong pick-me-up, order a "Kahve."

- **Ayran** - Pronunciation: *eye-rahn*  
  This savory yogurt drink, unique to Turkey, is refreshing and worth a try!

- **Chicken (Tavuk)** - Pronunciation: *tah-vook*  
  "Tavuk" is a common dish you'll find in many Turkish meals.

- **Soup (Çorba)** - Pronunciation: *chor-bah*  
  Start your meal with a warm bowl of "Çorba."

## Parting Words

- **Bye bye (Güle güle)** - Pronunciation: *goo-lay goo-lay*  
  When it's time to leave, say "Güle güle," a warm way to say goodbye.


## Download the app "LocalSpeaks"

If you're looking for a quick language guide like this for multiple languages while traveling, great news! I created an app for that. [LocalSpeaks](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/localspeaks-talk-like-a-local/id6615060694) is a mobile app that provides simple and essential phrases along with their pronunciations, which you can listen to. It works offline, so it's very convenient when you're on the go.


I made this app to help make locals smile.

Common Turkish Phrases For Travelers

<p>I love hunting for eki stamps, also called station stamps (Japanese: 駅スタンプ), in Japan. Eki stamps are small rubber stamps you can collect from train stations and many tourist attractions. They make great, free souvenirs to remember the places you’ve visited. For me, it feels like a treasure hunt that encourages me to explore even more. Japanese people are so clever for creating this!</p>
<p>In this article, I will share with you where to find eki stamps in Tokyo.</p>
<h2 id="user-content-contents">Contents</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="#user-content-subway-stations">Subway Stations</a>
<ul>
<li><a href="#user-content-harajuku-station">Harajuku Station</a></li>
<li><a href="#user-content-kokuritsu-kyogijo-station">Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station</a></li>
<li><a href="#user-content-okubo-station">Okubo Station</a></li>
<li><a href="#user-content-shibuya-station">Shibuya Station</a></li>
<li><a href="#user-content-shinjuku-station">Shinjuku Station</a></li>
<li><a href="#user-content-tsukiji-shijo-station">Tsukiji-Shijo Station</a></li>
<li><a href="#user-content-yoyogi-station">Yoyogi Station</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#user-content-tourist-attractions">Tourist Attractions</a>
<ul>
<li><a href="#user-content-meiji-jingu-shrine">Meiji Jingu Shrine</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="user-content-subway-stations">Subway Stations</h2>
<h3 id="user-content-harajuku-station">Harajuku Station</h3>
<ul>
<li>Location: outside the gate, near West Exit (西口)</li>
<li>Visited: 2025-06-10</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/harajuku-stamp.jpeg" alt="Harajuku Station">
<em>The eki stamp at Harajuku Station</em></p>
<h3 id="user-content-kokuritsu-kyogijo-station">Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station</h3>
<ul>
<li>Location: inside the gate, at Oedo Line, next to the escalator</li>
<li>Visited: 2025-06-11</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/kokuritsu-kyogijo-station.jpeg" alt="Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station">
<em>Where you stamp the eki stamp at Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station. It is inside the gate, at Oedo Line, next to the escalator.</em></p>
<h3 id="user-content-okubo-station">Okubo Station</h3>
<ul>
<li>Location: Outside the North Exit (北口) ticket gates of JR Okubo Station</li>
<li>Visited: 2025-06-12</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/okubo-north-exit.jpeg" alt="Okubo Station">
<em>Where you stamp the eki stamp at Okubo Station. It is outside the north exit ticket gates of JR Okubo Station.</em></p>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/okubo-station-stamp.jpeg" alt="Okubo Station Stamp">
<em>The eki stamp at Okubo Station</em></p>
<h3 id="user-content-shibuya-station">Shibuya Station</h3>
<ul>
<li>Location: outside the gate</li>
<li>Visited: 2025-06-12</li>
</ul>
<p>There are three stamps with same design but different colors: red, blue, and green. They are located at three different places.</p>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/shibuya-blue.jpeg" alt="Shibuya Station Stamp blue">
<em>The blue eki stamp at Shibuya Station</em></p>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/shibuya-red.jpeg" alt="Shibuya Station Stamp red">
<em>The red eki stamp at Shibuya Station</em></p>
<h3 id="user-content-shinjuku-station">Shinjuku Station</h3>
<ul>
<li>Location: outside the gate, near South Concourse</li>
<li>Visited: 2025-06-10</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="user-content-tsukiji-shijo-station">Tsukiji-Shijo Station</h3>
<ul>
<li>Location: inside the gate</li>
<li>Visited: 2025-06-09</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="user-content-yoyogi-station">Yoyogi Station</h3>
<ul>
<li>Location: outside the gate</li>
<li>Visited: 2025-06-10</li>
</ul>
<p>Two kinds of stamps are available at Yoyogi Station. One is the regular stamp, and the other is a cute version of the Yoyogi Park stamp.</p>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/yoyogi-station-stamp.jpeg" alt="Yoyogi Station">
<em>Where you stamp the eki stamp at Yoyogi Station</em></p>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/yoyogi-two-stamps.jpeg" alt="Two stamps at Yoyogi Station">
<em>Two stamps at Yoyogi Station</em></p>
<h2 id="user-content-tourist-attractions">Tourist Attractions</h2>
<h3 id="user-content-meiji-jingu-shrine">Meiji Jingu Shrine</h3>
<ul>
<li>Location: around the main shrine</li>
<li>Visited: 2025-06-10</li>
</ul>
<p>I found two different stamps at Meiji Jingu Shrine.</p>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/meiji-jingu-1.jpeg" alt="Meiji Jingu Shrine">
<em>One at the main shrine</em></p>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/meiji-jingu-2.jpeg" alt="Meiji Jingu Shrine">
<em>One at the shrine gate</em></p>


Where to Find Eki Stamps (駅スタンプ) in Tokyo


I love hunting for eki stamps, also called station stamps (Japanese: 駅スタンプ), in Japan. Eki stamps are small rubber stamps you can collect from train stations and many tourist attractions. They make great, free souvenirs to remember the places you’ve visited. For me, it feels like a treasure hunt that encourages me to explore even more. Japanese people are so clever for creating this!

In this article, I will share with you where to find eki stamps in Tokyo.

## Contents

## Subway Stations




### Harajuku Station

- Location: outside the gate, near West Exit (西口)
- Visited: 2025-06-10

![Harajuku Station](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/harajuku-stamp.jpeg)
*The eki stamp at Harajuku Station*


### Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station

- Location: inside the gate, at Oedo Line, next to the escalator
- Visited: 2025-06-11

![Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/kokuritsu-kyogijo-station.jpeg)
*Where you stamp the eki stamp at Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station. It is inside the gate, at Oedo Line, next to the escalator.*

### Okubo Station

- Location: Outside the North Exit (北口) ticket gates of JR Okubo Station
- Visited: 2025-06-12

![Okubo Station](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/okubo-north-exit.jpeg)
*Where you stamp the eki stamp at Okubo Station. It is outside the north exit ticket gates of JR Okubo Station.*

![Okubo Station Stamp](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/okubo-station-stamp.jpeg)
*The eki stamp at Okubo Station*

### Shibuya Station

- Location: outside the gate
- Visited: 2025-06-12

There are three stamps with same design but different colors: red, blue, and green. They are located at three different places.

![Shibuya Station Stamp blue](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/shibuya-blue.jpeg)
*The blue eki stamp at Shibuya Station*

![Shibuya Station Stamp red](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/shibuya-red.jpeg)
*The red eki stamp at Shibuya Station*

### Shinjuku Station

- Location: outside the gate, near South Concourse
- Visited: 2025-06-10

### Tsukiji-Shijo Station

- Location: inside the gate
- Visited: 2025-06-09

### Yoyogi Station
- Location: outside the gate
- Visited: 2025-06-10

Two kinds of stamps are available at Yoyogi Station. One is the regular stamp, and the other is a cute version of the Yoyogi Park stamp. 

![Yoyogi Station](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/yoyogi-station-stamp.jpeg)
*Where you stamp the eki stamp at Yoyogi Station*

![Two stamps at Yoyogi Station](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/yoyogi-two-stamps.jpeg)
*Two stamps at Yoyogi Station*



## Tourist Attractions

### Meiji Jingu Shrine

- Location: around the main shrine
- Visited: 2025-06-10

I found two different stamps at Meiji Jingu Shrine. 

![Meiji Jingu Shrine](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/meiji-jingu-1.jpeg)
*One at the main shrine*

![Meiji Jingu Shrine](/assets/blog/where-to-find-eki-stamps-in-tokyo/meiji-jingu-2.jpeg)
*One at the shrine gate*





Living in the Bay Area, we’ve spent countless weekends exploring trails, chasing ocean views, and looking for quiet corners away from the crowds. Over time, we’ve discovered a few parks that aren’t in the typical travel guides—but have quickly become our favorite weekend escapes. These spots are peaceful, naturally stunning, and best of all, very few people are there. If you're craving fresh air without the packed parking lots and selfie sticks, these hidden gems are worth the trip.

Here are three underrated parks in the Bay Area that few people know about—but once you visit, you’ll want to keep them secret too.🤫

## Contents

## Land’s End (San Francisco)
Tucked in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, Land’s End offers dramatic cliffs, cypress trees, and postcard-worthy views of the Golden Gate Bridge—but without the usual city crowds. Few people know that this stretch of coastline feels more like a remote hiking trail than a major city park.

![Land’s End View](/assets/blog/3-underrated-but-beautiful-parks-in-the-bay-area-that-few-people-know-about/lands-end.jpg)
*Land’s End View*

### Highlights

- **Land’s End Trail**: A scenic, mostly flat trail winding along the cliffs with views of the bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the Pacific.
- **Sutro Baths Ruins**: The haunting remains of what was once a grand seaside bathhouse make for a fascinating stop along the way.
- **Labyrinth Viewpoint**: Tucked along the Coastal Trail is a hidden labyrinth made of stones, perfectly positioned above crashing waves.
- **San Francisco Gift Shop**: You can find a gift shop at the trailhead. I bought some SF themed souvenirs for my family and friends. 

### Tips
- Start at the Land’s End Lookout and follow the trail toward Eagle’s Point. Sunset here is pure magic—and rarely crowded during the week.
- You can find parking across the street from the trailhead. Arrive early to grab one of the limited parking spots and enjoy the serenity before the day-trippers arrive.

## Mussel Rock Park (Daly City)

In Daly City, just south of San Francisco, Mussel Rock Park feels like a secret coastal hideaway. Few people know this rugged area is not only a prime paragliding launch point, but also sits directly on the San Andreas Fault. It’s a rare blend of natural drama and geologic significance.

![View from Mussel Rock with wildflowers in bloom](/assets/blog/3-underrated-but-beautiful-parks-in-the-bay-area-that-few-people-know-about/mussel-rock-flowers.jpeg)
*View from Mussel Rock with wildflowers in bloom*

### Highlights

- **Paragliders**: Watch thrill-seekers take flight from the cliffs on breezy afternoons.
- **Untamed Beauty**: Crumbling trails, wild grasses, and panoramic ocean views give it a raw, almost untouched feel.
- **Golden Hour Magic**: The sunsets here are nothing short of cinematic.

![Sunset at Mussel Rock](/assets/blog/3-underrated-but-beautiful-parks-in-the-bay-area-that-few-people-know-about/mussel-rock-sunset.jpeg)
*Sunset at Mussel Rock*

### Tips  
- Wear sturdy shoes and don’t expect manicured trails—this park is all about nature in its wild form. Your shoes may get dusty, but it’s worth it for the views. 
- If you go there at sunset, you can watch the sun dip below the horizon. It is a magical experience.

## Mori Point (Pacifica)
Few people know that just a short walk from Pacifica’s main street lies Mori Point, a quiet coastal bluff teeming with natural beauty and local history. Once a dumping ground and bootlegging hotspot, it’s now a restored piece of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

![Mori Point View](/assets/blog/3-underrated-but-beautiful-parks-in-the-bay-area-that-few-people-know-about/mori-point-view.jpeg)
*View from Mori Point*

### Highlights

- **The Bluff Trail**: An easy uphill path that rewards you with sweeping views of the Pacific.
- **Spring Wildflowers**: In March and April, the hillsides are covered in blankets of poppies and lupines.
- **Memorial Walk**: Entering via the trailhead, you’ll see gardens and memorials created by loved ones. With flowers and succulents throughout, it’s a very beautiful and touching area.
- **Whale Watching**: In the summer, you can spot whales from the bluff—sometimes dolphins too.
- **Boba Inside a Train Caboose**: Just across from the park, there’s a decommissioned train caboose that now serves as a boba shop called *P Town Coffee & Tea*. It’s cute, cozy, and perfect for a post-hike treat.

### Tips
- You can find additional parking across the highway. There are also residential areas nearby with available street parking.





3 Underrated but Beautiful Parks in the Bay Area


During thanksgiving break of 2024, we snatched very good airfare deals and took a trip to Rio de Janeiro. This is a summary of the trip with key highlights and itinerary.

Before we start, I want to say that Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful city with friendly people, cheap but great food, exotic animals, and a rich culture. We love it!


## Contents


## Key Highlights

### Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is a must-see in Rio de Janeiro. No matter how crowded it is, it is worth the visit, because it is one of the World's New 7 Wonders.

![christ the redeemer](/assets/blog/our-trip-to-rio-de-janeiro/7831A219-B183-4976-9580-8FDA05F3CB49.jpg)
**You can see the Christ the Redeemer from many places in Rio de Janeiro**

### Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see in Rio de Janeiro. It is a cable car ride up to the top of the mountain, and the view is breathtaking. It is symbol of Rio de Janeiro, besides the Christ the Redeemer.

### Tijuca Rainforest

I was so sick that I missed this tour. But my husband took our kids to the Tijuca Rainforest. It is a 5.5 hour tour with open top car, hike for half an hour, see wildlife and waterfalls. They got to see a sloth, monkeys, water snakes and a lot of birds. Their tour guide said that they can only see 10 sloths in a year. So my kids said they were so lucky!

![Sloth at Tijuca Rainforest](/assets/blog/our-trip-to-rio-de-janeiro/C2DE9880-4544-44B3-8B5B-985710FE1B0C.jpg)
**Sloth at Tijuca Rainforest**

One thing to note is watch out for mosquitoes. They are everywhere! My husband and kids got bitten by mosquitoes, and did not notice until they were back from the tour. Their legs were swollen and itchy for several days! Ouch!

### Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

When you arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is the first lake you will see. It is a beautiful lake with a nice view of the city. You can see many people jogging around the lake.

But the best part of the lake to me is that you can see capybaras in the lake, if you are lucky. Silly me, I did not know that capybaras were native to Brazil until my son pointed at one capybara by the lake near us. I was psyched! I always loved capybaras, but this was the first time I saw one in real life. Very special!

![capybara](/assets/blog/our-trip-to-rio-de-janeiro/59CC079B-4F8E-42B8-815E-C02051C9DFA1.jpg)
**Capybara**

### Samba City

Samba city offers a guided tour of the samba city, and the guide will take you to the backstage of the samba city. You will see the samba workers building the new costumes and cars, and the guide will explain the history of the samba city. They also taught us to dance samba with their costumes and drink caipirinha. Hahaha!

I heard that samba has very serious competition every year. To get in the league, samba dancers have to practice very hard. It is abolutely a top honor to be in the samba league and earn the right to have a warehouse inside the samba city.

I consider this is one the best way to understand the culture of samba, the culture of Rio de Janeiro.

### Favela Tour

![favela](/assets/blog/our-trip-to-rio-de-janeiro/6BCA86D8-D347-46D5-95B7-88C3ECB31C15.jpg)
**Favela**

On the last day, we visited Brazil's largest favela: Rocinha. There are thousands of favelas in Brazil, where there are no police, only drug gangs controlling the social order.

The houses and streets are in disrepair, with garbage piled high. The hot Brazilian weather carries the sour smell of trash. The houses lack street numbers, making it impossible to receive mail or deliveries; everything relies on the locals' familiarity. Electricity is free here, as the chaotic wiring is ultimately stolen power.

Many cats live here, as they are useful for controlling the rat population.

In the few small schools available, there are hardly any teachers. Our guide mentioned that only teachers who have made mistakes in the city are sent here to teach.

Despite the absence of police, the crime rate is extremely low. If someone steals, bullies, or abuses a child, the gang will take them to the woods or to a church and execute them. We could still see bullet marks on the walls of those churches. In the city, police maintain order, but here, the criminals (gangs) are the ones who uphold the law. As we walked through the alleys, we passed by several gang members.

People born here either work hard hoping to leave or, less fortunate ones, join the gang at 16 and are bound for life. Those who work hard go to the city for jobs during the day and return here at night because the rent is cheap, about $100 a month. The favela residents and city dwellers live in two separate worlds, with no interaction, even in marriage.

There are no homeless people here. If there are, they are either taken away by family or kicked out of the favela to wander the city streets.

Our 26-year-old guide was born and raised here. When I asked him what his dream was, he said it was to leave this place, to go to an English-speaking country. His words touched me deeply. He described Brazil as a sinking ship, hopeless. When I asked how he planned to leave, he said it would be through hard work, working tirelessly.

Many famous football stars come from the favelas, the most notable being Rivaldo. These stars are idols for the children here and a motivation to escape. Once they leave, they rarely return; leaving is a mark of honor.

A local guide completely changed my perception of this place. It is not the chaotic and degenerate environment I had imagined. People are living resiliently; it’s just a different environment. This made me realize that human development in modern society does not have to follow a single model.

![Cables inside the favela](/assets/blog/our-trip-to-rio-de-janeiro/B34F9BA0-6325-48E5-9FE5-350D6D81B560.jpg)
**Cables inside the favela**

I rarely talk to my children about my childhood environment. These scenes and smells are not unfamiliar to me. This seemingly dirty environment shapes character and is, in fact, the most valuable wealth, creating infinite motivation.


### Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach is a relaxing place to enjoy the beach. My kids enjoyed the beach and the sand, while I enjoyed the fresh coconut water.

![copacabana beach](/assets/blog/our-trip-to-rio-de-janeiro/9D61BF8E-F61E-4580-B5A8-A6AA976CA7E1.jpg)
**Copacabana Beach**

On the beach, there were many vendors selling fresh coconut water, seafood, snacks, hats, and more. They walk around the beach, and you can buy from them.

## Food

### Acai Bowl

I had a coworker from Brazil who introduced me to Acai Bowl. He said, Acai Bowl in Brazil is the best, and it tastes different from the one in the US. 

![acai bowl](/assets/blog/our-trip-to-rio-de-janeiro/31E9A16D-EA98-430C-8A21-2C5FBFFE7D27.jpg)
**Acai Bowl**

When we arrived at the Copacabana Beach, we saw a lot of Acai Bowl stands. I could not resist and bought one. It was delicious! It tasted a like a fruit sorbet with many different toppings. It tasted wonderful!

You can find Acai Bowl all over the city, literally every corner.

### All You Can Eat but by the Pound

You can find All You Can Eat but by the Pound all over the city. It is a buffet style restaurant where you pay by the pound of food you eat. The food is delicious and cheap. 

Why don't we have this in the US? Great selection of food and you don't have to wrestle with your tempetation to eat more.  


## Other Wonderful Experiences

### Nail Salon

Nail salons are everywhere in Rio de Janeiro. We found a nail salon that is very cheap and good! My daughter and I got our manicure and pedicure for $4 each. Manicure is $4, pedicure is $4. Totally $16 (R100) for both of us. Can you believe it?

### Cooking Class

We found an Airbnb experience for cooking class. The host is a local chef who will take us to the local supermarket and teach you how to cook traditional Brazilian dishes. We had a great time learning how to cook and eating the food we made. We made 9 dishes in total!

There’s something special about a local person; he mentioned many foods we usually overlook, such as avocados produced here, the cashew juice that children drink, and the variety of bananas grown here.

![cashew fruit](/assets/blog/our-trip-to-rio-de-janeiro/4E9C92A8-BD03-4BFB-872A-D6FFF3A30908.jpg)
**Cashew fruit**

The chef also taught us many simple yet delicious recipes, for example, you can mix any jam with chili sauce to create a tasty dip! Cutting okra in half and frying it makes for a delicious dish.

Brazil is a food country! 

## Important Tips

- People here mostly don't speak English. But with gestures and Google Translate, you can understand the general meaning.
- Mosquitoes are everywhere in summer. So prepare mosquito repellent, after bites, and long pants.

## Itinerary

### Ground Rules

Since we are on vacation, we want to enjoy the city and not be too exhausted.
- Limit time out and about to 7 hours or less per day
- Limit the amount of walking between destinations - prefer transit
- Limit total walking time (besides getting to and from the metro) to 40 minutes per day
- If there is a walking tour, don’t add another destination that day


### Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

Checked into the Airbnb.

### Day 2: Beach day! 

Morning chilling at Copacabana Beach. Watch sunset at Pedra do Arpoador.

### Day 3: Fully guided tour of the city
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Maracana Stadium, Metropolitan Cathedral, Sambadrome, and more.

Cost: $321 for a family of 4.

### Day 4: Backstage Tour of Samba City

Cost: $50 / person

### Day 5: Tijuca Rainforest

5.5 hour tour with open top car, hike for half an hour, see wildlife and waterfalls.

Cost: $216 for a family of 4.

### Day 6: Free day

Beach morning at Copacabana beach.
Walk down to Beco do Rato from Parkue das Ruinas.


### Day 7: Local Cuisine

Guided tour in local supermarket, cooking class.

Cost: $370 for a family of 4.

### Day 8: Visiting Rocinha Favela & Departure

Later, we also strolled around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.



Our Trip to Rio de Janeiro (Key Highlights & Itinerary)


We have been living in Dallas for a few years now. We have explored a lot of places and tried many restaurants. In this article, I will share some of our absolute favorites. Most of them are very reasonably priced. Well, we love food at good prices.

## contents


## Japanese Food 

### Masami Japanese Sushi & Cuisine (Richardson, TX)

Address: 501 W Belt Line Rd, Richardson, TX 75080

This is a small restaurant but with great authentic Japanese food. 

We accidentally found this place when my husband drove me to the airport. We had lunch there and loved the Sashimi and chirashi bento boxes. We were so impressed with the the quality and surprised with the price! Apparently they haven't changed the prices for a long time!
This place reminds us of Tokyo a lot! 

![Masami Japanese Sushi & Cuisine](/assets/blog/grace-absolute-favorite-in-dallas/masami-sashimi.jpg)
*Sashimi bento box at Masami*

## Korean Food 

### Azumma Deli in H-Mart (Plano, TX)  

Address: 3320 K Ave, Plano, TX 75074

One of my favorite Korean dishes is Sundae. It is blood sausage soup. It is very hard to find restaurants that serve this dish in Dallas. But! Recently, a new little restaurant opened in H-Mart. It is called "Azumma Deli". They serve a lot of authentic Korean dishes. 

![Sundae](/assets/blog/grace-absolute-favorite-in-dallas/sundae.jpg)
*Sundae at Azumma Deli. This dish only costs $12.00 at this moment of writing this article (2024). Can you believe it?*

![Sundae Guk](/assets/blog/grace-absolute-favorite-in-dallas/sundae-gook-dish.jpg)
*Sundae with guk (Korean rice porridge)*

![Azumma Deli](/assets/blog/grace-absolute-favorite-in-dallas/azumma-deli.jpg)

## Vietnamese Food 

### Góc Huế (Garland, TX)

Address: 3315 Belt Line Rd, Garland, TX 75044

This small restaurant was recommended by a Vietnamese friend. We have been there for lunch a few times. The restaurant is tiny and has only a few tables. They don't serve the typical Pho, but many dishes that are popular in Vietnam. 

When we go there, we don't see any non-Vietnamese people dining there. The restaurant is very authentic. 

![Nem Lụi Huế](/assets/blog/grace-absolute-favorite-in-dallas/nem-lui-hue.jpg)
*Nem Lụi Huế, a dish I guess they recently added to the menu, is absolutely delicious. It is a type of Vietnamese sausage. The skin is crispy and the meat is juicy. It is served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. My favorite dish there atm.*

![Góc Huế Menu](/assets/blog/grace-absolute-favorite-in-dallas/goc-hue-menu-1.jpg)

![Góc Huế Menu](/assets/blog/grace-absolute-favorite-in-dallas/goc-hue-menu-2.jpg)
*Very reasonable prices at Góc Huế*


## Ice Cream

### Junbi Matcha (Richardson, TX)

Address: 326 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080

Most people go to Junbi Matcha for their drinks, but we are frequent visitors for their matcha soft serve. It is so soft and creamy. The matcha flavor is strong but not too bitter. It is just perfect. 

The most impressive thing about their matcha soft serve is the level of the sweetness. It is just right. Not too sweet. Not too bitter. It is just perfect. 

For each soft service, you also customize the toppings and powder. My go-to is the soft serve with hojicha powder and coco nibs.

We go there every Saturday. No exceptions. We don't settle for any other ice cream.

![Junbi Matcha](/assets/blog/grace-absolute-favorite-in-dallas/junbi-boba-matcha-powder.jpg)
*Matcha soft serve with hojicha powder and boba*

![Junbi Matcha](/assets/blog/grace-absolute-favorite-in-dallas/junbi-coconut-flakes.jpg)
*Matcha soft serve with hojicha powder and coconut flakes*

## Chinese Food

(There are many. I will update this section soon!)

## Conclusion

I hope you find this article helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. 

Everyone has different tastes. So this is a very personal list. Feel free to try these dishes and let me know what you think. 

Grace's Absolute Favorites in the Dallas Area (DFW)


Knowing Mandarin can surprisingly unlock access to many countries. It is extremely useful in East and Southeast Asia. First, you have China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Then, it serves as the lingua franca for the large Chinese communities in Singapore and Malaysia. Additionally, it helps a lot with reading signs in Japan, where Chinese characters are used for most words.

In this article, I’ll share a list of common Mandarin phrases and words. They can be very useful when you are traveling Asian countries.

## Contents

## Greetings

- **Hello (你好)** - Pronunciation: *nee haow*  
  Start your interactions with a friendly "你好" (Nǐ hǎo), the Mandarin way to say hello.

- **Thank you! (谢谢！)** - Pronunciation: *shyeh shyeh*  
  Express your gratitude by saying "谢谢" (Xièxiè) after receiving help or a kind gesture.

- **You're welcome! (不客气)** - Pronunciation: *boo keh chee*  
  If someone thanks you, respond with "不客气" (Bù kèqì), meaning "You're welcome."

- **Excuse me (对不起)** - Pronunciation: *dway boo chee*  
  "对不起" (Duìbuqǐ) is a versatile phrase used to apologize or to get someone's attention.

- **Please (请)** - Pronunciation: *ching*  
  Use "请" (Qǐng) to politely ask for something or to make a request.

- **Yes (是的)** - Pronunciation: *shih deh*  
  Simply say "是的" (Shì de) to agree or affirm something.

- **No (不是)** - Pronunciation: *boo shih*  
  "不是" (Bù shì) is your go-to word when you need to say no.

- **Bye bye (再见)** - Pronunciation: *zai jyen*  
  When it’s time to leave, say "再见" (Zàijiàn), a polite way to say goodbye.

## Dining

- **Menu (菜单)** - Pronunciation: *tsai dan*  
  When at a restaurant, ask for the "菜单" (Càidān) to see the list of available dishes.

- **Check (买单)** - Pronunciation: *mai dan*  
  When you’re ready to pay, say "买单" (Mǎidān) to request the bill.

- **Credit card (信用卡)** - Pronunciation: *sheen-yong kah*  
  If you’re paying by card, just say "信用卡" (Xìnyòngkǎ).

- **Cash (现金)** - Pronunciation: *shyan jin*  
  For cash payments, use the word "现金" (Xiànjīn).

- **The food is great! (真好吃！)** - Pronunciation: *zhen haow chuh!*  
  Compliment the chef by saying "真好吃" (Zhēn hǎochī), meaning "The food is great!"

- **Water (水)** - Pronunciation: *shway*  
  Simply ask for "水" (Shuǐ) if you need water.

- **Receipt (发票)** - Pronunciation: *fā piào*  
  When you need a receipt, say "发票" (Fāpiào).

## Asking for Prices

- **How much? (多少钱？)** - Pronunciation: *doo-oh shaow chyen?*  
  Whether you’re shopping or ordering food, "多少钱?" (Duōshǎo qián?) will help you ask for prices.

## Numbers

Knowing basic numbers can be extremely useful, especially when dealing with prices.

- **One (一)** - Pronunciation: *yi*  
- **Two (二)** - Pronunciation: *er*  
- **Three (三)** - Pronunciation: *san*  
- **Four (四)** - Pronunciation: *si*  
- **Five (五)** - Pronunciation: *wu*  
- **Six (六)** - Pronunciation: *liu*  
- **Seven (七)** - Pronunciation: *qi*  
- **Eight (八)** - Pronunciation: *ba*  
- **Nine (九)** - Pronunciation: *jiu*  
- **Ten (十)** - Pronunciation: *shi*  

## Navigating Places

- **Toilet (厕所)** - Pronunciation: *tsuh swor*  
  Asking for the "厕所" (Cèsuǒ) is essential during your travels.

- **Airport (机场)** - Pronunciation: *jee-chahng*  
  If you need to get to the airport, ask for the "机场" (Jīchǎng).

## Food and Drink

- **Tea (茶)** - Pronunciation: *chah*  
  "茶" (Chá) is a must-try in China, often enjoyed in traditional tea houses.

- **Water (水)** - Pronunciation: *shway*  
  Stay hydrated by asking for "水" (Shuǐ) when needed.

## Parting Words

- **Bye bye (再见)** - Pronunciation: *zai jyen*  
  When it's time to leave, say "再见" (Zàijiàn), a polite way to say goodbye.

## Download the App "LocalSpeaks"

If you’re looking for a quick language guide like this for multiple languages while traveling, great news! I created an app for that. [LocalSpeaks](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/localspeaks-talk-like-a-local/id6615060694) is a mobile app that provides simple and essential phrases along with their pronunciations, which you can listen to. It works offline, so it’s very convenient when you’re on the go.

I made this app to help make locals smile.




Where to Find Eki Stamps (駅スタンプ) in Tokyo

Contents

Subway Stations

Harajuku Station

Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station

Okubo Station

Shibuya Station

Shinjuku Station

Tsukiji-Shijo Station

Yoyogi Station

Tourist Attractions

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Grace

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