Japan's Hakuba Valley ski field is about to be heaving with Aussie musicians soon when Snow Machine Festival kicks off from March 1st to March 4th.
With the likes of Hermitude, Peking Duk, What So Not, Client Liaison, Crooked Colours, Hot Dub Time Machine, The Jungle Giants and more all performing, Cool Accidents is going to be on the ground to bring you all the action on our Instagram page, but for those who haven't been to Japan before, we asked a few of the artists on the bill to give us their hottest travel tips.
Godlands tells us that Google Translate saved her life, Hermitude says you have to get out of the big cities and Bag Raiders tells us where to get the best pizza in Japan.
Check out all their tips below and make sure you follow Cool Accidents on Instagram for all the fun from Snow Machine next weekend!
GODLANDS
Make sure you have pocket wifi
Get your hands on a pocket wifi, this will help you get around Japan especially when catching trains. The last thing you want to happen is be stuck in the middle of nowhere without wifi. Also miss me with those data roaming charges!
Google the best ramen spot
I literally lived off ramen in Japan and was always hunting for the best spots to hit in whichever area I was in. The earlier you hit the spot the better as these places get suuuuper busy, but trust me it's worth it.
Download the Google Translate app
This app saved my life, all I had to do was put my phone camera onto the Japanese words and it automatically translated into English. A definite life saver if you aren't familiar with the Japanese language.
Wear comfy shoes
I know it's sort of a basic travel tip but you definitely don't want to be uncomfortably walking around. I've never walked so much in my life as I did in Japan, so being comfortable was a high priority of mine and a key to having a great trip.
Disney Sea is a must
Go to Disney Sea and have the TIME OF YOUR LIFE. Just do it. Live your childhood.
HERMITUDE
Go to a karaoke bar
Unlimited beer and butchering your favourite songs. I literally almost went deaf the last time I did this but it was amazing. Try and go with a local if possible and by the end of the night you’ll be chanting Japanese folk songs like you’ve known them all your life.
Go to an Onsen
Absolute must. The most healing and rejuvenative thing you can do for yourself. A local bath house is a great way to get to know your neighbours
Go shopping
Records, clothes, synthesizers, video games.. it’s endless. Highly recommend Akihabara, Shimokitazawa and Harajuku.
Go to Hanami
Try and go in the springtime to experience the cherry blossoms. All the parks completely transform and everyone just hangs out and drinks and there’s music everywhere and you may even end up eating BBQ at a complete stranger's house then jumping between micro raves in Yoyogi Park.
Get out of the city
Wherever you are try and explore the countryside a bit. It’s absolutely gorgeous and the people are very friendly. We were lucky enough to play a tiny festival inside a Samurai training ground in the forest and it’s one of my fondest memories of Japan.
BAG RAIDERS
Visit Five G in Harajuku
One of my favourite synth stores in all the world. We bought our Korg MS-20 there in (I think 2009) which in some ways was the beginning of it all.
Eat a pizza at Savoy
This is still the best pizza I’ve had anywhere in the world. (I know that’s crazy but just try it. I’ve been to Naples too!)
Get lost on the subway
In an unfamiliar city I love riding the subway for a while and then getting off randomly and seeing what’s there. Tokyo is the perfect city for this.
