INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It can be tricky to navigate the streets of Tokyo and other major cities in Japan, especially if you are traveling on foot or using public transit. Make it easy by carrying a printed, updated map with you that features street names in Japanese and English. With a data plan, you can also use a map app on your smartphone to help you navigate the area. Print a map out at home before you go on your trip, or look for a map at a convenient store, hotel, or tourist center once you're in Japan. Renting a car may be a good idea if you plan to explore regions outside of major cities or if you are traveling with a large group with a lot of luggage. Avoid renting a car if you plan on staying and exploring major cities, as traffic can be bad and the streets can be confusing for non-locals.  You will need to be 18 years or older and have an International Driving Permit, or a Japanese driver’s license, to rent a car. Book the rental car online before you leave for your trip, or look into renting a car once you arrive in a major city for rural travel. Be aware that the Japanese drive on the left side of the road. Major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, will have a rail system that you can use to get around easily. If you're traveling a short distance, you can purchase your ticket at the station, while it's best to purchase tickets for longer distances (such as a trip that will take an entire day) ahead of time.  Invest in day passes if you plan on taking a few trips on transit per day. Most transit maps are easy to navigate and connect you to major areas or sites in the city. The Tokyo Metro is a popular subway system used for travel. Many Japanese people walk the streets to get around. Try walking from your accommodations to a nearby tourist site or area, or walk to and from a restaurant nearby. You can also do a walking tour of areas in major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto to get a better sense of the atmosphere and vibe.  Bring a map with you while you're walking to ensure you don't get lost. While Japan is considered relatively safe, be careful not to walk around late at night alone, especially in areas you're not familiar with. The bus system in Japan is a great way to explore the city cost and time effectively. Go online or ask a tourist or information center for a map of the nearest bus routes, as well as for information about price points.  Different cities have different types of buses, so make sure you research the specific city where you'll be staying to find the most accurate information. You can also look into overnight buses that travel routes such as Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka at a very reasonable price.

SUMMARY: Carry an updated map or use a map app on your smartphone. Rent a car if you plan to explore rural areas. Use the local subway or train to travel efficiently. Try walking to nearby sites or restaurants. Take a local bus to travel cheaply around town.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The clothing should be loose enough to allow full range of motion, but not baggy enough to snag on branches. Remove all loose jewelry and accessories, especially from around your neck, as these may snag during the climb. If possible, wear flexible shoes with good traction. If your shoes have hard soles or poor traction, climbing barefoot might be easier. Find a tree with large, strong branches that can support your weight, at least 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. Before you start the climb, step back far enough to inspect the whole tree. Avoid trees with any of the following signs of danger:  Strange shapes or turns in the trunk. Leaning trees are risky but sometimes safe. Deep cracks. Large areas of sunken or missing bark. A forked top is a sign of decay in conifers. Other types of tree might still be safe, but do not try to reach the fork. Approach the tree and inspect the lower trunk and the circle of ground 3 feet (0.9 meters) around it. These are all signs of a damaged or dying tree that is unsafe to climb:   Mushrooms or other fungus growing on the tree or around the base. Many dead branches on the ground. (A few dead branches attached to the lower trunk is common, but if they're falling from higher up, there's a more serious problem.) A large hole or several small ones in the base. Severed roots, or a raised or cracked area of soil next to the trunk (a sign of uprooting). Even if the tree is sturdy, weather conditions could make the climb more dangerous. Understand how the following affect your climb:  Never climb during a thunderstorm, or in strong wind. Wet conditions can make the tree slippery and very dangerous to climb. Cold temperatures make wood brittle. Plan on climbing slowly and testing every branch before you use it as support. There's one last safety step before you can get started. Look closely for the following dangers. These can be difficult to spot from the ground, so keep an eye out while climbing as well.  Never climb if there is a power line within 10 feet (3 meters) of the tree's branches. Do not climb below large branches that have broken off and snagged in the tree. Climbers call these "widow makers" for a reason. Check the tree and nearby trees for bee and wasp colonies, or large bird or mammal nests. Avoid the trees immediately around these animals.

SUMMARY:
Wear well-fitting clothing. Examine the tree from a distance. Check near the ground. Allow for poor weather conditions. Look for local dangers.