After a 12-hour flight, we landed in Haneda. The last time we were in Tokyo was 12 years ago, and thanks to technology much has changed. Entry application into Japan (COVID check, immigration, and customs declaration) is now done prior to boarding one’s flight by entering all pertinent information on the Visit Japan website. Entry process is easily streamlined. Of course, folks like mom and dad who are not tech savvy will still have to do things the old way and put up with slower transit.

Twelve years ago, smart phones were still in its infancy. Now, the Japanese transit cards can be directly added through Apple/Google pay. No need to stop by ticket booths or kiosks anymore.

Perhaps the hands-down best tech tool for navigating a new locale is Google Maps. No more approaching the local Parisians for directions with my basic high school French, or intimidating the Japanese when they see me approaching them with an English Lonely Planet Tokyo in hand. Getting from the airport to the hotel using public transport is now a breeze.

With all that said, technology isn’t all sunshine and puppy dog smells. Perhaps the most questionable benefits of technology is the effects of social media. Social media can open your eyes to new experiences, but it can ruin them at the same time.

There are definitely more upsides that come with technology, at the same time I will have to accept that to experience good things I will need a heavy dose of patience.

• Japan
• Travel