Travels • Japan
Travels • Japan
Broadly, I plan itineraries to maximize one city/neighborhood without doubling back. In our first trip to Tokyo and Kyoto we hit a lot of the basic must-sees (same for Osaka with our Dec 2022 trip).
Find some articles like this so you can learn customs and manners to feel respectful and ensure you’re not seen as an awful tourist: https://www.geekyexplorer.com/japan-travel-tips-things-to-know/
Stay quiet (especially in trains); Americans and Australians will be the loudest people around you and locals hate it.
Get a small handkerchief or towel to use after washing your hands since bathrooms usually don’t have towels
Carry your trash as there aren’t bins around
You’ll generally walk on the left side of the sidewalk (like car traffic), except in Osaka some places are switched (like escalators)
No tipping (save your $$!)
No walking and eating (seen as super rude). Plan to buy something, eat it standing/sitting outside, then keep moving.
No blowing your nose in public (also seen as super rude). Go to the bathroom if you’re in a restaurant, or try to do it in a hidden way if you can’t get somewhere else.
Learn a few phrases to get by:
please, thank you, excuse me, this please, check please, etc.
Plenty of articles like this out there, or YouTube videos of you better hearing the phrases https://www.byfood.com/blog/culture/basic-japanese-phrases-for-dining-out#
Crowds will be everywhere in major tourist spots, but to avoid the worst of it try to avoid public transit at peak business traffic times (8-9am, and 5-6:30pm). Stations may even list peak travel times (and peak travel cars).
Trip advisor and Google reviews are great; since there’s SO MUCH volume the ratings are pretty solid/can be trusted
BUT note: 5 stars may mean "great" in America, but 3s and 4s may be "great" for locals, so anything around 4 stars or more is a good gamble
Breakfast will be hard to come by; use “open now” search on Google Maps, or just plan for convenience store breakfast. Most coffee shops don’t even open until 11am.
Some bars will have a cover charge/seating charge, which will usually include a free snack. You’ll usually see signs about this.
Some fancier places may not have online bookings; if you have a credit card with some kind of concierge service (like Chase Sapphire or AMEX) then you can use them to help you book.
The waiters don’t usually come by often, so you need to be ready to call them over to order or for the check. Raise your hand and say “SUMIMASEN” (excuse me) to get their attention.
Shinkansen (bullet train) planning tips:
Depending on where you get your JR rail pass from, you likely can’t book online before you’re in Japan. Not to worry.
Best thing to do to prepare is:
use google maps to identify your train itinerary (x time from y station to z station)
make a doc you can print out with this info on it
add a note if you will have luggage bigger than a carry on (these need special reserved seats); translate this sentence with google just to ensure whoever helps you can understand
Then on your first or second day in Japan, go to a JR station ticket office and ask to book all these seats. Give them the print out and they’ll be able to get them all set for you. You may also need to trade in your JR pass voucher for the pass itself (again, depends on which you buy ahead of time).
If you’re planning on taking the Shinkansen with your larger luggage, be sure to reserve those tickets as soon as you get to Japan. I like to have a list of the trips and times, and go to a ticket counter for help.
Be sure to indicate you have luggage and need these special reserved seats – you can’t take large luggage on a Shinkansen without the reservation.
If you prefer to travel light, your hotel can probably help you use a luggage shipping service (they’re pretty cheap for the convenience factor). You can then travel from one city to another with just a carry-on to cover one night.
Klook (https://www.klook.com) is a GREAT resource for booking discounted or exclusive tickets/vouchers (like Groupon but better).
Great way to find activities (group or private)
Use it to book private transport to/from airports or other locations
Book tickets for popular tourist spots like Universal Studios or Team Lab (more on recommendations later)
Wanderlog (https://wanderlog.com) is an itinerary planner I’ve been using for a couple trips now, and I really like the ability to see things on a schedule and a map.
You can both access the trip and make changes/view info
The free version is really powerful; don’t think you really need the paid one.
You can also just use Google Maps to save things, but it’s nice to have an itinerary view if you have a few things going on.
Japan Cheapo https://japancheapo.com is a great resource to view what’s going on in certain cities during your trip.
YouTube channels: once you start searching for Japan travel information online, you'll find your favorite (and your least favorite) YouTubers. Here are some we found helpful, and encourage you to find your own top picks:
Paolo from Tokyo https://youtube.com/@PaolofromTOKYO
Cakes with Faces https://youtube.com/@cakeswithfaces
Only in Japan https://youtube.com/@onlyinjapan
Japan by food https://youtube.com/@JapanbyFood
Also, the IG algorithm will pick up on your Japan trip so search for a few reels about Japan and then you’ll see way more content. Great way to get super excited about the trip with little bite sized clips
Broadly, do a YouTube search for the city/neighborhood you’re going to see and watch a video or two of what’s recommended.
This is a good way for you both to 1) get excited and 2) see what you’re into exploring.
These recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg!
Hit list
Shibuya area (the HUGE crossing that's super famous)
Shinjuky area (two neat bar areas that are classic, famous Tokyo spots: Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai)
Plus a free amazing view of Tokyo from the Tokyo Metropolitan Gov't Building
Yoyogi park has a group of Rockabillies that dance on Sunday afternoons (absolutely killer, i can't wait to go back) - right next to Harajuku
Senso-Ji temple and the surrounding area are awesome; tons of great street food
The Ramen Museum is a little out of town, but Nima's still saying the ramen he ate there was the best of his life
Golden Gai:
it’s a little bar area with dozens of tiny bars in Shinjuku.
Teamlab Borderless or Teamlab Planets:
they’re half art installation half tourist trap half Instagram content but 100% unique and worth seeing once. You walk through enormous art installations, takes about an hour or two. Check out a YouTube to see quickly if you’re into or not, and book on Klook if you want to go.
A free high-up view:
from the free (Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku) to the paid (Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree), it’s worth going up high to take in the city. Many of these places will have a bar or restaurant if you want to take in the view for a while longer.
Harajuku -> Shinjuku -> Shibuya:
These three neighborhoods have great shopping – you can walk from Harajuku down to Shibuya, or just stick to one neighborhood. Harajuku is WELL worth a day trip anyway to see the vibe (all the “lolitas” and other alternative fashion).
Asakusa:
Super famous temple & great tourist area to walk around & eat. Try a rickshaw if your feet need a break; they’ll give you a great tour in English around the neighborhood.
Nearby is Hoppy Yokocho, full of old bars with a fun vibe.
Samurai Restaurant (previously Robot Restaurant):
This is a trippy dinner + show that is 100000% unique to Japan. It’s like walking into a drug trip, absolutely unforgettable. https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/samurai-restaurant-tokyo-tickets-what-to-expect/
Hit list:
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine was GORGEOUS and worth walking all around
Arashayama bamboo forest is incredible to visit
Nishiki Market is a MUST for eating - try EVERYTHING
General:
Kyoto has become WAY MORE crowded, so some of the classic spots may be awful to try and see. That said, it’s a city full of beautiful temples and classic Japanese streets to explore. Recommend maybe getting a tour guide for a day to help you navigate.
Nishiki Market:
It’s a long covered food market – amazing food
Maiko or Geisha tea ceremony
Kyoto is known for its matcha ceremonies – Klook will have some great options to do something a little more “classic” in an approachable way.
Arashiyama bamboo forest:
Will be full of tourists, but incredible to be surrounded by bamboo and another area to check out slightly outside of central Kyoto.
Local eats:
Mochi desserts, anything matcha, kaiseki Japanese multi-course meal
Dotonbori:
Lots of nighlife vibes. We stayed at the Cross Hotel Osaka right next to this neighborhood and it was awesome. Lots of good eats and people on the streets.
Shinsekai neighborhood:
retro vibes with little shops and restaurants/bars.
Universal Studios:
If you’re into the idea of an amusement park, this was so good. They have the new Super Mario area, and if you get a Klook ticket with reserved fast-pass ticket times the trip out is even better.
Local eats:
Kushikatsu (fried food on sticks) and okonomiyaki (cabbage “pancake”)
Stand alone in Tokyo
Uobei Sushi on a little conveyor belt (order on iPad and it comes out) yummy and entertaining https://maps.app.goo.gl/q9anGA1nDRd5iAJR8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Kabukicho tower has a food court with incredible decorations https://maps.app.goo.gl/yP37LKQ97A7sTTmS9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
My favorite bakery ginza kimuraya — the a pan is the BEST but honestly all the bread is so amazing. Great to buy and take away from the ground floor store for a portable option https://maps.app.goo.gl/tDPsTTit7dtFR56i8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
DAWN avatar robot cafe has people with disabilities or other homebound needs working via robots https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVPsA7ExNdTzg7Dt8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Chains that are dependable/yummy
Conveyor belt sushi: Sushiro, Kura Sushi
Sushi restaraunt: Sushizanmai
"Family restaurants" (restaurants that have a wide menu to cater to families): Saizeriya, Gusto, Jonathan's, Royal Host
Curry: Coco Ichiban
Udon: Marugame Seimen, Hanamaru Udon
Japanese set meals: Ootoya
Beef bowls: Yoshinoya, Matsuya
Tempura: Tenya
Fast food bugers: Mos Burger, Freshness Burger
Donuts: Mister Donut (they also have savory menus, not bad for a train station breakfast)
Convenience stores have fabulous food; especially sandwiches!
Lawson
Family Mart (famous fried chicken)
7-11
Explore Tokyo Station
Famously EXCELLENT restaurants, especially a whole ’street’ of ramen in a lower level
Department stores
Any big department store will have a basement level or two with food; worth exploring at least once! It’s incredible to see so much beautiful food in one place
Some of these basement food halls will also be in stations, so always look to see what's below!
Broadly — use klook.com as a resource for pre-paid tickets (saves time in line later, guarantees reservation times when possible)
Kind of like a Groupon, VERY user friendly, have only had excellent experiences with things booked through it
Great way to find activities (group or private) so you don’t have to plan everything
Unko museum (poop museum)
Right next to an amusement park Tokyo Joypolis
Teamlab Planets (or any other team lab thing)
Look at klook.com for cheaper tickets/reserved tickets
Takeshita street (think Gwen Stefani Harajuku girls)
Start on one side of the street and just head on down. An EXCELLENT neighborhood for touristy snacks, toys, people watching, etc.
Lots of trendy snacks (crepes, long potato sticks, fried chicken, etc). Some are yummier than others but they all look so cool.
A day at Ueno park could be…
The park itself (people will be doing hanabi or cherry blossom picnics)
Ueno zoo (famous for its pandas)
Nat’l museum of nature and science (we just went this last trip and it was super cool, if the dudes are into animals etc)
A day in Asakusa could be…
Shopping up Nakamise street (lots of little shops in a long row); lots and lots of food options around!
Visit Sensoji temple
And the asakusa hanayashiki amusement park (small but so cute! Perfect for smaller kids)
Tokyo Skytree (tallest tower)
Of all the ‘cool views’ this one is the most in one place; the shopping center attached has great shopping, food, and souvenirs. With Klook tickets, the process in/out was pretty painless (although still long lines)
A runner up is Tokyo Tower, also Klook tickets; smaller but more beautiful as a structure.