The Ultimate First Timer's Guide To Japan
With our first foray into Asia tragically curtailed by the pandemic in 2020, we could barely contain ourselves when restrictions across the continent were lifted and we could finally visit. But which country to tackle first? Since we had only 9 days of vacation time and were faced with a long trip across the USA before we would even board a plane to Asia, we decided that we should start with the top choice on our Asia bucket list: Japan! And, yes, we have a bucket list of places we want to go sorted by continent. Who doesn’t? We figured Japan would be a great place to dip our toes into Asia because not only would we be able to quickly cover the main island by high-speed train, we would also be able to navigate a little easier since we knew that there would be some English to be found in the cities we were interested in. As we neither read, wrote, nor spoke Japanese and frequently got simple phrases like “Sumimasen” (excuse me) and “arigato gozyemashte” (thank you very much) mixed up, this was a huge factor for us. Throw in the fact that there was an incredible sale on nonstop tickets to Japan and the fact that we had spent the last 10 years or so of our lives conquering historical-themed Japanese video games and it was a done deal!
Getting To Japan
Journeying to Tokyo, Japan from Atlanta, GA was a protracted event to say the least. We took advantage of a ticket sale for nonstop flights offered by Zipair from San Francisco to Tokyo. Of course, this meant that we also had to book an additional flight from Atlanta to San Francisco in order to get on our Zipair flight. Our travel time amounted to around 24 hours. Our tickets were $1000 round trip from Atlanta to San Francisco to Tokyo which we thought was extremely reasonable. If you’re also planning to fly to Japan from Atlanta, Delta airlines offers 16–17-hour, nonstop flights however the cost is triple what we paid starting around $3000 per person. The Delta flights are undoubtedly the quickest way to get to Japan from Atlanta if cost is not an issue for you and color us green if it’s not!
Our travel time amounted to around 24 hours. Our tickets were $1000 round trip from Atlanta to San Francisco to Tokyo which we thought was extremely reasonable. If you’re also planning to fly to Japan from Atlanta, Delta airlines offers 16–17-hour, nonstop flights however the cost is triple what we paid starting around $3000 per person. The Delta flights are undoubtedly the quickest way to get to Japan from Atlanta if cost is not an issue for you and color us green if it’s not!
Since we were not trying to break the bank before we even set foot in Japan, we went with the longer flight which turned out to be more pleasant than expected. To make the travel day less exhausting we booked a 3 hour stay at Freshen Up in the San Francisco airport for $175 for the two of us. Freshen Up is a small, in-airport inn offering well-equipped private rooms with comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, and clean showers with included amenities like towels/soap/toothpaste and so forth. We were pleasantly surprised at being able to get good quality rest before our 11-hour flight. We would have to say that Freshen Up surpassed our expectations and provided a service that is otherwise extremely difficult to find at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) what with the lack of pre-flight lounges in most terminals.
If you’re wondering what it was like to fly with Zipair then we would have to say that the experience was much like flying with budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit where everything is essentially fee-for-service. We had to purchase any perks we wanted ahead of time, which was easy to do as we were presented with “value packages” when booking our tickets that included meals, seat selection, checked bags and carry-on luggage. The airplane itself was comfortable with an average amount of leg room, power outlets, cushioned seats with adjustable headrests, and windows that didn’t have shades but had dimmable tinting. The most noticeable downside was the lack of onboard entertainment as the seats did not have any built-in screens. WiFi was offered but was a little difficult to connect to. Once we did connect to the WiFi, we had access to about 5 movies that we could view on our phones. We were about 10% interested in the movies and 90% interested in texting family videos of the space-age plane windows! Anyway, it definitely wasn’t all bleak on the entertainment front although it probably helped that we are easily amused. You should consider bringing some form of offline entertainment, however just in case of any snafus with the WiFi. The onboard food was shockingly delicious, the bathrooms were well-kept, and the air host/hostesses were all very friendly and accommodating so all-in-all Zipair has a leg up on its competitors when it comes to low-cost airlines.
You might also wonder what airport to fly to since Tokyo is served by two international airports namely Haneda International airport and Narita International Airport. Well, the main difference between these airports is location with Haneda being located closer to central Tokyo and therefore the most convenient option. The train ride from Haneda to Tokyo is around 30 minutes while the train ride from Narita airport is around 70 minutes. We chose to fly into Narita because it was a few hundred dollars cheaper per person and we knew there would be a dedicated high-speed train direct from the airport to our hotel. Since we weren’t as pressed for time and could enjoy the beautiful Japanese countryside from the train, we figured we wouldn’t mind the commute as much.
This was great in theory except that we boarded the train at almost 10 PM and all we saw of the countryside was a few distant lights. This was not a big deal though as we spent most of the ride dozing off in the luxurious reclining seats. If you’re pressed for time or simply want to avoid more commuting, then Haneda airport would be the best choice overall.
Choosing Hotels
Deciding where to stay in Japan was the second most difficult part of planning our trip mostly because there were so many well-reviewed hotels to choose from that we felt a little overwhelmed. It also didn’t help that there were just so many amazing neighborhoods in each city to choose from as well. If you’re a first-time visitor and are not sure where to stay, then we can help with that! In Tokyo, we highly recommend the Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza or Asakusa areas as they are all close to some amazing points of interest. In Kyoto, we recommend staying close to Nishiki market as many tourist attractions are within easy walking distance or a quick train ride.
Consider staying in the Minami area of Osaka for quick access to Dotonbori market area and tons of other tax-free shopping. Since we didn’t have the benefit of this knowledge pre-arrival, to simplify the selection process, our strategy was to choose hotels that were either close to attractions we wanted to visit or close to major train stations. This approach worked out extremely well particularly as we were trying to do as much as possible with the little time we had in Japan. We have to say that it’s hard to go wrong when picking a hotel in Japan as every place seems to adhere to a standard of cleanliness that can be difficult to find in other destinations and as the public transport system makes traveling around Japan’s cities safe and accessible. You really only need to decide how close you want to be to the things that interest you most! Click the links to see our hotel choices in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Tsumago-Juku!
Should you rent a car in Japan?
As you’ll see below, we got around perfectly well by using public transportation and never felt the need for a rental car. As a matter of fact, we were really relieved not to have a car in Tokyo for several reasons even though we almost always prefer to drive ourselves. Driving in Japan is done on the left side of the road which is the opposite of driving in the USA, and which could become dicey if you’re tired or slightly distracted. To enhance the challenge of driving, all the road signs are Japanese only and while we did understand the symbols, the sign placements were rather confusing plus we had no idea what written, non-symbol signs meant. It also did not help that even the traffic lights were unique with specific lights and arrows for specific lanes. Finally, there was the traffic, pedestrians, and tight parking spaces to contend with. On the positive side rental car prices were reasonable and gas was cheap.
If you absolutely want to drive in Tokyo or any of the other cities, we highly recommend taking a guided tour where you follow a lead car, that way you can have all the fun and no significant risk. We must advise against trying to drive cross country on your own as well because, truly, it just makes more sense to relax on a train for 2-3 hours and enjoy the views rather than fight traffic for 4-5 hours to get from one city to the next.
Getting around Japan
As you probably already know trains are the best means of public transport in Tokyo and pretty much every other major city in Japan. Taxis are available and, to a very limited degree, ride share services like Uber, however these tend to be significantly more expensive. For example, a train ride from Shibuya to Shinjuku takes about 20 minutes and cost about 1.20 USD per person while a taxi ride is around 15 minutes but costs 20-25 dollars. Considering how much we moved around on our short stay in Tokyo taking a cab too often would completely wreck our budget and this is the same in most cities. Walking to some attractions is also doable but be ready to deal with temperamental weather and crowded sidewalks.
If you’re planning to travel between major cities by plane then be aware that even though the intercity flights are cheap, they still take about an hour or more and the airports are often located about an hour away from each of the respective cities. This means that your commute is much longer, and you still must figure out how to get into the city, which could be costly. Or you can avoid all of this by taking a 2-hour ride on a super comfortable Shinkansen. A no-brainer, right?
Taking the train in Japan
We mostly commuted by train and on foot for sightseeing and resorted to taxis only when we were short of time or generally feeling lazy. The train network is so vast, and the train stations are often so huge that just walking into a station can be intimidating. Throw in the signage in Japanese scripts and you’re bound to feel entirely like a fish out of water. Or at least that’s how we felt on our first solo train ride from Narita airport to our hotel. Despite all our preparations and getting off at the correct station we somehow managed to get lost in the station itself and turned a 5-minute walk to our hotel into a 30-minute fiasco! We persisted though and can now give you some advice on where to start when it comes to figuring out the Japanese train system. And, even though we could write a thousand plus pages on the ins and outs of taking the train we’ll try to restrain ourselves and be as concise as possible here though you should know that this is much easier said than done.
The first and most important thing to know about navigating any train station is that there is English signage everywhere including in the train themselves, so you don’t need to pull your hair out trying to learn to read Japanese before you get there. Additionally, if you get lost or confused, there is a station master office next to many of the gates where you can stop for directions from officers who sometimes speak English. These offices are easy to spot, you just need to look around the area immediately before the ticketing gates.
Buying train tickets can be confusing as there are many types of tickets to choose from, for instance single ride tickets vs 24-hour tickets. To kick up the challenge a notch: not all tickets work on every train line. So how can you possibly know where to begin? Well, the simple answer is there are three essential things you need for using the trains in Japan. Get yourself a JR rail pass, a Suica card, and of course Google Maps and here’s why.
The Japan Railpass is the ultimate train ticket that only visitors to Japan can obtain and that allows you to ride as many trains as you want from one end of the country to the next. A one-week pass can be bought online for $250 for regular train cars or $330 for the reserved cars also known as Green cars. The pass works for many local lines known as green lines in all major cities, the “bullet” trains also known as Shinkansen plus the local buses and ferries. The Railpass can only be bought exactly one month from the day of intended use. You can purchase passes that work for 7 days or 14 days or however many weeks you need but, of-course, the longer the duration the more the cost. If the cost seems steep then, to help put things in perspective, you should know that a one-way ticket on a bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka cost 100 USD per person!
Even though this is to date the best all-inclusive travel pass that we have encountered, it does have some limitations worth mentioning. First, the pass works on most but not all Shinkansen. Additionally, you must make sure to get your passport stamped at the airport before making your way to a JR Office to pick up your actual pass and, finally, you have to always keep track of your pass at all times as it will serve as your ticket for every applicable train that you take. To get more information and to purchase the pass, create an account here then log in and purchase your pass before you’re ready to travel.
If you’re wondering whether to splurge on green car tickets the answer is yes, you should. Having the green car pass allows you to book your train reservations and choose your seats online as soon as you purchase the pass, which means you won’t run the risk of standing up for a 2-hour train ride. Also, if you do reserve your rides online, the staff at the JR office will print your railpass as well as all your reservations out for you at the airport. Note that you can only reserve seats on long distance trains not local trains although the pass will work on the local green line trains. For the local trains, all you need to do is find the one heading to your destination and hop on. Keep in mind also that the local trains are commuter trains and will be much busier when compared to the long-distance ones.
You might have deduced by now that the rail pass works on quite a lot but not all trains so how to pay for the other trains? Well, you could purchase individual tickets, or you could purchase a prepaid card that can be scanned by digital traders built into each ticket gate which is how most locals travel. Credit cards are not an option as the ticket machines are all cash only. There are numerous prepaid cards that are largely interchangeable with each other meaning that you can buy whichever one is most convenient for you. Two of the more common options are the Suica card and the Passmo card. You can purchase these cards via automated, cash-only machines located in most train terminals for around 500 yen which is refundable once you return the card. You can then load or reload these cards with cash as frequently as you need to. Note that these cards require cash to load/purchase so credit cards will not work. We chose the Suica card primarily because we could download the mobile version to our Apple wallets then load it with Yen via a Mastercard credit card. This was a bonus for us as we could avoid having too much cash on hand and could just scan our phones at the ticket gates to board whatever train we needed. With the JR rail pass and the Suica mobile card on hand, we never needed to stop to buy train tickets which was a huge time saver!
One small but frustrating thing worth mentioning is that if you use your phone or JR railpass to get through the ticket gates then you may not know what platform your train will leave from. Our solution to this was to download the Google Maps app which worked exceptionally well to direct us from one destination to the next via train. The directions frequently included the train departure platform so that we rarely had to stop to find out where to go.
Having inundated you with more information than you want but that you definitely need, let us close by saying that the JR rail pass, the Suica card and Google Maps are your best friends when it comes to easily and confidently hopping on board any of Japan’s clean, safe and luxurious trains.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
The best times to visit Japan is either in the Spring or the Fall which are considered the high seasons. A visit in April means crisp temperatures, clear skies and the chance to see the whimsical cherry blossoms. An Autumn visit, though cooler, also means blue skies and breathtakingly vibrant fall foliage.
Then there is the summer season with its high temperatures, impossible humidity, frequent rain, mosquitoes and typhoons which is when we decided would be the best time for our first ever Japan visit. Fortunately, we arrived in Japan in the very beginning of June when the temperature was closer to 80 °F rather than a 100 ºF, the rain was not as frequent, and the typhoons were still mostly at bay. It may sound like a poor choice of time but it, in fact, worked out well for us as we did not have to compete with millions of other tourists for the fun stuff we wanted to do. With cities already so full of inhabitants that every store and restaurant and sidewalk seem perpetually packed with people, we can’t help but speculate that an additional influx of tourists in the high seasons could leave you feeling a little claustrophobic. We figured a little heat and humidity to avoid more crowds was worth or this is what we told ourselves as we were sweating our way through Japan. It’s imperative that we caution you against visiting in July and August though as these months tend to be incredibly hot with intense humidity and lots of typhoons. If you absolutely have to visit in those months, then be sure to get a good travel/health insurance plan to protect you and your trip.
The fabulous food of Japan
We’re not sure where to even start when it comes to talking about the food in Japan. From the one-of-kind street foods to the mom-and-pop shops, from the anime themed cafes to the Michelin star restaurants it felt like there was not a moment where we were not being tempted by something scrumptious. We’re proud to say that we did not resist and indulged ourselves completely, a fact that our bathroom scale can attest to, sadly. If you’re wondering about food safety then we can set your mind at ease as, from what we witnessed, even the smallest establishments were clean and meticulous in handling food. Since we successfully ate our way through five different cities without any GI distress, we feel confident in saying you have nothing to worry about. The food was incredibly cheap with us walking away from “fancy” meals having spent a fraction of what we would in our hometown. We’re sure it goes without saying but, just in case, Wagyu, sushi, and ramen should be top of your list when you land in Japan. Check out our FOOD page to get the scoop on the foods you NEED to try while in Japan!
Tokyo
Picking a hotel in Tokyo especially was ridiculously difficult for us since every hotel appeared to be close to a major train station or some particular site that we absolutely had to see. But, on the verge of losing more hair from the sheer stress of indecision, we found the Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu which turned out to be perfect as it was directly connected to the Shibuya train station where the Narita airport train dropped off and as it was within walking distance of the iconic Shibuya Crossing and tons of restaurants and shops. The hotel was a very fair rate per night, nicely located for easy train trips between the various neighborhoods and our room offered more space than we expected in a Tokyo hotel. In fact, in addition to a super comfy queen bed, a sitting area, and separate shower, we also got an entire stand-alone water closet housing what has got to be the world’s most intuitive toilet! Honestly, you probably should stay at the Excel Stream hotel just for the toilet experience!
Because we wanted as well rounded an experience as we could have in 3 days in Tokyo, we also spent one night in the Shinjuku area known for its nightlife, shopping, street food and endless neon lights. We stayed at the Shinjuku Grandbell Hotel from where we could walk to Kabukicho (entertainment district of Shinjuku) to enjoy the music and food but avoid being constantly immersed in bright lights and loud music. The vibe of Shinjuku was very different from Shibuya with the latter seeming more relaxed and almost even suburban when compared to the frantic, high-energy nature of the former. A couple things to keep in mind about the Kabukicho area is that it is easy to get to by train from other neighborhoods so staying in the area is not entirely necessary. If you plan to visit the clubs and test your vocals in the various karaoke joints though we recommend getting a hotel nearby so that you don’t have to worry about taking an expensive cab or about train schedules as the trains do stop running surprisingly early in the evening. You should also watch out for hotels in Kabukicho that indicate in the name that they’re a “love” or “rest” hotel as these often cater to a specific clientele looking for short stays for specific services if you get our meaning. Whether you choose to stay here or not, you should definitely visit the area as it is the exact embodiment of all things Tokyo.
Top things to do in Tokyo
There is no lack of cool things to do in Tokyo really, but here are some of our top choices.
Shibuya Crossing
If you know anything about Tokyo, then you’ve at least heard about the Shibuya crossing which is formally known as the Shibuya Scramble crossing. Japan has many scramble crossings, but the Shibuya crossing is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the country and, as a matter of fact, the busiest in the world. At its busiest times, the crossing can have more than 2500 people making their way across. Not sure how to find it? After arriving to the Shibuya train station, make for the East exit and follow the crowd. For a phenomenal view, look for the Starbucks located just across the street from the crossing. Make your way to the second floor for an overhead view of the incredible spectacle.
Tsukiji Market and Shrine
Once an enormous fish market, the inner market has now been closed and relocated however the outer portion of the Tsukiji Market remains a fantastic spot to try out remarkably fresh sushi, sashimi and other delectable Japanese street foods. Be sure to check out the various Tamagoyaki stands, the beef skewer stalls and definitely get yourself one of the freshest seafood bowls you’ll ever have. Our advice is to be brave and try everything you can, you won’t be disappointed!
When you’re able to walk again, head to the Tsukiji Shrine where you can partake in a traditional Japanese prayer to seek forgiveness, like us, for gluttony or just pray for good luck. Make sure to bring a 5 or 50 Yen coin to offer as tribute as these coins are considered lucky and make your wish more likely to come through.
Hie-jinja Shrine
There are, of course, tons of shrines to visit in Tokyo but the Hie-jinja shrine is a must-see if you’re visiting Japan in June during the time of the Sanno Matsuri festival. The festival, held annually at Hie-jinja is a celebration of spring and includes various performances and parades complete with ornate floats. Even if you miss the festival, the shrine is still worth a visit as you’ll be able to see the floats up close, say a prayer to keep your trip going well and sample some of the local sweets.
Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Tower is a communications tower that is famous for being the second tallest structure in Tokyo. The red and white structure mirrors the Eiffel tower in shape and offers tons of shopping as well as an observation deck from which you can take in all of Tokyo. There is a fee to visit the observation deck, however there’s no charge to just enter the tower and have a look around. If you do want to go to the deck, then make sure to buy your timed entry ticket online before your arrival to make sure you can get in.
For an even better aerial view check out the Tokyo Skytree which is almost double the height of the Tokyo Tower. Entrance also requires a ticket and there are multiple observation platforms to choose from. Sadly, we could barely see the base of the Skytree thanks to the fog that plagued the beginning of our trip, so we recommend waiting until you’re in Tokyo to see the weather conditions before buying tickets.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
This might seem like an odd recommendation but stick with us and you’ll see that getting a great birds-eye view or Tokyo does not have to cost you a penny if you’re in the Shinjuku area. About 10 minutes away from the Shinjuku train station is the Tokyo Metropolitan government building; a high rise with an observation deck that is open to the public. Simply walk into the ground floor, head to the elevators, and wait for your turn to go up. With floor to ceiling windows, you get a spectacular view of Tokyo and might even see Mt. Fuji on a clear day!
Asakusa Shrine
After our visits to the Tsukiji and Hie-jinja shrines, we considered skipping the Asakusa shrine in favor of a less “touristy” spot but that would’ve been a terrible mistake. The Asakusa shrine was the biggest shrine with an attached Pagoda that we visited in the entire time we were in Japan. It was definitely busy with tons of locals and tourists, but the atmosphere was so upbeat and lively that we didn’t mind it at all. The street leading up to entrance of the shrine was lined with vendors selling the famous Asakusa sweets and all manner of Japanese wares. You don’t need a guide to visit Asakusa Shrine, but we were glad to have someone with us to direct us to the best sweets to try. We ended up buying more sweets than we could carry but who’s keeping track? The shrine itself was attention grabbing because of its size and its beautiful, ornate woodwork. Whether you think it’s touristy or not, you absolutely should visit the Asakusa shrine. To not visit would be akin to going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower or going to Rome and not visiting the Colosseum!
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Located within a 10–15-minute walk of the Tokyo station, the Imperial Palace is easy to get to and fun to explore. It is open to visitors, super picturesque and has a moat. If you’ve got the time, there are great running/walking paths that go around the palace making for an unforgettable experience.
Daikoku Car Park
For the car enthusiasts out there, a visit to the Daikoku Car Park should be on your shortlist of to-dos. The Daikoku car park is essentially an enormous parking lot attached to a shopping center where owners go to put their beefed-up rides on display. Because it’s just a parking lot, there’s no entrance fee and walking around and gawking at the cool cars is acceptable behavior. In fact, you can peek under the cars, take pictures with them and generally nerd-out and drivers won’t mind, just avoid touching anyone’s car as that is a breach of etiquette. A couple of things to note are that the car park has its best shows on Friday and Saturday nights and, if too many cars collect up in the parking lot, the police will close the area and send everyone home. To get to the parking lot, we took a driving tour of Tokyo which included an hour long stop at Daikoku. The tour, provided by Ichioku Tours, was a fantastic and quick introduction to both the city and its legendary car culture.
Shinjuku Night-Life
If you’re looking to party at one of the iconic, neon-lit clubs or just to walk down the brightly lit, crowded streets sampling ample street food, and trying your luck through multiple stories of claw machine crane games, then look no further than Shinjuku. Just outside of the Shinjuku train station is the Kabukicho area where there are more bars and nightclubs than you’ll likely have time to visit. Make sure to avoid solicitors and choose a club on your own for the best experience. This way you can enjoy yourself without being pressured into buying more drinks or karaoke time than you want! Be sure to check out Godzilla Street too!
Golden Gai
If you make a stop in Shinjuku, then make sure to add Golden Gai to your list of places to see. Golden Gai is a narrow alleyway lined by bars known as Izakayas that cater to locals. Although the alley is within a short walking distance of the entertainment district, the vibes are entirely different. In contrast to Kabukicho, Golden Gain is dimly lit and quiet. If you want to mingle and drink with the locals, then this is where you need to be. Bring cash with you as none of the Izakayas take electronic payment. And be prepared to be turned away as some establishments refuse to serve tourists primarily because they do not speak English. For the best experience in Golden Gai, consider booking one of the popular Shinjuku food and drink tours and you’re sure to avoid any disappointments.
Akihabara
For the lovers of Japanese pop culture and all things anime, a visit to Akihabara is in order. You can spend your time browsing hundreds of stores to find unique video games or interesting collectibles or you can take a load off in one of the famous maid cafes. Just make sure you have luggage room for all the tempting merchandise you won’t be able to pass up.
Kyoto
In Kyoto, we chose to stay as close as possible to the Nishiki market located about 10 mins away from Kyoto Station by car or bus. We stayed at the Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sakaiza Shijo-Kawaramachi hotel which was located right within the market itself. Our hotel was also within a 20-minute walking distance of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Gion Geisha District, and multiple shrines. We loved that we could walk through the huge market, sample as much street food as we wanted and buy as much stuff as we could carry and still be back in our room within 5 minutes. We do need to point out that even though our room was spacious, the hotel only offered twin beds, so we ended up with a 2-twin bedroom. This wasn’t a problem for us as the twin beds were on the larger side and we were able to push them together and no one ended up on the floor so nothing to complain about really. Incredibly, our room included a small kitchenette and a combo washer/dryer machine which makes this a hard-to-beat choice in Kyoto.
Top things to do in Kyoto
Of all the cities we visited, Kyoto was our absolute favorite! There were so many natural wonders mixed in with centuries-old historical and religious sites all intermingling with modern life so much so that we could barely walk a few feet without bumping into something we just had to explore. Here are some of the sites that we thoroughly enjoyed in our two days in Kyoto that we think you’ll also love.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
You may be thinking “another shrine?” And although you might be inclined to skip it, we have to advise against that. The shrine can be easily reached by a 20-minute taxi ride from the Kyoto train station or by hopping on a local train for 30 minutes. The local train drops off immediately across from the shrine so getting lost, no matter how hard you try, is not really a worry. But why make all this effort? Well, do hundreds of Tori gates stacked together to create a one-of-a-kind hike sound enchanting? It did to us although it did mean climbing uphill in bejeweled sketchers with questionable ankle support as we did not bring proper hiking shoes. Aside from hiking through the gates, there are gardens to explore, prayers you can attend, various Japanese customs to learn about and plenty of amulets to shop for. Plan on spending at least 2 hours at the shrine and don’t be surprised to find it bustling when you arrive as it is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. For a truly serene experience, you can visit the temple at night as there are fewer visitors, it’s well-lit and it is open 24 hours a day.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
A brisk 20-minute walk from Nishiki Market will land you at the Kyoto Imperial Palace where you can explore one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens we have ever seen. Meticulously maintained, the palace exudes power and opulence and is so silent and serene that you might wish to spend hours uncovering its history. There is no moat surrounding the Palace, however there are extensive gardens with many pathways that are open to the public so there’s plenty to explore!
Iwatayama Monkey Park
A visit to the Iwatayama Monkey Park is also a must, particularly if you’re traveling with children. The park is in Arashiyama and is reachable by a 20-minute train from Kyoto station. Once off the train, prepare to walk for about 15 minutes along streets lined with vendors selling traditional foods then across a river laden with canoes floating before a backdrop of green mountains. Just off the bridge and to the right you’ll encounter stairs leading up to the entrance of the monkey park. A small side note: you can also continue pass the stairs to the park to find the rental office for the canoes if you feel like rowing across the river for just 100 Yen!
The fee for entrance to the park is 600 Yen per person and must be paid by cash. Once you’ve paid the fee, prepare for a 30-minute uphill trek culminating in a flat mountain top that is home to the Japanese Macaque also known as snow monkeys. The snow monkeys are not caged but roam freely along the mountain top, pretty much ignoring the visitors and going about their business. Directly interacting with the monkeys is prohibited and it’s recommended that you avoid eye contact unless you feel like tempting fate, but this is easier said than done as they are so interesting to look at with their red faces, beige fur, and generally goofy behavior. Make sure to take in the spectacular panoramic view of the Arashiyama area before heading back down.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Just down the street from the monkey park is the Arashiyama bamboo grove which, contrary to what some may say online, is well worth a visit. We can see how visiting in the high season can lead to being packed shoulder-to-shoulder along the main path, but we did not encounter this on our visit. We supposed not having to deal with that was our perk for putting up with the June heat. A 10-minute walk back in the direction of the train station takes you to the entrance of the bamboo grove. There’s no fee to enter and one main path through the grove that is hard to miss. Once you’re on the path just let your legs lead the way while you meander through the cool shade of the lush, green, towering bamboo. Once we had all the pictures we could take, we retraced our steps as we wanted to visit a special spot that we passed enroute to the bamboo grove.
Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden
Recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Tenryu-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple rather than the more frequently encountered Shinto shrines. The temple is also located in Arashiyama, and the main entrance sits halfway between the monkey park and the bamboo grove. There’s a second entrance located immediately before the bamboo grove that leads directly into the immaculate gardens. An entrance ticket can be purchased for the garden alone or the garden and the temple building together. If you’re short on time and must choose, we recommend visiting the gardens to meander the shaded paths, admire the gorgeous flora and unwind at the enormous koi pond.
Nishiki Market
Encompassing several blocks of prime Kyoto real estate, the Nishiki market is the largest traditional food market in Kyoto. Hundreds of stalls serving mouthwatering items like fresh seafood tempura, tamagoyaki, chicken karaage, tuna bowls, wagyu beef potstickers, to name just a few, line the many streets of the market. The outside of the market is lined with stores selling everything from clothes to anime collectibles. All this is conveniently located within a 10-minute bus or taxi ride from the Kyoto station. Luckily for us, our hotel was located directly within the market so our dream of eating our way through the market quickly became a reality. We should warn you that the market is cash only so make sure to get some yen otherwise you’ll spend an hour of your life jealously watching everyone else eat. Also, space is tight in the market and there is almost no seating so be prepared to eat standing or while you walk. Who needs to sit though when there’s so much to discover every few feet? Finally, bring a small trash bag and napkins with you so that you can easily free up your hands for the next snack that catches your attention.
Gion District
Another 20-minute walk will take you from the Nishiki market into a whole different world; the Gion district. The Gion district is known as one of the homes of the Geishas of Kyoto and, contrary to popular belief, it is not a red-light district. In fact, the streets were busy with school children making their way home, Geishas en route to their evening performances and a hodgepodge of people going about their day-to-day lives. Gion is exceptionally peaceful in comparison to the market area and the homes are historic, well-preserved buildings that are tightly packed together. In order to really explore this aspect of Japanese culture we booked a 1-hour Gion tour and Geisha experience through a local entertainment company known as Maikoya. The tour was done in a small group fashion and, after walking through Gion, we were introduced to a Geisha who answered our questions about her life, played a traditional game with us and treated us to a lovely Japanese dance. Since Geishas are the ultimate Japanese hostess, if you’d like to truly experience old-world charm and culture, we highly recommend booking a similar tour.
Osaka
Check price on Amazon!
By the time we got around to selecting a hotel in Osaka we had fine-tuned the process of identifying a great hotel, so we were confident in choosing Hotel Nikko in the Minami area of Osaka. This worked out perfectly because the hotel was high-end but affordable, attached directly to the local train station, comfortable with great amenities, had its own mall and was within a 10-minute walk of the Dotonbori market and all the designer stores you could dream of. This was ideal for us as we were nearing the end of our trip and could now whip out our expandable stowaway duffle bag and go crazy with our tax-free shopping!
Being both less traditional than Kyoto and less hectic than Tokyo, Osaka has more of a feel of an upscale vacation destination. Tall glass buildings, tons of designer shopping and a lovely canal you can leisurely float along are hallmarks of the city. Of the two major urban centers: Kita and Minami, we chose to stay in Minami. This meant having to take a local train from the Shin-osaka station to our hotel but, as the train dropped off in the basement of our hotel, this wasn’t an inconvenience at all. We loved our location as we were within 10 minutes’ walking distance of everything we wanted to explore. We also enjoyed that Osaka seemed more modernized overall, and we were able to use electronic and card payments much more frequently. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Osaka.
Top things to do in Osaka
Spend an afternoon in Dotonbori
Dotonbori, an enormous market, is a great spot to shop for everything from food to luggage to high-end Japanese beauty products. If you don’t love souvenir shopping, then you’ll be pleased to know that you can get it over with quickly as is evidenced by us being able to buy everything we needed in under 2 hours all while stopping to sample the food. Speaking of food, Osaka is considered one the most foodie destinations in Japan and Dotonbori is a great place to get your hands on Osaka’s iconic dish: Takoyaki. If you don’t already know, Takoyaki is dumpling stuffed with a small piece of octopus and topped with whatever sauces you like. Plan on spending a couple hours in the market and don’t eat dinner before you go!
Explore Don Quixote
Nope, we don’t mean the book. We’re talking about the 9-story department store carrying everything you could possibly need. There’s one in every city in Japan but we especially enjoyed the Osaka store as it was a stone’s throw of our hotel making hauling our finds back to the room a much easier prospect. We also loved that they accepted credit cards and have a nice discount for tax-free shoppers like us.
Check out the Dotonbori Canal
With a decidedly European vibe, the Dotonbori canal runs along the shopping area and its banks are lined with cafes and restaurants. You can either take a stroll along the canal or hop on one of the boats cruising the waters when you want to escape the bright lights and bustle of the shopping streets.
Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Although we didn’t have time to try it ourselves, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the Giant Ferris wheel with a water view. If you’ve got some extra time, for just 600 yen you can see Osaka in a unique way!
Other attractions worth visiting in the city include Osaka Castle and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. It behooves us to mention that Universal studios Japan is also in Osaka. We grappled with the idea of visiting because what could be better than visiting Super Nintendo World while in Japan!? But, when we mentioned to one of our guides that we may need to cut Hiroshima out of our tight schedule to work in Universal Studios, the look he gave us followed by “but you’ve got one in the US right?” was the kick in the shin we needed to organize our priorities. Regardless, we hear it’s a pretty good time if you can land tickets so live it up for the rest of us if you do decide to go!
Hiroshima
Despite our short visit, we could immediately tell a difference between Hiroshima and the other cities we’d been through. For starters, the city seemed more suburban and subdued overall. The sidewalks were surprisingly empty and there was a certain stillness that we hadn’t encountered anywhere else in Japan. Although the pace of the city was slower overall there are plenty of great things to do and here are a couple of our more memorable finds.
Top things to do in Hiroshima
Shukkein Gardens
Nearby to the Hiroshima train station, Shukkein Garden is a peaceful, inner city green space with a huge koi pond at its center. Various pathways and bridges lead you through lush hydrangeas, cherry and plums trees and bring you close to the edge of the water. There are several cottages within the park where you can partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony if you’re so inclined. The ceremony needs to be booked ahead of time and can be done through Viator or TripAdvisor. There are memorials throughout the park paying tribute to those killed in the Hiroshima bombing as well as some trees that actually survived the bombing. Entrance fee is paid in cash and is 260 yen per person. For 100 Yen you can buy a bag of fish food at the entrance to feed the Koi fish in the pond. Definitely don’t skip this unless you really just want to feel left out when others start feeding and interacting with the Koi.
Peace Memorial Park/Atomic Bomb Dome
Being the main focus of our visit, Peace Memorial Park was a sobering experience to say the least. Contained within the park is the Peace Memorial Museum depicting the damage and ongoing ramifications of the bombing, the Atomic Bomb Dome which was the only structure left standing after the blast, the Cenotaph serving as the arched tomb of all those who died because of the bombing and the Children’s Peace Monument erected in honor of all the young ones killed or affected by the bombs. Be sure to visit the Shima Hospital just around the corner from Peace Memorial Park to see the actual hypocenter of the blast. Of all the things we experienced traveling through Japan visiting the park was the most poignant and meaningful and we must urge you to add it to your itinerary.
Hondori Street
Just down the road from Peace Memorial Park is one of Hiroshima’s bustling markets, which is a must visit if you’re in need of a pick me up or just looking for interesting food. Known as Hondori Street, the market is similar to but more restrained when compared to Nishiki or Dotonbori. It’s worth a visit though as it is a great place to get your hands on Hiroshima’s iconic dish, Okonomiyaki, or some heavenly Matcha green tea ice-cream.
Planning on staying in Hiroshima for a while? Then make sure to visit the Imperial Palace where, if you plan it just right, you can catch a Samurai performance! For a unique experience, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to see the Itsukushima Shrine with its buildings built over water and its enormous, floating Tori Gate.
Tsumago-Juku
Hailed as one of the best-preserved historic towns in Japan, Tsumago-Juku is more than worth the small hassle involved in getting there! Sure, we had to take three trains and a cab to get to Tsumago-Juku, but going back in time should require some effort, right? Well, at least that’s how we justified the three-hour journey from Kyoto to Tsumago-Juku to spend one spectacular night at the Fujioto Inn. In essence, Tsumago-Juku is a one-street story-book town with as few modernizations as possible. A car can be spotted here and there but this isn’t encouraged along the main street during daylight hours. Power lines are hidden as best as they can be and every possible measure to maintain the essence of old-world Japan is taken.
There are no streetlights to speak of and there is a strict lights-out and music curfew at 9pm. If you’re wanting to experience true zen and find absolute serenity, then add this town to your stops in Japan. To experience the full illusion of being transported to the past, you should consider spending at least one night in Tsumago-Juku at one of the Ryokans.
For things to do in the area there are the Honjin and Wakihonjin museums located right off the main street, plenty of souvenir shops, the Kotoku-ji temple and lots of amazing mountain hikes along the Kiso River or the Atera Gorge. Surprisingly, there is a small post office in town with an ATM and a visitor center with lots of information, in English, of things to do in the area. Whether you decide to hike the whole region or just languish at your Ryokan, we can guarantee that you’ll have an unforgettable time in Tsumago Juku.
Spend a night at the Fujioto Ryokan
In addition to all our amazing hotel stays we also wanted to experience some of the charms of old-world Japanese living so we booked a one-night stay in a ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that typically features lovely gardens, rooms with tatami mats and homemade dinners and breakfasts prepared and served by your host. Kyoto, especially, is known for being home to some of the best ryokans in Japan. We, however, wanted to visit the Edo period mountain town of Tsumago Juku to be as submersed in historic Japan as we could be. With limited accommodations available in the small town, we were lucky to secure a room at the Fujioto Ryokan. The ryokan was initially built in the 1800s, has been awarded multiple times for exceptional customer service and has been run by the same family for over 100 years. At a cost of 200 USD for the two of us for one night we were shown to a well-maintained traditional room with a garden view, provided with kimonos to wear about the inn, and fed a delicious 10 course dinner and a traditional Japanese breakfast. Our host even provided house shoes to wear indoors and umbrellas for our use about town.
In keeping with old world practices our room did not have a bed. Instead, we slept on the floor on thin but comfortable mattresses laid out on tatami mats. Our room, surprisingly, included a small tv, a heater for cooler nights and a safe to store our valuables which were the only nods to modernization aside from electricity. The most challenging part of our stay was trying to fluff and sleep on the rice-stuffed pillows, but we really couldn’t complain as we were there for the authentic experience.
The meals we were treated to showcased all locally sourced ingredients prepared and presented in a way that made us feel like we were in a Michelin star restaurant rather than a quaint inn. We do want to point out that the ryokan did not have ensuite bathrooms but had shared showers and toilet facilities. This is not unusual though as ryokans are known for this type of set up. We were not put off as the shower rooms were huge and clean and included a hot tub for our use right in it! From the phenomenal food to the kindness and hospitality of our host, everything at the Fujioto Ryokan surpassed our expectations making this the best stay we had in Japan! Check back later for a full description of our mouthwatering Fujioto meal!
Hakone and Odawara
Possessed of a hearty and, undoubtedly, misguided optimism that the June rains that had plagued us from the moment of our arrival would clear in order for us to view Mt. Fuji, we decided that a day trip to Hakone and the magnificent Fuji Five Lakes was in order. To get there, we took a train from Tokyo to Odawara station followed by a 30-minute taxi ride to Hakone. To explore the region as fully as is possible in a half day, we booked a guided, driving tour with Fun2drive owners club.
The tour included rental of a JDM vehicle and five hours of bliss winding through mountain roads to the Fuji speedway way then to Lake Yamanaka, one of the famous Fuji Five. Unbelievably, the rain stopped enroute from Tokyo to Hakone and we arrived at the tour location in glorious sunshine however Mt. Fuji, temperamental as ever, remained fully cloaked in clouds only presenting us with its “silhouette” as our guide so comically described it. Despite this, however, the tour ranks as our most incredible experience in Japan. What could be more exhilarating than some daredevil driving on pristine mountain roads from rice fields to mist covered mountain tops? Not much, really! If you happen to stay in the area for a longer time, then be sure to check out the other 4 lakes and Odawara Castle. Interested in having your own Japan driving experience? Check back soon for full details on how to get to Hakone and to book the Fun2drive tour!
Do you REALLY need to know…? - Japan Edition
That you should book a meet-and-greet at the airport?
Because we were arriving to Japan at 8pm and knew we had a long train ride into the city, we wanted to get all the things we needed to do done efficiently so that we could get out of the airport as quickly as possible. With this in mind, we booked a “meet and greet” tour through Viator.com and were met by a guide just outside of customs who helped us navigate the airport to exchange our currency, pick up our JR rail pass and get on the correct train. This perhaps sounds a little unnecessary but imagine traveling for 24 hours then arriving at a destination where you’re faced with a language you don’t understand and an obstacle course of things to do keeping you from your cozy hotel and blissful sleep. In our opinion this was money well spent!
That signing up on VisitJapanWeb is huge time-saver?
For non-citizens entering the country, Japan has a website known as Visit Japan Web where visitors can sign up for an account then proceed to enter all the necessary customs and immigration information. The website is secure and only one account is needed as multiple family members can be added under each visit to Japan. Once all the required information is provided, the website then generates a QR code for each family member that can be presented to the immigration officer AND the customs officer. Doing this ahead of time is not necessary but if you choose not to, be prepared to spend a lot of extra time filling out forms when you arrive to the airport in Japan before you can even join the long immigration lines and get through customs. We did not know about Visit Japan Web ahead of time but were able to go to the website and fill in the information while in line and had our QR codes handy by the time we reached our immigration officer. Even doing it on the go was faster than trying to figure out the paper forms so we have to strongly recommend doing this before your arrival. Who needs extra delays and stress at the start of an epic vacation?
That tour guides are lifesavers?
Although we were confident that we could navigate the cities on our own, we decided that having a guide would help us make the most of our time. This was a great decision because our guides introduced us to the train system, took us to locations we otherwise wouldn’t find on our own and helped us pinpoint the best street foods to try. We booked walking tours with City Unscripted through Viator.com and were connected with guides who then built us fully customized itineraries to suit our interests. This was perfect as the tours were private, affordable and also flexible, allowing us the freedom to choose how we wanted to spend our time. Unless you read or speak Japanese or know of some other magical way to communicate without speaking the language, you should also consider getting a guide at least for your first day. This way, you can avoid walking in circles and never quite making it to your destination or, even worse, standing on the sidewalk yelling at your phone in frustration.
That having cash on hand is crucial?
Despite having technological advancements that put other nations to shame, Japan has been slow to adopt a cashless payment system. There appears to be many reasons for this, with the main one being fear of fraud. Many businesses and all public transportation only accept cash so make sure to bring money with you that you can exchange for Yen. Some businesses do accept credit cards in Tokyo however there are large parts of the city like the Tsukiji Market and multitudes of Izakayas that only take cash. Other major cities like Osaka and Hiroshima seem to do business in equal parts with cash and credit cards while Kyoto is cash-only all the way. If you venture into more rural towns then you should plan on mostly using cash.
Japan’s one nod to a cashless payment system comes in the form of “IC” cards or smartcards such as the previously mentioned prepaid cards. Whether you choose a Suica Card, a Passmo card or some other version of IC card, you still need to load it with cash before you can use it. Once loaded, you can scan these cards anywhere you notice an IC logo to pay for stuff without having to handle cash. And remember, the Suica card in particular can be added to your mobile wallet and loaded with a credit card and is easily utilized by tapping your phone to any IC card reader. It’s worth mentioning that the IC cards are not accepted everywhere so you will still need to carry some cash. Also note that each person needs their own IC card, they cannot be shared.
To mitigate some of the stress that comes with carrying around a lot of cash, we chose to exchange a small amount of money and supplemented this by using our mobile Suica cards. We also brought along credit cards that did not have foreign transaction fees and an international ATM card. If you need to use your ATM card then seek out a 7-Eleven as their ATM machines allow use of non-Japanese debit cards. Many local Post offices also have ATMs but those may not accept foreign debit cards. We recommend keeping the majority of cash you anticipate spending in your bank account and just using the ATM to withdraw Yen when you need it rather than exchanging money at a currency counter as there are less associated fees.
That Prepaid Cards have more uses than just for public transport?
In case you haven’t already guessed it from how much we’ve said about them, we’re big fans of the Japanese prepaid cards. If we could have our way we would, of course, choose to use credit cards everywhere but since that isn’t really an option in Japan, these cards are the next best thing. We’ve mentioned that they’re great for use with public transport such as trains and buses but that’s not all. These cards can be used in grocery stores, restaurants, taxis and even the famous Japanese vending machines. Businesses and taxis that accept the cards frequently will display the logos on their doors and windows but it’s always a good idea to verify that they do actually accept your card for payment as they sometimes have the logos on display but refuse to take the card. This way you can avoid situations like getting trapped in the back seat of a cab when you can’t pay the fare and the driver refuses to open the doors!
That many Japanese natives may not speak English but can often read it?
Although English has been moving into the role as the dominant language over the past few decades, expecting to encounter English commonly in Japan would be folly as most people speak little to no English. Knowing this, we made some extra preparations by learning some Japanese words and road signs ahead of time. More important than our worse-than-a-toddler’s attempt at learning Japanese on the go, was the fact that we downloaded and mastered the Google Translate App before our arrival. This came in handy as most of the people we encountered were patient and would often whip out their own translation apps to try and communicate with us. The camera feature in Google translate can also be used to translate signs on buildings which was a huge relief whenever we were trying to find specific places and decipher menus.
To assuage some of the trepidation you may feel from learning this, we should point out that public spaces like the train terminals, bus stations, shopping malls and so forth do have English signage so that it’s easier to navigate those areas. Train terminals also have officers who do speak English and the trains and buses themselves even announce their stops in multiple languages including English. Furthermore, many Japanese natives may not speak English, but many can write and read some English as they are required to learn this in school. This means having a notepad/pen on hand or using your smartphone to type simple questions can also be useful. If, for some unfathomable idea, all these measures fail you, hand gestures are a pretty decent back up. This is evidenced by the fact that we were able to order food simply by pointing at things and imparting our agreement to things with a double thumbs up. What can we say, some forms of communication are just universal.
That Japanese toilets put all others to shame?
Unless you design them for a living or work with them in some way, most people wouldn’t give a second thought to a toilet. It’s just a necessity that we would rather pretend we didn’t actually need right? Well, rather than bury the truth and therefore hinder any forward progress in achieving bathroom perfection, the Japanese have instead embraced this need and created the most technologically advanced toilets in the world. We’re talking about everything from warmed seats and bidets with multiple pressure settings and water temperature controls to built-in deodorizers and automatic flushing. We were at first taken aback and generally intimidated by such obvious toilet opulence in our hotel rooms but, as it turned out, these toilets were everywhere including public bathrooms across the nation. Not all the toilets are created equal though as the public ones have less features and won’t automatically flush but make up for this by playing sounds of running water and tweeting birds so that no one knows what’s going on in there! Most of these toilets don’t have a lever for flushing attached to it which means that, if it doesn’t flush automatically then you should look on the control panel or the wall for a touchscreen or button to flush. So, how do we feel about the toilets and are they overkill? Well, let’s just say that we’re now in the market for a particular item that will be the centerpiece of our next bathroom remodel!
That everything really is incredibly clean?
Germaphobes that we are, we were giddy at the impeccable cleanliness that we found in Japan. Our hotel rooms, the trains, taxis and buses, public bathrooms and pretty much everywhere we went appeared to be perpetually scrubbed despite the millions of people moving through at any given time. Furthermore, food preparation and handling were so meticulous that, for the first time ever, we were not terrified of trying the street food. All we can say is kudos to Japan and the remarkable Japanese people for mastering what many other first world nations still struggle with.
That getting in a Japanese taxi is a true cultural experience?
If you’re thinking of hailing a cab anywhere in Japan, there are a few things to know. The first is that you may have a tough time hailing a cab on the fly if you’re a foreigner as many taxi drivers don’t speak English and shy away from giving you a ride to avoid any kind of hassle or embarrassment for themselves. It’s almost always better to have your hotel request a taxi for you, this way they can communicate where you’d like to go to the driver. If you must hail a cab on your own, you can either look for a taxi stand or make solid eye contact with a driver and you’re more likely to get picked up. Make sure to have your desired address written or typed out so that you can show it to the driver. Second, you may be surprised to learn that the average age of taxi drivers in Japan is very high with many of the drivers being in their 60s. If you feel a little alarmed by this, don’t be because all of our drivers were experts at navigating the cities and traffic that we traveled through getting us to our destinations safely and efficiently. Thirdly, all of the taxis are incredibly well kept with some even having crocheted seat covers and drivers wearing white gloves. The cars are metered and there are no fixed rates. Also, the vehicles are often equipped with headrest entertainment and electronic consoles for payment by IC cards and, rarely, credit cards. Cash is always accepted. Finally, the drivers have full control of the car doors meaning that you can only depart the vehicle after paying.
That Japan is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world?
All countries have some degree of crime, it would be foolish to think otherwise, and vigilance when traveling is necessary however, we felt incredibly safe as we moved through Japan. It didn’t matter whether we were surrounded by people in a fancy shopping district or walking through a narrow alley way in the dark, we felt no threat or uneasiness. This, we feel, is unique to Japan as we have never encountered this in all of our travels. Everyone we met were respectful and understood personal space and there were no solicitations or unwelcome overtures further adding to the overall sense of security. That being said, scams to look out for when traveling in Japan include being given incorrect change on purpose and being enticed into bars. It’s always better to pick your own place to fill up on sake and karaoke until you drop and always keep an eye on how your drinks are being made. You definitely don’t want to be slipped sleeping pills then wake up in an unfamiliar place to find out that your bank cards were snagged and you’re now short thousands of dollars!
That there are tons of conveniences to take advantage of?
With millions of people occupying a relatively small mainland, it makes sense that practically everything in Japan is extremely organized to allow for business, travel, shopping and anything else you have in mind to be done as efficiently as possible.
Need to change money? Don’t bother looking for a currency exchange counter or a bank. Instead, look for currency exchange machines which are located in every major train station and airport.
Forgot to pack toothpaste? No need to panic, just look for a 7-eleven, we guarantee you’ll find 2-3 of these within easy walking distance of your hotel. Even better, there’s a 7-eleven in every train station except for those in more rural areas. Not only can you stock up on everyday necessities here you can also use the ATM or grab a quick bite from the selection of odd but tasty warm treats!
Want to drop off your bags while you explore the city but are not checked into a hotel yet? Look around the train station for luggage lockers. Most major stations have these, and they can accommodate small to medium size baggage. The cost of the locker is displayed on the doors and can be paid in Yen or by IC cards. You can store your luggage for up to three days in one of these lockers. We should point out that locals and travelers all use them so competition for lockers can be stiff at major terminals like Tokyo station or Shibuya station so plan to give yourself a little extra time to find an available one.
Running low on time but need food? Well, if a 7-eleven isn’t nearby, keep an eye out for vending machines. You’ll likely find banks of these everywhere and can get anything from cold drinks to pastries. We bought an authentic French Kouign Amann from a vending machine at the Hiroshima station! The machines often have Japanese text only but don’t be intimidated, they work the same as all other vending machines. Just push the button for whatever you want, tap your phone or IC card to the e-card reader or put in your yen and voila!
Having trouble with your phone service? Don’t despair, many cities like Tokyo and Kyoto have city-wide free Wi-Fi. All you need to do is enter your email address and you’ll be connected. The Wi-Fi is a little spotty but at least you won’t be stranded if your phone service lets you down.
That you should plan to get a mobile hotspot?
It’s a good idea to get a mobile hotspot for more reliable Wi-Fi, even if your USA mobile carrier offers service in Japan. For just a small cost, you’ll have reliable, fast internet which is priceless when you’re on the hunt for cool things to do or need a reservation on the fly. Mobile hotspots are also incredibly useful in rural regions where phone service may be otherwise limited. You can get a mobile hotspot at the airport or reserve one ahead of time. Although we had exceptional service with T-mobile while in Japan, we also rented a mobile hotspot from Sakura mobile because their devices were well-reviewed and offered the longest battery life. Rather than pick it up at the airport, we reserved it online for 70USD for 7 days and had it mailed to our hotel, and it was waiting for us when we arrived. Set-up was easy as all we did was turn on the device and connected our phones to the device’s password-protected Wi-Fi. The device came with a carrying case and its own charger. Returning it was also seamless as a labeled return envelope was included and all we had to do was package it in the envelope and drop it in a post box at the airport before our flight.
That you do not need plug adapters?
If you’re visiting from the USA, all your plug-in devices will work without a travel plug adapter. The standard voltage in Japan is 100 Volts which most US power adapters can accommodate. No need to worry about frying your phone!
That the hotel rooms really are as small as advertised?
Most hotels are rather small with just enough room to move about. Despite traveling with only 2 backpacks and a small carryon bag, there were a few times where we still felt crowded in our room. Interestingly, the living spaces in our rooms tended to be small but the bathrooms were large and spacious! The lack of space is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to bring lots of luggage, in which case you should seriously consider taking advantage of a luggage locker! If you absolutely need extra space, check out some of our hotels above to get some ideas on where you can stay as most of our hotels were more had decent space with one even having a kitchenette!
That tipping is not welcomed?
Tipping is such a common practice in many places that it can feel entirely odd when faced with cultures that don’t require it. Japan is one such place where tipping is a no-no. Everyone in Japan is paid a wage for the service they provide, and no one relies on tips. It’s also against the law to take money that you didn’t somehow rightfully earn so if a customer leaves behind cash, the proprietor is obligated to return it or face possible criminal charges. You can tip in certain circumstances, for instance if you have a butler during your hotel stay or tour guides. Otherwise, keep your cash to yourself, you don’t want to go getting anyone into trouble!
That it’s illegal to pick stuff up off the street?
This should go without saying but, for the sake of thoroughness, we’re going to say it anyway. Don’t pick up stuff that is not yours! Japan has a series of quirky laws, one of which we mentioned above. Another notable one is that anything found in public areas belongs to the government and picking it up equates to theft. Whether it’s a 1000-yen bill or hair tie, you should avoid picking it up unless you want to be accused of stealing from the Japanese government and entirely ruining your vacation.
That good manners and proper etiquette are essential pillars of Japanese culture?
Good manners and respectful behavior should be standard practice but there are many cultures where such things are now considered antiquated. This is not the case in Japan however and it’s worth mentioning that the Japanese still embody these principles. It’s common place to hear greetings and people saying, “thank you” and to see people bowing to each other. Tourists are not expected to abide by these customs, of course, but if you’d like to feel less like a fish out of water then knowing some of the traditions can be useful.
Learning how to say hello, excuse me and thank you in Japanese will pay big dividends especially if you need help, and we can assure you that you will at some point in your visit. Bowing is also a great way to show respect and gratitude. The thing to know about bowing is that the lower you go the more meaningful it is so you wouldn’t want to give a little bow in response to someone who bowed lower to you, that could be construed as disrespectful. When handing money to anyone, make sure to offer it with both hands and bow. This is also the proper way to receive money or business cards offered to you, accept it with two hands and an “Arigato gozaimasu.”
As far as general decorum goes, it’s considered rude to blow your nose in public, eat on public transportation, stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice and dress too scandalously. You can certainly do all these as things but prepare for a few skeptical looks. Honestly, though, the Japanese are a very live-and-let-live people when it comes to tourists and are generally so polite that no one will ever say anything if you choose to do any of these things. We just figured it’s worth mentioning these things as it couldn’t possibly hurt to put your best foot forward!
That no one likes to tan in Japan?
This statement may be a little exaggerated but not as much as you might think. Many Japanese people believe that extremely fair and unblemished skin is a mark of true beauty so, to this end, they avoid the sunshine like it’s the plague itself. Don’t believe us? Just take a look around when you’re in Japan, we can guarantee that you’ll notice lots of umbrellas in use on sunny days and all manner of other creative inventions like custom sleeves for those wanting to wear tank tops. You’ll also notice that many Japanese beauty and skincare products are geared towards skin-lightening. But don’t be mistaken, we’re not judging, we’re just astounded. It would seem that, in addition to a myriad of other life-changing discoveries and inventions, Japan has also unlocked the secret to perfect skin.
Check out our packing hacks and learn how to carry more, pay less fees and save on square footage in those tight Japanese hotel rooms!
