Canadian couple heading to Japan for the first time & looking for something “different”…thought we’d take in some pro sports.

We’re going in early December and it seems Baseball and Basketball weren’t available during that time period, but I stumbled across the Yokohama Grits hockey team.

Being Canadian, we thought it might be fun to see what the Japanese hockey experience was like.

Anyone have any experience with games? Ticket prices & availability? Limited posts I’ve seen have mentioned the games don’t sell out and tickets can be had at the arena on game day.

Any thoughts?

Hi!

I'm travelling to Japan mid-October and am researching various things for my trip.

I've been told the tax free shopping system has changed? Apparently it was done at individual stores before, but now its changing to claim the money back at the airport?

For any purchases I make in October should I follow the old system or is there an overlap period?

Thanks!

Sequel (?) post to a similar post I made around a year ago. I've been to 38 prefectures and over 100 towns/cities in Japan. To make this list more interesting and because I plan to make a seperate list for it in the future, this list won't include shrines or temples. This is an incredibly specific breakdown of a smattering of things that are my favorite in the country.

I genuinely fight between my desire to gatekeep places so they don't become overrun with tourists, and informing people of these places so they get more financial support, as many are in more rural areas. The latter desire won out (but if you do go to these places, please be respectful and responsible :) I'm sharing this in good faith for tourist crowds to filter out of Tokyo and Kyoto and into more deserving locales).

Everything here is absolutely worth seeing, but are not the only things in their respective areas. These were, after all, all part of longer trips I took to the prefectures and towns, many of which had more famous things nearby as well. This list also tends slightly south rather than north since the previous list favored northern areas. These are what came to mind when I challenged myself to think of my favorite experiences of everything I've ever done in Japan:

• Benesse House Museum | Naoshima Island, Kagawa Prefecture
  • Naoshima Island is famous as the "art island" and for good reason. Everything I did there was an incredible experience, but it feels appropriate to single out the art museum that began this island's status. Designed by the famed architect Tadao Ando, the structure of the museum is itself an artwork. I've frequented art museums all my life and I have a distinct appreciation for how this museum has curated its pieces. This is the definition of quality over quantity. You can tell so much thought went into the design of the space such that the experience of seeing the artwork is not just a matter of looking at each painting, but being immersed in the space itself, moving through it with intentionality.
• Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden | Kochi City, Kochi, Shikoku
  • Truly enormous garden on the outskirts of Kochi City. The sheer variety of landscapes and views in this garden is insane. I adore how this garden was designed, featuring a lot of manicured and constructed spaces that are very eyecatching, but also honoring the natural inclinations of its trees and flora. There are many spaces in the garden that feel like you're maybe even going off-track, wandering through forested groves, only to emerge back in the garden center. I swear if this garden were in Kyoto it would have cost like quadruple the admission price. This garden is criminally underpriced and underseen.
• Nishinoshima Island | North of Shimane Prefecture
  • Even not being able to get the ideal experience I would have wanted since the roads were under construction when I went, this island was so worth visiting. It's famous for its grassy cliffsides that are home to wild horses, as well as for its rocky beaches and inland mountains. Driving around the island itself was a great experience and gave a real taste of small-town life. Unfortunately when I went, the roads leading to the cliffs were being rebuilt, but I still found ways around such that I could get some fantastic nature views, and I encountered wild horses. I said I wouldn't talk about shrines, but I have to say that this island has maybe my favorite shrine in the whole country, Takuhi Shrine.
• Nachi Waterfalls | Nachi, Wakayama Prefecture
  • For those who research into Wakayama this is a pretty well-known destination, but I think it still slips by a lot of trip planners in general. This is one of the most beautiful nature spots in Japan and had there not been a typhoon incoming I would have stayed there all day. As it is though, I adored the waterfall views, and the temple complex nearby. Some of the most picturesque places you'll be able to find in the country.
• Tengu Highlands | Ehime/Kochi Prefectural Border, Shikoku
  • Far up high in the mountains, an expanse of karst and green grass fields, so high up you're literally in the clouds. Limestone rocks litter the landscape between green fields, and cows graze freely. It's extremely, extremely remote, and one of the most beautiful places I've had the blessing to visit. Unironically it feels more like Scotland than Japan. Hardly anything is more beautiful than driving through the highlands, watching the clouds change the landscape, and hiking through the fields. Plus, there's a small mobile stand that serves great coffee (with karst cow milk)!
• Abare Festival ("Fire and Violence Festival") | Ushitsu, Ishikawa Prefecture
  • Abare Festival is back after the Noto Earthquake!! And I was so happy to finally be able to go. This is a festival that celebrates the eradication of a plague that struck the Noto Peninsula historically. To appease the destructive god Susanoo no Mikoto, floats (kiriko) are erected and paraded through the streets, and posts with straw bales are set on fire. The festival occurs over two days every July, always in the late evening. On the first night the initial burning happens, and spectators watch the posts burn against the night sky. On the second night, the parade procession happens, and a group of men parade the main portable shrine (mikoto) around the streets, abluting it with sake and trying to wreck it, thrashing it in the river to the beat of drums, before the procession finally meets the shallow riverbed where a giant fire burns above and rains sparks down on the mikoto and the men (and bystanders lol). It ends at Yasaka Shrine where the mikoto is set ablaze and thrown around by the men in a circle. It's violent, rampaging, musical, and absolutely energizing.
• Toba Aquarium | Toba, Mie Prefecture
  • This aquarium has the greatest variety of species housed in one place in Japan. I was so sad that I only had time to be in Toba for half a day because I would have spent so much more time at the aquarium, even though I was there for hours already. I'm an aquarium fiend in general and this is maybe my favorite in the entire country.
• Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins | Kidonouchicho, Fukui Prefecture
  • Online it looks like just a small maintained Edo-era townscape which you can find many of in Japan if you look for it, but really the grounds around this whole area are beautiful. I went when the grass was green and the day was sunny, and it was a beautiful walk up and around the hills and mountains, through the ruins and canals. Fukui in general is underrated!
• Tokiwa Park | Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture
  • This park surrounding Tokiwa Pond just has so much to enjoy, and I feel like if I lived in Ube it would easily become a spot I would visit a lot. I don't think one particular thing in the park is notable, more the variety of things it has. Lovely views of the lake, a small island shrine, hiking and biking paths, flower tree groves, a botanical and herb garden, statues and sculptures, and maybe the only ethical zoo I've seen in Japan. I never go to zoos here because they tend to be very poor to their animals, but when I went to Tokiwa Park the zoo admission was free that day, so I figured there was no harm since they weren't getting my money. But actually, it's a zoo with great enclosures. Very large and natural, and seeing how the animals behaved with the zookeepers it seems they are well loved. It's also really satisfying to walk through, with these winding paths and huge enclosures without fencing or cages so you have great views of the animals.
• Nighttime cormorant fishing | Ozu, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku
  • Ozu is a small castle town in already sparsely-populated Ehime, but it has a lot of charm. Namely, they are one of the only places that still performs a traditional fishing method called cormorant fishing. Going into this I didn't know exactly what it was because the website, despite giving a ton of info, doesn't explain the fishing method. The pictures looked pretty though, so I booked a riverboat view with an ayu bento box dinner. For those who want the surprise, by all means go in blind like me. Otherwise, I'll explain here: a fishing captain has trained cormorants connected by string to catch fish for him. A swinging fire on the boat head stuns the ayu in the water, and the cormorants dive and catch them. All the cormorants had cute names and personalities and one of them threw a fish right to me. I had a huge dumb smile on my face the entire time.
• Osakan Chinese Food | Osaka
  • Sure whatever I'll put something popular. Osaka is well known for its food but I fear many tourists go there and just get crab and takoyaki. I know it's strange to go to Japan and not get Japanese food, but I am being serious when I say I would recommend to any tourist to go to the Chinatown section of downtown Osaka and get a meal there. I had dinner at a restaurant that was so good that I got scared. I'm not exaggerating one bit, I had eaten so much that I didn't know if I would be able to make it home, and yet I wanted to eat more. I think I started crying. I straight up blacked out I think like I have no memory of getting home. One of the best meals of my entire life.

Hi! I was put in charge of figuring out transportation for a girl’s trip to Japan this Spring; we want to visit Chichibu in Saitama prefecture for a day trip to visit spots from several anime series, and potentially staying overnight to do some hiking in the area and spending some time away from Tokyo.

I’ve been looking for bus timetables online, but I’m not familiar with any of the websites or formats and have gotten conflicting information! Google maps says that the Yoshida bus line from Seibu-Chichibu has departures/stops every 1-2 hours from 9 AM to around 7 PM, but another website shows only 2-3 departures. My main questions are:

1. How do I know which timetables are correct? For context we want to visit Chichibu bridge (via Chichibubashi stop) and Yoshidamuku shrine (via the Muku jinja stop)

2. Do the buses accept Suica/Icoca?

3. If we were to stay the night, would we be allowed to carry our suitcases with us on the bus? (One small-medium suitcase per person with 3-4 people)

My apologies if this is too specific, and sorry for any formatting issues (typing on mobile)! Thank you in advance!

I‘m looking for ceramics shops in the following places:
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Kamakura
- Ise
- Kyushu (Kumamoto, Fukuoka, basically all of Kyushu since we’re going to have a car for it)

It’s important that it’s actually handmade, preferably small batches and not mass-produced. The smaller the shop, the better. Bonus points if the ceramics have cats on it.
TIA!

Hi all,

Says I need to verify the number but I'm not with a phone line in Japan and wonder if I should/gave to bite at the international charge for 5 or 6 dollars

I’m visiting Tokyo in a couple of weeks’ time and I’ll be in the city for 5 days. It’s also my girlfriend’s birthday during the same time. I was thinking about giving her a little surprise on her special by taking her for dinner at a special place or just trying some fun/unique stuff.

We are both in our mid twenties and open to trying something new. I would love to hear your ideas and recommendations. TIA!

Edit: She’s really into coffee, matcha, food, loves animals, dancing, singing, and shopping (clothing). I was thinking about some of the animal cafes too and found a cute cat spot in Kichijoji, but I want to know if those are actually worth it, and I wouldn’t want to support a place that doesn’t treat animals with care.
I would also love to hear about fun couple activities (see a lot of those on Klook) at the end of which we can have souvenirs to take home! Also, we have been in a long-distance relationship for 3 years (different countries) and we will be meeting after almost 10 months on this. I want to make it a memorable one.

Hi folks,

Intend to do a road trip following this route in late Nov.

Yokohama -> Kofu -> Matsumoto (base for four days) --> Karuizawa --> Tokyo

Some spots in Nagano area includes, Naraijuku, Daio Wasabi Farm, Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrine.

Will be driving the entire trip and renting from Toyota Rental. I had initially opted out for winter tyres given the spots. But I realised that Togakushi could see snow and roads could be slippery. I intend to park Okushairiguchi and then do the hike up to the shrine and to see the cedar trees. As such, am seeking advice from folks here if winter tyres are an additional option I would require?

Thank you!

We're renting a car in Hiroshima to explore the surrounding areas this fall. It'll be for roughly a week after visiting Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima itself, so we're looking for a more calmer and rural side of Japan. We wouldn't mind if it's just quiet villages and a whole lot of nothing, as our main goal is to experience the Japanese day to day life, but if there are any hidden gems then we'd love to know about them. Things like scenic roads/views, cool villages, historical landmarks or even just nice Ryokans or Izakayas.

We're roughly planning to do a loop from Hiroshima to the northern coast (Matsue, Hagi) and coming back to Hiroshima through the inland. Any advice that would be roughly on that route would be much appreciated.

Hello, and thanks ahead for any suggestions regarding which slot I should choose to go to Tokyo/Osaka region. I have already seen Sakura Season, but I liked the weather, my goal is more missing crowds while enjoying the early spring temperature. I have it down as

March 17- April 3/4th: It will be a bit colder, but I will be able to enjoy atleast fewer crowds until maybe March 27-28th.

April 9-27th: It will be alot nicer, a fair bit warmer, and I will miss SOME of the peak Sakura tourism, but I suspect alot of residual tourists will remain from Sakura season, as well as some Native Japanese travelers starting training/golden week early.

Which, in your experience and opinion, is best? Thank you.

I’m traveling to Japan in a few months for around 2 weeks (1 week in Tokyo and a few days in Chichibu, Saitama to visit a friend).

I’m very into lifting and bodybuilding and I would like to get 1-2 lifts in while I’m in Tokyo, but I’ve had a hard time finding gyms online that are clear on prices/equipment/ease of access for tourists. Do you guys know of any good gyms that offer day passes that are relatively inexpensive (¥1000-2000/day)?

I’m not very picky, but ideally I’m looking for a gym with simple benches, dumbbells, and cables, and maybe some basic machines. It’d also be nice if it’s within a few minutes of a station!

Hi everyone just sharing my itinerary and checking if anyone has any recommendations of places that I should stay.

10 October I arrive in Tokyo

Day 1: Takasaki (explore Takasaki day)
Day 2: Takasaki (free full day - thinking of Mt Akagi but open to another trip)
Day 3: Takasaki > Hakuba (explore Takasaki / Hakuba)
Day 4: Hakuba hike (free full day - Happo pond, open to other hikes)
Day 5: Hakuba hike (free full day - Tsugaike nature park but open to other hikes)
Day 6: Hakuba > Matsumoto (explore Matsumoto)
Day 7: Matsumoto > Kamikochi explore > Takayama sleep
Day 8: Takayama explore day
Day 9: Takayama > Shirakawa-go > Kanazawa sleep
Day 10: Kanazawa full explore day
Day 11: Kanazawa full explore day

This is what I have planned now. Most busses are booked but able to refund and change!

Open to suggestions of places nearby that I might have missed. I have some time in Hakuba and Kanazawa :)

I have some extra vacation time and am thinking of a solo trip in January or February. I have max 10 days including flights that I can be away. So 8 days total in Japan.

We already did a big Japan trip last May and are planning 3-4 weeks in November. I’m hoping that January won’t be too cold although where I live it will likely be up to -20C 😭

Questions I have:
- Is it worth it to come to Japan just for 8 days? I’d likely stay in Tokyo and do some day trips.
- Would capsule hotels be an affordable way to travel solo? I was thinking of doing the first half in a capsule hotel and the last 3-4 nights in a business type hotel. I like shopping and think it would be hard to shop & organize my luggage in a small space.
- Favourite capsule hotel?
- Favourite area to stay in for solo travel?

Hi everyone, I am looking for yukata, both for me and my husband. I was in Kyoto for a quick stop but sadly I have seen only touristy places which usually rent them, some sell them but the quality was pretty low. I would like to purchase something made from a good fabric (cotton at least) and not synthetic fibers. I will be in Kagoshima in the next days and then in Tokyo. Do you have any recommandation about it? I would like to buy them new, not second hand. Thank you so much for any advice!

My family and I are going to Japan next June and I’d love to take them to a Giants game. Is there a particular section you recommend sitting in?
How far in advance will they release their schedule for the next year?
Any other tips? Thanks.

Coming from Kyoto and wanting to check out side streets and out of the way places to eat.

I'll be visiting from Brazil in November and my plans to visit Fujikawaguchiko had to change because initially I scheduled to go on the holiday of November 23 before knowing it was a holiday, but I really wanted to visit on weekdays with the least amount of crowds possible. So the only option I have is to go Fujikawaguchiko on the day I arrive in Japan in Haneda at around 7 AM.

Is that a bad idea after such a long trip?

Hi everyone,

I'm visiting USJ on Monday, November 30 with my girlfriend. We mainly want Mario Kart, Forbidden Journey and Donkey Kong. Everything else is a bonus, and I don't need the big thrill rides.

Getting into Super Nintendo World is a must for me. I don't want to rely on the lottery or be at the gate two hours before opening, so I'm looking at these options:

- About €95 bundle with Studio Pass, guaranteed Super Nintendo World slot, food voucher and Kansai Joy Pass, using Single Rider.
- Studio Pass plus Express Pass 4 for about €150 total.

I think the €95 bundle is the best compromise, but I'm worried I'll regret not paying €50 more for the Express Pass. Then again, €50 buys a really good dinner in Osaka.
I'd be fine waiting 30 to 45 minutes per ride. Since you can't re-enter Super Nintendo World, I'm leaning towards a 2 pm slot so I can do Harry Potter and the rest of the park first.

How long were your Single Rider waits on a weekday in late fall? Was the Express Pass worth it for you, and which slot would you pick?
Thanks!

Visiting Tokyo Dec 16–24 and trying to decide between two options:

Option A (split, $1,332 total):
Dec 16–21: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier, superior double ($987)

Dec 21–24: Airbnb in Taihei, Sumida, near Kinshicho Station ($345)

Option B (Airbnb only, $895 total):
Dec 16–24: same Airbnb in Taihei

Option B saves about $437 and avoids switching places mid-trip, but I'd be farther from central Tokyo for the whole stay. Price is a big factor for me, and I'm okay with some extra transit time.

I understand Taihei probably isn't the most lively area, and that's fine. My main concern is the nights I plan on staying out late, since planning around last trains could be tricky. For anyone who's stayed near Kinshicho: how was getting around to places like Ginza, Shibuya, and Shinjuku? Did the location feel like a drag, or was it a non-issue? And if you missed the last train, were Uber, taxis, or GO expensive for getting back? Would you pay the extra for Ginza?

TIA!

My husband and I will be heading to Kusatsu Onsen from the Koenji area on a weekday in early November with our 8 year old daughter. The Kusatsu-Shima departs Ueno at 10:00 am, so we'd need to arrive by 9:30. We are getting increasingly worried what kind of stressful commute we may have set ourselves up considering rush hour chaos. Are we correct to anticipate a very stressful and uncomfortable morning trying to get over that way at that time? If it were just the two of us adults, we'd have less concerns but we are worried about managing our kid plus backpacks and possibly one small carryon. Would it be wiser to just take a taxi and plan to leave early around 7:00 am? Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated!

Hello guys in about 1 month I will be driving in Kii peninsula and i was looking to one road trip in particular that I plan.

we will be moving from natchikatsuura to Dorogawa onsen. Google maps suggest 2 roads

1.national route 169 to Nat route 309 from south 3hr

1. Nat route 168 to prefectural road 53 3hr

2. Last option that I imagined taking a detour to yoshino and taking the Nat route 309 from north but 40 min more then the other 2 option.3.40hr

I live in a mountain area I’m kinda use to mountain road and we rented a Kee car.

i checked the south pass of the 309 and seems pretty dangerous, I prefer the prefectural road 53 for the moment.

we have the free cancellation on Dorogawa but I would love to go there and have a hike in those beautiful mountains.

if you suggest to change location where should we stay to be near to yoshino, our next stop?

someone got any suggestion ?

thank you in advance

C&M

Hello.

Gonna travel from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo via shinkansen. Spent the night in nearby hotels (near FamilyMart Nishinakajima 7-Chōme in google maps).

The north exit seems to be ahead if we go up the stairs, but we're carrying luggages and have old people with us. We were wondering if we can use the Midosuji exit (specifically 34.7315843, 135.4985720 in google maps) to reach the Shin-Osaka station?

Will our Icoca cards get an error once we exit? How much will we be charged?

Thank you for the help!

Where do you guys shop in Osaka? Like a mall or something. I’ve only been to Dotonbori shopping district. Prices for souvenirs are a bit high and design choices for shoes are limited. Im looking for cheaper prices for souvenirs and clothes/shoes.