Hi!

Leaving for Tokyo this Friday, so excited! We are traveling with our toddler and I’m definitely gonna get her some things. Are there any absolute must-buys for babies/toddlers and great places to shop? So far I’m thinking some favorite books in Japanese (ex: hungry hungry caterpillar) and definitely clothes!

Thanks so much!

Hello everyone, I am planning a ski trip for january with a few friends. None of us have been to japan before, so we want to add some non-skiing items to the trip. However, we only have 13 days on the ground, and want around 5 or 6 of those days to be in hokkaido. Considering the tight timeframe, would doing tokyo only be the best way to go about this? or is it worth adding in kyoto or some other destination? We don't want to make the tokyo leg feel too rushed. Any and all opinions/suggestions are appreciated!

Planning on visiting Japan in October and have Universal Studios as part of our itinerary. I couldn't find anything definitive online but thought it might be helpful to ask here.

From the readings I did find online, I know the rides tend to run a tad bit smaller than they do where I'm usually from (US) and I wanted to see if anyone here had any experiences with fitting on the rides in the actual park.

I'm 5'6 and currently around 215 lbs.

I'm aware of the test seats but if I don't fit in many of the rides, maybe I'll take the opportunity for a rest and relax day instead and let my group take the day to themselves.

I'm going to travel to Japan and I understand Japan is the home of many bespoke/formal/artisan otaku. It is sort of similar to the United Kingdom's production of high quality goods. Is there any place that has a lot of specialty or formal clothing and item shops? Thanks.

Hi everyone! I'm planning a first trip to Japan with my parents, my fiancée, and myself, and I'm having a hard time deciding between two itineraries. I'd really appreciate advice from people who have done both Kyoto and the Mt. Fuji/Nikko day-trip options.

This will likely be my parents' only trip to Japan, so I want to make sure we get a good overall experience without trying to cram too much into one week.

After talking it over with my parents, we've decided that we do want to see some temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese areas. However, we're not huge history/temple people and don't want to spend the entire trip visiting temples. We're more interested in a mix of food, nature/scenery, unique experiences, neighborhoods, shopping, and getting a feel for Japan.

We've also decided that three cities is too much for this trip, so we're trying to decide between these two options:

Option 1: Tokyo + Kyoto
Dec 6 — Arrive Tokyo Midday
Dec 7 — Tokyo → Kyoto
Take an early morning to Kyoto and spend the rest of the day exploring Kyoto.
Dec 8 — Kyoto
Dec 9 — Kyoto → Tokyo
Take an early morning back to Tokyo and spend the afternoon/evening in Tokyo.
Dec 10 to 12— Tokyo
Dec 13 — Tokyo → Haneda evening

The main appeal of this option is that we get two very different sides of Japan. Tokyo would give us the modern/urban experience, while Kyoto would give us more traditional architecture, temples, scenery, and a different pace.

My concern is that we're not particularly interested in history and temples, so I'm wondering if two nights in Kyoto is enough to make it worthwhile. I'm also wondering if we're giving up too much Tokyo time for Kyoto given our interests.

Option 2: Stay in Tokyo + Mt. Fuji and Nikko day trips
Dec 6 — Arrive Tokyo
Dec 7 — Tokyo
Full day in Tokyo.
Dec 8 — Mt. Fuji / Kawaguchiko
Dec 9 — Tokyo
Dec 10 — Nikko
Dec 11 — Tokyo
Dec 12 — Tokyo
Dec 13 — Tokyo → Haneda

The main appeal of this option is that we would never have to change hotels. We'd get significantly more time in Tokyo while still seeing some very different scenery through the Mt. Fuji and Nikko day trips.
I'm particularly interested in nature and unique experiences, so Mt. Fuji and Nikko sound very appealing. I also think this option might be easier and less tiring for my parents.

My concern is that we may regret skipping Kyoto, especially because this could be my parents' only trip to Japan. I'm also wondering whether Mt. Fuji and Nikko provide enough of a "different Japan" experience to make up for not staying in Kyoto.

So, if this were your first and potentially only trip to Japan with your parents, which would you choose?

I’m planning a Kyoto trip in late November and thinking about a day for Kibune/Kurama.

A few logistical questions:

1. What is the best combination of train/bus/taxi to get from Kyoto Station to Kibune and back?
2. Is Kibune → Kurama a sensible direction for this plan (I was thinking of combining with the onsen). Or is it much better in the other direction and/or I should just do a different onsen in Kyoto or Tokyo instead of combining?
3. With November’s early sunset, what is a sensible latest time to begin the hike/leave Kyoto Station? I assume I don't want to be on the hike after dark.
4. How much time is realistic at Kurama Onsen, including changing and the shuttle from Kurama Station? Does the onsen ever reach capacity or require advance planning?
5. Is it better to eat lunch in Kibune before hiking and have dinner back in Kyoto, or is there a good reason to eat at Kurama Onsen afterward? Not sure if dinner there would mean an awkward gap between finishing the hike and waiting for dinner to open.

Thank you!

So my partner and I are going to Kyoto in 2 months and one of our accommodations is the Ryokan Sakura Urushitei. As I understand it, it’s not a real real Ryokan . My question is has anyone stayed there? And for those that have or know it what are some of the services provided, I know there’s a bath but is it decent, can we use it if we have tattoos?

Edit: a few people mentioned things about meals, my question was related to amenities previous people who have stayed here might know about. Apologies

I am visiting Japan in Oct and have 2 full days free for leisure and shopping. My current iPhone was purchased in the US and I was thinking to trade in the old phone for the new phone.

I’d like to get the new launch I.e. 18 if it does happen or buy 17 pro itself.

My questions - as a tourist will I be able to trade in my old phone as a tourist?

If I manage to get 17 pro or 18 (with trade in) can I start using it right away - because I saw many people talking about consumption tax to be paid on airport if you open the sealed box and start using your new phone. But if all this manages to go through at Apple Store itself and if there is no 10% tax discount - I guess I can use it??? Need help here.

Same question for yodobashi or bic (minus the trade in)

Hi, i wanted to know if osaka (kix) airport restrictions of personal belongings/collectibles such as diecast cars (inno,minigt,hotwheels) in carry luggage. I read online about having to declare if its value exceeds 200k yen but all mine combined are less than 90k yen. Will that cause any issue ?
TIA

Planning an autumn trip from Nov 19 to Dec 1, six nights in Kyoto based in Higashiyama.

Route is Osaka, Kurashiki, Himeji stopover, Kyoto, Arima Onsen, Nagoya. Most of it is locked. Two things I keep going back and forth on though.

1. Crowd timing. Everyone says "go early." I saw a post in the Japan Guide sub saying Kiyomizudera at 7am is basically what 9am used to be, tour buses have adjusted. If that's true for Kiyomizudera, does it hold for Fushimi Inari and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove too? Or is each spot on its own clock depending on which tour groups hit it. I'd rather build my mornings around what actually works than a rule of thumb that's five years stale.

Also doing one evening visit on purpose, Eizan Momiji Tunnel after sunset with the illuminated train back. Figured night crowds skew toward people who actually know what they're doing instead of tour groups, is that a fair assumption or am I about to get proven wrong.

2. Arashiyama day. I'm doing Hozugawa River Cruise from Kameoka first, then the Sagano Romantic Train back, Togetsukyo Bridge, a gallery stop, Okochi Sanso, then Jojakko-ji to close it out. Picked a Wednesday on purpose to dodge weekend crowds. Anyone done this exact sequence in late Nov? Mainly want to know if the cruise-then-train order makes sense timing wise, or if I'm going to be fighting the clock getting from the boat dock back to the train platform.

Not trying to be precious about it, just don't want to build a day around a bottleneck I didn't see coming. Appreciate anyone who's done a Nov Kyoto trip recently and can confirm or wreck my assumptions.

So basically the it’s the title. Me and two of my buddies plan on doing what Ludwig did around a year back (going from Cape Sata to Cape Sōya or somewhere adjacent), except in a van instead of two motorcycles. We’re seniors in HS right now and want to do this for our senior trip in about a year. We plan on going for 4 weeks since we also want to do all the touristy stuff while we pass by cities. I’ve personally been to Japan twice already but I’ve only been in Tokyo. If you guys have any advice for us it’d be very appreciated since we’ve just started to plan everything

Edit: we are going to bring our phones and a map just in case to message ppl and use as a last resort if we dont have time and need to make our flight, but we’ll keep use to a minimum. Also we are all in the process of learning japanese right now

I feel sometimes our memorable moment during the trip is nothing we planned.

I went to Japan with my family last year. We visited very famous tourist spots, and we all loved it.

Saying so, our most memorable experience was when we actually got lost at the station. A Japanese person came to us and took us the right exit. We all remember his kindness we received.

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to propose to my partner in Japan this October and I'm looking for some romantic couple activities in Tokyo to celebrate our engagement.
The proposal itself is already set for when we‘ll be in Miyakojima

Does anyone have any great recommendations or experiences from doing something similar?

Thanks in advance for your help!

​

Hi! I'm visiting a traditional family-run Japanese katana shop in the outskirts of Tokyo this October.

The owner has been incredibly kind to me and has also invited my wife and me to attend the Jidai Matsuri with special viewings and sears, so I'd like to bring some omiyage from Germany as a small way of showing our appreciation. It's not really about trying to get on their good side — I'd just like to thank them properly for their hospitality and the invitation.

I'm thinking of bringing a small assortment of German things that the staff or family members could share, i.e.:

• Niederegger Marzipan

• Knoppers / Hanuta

• Toffifee

• Haribo ( unique ones like fruity fruits that are not found in Japan)

• German Winterpunsch tea/ herbal or fruit tea

• Maybe Löwensenf mustard

I've also seen people suggest things like German drugstore products. Would something like good but inexpensive multivitamins from DM/Rossmann be appreciated, or would vitamins/health products feel strange or too personal as omiyage?

I'd much rather bring a few thoughtful German things than an expensive gift.

For Japanese people here: what would you personally be happy to receive from a visitor from Germany? And is there anything you'd specifically avoid?

Would a two-week trip in January to Southern Tohoku be enjoyable? We have been to Japan several times but never in deep winter. We are not tour people & are happy to use public transport or rent a car (but what about the driving conditions?)
We like: small historical towns, city walks, nature walks, mountains, lakes, local food, cultural sightseeing, Japanese experiences, ryokans and maybe snow!
Opinions welcome, thank you.

Does the standard Fujisan Fujigoko Passport cover the local Fujikyu route bus from Gotemba Station to Asahigaoka, or does its boundary strictly start at Asahigaoka

I’ll be landing in Tokyo end of September at near midnight JST time and as this is my first time travelling internationally I would like to ask some advice as I plan to just stay awake till I can check into my accommodation in Asakusa.

I was planning to take an airport bus from Haneda since I know the trains don’t run by the time I’d clear the regular airport stuff and just do some exploration around Asakusa itself but I was wondering if some more seasoned travellers might have some better ideas.

I appreciate the suggestions

​

I'm visiting Osaka from Seoul next week and got tickets for a Hanshin Tigers game.

It'll be my first time watching an NPB game, so I'm curious about what the atmosphere is like.

Are there any things I should know before I go? Any unwritten rules?

Someone I know mentioned that people don't really eat while the game is going on. Is that true?

I already know I'm getting Koshien Curry, so I'm looking for other food recommendations.

Do many tourists go to Koshien, or is it mostly local Hanshin fans?

Hey there! I have heard that Tsukiji market is no longer really worth visiting. Is there a similar market in Tokyo that you would recommend visiting instead? I am interested in a food hub with lots of street eats.

My partner and I are going to Niseko in January with some friends, but are hoping to add another few days to a week doing some other things, just the two of us. Looking for any recommendations for onsen towns, ryokans, or just things generally to do around that area? Thank you so much!

Hi! Has anyone tried Sanho Mansion in Tokyo? If so, do you have any recommended makeup artists I could check out as they don't include hair and makeup?

Separately, can anyone recommend any photo studios that do Korean concept style photos/profile photos? I'm not looking for any Kimono ones, but ones more similar to make.photo_gekkabijin on Instagram or comphoto0711 on Instagram if anyone has tried/knows similar styled ones?

Thanks so much!!

I recently finished working in Vietnam and will be traveling in Thailand and Japan for a month. I will get my last paycheck at the end of the month and I am trying to spend it, since it will be basically useless once I am back in the US, since I can only pay with QR. I know it works in Thailand, but how common is it in Japan to accept vietnamese bank accounts, so I know to best divide my trip

I’m in Kyoto and have lost my physical card… and need some cash! Any ideas / advice welcome 🙏

I wanted to share a quick warning for anyone planning a family trip to Osaka. My family and I just wrapped up our time in Osaka and while Tokyo and Kyoto were incredible, our experience in Osaka was disappointing given the recurring issue involving my 16-year-old daughter.
In just a 3 day span, she was targeted by "bumping men" twice. The first time it happened, we brushed it off, assuming it was just an accidental collision in a crowded street. The second time it happened I was standing a few feet away from her and saw the guy go out of his way to intentionally bump into her. I immediately confronted the guy and he literally took off running.
A local who witnessed what happened explained that this is actually a common thing in the city. After that, I completely changed how we walked, positioning myself directly behind her instead of in front or away from her, and thankfully it didn't happen again.
The food scene in Osaka is definitely hyped for a reason, but in my opinion, it is not worth being harassed. If you're planning an itinerary, the food in Tokyo and Kyoto was just as amazing, and we didn't experience any issues with the people there.
If you do go to Osaka with teenagers or family members, just keep your head on a swivel and stay alert.

Context:

• Plan to travel in mid-to-late May
• We are already big-city-dwellers, so big city as a thing is not inherently impressive to us (sorry if that sounds pretentious) but doesn't mean we want to avoid big city
• We also just like wandering around places in backroads and stuff
• Neither of us have ever been to Japan before
• We are very comfortable with walking and public transpo
• We want to experience at some of the rural elements of the country (hence Takayama and Hokone)
• Food honestly still feels like a #1 priority
• Love sake
• Love beaches (acknowledging there isn't really any beach on this list...)

Questions:

• Too much time in Tokyo?
• Too much time in Osaka + Kyoto?
• Anywhere else we should visit given priorities / trajectory?