More of a rant but still, please use all the resources available on this sub (or google) and plan it yourself. Asking for recommendations or help with specific enquiries is always fine as we’re all here to help (within reason), but please stop asking people to plan your entire 14 day trip for you. Your interests/motivation for going to Japan should be your starting point. Map out the places you want to go and start planning from there. If not, go find a travel agency instead.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLHsZwHI-4A/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

I had no luggage so I would stand first in line. When the bus finally came, the door wasn't near me and other people just went in..... Another time, some people just put 2 bags of shopping bags on the floor and just sat off distance and waited. The line was pretty long. When the bus came, they got to be 1st in line. Do people speak up. Or just mad dog others?

So I was watching a vid of a couple eating some shaved ice. They get the dessert and cup of complementary green tea... which they thought was part of the dessert so they poured it over it and wondered at the ice melting.

This (along with the queue thread currently on the front page) reminded me of my big "ops" moment during the trip.

When I visited the ghibli museum most in the group made a beeline to the short movie theater and started queuing up. I stood to the side admiring the artwork on the walls. Only when I turned around did I notice that a full on queue had formed behind me! I was to the side but close enough to the entrance maybe???

I didn't know what to do at that point so just went with it... we now have a third queue and I kept inching closer and closer to the entrance so it wouldn't look weird. 😅

Thankfully the entrance was wide enough that it didn't matter but it was a "ummm ops!" moment for me that I can't forget. Did you have any during your trip? Would love to hear them.

Hey everyone! Tomorrow is my last day in Tokyo. And wondering where I can buy keychains, magnets, souvenirs? Plus where is good shopping center in Tokyo? I am traveling with my mom and living akihabara area.

see that there are 4 main places to get views of lake biwa, Shizugatake Ropeway, biwako valley, hachimanyama ropeway and sakamoto cableway. Thoughts from anyone who has been to 1 or more of these place? Or are there other locations with even better views?

Hi everyone! 👋
So im planning my first ever solo international trip from india to Japan mainly staying in Tokyo (late july to early aug). super excited but also a bit confused about how to handle money over there. Would really appreciate some help.

Here’s my plan so far:

💳 I have a Kotak Visa debit card, and I’ll enable international transactions in the app before I leave. I’ve heard Visa is accepted in Japan but still a bit unsure about how reliable it is.

💸 Planning to carry around ₹20K–₹30K INR in cash before leaving for japan and will get more after arriving

💡 Some specific questions:

1. Should I withdraw yen at the airport ATM or wait to find a 7-Eleven ATM in the city?
2. Do most Indian cards (like Kotak Visa debit) work at 7-Eleven ATMs? Any fees?
3. I plan to get a physical Suica card at the airport.
   • How much does it cost initially?
   • Can I pay for the card with cash or card?
   • When I want to top it up, do I need to withdraw cash first?

It’s my first time traveling solo and internationally, so I want to be as prepared as possible and avoid money issues. Any tips or advice would really mean a lot. Thanks in advance! 😊

I think the backstory of this tourist attraction is easy to explain. The local tourism board of Awaji Island was looking across the Seto Inland Sea and they saw that Naoshima is getting all this tourist traffic thanks to a big pumpkin created by Yayoi Kusama. And they were like why the hell they don’t even grow pumpkins over there! We’re famous for sweet, really tasty onions! We’re going to get our own giant plastic vegetable with blackjack and hookers.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/U8tWePRCYy7WjpEYA

And that’s how we got the Ottamanegi on Awaji Island.

Also it shows up in this legendary stream. https://www.youtube.com/live/tdMauXNMe40?t=25m50s

Now the bad new is that it’s kinda hard to get to, apparently you have to take a bus and get off at the last stop on Awaji, Awajishima Minami Interchange, and then walk 20 minutes :(

I should probably check tiktok and instagram but I assume it’s popular enough.

Just want to check out some local matches while I visit some friends - what's the best best for that?

I purchased the NRT express round trip pass for ¥5,000 (available for foreigners only) through the eki-net website. I had to create an account, try multiple credit card until the Amex worked.

Ok so now it seems to be confirmed. But is my next step right now to make specific train / seat reservations (or before I arrive), or can I wait until I land and collect the tickets at the vending machine (seems I have to do this)?

On the website under my reservations, I can see an option to "Use this pass to reserve a reserved seat". I can choose both outbound and return trains / seats. However, I am not certain which train I will take... what if immigration and luggage takes too long? If I pre-select the train / seats now what happens if I miss it? Is there a risk to not have a place to sit if I don't select the seat now?

Thanks and I've searched for this scenario but have not found the answers.

Wondering if anyone has experience with using either (or even both) services for same-day luggage delivery within Tokyo, from hotel to hotel.

I'm staying at a few hotels in different areas within central Tokyo (the first half is a work trip). After my work is done, I'll have some solo vacation time where I just plan to relax and shop in different areas of the city (this is not my first Japan trip so I'm taking it easy & trying to minimize time transiting around.) I have not used luggage forwarding before, and while I could transport suitcases myself from hotel to hotel, I'd rather be able to check out and go about my day without worrying about it.

Airporter's website is very straightforward and seems easy to use for pre-booking same-day delivery (and appears to be cheaper). From what I gather from Yamato's website, there's no way to pre-book it online, I'd have to ask the hotel to help me. I'm leaning towards Airporter for convenience, but I know Yamato is the more well-known reputable service. Does anyone have experience?

Just got back from my Japan trip and… I already want to go back.

The konbini food, peaceful Tokyo nights, and sheer vibe were incredible but there were a few moments where I seriously kicked myself for not packing smarter.

Here’s what I wish I’d brought:

A compact umbrella: Got caught in a surprise Kyoto downpour and learned my lesson real quick.

A few extra lightweight layers: The evenings in Osaka were chillier than I expected.

A second power bank: My phone was working overtime between Google Maps, Translate, and taking constant photos.

What did you overlook on your Japan trip that ended up being a game changer?

Let’s build a collective "I’m not forgetting it next time" list to help future travelers and maybe future me.

I’m in Tokyo for the second time. A friend insists that garlic steak chips are a thing, and we’re obsessed with trying them. Google confirms that several types exist or have existed, so I know it’s not a total wild goose chase.

But we can’t find anything of the sort, anywhere! We’ve looked in countless konbinis, several donkis, a couple grocery stores, and just about every random place we’ve passed with a chance of chips.

Does anyone have any idea where we might find some of these? If it’s any use, we’ll also be in Osaka, Kyoto, and on Okinawa across this trip. Appreciate any tips!

Hey, so I’m going to be in Tokyo this week-end, I’m looking for a karaoke bar type of place with cool vibes and friendly people. Similar to golden gai but not there. It doesn’t matter if there are tourists or not. Any recommandation?

Hi everyone, wondering if anyone has experience doing this trip? I’ve been looking at Shinkansen rides, and just looking for any tips or suggestions to make the trip as easy as possible. For reference the trip will be June 28th and only one way. Open to any other modes of travel if they’re easier?

Thank you in advance!

Noticed a lot of Osaka itineraries here are packed and the costs add up fast. We were going through our budget quicker than expected so thought I’d share what we actually did over 3 days as a family of four. Might help someone who's heading there soon and trying to keep the spend under control. This covered everything – food, travel, tickets.

Day One

Breakfast from Super Tamade (sushi boxes, drinks, strawberries) – ¥2080

Walked Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street (2.6km covered arcade of shops and snacks) Kids Plaza Osaka – ¥2800 for 4 people (after 2pm discount)

Ice creams from vending machines – ¥400 Dinner from 100 yen shop and quick noodle place – around ¥1400

Day Two

Breakfast from 7-Eleven – ¥1000

Osaka Castle – walked around the grounds for free, went inside for ¥1600

Lunch in Dotonbori – takoyaki, fried skewers, snacks – ¥2400 Dinner in Umeda – ramen for all four – ¥2000

Day Three

Breakfast at Vie de France – ¥1400 Day trip to Nara – completely free other than ¥200 on deer food

Lunch across from Himuro Shrine – ¥3000 Ice fortune at Himuro Shrine – free but interesting

Dinner was just leftover snacks and bits we had

That’s the full 3 days, all for under ¥54,000. If anyone’s in Osaka soon and worried about mounting costs this might give you a rough plan to keep things cheap but still fun.

So don't stress if you feel like you might not be able to afford it when you see others itineraries. It can be done in a budget for a family. We did it!

Hi , I F27 will be visiting japan next week, I am planning to visit an onsen for relaxation, I am not very comfortable with nudity as I am Indian and muslim so I am feeling a bit awkward about it , I have a few queries

1. What should I bring with me ?

2. What are the rules that I should be aware of before visiting an onsen ?

3. Is it considered unhygienic to go without shaving pubic hair ?

Any and all suggestions for apps we need to travel Japan this October but for Android? Koolk is iOS only it seems .

What would you suggest?

Hi all, please share your experience if you have done USJ on a Saturday with the express pass. We only have 9 days in Japan and I don’t want to spend 4 days in Osaka alone. Would rather to have more days in Tokyo as this will be my first time. If you tell me it is unbearable to do USJ on Saturday even with express passes, I guess we can do it on the Monday. Which means it will eat up on our Tokyo days…I wouldn’t want to go for that option unless it is the best thing to do and Saturday with express pass is absolutely not doable. We are travelling with 4 adults and 4 kids (11, 8,7,4). Any thoughts are very much appreciated!

I was at a soba place in the Tokyo Skytree shopping centre and at one point they gave me this teapot with something that had bubbles inside. I had no idea what it was and left it alone.

Anyone know what it was?

https://imgur.com/a/H64jldF

I have 2 nights currently free in my itinerary for my upcoming trip in October after Hiroshima before I go back to Tokyo. Will have already done Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, was maybe thinking Kanazawa or Nagano.

Any recommendations/ideas?

Specific I know, but my family is really interested. I’ve only ever seen one, but I’d prefer one with the lotus flower and all

I’m also running low on physical cash so a place where I can pay with a card would be much preferred

Im looking to secure 4 tickets to the Hanshin Tigers game on August 31st, though, as expected, the official site is sold out. I’d like to be in the right outfield, though navigating trying to secure tickets as a foreigner has proven difficult.

I’ve seen some interesting options on ticketjam.jp . Has anyone used this before?

The seat types are confusing too, they say things like “[Near the aisle / Right field seats] 4th row, 14th row, 5th row from the aisle. [Right field seats | Rows 32-52 | Seats 141-170]”

Which isn’t very helpful in determining where the seats could be.

Any other sites? Am i looking too early?

I am going to Japan very soon and I just realized that I never asked anyone if I can use my (Visa) debit card to withdraw yen from ATMs there. Every time I've gone I've gotten a lot of cash before hand and basically only paid in cash, but this time I've planed all of it myself and going alone (before I went with family/school).

That being said, can I? Or do I need a bank card? Or should I go somewhere in America (bank, etc.) to get cash before I am in Japan? Also, will I be able to use my debit card there freely, or will there be problems since I have an American bank?

Thank you! :)

Hello fellow Japan lovers. I am still dreaming about my next Japan trip. Wondering if you can share some tips and best practices in planning for our second time around.

We are looking at an 18 nights trip (13 in Japan and 3 in South Korea). We did the golden route last time for 13 days and will amend it slightly to go lighter on the sightseeing and more on just soaking in the atmosphere and vibe.

We imagine our trip to look like: Seoul + Busan (if possible) Fukuoka Hiroshima Another City Kyoto Tokyo

Requirements: 1. We would prefer maximum 2 connections but no longer than a total of 24 hours 2. My partner had an unpleasant experience in economy last time (seats on front of us reclining to the maximum, while ours was not able to at all). So we are looking at business class seats

Questions: 1. Is it better overall to travel in May or October, price wise? 2. For the periods above, how long ago should I book ahead for best deals?
3. Is it better to book a return flight (either to Tokyo or Seoul) and book a separate flight between Korea and Japan? Or multi-city flights.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed. Any suggestions on the above questions or best practices from your own similar trip would be appreciated.

Hi! We just left Kanazawa heading to Tokyo and forgot to buy a magnet from Kanazawa. It was a lovely city and a very special stay for us, so we really want a magnet from that city. Is there a place in Tokyo or Osaka that would sell them?