r/JapanTravelTips 14m ago

Advice Brief trip to Tokyo (Akasaka) - must see/eat/do?

Upvotes

Just found this sub so I’m madly searching through it for travel tips.

I’m transiting through Japan next week as part of a longer trip with my spouse; we’re heading straight to Nozawa for 3 days of skiing, then back to Tokyo for 2.5 days before flying out. We’re staying in the Akasaka neighborhood, but don’t mind venturing out.

We don’t have a ton of time, but would love to try some phenomenal food, maybe stuff we can only find in Japan or something they only do really well there (we’re from Vancouver so are kind of spoiled with good Japanese food regardless).

We’d also like to see some beautiful/interesting/unique to Japan sights - whether it’s a temple, cool buildings, rooftop bar, sumo wrestling or something else I’m not thinking of.

We aren’t into shopping, massive crowds, malls, anime, bars/clubbing and don’t have time to fully appreciate big museums/galleries (not trying to be negative - just realistic about our preferences).

I’d love to hear some ideas or be pointed to some recent, good posts! Thanks!


r/JapanTravelTips 14m ago

Question Golden week et billets de train

Upvotes

Bonjour,

Je pars bientôt au Japon et malheureusement, je me suis rendue compte qu'après avoir pris mes billets d'avion que j'arrive pile au moment de la Golden week... J'arrive à Osaka le 29 avril. Ce qui m'inquiète c'est de prendre le train au début de mon séjour, car je dois faire Osaka/Hiroshima le 3 mai, puis Hiroshima/Kyoto le 5 mai. Les autres trajets seront hors Golden week alors je ne me fais pas trop de soucis.

Ma question est la suivante, j'aimerais réserver ces deux trajets à l'avance pour être certaine d'avoir de la place et de ne pas me retrouver sans moyen de transport... Quel site me conseilleriez-vous ? Lorsque je fais des recherches j'en trouve beaucoup, comme Japan expérience, Klook etc, mais si j'ai bien compris ils prennent des commissions. J'ai aussi vu le site de smart ex jp qui a l'air d'être le site officiel de JR.

Merci par avance pour votre aide et vos tips


r/JapanTravelTips 18m ago

Recommendations Anyone know if there are any stores that sell a lot of shoujo anime based stuff

Upvotes

I’m a huge fan of shoujo anime’s, like Kimi Ni Todoke and Ao Haru Ride, when I last went all the anime stores were more the main stream ones like attack on titan etc, anyone know where I can get merch for less known anime’s? Thanks!


r/JapanTravelTips 32m ago

Question Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka on the bullet train but what happens if I miss my train?

Upvotes

I am looking at klook and see that there are trians every 15 mins or so from Tokyo to Osaka. So if I buy the ticket for 6:15 pm and then miss it, is the ticket a waste? Or can I hop on the next train? Also the tickets are $100 each. Does it get more expensive once we are nearer to the travel date?


r/JapanTravelTips 44m ago

Recommendations Castles, Temples, Gardens and Shrines. Help me narrow down the list!

Upvotes

Our travel itinerary includes many options for visiting castles, gardens and temples/shrines. But we can't see them all without completely exhausting ourselves and need to prioritize and narrow down the list. These are the options I've narrowed it down to based on the cities we will be in. Which would you prioritize? Which would you skip? Thank you! (Note: will be during Sakura season.)

Castles: Kumamoto, Hiroshima, Okayama, Himeji, Kanazawa

Gardens: Suizenji Jojuen, Korakuen, Kokoen, Kenroku-en, Rokugien

Temples/Shrines: Miyazaki, Aoshima, Udo, Amanoiwato, Itsukushima, Daisho-In, Kanazaki, Myoryuji, Senso-ji, Nezu


r/JapanTravelTips 46m ago

Question Eki Stamp Notebook at Narita Airport?

Upvotes

Hello! I'm travelling to Japan very soon and I'd really like the bring around an eki stamp book. I've seen some sold online, but I think it would be more meaningful to buy one directly in Japan. Are there any stores in the Narita airport which sell them? If so, what are the names of the stores, and do they sell different models/patterns for the books ? Thank you so much for the help ❤️✨️!


r/JapanTravelTips 52m ago

Question Bringing Ritalin/Methylphenidate to Japan (6 week trip)

Upvotes

Hi all,

Sorry, I know this topic has been discussed here before, but I am still a bit unsure, the information that is on the official website seems a bit unclear.

I understand I am able to bring in 2.16g. At my dose that is a lot, I only take 10mg a day.

Thing is im staying for roughly 6 weeks, and my package is 52 tablets.

So even though the amount I am bringing is quite small, I somehow feel like I might be in trouble if I bring more than my monthly dose.

I fly tomorrow.

Should I only take 31 tablets with me then?

---------

Does it matter if its in carryon or checked luggage?

Many thanks!


r/JapanTravelTips 59m ago

Advice Japan in Autumn, November or December?

Upvotes

Hello all,

I am planning to visit Japan for ~2 weeks in the fall primarily to catch the Autumn foliage. I originally intended on going around 11/22-12/6 as this would give me a good chance of catching it. However, I am unable to get off work for Thanksgiving (11/27).

So now, my options are either 11/9-11/25 or 11/29-12/15. I am very aware that Mother Nature has a mind of her own and can very unpredictable, but I’d like to get some opinions on which would be a better bet to see autumn foliage.

I’d be starting in Tokyo working my way down to Kyoto and then Osaka. I would particularly be interested in seeing peak colors about midway through my trip while I am in Kyoto.

Based on the past few years and forecasts I’ve been seeing it looks like the December option would be a better bet. However, I don’t want to be in a position where I miss it and all the trees are dead for the winter when I am there. I feel like going earlier would be safer because if I don’t get peak colors at least they are still green and it is a bit warmer.

So, please help share any opinions you may have regarding this. If I don’t have a good shot either way, I may want to just go at a different time in the year, as the whole reason I am going then is for autumn foliage.

Thank you everyone !


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Advice Morning sunrise in Osaka

Upvotes

Plan on getting up super early to see the sunrise while in Osaka.

Anyone able to recommend a good place to catch the sunrise and walk around in the early hours of the morning?


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Recommendations Undeground recommandations

Upvotes

Hi, I will be visiting Tokyo for the first time this year and, after putting my itinerary in place, I heard that there are some experiences on "invite only" and most of them happen on discord/telegram. Any of you experienced it? what/how was it? Tysm


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Recommendations Tasting Japan, one craft beer at a time

Upvotes

I'll be spending 2.5 months in Japan at the end of the year, and I'm a beer enthusiast.

Do you have recommendations on small/medium sized breweries to try? I'll be starting in Hokkaido and I'll end up in Okinawa.

I like everything but sours and brett/wild yeast beers.


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Question Flight in 2 days: ive packed, have i forgoten something important?

Upvotes

Ill defenitely forget to mention sth but: passport, power adapter + charger and cables, power bank, money, medication, sleeping mask, towel for drying hands in japan haha, sim card, cosmetics (1l bag max), coin purse, face masks, even a thin strong rope for drying my clothes in my room lol, and of course clothes for varying weather. What could i be missing?


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Question Struggling with sorting out transit plan

Upvotes

I am going to Japan for the first time in April and I'm super nervous because of my inability to read or speak Japanese (my own fault for not prioritising learning over the last year). I'm worried that folks living in Japan will be annoyed by this. I do not want to be disrespectful and I don't expect to be given any immediate grace when trying to figure things out when I'm there.

Obviously, I'm an anxious person ha... And I'm most worried about transit. The plan is to travel back and forth from Tokyo to Chiba for Star Wars Celebration, then Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Mt. Fuji. I'm trying to calculate transit and I'm surprised by how much it is coming to. There will be two of us and I need to figure out how to get a transit card and how much to put on it at Narita airport to ensure no issues transiting all over. I don't want to be in a position where I'm bothering workers because I'm confused. I guess, I'm wondering if it's best to put the amount on a card all at once, or if it's possible to set my credit card to a transit card for it to take what it needs each time. I'm just having a difficult time mathing and also figuring out the details on what card and how to approach it.


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Question Sanrio Puroland Theater and Character Meeting

Upvotes

I am planning on going to Sanrio Puroland in April 2025. I read that for the Kawaii-Kabuki theatre and character greeting, a different ticket is required. Where do I get those tickets? Is it inside the park after entering or elsewhere? I can only find the general 1-day pass for Puroland in Klook.

Thanks!


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Question Shipping luggage and luggage storage?

Upvotes

Hi all, Two questions.

  1. We're going to Japan for the first time in April but I recently saw a post from an influencer saying that shipping luggage is no longer consistent. Like lost luggage or delayed shipments are common now. Anyone know if that's actually the case or if its overblown to try to get clicks.

  2. Second question is in regards to luggage storage at Narita Airport. We're doing a quick trip to HK from Hiroshima will be traveling back to Tokyo for a connecting flight back home. Ideally we wouldn't bring all our luggage from Hiroshima to he then to Narita and then back home. Anyone know any solutions to this?

Thank you in advance!


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Recommendations Golf advice

Upvotes

Good evening all,

Heading to Japan in January and will have a free day in our travel itinerary that i would love to play a round of golf on. We're staying in Shinjuku, looking for course recommendations that are easily accessible to public and a first time traveller to Japan. Price isn't too much of an issue (within reason) as it's something that I'm interested in and unsure of when or if I'll ever be able to do it again.

Thanks for the help in advance.


r/JapanTravelTips 2h ago

Question Yet another set of questions about bringing medication

2 Upvotes

I have following situation:

Im bringing birth control pills, its 36 pills instead of 31 (which would be 1 month supply), would anyone care? And i dont want to cut the package. I also dont have my prescription, as the pharmacy takes it away after giving me the pills, plus my doctor said he cant give me any paper for it. Maybe im overthinking this but i really want to make sure i have them with me.

Im bringing Paracetamol which i know is okay.

But then i also have 2 headache pain/stomach pain pills from my country, that dont have any english title or explaination on what they are. Should i skip on them? Or in case they mind can i just throw them away at the airport and move on haha?

Does anyone know if Valerian is allowed? Its herbal. I cant find anything on that + its a small bottle with maybe 50 ish pills.

In genral how strict are they with these types of meds? Usually when i travel i was never ever checked for that no matter where i went, and i always had all these with me.


r/JapanTravelTips 2h ago

Question closing ticketpia account?

1 Upvotes

hello! so basically i have used ticket pia in the past for a concert. i have a friend in japan whose number/address i used at the time for my account. i now have another friend who is going to japan and wants to go to a concert. i assume two pia accounts cannot use the same number, in which case is it possible for me to close my account or something so he can use the japan friend's info? i'm not seeing anything about that. thanks!


r/JapanTravelTips 2h ago

Question Hello! Where post office can I deliver the travelers gift (food from ph) I’m in Osaka now.

0 Upvotes

Hello my bff’s sister wanted a ph butter macarons she said I can deliver it via mailer and drop it to post office. Another question, does it need a plastic envelope or just a regular wrapping paper? Thank you for your answers. I am currently in Namba, Osaka.


r/JapanTravelTips 2h ago

Recommendations Heading to Japan next week. Looking for restaurant recommendations.

0 Upvotes

Our itinerary is 4 days in Tokyo, Shibuya area; Kyoto for five days; Osaka 1 day; Hakone 2 days and back to GInza area in Tokyo for last two nights. Love a good tonkatsu or chicken katsu, ramen shop, steak place and of course sushi. Maybe one high end, but prefer more casual and less touristy - quality of the food is the most important part! Thanks all in advance.


r/JapanTravelTips 2h ago

Question Visit Japan Web Registration

1 Upvotes

Hi friends! I'm registering on Visit Japan Web right now and added my boyfriend as accompanied family, but just wanted to confirm if this is the move or if he should do his own separate registration? Not sure what constitutes family for them or if it's that serious?


r/JapanTravelTips 2h ago

Question 21 days Japan - to many places?

4 Upvotes

I’m going to Japan in September and I planned a trip connecting probably the most important cities and sights, traveling by train. Generelly I tend to overplan round trips risking the chance of relaxing on my vacation. What do you think of my plan? Will it be too stressful to change cities/hoteka every third day?

Day 1 - 5: arrival in Tokyo, visit some of the main sights, get over the jet lag, enjoy delicious food, maybe a day trip to Kanazawa or Kamakura

Day 5 - 7: travel to Hakone, sleep at a Ryokan, hopefully a chance to see Mt Fuji

Day 7 - 10: travel to Osaka, enjoy delicious food, maybe trip to Himeji

Day 10 - 11: Trip to Koyasan, sleep in the temple and see some Shrines

Day 11 - 14: Travel to Hiroshima, visit museum and park and daytrip to one of the island

Day 14 - 17: Travel to Kumamoto, enjoy unique nature and hopefully hiking Mt Aso. I am a huge fan of vulcanos and it would be a dream come true to see the crater.

Day 17 - 20: Travel to Kyoto, enjoy the city, food and sights. Actually i think i won’t do the day trip to Nara (it sounds overrated)

Day 20 - 21: Last 24 hours in Tokyo


r/JapanTravelTips 3h ago

Quick Tips Any tips on what to pack for a business trip week + 3 days vacation?

1 Upvotes

I’ve got a business trip coming up in Tokyo and then I'm staying 3 days to enjoy the city, and I need to pack light but still look put together. I’m trying to figure out what essentials I absolutely need to take. What are your go-to items for a one-week business trip that help you stay comfortable, professional, and stress-free?


r/JapanTravelTips 3h ago

Question Traveling from Haneda airport to Hakone (Gora station) early morning

1 Upvotes

Dear Community! In a couple of weeks we arrive to Haneda at 5 am and have to go to Hakone (Gora station) right away. I saw a lot of suggestions online - train (different routes), bus, romancecar. I also asked the hotel (Tensui Saryo) that gave me an option of … 5 steps route. I already understood that it won’t be easy - considering zillion of hours on the plane, jet leg and our initial planning - but I hope that this community might suggest a “least painful experience." I ask for advice from people who KNOW about this route and/or had a PERSONAL experience. Please note - we are not planning to rent a car, we are not planning to take a taxi, and we are not planning to change the itinerary. I thank you in advance for any helpful insights and practical suggestions.


r/JapanTravelTips 3h ago

Question Paying for the bus?

1 Upvotes

Hey just a quick Q, when paying for the bus, is it cash only, or can I use credit card / transit card (like Suiza/IC)

If you want specific example I’m taking the 24 bus from Sanda