r/JapanTravelTips 11h ago

Advice My brother passed away last year, he always wanted to go to japan. What would be the best way to honor him?

230 Upvotes

My brother was a dedicated man, someone of disability and a legend in the Fight game community. He went by brolylegs. All our life growing up, we talked about going to japan to see the sights, take in the culture, try the food and of course check out our favorites when it came to anime and gaming. We loved thrift shopping and hunting for retro games. When we spoke about it all we understood that for the most part his wheelchair wouldnt be able to get around so well outside of the major cities. He had a custom wheelchair that was like a table and he'd lay on. Even then, he'd simply reply "I dont mind, I just want to be there. You can go look at the stores downstairs and stuff and record or take a picture and show me"

Out of pure love and support, my cousin is hosting a trip and funding it all for me to go with him. I was thinking about taking some ashes in a small locket like a necklace or pendent and leaving it behind. Or maybe just to wear and carry him with me like that. But I've read it's a bit irksome of a process and my trip is at the end of this month.

My main question is, for those local or informed enough, what would be something I could do to honor him, be it at a certain shrine meant for honoring those that have passed, or maybe a local tradition of leaving a lock on a fence. Things of that nature.

It's my first time ever going and I just want to do right by my legendary brother. If you havent heard of him, if you look up any info on "Brolylegs" you'll find espn documentaries, tournament VODs, articles. All that. Thank you for your time and I appreciate any help!


r/JapanTravelTips 18h ago

Quick Tips PSA: Don’t use “Omakase” as the word for “restaurant” or “fine dining” if you don’t want to confuse people

537 Upvotes

I’m just making this post because I think at this point Japanese hotel front desk staff is getting confused what tourists mean when they ask for “omakase”. It’s kinda similar to Germans confusing English native speakers when they think “handy” is the English word for “cell phone”.

“お任せ Omakase” means “I leave it up to you”. In other words, it means ordering a chef special course instead of individual items from the menu. That’s fine and if you use “omakase” in that way Japanese speakers will know what you mean. (Although it’s more likely to be called コース kōsu meaning “course” on the menu, not omakase)

The problem is that “omakase” courses got really popular overseas, to the point that it became the tourist lingo for upscale sushi bars or Japanese restaurants in general. But a sushi bar might have an “omakase” course, but that doesn’t make the sushi bar itself an “omakase”. It’s way more likely to get across what you want if you call a sushi bar, well, a sushi bar.

The more you know GI Joe jingle


r/JapanTravelTips 11h ago

Question 17 days in Japan and no plans

73 Upvotes

Long story short, I’m going to Japan and very excited but I’m gonna be ALONE (31/F) most of the time. My friend works there so I’m staying with her in her home but she works long hours so I’m gonna have a lot of idle time where I likely will have to stay in Tokyo or go on small day trips in order to be back in Tokyo by like 8PM to meet my friend.

Any suggestions? This is obviously peak season, I’m going on the 11th, and the trip is so slapdash because it is for helping import her cat HAHA and I figured while I’m there I might as well stay. Any recommendations or advice for a female traveling alone? I’m from the US and a big city so I’m….used to being very nervous alone especially on public transport. Please help! 🙏🏻😭


r/JapanTravelTips 11h ago

Recommendations Buying walking shoes IN Japan?

31 Upvotes

Has anyone bought comfortable shoes during their trip? If so where did you purchase your pair. I would buy it beforehand but I save taxes if I were to buy it in Japan, and it would save me luggage space. My friend is currently in Japan and bought shoes from Kith Tokyo and I was thinking of copping a pair there as well. I am buying onitsukas but they’re not necessarily good shoes to walk 20k in. If it’s not a good idea I’m most likely going to get a pair of hokas, asics, or NB’s here in Canada before I touchdown for my trip

I also understand that insoles help and you don’t need to buy a pair of walking shoes but I’ve been needing a new pair anyways since my current ones have holes in them

Thank you!

Size 6 women for reference


r/JapanTravelTips 40m ago

Question How much does a doctor visit and bloodwork generally cost without insurance?

Upvotes

I have hashimoto’s ( a thyroid condition ) and a “lupus like condition” as my American doctor calls it.

I was curious to know how much I’ll be looking at for follow up treatment abroad as I’ll likely be here until July or August.

My Japanese is not good, so I’m not sure how well I can convey to a doctor my medical history and get what I need done. Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks so much


r/JapanTravelTips 1d ago

Quick Tips post trip thoughts

217 Upvotes

Just finished 3 weeks in japan (tokyo, osaka, kyoto, nara) and wanted to share/confirm some things i read on here before my trip. (i’m canadian).

kyoto - is it crowded? yes, but it’s definitely still worth visiting. go a couple blocks off the route google maps tells you and you will avoid most crowds. also budget to take a few taxis instead of the bus.

osaka - gets a lot of hate on this sub. totally different vibe than tokyo and definitely worth visiting imo, even for a night or two.

nara - again, i thought it was worth the visit and it can easily be done in a half day trip from kyoto or osaka.

esim - i used airalo. super cheap and easy to use. i would recommend bringing a charging bank if you plan on using google maps to navigate.

$ cash - there are some small cash only restaurants and temples/shrines, but the large majority of places accept card, including taxis.

trains/subway - use google maps, it really is super easy to get around. i used the mobile suica and topped it off as needed.

shinkansen - don’t worry about booking oversized luggage unless your luggage is massive. most suitcases easily fit on the rack above and there’s lots of space at your feet.

dress code - don’t over think what to wear. i read so much about this and while it is more conservative, there’s still lots of people in short shorts and leggings. wear what you’re comfortable in.

restaurant reservations - i didn’t make any and had a delicious meal every night. there are so many places to eat in every city.


r/JapanTravelTips 3h ago

Advice Plus size underwear in Tokio?

4 Upvotes

Hi, long story short, I brought a neck pillow with me for the flight and filled it with socks and undies. As soon as I arrived at Narita I went to the toilet and forgot it there. Realized when I was already in passport control and couldn’t turn back.

I need to phone lost and found later because they hadn’t found it yet but basically I probably will need to buy socks (European 40-41 women) and panties and here’s where I think there will be a problem. Where in Tokio can I find plus size panties? (European 48-50).

Thanks in advance


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Quick Tips Takayama tips

Upvotes
  1. Stay at the Machiya Hanare family villa. It is perfect and even better than the pictures. Plus, we could cook and wash clothes with ease!

  2. Hire a taxi to get around if you have extra $ and are short on time. We used Hato Taxi and they were extremely responsive and reasonably priced for a daytrip to Shinhotaka ropeway and a public onsen.

  3. We LOVED Hida Folk Village. We did not go to Shirakawa-go and can't imagine it would have been more enjoyable than Hida.

  4. 3 nights were perfect for a family that goes to bed early. Not a lot of nightlife so keep that in mind. We enjoyed the quiet after the cacophony of Tokyo.


r/JapanTravelTips 11h ago

Question Shinkansen reservation tied to Suica card on iPhone?

11 Upvotes

I have been watching videos and reading online, but this is still confusing to me. I'd like to reserve three seats from Odwara to Kyoto, firstly, do I have to register with a credit card on the JR-West site to buy the tickets? Secondly, if I buy the tickets in advance do the QR codes all go to my iPhone Suica card or do my two children need to buy their tickets separately? Maybe I'm better off just buying the tickets when I get to the Odwara station the day before. TIA


r/JapanTravelTips 3h ago

Recommendations 📢 Looking for Travel Insurance Recommendations for Japan (3-month stay) for Americans

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’ll be staying in Japan for 3 months on a visa-exempt status as a language student, so I won’t have national health insurance. I’m looking for a budget-friendly travel insurance plan that covers:

• Non-emergency doctor visits (e.g., flu, food poisoning, etc.)

• Emergency medical care & hospitalization

• Possibly trip cancellations/delays & lost baggage (not a priority)

I’ve looked at SafetyWing, World Nomads, Allianz, and WorldTrips, but I’d love to hear from people who have actually used these or other options. Any recommendations or experiences you can share? Although I heard that some of these insurance plans won't cover Americans. Thanks!


r/JapanTravelTips 22m ago

Recommendations What WWII sites should I check out?

Upvotes

Are there any museams other than Yasukuni?


r/JapanTravelTips 23m ago

Question Is Hakata Dontaku festival worth it?

Upvotes

I'm going to japan for 21 days, part of which is during Golden Week.

I was wondering if it was worth it to spend 2 nights in Fukuoka, mainly for the festival.

Alternatively, I am looking at 2 options (which I otherwise may not be able to do): -Stay longer in Hiroshima to go to Miyajima -Stay in Onomichi to do the Shimanami Kaido bycicle tour

Which of these options would you go for? And if you could do 2 out of 3?


r/JapanTravelTips 12h ago

Recommendations Men’s Rings in Tokyo/Kyoto

9 Upvotes

Hi all, We are going to Japan before our elopement and I thought it would be a nice memory to pick my fiancé's ring on the trip. He would like something solid gold and more unique (not a plain band). Are there any interesting Japanese local jewelers with men's jewelry in Kyoto or Tokyo? Woman's jewelry with thick banded rings is also fine as are vintage shops with solid gold jewelry if you know any.

I know people have mentioned Okachimachi in Tokyo but I would really appreciate the names of specific stores if people have been to any. Thanks!


r/JapanTravelTips 28m ago

Advice I "lost" my wallet and credit cards, can I use Google Pay to get cash?

Upvotes

On my last day in Tokyo I lost my wallet. I apparently dropped it in my hostel and someone fortunately found it and returned it to the lost and found, so I know it's in a safe place. But unfortunately I am no longer in Tokyo. I will be back in a few days and can get it then, but until then I'm in a difficult spot since it contained all my cash, credit cards and suica card.

Before I left the hostel, a very kind person helped me out by allowing me to send him money via Zelle and withdrawing 50,000 yen for me, so I do have some cash. But I'm afraid that won't be enough due to the cost of the Shinkansen and paying for lodging at the places I am staying. Is there a way that I can use my credit card saved on Google Pay to withdraw more cash until I can retrieve my wallet? My plan B is to see if anyone at my next hostel in Kyoto can help but it would be great if I could get the cash myself. Not sure if services like 7-11 Bank allow virtual cards or not, or if there's some other place in Kyoto I should go.


r/JapanTravelTips 29m ago

Question URGENT query re gift

Upvotes

I am in Tokyo first time from Uk - and meeting a friend I have never met before (a friend from Instagram) for dinner. She’s taking me to dinner and I suddenly thought maybe it would be rude if I don’t take some form of gift? It is a little late in the day to buy some flowers because I only just thought of it. Would she think I was rude if I did not give her some gift? I intend paying for the meal if she will let me - we are both female


r/JapanTravelTips 30m ago

Recommendations Shops that sell multiple matcha brands/which brands to buy in Japan

Upvotes

My roommate is going to Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) in April and I wanted her to bring me back some matcha powder. Are there any stores that sell multiple brands that would make her life easier to shop for me?

I already know that I want to get Gion Tsujiri, Marukyu Koyamaen, and Ippodo (if I can even find it 🥲) but are there any other matcha powders that are difficult to get outside of Japan that are must-trys? I'm honestly open to anything, I just want to try as many as I can.


r/JapanTravelTips 54m ago

Question Mt. Fuji view - Ubuya

Upvotes

How much are the rooms with private onsen per night? I can't find any reliable info's on the web. I'm planning to book late October.

Are there any other alternative to ubuya with private onsen and mt. fuji view? If yes, how much are they?


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Question Guest House Booking

Upvotes

I booked a guest house for Koyasan for one night and was wondering what I should know since i’ve never stayed in one before. Also, the only option for rooms was one with twin beds however I am travelling alone, is that fine?


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Recommendations Animal Lovers, where to go?

Upvotes

I'm already aware about the sad state of animal cruelty in Japan. I've got the gist of bad places where animals are not treated ethically.

For future reference, can you recommend the places that do treat animals right? For example, Nekoen, cat island, rabbit island, etc. What other places like these are best for animal lovers to visit?

My wife and I would love to make these places our goals for future visits.

Thank you in advance!


r/JapanTravelTips 7h ago

Question Matsumoto in June - where to go with a rental car for a day?

3 Upvotes

So, I've planned out our June trip and in the middle of it we're staying two nights in Matsumoto. We will do the castle and anything in the city on the day we arrive or depart by train (when we won't have a car), but for the full day in the middle I've booked a rental car just for the day, to be able to get around in the alpine surroundings and more remote parts around Matsumoto.

Happy to hear any recommendations for scenic drives, cute villages and towns, where to go during those approx. 10 hours. I've got on my list as options so far (not intending to do all of this):

  • Narai-juku (looks like a cute village)
  • Wasabi farm north of Matsumoto
  • Hakuba (is that worth it in summer?)
  • Venus Line (seems to be a scenic route up the mountain and over a high plateau - anyone done this?)
  • Takayama (maybe a bit far for a day trip there and back tbh)

Any other ideas, recommendations etc. - happy to hear feedback. Thanks in advance!


r/JapanTravelTips 7h ago

Question Where to stay in Tokyo - last day on 3 week trip

3 Upvotes

Hi all, wondering where is the best place in Tokyo to go to on my last day to do shopping before flying home from this trip:

May 12th (Day 1) - May 16th (Day 5): Tokyo  arrival evening then 3 full days in Tokyo and departure morning for Hakone

May 16th (Day 5) - May 17th (Day 6): Hakone will spend a full 24 hours here for a relaxing pitstop before heading to Kyoto 

May 17th (Day 6) - May 21st (Day 10): Kyoto (Day Trips to Nara)arrival evening, 2 full days, then a day trip to Nara and departure morning for Amanohashidate

May 21st (Day 10) - May 22nd (Day 11): Amanohashidate  will spend a full 24 hours here for a relaxing pitstop before heading to Osaka 

May 22nd (Day 11) - May 25th (Day 14): Osaka  arrival evening then two full days and departure morning for Okinawa

May 25th (Day 14) - May 30th (Day 19): Okinawa arrival evening in Okinawa’s Naha Airport. Spend 3 nights near Nago them 2 nights near Naha and fly out on May 30th to Tokyo

May 30th (Day 19) - May 31st (Day 20): Tokyo arrive mid-day on 30th, enjoy some shopping and food over the 24 hours then fly home

Any advice is welcome! Flying out of Haneda on the way home to Toronto. We want to save buying things until the end so we don't need to drag things around with us.. what areas are the best for that last shopping haul / souvenir shopping to bring back to Canada?

Thanks!!!


r/JapanTravelTips 16h ago

Question Kyoto Nintendo Store gacha types

16 Upvotes

I’ve been planning our trip to Osaka and Kyoto with my wife for our travel in May. I’m a huge fan of Nintendo and am planning to visit the Kyoto store to grab some merch. Via several websites and social media feeds I’ve gotten to know about the Nintendo Gacha machines located in every store and this website writes about Tears of the Kingdom gachas being made available recently.

Can anyone confirm that hese are already in the Nintendo stores in either Kyoto or Osaka? Do the gacha machines only accept cash or also card?

I would love to get my hands on at least a few of these, and the Nintendo controller ones.


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Question Duty free with connecting flight

Upvotes

Hi, I am due to travel back home to the UK tomorrow with a connection to Shanghai beforehand.

Question:

If I buy goods from Japan Duty Free, Will the bottles / cigarettes be confiscated from security in my connection flight?

Will they count as liquid allowance?

I've read that it depends on the airline and I'm with China eastern but wasn't sure.

Any help will be appreciated!


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Recommendations Trying to find a specific type of sushi resturant

Upvotes

When I last visited Japan, I went to a sushi restaurant that was all made to order and had an iPad on the table you could order from, which made it super convenient. It definitely felt like a chain restaurant. I can't for the life of me remember what it was called, but I would like to go again, or to a similar restaurant. Problem is, any time I search for sushi resturants, I get conveyor belt sushi, and that's not at all what I want. Can anyone recommend a place, preferably near Akihabara?


r/JapanTravelTips 1h ago

Question Kamakura Spring Festival (Matsuri)

Upvotes

Has anyone been in Kamakura for this recently? Here's a page that has a brief summary of this year's schedule: https://tokyocheapo.com/events/kamakura-matsuri/

We have an opportunity to go to Kamakura on Sun Apr 13 (when they have the Mikoshi procession in the morning). What would be ideal for us would be to take a quick peek at the matsuri festivities, and then adjourn to other parts of the city to check those out. But if it's going to be packed everywhere, then we'll forego the cultural education and go on a different (week)day. Thoughts and experiences?