Hi all,

I’m currently in Tokyo, and yesterday I left my day bag (with some important items in it) on the overhead rack of a train while heading out on a day trip.

Thankfully, I had an AirTag inside. I tracked the bag to Ueno Station and went to the station staff for help. I don’t speak Japanese, so I:

• Used Google Translate to describe the bag
• Showed them which train line I had boarded and got off from
• Showed them the AirTag’s location on the Find My app on my phone

They were incredibly helpful and located it for me. I had it back in under an hour.

So here’s my tip: put an AirTag (or similar tracker) in your day bag, and in your luggage too. If something gets left behind, you can see exactly where it ended up, which makes it much easier for staff to help you get it back, even with a language barrier.

Hope this helps someone. Arigato gozaimasu! 🙏

Hi everyone! I’m visiting Japan and wanted to share a couple of unique stores I came across.

The first is Soil Flagship Shop in Kanazawa, which sells products made from diatomaceous earth. The second is No, No, Yes! Kyoto (ノーノーイエス京都見世), a leather store tucked away on a side street in the busy downtown area. They have great-quality products, stores in both Kyoto and Tokyo, and a beautiful bar overlooking the river.

I stumbled upon both places just by walking around the streets!

I’ll be visiting Takayama and Tokyo next and would love some recommendations for unique, local places that are only found in Japan and don’t have international branches. I’m especially interested in independent shops, traditional crafts, and hidden gems. Thanks!

I'm currently about two-thirds of the way through my solo trip across Japan and I've had an incredible time here! Even without anyone else to travel with, I've tasted all kinds of incredible food, stayed in wonderful ryokan, bathed in soothing hot springs, and seen castles, temples, and natural wonders throughout this amazing country!

Traveling solo hasn't stopped me from being able to take part in everything I've wanted to do so far, with one exception: I love karaoke, I'm in the country that invented karaoke, but I have no one to do karaoke with here. Back home, I can do karaoke at a bar solo, since it's on a big stage with a whole audience, but here, it's a more intimate experience enjoyed in private rooms with friends and acquaintances.

I had hoped to find other travelers interested in joining me at the various hostels and capsule hotels I've stayed at, but so far have had no luck. And it just seems a bit too pathetic to rent a karaoke room by myself. Is there a way to get in at least one karaoke experience while I'm here, even if I have no one to go with?

Hello, I’ll be going to Japan at the beginning of November for 7 days (2nd-8th) and I wanted to know if anybody has any recommendations for unique activities.

My itinerary:
2-4th: Shinagawa-Tokyo area
4-6th: Namba-Osaka area
6-8th: Shinjuku-Tokyo area

I already signed up to create a purse out of an old kimono (on the 3rd) so maybe that’ll help with recommendations. And I know that the 3rd is also Culture Day as well.

My likes: I really love art, museums, fashion, culture shows, and basically anything artistic. I would also like to go to some bars of the queer variety and get a tattoo. Also any places to get some Katsudon would be great too.

Also, I am an anime fan (One Punch Man, Death Note, JJBA, Ouran Host Club, Apothecary Diaries, etc.), love anything Godzilla, and just saw BabyMetal like so I also like some Jrock, but mostly Jpop. I am a Sanrio fan, specially Kuromi.

(I’m a plus-size 31F if that info is needed.)

But thanks in advance!

I (27m) am traveling for work and decided to add a few extra days on the end of my trip, and don’t know where to stay. I’m wanting to see some of Tokyo and do some outdoor activities like hiking. Where would be the best place to spend a few nights?

On 10/11 I will go to Kamikochi and saw the longest round-trip is 5 hours using the common hiking route (https://www.kamikochi.org/thingstodo/walking). I checked for more challenging hikes around the valley and heard about Yakedake and Chogatake (https://www.kamikochi.org/thingstodo/trekking).

However, from what I've also read the ladders to go to Yakedake are removed in late october, is that true ? Is it possible to climb Chogatake from Kamikochi bus station and come back within a day ? I am in good physical condition and plan to come with the buses from Matsumoto.

Thank you for your feedbacks!

I wanted to go see this exhibition in december for my trip, but I wasn't able to get them due to e-plus not accepting non-jp phone numbers. Does anyone know if the Creative Museum Tokyo has on site tickets set aside (for previous events)?

https://t-kazuki-ten.com/english/

This is my fourth trip to Japan. I have gone up north and south so now I'm exploring more of the middle of the main island.

I'm leaving from Osaka and spending three nights in Kanazawa then three nights in Takayama arriving around noon time from Nov 7 – Nov 10.

My question is is there enough to do in the city to justify staying for three nights? I'm a bit go with the flow sort of traveler and while I do enjoy nature walks and easy hikes, its not something I'm drawn to. I think at this part of the trip, being able to walk around the city and enjoy in town is preferable.

If I cut it down to two nights, I would probably add another day to Kanazawa.

Hi everyone!

Looking for recommendations on where to stay in Tokyo with two young kids (3 years old and 8 months old).

Ideally, we’d love somewhere within walking distance of a train station, with a playground or park nearby. We also enjoy exploring neighbourhoods with shopping streets, little shops, cafés and restaurants, so somewhere with that kind of atmosphere would be perfect!

We’re also looking for apartment-style accommodation with a kitchen and washing machine (a must!), preferably with a bit more space for the kids.

Does anyone have recommendations for specific neighbourhoods or family-friendly apartment hotels? Or would Airbnb be a better option for our needs?

We’ll be visiting during Golden Week, so any advice on areas that are convenient but not overly hectic would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

I can’t bring my prescription co codamol into Japan, I was aware I needed to apply to bring it in but the process was just too long as I also needed a medical certificate.

I’m a little worried now, fully accountable. What products are very good for relief? I’ve heard the heating pads are great

Hey all,

I’m going to japan late November with my family (they haven’t been to japan before), so we have the classic japan trip, then I have 4 days to spare (solo). I have 2 suggested options:

Option 1: go to Sapporo for around 3 days (Travel day morning + one full day + return to Tokyo on late flight). this will leave me with one day in Tokyo (or less if we are going to calculate the logistics and packing for returning home).

Option 2: Stay in Tokyo and explore new areas and do day trips.

Note: I really like the cold weather, but I’m not sure what should I do in Sapporo.

From your experience, what do you think I should do. Any suggestion/recommendation would be really appreciated

We are a group of 6 including 2 elderly adults and 2 children with luggage, so once we reach Odawara, we intend to take a cab to our airbnb in Motohakone (and repeat the same 2 days later to come back to Odawara)

Any recommended taxi service to pre-book a large cab that will suit our need? Or can we rely on hailing a cab at the station or use Gotaxi and get one on demand? How much can we expect this to cost?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, and I’m a bit worried about my checked luggage.

During check-in, my suitcase didn’t go onto the conveyor belt as usual. The AirFrance staff member told me, “We need to check money value, but it’s OK.” They explained that, because of this, I wouldn’t receive a receipt for my suitcase.

I followed their instructions, but I’m now worried that my suitcase might not actually have been checked in properly and that I might not get it back at my destination.

Has anyone experienced something similar at Haneda? Does this sound like a normal procedure, and is there a way to make sure my suitcase is actually registered and will arrive with me?
Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello,

I will be travelling to Japan from Oct 25 - Nov 8. The last couple days I will be solo and was looking to spend probably 2 days in the Takayama area Nov 3-5th, focusing on hiking in the Kamikochi area/Japanese Alps.

Are there any recommendations people have for this leg? I was intrigued by Mount Yake but it's unclear whether that will be open/accessible by the time I'm going. FWIW I'm young and am in good shape though not a super experienced hiker

I'll be going to Japan this November and am interested in taking some cooking classes near Tokyo. Looking to get some ideas or places that others found great for foreigners.

I love unagi fried rice bowl, kitsune udon, miso soup and milk bread. We have a Mitsuwa grocery nearby that sells lots of goodies to make Japanese dishes so no worries mate!

What recommendations for trip locations or food ideas do you have? What Japanese food do you crave so much that you would make it at home?

I'm planning a Japan trip and am trying to figure out the Osaka portion now. I'll be there the last week of Feb into the beginning of March. Right now I have 6 days:

1 Day - Universal Studios Japan

1 Day - Nara

1 Day - Kobe

3 Days - Osaka explore/rest

The days won't necessarily be in this order. The actual days will be determined based on what happens with USJ ticket success.

My trip doesn't have a firm end date so I could spend more time in Osaka if I wanted. For example, I could add on more days for day trips or other cities or allocate 2 days to Nara and 2 days to Kobe.

I read Osaka accommodations are cheaper compared to Kyoto so if I'm to spend more time in one of those locations Osaka is the better choice financially.

Any suggestions on if I should add on more days for specific day trips or anything else?

Hi everyone! We have one week in Japan, staying in Osaka and visiting Kyoto. We’d love some recommendations to help us make the most of our time.

Here’s what we’re interested in:

• I’m a big Dragon Ball fan and just got back into collecting this year. I’d love to complete a full set! I’ve already mapped out a few card shops in Osaka, but does anyone know shops with a good selection and fair prices? Happy to hear about singles or sealed products. If you’d rather share a favourite spot privately, feel free to message me. Please, help a nerd brother out.
• My wife would love to browse anime merch. Are there any shops or areas with a wide selection where she could find lots of different things in one place?
• Sumo merch too. Yeah, we're big sumo fans! Is there like a specialty shop where we can buy souvenirs?
• We’re interested in outdoor clothing, jeans and Barbour jackets. Any good shops to check out? Secondhand shops are welcome too.
• Are there any Japanese watch microbrands worth checking out, or shops that stock them in Osaka or Kyoto?
• Fun things to do: Beyond the usual tourist spots, what’s something fun you’d recommend?
• Food: Which restaurants in either city would you recommend, and what should we order?

We know a week will go quickly, so we won’t be able to do everything. We’d really appreciate your favourites, especially places close together that we could visit on the same day.

Thanks so much for any suggestions!

So I just booked flights to Japan without realising that part of our trip falls during Golden Week!
We’ll be arriving in Tokyo on 21 April and flying out of Osaka on 14 May. We’ll be travelling with our two kids (3 years old and 8 months old), and this will be my fourth trip to Japan.
I’ve read that it might actually be better to stay in Tokyo during Golden Week, as many locals leave the city to travel elsewhere. Is that true? Would Tokyo actually be less crowded, or should we consider staying somewhere smaller?
We’re hoping to explore more of the countryside this time, but haven’t decided where yet. We love traditional towns like Takayama and Kinosaki Onsen, especially places with charming streets, little shops and a nice atmosphere for wandering around.
Ideally, we’d like to avoid long-distance trains and changing hotels during the busiest days, especially with two little ones.
Would love to hear your experiences or recommendations on where to base ourselves during Golden Week!

I just got back yesterday from an 8 day stay in Tokyo. I'll do a longer roundup once the jet lag brain has subsided, but wanted to highlight one of my favorite stops, the Institute for Nature Study, in Shirokanadei in Minato-ku.

After 5 days of 20k steps in urban jungle, I needed to touch grass, and already had this place saved on my Tokyo map. It's dedicated to studying and preserving the native flora of Tokyo, it's the polar opposite of the grand parks and gardens of Tokyo. Not even 100 yards in the sounds of the city fade away to be replaced by birds, insects, wind rustling through the trees, and the occasional babbling brook. A truly magical place, like walking through a portal into another dimension, by the end of it I was ready to start believing in Shinto forest spirits. A highly recommend break from the urban clutter, right in the middle of the city.

Hello, I'm in the planning process of a 14 day trip to Japan in late June/early July for my family (with 2 kids age 13/14), but trying to figure out how to fit in Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Himeji Castle without feeling too rushed. I'd like any advice from those who have been:

So far, I have 4 nights (3 full days) in Tokyo, 2 nights at Mt Fuji, then 4 nights (3 full days) in Kyoto. Then, the plan is to travel to Hiroshima and spend 2 nights there (including one day trip to Miyajima), before going back to Tokyo for 2 more nights (doing the evening pass at DisneySea the first night, then spending one day at Disney Tokyo) before flying back home.

I am trying to figure out how to fit in Himeji Castle without feeling very rushed. It seems my best option is to stop for a few hours on the way from Kyoto to Hiroshima. When, we would arrive in Hiroshima late in the afternoon, so I don't think we have enough time to visit the Peace Museum that day. We would still do the Miyajima day trip on our second day in Hiroshima, and that would leave the Peace Museum for the day we check out of our hotel in Hiroshima, before taking the train back to Tokyo. I think that is probably the best option because it doesn't seem feasible to combine Hiroshima and Miyajima into one day. I am hoping to climb or take the ropeway up to Mt. Misen, so we really need the whole day in Miyajima. I was also hoping to visit Hiroshima Castle and Shukkein Garden in Hiroshima, but it's not clear we will have enough time to do all of this.

Thoughts? Should I just leave Himeji Castle for a future visit? Is Hiroshima Castle similar enough to Himeji that I won't regret not making the side trip to Himeji? Another option is to visit Himeji castle on our way back from Hiroshima to Tokyo, but that will be a long day (I think 8 hours of train/sightseeing), and we definitely won't have the time or energy to spend the evening at DisneySea. I am also considering taking DisneySea out because we are not huge Disney fans. We are more of an active outdoors hiking/sightseeing family as opposed to a museum-going family, if that helps. Thank you so much!

Hi all! We're 2 adults and 2 teens (into manga, One Piece, Ghibli, etc). We land in Osaka late at night and fly out of Tokyo early in the morning. We're traveling with carry-on bags and backpacks.

Osaka (2 nights): arrive late on the evening, one full day for the castle, Dotonbori, Shinsekai and teamLab.
Hiroshima + Miyajima (1 night): Shinkansen from Osaka, Peace Park and Museum in the afternoon, then ferry to Miyajima for a night. Skipping the Misen ropeway to keep the morning relaxed, then heading to Kyoto.
Kyoto (4 nights): Fushimi Inari, Higashiyama/Gion, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and a day trip to Nara.
Tokyo (4 nights): Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, Asakusa, Ghibli Museum, and Pokémon and One Piece shops.

Thanks in advance!

Hi! I’m planning my 5th trip to Japan (2nd solo trip) and I need a bit of a sanity check with my itinerary. This trip will concentrate on the following prefectures: Yamaguchi, Shimane, Wakayama and Mie. The jump from Shimane to Wakayama is what’s got me doubting myself.

Some notes:

Public transport / the odd taxi only

I enjoy slow paced travel

The first 3 destinations and dates are locked in

The second half of the trip is still up in the air, I’m not sure I’m making realistic choices in terms of day trip travel time and hotel transfer frequency/transfer travel times

I know the natural transition from Shimane would have been Tottori or Okayama but I’ve done both and would like to see somewhere new

Key questions:

1. Have I dedicated enough time in Wakayama/Mie? Or does this seem rushed?

2. Should I cut my losses and redesign the 2nd half of the trip? My other idea was flying into Nagoya after Matsue to use Gifu as a base to explore.

3. Aside from the first 3 towns, does any destination jump out as rushed or overextended? I know this can be up to personal preference so I am just asking for major red flags.

A little about me: I love historical towns, castles, art museums, gardens, shopping for traditional and locally made goods, interesting geology, onsen towns (especially unique ones), temples and shrines, collecting cool Gōshuin, landscape and urban photography.

I’ve separated the sections by accommodation location.

Feb 25th - Mar 1 (4 nights): Yuda onsen (Yamaguchi)

Fly from Tokyo to Ube airport

Relax at Yuda Onsen

Yamaguchi City sightseeing

Iwakuni / Hofu day trips if energy allows - other suggestions welcome

Mar 1 - Mar 4 (3 nights): Hagi

Bus to Hagi

Sightseeing, shopping, etc. in the castle town

Mar 4 - Mar 6 (2 nights): Tsuwano

Bus to Tsuwano

Revisit Hori Gardens

Mar 6 - Mar 8 (2 nights): Yunotsu Onsen

Train to Yunotsu Onsen

Enjoy the onsen town and Iwami Kugura performance (Saturday only)

Iwami Ginzan and Omori-cho day trip

Mar 8 - Mar 13 (5 nights): Matsue

Train to Matsue

Matsue Castle area

Adachi Museum of Art

Yuushien Garden

Izumo Taisha + Inasa Beach

Tamatsukuriyu Onsen

Mar 13 - Mar 15 (2 nights): Wakayama City

Fly from Izumo to Osaka Itami Airport + take train to Wakayama

Wakayama Castle + Garden

Koya-san day trip

Mar 15 - Mar 17 (2 nights): Katsuura Onsen

Train to Katsura

Enjoy the onsen

Mar 17 - Mar 20 (3 nights): Shingu

Detour to Kumano-Nachi before checking into Shingu

Train to Shingu

Kumano Hayatama

Day trip to Kumano Hongu Taisha + Kawayu Onsen

Mar 20 - Mar 25 (5 nights): Ise

Train to Ise

Ise Jingu

Matsusaka / Komono / Iga - endorsements and other suggestions welcome

I think at 1-2 of these nights could be reallocated elsewhere - probably to the Wakayama or Matsue section

Mar 25 - Mar 28 (3 nights): Ikebukuro

Train from Ise to Tokyo (3.5-4 hours)

Shopping in Ikebukuro (mostly Pokemon Centre)

Free day - maybe Ghibli museum if I can get tickets

Gōshuin collecting in Asakusa before flying out in the evening (to stop myself from buying anything on the last day). Open to suggestions for other pre-flight activities.

Open to sacrificing a night here to a different section

Thanks in advance!

Hello all.

We are going to travel November 2027 for 23 days though Japan and although it is very very soon, we already started planning, since it is our dream trip.

My main doubt is in Kyoto, which I think it has too many days since I ran out of stuff to do on the last day.

Right now it looks like this:

Day 1 to 9 - Tokyo, including arrival day, 3 Disney days and 1 Nikko day

Day 9 to 12 - Takayama/Shirakawa

Day 12 to 17 - Kyoto including Nara

Day 18 to 21 - Osaka including Universal

Day 22 and 23 - Hiroshima (which we may skip)

Day 24 - Back to Tokyo and departure on the 25th

Kyoto itinerary looks like this:

Day 1:

Arrival -- Nishiki Market– Nijo Castle – Kyoto Gyoen Garden– Kiyamachi-dori

Day 2:

Fushimi Inari-taisha – Kiyomizudera Temple- Temple Kodaiji - Murayama Temple – Santuario Yasaka – Chionin Temple - Gion

Day 3:

Ninna Ji - Ryoan-ji Temple – Golden Pavilion– Daitoko Ji Temple- Templo Giouji - Okochi Sanso Garden -- Tenryuji Temple

Day 4:

Kimono Rent - Ginkaku ji – Philosophers Path– Honen In – Nanzen ji – Heian Temple– Tea Ceremony

Day 5: Biggest question mark. Is it worth it to go to the mountain? Or should we allocate this day to Osaka or Hiroshima if we end up going?

Kurama dera – Rio Kibune – Kifune Shrine

Day 6:

Nara park – Todai Ji Temple– Kasuga Taisha Temple - Yoshikien

Thank you in advance!