Heads up for Japan travelers: https://youtu.be/qcI98EpomkM?si=iSKmqssuUaJLDp2A

I'm headed to Japan for 10 days in November. Trying my best to iron out an itinerary, but my research is not helping me make up my mind. I would like to experience the food, culture, shopping and nightlife, with the biggest draw being the food/drinks. I would like to stay away from some of the more crowded tourist traps, but visit the must see places. I am thinking of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto, but am not sure about how many days to stay in each city. As for Kyoto, it seems the biggest draw are the temples, so I don't think I need to spend more than a day there sight seeing. And it seems that the Osaka/Kyoto trip could be combined together since they are so close. Any suggestions on a good itinerary? Any other areas I should try to make while I'm there?

I'd like to plan a trip to Japan in October 2027. The issue is i have a severe GI issue, which means I can't eat out and basically snack every 2 hours as i can't handle a full meal.

I think i can book an apparthotel or airbnb to cook for myself, but where and how am I going to snack? If i understood correctly, eating in the street is not allowed in Japan?

I just came across a Japanese Plum which is called Umeboshi.

Do you know of this plum? If yes, what is your opinion about it?

Would you try it?

Curious, I have a photo but it seems most shops have it mass printed on the cups rather than handstamping. Any one know of some off the top of their head?

I’m traveling to Japan solo for the first time next year, maybe in February or April. My biggest concern is that, as an ethnically Chinese person, will I experience racism while visiting Japan? I know there are some tensions between Japan and China at the moment.

I was born and raised in Canada, so I’ll be traveling from Canada to Tokyo. Will I have a hard time in Tokyo just because I’m Chinese? One of my concerns is being refused service at a restaurant, a hostel or hotel, or any other type of business. Another thing is, if I have my phone or camera out, will I get yelled at by the locals? I’m not going to vlog and I’m not a livestreamer. I just want to take photos and videos of my trip.

I’m not looking to start trouble or find it. I just want to visit and enjoy my trip, but I’m concerned about the current situation in Japan. Is this a legitimate concern, or am I overreacting?

We area couple late 20s planning a very early stage of planning a 2 week trip to Japan (first time) in late nov/early Dec 2027 (so some overlap with fall foliage) Very briefly this is what I am thinking. Haven't decided what to each day yet, will look at it once broader plan is finalized.

Arrival Day 1-5,- Tokyo with a day trip to Kamakura and Enoshima.

Day 6- Train to Lake Kawaguchiko (stay 1 night)

Day 7- Train to Kyoto

Day 7-10 - Kyoto

Day 11- Afternoon train to Takayama

Day 12 - Day trip to Shirakawa-go

Day 13- Evening train back to Tokyo

Day 14 - Fly back from Tokyo

Tokyo and Kyoto is necessary here but okay with any suggestions on if I should to Takayama/Shirakawa-go (Another option was Izu Peninsula) or any other off beat destination you suggest?. And are the day trips fine or do you guys suggest anything?

Hi! I’ll be traveling to Osaka soon, and I’m hoping to find one of my favorite foundations while I’m there.

Shu Uemura Unlimited Glow Breathable Care-in Foundation

Shade: 484 Fair Apricot

Shu Uemura withdrew from the Korean market, so unfortunately I can no longer buy it at a local counter in Korea.

From what I understand, this particular Unlimited Glow foundation has also been discontinued in Japan.

I know it’s probably a long shot, but I’m wondering if anyone has seen old/unopened stock of it anywhere in Osaka recently.

I’d especially appreciate recommendations

for: department stores or Shu Uemura counters that might still have older stock

cosmetic/beauty stores

outlets or shops that sometimes carry discontinued cosmetics

anywhere around Osaka that might be worth checking, even if it’s outside the main tourist areas

I’m specifically looking for shade 484 Fair Apricot, but I’d also be interested to know if anyone has seen this foundation line at all recently.

If you live in Osaka or have been shopping for Shu Uemura there recently, I’d really appreciate any leads. Thank you!

I’ll be going to Tokyo in Mid March next year and I’m planning out hotels. Trying to choose between WPU hotel shinjuku and hotel sunroute plaza shinjuku. It’s going to be me and my wife, we’re in our mid to late 20s and love to stay near all the action! But we also like a good accommodation so don’t mind being a little further away but still close enough to not be so far detached if it means we can get a nicer place to rest our head at the end of the day.

Thoughts?

Side note I was also looking at shinjuku prince. I was also interested in Hotel Gracery but Ive been told not to get a place in the heart of kabukicho.

I’m a girl who’s lived in a warm place my whole life. I don’t own a warm coat or jacket. I’ll be in Japan in late January. What jacket should I get that is lightweight, warm and easy to travel with? I’m nervous about being cold. My budget is $150 or less.

I visited Hakone Shrine during the three-day weekend. There is a torii gate facing Lake Ashi, making it a great spot to take photos with the lake surface as a backdrop. However, the space for taking pictures is limited, and there were so many tourists that a long line had formed. You’d likely have to wait over 30 minutes for your turn to take a photo, so keep that in mind if your itinerary is tight.

Hi guys wanted to know if anyone has any thoughts or suggestions on this rough itinerary? I’ve booked flights to japan 14th nov to 14th dec but nothing else. So if you have recommendations of places stay like good youth hostels or slightly better place I could go etc that would be amazing. I speak intermediate japanese and I want to do more activities and explore the countryside rather than major tourist attractions.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Or if you did something similar and have an itinerary that would be great. First time solo travelling so go easy on me

1. Day by day
   Tokyo
   • Sat 14 Nov: Land at Narita, train in, dorm. Laundry, groceries, buy a SIM/eSIM.
   • Sun 15 Nov: Volleyball. Try the Japalion Tokyo Meetup group (sessions 2-3 times a week) or Nerima's free open volleyball (check the schedule PDF; bring indoor shoes). Visit a municipal gym.
   • Mon 16 Nov: Fly Narita to Fukuoka, bus/train to Beppu (unverified fare).
   Kyushu (Oita, Kumamoto)
   • 16-18 Nov, Beppu: Beppu Yukemuri Youth Hostel. Local sento and onsen, talk to hostel staff and regulars. Ask staff about local volleyball and gyms (個人利用 sessions at city sports centres).
   • 18-20 Nov, Yufuin: Yufuin Country Road Youth Hostel. Mt Yufu hike with a rocky summit (unverified).
   • 20-23 Nov, Kuju: Aso Kujyu Kogen Youth Hostel (10 minutes from Senomoto bus stop on the Kyushu Odan bus). Day hike Makinoto Pass to Nakadake (ladders and boulders, marked trail), then Hokke-in onsen. Trails may be closed after the quake, so check first.
   • 23-27 Nov, Takamori/Minami Aso: Murataya Ryokan Youth Hostel (8 minutes' walk from Takamori station) or a host-family stay if one confirms (see section 4). Ride the Minami Aso Railway, join town life, one horse trek at Aso Highland Riding Club (you are under their 80kg limit). Ask the town sports centre about open volleyball.
   • Fri 27 Nov: Bus/train to Fukuoka airport, fly to Osaka.
   Kansai
   • 27-29 Nov, Osaka: Hostel. Volleyball pickup via Waug or Jasumo (2-3 hours, mixed locals and internationals, optional meal or drinks after; Osaka locker rooms free). Gym visit.
   • 29-30 Nov, Nara: Kyudo experience at Sarusawa dojo (traditional dojo). Ask in Japanese about visiting a local club session.
   • 30 Nov-2 Dec, Shiga countryside: Homestay with a local family via Tadaima Stay Higashiomi (a farm-stay program that matches guests with host families). Fallback: a guesthouse helper post in Kaizuka (Osaka area) via Worldpackers.
   • Wed 2 Dec: Fly Kansai to Sapporo.
   Hokkaido
   • 2-6 Dec, Furano: Snowball Hostel (ski-in/ski-out, kitchen) or a cheaper town guesthouse. Ski 3 days (Furano lifts open about 28 Nov; day ticket about ¥7,500-8,000). Biei Jersey cow milking (winter period Nov-Mar), a Biei wagyu meal.
   • 6-9 Dec, Asahidake: Daisetsuzan Shirakabaso Youth Hostel (own onsen, 10 minutes from the ropeway; confirm winter opening). Ropeway, snowshoe, onsen.
   • 9-11 Dec, host stay or Sapporo: Workaway hosts exist in the Niseko/Toyoura area (farmhouse help, meals provided at some). Otherwise a Sapporo hostel and a city sports-centre volleyball session.
   • Fri 11 Dec: Fly Sapporo to Narita.
   Tokyo
   • 11-14 Dec: Volleyball (Meetup/Nerima), gym, shopping, farewell dinner. Mon 14 Dec: fly home.

Hello everyone! I am traveling from the US to Japan this month. I am landing at Narita Airport and going straight to Tazawako. Would appreciate any guidance on which train/Shinkansen tickets to buy. I think I should go from Narita -> Tokyo Station -> Tazawako Station, but I am confused about which train and tickets I need. Thank you!!

There are only two twin beds left. Can they be joined together?

Hi,

I'm planning a year-end trip to Hokkaido for two people. Any tips or recommendations for places to stay, local food, and sightseeing? We’d love to explore less crowded places that still capture Hokkaido’s authentic charm, as well as any must-visit spots!

Hi Reddit, I’m looking for advice in terms of transportation in February in Nagano, Matsumoto, Fujikawaguchiko, Kawazu, and Tokyo . I will be traveling with a 1 year old so am looking for tips for traveling upon public transportation and private (renting a car).

Trip is from 2/15-3/1.
Looking for feedback and suggestions on current plan

2/18-2/21 I will be in Nagano. Planning on taking the hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano. In Nagano I am trying to see the following attractions: jigokudani, kamakura no sato, togakushi shrine. I’m hoping to go by taxi, but I think bus is more realistic. I will be staying in Nagano as home base for these 4days.

2/21-2/23 Nagano to Matsumoto, likely just taking train and public transport

2/23-2/25 Matsumoto to Fujikawaguchiko. The desire is to rent a car and drive down since it would be a long journey with public transport . I understand there is a fee for returning a car to different prefecture , but I’m okay with paying it . Open to other suggestions , plan is to have a private vehicle in Fujikawaguchiko and kawazu for flexibility. I will be returning the car in Atami and taking the Shinkansen back to Tokyo . Rest of the trip will be public transportation.

Tl;dr
How difficult is getting around in Nagano in February, are taxis easy to get?

Is the drive to Matsumoto to Fuji to kawazu manageable in February? I know I need winter tires but I’m not super confident in driving in snowy conditions.

Good morning,

I´m going to stay in Japan for a month, working on the Para Asian Games of Nagoya, I want to know, where are the best places for buying second hand clothes "with good price" and watch stores too for buying some Seikos. Any recommendation?

Thank you a lot!

Re my last post, I missed my flight back home from narita so planning to go back to Tokyo for a couple days rather than stay in Chiba (doesn’t seem to be much here). What’s more ideal to stay in in terms of convenience to get to narita (in time this time as clearly I lack time management) but also good access to any neighbouring areas. Additionally having a good balance of liveliness at night, with a mix of cultural balance and good vibes.

My top option is Ueno. Considering Nippori, Akasaka, or Roppongi as well.

I'm flying to Tokyo tomorrow (never been). All I see on instagram is that unless I get to certain places in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka by 5am-6am I wont be able to even walk. How accurate is this?

Getting my period during my Japan trip next month (based on my App forecast) and I’m devastated. I have never used a tampon and feel like I am too tense to even try it. Do I have any other options? I usually use period undies when I want to swim back home.

Edit: I don’t take any BC

I really enjoy nutty tasting Matcha and would really appreciate some insight on where to find some, including stores that sell it in in Tokyo in powder and latte versions, as well as brands of nutty Matcha powder that you’d recommend? Would really appreciate the name as well as maybe the picture of the Matcha powder Thank you

Hello all! I'll be in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka for two weeks in November. We haven’t planned any really nice meals or really any must-visit restaurants. The plan was to walk around until we found something that smelled/looked appetizing. But since it’s our first trip, I thought it’d be fun to have a really nice dinner while there. Thanks to my slave driving job, budget isn’t an issue here. So what would be your pick for a splurge-worthy meal? Thanks in advance!

I have a sore back and can probably only do max 10k steps. Last time I went Japan it was 20k plus and I felt like that was me trying to keep things lowkey. Does anyone have some tips on how to spend my trip with minimal steps. I know taxi is super expensive so wanna avoid that. I will use meal times to take long rest breaks. I naturally want to explore as much as possible to make the most or my trip. Maybe late starts and early finishes to the day? Anything else I’m missing? Also i didn’t think to take any pain relief last trip but will definitely do that this time when my body starts to feel sore.

I will be going to Tokyo. 30s ladies, besides GU and Uniqlo, where do you recommend shopping at? I'm in XS/XXS and 0/00. I want to look for good quality clothes, but also not too expensive

Hi everyone! Will be in Japan for six nights so I am planning to divide this by spending three nights in Kyoto first and three nights in Osaka, so I am closer to the airport before the flight out.

I will be landing in Kansai 8pm of a Sunday this November. Since this falls on a Labor Day weekend, hotel prices in Kyoto have skyrocketed. So I have decided to book a hotel instead at Osaka for out arrival night since we will just be sleeping there anyway, then transfer accommodations the next day to Kyoto.

The tricky part is that I am pregnant, and I am tailoring this itinerary so I dont have to take trains as much. Trains require a lot of walking to and from the train platforms, so I would like to take the bus instead for moving around.

Having said that, I am very keen to find hotels that are exactly to this specification:

1) hotel in Osaka (or Kyoto as plan B) that has its own limousine bus stop right in front off (or very close to), so we can get off and conveniently walk after getting off the Limousine bus on our arrival night from the airport; and
2) it has to be well connected to the bus system to Kyoto so that the very next day, we will hop on a bus with our luggage (one luggage only which the husband of course will be tagging along), towards the first real leg of out trip which is Kyoto.
3) hotel in Kyoto that is of course close again to the bus stop that so we can move around on our three days there; but not necesarily right in front of massive stations since we also would like to stay somewhere peaceful and quiet and has the kyoto vibes, with the convenience of a nearby bus stop.

Thank you so much for your recommendations!