My hubby is turning 50 this spring l (not bad for being a cystic fibrosis patient!) and we've decided that we're off to Japan. Little does hubby know that good friends are meeting up with us in Tokyo, and we want to give him a quirky or unhinged experience.

Do you have any recommendations when it comes to quirky/unhinged activities that will be something he'll remember for life? Keeping my fingers crossed for awesome recs 🙏🙏🙏

Edit: Some good recs already, thank you! I'm not looking for trips to the common touristy areas since we've already done such things on previous trips.

Japan experience - first timer and vegetarian

Feeling so emotional right now because I am back home after a wonderful 3 weeks trips from Japan

I would like to give back to the community because this group has been my source on planning my iterneary and vegetarian restaurants source

Also the group have been extremely support while I lost my bag at Shinjuku bus terminal and I was able to find it the next day with none of the items missing (Germany could never😭)

There are many threads on recommendations and suggestions and I would like to add my few cents

I started my trip at Osaka

Landed in Tokyo and stayed overnight at villa fontaine since it was midnight ( highly recommend their onsen)

Osaka

1. took Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka
   2 .we stayed at Candeo Hirakata( it was bit away from main areas but the stay was wonderful with gorgeous views and rooftop onsen with amazing views as well )
   
2. struggled hard with food the first few days because I did not put much effort planning food being vegetarian
   
3. lived off with Hashbrowns and pancakes and smoothie from konbini
   
4. pivot vegan restaurant is a must try
   
5. for katsuoji temple and mino waterfalls it’s better to go by car from Minoh Kayano station since it’s outside the city and do the 1 hour hike down since it’s easier . Must try maple leave tempura from street vendors
   
6. oko Dotombori is a must try for vegetarian people. The cute girls does an amazing job and portion wise it’s huge so I would just order for one person
   
7. I did not have time to go to namba round 1 which is where you have this giant tennis ball( I went to Nara round 1 it was empty and I had amazing time )
   
8. did other touristy stuff like dottonbori , kuramono market and strolled around

Kyoto

1. we stayed at blossom Kyoto and it was almost connected to all main areas . Potoncho alley in walkable distance , kiyamezu dera was 15 mins by bus
   
2. their onsen was great and room was very spacious compared to Tokyo standard
   
3. arashiyama is overrated . Go to nenbutsu instead if you want to see a bamboo forest
   
4. we searched for Shojin ryori ( Buddhist temple food) and highly recommend shigetsu
   
5. other vegan food was vegan Izakaya nijjiya and tomona
   
6. hatoya matcha and arabica was a just for vibes
   
7. had our best coffee and matcha at Walden woods . Must try their parfait with matcha jelly and crumble cookie
   
8. fushimi inari before 7am was great idea since there was no place to walk while we returned at 9am
   
9. Uji trip for matcha (I can do a separate post for it if you want)
   
10. moss temple, yasui tei gallery ( book in advance )
    and komyo in temple was absolutely stunning and serene
    
11. we did day trip to Nara from kyoto . Although it was a wonderful experience keep on mind that they are wild animals and give ticks . And there are poop everywhere and your shoes need a complete wash after this trip. We hiked through another route instead of going to Temple and there were no crowds and had all the deers to ourselves and they were not aggressive like the ones below
    
12. there is vegan place run by Japanese called Onwa
    
13. skip uno ramen Kyoto - it’s a tourist trap (personal preference )

Tokyo

1. I kept Tokyo last since I thought it would be overwhelming soon after arrival and it was exactly what I thought ( I like Kyoto better - sorry if I am triggering many )
   
2. Shibuya was overcrowded and not that great to see in person ( views from 12th floor is highly sufficient instead of booking Shibuya sky)
   
3. Shibuya sky rooftop will be closed if it’s raining
   
4. shinjuku cat was such a cute spot although it’s crowded
   
5. Meiji jingu shrine early in the morning is so beautiful
   
6. gotukoji temple main temple is under construction until 2027 may . There are just 2small areas of cute cats that you see in social media . Don’t expect the whole temple to be flooded with cat dolls
   
7. did a day trip to kamakura and it was sufficient (anime photo spot is crowded after 10 am)
   
8. there is a hidden gorgeous bamboo forest near kamakura station (10 mins walk) 500 yen entry. I forgot the name but search for 4 temples and bamboo forest near kamakura
   
9. we had our breakfast at kamakura in a cafe called bread espresso &
   10.senso ji temple is absolutely beautiful at night . In the morning there is no place to walk ( we just went in the morning to have a traditional dango which was in inside street leading to the temple - no crowds here . only the locals were there - must try )
   
10. we stayed at kawaguchiko for 2 days to see mt Fuji and it was not visible both days ( typhoon spoiled this trip 😭 )
    
11. Takeshita is heavily crowded and no place to walk .instead Go to ginza togoshi market . We were the only foreigners there . Had an amazing matcha with sweet potato milk called yunomi matcha . Although I liked omotisande. There are many shops for fashion lovers .
    12.lots of amazing vegan foods in Tokyo - vegan gyoza, vegan sushi Tokyo , izakaya masaka (try the karage for sure),marugoto vegan ,jangara bistro , 2f
    
12. must try matchas - savor the matcha , cloud club matcha.,Sachya ( ground floor in Shibuya scramble ),
    
13. vegetarian foods at Konbini - Dangos , hashbrowns with maple and margarine pancakes , smoothie , coffee with coolish , inari sushi, kelp , edamame and picked plum onigiri
    
14. special mention for ohayo pudding . I could not get enough 😭
    
15. we stayed at yuen bettai ryokan the last two days to rest and recover . Their onsen was the absolute highlight of our trip . Room was minimal . Sink is too small and I did not like the bathroom .

Feel free to write me a dm or have any questions and thank you all for your support

I’ll be there for 5 weeks (next Jan-Feb) and have a large tattoo on my arm I hate. It’s full of color and large so I need a master, otherwise it’s only going to be worse. Any recommendations for who I should reach out to? 🙏

going from 18-27 April. I know there are some flower festivals so I wanted to ask if there are anything else that is sightseeing worthy (mostly nature)

I booked tickets through SmartEX for November 2nd and November 9th, seats with Mt. Fuji view. I was planning on just bringing a backpack but just now decided to bring a full suitcase instead.

I’m wondering if there’s any way to just add the fee for oversized baggage to my existing booking/tickets but keep my seats where they are, and store my bags at the back when I get on?

I went onto the app to change my booking but it looks like the only seats I have access to are at the back of the cars, and seemingly in the middle of the rows.

Hi folks, I will be going to Japan next week and my husband and I will have to work a week in Japan (US hrs) so this is like a "workation" we will be there for 12 days and will be landing at Kix airport first and leaving from Narita. While we prefer a light/ relaxed trip, I would like some recommendations from you. We were thinking of picking Osaka as our base from 1-7th day ( we will be doing day trips to Kyoto, Uji, Kobe) and 7-12th in Tokyo. Is this doable? Any recommendations will be highly appreciated.

I was looking online that some people prefer Kyoto as their base, but since we will be working, we might grab something to eat during midnight while we work.

I am going to Japan with my husband for our honeymoon in the summer of 2027. We’ve been planning this trip for two years, and we’ll be there from late June through July.

Unfortunately, due to medical conditions, Ive very recently had to shave my head, and there’s a good chance I’ll have to do it again before the trip. I know it’s just hair, and most people don’t care, but it’s something I personally struggle with. Because of that, I currently wear wigs whenever I leave the house.

This works pretty well in my country, where the weather is usually cold. However, I visited Japan last June, so I know how hot and humid it gets during the summer. I’m starting to stress about how I’ll manage wearing a wig in that heat.

I was wondering if anyone has any advice or personal experience with this.
One option I’ve considered is just getting a regular wig and perhaps wearing it in braids or another style that might make it a little more comfortable in the heat.
Another option, if I don’t have to shave my head again before the trip, is getting tapein extensions just for the duration of our trip. I’ve never had extensions before, though, so I have no idea how well they hold up in Japan’s summer humidity.

Has anyone visited Japan in the summer while wearing a wig or having hair extensions? How manageable was it? I’d especially love to hear from anyone who has experience with tapein extensions in hot and humid weather.
I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions!

Hello, me and my 4 friends are going to Japan in January for 2 weeks. We’re from a very cold portion of the US so it shouldn’t bother us much. We’re landing in Tokyo and spending one night there, then taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto early, spending 3 nights in Kyoto, then 3 nights in Osaka, then Shinkansen back to 6 nights in Tokyo (first 3 nights in Shinjuku then 3 nights in Ginza), before we come back home. We will all be 26 years old, we’re all guys, we have a pretty solid itinerary planned out, I’ve been studying Japanese for a couple of months now so I can hopefully do some basic communication. We just want to see some historic sites, get great food, go to some cool bars, izakayas, maybe some clubs. We want to be respectful of everyone and avoid any issues or trouble there. Just looking for some overall tips on cool places to go, great food spots, something that might surprise us that isn’t all over social media and any other kind of tips and advice from some seasoned travelers, thanks!

Just checked in at Gimpo SK for JAL Seoul-Haneda-Chitose and the agent told me my connection time (1.5 hrs) is too tight. (Note this is the connection JAL presented me during ticket purchase.) is she right ?Any tips to help us make our flight?
She also helpfully told us that the rest of Haneda-Chitose flights today are fully booked.
Flying business class.

UPDATE: Catching my breath at our gate. Definitely would have missed the flight if it wasn’t delayed by 30 minutes. Bags took forever to arrive.
Wanted to note that when we went to T3 JAL counter to drop our bags after customs, we were told to take them with us to T1 and drop them there, and were given passes for the Keiyo (sp?) Line. Apparently this is new — only for JAL flights leaving from T1 North Wing.
Thanks to all who helped!

Hi everyone! Planning on visiting Enoshima towards the end of November. It looks like in the past that the Winter Illuminations start at the end of November, but this year it looks like they are starting on December 1st but don't give much other info. Is there any chance they start lighting things up early? I'm guessing the answer is no but just wanted to check!

For those who are bringing medications into Japan. This is from Japanese Customs:

Customs Counsellors Office serves as a general consultation desk for import and export procedures.
Kindly be advised that decisions regarding specific cases and procedures are made 
by the customs office responsible for the actual clearance of the goods.

Prescription medications should be declared regardless of the quantity being brought into Japan, as such medications are generally subject to import controls.

The purpose of the declaration is to enable Customs to promptly confirm whether the medication is permissible for importation and whether the quantity being carried is within the scope permitted under the applicable regulations.

We would appreciate your cooperation in making the appropriate declaration in order to facilitate smooth and efficient customs clearance.

In general, medications intended for your own treatment during your stay in Japan would be regarded as personal effects and would not normally be subject to customs duties or taxes.

Please note, however, that Customs officers at the arrival airport will make the final determination after reviewing the actual medications and any supporting documentation. Therefore, the information provided by this office should not be considered a binding or final decision.

Best regards,
Customs Counselor’s Office
Tokyo Customs

In about three weeks I will be traveling from Yokohama to Kyoto and back (same day).
Last time I went to Japan I purchased my Shinkansen tickets ahead of time as it was my first time and required assigned seating for my luggage. But this time I don’t need assigned seating, I will be traveling light and would prefer the cheapest option. Do I still need to purchase tickets ahead of time? Would a few days before be good enough? How about day of?

Hey guys,

If I’m 20 and a Green P-Plater from Australia, and I get an IDP can I easily rent a car in japan from most rental companies without issues? Google has been giving me a lot of mixed answers so I thought I would confirm here if anyone has personal experience

I’m going to be in Japan for three weeks soon, and I know I’ll be doing a lot of walking. Unfortunately, my scoliosis causes back pain after a mile or two. I’ve heard that there are limited spots to sit and rest for a bit, and was considering whether to bring a small, light, foldable stool. It’s tiny and easy to carry (it will even fit into my carry-on). My plan is to sit out of the way for a bit and sketch a little. But I’m having second thoughts about bringing it. I’m going to Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takayama and Kyoto (and some day trips). Is it worth bringing?

My partner and I will be staying in Kyoto for 5 nights in May, and I'm trying to figure out what's a reasonable hotel budget.

We're looking for somewhere clean, comfortable, and conveniently located, ideally near Gion or downtown Kyoto. We'd prefer a nicer hotel with a decent-sized room, but don't need anything overly luxurious.

We're aiming for around $100–150 USD per night but are flexible if spending more makes a meaningful difference.

Is this a realistic budget? What's the sweet spot for price versus quality in Kyoto? Any hotel recommendations would be appreciated!

I’m visiting Japan with a bunch of friends in January for two weeks. I already paid for the Airbnb and plane ticket. My plan is to save up 4k, but I’m not sure if that’s enough or too much.

Hi,

I will be traveling to Japan in December from the 12th-27th. I really want to attend a local rock concert, something small scale and intimate. I'll be in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Can anyone give advice as to how attending a concert like this might work? I can't easily navigate and buy tickets like I would for an American concert, at least so far as I can tell. Is there a different convention in Japan? Can I not easily buy tickets as a foreigner? Is there some kind of website like Ticketmaster that shows all shows in a specific timeframe? I would greatly appreciate your assistance. The language barrier is making research into this really difficult for me.

We have one night spare on our 15 night trip in April between 1 night in mount Koyasan and 2 nights on Naoshima. We will be heading to Osaka for 3 nights after Naoshima.
Any suggestions of where we should stay?

My upcoming Japan trip ends in Fukuoka, but my flight home leaves from Tokyo (Narita). That flight doesn't leave until 17:35, so pretty late in the afternoon. I'm trying to figure out what the best way to handle this is, and would like some opinions.

• I could fly FUK to NRT on the same day. This means I get the whole previous day in Fukuoka, and don't need a one-night hotel in Tokyo. There's some caveats, however.
  • This would be booked entirely separately from my return flight (different airline etc.) so if any delays or cancellations cause me to miss my flight home, I don't have any recourse.
  • The only available options have me arriving at Narita either 2 hours before my flight home (a bit short, considering I need to collect my bag, go to a different terminal, then check in etc.; there would be not much buffer for any kind of delay), or 5 hours (which is longer than I ideally want to spend at an airport).
• Fly back to Tokyo the night before.
  • I lose my last evening in Fukuoka, and have a somewhat unusable morning in Tokyo. Historically I've never really been able to do much sight-seeing on the last day, no matter how late my flight, because I just get preoccupied with planning for/worrying about the travel. I guess I could do some last-minute shopping.
  • Way more options for the actual flight, since I could fly to Haneda rather than directly to Narita.
  • If there's a delay or cancellation, I can probably still make my flight home, even if it means hopping on the Shinkansen at the last minute.
• Take the Shinkansen the night before.
  • On paper this takes longer (about 5 hours total with the Nozomi), but actually not that much longer if you add transit time to/from the airport, security, etc. for the flight. If I book a hotel near Tokyo Station the difference is like 60-90 minutes at most.
  • More expensive, but also more comfortable.
  • Technically, I could even take the Shinkansen the same day as my flight home, but that feels even more risky somehow (plus with the added transit time from Tokyo to Narita, and then a 10 hour flight, that's a lot of traveling in one day).

What would you do, given these options?

I think about buying a second hand Mac mini or Studio. Where can I find good deals when I am there? I visit soon Tokio and Sendai.

I’m currently staying in Osaka and looking for Hojicha paste. Does anyone know where I can buy some?
I’ll also be visiting Kyoto and Tokyo. Thanks!

So I have been waiting for the dates for late November to buy the Saga -> Kameoko Station since I will be doing the boat ride thing back after. Currently, they have a triangle status for Nov 28th but only have Kameoka -> Saga. Currently all green circles for Oct 28th until Nov 12th. But the rest of the November month besides 13,18,19 are all crossed out already. Will there be more tickets coming out closer to the date?

Hello all. I'm so excited to be visiting Japan in November. My rough path is Tokyo -> Takayama -> Okuhida Onsen -> Kyoto -> Tokyo.

I was looking into booking rail tickets ahead of time and noticed that for the Shinkansen specifically, the website won't take my credit card due to some verification issue. I only have Visa credit cards, so I can't even get around it by using Mastercard or AMEX.

I read that most people just purchase tickets day of or the day before, but I want to make sure that my dates would be okay for that in case they end up being heavy travel days for locals and I end up stranded? lol

Tokyo -> Takayama: November 21st. My plan is to take the Shinkansen to Nagoya then transfer to the Hida Express line to Takayama.

Okuhida Onsen -> Kyoto: November 25th. Plan is to take the bus from Okuhida back to Takayama, then Hida Express to Nagoya, followed by Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kyoto.

Kyoto -> Tokyo: November 30th. Shinkansen.

Thanks!

Hey everyone, we’re in japan (tokyo, kyoto and osaka at the moment) and can’t really find wasabi flaboured kitkat though looked in more stores, donkis and drug stores so far. Isn’t it available anymore?

Thanks in advance🫶🏻

Kawaguchiko and the Maple corridor seems like the most popular destination and from what I'm reading, the crowds are so crazy that it might not even be worth it to go there.

For those who went this year, and during autumn, is it really that bad? Where do the crowds start? I'm reading it starts at Kawaguchiko Station. Are all buses out bound of kawaguchiko station full or only the ones going to the popular sites like the Maple corridor (Kawaguchiko Loop)?

How bad are the crowds at the Maple Corridor. is it impossible to enjoy the place because of the number of tourists? Are the crowds limited to the corridor only or is everything around that area filled with tourists? If i just want to walk along the lake, is it just as touristy?

What are less crowded alternatives to kawaguchiko If i wanna go see Mt Fuji? I'm looking at Yamanakako but that place feels only slightly less touristy.