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.

Hi all!

I'm visiting Japan in January and want to buy 1-2 watches while I'm there. I'm new to watches (my small collection is Casio, Fossil, and Guess), and my main goal is to pick up a Seiko.

Budget: around ¥60,000 per watch, with a little flexibility for something special.

What I'd love advice on:
Good places to buy: Seiko boutiques, department stores, electronics chains like Bic Camera/Yodobashi, or reputable second-hand shops and flea markets

Which cities or neighborhoods are best for watch shopping?

I'm also open to recommendations beyond Seiko (Citizen, Orient, G-Shock, etc.) if you think something is a better buy.

Thanks a lot!

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?

I have one last day here and was looking for some ideas on what to do.

I've been ro Disney, Akihabara, Meiji Jingu, UENO* Park, Harajuku and Shibuya

I haven't been to any of the towers and planned to go up the government building a couple days ago, but it rained liked hell so we gave up.

Any cool ideas and budget friendly days are appreciated!

Thank you

EDIT: my very tired brain wrote Edo park instead of Ueno lol

Coming back from a 10 day trip with my father, who is in his 70s and has a bad hip (he’s getting a hip replacement soon) and a cane. Some tips for traveling with a companion with mobility issues:

-consider your companion’s pace, not your pace. I initially planned on doing more attractions but after 2-3 my dad would slow down significantly and need to rest. We ended up having a good time and the slower speed was perfectly fine.

-consider travel logistics. We spent time in two cities (Kyoto and Osaka) and took trains. We also utilized the GO taxis, which worked well. The limited express from KIX to Kyoto was great, but don’t forget to scan your QR code/ticket at entry and exit. I didn’t realize that we needed to scan the QR code to leave the station and the WiFi was really bad for reloading the QR codes (screenshots don’t work).

-consider location. We stayed near Kyoto station and Minamimorimachi station, which was great because they were near subways with elevators.

-prepare yourself to walk single file and apologize a lot. My dad was slower than the average person but by walking right ahead of him people were able to get around us easier.

-people are often nice enough to give up their subway seat for your companion-thank the person profusely and be prepared to give up your own seat for another person.

-consider stairs! There are many stairs in Japan, especially in the shops and some museums. Some have railings, some don’t. Be very careful because they can be very steep (my dad tripped and nearly slipped down some in a cafe).

-the staff at some stores will sometimes pull out a chair for your companion, but it might not work (one store had a chair but it was only suitable for a child’s weight). Thank them for the thought anyway.

-bring a packable raincoat. My dad was struggling with his cane and umbrella, but luckily he had a raincoat for the one day it rained a lot.

-be prepared to carry your companion’s stuff. I carried my dad’s backpack when we went on the train so he wouldn’t have to worry about it and his cane. I also carried our bags up some stairs at Osaka station. Would probably do a baggage transfer next time.

All in all it was a very pleasant experience and we both really enjoyed our time together.

In looking into coin laundry machines in hotels, it seems they all dispense their own detergent and fabric softener. I’ve done some research but I’m unable to get a clear answer on a few things.

1. In hotels can you use your own detergent and have the machines not dispense detergent or fabric softener?

2. In coin laundry places outside of hotels are you able to use only your own detergent? Im really averse to fabric softener and my skin can be sensitive to detergent so I use unscented detergent.

Currently at Itoya Ginza, but they only have the ones with their logo in size L. Any clue where else can I find them?

Hi, going to USJ on the 10th with friends and some family! We've passed on the express pass, so we're doing it like the universe intended,,, on hard mode. We just have a few clarifications!

1. The last I went there, there was no timed entry tickets. Just to be absolutely sure, these are just windows where you can enter the area? You can stay as long as you like?
2. If I were to visit SNW or HP in the morning, can I try for timed entry tickets again for either of them in the evening? We were hoping to catch the light show in the hogwarts castle, but we also wanted to try out their rides in the morning. We can push back the rides if re-entry is not possible.
3. For food, is it strict in bringing things in? We have a toddler and a baby.
4. On the topic of food, any recommendations that won't break the bank?
5. Timed entry tickets are released every hour? Like on the dot 9:00am/10:00am/etc? Or is it at another time? We wanted to be ready!

Thanks a lot!

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.

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!

Hi all!

Going to Japan next week and want to try and bring something back for a close friend. He works in movies and is a huge fan of horror (both from the 30s - 70s and modern). I would love to bring something fun back for him that is ideally both horror and movie related but could also just be a cool movie OR horror related item. Biggest cities we're planning on stopping in are Tokyo and Kyoto.

Does anyone know of any cool shops with vintage items that might have something cool along these lines? Or any other stops for something special that might fit into this?

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. 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 )
3. struggled hard with food the first few days because I did not put much effort planning food being vegetarian
4. lived off with Hashbrowns and pancakes and smoothie from konbini
5. pivot vegan restaurant is a must try
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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 )
9. 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 )
11. and komyo in temple was absolutely stunning and serene
12. 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
13. there is vegan place run by Japanese called Onwa
14. 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 )
11. we stayed at kawaguchiko for 2 days to see mt Fuji and it was not visible both days ( typhoon spoiled this trip 😭 )
12. 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 .
13. lots of amazing vegan foods in Tokyo - vegan gyoza, vegan sushi Tokyo , izakaya masaka (try the karage for sure),marugoto vegan ,jangara bistro , 2f
14. must try matchas - savor the matcha , cloud club matcha.,Sachya ( ground floor in Shibuya scramble ),
15. vegetarian foods at Konbini - Dangos , hashbrowns with maple and margarine pancakes , smoothie , coffee with coolish , inari sushi, kelp , edamame and picked plum onigiri
16. special mention for ohayo pudding . I could not get enough 😭
17. 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 .

My hot take - Don Quixote is not cheap . I got my skincare from sun drug (the famous rice mask was 550 yen in kawaguchiko) and snacks were from supermarkets

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

How lenient are the park operators enforcing the time limit to enter the express pass lane?

I understand that wait times could still be up to 30 mins, which makes the time windows between rides very small. Im slightly worried on what would happen if I need to take a longer rest between activities and I arrive past that 30min window. Do they still let you in?

From ticket

<Attractions＞
○ 12:00-12:30 Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
○ 14:00-15:00 SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
○ 14:00-14:30 Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™
○ 14:30-15:00 Yoshi's Adventure™
○ 15:00-15:30 Mine Cart Madness™
○ 16:30-17:00 Flight of the Hippogriff™
○ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
☆ 【CHOICE A】 JAWS
　or Jurassic Park - The Ride
☆ 【CHOICE B】 The Flying Dinosaur
　or Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

We are visiting Japan for the first time and it's my wife's (35F) birthday, that we are planning to celebrate in Tokyo on 8th Nov.

We are an easy going, night life & experiences loving couple, not the extreme thrill or adventure seeking kinds. Would love to understand from fellow travellers what were the new/novel experiences/ places that they really enjoyed with their spouses.

Anything under the sky - from stargazing to a 20 course meal ideas are welcome :)

I have 5 days in Tokyo.

Untill now my path was:

1. Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko statue, Meiji Jingu, Shinjuku ( 3d cat, Godzila, Goyen Gardens), Suga Shrine

2. Imperial Palace, Ueno Park, National Museum, Nezu Shrine, Senso-ji, Skytree

And in the next 2 days I plan to see:

1. WB Making of Harry Potter, Ikebukuro (shopping), Akihabara at night

2. TeamLAB planets, aquacity Odaiba, Tsukiji Market, Tokyo Tower and chopsticks creation activity

But I still have my last day.. my plane is at 22:00 and i still have an entire day.. i want to use it well.

Is it something else to see or to do in 10 hours?

Thank you very much!

Any recommendations about the best hiking route to the top. I see there are a few different options. Any guidance or tips would be greatly appreciated

Deciding between 2 route options currently:

1. Otsuki to Nagano, double back to Matsumoto for a day trip and then go to Takayama

2. Otsuki to Matsumoto to Nagano to Takayama

The only reason we're thinking about option 1 is because the yayoi art museum is closed on the day we would go if we did option 2 and we would like to see it if possible.

Hi! My group (3 people ages 27-30) are planning to spend a day biking a portion of the Shimanami Kaido on Nov 23. From what I’ve seen, with some stops/sightseeing and only going to about the halfway point (thinking Setoda Sunset Beach on Ikuchijima) would take us about 3.5-4 hours. We do plan on getting e-bikes, and would prefer to drop our bikes off at one of the shops along the way and take a bus/ferry back to Onomichi.

With all that in mind, I think we’d have enough time in our day to spend a few hours in Onomichi to visit some of the temples and explore the area. I’m wondering if we should do this in the morning, before we start cycling, or if we should do the cycling and explore Onomichi in the afternoon?

We plan to be in Onomichi first thing in the morning when the bike shops open (coming from & returning to Hiroshima), so I think around 8am. With the sun setting around 5pm, that gives us about 9 hours of daylight. Any advice on whether to cycle or see Onomichi first is appreciated, as well as any recommendations for stops along the route or things to do in Onomichi!

Hey does anyone know where they sell the Parker Asahi cutting boards in Osaka ?

Ok I might not be the best planner I get that. Anyways I wanted to visit the Pokemon Obsevatory in Toyohashi City and had to realize 2 possible dates are on a weekend and all tickets are sold out on the japan ex website. I couldn't find any infos on it but does that mean all 500 are definitely gone or is there still small amount that will get sold there in person on the day?

Edit: spelling

I have a lot of tattoos and will be there November 11-13th. My budget is no more than $200 a night. I'm struggling to find anything online. Any recommendations?

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!

i'm looking at a flight, transfer from T3 to T1 in haneda airport. is 1h 30m enough time? need to recheck baggage

So for a bit of context I've chosen Hakuba as the place I'd like to ask my girlfriend of almost 3 years to marry me. We're travelling from Indonesia/Australia and I've never been to Hakuba before and wanted some advice about spots and timings.

We'll be staying 1 night 8-9 Nov (travelling from Tokyo) and I was hoping to catch the snowy mountain tops + autumn foliage all at once around Iwatake Green Park but it seems this year's El Nino delayed the seasons.

She's always told me she loves a scenic nature proposal & a private/secluded one away from the crowds. I was wondering if anyone on this sub has any advice on proposal spots with best timings to minimise crowds and how to get around Hakuba (we're staying by the river).

Current Looking at taking the Noah Gondola on an off-peak hour (unsure what time's best) at finding a spot near the Hakuba Mountain Harbor or the Swing.

Any & all help is very much appreciated!

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!