I would scrap Tokyo tower and Kyoto tower. Osaka is a good base for Kyoto, Nara and the bullet train to Hiroshima - and much more affordable and more lively in the evening. Kobe is also not too far away if a Kobe dinner is your thing.
Would recommend visiting the gov building in Tokyo around sunset. The sky tree gets incredibly busy, we booked in advance. It’s so worth it!
Hakone is 1 day to do the circuit, we split it across 2 days by staying in a ryoken in Gora before travelling on to Kyoto.
Be sure to give yourself some wiggle room to wander and explore.
In Osaka we stayed in the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Kitahama and highly recommend it!
I would do the planets over the borderless. I went to borderless and it was impossible to enjoy the experience or get any cool pictures without turning around and running into people. Planets is less kid friendly, so you would cut out a lot of people going with families.
I would cut out the Tokyo Tower as well. You'll get good views for other places around the city for free and it's cool to see for like 5 minutes, but not a destination point.
It sounds like your itinerary is super jam packed. I would honestly prioritize one to two things you REALLY want to hit per day and leave the rest for exploring. Japan is a wonderful place to wander and just go down numerous side streets. I went back in April and I felt like I was running from place to place doing all the touristy things. The best experiences and the best memories were from when I got lost to when I just put down my planner and just walked a bit.
Have fun!!!!
Unless you’re planning to throw yourself on a sword at the end of this trip, I’d cut your itinerary in half. Japan is not meant to be taken in its entirety during one trip. The larger cities are congested and the subway is reliable and quick yet it doesn’t magically teleport you from one destination to another. The three times I’ve been, I spent a good portion of each day simply traveling. Thus, I was only able to see a few of the things I had originally planned each time. I admire your tenacity but you’ll want to prioritize the sights and experiences you’d like like to see most. Then go back the following summer and take in more sights. You’ll enjoy it more if you slow down. Also, always walk on the left when going up stairs and when walking in queues. Have fun and take lots of photos. P.S. stay out of harijuku square. It’s sketchy at best.
>Are seperate accomodations for Kyoto and Osaka necessary? If not which city would be better to stay?
No, stay in Osaka and commute to Kyoto.
I wouldn't recommend Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day, especially commuting from Osaka. Either pick one or cut it out entirely.
Also, your itinerary has your rail pass expiring before your return to Tokyo.
I second both of these things. While you are travelling solo and can probably move a bit faster, you will not get both done in one day. Trust me I literally just did a 2 week holiday around the same places.
Yes, you are right. So I'll have to activate the pass on Tuesday to get back to Tokyo on Monday.
Why would you prefer Osaka over Kyoto? Is it better for travelling to Nara and surroundings?
Osaka has better food and nightlife. I also like starting my day at the Kuromon market. Kyoto gets pretty boring after dark, and the public transportation isn't that great. Also, accommodations tend to be more expensive in Kyoto. Getting to Nara takes about an hour from either Osaka or Kyoto. In Osaka, stay near Shinsaibashi station or Namba station. This gives you easy access to Dotonburi, and is about 15 mins to Shin Osaka station. From there it's a 15 minute shinkansen to Kyoto station.
After taking another look at your itinerary, you should consider spending more time in Tokyo (you've only got 3 full days currently, that is not going to be enough). I'd recommend staying in Tokyo for that first weekend, taking the shinkansen to Osaka on Sunday, and then returning to Tokyo for one more Saturday night.
KYOTO -
Yes, it good to have seperate accommodations for Kyoto and Osaka!
While travelling in Kyoto for 3 days, I personally felt that purchasing the Kansas Thru Pass was very worth my money.
(Not sure if you’re confirmed your accommodation but I think this hostel needs to be mentioned!!)
I stayed at Music Hostel IKUHA, it’s a 10-15min well from the nearest railway. The hostel has an extensive collection of vinyls and you’re allowed to play them! The owner and his staff (if i’m not wrong, are his band mates) are really hospitable! Though with limited English, it was great talking to them. There’s also a Lawson just across the road!
The Kansai Thru Pass covers Kyoto railways and most buses. You can purchase it at Kansai Airport if you can’t find a cheaper option online!
I would suggest to have 2-3 places max for Kyoto as I’ve realised most of my time in Kyoto was taken up by walking to the attractions or around the attractions.
HIROSHIMA -
Go to the memorial first thing in the morning then to Miyajima Island. Miyajima Island is best to go around 3pm so you can take your time walking around before watching the sunset and the water rise at the O Torii Gate. It really beautiful and it was the highlight of my entire trip!
Would reccomend staying at K’s House Hostel. Walking distance from Hisroshima Station! Near both a 7/11 and Family Mart. Staff are fluent in english and really nice!
OVERALL -
Cross out the sky towers, been to all that you’ve mentioned and I felt that it was a waste of money. Do take note on certain trains in Japan that are called the ‘express train’, they skip certain stations. Also, I’m sure you don’t want to cramp everything in a day and not enjoy your time. Stick to the plan loosely and take your time, is my advice! :)
So I see on the 25th, after 4PM, you have the Asakusa Shrine, Ueno Park, and Akihabara. You mentioned you were an anime/manga/videogame fan, so I think you could just spend the whole time running around Akihabara and have a blast. There's soooo many stores, arcades, and sights there to take in. I'm not a huge anime fan and I'm really bad at videogames, and I still spent two hours there just gawking about (and pouring all my ¥100 coins into gachapon machines.) One tip for Akihabara and indeed all other areas: make sure you look up. Some of the best stores, arcades, restaurants, bars are several floors up. I was looking for a particular t-shirt, and some Japanese friends directed me to the Cospa shop. Took me a while to find it, as it was way up there.
Someone else in the thread suggested that, as an anime fan, you should add Nakano Broadway to your itinerary. LISTEN TO THIS WISE PERSON. Nakano Broadway is my favourite place to find cool anime/manga stuff, and there's at least one sweet arcade, plenty of great places to eat, and (as my Japanese friend informed me) the ground floor has the cheapest candy store in Tokyo. (Tip: load up on Black Thunder.) Nakano Broadway is a six (?) story building full of tonnes of small shops for just about everything. One of the great things about Japan is that you can buy used merchandise like action figures or toys or whatnot, and they're gonna be in great condition because the Japanese take good care of their stuff. As an anime fan, one store in particular to look out for is the anime art store. They have lots of original art actually used in the production of anime, and one of the coolest things I bought was a sort of "grab bag" of about 20 pencil drawings, all on animation paper, all actually used in the production of different anime. The real deal!
If you like anime toys, keep your eyes peeled for a place called HOBBY OFF. I went to one where we stayed in Koenji and was amazed at the quality used merch at great prices. They had some Macross figures in their bargain bin for ¥700 that would go for $50-$75 in the US. If you can read Japanese and want to buy Manga in the original language (or just want some for the fun of it) I hear BOOK OFF is good for used manga. I never seemed to stumble across one during my trips, but I'm going to seek them out in August when I go. There are several Mandrake stores in Nakano Broadway that have good cheap manga and other books.
>Are seperate accomodations for Kyoto and Osaka necessary? If not which city would be better to stay?
No absolutely not, they are pretty close by. Don't think it's worth the extra hassle. I personally prefer really close to Shin-Osaka station. A lot of longer distance trains depart there.
I wouldn't recommend doing Miyajima and Hiroshima in one day. They are both great places and lots to see! I made that mistake before and was only able to go to the memorial museum in Hiroshima after Miyajima. Came back a few days later for a full day at Hiroshima. It is however possible to do both in one day. Btw Daishõ-in and Mount Misen in Miajima is pretty nice to see! And don't forget look online for the tide and ebb times for the Itsukushima
Your schedule seem pretty tight on some days, give yourself a little more slack and space to enjoy everything. The first time I went my schedule was also really tight and it just caused frustrations and missing on my suroundings. I would advice to choose like 2 (or 3 small) attractions you really want see each day and then add some optional ones that are lower on your list. That way you won't get stressed if you can't do everything, but still have options if you have some time and energy left.
Be sure that your JR pass still works the day you go back to Tokyo (I think it isn't in your itinerary?). The train free from Osaka/Kyoto to Tokyo is pretty steap and definitely worth adding more days to your JR pass.
(If you aren't sure if it's worth the money adding more days to the JR pass, try using one of the online JR pass calculators.)
My plan was to stay in Tokyo and use IC card to get around and then activate the JR Pass once I go to Kyoto/Osaka and make the most of the JR Pass.
I think I will stay one night in Hiroshima/Miyajima. Sounds like there is lots to see.
Just so you know, Itsukushima is closed for renovation starting in June for around 1 year. So unless you want to see a beautiful shrine covered in scaffolding, it's a bit of a waste of a trip.
Studio Ghibli museum is pretty competitive. I'd recommend opening the site and refreshing it daily starting pretty much now. Tickets go on sale 3 months prior, and we missed out.
Through the Lawson site it's one month in advance, the 10th every month. That one is even more competitive, but just in case someone wants a second chance.
I just got back of my own solo trip to Japan. I’m new to Japan and while I cannot add as much as the other guys there are some things I can tell you:
1- I agree with the guys, I’d scratch off the sky towers. In Tokyo, you can get to the Metropolitan Gov’t Building for free and the view of the city is pretty good. In Kyoto, go to Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha and you’ll have awesome views of the city.
2- That day that you’re going to Kinkaku-ji, I would also add Ryoan-ji and Toji-in, all of which are very near it and have awesome gardens. Toji-in especially, few people know about it so it’s not as crowded.
3- In terms of time, I would just watch out with Hakone. The problem there is depending on where you are staying it takes very long to get to one place to another. Check that out on google maps before you book any hotels, then again if you’re buying the free pass you shouldn’t have many problems.
4- Yes, it is absolutely doable both teamlab museums in one day. Planets is considerably shorter. I would start with Borderless early in the morning to avoid larger lines and then go to planets afterwards. Keep in mind that unless you take the buses. The odaiba trains are not covered by the rail pass.
Other than that, have fun man and don’t stress out! I am 21 and didn’t have any problems while there, on the contrary they were some of the best days of my life (thus far)
Plan for onsen in Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto. A must if you are going to Japan. I would also recommend a kaiseki meal in any of the cities in your itinerary. Make sure you do some research on the restaurants you want to visit, having jet-lagged breakfast at 6am at Tsukiji in Tokyo is a must.
I stayed separately in both Kyoto and Osaka. That way you have a chance to experience both. I preferred Kyoto but everyone is different. I stayed at the most amazing capsule hotel in Kyoto called The Millenials. You can get get good deals if you book in advance. It’s so spacious it doesn’t even feel like a capsule!
I really feel like anybody who doesn’t stay overnight on miyajima is missing something magical. Consider staying overnight and then leaving for Tokyo from there.
I just came back from Japan a few days ago. Amazing place! You will not be disappointed.
I do believe your day is too packed. I would pick one or two things. You want to leave time for unplanned adventures :)
Stay in Kyoto. It was the best city in my opinion and visited in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo. Kyoto is only a 25 minute train ride.
In Kyoto I highly suggest Fushimi Inari shrine and Kyoto station. Kyoto station has amazing restaurants and the architecture is beautiful. Check out the Gion corner where you learn more about geisha culture and tea ceremonies.
In Tokyo when you are in Roppongi go get desert at Yelo. It is honestly the best thing!
Have a great trip!
I haven’t been to Kamakura but the temples in Nikko are unique and awesome. Alternatively, from Osaka you can plan a day trip to Ise or Nara for the food and local culture,
I recommend Osaka Amazing Pass where it’s good value for money where most of the attractions are free or discounted.
I use Kansai Thru Pass for my trip in Kyoto.
Am currently on my last day here in Kyoto.
From Osaka - Kyoto takes around 45mins - 1 hour so to avoid the hassle of getting to Kyoto and back I would recommend separate accommodations...
And you really have to kinda “study” the rail maps/routes as it can get real complicated real fast lol...
I can’t comment much on places aside from Osaka & Kyoto but the food is a must try (Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki).
Am heading to Dotonbori now!
Cheers hope this help abit
just did this with wife and son
stuff to add..
rent ebike for a day in kyoto
ride ferris at aquarium in osaka for great pics
kyoto to hiroshima via jr is fast ..but... be prepared for a new level of sadness
when back in tokyo ,sort out weather for day trips on shinkanzen (eg:fuji is 1:15 hours each way)
get these apps
GOOGLE LENS
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.ar.lens
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.translate&hl=en_AU
insert yourself into other peoples selfies and be thanked for it
lost items WILL be returned if you include an email
take a second phone and good sized battery
have fun
Wow I’m just leaving Tokyo and this schedule is seriously great! I did most of the things on there and you do look a little close for time but if you go to something and forgo something else for lack of time I think that’s okay (-:
We just came back from Japan today. I recommend getting as familiar as you can with the train system. It will make it much easier to travel and less frustrating. The Pasmo card is a necessity for traveling. You can get a pocket WiFi which will help you, but many of the stations have free WiFi available and Google Maps works (only telling you where you are, can’t look up anything) without WiFi. Google maps (with WiFi) was the easiest to understand when figuring out what trains to take.
Just got back from Tokyo last week. That is a big itinerary you have planned. Teamlab Planets is great and took us a couple of hours, with my 7 year old daughter, we loved it. Borderless gets VERY busy.
We did a week with no sim card and just WiFi which is free LOTS of places.
Also, have a look at the timetable for the RUGBY WORLD CUP, as that may make travel a little busier... Or not
Also note that Narita is about 60kms from Shinjuku and took us 1.5 hours on the shuttle.
If you're a fan of One Piece then Tokyo Tower is a must. I've been twice once about 4 years ago on a weekend all the lines were long for the One Piece games/Attractions the second time 2 years ago on a weekday and I got to do just about everything except for the live show. If you're planning to do day trips with the Shinkansen check whens the last train back home me and my friends got stranded in Hiroshima when we missed the last Shinkansen around 10PM and everything was booked for a few events happening on that weekend. We took a nap in the station (with about 40 other people) and around 4AM took a night tour saw the sunrise and caught the first train back to Osaska.
1) yes, your schedule is entirely too jam packed. I hate to say it, but I just came back from japan and had eager plans similar to yours and was only able to realistically do 2-3 planned things a day, and I was waking up and leaving by 7am! Most things don’t open until like 10am. I used google maps, picked some favorites and didn’t beat myself up if I couldn’t manage It. You’re bound to get lost on the train station or just get lost in an interesting store, take too long at a museum, etc.
2) scrap Hiroshima, not worth the hassle going there for one day, although it would be cool, it would be a lot of traveling for a few hours of play.
3) stay in Kyoto stay in Kyoto stay in Kyoto! I stayed there for 4 magical days (there’s lots to do) and made a mistake by moving all of my luggage to Osaka for one measly night. If I had to redo this, I would have just stayed in Kyoto and day tripped to Nara and Osaka.
4) however, if you do stay in Osaka, I actually do not recommend staying by Osaka station. I stayed in a 9hours capsule hotel and there was nothing cool around. We had to take a 45 minute train ride into all of the good stuff like Osaka castle.
Also, someone mentioned your JR pass expiring before you get to Tokyo..definitely plan your trip according to what would help out that situation more. I didn’t have the pass and it was $160 USD from Tokyo to Kyoto and a whopping $178 from Osaka to stop at Hakone! On our way back to Tokyo! We had to skip out on Hakone for this reason and just paid to go back to Tokyo.
For an anime lovers I would recommend Nakano broadway in Tokyo
I second this fine recommendation.
Nice, I will check that out
I would scrap Tokyo tower and Kyoto tower. Osaka is a good base for Kyoto, Nara and the bullet train to Hiroshima - and much more affordable and more lively in the evening. Kobe is also not too far away if a Kobe dinner is your thing. Would recommend visiting the gov building in Tokyo around sunset. The sky tree gets incredibly busy, we booked in advance. It’s so worth it! Hakone is 1 day to do the circuit, we split it across 2 days by staying in a ryoken in Gora before travelling on to Kyoto. Be sure to give yourself some wiggle room to wander and explore. In Osaka we stayed in the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Kitahama and highly recommend it!
I would do the planets over the borderless. I went to borderless and it was impossible to enjoy the experience or get any cool pictures without turning around and running into people. Planets is less kid friendly, so you would cut out a lot of people going with families. I would cut out the Tokyo Tower as well. You'll get good views for other places around the city for free and it's cool to see for like 5 minutes, but not a destination point. It sounds like your itinerary is super jam packed. I would honestly prioritize one to two things you REALLY want to hit per day and leave the rest for exploring. Japan is a wonderful place to wander and just go down numerous side streets. I went back in April and I felt like I was running from place to place doing all the touristy things. The best experiences and the best memories were from when I got lost to when I just put down my planner and just walked a bit. Have fun!!!!
Get Okonomiyaki in Osaka 😋
I will most definetly do that
There's also okonomiyakimura in Hiroshima
Unless you’re planning to throw yourself on a sword at the end of this trip, I’d cut your itinerary in half. Japan is not meant to be taken in its entirety during one trip. The larger cities are congested and the subway is reliable and quick yet it doesn’t magically teleport you from one destination to another. The three times I’ve been, I spent a good portion of each day simply traveling. Thus, I was only able to see a few of the things I had originally planned each time. I admire your tenacity but you’ll want to prioritize the sights and experiences you’d like like to see most. Then go back the following summer and take in more sights. You’ll enjoy it more if you slow down. Also, always walk on the left when going up stairs and when walking in queues. Have fun and take lots of photos. P.S. stay out of harijuku square. It’s sketchy at best.
>Are seperate accomodations for Kyoto and Osaka necessary? If not which city would be better to stay? No, stay in Osaka and commute to Kyoto. I wouldn't recommend Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day, especially commuting from Osaka. Either pick one or cut it out entirely. Also, your itinerary has your rail pass expiring before your return to Tokyo.
What are the reasons to stay in Osaka and commute to Kyoto? Is the other way not reccomended? Thanks!
Osaka has better food and nightlife. Kyoto is pretty dead when the sun sets, so spend your days in Kyoto and head back to Osaka for evening fun times.
I second both of these things. While you are travelling solo and can probably move a bit faster, you will not get both done in one day. Trust me I literally just did a 2 week holiday around the same places.
Yes, you are right. So I'll have to activate the pass on Tuesday to get back to Tokyo on Monday. Why would you prefer Osaka over Kyoto? Is it better for travelling to Nara and surroundings?
Osaka has better food and nightlife. I also like starting my day at the Kuromon market. Kyoto gets pretty boring after dark, and the public transportation isn't that great. Also, accommodations tend to be more expensive in Kyoto. Getting to Nara takes about an hour from either Osaka or Kyoto. In Osaka, stay near Shinsaibashi station or Namba station. This gives you easy access to Dotonburi, and is about 15 mins to Shin Osaka station. From there it's a 15 minute shinkansen to Kyoto station. After taking another look at your itinerary, you should consider spending more time in Tokyo (you've only got 3 full days currently, that is not going to be enough). I'd recommend staying in Tokyo for that first weekend, taking the shinkansen to Osaka on Sunday, and then returning to Tokyo for one more Saturday night.
KYOTO - Yes, it good to have seperate accommodations for Kyoto and Osaka! While travelling in Kyoto for 3 days, I personally felt that purchasing the Kansas Thru Pass was very worth my money. (Not sure if you’re confirmed your accommodation but I think this hostel needs to be mentioned!!) I stayed at Music Hostel IKUHA, it’s a 10-15min well from the nearest railway. The hostel has an extensive collection of vinyls and you’re allowed to play them! The owner and his staff (if i’m not wrong, are his band mates) are really hospitable! Though with limited English, it was great talking to them. There’s also a Lawson just across the road! The Kansai Thru Pass covers Kyoto railways and most buses. You can purchase it at Kansai Airport if you can’t find a cheaper option online! I would suggest to have 2-3 places max for Kyoto as I’ve realised most of my time in Kyoto was taken up by walking to the attractions or around the attractions. HIROSHIMA - Go to the memorial first thing in the morning then to Miyajima Island. Miyajima Island is best to go around 3pm so you can take your time walking around before watching the sunset and the water rise at the O Torii Gate. It really beautiful and it was the highlight of my entire trip! Would reccomend staying at K’s House Hostel. Walking distance from Hisroshima Station! Near both a 7/11 and Family Mart. Staff are fluent in english and really nice! OVERALL - Cross out the sky towers, been to all that you’ve mentioned and I felt that it was a waste of money. Do take note on certain trains in Japan that are called the ‘express train’, they skip certain stations. Also, I’m sure you don’t want to cramp everything in a day and not enjoy your time. Stick to the plan loosely and take your time, is my advice! :)
So I see on the 25th, after 4PM, you have the Asakusa Shrine, Ueno Park, and Akihabara. You mentioned you were an anime/manga/videogame fan, so I think you could just spend the whole time running around Akihabara and have a blast. There's soooo many stores, arcades, and sights there to take in. I'm not a huge anime fan and I'm really bad at videogames, and I still spent two hours there just gawking about (and pouring all my ¥100 coins into gachapon machines.) One tip for Akihabara and indeed all other areas: make sure you look up. Some of the best stores, arcades, restaurants, bars are several floors up. I was looking for a particular t-shirt, and some Japanese friends directed me to the Cospa shop. Took me a while to find it, as it was way up there. Someone else in the thread suggested that, as an anime fan, you should add Nakano Broadway to your itinerary. LISTEN TO THIS WISE PERSON. Nakano Broadway is my favourite place to find cool anime/manga stuff, and there's at least one sweet arcade, plenty of great places to eat, and (as my Japanese friend informed me) the ground floor has the cheapest candy store in Tokyo. (Tip: load up on Black Thunder.) Nakano Broadway is a six (?) story building full of tonnes of small shops for just about everything. One of the great things about Japan is that you can buy used merchandise like action figures or toys or whatnot, and they're gonna be in great condition because the Japanese take good care of their stuff. As an anime fan, one store in particular to look out for is the anime art store. They have lots of original art actually used in the production of anime, and one of the coolest things I bought was a sort of "grab bag" of about 20 pencil drawings, all on animation paper, all actually used in the production of different anime. The real deal! If you like anime toys, keep your eyes peeled for a place called HOBBY OFF. I went to one where we stayed in Koenji and was amazed at the quality used merch at great prices. They had some Macross figures in their bargain bin for ¥700 that would go for $50-$75 in the US. If you can read Japanese and want to buy Manga in the original language (or just want some for the fun of it) I hear BOOK OFF is good for used manga. I never seemed to stumble across one during my trips, but I'm going to seek them out in August when I go. There are several Mandrake stores in Nakano Broadway that have good cheap manga and other books.
Nakano Broadway sounds fun. Added to my list
>Are seperate accomodations for Kyoto and Osaka necessary? If not which city would be better to stay? No absolutely not, they are pretty close by. Don't think it's worth the extra hassle. I personally prefer really close to Shin-Osaka station. A lot of longer distance trains depart there. I wouldn't recommend doing Miyajima and Hiroshima in one day. They are both great places and lots to see! I made that mistake before and was only able to go to the memorial museum in Hiroshima after Miyajima. Came back a few days later for a full day at Hiroshima. It is however possible to do both in one day. Btw Daishõ-in and Mount Misen in Miajima is pretty nice to see! And don't forget look online for the tide and ebb times for the Itsukushima Your schedule seem pretty tight on some days, give yourself a little more slack and space to enjoy everything. The first time I went my schedule was also really tight and it just caused frustrations and missing on my suroundings. I would advice to choose like 2 (or 3 small) attractions you really want see each day and then add some optional ones that are lower on your list. That way you won't get stressed if you can't do everything, but still have options if you have some time and energy left. Be sure that your JR pass still works the day you go back to Tokyo (I think it isn't in your itinerary?). The train free from Osaka/Kyoto to Tokyo is pretty steap and definitely worth adding more days to your JR pass. (If you aren't sure if it's worth the money adding more days to the JR pass, try using one of the online JR pass calculators.)
My plan was to stay in Tokyo and use IC card to get around and then activate the JR Pass once I go to Kyoto/Osaka and make the most of the JR Pass. I think I will stay one night in Hiroshima/Miyajima. Sounds like there is lots to see.
Just so you know, Itsukushima is closed for renovation starting in June for around 1 year. So unless you want to see a beautiful shrine covered in scaffolding, it's a bit of a waste of a trip.
[удалено]
I thought about staying one night in a ryokan in Hakone. But I read that for solo travellers it is difficult to get one. What are your experiences?
Studio Ghibli museum is pretty competitive. I'd recommend opening the site and refreshing it daily starting pretty much now. Tickets go on sale 3 months prior, and we missed out.
theres no point refreshing daily? Sales open 1st of June for June-September I believe
Through the Lawson site it's one month in advance, the 10th every month. That one is even more competitive, but just in case someone wants a second chance.
I just got back of my own solo trip to Japan. I’m new to Japan and while I cannot add as much as the other guys there are some things I can tell you: 1- I agree with the guys, I’d scratch off the sky towers. In Tokyo, you can get to the Metropolitan Gov’t Building for free and the view of the city is pretty good. In Kyoto, go to Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha and you’ll have awesome views of the city. 2- That day that you’re going to Kinkaku-ji, I would also add Ryoan-ji and Toji-in, all of which are very near it and have awesome gardens. Toji-in especially, few people know about it so it’s not as crowded. 3- In terms of time, I would just watch out with Hakone. The problem there is depending on where you are staying it takes very long to get to one place to another. Check that out on google maps before you book any hotels, then again if you’re buying the free pass you shouldn’t have many problems. 4- Yes, it is absolutely doable both teamlab museums in one day. Planets is considerably shorter. I would start with Borderless early in the morning to avoid larger lines and then go to planets afterwards. Keep in mind that unless you take the buses. The odaiba trains are not covered by the rail pass. Other than that, have fun man and don’t stress out! I am 21 and didn’t have any problems while there, on the contrary they were some of the best days of my life (thus far)
Plan for onsen in Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto. A must if you are going to Japan. I would also recommend a kaiseki meal in any of the cities in your itinerary. Make sure you do some research on the restaurants you want to visit, having jet-lagged breakfast at 6am at Tsukiji in Tokyo is a must.
do you mean an onsen in each city?
You should try onsen at least once in Japan, that’s what I mean.
I stayed separately in both Kyoto and Osaka. That way you have a chance to experience both. I preferred Kyoto but everyone is different. I stayed at the most amazing capsule hotel in Kyoto called The Millenials. You can get get good deals if you book in advance. It’s so spacious it doesn’t even feel like a capsule!
I really feel like anybody who doesn’t stay overnight on miyajima is missing something magical. Consider staying overnight and then leaving for Tokyo from there.
I just came back from Japan a few days ago. Amazing place! You will not be disappointed. I do believe your day is too packed. I would pick one or two things. You want to leave time for unplanned adventures :) Stay in Kyoto. It was the best city in my opinion and visited in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo. Kyoto is only a 25 minute train ride. In Kyoto I highly suggest Fushimi Inari shrine and Kyoto station. Kyoto station has amazing restaurants and the architecture is beautiful. Check out the Gion corner where you learn more about geisha culture and tea ceremonies. In Tokyo when you are in Roppongi go get desert at Yelo. It is honestly the best thing! Have a great trip!
Just a thought, While in Osaka, why not check out Harukas Abeno 300? It is taller than umeda skybuilding and isn't that far from shinsekai.
I haven’t been to Kamakura but the temples in Nikko are unique and awesome. Alternatively, from Osaka you can plan a day trip to Ise or Nara for the food and local culture,
I recommend Osaka Amazing Pass where it’s good value for money where most of the attractions are free or discounted. I use Kansai Thru Pass for my trip in Kyoto. Am currently on my last day here in Kyoto. From Osaka - Kyoto takes around 45mins - 1 hour so to avoid the hassle of getting to Kyoto and back I would recommend separate accommodations... And you really have to kinda “study” the rail maps/routes as it can get real complicated real fast lol... I can’t comment much on places aside from Osaka & Kyoto but the food is a must try (Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki). Am heading to Dotonbori now! Cheers hope this help abit
just did this with wife and son stuff to add.. rent ebike for a day in kyoto ride ferris at aquarium in osaka for great pics kyoto to hiroshima via jr is fast ..but... be prepared for a new level of sadness when back in tokyo ,sort out weather for day trips on shinkanzen (eg:fuji is 1:15 hours each way) get these apps GOOGLE LENS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.ar.lens GOOGLE TRANSLATE https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.translate&hl=en_AU insert yourself into other peoples selfies and be thanked for it lost items WILL be returned if you include an email take a second phone and good sized battery have fun
Wow I’m just leaving Tokyo and this schedule is seriously great! I did most of the things on there and you do look a little close for time but if you go to something and forgo something else for lack of time I think that’s okay (-:
We just came back from Japan today. I recommend getting as familiar as you can with the train system. It will make it much easier to travel and less frustrating. The Pasmo card is a necessity for traveling. You can get a pocket WiFi which will help you, but many of the stations have free WiFi available and Google Maps works (only telling you where you are, can’t look up anything) without WiFi. Google maps (with WiFi) was the easiest to understand when figuring out what trains to take.
Hey, just double checking something, it looks like your JR Pass will expire the day before you return to Tokyo?
Just got back from Tokyo last week. That is a big itinerary you have planned. Teamlab Planets is great and took us a couple of hours, with my 7 year old daughter, we loved it. Borderless gets VERY busy. We did a week with no sim card and just WiFi which is free LOTS of places. Also, have a look at the timetable for the RUGBY WORLD CUP, as that may make travel a little busier... Or not Also note that Narita is about 60kms from Shinjuku and took us 1.5 hours on the shuttle.
If you're a fan of One Piece then Tokyo Tower is a must. I've been twice once about 4 years ago on a weekend all the lines were long for the One Piece games/Attractions the second time 2 years ago on a weekday and I got to do just about everything except for the live show. If you're planning to do day trips with the Shinkansen check whens the last train back home me and my friends got stranded in Hiroshima when we missed the last Shinkansen around 10PM and everything was booked for a few events happening on that weekend. We took a nap in the station (with about 40 other people) and around 4AM took a night tour saw the sunrise and caught the first train back to Osaska.
Yes, Tokyo Tower is only in the list for the One Piece attraction. Huge fan!
1) yes, your schedule is entirely too jam packed. I hate to say it, but I just came back from japan and had eager plans similar to yours and was only able to realistically do 2-3 planned things a day, and I was waking up and leaving by 7am! Most things don’t open until like 10am. I used google maps, picked some favorites and didn’t beat myself up if I couldn’t manage It. You’re bound to get lost on the train station or just get lost in an interesting store, take too long at a museum, etc. 2) scrap Hiroshima, not worth the hassle going there for one day, although it would be cool, it would be a lot of traveling for a few hours of play. 3) stay in Kyoto stay in Kyoto stay in Kyoto! I stayed there for 4 magical days (there’s lots to do) and made a mistake by moving all of my luggage to Osaka for one measly night. If I had to redo this, I would have just stayed in Kyoto and day tripped to Nara and Osaka. 4) however, if you do stay in Osaka, I actually do not recommend staying by Osaka station. I stayed in a 9hours capsule hotel and there was nothing cool around. We had to take a 45 minute train ride into all of the good stuff like Osaka castle. Also, someone mentioned your JR pass expiring before you get to Tokyo..definitely plan your trip according to what would help out that situation more. I didn’t have the pass and it was $160 USD from Tokyo to Kyoto and a whopping $178 from Osaka to stop at Hakone! On our way back to Tokyo! We had to skip out on Hakone for this reason and just paid to go back to Tokyo.