Japan Travel
Info before you leave
Check List
- Haneda Airport is closer by Tokyo city centre, Narita airport is further away but could be cheaper on flight tickets. If you can save a few hundred for Narita choose it.
- Have your hotel address, phone number and name of the hotel written down or on your phone that doesn’t require internet.
- Pre book activities and transportation via Klook. The prices are lower than the original websites and in person. Booking in advance will guarantee a spot for that activity
- Order your E-sim so you have internet ready. It will be cheaper than buying from the airport.
- Download Google maps, most useful app for the transportation.
- Bring cash to exchange at a currency exchange office, To avoid fees on using the ATM.
- Bring a coin purse with you. Paying with cash leads to getting a lot of coins. When you have a lot of coins the cashiers are always willing to help you pay with the coins. All the stores have little trays when you place the money when paying. They if often ask you to pour out the coins on the stay so they can help you out.
- Note that most stores offer Tax free shopping for purchases over ¥5000. With every purchase that has been made tax free, the products cannot be opened or consumed in Japan.
- Note that if you’re travelling to another city and you want to get your suitcases delivered. Make sure you give your suitcase to the reception before 11:00 am THE DAY BEFORE. There will be a form to fill out with the address of the next destination. The suitcase will be delivered the next day. For example you give your suitcase on the 29th of august before 10:00am / 11:00am (Times varies per hotel), you will receive it on the following day 30th of august during check in of the next hotel.
Activities I recommend to pre-book
- Shibuya Sky
- Ginza Aquarium
- Tokyo Skytree
- Team lab Planets
Transportation options
- JR Pass
Unlimited travel with the trains cross country
- Pasmo Passport
Prepaid transportation card for the subway and bus for Tokyo and Osaka. This card is available at the biggest stations, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo and the airports Narita and Haneda.
- Pasmo & Suica card
Prepaid transportation card for the subway and bus for Tokyo and Osaka. ( Currently only available via Apple wallet and pay) Make sure you have a credit card linked to your apple wallet to topup the card.
These 3 cards can be used as payment at a lot of stores and convenient stores.
- Bus Ticket from Narita Airport and Tokyo station
Between Narita Airport and Tokyo station is a shuttle bus driving. The journey takes around 65mins and the costs of the trip is ¥1300. From Tokyo station it is a whole lot easier to get to your accommodation. [Notice] When using the Night or very early morning bus the fair will be ¥2600. Double the price compared other time. Since they will be taking a different route during the early morning and night.
- Shinkansen To Osaka, Kyoto, Nara
If you are planning to go to another city, what is recommended is to take the bullet train. The costs are around €150 single trip when booking in person and on the official website. I have booked my tickets through Klook and managed to get the tickets for less than €100 single trip. The journey to Osaka is around two and a half hours long.
Tokyo
Shibuya
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, commonly known as Shibuya Crossing, is a popular pedestrian scramble crossing in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachikō exit and stops vehicles in all directions to allow pedestrians to inundate the entire intersection.
Tower Records Shibuya
The nine-story Tower Records in Shibuya is a behemoth. Built in 1995, it would later become the flagship store for Tower Records Japan, which became independent in 2002, a full four years before the American company liquidated. Forbes found in 2014 that 85% of music sales in Japan comes from CDs, a figure largely resulting from strict digital licensing in the country. As one of the biggest CD retailers in the world today, there's no better place to experience this largely outmoded world of retail than Tower Records.
Nintendo Tokyo
Located on Shibuya Parco’s Cyberspace floor, which is dedicated to otaku geeks, this outlet has everything a Nintendo fanboy or girl could ever dream of. Aside from the latest and most popular games, Nintendo Tokyo also offers a selection of merchandise you cannot find anywhere else.
Shibuya Sky
A 360° open-air observation deck located on the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper.
Harajuku
Takeshita Street
Situated in the heart of Harajuku, it is made for window shopping. Cutesy clothes overflow from shopfronts and gaggles of school kids meet up to devour sweet street food.
Cosme Tokyo
COSME TOKYO is Japan's largest cosmetics trade fair gathering all kinds of cosmetics.
Shinjuku
Godzilla Head
This Godzilla, towering over the Toho Cinema in Shinjuku, is probably the most famous in Tokyo. On closer inspection, it’s actually just a head and claw, but it still cuts a pretty intimidating figure.
Omoide Yokochō
Landmark alleyway featuring a selection of food stalls for simple fare & alcoholic drinks.
Okubo
The neighborhood is built around Shin-Ōkubo Station, accessible on the Yamanote Line. It is known for its extensive Korean community, and is often called Tokyo Koreatown.
Meiji Jingu
Meiji Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo, that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.
Ginza
Muji Ginza Flagship Store
Minimalist Japanese retailer with a wide range of generic products, including apparel & home goods.
Uniqlo Ginza
Clothing retailer producing a collection of casualwear & accessories for men, women & children.
Itoya Ginza
Expansive retailer offering a wide selection of stationary, writing instruments & desktop objects.
Art Aquarium Museum Ginza
Art museum with installation works & sculptures made out of goldfish tanks lit by colored lights.
Asakusa
Sensō-ji
Sensō-ji, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II.
Funawa Nakamise
Japanese confectionery shop.
Koto
Tokyo Tower
Tower in the special wards of Tokyo, Japan
TeamLab Planets
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com is an art facility that utilizes digital technology and was established by teamLab and DMM.com.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Bustling locale with wholesale & retail stores selling seafood, plus informal restaurants & cafes.
Osaka
Nishishinsaibashi
Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel is also known as Ebisu Tower since it is decorated with a giant picture of Ebisu, the deity of commerce, as well as the Don Quixote brand character. Ebisu is particularly revered in Osaka, historically a merchant city. The Ferris wheel shouldn’t be too crowded on the weekdays but there may be extended wait times depending on the time you go over the weekend. It is open daily and will only close due to poor weather conditions.
Dotonbori Glico Sign
Famed giant billboard installed in 1935 as an advertisement for the Glico confectionery company.
Tonbori River Cruise
River boat sightseeing trips taking 30 minutes cruising under the city's 9 landmark bridges.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Namba Yasaka Jinja
Small shrine featuring a ritualistic performance stage in the shape of a lion's head.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is an aquarium located in the ward of Minato in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, near Osaka Bay. When it first opened, it was the largest public aquarium in the world. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Shinsekai Market
Cheery, old-school covered shopping street lined with food, clothing & souvenir vendors.
Tsūtenkaku
Tsūtenkaku, owned by Tsūtenkaku Kanko Co., Ltd., is a tower and well-known landmark of Osaka, Japan and advertises Hitachi. It is located in the Shinsekai district of Naniwa-ku, Osaka. Its total height is 103 metres; the main observation deck is at a height of 91 metres
Umeda
Umeda is a major commercial, business, shopping and entertainment district in Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan, and the city's main northern railway terminus. The district's name means "plum field"
Kyoto
Hōkan Temple
The Yasaka Pagoda, also known as the Tower of Yasaka, is a Buddhist pagoda located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The 5-story tall pagoda is the last remaining structure of a 6th-century temple complex known as Hōkan Temple. The pagoda is now a tourist attraction.
Ghibli Studios Shop Kyoto
Cheerful shop offering character-inspired souvenirs from Ghibli movies, including bags & figurines.
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is the world's first Starbucks store in a traditional Japanese house with tatami seating. We'll introduce the unique features of this location inspired by tea ceremony culture, along with tips on avoiding congested periods.
Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Yasaka Shrine, once called Gion Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in the Gion District of Kyoto, Japan. Situated at the east end of Shijō-dōri, the shrine includes several buildings, including gates, a main hall and a stage.
Higashiyama Ward
Higashiyama-ku preserves the look and feel of feudal-era Japan in a wood-built historic quarter of narrow lanes lined with traditional pottery stores, tea houses, and restaurants for multi-course kaiseki meals. Centuries-old Zen and Shinto sites include lantern-lit Yasaka Shrine and hillside temple Kiyomizudera, which overlooks the city. Maruyama Park hosts festive hanami picnics under springtime cherry blossoms.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari-taisha is the head shrine of the kami Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
Chopstick Store
Kitchen supply store in Kyoto, Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or Sagano Bamboo Forest, is a natural forest of bamboo in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. The forest consists mostly of mōsō bamboo and has several pathways for tourists and visitors. The Ministry of the Environment considers it a part of the soundscape of Japan.
Snoopy Chocolat
Chocolate shop in theme with Snoopy.
Nara
Nara Park
Nara Park is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Established in 1880, it is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture.
Todai-ji Nandaimon
Massive wooden temple gate completed in 1203, with a double-tier roof & 2 guardian statues.
Kasuganocho
Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the shrine of the Fujiwara family, established in 768 CE and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up the shrine.
Hashimotocho
Shopping Street located in Nara, Japan
Nakatanidou
Well-known store featuring traditional Japanese mochi rice cakes & making demonstrations.
Japan Travel
Info before you leave
Check List
- Haneda Airport is closer by Tokyo city centre, Narita airport is further away but could be cheaper on flight tickets. If you can save a few hundred for Narita choose it.
- Have your hotel address, phone number and name of the hotel written down or on your phone that doesn’t require internet.
- Pre book activities and transportation via Klook. The prices are lower than the original websites and in person. Booking in advance will guarantee a spot for that activity
- Order your E-sim so you have internet ready. It will be cheaper than buying from the airport.
- Download Google maps, most useful app for the transportation.
- Bring cash to exchange at a currency exchange office, To avoid fees on using the ATM.
- Bring a coin purse with you. Paying with cash leads to getting a lot of coins. When you have a lot of coins the cashiers are always willing to help you pay with the coins. All the stores have little trays when you place the money when paying. They if often ask you to pour out the coins on the stay so they can help you out.
- Note that most stores offer Tax free shopping for purchases over ¥5000. With every purchase that has been made tax free, the products cannot be opened or consumed in Japan.
- Note that if you’re travelling to another city and you want to get your suitcases delivered. Make sure you give your suitcase to the reception before 11:00 am THE DAY BEFORE. There will be a form to fill out with the address of the next destination. The suitcase will be delivered the next day. For example you give your suitcase on the 29th of august before 10:00am / 11:00am (Times varies per hotel), you will receive it on the following day 30th of august during check in of the next hotel.
Activities I recommend to pre-book
- Shibuya Sky
- Ginza Aquarium
- Tokyo Skytree
- Team lab Planets
Transportation options
- JR Pass
Unlimited travel with the trains cross country
- Pasmo Passport
Prepaid transportation card for the subway and bus for Tokyo and Osaka. This card is available at the biggest stations, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo and the airports Narita and Haneda.
- Pasmo & Suica card
Prepaid transportation card for the subway and bus for Tokyo and Osaka. ( Currently only available via Apple wallet and pay) Make sure you have a credit card linked to your apple wallet to topup the card.
These 3 cards can be used as payment at a lot of stores and convenient stores.
- Bus Ticket from Narita Airport and Tokyo station
Between Narita Airport and Tokyo station is a shuttle bus driving. The journey takes around 65mins and the costs of the trip is ¥1300. From Tokyo station it is a whole lot easier to get to your accommodation. [Notice] When using the Night or very early morning bus the fair will be ¥2600. Double the price compared other time. Since they will be taking a different route during the early morning and night.
- Shinkansen To Osaka, Kyoto, Nara
If you are planning to go to another city, what is recommended is to take the bullet train. The costs are around €150 single trip when booking in person and on the official website. I have booked my tickets through Klook and managed to get the tickets for less than €100 single trip. The journey to Osaka is around two and a half hours long.
Tokyo
Shibuya
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, commonly known as Shibuya Crossing, is a popular pedestrian scramble crossing in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachikō exit and stops vehicles in all directions to allow pedestrians to inundate the entire intersection.
Tower Records Shibuya
The nine-story Tower Records in Shibuya is a behemoth. Built in 1995, it would later become the flagship store for Tower Records Japan, which became independent in 2002, a full four years before the American company liquidated. Forbes found in 2014 that 85% of music sales in Japan comes from CDs, a figure largely resulting from strict digital licensing in the country. As one of the biggest CD retailers in the world today, there's no better place to experience this largely outmoded world of retail than Tower Records.
Nintendo Tokyo
Located on Shibuya Parco’s Cyberspace floor, which is dedicated to otaku geeks, this outlet has everything a Nintendo fanboy or girl could ever dream of. Aside from the latest and most popular games, Nintendo Tokyo also offers a selection of merchandise you cannot find anywhere else.
Shibuya Sky
A 360° open-air observation deck located on the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper.
Harajuku
Takeshita Street
Situated in the heart of Harajuku, it is made for window shopping. Cutesy clothes overflow from shopfronts and gaggles of school kids meet up to devour sweet street food.
Cosme Tokyo
COSME TOKYO is Japan's largest cosmetics trade fair gathering all kinds of cosmetics.
Shinjuku
Godzilla Head
This Godzilla, towering over the Toho Cinema in Shinjuku, is probably the most famous in Tokyo. On closer inspection, it’s actually just a head and claw, but it still cuts a pretty intimidating figure.
Omoide Yokochō
Landmark alleyway featuring a selection of food stalls for simple fare & alcoholic drinks.
Okubo
The neighborhood is built around Shin-Ōkubo Station, accessible on the Yamanote Line. It is known for its extensive Korean community, and is often called Tokyo Koreatown.
Meiji Jingu
Meiji Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo, that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.
Ginza
Muji Ginza Flagship Store
Minimalist Japanese retailer with a wide range of generic products, including apparel & home goods.
Uniqlo Ginza
Clothing retailer producing a collection of casualwear & accessories for men, women & children.
Itoya Ginza
Expansive retailer offering a wide selection of stationary, writing instruments & desktop objects.
Art Aquarium Museum Ginza
Art museum with installation works & sculptures made out of goldfish tanks lit by colored lights.
Asakusa
Sensō-ji
Sensō-ji, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II.
Funawa Nakamise
Japanese confectionery shop.
Koto
Tokyo Tower
Tower in the special wards of Tokyo, Japan
TeamLab Planets
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com is an art facility that utilizes digital technology and was established by teamLab and DMM.com.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Bustling locale with wholesale & retail stores selling seafood, plus informal restaurants & cafes.
Osaka
Nishishinsaibashi
Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel is also known as Ebisu Tower since it is decorated with a giant picture of Ebisu, the deity of commerce, as well as the Don Quixote brand character. Ebisu is particularly revered in Osaka, historically a merchant city. The Ferris wheel shouldn’t be too crowded on the weekdays but there may be extended wait times depending on the time you go over the weekend. It is open daily and will only close due to poor weather conditions.
Dotonbori Glico Sign
Famed giant billboard installed in 1935 as an advertisement for the Glico confectionery company.
Tonbori River Cruise
River boat sightseeing trips taking 30 minutes cruising under the city's 9 landmark bridges.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Namba Yasaka Jinja
Small shrine featuring a ritualistic performance stage in the shape of a lion's head.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is an aquarium located in the ward of Minato in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, near Osaka Bay. When it first opened, it was the largest public aquarium in the world. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Shinsekai Market
Cheery, old-school covered shopping street lined with food, clothing & souvenir vendors.
Tsūtenkaku
Tsūtenkaku, owned by Tsūtenkaku Kanko Co., Ltd., is a tower and well-known landmark of Osaka, Japan and advertises Hitachi. It is located in the Shinsekai district of Naniwa-ku, Osaka. Its total height is 103 metres; the main observation deck is at a height of 91 metres
Umeda
Umeda is a major commercial, business, shopping and entertainment district in Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan, and the city's main northern railway terminus. The district's name means "plum field"
Kyoto
Hōkan Temple
The Yasaka Pagoda, also known as the Tower of Yasaka, is a Buddhist pagoda located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The 5-story tall pagoda is the last remaining structure of a 6th-century temple complex known as Hōkan Temple. The pagoda is now a tourist attraction.
Ghibli Studios Shop Kyoto
Cheerful shop offering character-inspired souvenirs from Ghibli movies, including bags & figurines.
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is the world's first Starbucks store in a traditional Japanese house with tatami seating. We'll introduce the unique features of this location inspired by tea ceremony culture, along with tips on avoiding congested periods.
Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Yasaka Shrine, once called Gion Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in the Gion District of Kyoto, Japan. Situated at the east end of Shijō-dōri, the shrine includes several buildings, including gates, a main hall and a stage.
Higashiyama Ward
Higashiyama-ku preserves the look and feel of feudal-era Japan in a wood-built historic quarter of narrow lanes lined with traditional pottery stores, tea houses, and restaurants for multi-course kaiseki meals. Centuries-old Zen and Shinto sites include lantern-lit Yasaka Shrine and hillside temple Kiyomizudera, which overlooks the city. Maruyama Park hosts festive hanami picnics under springtime cherry blossoms.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari-taisha is the head shrine of the kami Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
Chopstick Store
Kitchen supply store in Kyoto, Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or Sagano Bamboo Forest, is a natural forest of bamboo in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. The forest consists mostly of mōsō bamboo and has several pathways for tourists and visitors. The Ministry of the Environment considers it a part of the soundscape of Japan.
Snoopy Chocolat
Chocolate shop in theme with Snoopy.
Nara
Nara Park
Nara Park is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Established in 1880, it is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture.
Todai-ji Nandaimon
Massive wooden temple gate completed in 1203, with a double-tier roof & 2 guardian statues.
Kasuganocho
Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the shrine of the Fujiwara family, established in 768 CE and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up the shrine.
Hashimotocho
Shopping Street located in Nara, Japan
Nakatanidou
Well-known store featuring traditional Japanese mochi rice cakes & making demonstrations.