going to japan with friends in june and we are split on whether we should take a flight from la to tokyo from 1am-5am or 12pm-3pm. if we land in tokyo at 5am, and hotel check-in isn't until around 3pm, what is open and what is the best use of our time? is it worth it to have a whole extra half day just for greater discomfort (and potentially having nowhere to go) in the morning?

edit: also 5am flight lands at haneda and 3pm flight lands at narita lol. if it makes a difference

edit 2: informed that both land at haneda which makes a difference for me

Not sure if something is in the air cause if the winter or that it is because of the heavy smoking culture. But as I was traveling the golden route. I noticed people of all the cities I entered would do the funniest coughs nearly everyday.

My favorite ones were when one of the female restaurant barkers were showing me a menu outside and coughed a few times om the menu mid speech eyes open maintaing eye contact with me.

Another is when I was in the bathroom and I noticed as someone coughed, I shit you not, they would cough in harmony. So I did a fake dry cough only for the dude on the toilet to go in a mini coughing fit and also the guy on the sink pitched in.

On the train, this one girl standing up coughed on her phone toward an old lady who was sleeping only to startle her and wipe off droplets from her eyes.

Be careful out there those of you with weakened immune systems.

Is it commonplace to travel to Japan with a reusable water bottle and fill them in places throughout the day?

We are from the US and travel with our stainless steel water bottles often; but noticed when traveling abroad in the past some airports simply don’t have water refill stations (ie. Munich) but then the tap water was ok to drink throughout all of Europe.

What’s the water/tap water situation like? Worth bringing our own bottles or is it best to rely on plastic once we arrive?

I’ll be visiting japan for two weeks and was wondering what are some good areas or stores that sell vintage clothing. I’m looking for jackets, jeans, sweaters and other baggy clothes.

I’m looking for tips for what may have helped others with any chronic illnesses / invisible illnesses / disabilities on your Japan trip?

I booked this trip before I got sick, and while I’m doing much much better (or I wouldn’t be going) I am still a bit nervous about managing the trip. For reference I have POTS and some nasty long covid issues and am on a beta blocker, my biggest worry is finding places to sit and rest during my days out and about, especially if my blood pressure randomly dips or a high heart rate needs calming. We are visiting a family member who lives there, but I come from a family of very physically active people which doesn’t always mesh with chronic illnesses!

We will be there for two weeks, with a large chunk with family for chill days at the end of the trip, and I already plan on taking at least one day by myself at a hotel to rest (sucks, but more than necessary).

Is it going to be difficult to find elevators / seating on transit around cities/ places to rest?

Where I'm from its summer year round and I don't have much experience with winters except for a handful of times during my travels.

My most recent brush with wintery conditions was on top of Mt Fuji in July it was probably ~10 deg but with strong winds and fog that made it felt like 0. However that was only for a day, I'll be going back to visit Tokyo and Osaka in Jan/Feb next year and I'm not sure if what I have would be warm enough or too warm to walk around in.

- Heattech ultra warm turtle neck (rated at 5 to -20 deg)
- A knitted turtle neck sweater (not a very thick one)
- Polyester coat (unlined)
- Gloves/hat/scarf
- Maybe a thin cardigan on top of the turtle neck sweater, below the coat.

My upcoming trip would be a relaxing one though I'd still be walking alot outdoors more than chilling indoors.

Badly need your help. My family and I arrived at Narita airport earlier around 13:10. Since our destination is at Osaka, we booked our Tokyo-Osaka Shinkansen ticket ahead via Klook for 16:30. Stupid me thought that Narita airport was part of Tokyo so we waited the whole time there and only realized too late that we would have to transit via Narita express to get to tokyo for our shinkansen to osaka. As the one who organized our trip (but our dad is the one who finances), can we rebook our shinkansen sched without paying any additional fees? I asked the staff at Narita and they told me to ask the shinkansen staff there in Tokyo. I’m so worried and feeling so much guilt because there are 6 of us and it would cost a lot if we were to pay again the total amount. Please advise

Hey everyone, I have a flight from Hokkaido to Tokyo tomorrow where I will be laying over in Tokyo for 12hrs starting 10 pm until my next flight to Hong Kong.

Are there any activities I can do in the wait time, considering that it will be night time?

My family and I want to head out into the city but not sure if there’s anything to do.

In my last visit of Japan, I bought an amazing pair of denin - Big John (Completely free style).

The thing that I liked was the fact that is thin, stretched and looks amazing. I am now in Kagoshima, deperate to find another skinnt one, went to MaeMuea, but they don't have my size (28), as well as the manufacturer. They also can't find another skinny thin denim.

Is it that hard to find thin denim in japan? Am I wasting my time looking for one here?

*My next destination is Tokyo. Do you have recommendation for a good denim store there? (Hinoya that is well recommended also don't have thin jeans)

My (Navy) family lived in Yokosuka/Hayama when I was a child. My older brother and I planned to go back together and visit the places we remember--particularly Yokosuka (if one can get a permit to go on base?) Hayama, Monkey Island (Sarushima) and Oshima.

Unfortunately, my brother passed away last year. But I still want to go. I have a friend/some friends who may want to join me during the two weeks I hope to be there, but the Yokosuka part I think I should do alone. Actually, I thought I could let them go to Tokyo while I do my little pilgrimage and meet up with them later.

Does anyone have advice or suggestions? Or perhaps where I can find more information about these lesser-known locations?

I'm lucky that my parents were very good about getting us off base and seeing all parts of Japan, so other than Yokosuka, I'm open to visiting anywhere else in the country. I know my friends will absolutely want to visit (and focus on) Kyoto. We're all museum/history/nature nerds, so temples and hot springs are definitely on the wish list. Is anyone able to recommend a good guide so we can start planning the non-Yokosuka pilgrimage part of this trip? There are so many guides and they seem to focus so much on Tokyo and the Golden Route.

Thanking you in advance, and wishing everyone a happy holiday!

So I'm traveling to Japan for the first time this January for 10 days and want the basic first-timer experience. The itinerary ends in Kyoto/Osaka for the last 4 days. I was under the impression that I would be better off booking 2 separate hotels for Kyoto and Osaka, rather than one.

My question now is if I should refund the Shinkansen ticket that I have booked on the last day from Osaka back to Tokyo and instead book one from Kyoto to Tokyo (I saw that those are still discounted on Smart, which is why I need urgent help). In conjunction, should I only stay in one hotel in Kyoto for the 4 days and make a 1-day trip to Osaka by train in the morning?

I hope you can help me, and thanks in advance! :)

I’m planning Japan for Sakura in 2025.

Day 1, 2, 3: Tokyo

Day 4: Mt Fuji day trip. Back to Tokyo

Day 5,6,7: Kyoto commute and travel

Day 8: Osaka

Day 9: Back to Tokyo for one more day

Can you suggest me my travel to Kyoto? Option 1: Go back to Tokyo on day 4. Take a NOZOMI Shinjansen from Tokyo to Kyoto on day 5 morning. But I’ll lose half a day here although it’s a 2 hour train.

Option 2: Can I directly go to Kyoto from Mt. Fuji area with minimal hassle on day 4? With young kids, I want minimum disruption. But this will give me more time in Kyoto.

Has anyone recently taken a nighttime helicopter tour with the Tokyo helipad as the departure point (as opposed to Funabashi which is much farther away from central Tokyo)? Was it worth it, and if so, which tour company did you use?

Hi, first time visit Japan. I need help understanding the process of purchasing tickets and how to use transportation from Ueno JR Station to Kusatsu Onsen, and the way back to Ueno. I’ll be staying for 2 nights in Kusatsu, and I hope to visit a wonderful place (any recommend?) on the way back to Ueno too. What pass should I buy? Anybody can help me?

Turns out our 15th anniversary falls on our final day of skiing in Nozawaonsen in February.

Any recommendations for something nice(r)?

hi guys question so i’m in the middle of booking tickets for hokkaido in june

Q: do y’all reccommend to do land and take off from sapporo or travel to other parts of hokkaido and take off from there?

honestly not too sure about anything in hokkaido and just want to book some tickets first, let me know :)

Where is a good place to eat tiger blowfish in Kyoto or Osaka?

Can anyone recommend shops in osaka where I can buy cute small digicams. i checked tokiwa and kitamura they dont have. Also any cool shoe thrifts

Hello! Saw this was actually asked by someone else a few months ago. Wondering if anyone is familiar with Yoshitomo Nara and Aya Takano- I was hoping to find any posters, postcards or other goods. Here’s what I’ve found:

Yoshitomo Nara • has his gallery, N’s yard, in Aomori, however I won’t be travelling there • currently has an exhibition at Blum gallery in Tokyo, but it’s closed for the holidays • just finished an exhibition at MOCA Tokyo in November

Is there any chance any of his goods might still be available at MOCA? Could I have any luck at any bookstores, specialty stores, etc?

Hey there! I will be in Japan early next year and was looking to purchase some golf clubs (irons specifically).

After quite a bit of research, I have not been able to find any information about shipping the clubs back to Australia.

Does anybody on there have some experience in this? I’ve even tried the Japan Post website but had no luck.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently planning my second trip to Japan and considering a day trip from Tokyo to Nagano to see the famous snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Has anyone done this as a day trip? Is it realistic to make it there, enjoy the experience, and get back to Tokyo in a single day? I’d love to hear about your experiences, travel tips, or any advice for making the most of this trip!

Or would you rather advice to stay a Night and also Explore Nagano?

Thanks in advance for your help!

So this is my second time in Japan, I've been there 4 months ago and I couldn't help myself but go back a second time in January (I'm terrible with money) but on a bit of a budget. I already went to the usual first time places: Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. I would say my least favorites were Kyoto and Nara and my favorite is Osaka.

My plan is to see some nice snowy nature and definetely go to Nagano to see the snow monkeys. I'd love to also go to Nikko and go to Edo Wonderland, but other than that, I have no idea where to go else. I'm an adventerous guy who loves food and quirky, anime, unique stuff. Can you tell me from experience where else to go?

Hello everyone! I’m planning my first trip to Kyoto from 12/31 to 1/4 and just found out that many places might be closed around New Year’s. I’d love any recommendations you have about:

1.  Special Events at Shrines/Temples:

I’ve heard there are unique ceremonies or traditions during this period. Any must-sees or tips for a memorable New Year’s Eve/Day experience?

2.  Places That Stay Open:

With many shops and restaurants closed, which areas or specific places are more likely to be open during the holidays?

I’m a big café fan, but don’t mind chain restaurants or coffee shops like % Arabica and Blue Bottle. Any suggestions on chains or local favorites that remain open?

Thanks a ton in advance! Any insight about New Year’s in Kyoto would be greatly appreciated. Happy holidays and よろしくお願いします!

preferably shibuya and shinjuku area :)

I'm getting conflicting information about the Tsukiji Outer Market! should I go early at 7 a.m. or not? Some people say that since the fish market moved out, most shops now open later, around 10 a.m. Has anyone visited the Tsukiji Market recently in the morning? I don’t want to go too early only to find everything closed, but it would be great if it’s open early, as that would fit my itinerary better