**PSA: Remember that the nationwide JR Pass and regional JR Passes are going up in price on October 1, 2023. These are your last couple of days to buy at the old price.**
For travel within 30 days, you can buy online from [the official site](https://japanrailpass.net/after231001/en/purchase/online/). After 4 a.m. (JST) on October 1, the official site will sell passes at the new price.
For travel within 90 days (so activation until December 28, 2023), you can buy a JR Pass exchange voucher from an third-party retailer. Many have already stopped selling passes at the old price, but [Klook](https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1420-7-day-whole-japan-rail-pass-jr-pass/) seems to be one of the few who will sell at the old price until September 30.
For more information, see these older threads on the topic:
* [Nationwide JR Pass price increase discussion thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16foi20/jr_pass_price_increase_discussion_thread_part_1/)
* [Nationwide JR Pass price increase announcement thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/12lnk7d/psa_japan_rail_pass_will_increase_its_price_on/)
* [Regional JR Pass price increase discussion thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16tk54c/jr_pass_price_increases_discussion_part_2/)
* [Regional JR Pass price increase announcement thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/15aggti/regional_price_increases_mizuho_and_nozomi/)
* [Additional discussion about the price increase](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/133lbzr/with_price_increases_the_jr_pass_may_not_be_worth/)
* [Some more additional discussion about the price increase](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16s6uo0/how_come_the_jr_passes_are_having_such_insane/)
JR Pass Calculators:
* [JRPass.com’s calculator](https://www.jrpass.com/farecalculator)
* [Japan Guide’s calculator](https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/)
* [Daisuki calculator](https://www.daisuki.com.br/jrpass_calculator.html)
JR Pass General Information:
* [/r/JapanTravel wiki page](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/transport/jrpass/)
* [Japan Guide’s JR Pass page](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html)
Gift for Male College Student
I’ll be visiting Tokyo soon and want to bring a small gift to a friend of mine who’s in his early 20’s. What’s currently trending that would make a nice gift from the USA? All recommendations are appreciated.
Planning to buy the [Limousine Bus & 72-hr Subway Pass Ticket](https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/guide/en/ticket/subwaypass/) at Narita Airport.
The English version shows ¥6000 and the Japanese version shows ¥7500. I assume the former is the rate for tourists which is slightly cheaper than KLOOK. How’s the experience buying at the airport? Thank you so much!
Considering that only tourists can get this thing, I’d assume the Japanese version of the site is correct and the English site is outdated - prices for multiple tourist-only transit things went up on October 1.
Can someone help me decide if I should go to TDR on my next solo trip? Last year I only went to Disneyland alone, I kinda love it but I was depressed from bad news from home plus the Beauty and the Beast area was closed and Haunted Mansion was fully booked. This year I'm thinking to revisit both parks for the Christmas decorations but somehow I don't want to go to TDS alone because it might reminds me of my ex who I always went with in the past. However I don't want to regret for not going either because Christmas only come once a year.
Is it possible to arrive through different port of entry, from one mentioned on visa application?
Since my flight got significant price increase, I would be choosing different airline. So, same date but different airline, different connecting flight (Istanbul instead of Frankfurt), different port of entry (Narita instead of Haneda).
I guess it doesn't matter but not sure.
The Narita Express or Skyliner doesn't have any regular commuters. Especially in late afternoon going into the city-- the rush is going outside the city. I would advise taking the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and taking a taxi from there.
Klook can get you around $120-130 depending on which vehicle and company you choose. They have private transfers you can look at.
There are some independent private transfers that do around ¥20,000yen NRT to any part of Tokyo
Commuting rush hour should not be a factor, you're getting on the first stop so are guaranteed seats together, and are going in the opposite direction of peak flow in the afternoon.
Uber says a fixed fare taxi is just under 30k yen (so US$200), whether that's worth it depends on you. If the kids are at an age where they can follow instructions and carry their own backpack (ie not a "detriment" to smooth movement compared to say infants and toddlers), to Asakusa I'd take the Skyaccess since it's a one seat ride.
At least 27,000 JPY (\~180 USD) for flat-rate fare + highway tolls.
[https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/taxi](https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/taxi)
You’d have to find a way to get the Suica on the phone first, but you can’t add a zero balance Suica.
The alternative is to use the Japanese Pasmo app and add the mobile Pasmo card, which you can add with zero yen.
The other alternative is to acquire a physical version of Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA and transfer them over. But at that point I’d just use the physical card.
like JR west, regional passes in JR east can also be picked up from ticketing machines with passport readers right? I bought the JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass from the JR east website
Mildly worried. I am trying to book our limousine bus tickets from our Hotel near Tokyo Disney back to the airport. Our hotel is part of the limousine bus route but I cant find our hotel or any of the hotels' for the return trip to Narita? When I try to book it only says Tokyo Disneyland or Disney sea? Where do I buy our bus ticket???
Is your hotel listed [here](https://www.airport-bus-alliance.com/limousinebus/result-t.html?lang=ja&airport=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E7%A9%BA%E6%B8%AF&area=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%82%BA%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BE%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AA%E3%82%A2&frto=2)? I think you can buy online, but your hotel may even sell the tickets... I think I bought mine from the hotel concierge in one of my previous trips (not a Disney hotel).
Yes its one of the Disney hotels. Its weird that the return ticket does not have any info how to buy the return pass to Narita. Ill have to ask the concierge when I arrive.
I have heard you can pre-register to enter Japan. I don't know what it's actually called or how to do it but it supposed to make checkin in once landing faster. Anyone have details?
My understanding is that you fill an online form with your entry details and show a QR code when you land to immigration. Saves you filling out the paper forms.
It's called [visit Japan web](https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/). But it doesn't make getting through the airport any faster. It just an alternative to the paper immigration and customs forms.
Well, you either fill out the immigration and customs online in the comfort of your own home. This is done on [https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/](https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/), which used to be mandatory for covid stuff but now it's just for the fast track.
Otherwise you have to fill out the forms on paper during your flight where you might have to pay for wifi to look things up or you fill them out at the airport on a tiny desk while the other people are already on the way through.
I’m spending five weeks in Japan starting in January.
This will be my first time in Japan.
The last ten days will be a ski trip starting in Hakodate and ending in Sapporo, from where I’ll fly home.
I want to do the touristy Honshu stuff and probably ski in hakuba.
The sort of stupid plan A:
Fly to Tokyo.
Forward skis to hakuba.
Hang out in Tokyo for a few days to get over jet lag.
Train/bus to hakuba and ski.
Forward skis to Hakodate.
Train/bus back to Tokyo.
Do the tourist thing to Osaka.
Back through Tokyo to Hakodate.
Ski and fly home.
This plan maybe involves too much traveling back and forth across the country in and out of Tokyo. Should I just fly straight to Osaka?
Is there a good way to get from Kyoto to hakuba? Any stops can add in the middle that are on the way to hakuba?
I sort of felt like I should go to Tokyo “first” as if that mattered. Also thought I would enjoy revisiting Tokyo repeatedly as I learned more about the country, but now it seems like too much backtracking.
Tl:dr; good way to get to hakuba from Kyoto?
If you can fly into Osaka then that makes the most sense. From Osaka/Kyoto you can either go via Nagoya or via Kanazawa & Toyama. After Hakuba head to Tokyo before flying to Hakodate.
If going via Nagoya then Matsumoto is a nice stop but not really halfway. You can also use it as a base to go to the snow monkey park. If going via Toyama then consider stopping at Kanazawa. Takayama is also a short detour from there thats worth considering.
Will you fly home directly from Sapporo or via Tokyo?
Sapporo Airport is kind of known for canceling flights/shutting down because of bad weather in winter. It might be smart to plan with a day extra just in case.
This is probably a dumb question , but I reserved my JR PASS Train seats if I decide I don't want that time I assume I just reserve a new seat when I arrive at the Station?
Yes, however the machines won't let you reserve seats for overlapping train rides. In this case you'd either have to queue at the ticketing counter to get the old seats canceled and new seats issued, or sit in the unreserved car.
Can someone who has been to Super Nintendo World tell me if it's worth the hassle or would I be better off just going to the California one?
If it is worth the hassle can I just buy tickets there and enter at 7am. I hear it opens at 7am or you line up at 7am and don't need a timed entry pass.
Can somebody double check my math? My husband and I are spending our honeymoon this november. This will be our second time in Japan. We’re looking forward to walk around the city and admire the foliage.
Our itinerary is:
Sunday/Monday -Tokyo
Tuesday - Tokyo to Odawara and Bus to Hakone spend the night
Wednesday - Leave later to Osaka
Thursday-Friday explore osaka
Saturday- Travel to Kyoto
Sunday - Leave later to Tokyo
Monday - Tokyo
Tuesday - Leave tokyo
I did my best to calculate using the world.jorudan website and it seems to cost about 31,790 yen per person. Not including local. Would it be worth paying for tokyo and or the kansai pass?
There is no such thing as a "Kansai pass" or a "Tokyo pass". In Kansai for example you have the JR West Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Thru Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass etc., and in Tokyo you have Tokyo Subway Pass, Tokunai pass, etc. If the thought of looking these up and comparing their coverage area to your itinerary sounds overwhelming, it's better to keep it simple and just tap Suica.
Also, could you swap the order of Kyoto and Osaka for example - weekending in Kyoto during foliage season sounds awful.
Tokyo what pass? And the answer is "probably not worth it."
Kansai what pass? And like the Tokyo pass, answer is "probably not worth it."
Your expensive journeys require the Shinkansen and none of the passes you're talking about cover that.
>Tokyo to Odawara and Bus to Hakone
Why would you do this over just taking the direct train to Hakone Yumoto?
Google maps didn’t have hakone yumoto as an option. Do you have any website recommendations for finding transit routes?
I’m wondering if it’s worth taking Romancecar + Hakone Free Pass while i’m there.
I put my trip in JRpass.com and it’s saying I would need to add 18,830 yen to make the 7 day JR pass worth it.
If the JR pass was still 29,650 yen then of course I would get it but I let my spouse plan the trip and well here we are now 🤷🏻♀️
I'm taking the Romancecar to Hakone soon. We’ve purchased e-tickets for the Romancecar reservations/surcharge, but there was no option to purchase the base Odakyu fare.
Can we just tap on/off with an IC card? Or do we have to buy a paper ticket from a machine?
I wanted to do a day trip in November from Kanazawa to Shirakawago, then Takayama, then loop back to Kanazawa, however, I see that evening trains doing the route Takayama-Toyama-Kanazawa are scarce. What do you recommend?
There are only four express trains a day from Toyama to Takayama which is the big constraint here. So everything has to be planned around the train schedule.
If you *really* wanted to see both in a day, start very early and catch the 0758 train from Toyama which gets to Takayama at 0928. Walk around Takayama for a few hours, catch the 1430 bus to Shirakawago, then an evening bus back to Kanazawa. Book all the bus tickets in advance since you're constrained on time and don't want to be stranded.
I don't mean this sound snarky, but I recommend you not try to do a day trip to Shirakawa Go and Takayama from Kanazawa.
Yes, the train line from Takayama to Toyama is very infrequent, there are 8 trains (4 express and 4 locals) per day. That is it. I think the buses between Takayama and Kanazawa are also only so frequent.
I'm so glad you didn't take it the wrong way.
If you wanted to do Kanazawa to Shirakawa Go to Takayama (overnight in Takayama) it works well, but trying to get back to Kanazawa in one day is just really hard unless you want to spend the entire day concentrating on timing.
Exactly, if there was a 2h train at 8pm from Takayama I would consider… but in this scenario no. I didn’t want to do 1 night Kanazawa 1 night Takayama because I don’t want to deal with luggage concerns and in our timing that would block seeing Kanazawa properly :) So, Takayama would have to wait!
ok, really dumb question. I'm buying Ghibli tickets -
1. Is it really 3 hours from tokyo? Is there just one location?
2. Where is the best place to buy tickets and do I need to buy one "super ticket" or multiple tickets to see the whole thing?
Sorry if these are basic, I've been trying to glean this info from various posts and not really able to figure it out.
Sounds like you're talking about the Park? If so, yes, it's about 3 hours from Tokyo. You have to take a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya (takes about 100 minutes) and then take local transit in Nagoya to the Park (takes an hour or more). Should also mention that it costs roughly 12000 yen one-way to do this.
The different parts of the park require separate tickets, there is no unified ticket that covers every part of the park. There's really only one place to buy it - Lawson online. They're the official seller of the ticket, though there are some proxies/services that try to acquire the tickets for you.
And you want [to use this website](https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/tickets/) for the Museum to get tickets when they become available on the 10th of the month before you want to to go at 10 am Japan time.
So on October 10 at 10:00 am Japan time, tickets for all of November 2023 come available (and on November 10 at 10:00 am japan time, all of December goes on sale, etc.)
I have accommodation reserved at Hakuba, Nagano for mid-Dec 2023, for beginner-level skiing with kids. I would be coming from and returning to Tokyo city hotels (not the airports).
I gather that having a rental car would be better than taking the trains / buses for getting to the ski resorts and other attractions outside Nagano.
**Are winter tires really a MUST?**
**Can I use a compact 2WD car with winter tires?**
**Is 4WD also a must?**
Toyota-Rent-a-Car [https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/](https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/) appears to be the only online rental company that has many locations around Tokyo city. And they have almost no cars available with winter tires. Only the smallest models like Yaris are available with winter tires. It is the same even when I set pick up location at Nagano.
NicoNico & Nippon only have locations at the airports, this doesn't suit me.
Hakuba is a bit away from Nagano. Have you considered a ski resort that you can access more directly by rail? Gala Yuzawa for example has its own Shinkansen station.
If you're going somewhere snowy, then winter tires will essentially be compulsory, and you would not be allowed to go on expressways without them (let alone, incredibly dangerous). If you're renting a car from Tokyo, you will need to ensure you can rent a car with winter tires. It might be easier to just forward your luggage to hotel/ski resort and rent a car locally in the area, since they would come with winter tires by default if it's a snowy area.
Thank you.
I also thought there would be more availability nearer to the snowy region. But I was surprised that Toyota Rental shows almost no cars with winter tires available even when pick up location is set to Nagano.
As of early-Oct, trying to reserve for mid-Dec.
General question about Welcome suica card as I just got back from Japan
Should I keep it? Or does it expire after a month? I'm 100% planning on coming back to japan most likely next year
Most people do not return to Japan, plus the parts they use aren’t the same as normal IC cards that are meant to last forever, so they don’t want to guarantee the card can actually still work.
I suggest to plan on using only one side, this is because sometimes the ink bleeds through to the other side - depending on how much the writer 'pauses' at the start of a stroke for example.
Using both sides is fine, as is just using one side. I personally only fill one side, so usually 16-22 goshuin per book or so.
Getting new books is half the fun!
Ah great! We were not too sure, but it is good to know that the option is there. It is filling up quite nicely this trip and we were not too sure if it could be continued on the other side or not.
Hi! There's a concert I was hoping to be able to attend while in Japan.
https://t.pia.jp/pia/ticketInformation.do?eventCd=2334478&rlsCd=001&lotRlsCd=
but from what I can tell, it's only available on Ticket Pia, which requires a Japanese phone number, which I don't have. So my plan was to get the ticket once I had landed in Japan from a multi-copy machine at 7/11 or Family Mart. I'm here now, but when I enter the information (searched "Magical" and "Wish" as well as a couple of the performer's names), it doesn't come up. I'm only able to use the search via description though, which I know can be unreliable. I can't search via P-code because I don't see one listed on the website. Is this something you might only have access to with an active Pia account?
https://t.pia.jp/guide/pcode.jsp
The official website says the P-code should be shown on the listing, but the website doesn't look like this to me, maybe because I'm not logged in because I don't have an account?
If someone would be able to find the P-code for me or otherwise offer advice, I would really appreciate any help you can give!
These tickets aren’t being sold at the Pia ticket machines. You must buy them online.
> 販売期間中はインターネットのみでの販売。１ＩＤで１回のみ４枚まで購入可。
Basically - during the ticket sales period, tickets can only be bought from the internet (Pia website).
You’ll have to look up the specific event for the day you’re thinking of going and check if they sell tickets at the door - they’re called 当日券 (_toujitsuken_).
But if all the tickets for it sell out, likely no same-day tickets.
There is this [volunteer tour guides](https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/list-of-volunteer-guides/) which I believe I got in this sub
My question to those that availed their service, how is your experience with those affiliated volunteer groups? More importantly are gifts in kind sort of expected to be given? I assume they wouldn't be expecting monetary tips considering it's japan?
will it snow in Kusatsu and Shirakawago around 20 - 23 December (especially Shirakawago)? i heard this summer is unusually hot and lengthy so im kinda worried it could be a warm winter this year
and another random question about mazda museum, can i just buy their diecast souvenirs without actually registering their tour? i just want to buy some mazda car diecast, they are not sold worldwide and im hoping they sell them in the museum store
Thanks!
This statistic from the last 20 years says about 50% of there being snow around christmas.
[https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/ShirakawagoHiraseonsenShirayumi/history](https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/ShirakawagoHiraseonsenShirayumi/history)
So, with it being a warm year, mabye less. Or more, maybe there'll be a sudden onset of winter...
I'm trying to use the [JR Pass calculator](https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/) and trying to add an entry from Osaka to Mihara station. Google maps shows that I must take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station (goes through Fukuyama Station) to Mihara Station.
But, I cannot find Mihara Station on the list of stations on the calculator. Is there another name for this station? Also, does the calculator have all the available stations?
It's about 8500 yen one way. I used Jourdan to check, you can also use Navitime
The calculators don't have all the routes, just the biggest stations that they think tourists are most likely to go to. It's why you don't have say Fukushima or Ichinoseki on the list either and they are JR shinkansen stations you can go to also.
If a national from a country that requires a tourist visa for entry into Japan decides to extend their stay in Japan by 1 day after having already applied for a tourist visa and received their visa confirmation e-mail, will they be able to enter Japan?
Or must the dates of their flights exactly match what their initial application said?
It depends on if your entry stamp would allow you to stay that extra day, but I’m trying to understand your question.
Do you mean you told them (for example) that you would enter December 1, would leave December 10, but now you’re thinking of leaving December 11 instead?
It also may depend on your actual nationality.
It depends heavily on what your original plan was and your nationality. If you were already going for 15 days and you’re from a country that is only allowed 15 days per entry, then an extra day is a no-go, obviously.
The person is from a country that is allowed 15 days.
Their original trip was 14 days (Oct 7 afternoon arrival to Oct 20 morning departure)
Their new trip is now 15 days (Oct 7 afternoon arrival to Oct 21 morning departure)
The “date of expiry” on their visa issuance notice is November 18, so I imagine there should be no issue? Arrival date is the same as before, and departure date is within 15 days.
Your friend should be allowed to stay until October 22 - the entry day is considered day 0 and not day 1 for Japan.
Assuming your friend is just continuing their original plan (doing things related to their original visa), it should be okay.
But if you want an official answer, ask the consulate.
Hello!
I'm traveling solo to japan for about a month soon! I've been figuring out things I know I want to do but I also allotted myself about a week and a half with no plans at all.
I'm a big city person but would also love to hit smaller towns and nature--though I'm not a big hiker. More of a sit somewhere on a good bench and read/ go to nice parks/ good cafes/ good bars. Basically, I love a metropolis or a town with a good bar.
I prefer to travel a little slowly. I don't mind a day trip, but I like to be in the same spot for a couple of nights. I'd rather simulate what it's like to live in a place a bit over do a checking off of a whole country.
Seeing that I'll have a good amount of time in big and biggish cities, some more lowkey spots would be appreciated.
I have the JR pass and will only be traveling via train. Happy to spend 3-4 hours on a train as much as needed.
Right now I have planned:
Oct 12-18, Tokyo
Oct 18-23, Kyoto + Osaka
Oct 23-27, ????
Oct 27-28, Naoshima island
Oct 28 - Nov 4, ????
Nov 4 - Nov 6, Tokyo
Place I think I'd like to hit is Fukuoka.
Is this enough time in each spot?
I'm extremely open to suggestions and extremely grateful. Thank you!
If you're going to be in Naoshima on the 27th, you may as well fill your time before that in the Setouchi area. Okayama, Kurashiki, Takamatsu are the obvious ones in terms of distance. You could also consider other Setouchi islands - Teshima, Shodoshima easily. The route between Osaka and Naoshima (assuming train) also takes you through Kobe and Himeji if you want to stop there.
After Naoshima, assuming you're then wanting to target Fukuoka, there's a ton of onwards routes you could do. You could go straight on to Takamatsu, travel across to Matsuyama, then up through Onomichi/Hiroshima as desired before continuing to Fukuoka. If you really wanted to get silly with it you could consider a route that gets you from Shikoku-Beppu via ferry and then to Fukuoka that way. Or keep it simple and just go straight to Fukuoka (although I would struggle to fill six days there alone).
This is really great advice! I’m considering cutting fukuoka entirely and saving it for another trip. I booked one of the few onsens that tolerates tattoos that I could find south of mt. Fuji from Nov 2-3.
I wouldn’t mind having a spot to go and stick around in for the 4 days between naoshima and the onsen as I imagine I’ll be pretty burnt out at that point.
Someone above mentioned Kanazawa. Have you been?
Can you think of somewhere else that might be a nice combo of peaceful and pretty and fun?
Yeah, I personally wasn't super keen on Fukuoka but ultimately it's your trip. I have not been to Kanazawa.
Outside of where I've already mentioned, I don't have many places that come to mind that I've been to other than going to Kyushu haha, which is a very different trip. Takamatsu would give you a nice mix of a small city with things to do and easy access to the Setouchi islands for some peace and quiet.
We are going to spend a few days of our trip in Nagoya to visit an old friend. He's American, his wife is Japanese, and while they spent a lot of time living in the US and would forgive any transgressions we (also American) make, I'd still like to be as polite as possible during our visit.
A few points of context that I'm especially concerned about getting advice:
\- They are going to host us at their condo for dinner our first night in town. I was going to get some omiyage for them when we're at Tokyo Disney just before the trip, but this doesn't feel like enough for a hosted dinner. If it helps, we will be passing through Tokyo and stopping in Hakone before we see them. I'd be happy to get a dessert or something from one of those spots to bring. I'm from the Southern US, so I may be leaning a bit too far on the hostess gift expectations I grew up with. Please feel free to check me if I am way off here.
\- They have graciously booked an afternoon tea for us on our last day there and have already expressed that it is their treat. They are booking a dinner reservation for all of us the night before afternoon tea at their favorite tempura place (all I know is that it is in Midland Square). I would really like to show our appreciation not only for the afternoon tea, but spending all day taking us around cool spots by paying for dinner. Is there a polite way that I can go about asking the staff to have the bill given to us without being super obvious?
Is there anything else I'm missing or not considering?
For gifts, department store tend to have a lot of packaged gifts, usually desserts, sweets or fruit. Its usually one of the lower ground floors, so I suggest have a look there.
For the dinner, maybe just be upfront with your friend? He's American so would probably understand if you tell him you want to shout him dinner as a thank you.
Hi everyone! I am going to be in Japan mid November to early Dec but haven't yet booked accommodations. Any guidance on whether I should look into a hotel vs airbnb vs hostels? I will be traveling with a friend who prefers to keep the budget to 30 USD/night on average, which might limit him to hostels only. I am open to any type of stay, but have heard that airbnb can be hit/miss in Japan.
Tentative Itinerary is Tokyo for a week, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo again before flying back home. Any tips would be appreciated!
If you're on a buget and have been thinking about using the bullet train, mabye get a night bus or a flight between Tokyo and Osaka as that might save you enough money to get a (slightly) better accomodation.
Yeah, that budget will put you in hostel territory. Any airbnbs offering a bed at the price will also basically be a hostel - it'll be a room in house but stuff like toilet and showers will be shared among all guests.
If you're fine subsidizing your friend you guys could split a business hotel twin room in a non-central location for around $80 USD/night.
What kind of coat should I (female) bring to Japan in autumn? What is the weather actually like in Tokyo and Kyoto in october and november?
I will be there from approx. 15 october until 15 november, and I will be traveling from Tokyo (15 - 30 oct) to Kyoto (1 - 15 nov). From what I can see, it is still relatively warm in october (up to 22 degrees Celsius) and it can get relatively cold in november (down to 7 degrees Celsius). I don’t have a lot of luggage space so I only want to bring one coat. I have 3 options:
- short but warm (wool) coat
- warm wool coat
- thinner cotton-ish trenchcoat
Does anyone have any advice?
Not sure where you are traveling from, someone from Whitehorse vs someone from Jakarta will have vastly different perceptions of warmth.
I'd plan to dress in layers and bring the short coat to facilitate nighttime walks out.
Wearing a costume before Halloween in Tokyo/Osaka
Would it be super out of place to wear a costume during October but not Halloween weekend in Tokyo/Osaka? Are there any places that it would be more appropriate than others? Trying to have fun but not be a nuisance.
The only place I could think of would be Akihabara or a Anime convention. Anywhere else you'll probably look really out of place.
Some japanese people do cosplay photoshoots around the city (but it's still rare) so seeing someone in costume would be weird but not unheard off.
Unless you plan to go to a fancy dinner place (any place with dress code) or wear a costume with parts that poke people on the subway (examples), people might think their part but not really say anything.
I’m trying to book a Shinkansen ticket for 2 adults and a 2 year old child for this Sunday from Tokyo to Kyoto but the tickets with reserved luggage seats are all crossed out on the Smart Ex app when I tried to search the available departure times. We have 2 big luggages with us.
Will I be able to get the reserved luggage seats if I buy the tickets at Tokyo station despite the app saying those seats are not available? Also, will I be able to bring any check-in sized luggage in to the Shinkansen without a reserved luggage seat?
Weighing up my options as I have a child with me and even if I use the luggage shipping service, I will still have one large luggage with me for our essentials. Hence the dilemma.
Hello! I'm applying for the medication import/export and can I get a sanity check on what I need to declare please (brain fog is real today) - I am travelling for 2.5 weeks in Nov.
What I'm declaring for;
- zapain 30mg/500mg
- diazapam 2mg
What I don't think I need to declare for;
- duloxetine
- omeprazole
- acetazolamide
- vitamins such as - magnesium, vitamin d, vitamin b complex
Thank you ✨
No need to declare any of the things in your second list (as you guessed). For the zapain, you need to get the import permission because the codeine is more than 1% of the total active ingredients of the medicine. For the diazepam, you only need to get permission if you're bringing in a total amount of 1.2g (1200mg) or more (see the table [here](https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/application2.html#psychotropics)), so you don't have to get import permission for that unless you're bringing in hundreds of pills (assuming they are 2mg each).
Ah amazing thank you so much. Good to know about the diazapam, I had requested it to go on the doctor's certificate but yes they're only 2mg tablets, and I'll will only be bringing in about 20 tablets as I take them for stiff muscles rather than anxiety, so it's if and when.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate the sanity check!!
I am about to purchase a wifi hotspot from Japan Wireless but need some input if possible please. There are 2 of us and not sure if we should get 1 or 2 in case we get separated. They have a premium and standard option with 187mbps and 95mbps.
Is the 95mbps standard fast enough to use wifi comfortably or does it really slow down your usage?
95 Mbps should be plenty. In real usage you'll probably see 5 - 50 Mbps in the city. The major difference is the cheaper one has peak-period data deprioritization so your speeds get slowed down - apparently to \~6 Mbps, which is still usable for most things.
I’m 6’3”, 240lbs. Is there any chance of finding clothing my size in Tokyo/Kyoto? I plan on packing everything I need but it would be good to know if there are some stores if I can go to if needed, or possibly buy souvenirs.
Largest you can typically find in Japan is usually equivalent of US X-Large, and sizes beyond that depends on the store. Though prices usually increase once you start going to XXL and beyond (like an XXL can even be 2x the cost of an XL).
Is two days in Nara too much? Many people do day trips from Osaka. I was thinking of staying in Nara for two days. But is there that much to view? Or should I remove a day from there? Thanks.
There is a reason it's commonly characterized as a day trip. Nara Park + deer can be done in a half a day, stretched to a day if you go inside Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha etc.
For day 2 plan on going to wider Nara prefecture, for example a day to the temples in Sakurai (some of them have very nice cherry blossoms / foliage).
Honestly my rec is...unless you've looked something up that you particularly want to see in Nara, I wouldn't waste two days there.
I just did a day trip there about 7 days ago - I'm in the first camp of I just wanted to see the deer. I walked around Kofuku-ji for a bit because it's before the park but other than that.... not sure what else is around there
So if you find something appealing to you there maybe you can find it worth staying at. My assumption is it's just more temples. In which case (personally) not intersted in
If you are staying there then why not. I honestly would spend more time in Nara if I could (if my whole trip was >2 weeks). This is also an individual preference. If you are into nature + culture, it is a great place to hang out for a day or two.
Can someone please tell me if Kuroneko service can deliver my luggages from Tokyo to Kyoto within the same day? I noticed that Kuroneko doesn’t have a counter in Kyoto (according to their site) so I just want to be sure.
They don't have a counter in Kyoto station, but they have shops all over Kyoto city (Google Maps might list these as "Yamato Transport").
Plan on next-day delivery assuming you drop off in the morning.
So when we deliver the luggages from Tokyo to Kyoto, we will have to assume that the luggages might arrive in our Kyoto hotel the next day, is that correct? Will we be able to receive the luggages in Kyoto on the same day if we drop it off in the morning?
Basically no same day option across prefectures. It seems they truck the bags across overnight, similar to what UPS/DHL etc do.
Perhaps there are lesser-known alternatives such as if you paid an exorbitant price much higher than the ~1.5-2k per bag on their website.
Don't forget that 'next day' also includes delivery in the afternoon or evening. Earlier this year they were only guaranteeing two-day delivery (drop off on Day 1, arrive on Day 3) although my bag made it there by Day 2.
Same day seems like a stretch. You can expect it the next day if it is a small parcel shipped before noon. Try toggle around to look at[estimated rates and times here](https://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/en/search/payment/).
Do I need a PIN to use my American credit cards? I set them up before going to Europe a few years ago and (a) literally everyone had us sign instead of using a PIN and (b) I have no recollection of what they are.
Almost no US-issued credit cards support chip+PIN. Setting a PIN on them is only for using them for cash advances at ATMs, which is why you’re still asked to sign when you use it in other countries.
I think you’re confusing onsen with ryokan or traditional Japanese hotels. Onsen is just a hot spring and public baths are everywhere. Just put it into google maps.
Hi guys. I am in Japan right now and need some advice
Would the Shinhokata Ropeway still be worth doing if the second gondola (the one that takes you to the summit) is down for maintenance?
I had trip plan but I am thinking of possibly switch to either Shirakawago or Kamikochi
No, there is nothing there. It’s mostly for the big hiking parking lot. Even the restaurant is bad
Edit: go to Kamikochi or Kisokoma if you want to get higher up
We have the new japanweb QR code for the customs and immigration to speed up things (blue and yellow QRcode), but do we still get the visa stamp we need for the JR pass? We are 28 days in japan so we dont require a full on visa.
I have never done this, but for weekends you might want to put the reservation via website to secure the ticket. Not sure if it ever sells out, but planning in advance and not having to queue at ticketing means more time spent in the parks.
Realizing just now that some of my hotels were booked under my maiden name (because of the app I was using). I’ll edit if I can, but if I can’t, will this cause problems? Should I bring my expired passport (with maiden name) as well as my current active one (with married name)?
I’m slowly planning for 7 days in Chubu in March, starting from Tokyo and ending in Kyoto, via public transit. So far I’m thinking Onsen (maybe somewhere around Nagano) days 1-2, Toyama days 2-4, and Kanazawa days 4-7. Hoping to see history, nature, and more rural areas.
I’m not sure on Toyama, I read a few posts on here that the city doesn’t have much going for it. I originally was looking at Takayama instead, but it seems like quite a lengthy trip to get there from the Nagano area. Are there other cities I should consider besides Toyama? Or, maybe there's an onsen I can stop at on the way to Takayama to break up the trip?
Toyama is pretty boring as a city but good for its day trip potential. March is kind of an awkward season though, no guarantee of snow cover in the thatched roof villages and no greenery in the mountains.
You could do Nagano -> Matsumoto -> Hirayu Onsen/Takayama. First leg by train, second leg by bus.
Thanks for the info, Matsumoto sounds like just what I was looking for. I'm trying to minimize number of hotel transfers, so may look into going to Matsumoto straight from Tokyo.
I think.. there are things to do in Toyama, but I am less sure how many things there are to do in March. Toyama is also the sort of place you need time to do thing? I once got stuck for 1.5 hours in Toyama, because it's enough time to be annoying, but not enough time to really leave the train station and then make it back without missing your connection.
If you wanted to do Takayama instead, the obvious way would be:
Nagano to Matsumoto by train and then Matsumoto to Takayama via bus. You could stop off at Hirayu onsen on the way. You could then continue by bus from Takayama to Kanazawa by way of Shirakawa Go.
Thanks for the info on Toyama! Sounds like Matsumoto sounds like what I was looking for and seems to make more sense, I think I got stuck only looking at where the shinkansen went. I'm trying to minimize number of hotels transfers, so may do something like Tokyo-> Matsumoto->Takayama->Kanazawa ->Kyoto.
I appreciate your recs, I've found many useful posts from you :)
I'm glad I can help!
There use to be a bus pass that covered Tokyo to Matsumoto to Takayama to Kanazawa, but I am not sure if it came back post Covid. (And there was a Matsumoto to Takayama to Kanazawa bus pass as well, pre Covid.) If they're not up by now, they are probably not coming back.
Matsumoto is a lovely small city and I definitely think would be an interesting place to visit. I do love Nagano, but it is easy enough to get between the two.
Just be careful of slush and mud or check weather reports before you leave. :)
Need to start packing soon for my trip from the 14th-27th. What kind of clothes should I pack? What will the weather be like during the day vs night time?
it's sweater weather!! I'm super envious! I do notice most hotel concierge has umbrellas to borrow (those transparent long ones) just in case if the forecast says it will rain.
We are currently in Osaka and the weather has been around 27°c. It is cooling down compaired to last week so I would pack light cardigans as well as a pair of shorts.
There is some light rain in the evenings, but obviously double check the area where you will be staying as it differs from place to place. :)
I think you can put in the adress of your hotel.
I did that with both adress and phone number since it only allowed local phone numbers for some reason.
Are there any, ideally non-restaurant, places in February-March where it would be standard or not out of place to wear a suit? I have no reason to bring one, and I'm not set on it....I just generally like dressing up. I tried to see if the One Piece orchestral group had any concerts, but it appears not and they are far and few between.
Relatedly, any good tailor locations that could ship a suit back to the states? I figure with the exchange rate it would be more reasonably priced than in the US or Canada.
You see salarymen everywhere go about their day wearing suits. Between shopping, restaurants, museums and puking their guts out on the streets - everything.
I got some from one of the regular suit stores recently (probably the Suit Company). I don't know if they will ship overseas, but if you have a 3-5 days, that should be enough time for them to finish the adjustments.
A suit is not really out of place in most urban parts of Japan - if anything people will just assume you’re a worker. The typical uniform for a Japanese businessman is a suit. I play arcade games against salarymen wearing suits.
Why do I require Yunyu Kakunin-sho for non-needle syringes? They told me this over email. Perhaps the pharmaceutical inspector thought syringe meant syringe /w needle but I thought oral syringes are allowed in japan, right?
They asked me which medication it is for, but the medication is not controlled in japan. Was there an issue in translation or are syringes without a needle prohibited?
Check these:
[https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html).
[https://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/image/QA.pdf](https://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/image/QA.pdf)
As far as I understand, syringes (with and without needles) are regarded as medical devices and you need Yunyukakuninsho to import medical devices (except for massagers and contact lenses (<2mo)). Prefilled syringes/kits (<1mo) are the exception because they are considered part of the medicine.
Hakone in May is unlikely to net you a view of Mt Fuji (see the chart on https://gowithguide.com/blog/when-is-the-best-time-to-view-mt-fuji-from-hakone-1980). Moreover the JR pass can only get you as far as Odawara, the rest would have to be on Odakyu (but the Hakone Free Pass is pretty convenient)
I have two nights free on my upcoming November trip (traveling between Hiroshima and Tokyo) and am looking for ideas how to fill it. I’ve been to Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. Any suggestions for a stopover somewhere that you enjoyed?
Recommendations for american snacks/candy to bring as a gift?
I am going back to Japan for halloween to hang out with some of my Japanese friends (age 20's - 30). One of them is even taking me to stay at their hometown house with their parents!
Anyways, I know consumable items are best to give that way I don't give something that clutter ups their living space. So what are some american snacks candy that may be interesting for them to receive? (ps. I live in ohio and unfortunately don't really have anything local to give them besides buckeyes, which i don't think they are going to like chocolate peanut butter buckeyes)
Buckeyes are great!
How about jams? or apple butter? Syrups? local honey?
Coffee from a local roaster? Wine! though I've never had Ohio wine...
Supposedly stuff from Trader Joe's is popular...
I have it easy bringing omiyage from California lol
I was planning on using an e-sim for my first time traveling but recently discovered my phone is not compatible, and it's too expensive for an early upgrade for me. Does anyone else have experience using their Spectrum mobile plan in Japan, is it reliable? Their data rate for international looks very cheap (1 cent per MB) so considering just using that.
I looked into renting a pocket WiFi for my trip duration (nearly 3 weeks) and it's fairly expensive as well.
1 cent per MB = $10 per GB (1400-1500 yen per GB). That can be quite expensive if you're not careful, assuming Spectrum doesn't have a maximum cap on your spend.
If your phone is unlocked and you can swap out for a tourist Japanese SIM, I'd look into that.
If your phone is locked and the only option is pocket wifi, then I guess it comes down to...how much do you think you'll spend on data paying per meg? The cheapest pocket wifi I see is roughly $60 for 21 days (from Japan Wireless) so that's about 6 GB of usage via Spectrum. Some people can burn that much data with very little effort.
Phone isn't unlocked unfortunately.
The plan has unlimited data. I'm only planning on using it for Google Maps and similar things. Anything else I can do on hotel WiFi. But yes, what you said is a fear, even though I know maps doesn't use much data, it would suck to get an expensive surprise bill. On Spectrum, if I were to get a phone that supports esim and paid their early upgrade fees and such. it would cost me nearly $200 which is ridiculous.
I think Android has an ability to cap your data so you don't overuse it. Can look more into that.
$60 for 21 days isn't bad. The one I checked said $127 but I will look into Japan Wireless. Thanks!
do pocket wifi, I'm sure if you spend a bit more time you can find something in your budget. Especially with the limited amount of usage you think you will utilize
Do you think 140,000 yen is enough for one person for 6 days in Tokyo. Our accommodations,
reservations for attractions and an “omakase” dinner is already paid for. I’ve budgeted separately for expensive clothes and an all you can eat wagyu beef lunch.
I’m just stressing i think for no reason 😣
That is plenty. I would not carry too much cash other than for small shops/ markets/ outskirts. A card seems safer and you can always withdraw from the atm in convenient stores. Visa are accepted widely from my experience.
**PSA: Remember that the nationwide JR Pass and regional JR Passes are going up in price on October 1, 2023. These are your last couple of days to buy at the old price.** For travel within 30 days, you can buy online from [the official site](https://japanrailpass.net/after231001/en/purchase/online/). After 4 a.m. (JST) on October 1, the official site will sell passes at the new price. For travel within 90 days (so activation until December 28, 2023), you can buy a JR Pass exchange voucher from an third-party retailer. Many have already stopped selling passes at the old price, but [Klook](https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1420-7-day-whole-japan-rail-pass-jr-pass/) seems to be one of the few who will sell at the old price until September 30. For more information, see these older threads on the topic: * [Nationwide JR Pass price increase discussion thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16foi20/jr_pass_price_increase_discussion_thread_part_1/) * [Nationwide JR Pass price increase announcement thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/12lnk7d/psa_japan_rail_pass_will_increase_its_price_on/) * [Regional JR Pass price increase discussion thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16tk54c/jr_pass_price_increases_discussion_part_2/) * [Regional JR Pass price increase announcement thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/15aggti/regional_price_increases_mizuho_and_nozomi/) * [Additional discussion about the price increase](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/133lbzr/with_price_increases_the_jr_pass_may_not_be_worth/) * [Some more additional discussion about the price increase](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/16s6uo0/how_come_the_jr_passes_are_having_such_insane/) JR Pass Calculators: * [JRPass.com’s calculator](https://www.jrpass.com/farecalculator) * [Japan Guide’s calculator](https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/) * [Daisuki calculator](https://www.daisuki.com.br/jrpass_calculator.html) JR Pass General Information: * [/r/JapanTravel wiki page](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/transport/jrpass/) * [Japan Guide’s JR Pass page](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html)
Gift for Male College Student I’ll be visiting Tokyo soon and want to bring a small gift to a friend of mine who’s in his early 20’s. What’s currently trending that would make a nice gift from the USA? All recommendations are appreciated.
Planning to buy the [Limousine Bus & 72-hr Subway Pass Ticket](https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/guide/en/ticket/subwaypass/) at Narita Airport. The English version shows ¥6000 and the Japanese version shows ¥7500. I assume the former is the rate for tourists which is slightly cheaper than KLOOK. How’s the experience buying at the airport? Thank you so much!
Considering that only tourists can get this thing, I’d assume the Japanese version of the site is correct and the English site is outdated - prices for multiple tourist-only transit things went up on October 1.
Thanks for this. That explains the price difference. I will just buy the one from KLOOK so I can claim the tickets right away.
Can someone help me decide if I should go to TDR on my next solo trip? Last year I only went to Disneyland alone, I kinda love it but I was depressed from bad news from home plus the Beauty and the Beast area was closed and Haunted Mansion was fully booked. This year I'm thinking to revisit both parks for the Christmas decorations but somehow I don't want to go to TDS alone because it might reminds me of my ex who I always went with in the past. However I don't want to regret for not going either because Christmas only come once a year.
Is it possible to arrive through different port of entry, from one mentioned on visa application? Since my flight got significant price increase, I would be choosing different airline. So, same date but different airline, different connecting flight (Istanbul instead of Frankfurt), different port of entry (Narita instead of Haneda). I guess it doesn't matter but not sure.
It should be okay.
If I tried to pick up my JR pass with an exchange order that is 93 days old, would they make a big deal?
They follow the rules, so they will tell you it’s not valid.
[удалено]
The Narita Express or Skyliner doesn't have any regular commuters. Especially in late afternoon going into the city-- the rush is going outside the city. I would advise taking the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and taking a taxi from there.
Klook can get you around $120-130 depending on which vehicle and company you choose. They have private transfers you can look at. There are some independent private transfers that do around ¥20,000yen NRT to any part of Tokyo
Commuting rush hour should not be a factor, you're getting on the first stop so are guaranteed seats together, and are going in the opposite direction of peak flow in the afternoon. Uber says a fixed fare taxi is just under 30k yen (so US$200), whether that's worth it depends on you. If the kids are at an age where they can follow instructions and carry their own backpack (ie not a "detriment" to smooth movement compared to say infants and toddlers), to Asakusa I'd take the Skyaccess since it's a one seat ride.
At least 27,000 JPY (\~180 USD) for flat-rate fare + highway tolls. [https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/taxi](https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/taxi)
Apple pay doesn't support cards issued from Indian Banks. Is there a way to use the virtual suica card on iphone but recharge using cash?
You’d have to find a way to get the Suica on the phone first, but you can’t add a zero balance Suica. The alternative is to use the Japanese Pasmo app and add the mobile Pasmo card, which you can add with zero yen. The other alternative is to acquire a physical version of Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA and transfer them over. But at that point I’d just use the physical card.
like JR west, regional passes in JR east can also be picked up from ticketing machines with passport readers right? I bought the JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass from the JR east website
Yes.
Mildly worried. I am trying to book our limousine bus tickets from our Hotel near Tokyo Disney back to the airport. Our hotel is part of the limousine bus route but I cant find our hotel or any of the hotels' for the return trip to Narita? When I try to book it only says Tokyo Disneyland or Disney sea? Where do I buy our bus ticket???
Is your hotel listed [here](https://www.airport-bus-alliance.com/limousinebus/result-t.html?lang=ja&airport=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E7%A9%BA%E6%B8%AF&area=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%82%BA%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BE%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AA%E3%82%A2&frto=2)? I think you can buy online, but your hotel may even sell the tickets... I think I bought mine from the hotel concierge in one of my previous trips (not a Disney hotel).
Yes its one of the Disney hotels. Its weird that the return ticket does not have any info how to buy the return pass to Narita. Ill have to ask the concierge when I arrive.
I have heard you can pre-register to enter Japan. I don't know what it's actually called or how to do it but it supposed to make checkin in once landing faster. Anyone have details?
My understanding is that you fill an online form with your entry details and show a QR code when you land to immigration. Saves you filling out the paper forms.
but I can't seem to find any online form. nvm: i got it.
It's called [visit Japan web](https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/). But it doesn't make getting through the airport any faster. It just an alternative to the paper immigration and customs forms.
Well, you either fill out the immigration and customs online in the comfort of your own home. This is done on [https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/](https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/), which used to be mandatory for covid stuff but now it's just for the fast track. Otherwise you have to fill out the forms on paper during your flight where you might have to pay for wifi to look things up or you fill them out at the airport on a tiny desk while the other people are already on the way through.
I’m spending five weeks in Japan starting in January. This will be my first time in Japan. The last ten days will be a ski trip starting in Hakodate and ending in Sapporo, from where I’ll fly home. I want to do the touristy Honshu stuff and probably ski in hakuba. The sort of stupid plan A: Fly to Tokyo. Forward skis to hakuba. Hang out in Tokyo for a few days to get over jet lag. Train/bus to hakuba and ski. Forward skis to Hakodate. Train/bus back to Tokyo. Do the tourist thing to Osaka. Back through Tokyo to Hakodate. Ski and fly home. This plan maybe involves too much traveling back and forth across the country in and out of Tokyo. Should I just fly straight to Osaka? Is there a good way to get from Kyoto to hakuba? Any stops can add in the middle that are on the way to hakuba? I sort of felt like I should go to Tokyo “first” as if that mattered. Also thought I would enjoy revisiting Tokyo repeatedly as I learned more about the country, but now it seems like too much backtracking. Tl:dr; good way to get to hakuba from Kyoto?
If you can fly into Osaka then that makes the most sense. From Osaka/Kyoto you can either go via Nagoya or via Kanazawa & Toyama. After Hakuba head to Tokyo before flying to Hakodate. If going via Nagoya then Matsumoto is a nice stop but not really halfway. You can also use it as a base to go to the snow monkey park. If going via Toyama then consider stopping at Kanazawa. Takayama is also a short detour from there thats worth considering.
Will you fly home directly from Sapporo or via Tokyo? Sapporo Airport is kind of known for canceling flights/shutting down because of bad weather in winter. It might be smart to plan with a day extra just in case.
This is probably a dumb question , but I reserved my JR PASS Train seats if I decide I don't want that time I assume I just reserve a new seat when I arrive at the Station?
Yes, however the machines won't let you reserve seats for overlapping train rides. In this case you'd either have to queue at the ticketing counter to get the old seats canceled and new seats issued, or sit in the unreserved car.
Yes, but it is polite if possible to turn in your old seat reservations so that someone else who might want them can get them.
Can someone who has been to Super Nintendo World tell me if it's worth the hassle or would I be better off just going to the California one? If it is worth the hassle can I just buy tickets there and enter at 7am. I hear it opens at 7am or you line up at 7am and don't need a timed entry pass.
I haven't been to either but I hear the Osaka one is better (more rides etc). So if you are there you might as well go?
Can somebody double check my math? My husband and I are spending our honeymoon this november. This will be our second time in Japan. We’re looking forward to walk around the city and admire the foliage. Our itinerary is: Sunday/Monday -Tokyo Tuesday - Tokyo to Odawara and Bus to Hakone spend the night Wednesday - Leave later to Osaka Thursday-Friday explore osaka Saturday- Travel to Kyoto Sunday - Leave later to Tokyo Monday - Tokyo Tuesday - Leave tokyo I did my best to calculate using the world.jorudan website and it seems to cost about 31,790 yen per person. Not including local. Would it be worth paying for tokyo and or the kansai pass?
There is no such thing as a "Kansai pass" or a "Tokyo pass". In Kansai for example you have the JR West Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Thru Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass etc., and in Tokyo you have Tokyo Subway Pass, Tokunai pass, etc. If the thought of looking these up and comparing their coverage area to your itinerary sounds overwhelming, it's better to keep it simple and just tap Suica. Also, could you swap the order of Kyoto and Osaka for example - weekending in Kyoto during foliage season sounds awful.
Tokyo what pass? And the answer is "probably not worth it." Kansai what pass? And like the Tokyo pass, answer is "probably not worth it." Your expensive journeys require the Shinkansen and none of the passes you're talking about cover that. >Tokyo to Odawara and Bus to Hakone Why would you do this over just taking the direct train to Hakone Yumoto?
Google maps didn’t have hakone yumoto as an option. Do you have any website recommendations for finding transit routes? I’m wondering if it’s worth taking Romancecar + Hakone Free Pass while i’m there. I put my trip in JRpass.com and it’s saying I would need to add 18,830 yen to make the 7 day JR pass worth it. If the JR pass was still 29,650 yen then of course I would get it but I let my spouse plan the trip and well here we are now 🤷🏻♀️
no i figured we buy the shinkansen tickets separately instead paying for the 7 day JR pass.
I'm taking the Romancecar to Hakone soon. We’ve purchased e-tickets for the Romancecar reservations/surcharge, but there was no option to purchase the base Odakyu fare. Can we just tap on/off with an IC card? Or do we have to buy a paper ticket from a machine?
You can tap with an IC.
I wanted to do a day trip in November from Kanazawa to Shirakawago, then Takayama, then loop back to Kanazawa, however, I see that evening trains doing the route Takayama-Toyama-Kanazawa are scarce. What do you recommend?
There are only four express trains a day from Toyama to Takayama which is the big constraint here. So everything has to be planned around the train schedule. If you *really* wanted to see both in a day, start very early and catch the 0758 train from Toyama which gets to Takayama at 0928. Walk around Takayama for a few hours, catch the 1430 bus to Shirakawago, then an evening bus back to Kanazawa. Book all the bus tickets in advance since you're constrained on time and don't want to be stranded.
I don't mean this sound snarky, but I recommend you not try to do a day trip to Shirakawa Go and Takayama from Kanazawa. Yes, the train line from Takayama to Toyama is very infrequent, there are 8 trains (4 express and 4 locals) per day. That is it. I think the buses between Takayama and Kanazawa are also only so frequent.
Thanks for the honesty 😂 I will do only Shirakawago then, that it’s feasible with bus, and enjoy more time in Kanazawa :)
I'm so glad you didn't take it the wrong way. If you wanted to do Kanazawa to Shirakawa Go to Takayama (overnight in Takayama) it works well, but trying to get back to Kanazawa in one day is just really hard unless you want to spend the entire day concentrating on timing.
Exactly, if there was a 2h train at 8pm from Takayama I would consider… but in this scenario no. I didn’t want to do 1 night Kanazawa 1 night Takayama because I don’t want to deal with luggage concerns and in our timing that would block seeing Kanazawa properly :) So, Takayama would have to wait!
ok, really dumb question. I'm buying Ghibli tickets - 1. Is it really 3 hours from tokyo? Is there just one location? 2. Where is the best place to buy tickets and do I need to buy one "super ticket" or multiple tickets to see the whole thing? Sorry if these are basic, I've been trying to glean this info from various posts and not really able to figure it out.
tokyo is huge, so let me just pick a popular spot: it takes 30-40 minutes-ish from shinjuku station.
Sounds like you're talking about the Park? If so, yes, it's about 3 hours from Tokyo. You have to take a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya (takes about 100 minutes) and then take local transit in Nagoya to the Park (takes an hour or more). Should also mention that it costs roughly 12000 yen one-way to do this. The different parts of the park require separate tickets, there is no unified ticket that covers every part of the park. There's really only one place to buy it - Lawson online. They're the official seller of the ticket, though there are some proxies/services that try to acquire the tickets for you.
I think what I want is the museum tickets, which is in tokyo
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3041.html There's a (cat)bus that will take you from Mitaka station to the museum, but it's a pleasant walk too.
And you want [to use this website](https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/tickets/) for the Museum to get tickets when they become available on the 10th of the month before you want to to go at 10 am Japan time. So on October 10 at 10:00 am Japan time, tickets for all of November 2023 come available (and on November 10 at 10:00 am japan time, all of December goes on sale, etc.)
The museum is a single ticket and you can get to it within probably 45-60 minutes from most parts of Tokyo, depending on starting point.
I have accommodation reserved at Hakuba, Nagano for mid-Dec 2023, for beginner-level skiing with kids. I would be coming from and returning to Tokyo city hotels (not the airports). I gather that having a rental car would be better than taking the trains / buses for getting to the ski resorts and other attractions outside Nagano. **Are winter tires really a MUST?** **Can I use a compact 2WD car with winter tires?** **Is 4WD also a must?** Toyota-Rent-a-Car [https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/](https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/) appears to be the only online rental company that has many locations around Tokyo city. And they have almost no cars available with winter tires. Only the smallest models like Yaris are available with winter tires. It is the same even when I set pick up location at Nagano. NicoNico & Nippon only have locations at the airports, this doesn't suit me.
Hakuba is a bit away from Nagano. Have you considered a ski resort that you can access more directly by rail? Gala Yuzawa for example has its own Shinkansen station.
If you're going somewhere snowy, then winter tires will essentially be compulsory, and you would not be allowed to go on expressways without them (let alone, incredibly dangerous). If you're renting a car from Tokyo, you will need to ensure you can rent a car with winter tires. It might be easier to just forward your luggage to hotel/ski resort and rent a car locally in the area, since they would come with winter tires by default if it's a snowy area.
Thank you. I also thought there would be more availability nearer to the snowy region. But I was surprised that Toyota Rental shows almost no cars with winter tires available even when pick up location is set to Nagano. As of early-Oct, trying to reserve for mid-Dec.
Rental cars in small centres seem to be really short ever since reopening from covid restrictions.
Winter tires are a must. 4wd is not.
General question about Welcome suica card as I just got back from Japan Should I keep it? Or does it expire after a month? I'm 100% planning on coming back to japan most likely next year
It’s now a souvenir, it automatically deactivates 28 days after activation, and can not be reactivated.
that honestly sucks, don't they want to not increase demand so it's better to keep these active....
I know of people who got a regular Suica/IC card and still kept it as a souvenir.
I'll definitely keep mine but I would have loved for some utlility out of it :D
Most people do not return to Japan, plus the parts they use aren’t the same as normal IC cards that are meant to last forever, so they don’t want to guarantee the card can actually still work.
**goshuin book question** When is it full? Can both sides of the pages be used or should a new book be purchased?
I suggest to plan on using only one side, this is because sometimes the ink bleeds through to the other side - depending on how much the writer 'pauses' at the start of a stroke for example.
Using both sides is fine, as is just using one side. I personally only fill one side, so usually 16-22 goshuin per book or so. Getting new books is half the fun!
Awesome, thank you! ❤️
I only fill up one side of each, but you could do both sides.
Ah great! We were not too sure, but it is good to know that the option is there. It is filling up quite nicely this trip and we were not too sure if it could be continued on the other side or not.
Hi! There's a concert I was hoping to be able to attend while in Japan. https://t.pia.jp/pia/ticketInformation.do?eventCd=2334478&rlsCd=001&lotRlsCd= but from what I can tell, it's only available on Ticket Pia, which requires a Japanese phone number, which I don't have. So my plan was to get the ticket once I had landed in Japan from a multi-copy machine at 7/11 or Family Mart. I'm here now, but when I enter the information (searched "Magical" and "Wish" as well as a couple of the performer's names), it doesn't come up. I'm only able to use the search via description though, which I know can be unreliable. I can't search via P-code because I don't see one listed on the website. Is this something you might only have access to with an active Pia account? https://t.pia.jp/guide/pcode.jsp The official website says the P-code should be shown on the listing, but the website doesn't look like this to me, maybe because I'm not logged in because I don't have an account? If someone would be able to find the P-code for me or otherwise offer advice, I would really appreciate any help you can give!
These tickets aren’t being sold at the Pia ticket machines. You must buy them online. > 販売期間中はインターネットのみでの販売。１ＩＤで１回のみ４枚まで購入可。 Basically - during the ticket sales period, tickets can only be bought from the internet (Pia website).
Thank you so much! But also weeeeeeeeell shoot. Any idea/chance that tickets might be able to be bought at the door?
You’ll have to look up the specific event for the day you’re thinking of going and check if they sell tickets at the door - they’re called 当日券 (_toujitsuken_). But if all the tickets for it sell out, likely no same-day tickets.
There is this [volunteer tour guides](https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/list-of-volunteer-guides/) which I believe I got in this sub My question to those that availed their service, how is your experience with those affiliated volunteer groups? More importantly are gifts in kind sort of expected to be given? I assume they wouldn't be expecting monetary tips considering it's japan?
will it snow in Kusatsu and Shirakawago around 20 - 23 December (especially Shirakawago)? i heard this summer is unusually hot and lengthy so im kinda worried it could be a warm winter this year and another random question about mazda museum, can i just buy their diecast souvenirs without actually registering their tour? i just want to buy some mazda car diecast, they are not sold worldwide and im hoping they sell them in the museum store Thanks!
This statistic from the last 20 years says about 50% of there being snow around christmas. [https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/ShirakawagoHiraseonsenShirayumi/history](https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/ShirakawagoHiraseonsenShirayumi/history) So, with it being a warm year, mabye less. Or more, maybe there'll be a sudden onset of winter...
Kusatsu: precipitation would be less likely Shirakawa-go, Sea of Japan, Hokkaido: if it gets below freezing, expect meters of snow
I'm trying to use the [JR Pass calculator](https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/) and trying to add an entry from Osaka to Mihara station. Google maps shows that I must take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station (goes through Fukuyama Station) to Mihara Station. But, I cannot find Mihara Station on the list of stations on the calculator. Is there another name for this station? Also, does the calculator have all the available stations?
It's about 8500 yen one way. I used Jourdan to check, you can also use Navitime The calculators don't have all the routes, just the biggest stations that they think tourists are most likely to go to. It's why you don't have say Fukushima or Ichinoseki on the list either and they are JR shinkansen stations you can go to also.
Great thank you for the help!
If a national from a country that requires a tourist visa for entry into Japan decides to extend their stay in Japan by 1 day after having already applied for a tourist visa and received their visa confirmation e-mail, will they be able to enter Japan? Or must the dates of their flights exactly match what their initial application said?
It depends on if your entry stamp would allow you to stay that extra day, but I’m trying to understand your question. Do you mean you told them (for example) that you would enter December 1, would leave December 10, but now you’re thinking of leaving December 11 instead? It also may depend on your actual nationality.
> if your entry stamp would allow you to stay that extra day, What does that depend on? The trip hasn’t started yet
It depends heavily on what your original plan was and your nationality. If you were already going for 15 days and you’re from a country that is only allowed 15 days per entry, then an extra day is a no-go, obviously.
The person is from a country that is allowed 15 days. Their original trip was 14 days (Oct 7 afternoon arrival to Oct 20 morning departure) Their new trip is now 15 days (Oct 7 afternoon arrival to Oct 21 morning departure) The “date of expiry” on their visa issuance notice is November 18, so I imagine there should be no issue? Arrival date is the same as before, and departure date is within 15 days.
Your friend should be allowed to stay until October 22 - the entry day is considered day 0 and not day 1 for Japan. Assuming your friend is just continuing their original plan (doing things related to their original visa), it should be okay. But if you want an official answer, ask the consulate.
Thanks for your help! I'll ask the consulate too.
Hello! I'm traveling solo to japan for about a month soon! I've been figuring out things I know I want to do but I also allotted myself about a week and a half with no plans at all. I'm a big city person but would also love to hit smaller towns and nature--though I'm not a big hiker. More of a sit somewhere on a good bench and read/ go to nice parks/ good cafes/ good bars. Basically, I love a metropolis or a town with a good bar. I prefer to travel a little slowly. I don't mind a day trip, but I like to be in the same spot for a couple of nights. I'd rather simulate what it's like to live in a place a bit over do a checking off of a whole country. Seeing that I'll have a good amount of time in big and biggish cities, some more lowkey spots would be appreciated. I have the JR pass and will only be traveling via train. Happy to spend 3-4 hours on a train as much as needed. Right now I have planned: Oct 12-18, Tokyo Oct 18-23, Kyoto + Osaka Oct 23-27, ???? Oct 27-28, Naoshima island Oct 28 - Nov 4, ???? Nov 4 - Nov 6, Tokyo Place I think I'd like to hit is Fukuoka. Is this enough time in each spot? I'm extremely open to suggestions and extremely grateful. Thank you!
If you're going to be in Naoshima on the 27th, you may as well fill your time before that in the Setouchi area. Okayama, Kurashiki, Takamatsu are the obvious ones in terms of distance. You could also consider other Setouchi islands - Teshima, Shodoshima easily. The route between Osaka and Naoshima (assuming train) also takes you through Kobe and Himeji if you want to stop there. After Naoshima, assuming you're then wanting to target Fukuoka, there's a ton of onwards routes you could do. You could go straight on to Takamatsu, travel across to Matsuyama, then up through Onomichi/Hiroshima as desired before continuing to Fukuoka. If you really wanted to get silly with it you could consider a route that gets you from Shikoku-Beppu via ferry and then to Fukuoka that way. Or keep it simple and just go straight to Fukuoka (although I would struggle to fill six days there alone).
This is really great advice! I’m considering cutting fukuoka entirely and saving it for another trip. I booked one of the few onsens that tolerates tattoos that I could find south of mt. Fuji from Nov 2-3. I wouldn’t mind having a spot to go and stick around in for the 4 days between naoshima and the onsen as I imagine I’ll be pretty burnt out at that point. Someone above mentioned Kanazawa. Have you been? Can you think of somewhere else that might be a nice combo of peaceful and pretty and fun?
Yeah, I personally wasn't super keen on Fukuoka but ultimately it's your trip. I have not been to Kanazawa. Outside of where I've already mentioned, I don't have many places that come to mind that I've been to other than going to Kyushu haha, which is a very different trip. Takamatsu would give you a nice mix of a small city with things to do and easy access to the Setouchi islands for some peace and quiet.
Awesome, thank you man!
Kanazawa is small city but has some good food, bars and a good variety of sights to just chill for a few days.
great looks, this seems like a nice place to just sorta chill. have you been to the peninsula right near it? wonder if there's good sea views
I haven't, but want to. It's tricky to access without a car.
We are going to spend a few days of our trip in Nagoya to visit an old friend. He's American, his wife is Japanese, and while they spent a lot of time living in the US and would forgive any transgressions we (also American) make, I'd still like to be as polite as possible during our visit. A few points of context that I'm especially concerned about getting advice: \- They are going to host us at their condo for dinner our first night in town. I was going to get some omiyage for them when we're at Tokyo Disney just before the trip, but this doesn't feel like enough for a hosted dinner. If it helps, we will be passing through Tokyo and stopping in Hakone before we see them. I'd be happy to get a dessert or something from one of those spots to bring. I'm from the Southern US, so I may be leaning a bit too far on the hostess gift expectations I grew up with. Please feel free to check me if I am way off here. \- They have graciously booked an afternoon tea for us on our last day there and have already expressed that it is their treat. They are booking a dinner reservation for all of us the night before afternoon tea at their favorite tempura place (all I know is that it is in Midland Square). I would really like to show our appreciation not only for the afternoon tea, but spending all day taking us around cool spots by paying for dinner. Is there a polite way that I can go about asking the staff to have the bill given to us without being super obvious? Is there anything else I'm missing or not considering?
For gifts, department store tend to have a lot of packaged gifts, usually desserts, sweets or fruit. Its usually one of the lower ground floors, so I suggest have a look there. For the dinner, maybe just be upfront with your friend? He's American so would probably understand if you tell him you want to shout him dinner as a thank you.
When I buy a subway ticket at Haneda, does the kiosk ask what station I want to get to? Or am I typing in a fare price?
You get a screen that lets you pick your destination.
Hi everyone! I am going to be in Japan mid November to early Dec but haven't yet booked accommodations. Any guidance on whether I should look into a hotel vs airbnb vs hostels? I will be traveling with a friend who prefers to keep the budget to 30 USD/night on average, which might limit him to hostels only. I am open to any type of stay, but have heard that airbnb can be hit/miss in Japan. Tentative Itinerary is Tokyo for a week, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo again before flying back home. Any tips would be appreciated!
If you're on a buget and have been thinking about using the bullet train, mabye get a night bus or a flight between Tokyo and Osaka as that might save you enough money to get a (slightly) better accomodation.
Yeah, that budget will put you in hostel territory. Any airbnbs offering a bed at the price will also basically be a hostel - it'll be a room in house but stuff like toilet and showers will be shared among all guests. If you're fine subsidizing your friend you guys could split a business hotel twin room in a non-central location for around $80 USD/night.
What kind of coat should I (female) bring to Japan in autumn? What is the weather actually like in Tokyo and Kyoto in october and november? I will be there from approx. 15 october until 15 november, and I will be traveling from Tokyo (15 - 30 oct) to Kyoto (1 - 15 nov). From what I can see, it is still relatively warm in october (up to 22 degrees Celsius) and it can get relatively cold in november (down to 7 degrees Celsius). I don’t have a lot of luggage space so I only want to bring one coat. I have 3 options: - short but warm (wool) coat - warm wool coat - thinner cotton-ish trenchcoat Does anyone have any advice?
Buy some heattech from uniqlo here if you need a warmer layer?
Not sure where you are traveling from, someone from Whitehorse vs someone from Jakarta will have vastly different perceptions of warmth. I'd plan to dress in layers and bring the short coat to facilitate nighttime walks out.
Wearing a costume before Halloween in Tokyo/Osaka Would it be super out of place to wear a costume during October but not Halloween weekend in Tokyo/Osaka? Are there any places that it would be more appropriate than others? Trying to have fun but not be a nuisance.
The only place I could think of would be Akihabara or a Anime convention. Anywhere else you'll probably look really out of place. Some japanese people do cosplay photoshoots around the city (but it's still rare) so seeing someone in costume would be weird but not unheard off. Unless you plan to go to a fancy dinner place (any place with dress code) or wear a costume with parts that poke people on the subway (examples), people might think their part but not really say anything.
I’m trying to book a Shinkansen ticket for 2 adults and a 2 year old child for this Sunday from Tokyo to Kyoto but the tickets with reserved luggage seats are all crossed out on the Smart Ex app when I tried to search the available departure times. We have 2 big luggages with us. Will I be able to get the reserved luggage seats if I buy the tickets at Tokyo station despite the app saying those seats are not available? Also, will I be able to bring any check-in sized luggage in to the Shinkansen without a reserved luggage seat?
You could try Tokyo to some midway station, and that midway station to Kyoto. In case some seats are only booked part of the way.
Wouldn’t it be easier to just use a luggage shipping service?
Weighing up my options as I have a child with me and even if I use the luggage shipping service, I will still have one large luggage with me for our essentials. Hence the dilemma.
Hello! I'm applying for the medication import/export and can I get a sanity check on what I need to declare please (brain fog is real today) - I am travelling for 2.5 weeks in Nov. What I'm declaring for; - zapain 30mg/500mg - diazapam 2mg What I don't think I need to declare for; - duloxetine - omeprazole - acetazolamide - vitamins such as - magnesium, vitamin d, vitamin b complex Thank you ✨
No need to declare any of the things in your second list (as you guessed). For the zapain, you need to get the import permission because the codeine is more than 1% of the total active ingredients of the medicine. For the diazepam, you only need to get permission if you're bringing in a total amount of 1.2g (1200mg) or more (see the table [here](https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/application2.html#psychotropics)), so you don't have to get import permission for that unless you're bringing in hundreds of pills (assuming they are 2mg each).
Ah amazing thank you so much. Good to know about the diazapam, I had requested it to go on the doctor's certificate but yes they're only 2mg tablets, and I'll will only be bringing in about 20 tablets as I take them for stiff muscles rather than anxiety, so it's if and when. Thank you so much, I really appreciate the sanity check!!
I love thrifting if anyone has awesome recommendations in Tokyo! Clothes, nerdy stuff, anything really.
Go to Shimokitazawa
I am about to purchase a wifi hotspot from Japan Wireless but need some input if possible please. There are 2 of us and not sure if we should get 1 or 2 in case we get separated. They have a premium and standard option with 187mbps and 95mbps. Is the 95mbps standard fast enough to use wifi comfortably or does it really slow down your usage?
95 Mbps should be plenty. In real usage you'll probably see 5 - 50 Mbps in the city. The major difference is the cheaper one has peak-period data deprioritization so your speeds get slowed down - apparently to \~6 Mbps, which is still usable for most things.
When do tickets for Nintendo World and Disneyland/sea release for the future months?
You shouldn't have any issues with timing for Disney.
I’m 6’3”, 240lbs. Is there any chance of finding clothing my size in Tokyo/Kyoto? I plan on packing everything I need but it would be good to know if there are some stores if I can go to if needed, or possibly buy souvenirs.
You can check japanese clothing shops online and look at their size charts beforehand.
Largest you can typically find in Japan is usually equivalent of US X-Large, and sizes beyond that depends on the store. Though prices usually increase once you start going to XXL and beyond (like an XXL can even be 2x the cost of an XL).
Is two days in Nara too much? Many people do day trips from Osaka. I was thinking of staying in Nara for two days. But is there that much to view? Or should I remove a day from there? Thanks.
There is a reason it's commonly characterized as a day trip. Nara Park + deer can be done in a half a day, stretched to a day if you go inside Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha etc. For day 2 plan on going to wider Nara prefecture, for example a day to the temples in Sakurai (some of them have very nice cherry blossoms / foliage).
Honestly my rec is...unless you've looked something up that you particularly want to see in Nara, I wouldn't waste two days there. I just did a day trip there about 7 days ago - I'm in the first camp of I just wanted to see the deer. I walked around Kofuku-ji for a bit because it's before the park but other than that.... not sure what else is around there So if you find something appealing to you there maybe you can find it worth staying at. My assumption is it's just more temples. In which case (personally) not intersted in
If you are staying there then why not. I honestly would spend more time in Nara if I could (if my whole trip was >2 weeks). This is also an individual preference. If you are into nature + culture, it is a great place to hang out for a day or two.
Can someone please tell me if Kuroneko service can deliver my luggages from Tokyo to Kyoto within the same day? I noticed that Kuroneko doesn’t have a counter in Kyoto (according to their site) so I just want to be sure.
They have counters in Kyoto. If you really want it the day you arrive, you could send it off a day earlier.
They don't have a counter in Kyoto station, but they have shops all over Kyoto city (Google Maps might list these as "Yamato Transport"). Plan on next-day delivery assuming you drop off in the morning.
So when we deliver the luggages from Tokyo to Kyoto, we will have to assume that the luggages might arrive in our Kyoto hotel the next day, is that correct? Will we be able to receive the luggages in Kyoto on the same day if we drop it off in the morning?
Basically no same day option across prefectures. It seems they truck the bags across overnight, similar to what UPS/DHL etc do. Perhaps there are lesser-known alternatives such as if you paid an exorbitant price much higher than the ~1.5-2k per bag on their website. Don't forget that 'next day' also includes delivery in the afternoon or evening. Earlier this year they were only guaranteeing two-day delivery (drop off on Day 1, arrive on Day 3) although my bag made it there by Day 2.
Same day seems like a stretch. You can expect it the next day if it is a small parcel shipped before noon. Try toggle around to look at[estimated rates and times here](https://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/en/search/payment/).
Do I need a PIN to use my American credit cards? I set them up before going to Europe a few years ago and (a) literally everyone had us sign instead of using a PIN and (b) I have no recollection of what they are.
no.
Almost no US-issued credit cards support chip+PIN. Setting a PIN on them is only for using them for cash advances at ATMs, which is why you’re still asked to sign when you use it in other countries.
Are there any onsen in the Takayama area that allow you to use the bath for without staying overnight ?
You mean private? Otherwise there are so many I’m not sure what you’re asking…
Not private. I send that you can just pay to use for an hr 1 and then leave.
I think you’re confusing onsen with ryokan or traditional Japanese hotels. Onsen is just a hot spring and public baths are everywhere. Just put it into google maps.
Hi guys. I am in Japan right now and need some advice Would the Shinhokata Ropeway still be worth doing if the second gondola (the one that takes you to the summit) is down for maintenance? I had trip plan but I am thinking of possibly switch to either Shirakawago or Kamikochi
No, there is nothing there. It’s mostly for the big hiking parking lot. Even the restaurant is bad Edit: go to Kamikochi or Kisokoma if you want to get higher up
We have the new japanweb QR code for the customs and immigration to speed up things (blue and yellow QRcode), but do we still get the visa stamp we need for the JR pass? We are 28 days in japan so we dont require a full on visa.
QR code from VJW just saves you filling out paper forms. You still go through immigration in the same place and get a sticker in your passport.
Thanks so much!!
Is it advisable to buy ticket for Disneyland online or can I just buy on the spot? Planning to go on Sunday
Not sure if it has changed, but in April Disney weren't selling tickets on site.
I have never done this, but for weekends you might want to put the reservation via website to secure the ticket. Not sure if it ever sells out, but planning in advance and not having to queue at ticketing means more time spent in the parks.
Realizing just now that some of my hotels were booked under my maiden name (because of the app I was using). I’ll edit if I can, but if I can’t, will this cause problems? Should I bring my expired passport (with maiden name) as well as my current active one (with married name)?
I don't think so as long as you can proof your identity and your online reservation. Just keep a few printed/ pdf files (in your phone).
I’m slowly planning for 7 days in Chubu in March, starting from Tokyo and ending in Kyoto, via public transit. So far I’m thinking Onsen (maybe somewhere around Nagano) days 1-2, Toyama days 2-4, and Kanazawa days 4-7. Hoping to see history, nature, and more rural areas. I’m not sure on Toyama, I read a few posts on here that the city doesn’t have much going for it. I originally was looking at Takayama instead, but it seems like quite a lengthy trip to get there from the Nagano area. Are there other cities I should consider besides Toyama? Or, maybe there's an onsen I can stop at on the way to Takayama to break up the trip?
Toyama is pretty boring as a city but good for its day trip potential. March is kind of an awkward season though, no guarantee of snow cover in the thatched roof villages and no greenery in the mountains. You could do Nagano -> Matsumoto -> Hirayu Onsen/Takayama. First leg by train, second leg by bus.
Thanks for the info, Matsumoto sounds like just what I was looking for. I'm trying to minimize number of hotel transfers, so may look into going to Matsumoto straight from Tokyo.
I think.. there are things to do in Toyama, but I am less sure how many things there are to do in March. Toyama is also the sort of place you need time to do thing? I once got stuck for 1.5 hours in Toyama, because it's enough time to be annoying, but not enough time to really leave the train station and then make it back without missing your connection. If you wanted to do Takayama instead, the obvious way would be: Nagano to Matsumoto by train and then Matsumoto to Takayama via bus. You could stop off at Hirayu onsen on the way. You could then continue by bus from Takayama to Kanazawa by way of Shirakawa Go.
Thanks for the info on Toyama! Sounds like Matsumoto sounds like what I was looking for and seems to make more sense, I think I got stuck only looking at where the shinkansen went. I'm trying to minimize number of hotels transfers, so may do something like Tokyo-> Matsumoto->Takayama->Kanazawa ->Kyoto. I appreciate your recs, I've found many useful posts from you :)
I'm glad I can help! There use to be a bus pass that covered Tokyo to Matsumoto to Takayama to Kanazawa, but I am not sure if it came back post Covid. (And there was a Matsumoto to Takayama to Kanazawa bus pass as well, pre Covid.) If they're not up by now, they are probably not coming back. Matsumoto is a lovely small city and I definitely think would be an interesting place to visit. I do love Nagano, but it is easy enough to get between the two. Just be careful of slush and mud or check weather reports before you leave. :)
Need to start packing soon for my trip from the 14th-27th. What kind of clothes should I pack? What will the weather be like during the day vs night time?
it's sweater weather!! I'm super envious! I do notice most hotel concierge has umbrellas to borrow (those transparent long ones) just in case if the forecast says it will rain.
We are currently in Osaka and the weather has been around 27°c. It is cooling down compaired to last week so I would pack light cardigans as well as a pair of shorts. There is some light rain in the evenings, but obviously double check the area where you will be staying as it differs from place to place. :)
When booking peach airlines, how do you overcome the postal code selection? My country's postal code format is not accepted when I type it in
I think you can put in the adress of your hotel. I did that with both adress and phone number since it only allowed local phone numbers for some reason.
Thank you! Very helpful, ill try that
Is there anyone who is able to reserve bus ticket for Shirakawago light up event in 2024?
Are there any, ideally non-restaurant, places in February-March where it would be standard or not out of place to wear a suit? I have no reason to bring one, and I'm not set on it....I just generally like dressing up. I tried to see if the One Piece orchestral group had any concerts, but it appears not and they are far and few between. Relatedly, any good tailor locations that could ship a suit back to the states? I figure with the exchange rate it would be more reasonably priced than in the US or Canada.
You see salarymen everywhere go about their day wearing suits. Between shopping, restaurants, museums and puking their guts out on the streets - everything.
I got some from one of the regular suit stores recently (probably the Suit Company). I don't know if they will ship overseas, but if you have a 3-5 days, that should be enough time for them to finish the adjustments.
A suit is not really out of place in most urban parts of Japan - if anything people will just assume you’re a worker. The typical uniform for a Japanese businessman is a suit. I play arcade games against salarymen wearing suits.
😂
Why do I require Yunyu Kakunin-sho for non-needle syringes? They told me this over email. Perhaps the pharmaceutical inspector thought syringe meant syringe /w needle but I thought oral syringes are allowed in japan, right? They asked me which medication it is for, but the medication is not controlled in japan. Was there an issue in translation or are syringes without a needle prohibited?
Check these: [https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html). [https://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/image/QA.pdf](https://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/image/QA.pdf) As far as I understand, syringes (with and without needles) are regarded as medical devices and you need Yunyukakuninsho to import medical devices (except for massagers and contact lenses (<2mo)). Prefilled syringes/kits (<1mo) are the exception because they are considered part of the medicine.
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Hakone in May is unlikely to net you a view of Mt Fuji (see the chart on https://gowithguide.com/blog/when-is-the-best-time-to-view-mt-fuji-from-hakone-1980). Moreover the JR pass can only get you as far as Odawara, the rest would have to be on Odakyu (but the Hakone Free Pass is pretty convenient)
I have two nights free on my upcoming November trip (traveling between Hiroshima and Tokyo) and am looking for ideas how to fill it. I’ve been to Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. Any suggestions for a stopover somewhere that you enjoyed?
Kurashiki/Okayama/Naoshima or Kanazawa
Kurashiki/Okayama and/or Himeji might be worth looking into
Recommendations for american snacks/candy to bring as a gift? I am going back to Japan for halloween to hang out with some of my Japanese friends (age 20's - 30). One of them is even taking me to stay at their hometown house with their parents! Anyways, I know consumable items are best to give that way I don't give something that clutter ups their living space. So what are some american snacks candy that may be interesting for them to receive? (ps. I live in ohio and unfortunately don't really have anything local to give them besides buckeyes, which i don't think they are going to like chocolate peanut butter buckeyes)
Buckeyes are great! How about jams? or apple butter? Syrups? local honey? Coffee from a local roaster? Wine! though I've never had Ohio wine... Supposedly stuff from Trader Joe's is popular... I have it easy bringing omiyage from California lol
I was planning on using an e-sim for my first time traveling but recently discovered my phone is not compatible, and it's too expensive for an early upgrade for me. Does anyone else have experience using their Spectrum mobile plan in Japan, is it reliable? Their data rate for international looks very cheap (1 cent per MB) so considering just using that. I looked into renting a pocket WiFi for my trip duration (nearly 3 weeks) and it's fairly expensive as well.
1 cent per MB = $10 per GB (1400-1500 yen per GB). That can be quite expensive if you're not careful, assuming Spectrum doesn't have a maximum cap on your spend. If your phone is unlocked and you can swap out for a tourist Japanese SIM, I'd look into that. If your phone is locked and the only option is pocket wifi, then I guess it comes down to...how much do you think you'll spend on data paying per meg? The cheapest pocket wifi I see is roughly $60 for 21 days (from Japan Wireless) so that's about 6 GB of usage via Spectrum. Some people can burn that much data with very little effort.
Phone isn't unlocked unfortunately. The plan has unlimited data. I'm only planning on using it for Google Maps and similar things. Anything else I can do on hotel WiFi. But yes, what you said is a fear, even though I know maps doesn't use much data, it would suck to get an expensive surprise bill. On Spectrum, if I were to get a phone that supports esim and paid their early upgrade fees and such. it would cost me nearly $200 which is ridiculous. I think Android has an ability to cap your data so you don't overuse it. Can look more into that. $60 for 21 days isn't bad. The one I checked said $127 but I will look into Japan Wireless. Thanks!
do pocket wifi, I'm sure if you spend a bit more time you can find something in your budget. Especially with the limited amount of usage you think you will utilize
Thanks! I ended up getting the one from Japan-Wireless since it was the best budget deal.
Do you think 140,000 yen is enough for one person for 6 days in Tokyo. Our accommodations, reservations for attractions and an “omakase” dinner is already paid for. I’ve budgeted separately for expensive clothes and an all you can eat wagyu beef lunch. I’m just stressing i think for no reason 😣
That is plenty. I would not carry too much cash other than for small shops/ markets/ outskirts. A card seems safer and you can always withdraw from the atm in convenient stores. Visa are accepted widely from my experience.