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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/borkathons on 2024-12-01 03:45:39+00:00.
Hi All,
This sub really helped me plan and prepare for my trip to Japan, so I wanted to add some of my own tips in order to help others plan as they embark on their own travel adventure. Some items to note: I was in Japan this past October/November 2024. The tips/recommendations are derived from my experience and are just my opinions! To each his own. Now with that out of the way: I’m going to catalog my recommendations so you can skip sections you aren’t interested in. Happy Travels!
A Couple Chill Areas to Stay in Tokyo
You are doing your research on where to stay in Tokyo and you are not sure the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku or Shibuya is for you. If you would like to step out of your hotel and stay somewhere a little less crowded, yet still have good train access and great food nearby, I recommend Asakusa. You get fantastic food (and shopping!) and you are still in a good area for accessing the rest of Tokyo, It also has good access from Narita Airport. Another area to check out would be Ebisu. It’s the southernmost part of Shibuya Ward and also chill/less touristy. You also get an amazing amount of izakayas, restaurants and bars. You’ll eat and drink well.
Get the Suica Card!
Talk about convenience. Before I left for Japan, I downloaded the digital card to the Apple Wallet on my Iphone and loaded 5,000 yen (~$33 USD). The entire trip I paid via Suica for my train/subway rides and anytime I went to a 711/Lawson’s (frequent!). If you take a limited express train, you’ll need a second ticket to purchase a reserved seat - you can pay for that with Suica as well. I always used the ticket counters to speak with an attendant. Made life easy. Also very easy to top off your digital card anytime.
You don’t have to open your phone when you scan your digital Suica!
Going through a turnstyle at the train station? Just point your phone screen-down and it will register!
Lost at a train station? Ask an attendant.
By the turnstyles of almost every train/subway station I went to, there was a small room adjacent to the turnstyles and an attendant present. Be a good world traveler and learn how to say ‘excuse me’ in Japanese (Sumimasen) and they are more than willing to help you find your way. Also, if you walked into the wrong station (not the train line you thought you needed), that attendant can also help you get a refund and let you out. I know this because it happened to me. Ha.
Don’t be afraid to get a cup of coffee at 711.
Scenario: It is 6am and you are wide awake. No one else in your party is. Coffee shops generally don’t open until 11am. YOU NEED COFFEE NOW. Go get a cup at 711. It is pretty damn decent! Go up to the cashier and tell them exactly what you want (coffee, latte). Then go use the machine. Pretty easy to figure the machine out, but if you stand there long enough looking confused, someone is going to help you out.
Hiking Recommendation #1 - Choishi Michi Trail (Hike to Koyasan)
Koyasan was a highlight of the trip. Buddhist temple overnight stays, meditating with the monks, being served traditional vegetarian meals - what’s not to like?
You can find plenty of info on the town on this sub. My goal is to let you know you can hike there via the Choishi Michi Trail. After debating a few options, we got off the train at Ki-Hosokawa because it allowed us about 4 hours (with stops) to complete the hike to the Daimon Gate at the edge of Koyasan. You can easily find trail maps of the area online. It was fall weather when we completed this hike - please check around online for seasonal/weather considerations.
Hiking Recommendation #2 - Ten-en Hiking Course - Kamakura
Great day trip from Tokyo and a great little hike in the hills down to town. Again, plenty of sites out there to get you aquainted with the area. If you decide to go for it, here’s the route we followed:
Starting point: We took the Ten’en Hiking Course trail to Zuisenji. That takes about an hour. If you do that, instead of turning back to come out the way you went in, you can walk through town to Kamakura Station or the beach. On our way to the station once leaving the trail at Zuisenji, we found the most amazing bakery: Mon Peche Mignon. It’s about 20 min from Zuisenji. You won’t be disappointed if you find it! You’ve got a 10 min walk from the bakery to the station. From the station, it’s a 20 min walk to the beach. Definitely worth checking out and watching the surfers. Again, all seasonal dependent - I was there in early November.
Tennis in Osaka, anyone?
Yep this tip is hyper specific! If you are looking to play some tennis in Osaka, go to the Utsubo Tennis Center. They take reservations for court time and you can rent both racquets and shoes. They are very friendly and there are a lot of courts there.
Final Tip - Explore!
Don’t plan all of your meals in advance. Go wander around and see what looks and smells good! You’ll probably have one of your best meals/experiences this way. Easter egg if you’re still reading: Check out the izakayas near Nakano Station in Tokyo!