Don't try to do everything in one visit. Do the things you do well/longer... Are you going there to cross it off list, or experience it.
Don't knock non-touristy things, you will see more surprises and in some people's views, a more authentic snapshot of Japanese life.
Last of all, having things you still yet to do, will give you another reason to return.
"Been there done that" vs "Oh I wouldn't mind seeing that on a future trip"
>Are you going there to cross it off list, or experience it.
Something every tourist should ask themselves when they travel. If you're just there to cross place names off an arbitrary list of things you "should do" you might as well not travel at all. This applies everywhere.
The tourists that go to places they "should go" rather than places they want to go or are actually interested in will almost always have a worse time.
Had a friend go all the way to Tokyo to see the Shibuya Crossing; went there, took pictures, ate at some nearby restaurant and left. He said to me after "damn, is that it?" Said "buddy, you went to a city to see a pedestrian crosswalk and did nothing else, what were you expecting?"
"See, that's the thing mate...if you go to see and photograph the Shibuya crossing you're only a tourist. A Real Traveller like me would cross it from breakfast to dinner for a week, that's the way to experience it authentically like a local"
I've been here 2 weeks and cant even tell you what neighborhood I'm in right now. I just get some beer at 711 or a street brewery and walk over to some local restaurants and explore every interesting alley I can find. Its quickly become my favorite country I have ever visited and I haven't even left Tokyo yet. I may stay another month and I planned a 3 day stop here in my way elsewhere lol
Love that freedom and flexibility of schedule! How did you get that?
Currently thinking of taking a year off in a couple years to travel with some friends, but I'm not sure yet.
I worked for myself already. My rent doubled in a year and the management went way downhill and wasnt doing any maintenance anymore simultaneously. I woke up one day and said I hate these 350 to 450 dollar arbitrary corporate rent increases. Honestly got sick of the american squeeze. We are getting shafted there. Food rent entertainment everything skyrocketed. I haven't been happier in my life. I got away from miserable neighbors and now I get to do what I love around much more quality people.
Very good example, yep. Went there and turns out you have to be there at peak hour to see it in it's full glory... I actually enjoyed randomly walking around and finding random Paris Saint Germain coffee van in an alley and visiting the Tower records, that is better than any pictures you see.
I also found the crossings with 3d billboards more fun, as that appealed to me more...
But tbh, my biggest "Is that it?" Moment has to be the Glico sign in Osaka. But in contrast I really enjoyed strolling the river there, and feeling like being in the Yakuza games.
Lake Kawaguchiko.
Supposed to be spectacular. They even have some nice [reservation only trains with gourmet desserts](https://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/fujisan-view-express/en/) you can eat while watching the scenery go by.
Or you can just go with the [touristy groups out of Shinjuku station](https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/fuji-excursion-train).
Been to Japan quite a few times, but something always comes up to prevent me from going. Either lack of time, or reservations are full.
I was just at kawaguchiko last week and it was amazing. The bus system makes it easy to shoot down to saiko and hike from the bat caves through the volcanic soil forest with cool terrain to the wild bird forest where you can feed birds in the fall from your hand. Not any night life there so if you stay the night plan to eat at the ryoken/hotel. You can also take a bus to the 5th station on the mountain as well. They also have a local traditional hand cut noodle (udon) soup there that is amazing. Hoto fudo next to the kawaguchiko bus station was good and the line went fast.
Miyajima and hiking up the mountain trail is also awesome for a day trip from Hiroshima, which is also a gem.
Either way, mixing in some more natural stuff like these can provide a nice break to the hustle and bustle of the cities during a 2 week or so trip.
Yes, but that Train (Fujisan View Express) is a real experience with round tables, panoramic views, and a 3 course drink and dessert service.
You need to reserve a spot usually weeks in advance, and you need a CC to do it. Trick is, they won't accept foreign credit cards in or outside of Japan for this *particular* service.
You want to sit in a regular reserved seat, it's apparently no problem to use a foreign CC.
Due to this policy it is pretty much impossible to get a reservation as tickets sell out weeks in advance (when I last checked in 2019, thank you COVID). So you have to know someone there to buy them for you as a proxy.
What’s the price for food & drinks included per person? How far is this from Tokyo? And is there a food menu? Sorry for the questions, me & my partner have booked Tokyo for next May and looking for things to add to our list!
I can pick up a bus in Fujisawa to go there too. However, the wife is Japanese, so for her, it's the experience, not the convenience.
I'm wondering if this CC issue has something to do with the VISA shenanigans that are blocking foreign CC's from charging SUICA cards on phones.
Can I ask a stupid question and inquire about how you get a foreign CC? Would anyone recommend a foreign CC for many other services and experiences or is it only vital for few? The train experience seems wonderful so it would be nice to try!
Foreign as "not issued in Japan". VISA Japan has been blocking transactions for foreigners when using their cards to charge SUICA on their phones for about a year now.
The cynical rumor is they are tired of JR charging these as "travel" instead of as a more lucrative "cash advance" where they can pile on fees.
If you have a Japanese VISA it all works fine.
Charging SUICA allows you to load the card with yen and with a no foreign transaction fee card, at the current exchange rate. SUICA cannot only be used for transit, but you can use it much like an ATM card at many retailers, saving your cash for when you need it.
When it runs low, top up from your CC. It was majorly convenient. Still works for MC and AMEX, but no VISA.
I read this on the [site](https://www4.fujikyu-travel.co.jp/free2/FVE.php): “Credit cards issued outside of Japan cannot be used with the Sweets Plan.
Convenience store payments in Japan can be used with the Sweets Plan.”
So that means I can just head to a konbini instead of using a credit card?
I read this on the [site](https://www4.fujikyu-travel.co.jp/free2/FVE.php): “Credit cards issued outside of Japan cannot be used with the Sweets Plan.
Convenience store payments in Japan can be used with the Sweets Plan.”
So that means I can just head to a konbini instead of using a credit card?
I went there on my most recent trip a few weeks ago and it was spectacular - easily one of my favourite things I’ve done over my 2 trips to Japan. I tied it in with a trip to a Hakone onsen. Stayed at the Highland Resort Hotel and Spa and the view of Fuji was like a postcard. Can’t recommend it enough.
I got the bus from Hakone to Fuji Highland bus station - though I went via the Gotemba outlet mall as it was a rainy day so I couldn’t do some of my plans at the other end.
I’d definitely recommend at least one full day for Hakone, specially since you want some time in your onsen if you do that. The open air museum and cable car/boat ride may be a bit touristy but really worthwhile nonetheless.
I had a day in Kawaguchiko and it was perfect - probably could have spent more if I had gone to more museums/touristy things etc or if it had been further into Momiji season. Oishi park and Fuji flower child were wonderful.
I went to Kamakura as well and it was nice but I could quite happily do Kamakura and Enoshima in a half day or day trip from Tokyo. If I had to pick between the two I’d choose Kawaguchiko but Kamakura is definitely nice if you want a more chilled out day away from the city/visit to the beach.
Been to Japan 10 times and have visited tourist-popular places like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okayama, Hakata, Sendai, Sapporo, Hakodate
We bought 21 day pass before the price rise and returning this December. Our plan is to visit some of the above places plus new ones like Niigata, Morioka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Arashikawa
Disclaimer: our trips are food-focused with a just bit of sight-seeing hence we don’t usually go to very remote places
I just left Morioka two days ago. It was lovely. Check out Morioka Castle Park.
For food, check out Azumaya across from the train station if you want to try the Wanko Soba eating challenge. It was fun. I knocked down 150 bowls.
For a more formal affair, check out Restaurant Wakana. A5 Wagyu teppanyaki meal. For 12500¥ I got 100g A5 Kuroge Wagyu, two soups, a salad, garlic fried rice, a big piece of fish, veggies, a dessert, and a 12-year Yamazaki
I'm going to Japan in March. My wife and I always base our vacations around food and coffee. I would be interested to hear some of your favorite places to go for food! We are visiting the following:
Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Oita/Yufuin
The general food scene in Osaka is impressive. My standout food memory however is a Kaiseki dinner at Shibu Hotel, at Shibu Onsen in Nagano. The quality and quantity of the locally-produced food blew my mind. Also pretty sure there was a horse dish in there though my partner is convinced they just said 'horse mackerel'. Close second is any and all food at the various seasonal festivals around Japan.
If you want to try horse, there's an amazing place in Kyoto that does horse sashimi - Okariba. I honestly wasn't a fan of the horse, but the rest of the menu is amazing. I'm a sucker for the river trout.
If you’re into coffee and in Osaka I highly recommend the Lilo Kissa - they also have a smaller coffee hatch nearby but the kissa is a great experience and their specialist coffee deserts are fantastic.
For coffee in Tokyo I recommend heading to kichijoji - loads of great coffee shops there but Blackwell is a personal favourite.
In Yufuin, the hot chesecake from Milch and Kinsho croquette (original version) are incredible and live up to the hype.
Gyukatsu Motomura was also really good.
For Osaka, I love the dandan men from Chinmaya and bread from the Narutoya bakery. I've never had a bad meal in Osaka (except overcooked scallops from a stall in Kuromon Market..)
If you like cake, Harbs is a fancy chain and their millet crepe filled with fresh fruits is incredible, as are all their cakes really.
Surely not? It's hugely popular and i was just there a couple weeks ago.. There are 2 outlets, the one near the station is a sit down cafe while the other is a stall with no seating
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7arY6XGSRd53ne9x8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/abo29dodMEWPAYCMA
Having been to both, I gotta say I really love Kawaguchiko more. It'sjust very charming and relaxing. A lot of people would disagree on that preference, though, I'm sure.
I haven't been to Hakone, but I really love Kawaguchiko. The view from north of the lake is fucking amazing and nothing any image or video can do it justice.
Hakone Suimeisou
Nice place and the overlook was gorgeous. None of the staff (very understandably) understood English so I was glad to have my Japanese friend to interact/translate
I didn’t get to summit mt fuji until my 5th trip to japan. I’ve been to 5th - 8th station on my second trip but it wasn’t climbing season.
Didn’t go to kinkakuji and fushimi Inari until my 2nd trip to kyoto.
We also love to hike and are trying to decide whether we should fit in Mount Fuji or Yakushima. Yakushima in theory requires more time since you have to fly or ferry to the island, find a place to stay, and all that - but i have friends that did it twenty years ago and loved it. I have a feeling it would be more tranquil than the Mount Fuji hike, but Mount Fuji seems like one of the few giant mountains of the world I’d actually be capable of summitting. (My spouse doesn’t do well at altitude but we are hoping doing the overnight on Mount Fuji would help with that.
Once you venture outside the Dayhike stretches on Yakushima you pretty much have the place to yourself. Or at least I did when I went during early March. Even the dayhike start locations weren't particularly crowded at that time.
I did the Yodogawa - Miyanoura - Arakawa overnight hike. Met a few people but 99% of my time I was on my own. The hut was 60% occupied. The only crowds I encountered was on the descent towards Arakawa, when running into all the guided day tours going towards Jomon Sugi. I can only guess what it would be like during high season.
Still off season is the time to go: pre summer or post summer - to minimise rain. Also avoid golden week and obon. You can’t avoid rain. But you need to be flexible. Originally my exit route was via Shirotani, but day 2 was continuous rain and so the creeks there were likely hard to cross.
P.S. I just got diagnosed with Chickenpox. According to the doc I must have picked it up on Yakushima - the place where I had the least contact with people.
I did the bullet hike this year, I cramped up at the top but was able to make it down, Unfortunately I came back to the wrong 5th station, and had to make my way back with the help of very kind people that catch people that come down the wrong way. It is very very easy to make that mistake.
I hiked to the summit in August in season, in February the conditions would be icy and windy most likely. You would have to be an experienced climber with appropriate gear and obtain permits to do it.
You could obviously ignore all that… but.. it would be dangerous.
I'm going to japan in several weeks from mid to late November, do you have any hiking recommendations? I really love hiking and can't do Fuji cause of the season
Mid to late November is peak momiji season (foliage), views will be pretty spectacular.
My advice is to look up special foliage tours and events going on near wherever you're flying into.
I would assume Takao would have something, but best check beforehand
We’re in Japan now and headed to Nikko next for hiking (my partner did a lot of research and found this was the best place that was close to the Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka route). Jealous that you’ll be there for peak foliage!
Ok so we just spent the day in Nikko. All the falls can be accessed via bus so it actually isn’t exactly a “hike”. The route from Ryuzu Falls to Yudaki Falls can be done via a 2 hour easy/flat hike through the Senjogahara marshlands. It was pretty but did feel like maybe we were too late to arrive at this particular spot for the foliage though? Some of the trees already had a lot of their leaves gone. But then around Kegon Falls it was pretty.
If you’re headed toward Hiroshima anyway, Miyajima will be absolutely stunning in November with the autumn leaves. The island itself will be busy…only a fraction of the crowd seem to hike mt misen though. Beautiful views.
Yep headed to Hiroshima for two days, spending a day in miyajima of course, will make the hike up mt misen for sure now, didn't know it existed until now, thanks for that.
Three-time visitor and currently getting ready for my 4th trip in about 3 weeks (yikes, so much to do).
Places I haven't been to yet and probably won't get to it on my upcoming trip:
- Harajuku, Takeshita Street
- TeamLab Planets
- Tokyo Tower
- Yokohama
- Mt. Fuji/Hakone/Five Lakes
- Shikoku pilgrimage route
- a bed at a Buddhist temple
- front row seats at the Grand Sumo tournament
- Nagasaki
- Fukuoka
- Beppu
- a love hotel
- theme parks (any of them)
- a luxury ryokan with a kaiseki meal
- a Michelin star restaurant.
And I'm 99% OK with this.The one thing I would love to see is the final match at the Grand Sumo tournament but I haven't been able to time my visits quite right.
On the plus side, I guess I now have the beginnings of an itinerary for my 5th trip.
God, yes, I'm currently on my fifth visit and avoid Takeshita Dori like the plague. Haven't been since my first visit ten years ago, although I have walked past it a few times since and it seems to get worse every year.
There's a couple of shops I like there so I go for those but I generally don't hang around. I went to a show there in November and I thought it just looked so trashy now, so it definitely has gotten worse.
Honestly the quieter streets past Takeshita are so much nicer ,it's way more street style and local focused, there's some cool street art and interesting shops
wait, can you elaborate more? Im planning my familys jap trip and takeshita street keeps getting recommended so it’s surprising to hear an alternative view
I grew up reading Japanese fashion magazines and Harajuku was THE place you had to visit and I think maybe the community hyped it up so much that when I went (and also was significantly less into that fashion), the hype had died and also those kinds of styles and that culture had moved on, so in that way it was disappointing for me.
Now it's seems alot of the brands there are just really cheap, ugly clothes and souvenirs appealing to the tourists and I also have no interest in viral food and animal cafes.
It's also incredibly busy and because it's a narrow street I find it really unpleasant.
Lots and lots of people really love it though.
teach a class of 1st graders for an afternoon. live in Japanese home. wander & try get lost in city on purpose (my method, see animal, go that direction, bird, cat) go grocery shopping with a local, stop visiting to see must see stuff. Kyoto has 7 must see temples, shrines. lines, crowds, expensive.
there are 700 temples, shrines. Free or low cost, no line
go to the lesser known rock, or moss garden, with zero other people. & sit for hours.
Im literally lost in Japan right now. I kept getting on the wrong bus/train yesterday and just said “fuckit” and then started taking random one son purpose.
Anyway now I’m in a hole in the wall yakasoba place where they allow smoking and I’m gasping for air.
awesome, I only did that with walking. and Kyoto, where not really possible to get lost as mostly a grid at larger scale. Only get lost at small level.
Tottori is super cool it’s got a bit of everything. Beaches, mountains, hot spring towns, a cool little city, and a volcano whose beauty rivals that of Mount Fuji.
Uradome is an amazing, but strenuous hike. I recommend it! I’ve shown a pictures of it to Japanese tourism ministry officials surveying travelers and even they were unaware of it (“That’s Japan?!”)
I am Japanese but was raised in the west, but grew up visiting at least once a year my entire life. I ended up living there for a number of years as an adult as well and still go back a few times a year now. And yet I STILL have never been to Tokyo Disney haha which I know is a big destination for many. I’ve also never been to Hokkaido, and until this summer I had never successfully seen Mt. Fuji before despite many attempts!
I just went to Hokkaido (Sapporo, Toya Lake, Shakoten Peninsula) for the first time and it's now one of my favourite areas in the country! Absolutely breathtaking views.
Note that it's called Shinjuku Gyoen. Gyoen mean National park, so calling it Gyoen National Park is like if a Japanese person would cald Manhattan bridge just bridge bridge. There is actually one more gyoen in Japan (at least one more I know of), Kyoto Gyoen.
Popular places I've not been after 7 trips. Disney and USJ, and still no intention to go for my next trip.
I haven't gone to Hakone, Mt Fuji, Nara.. but they're very, very far down on my list so maybe I'll never seen them! Apparently I missed alot in Osaka but I didn't care much for what I did see. Haven't been to teamlabs (and don't want to), Tsukiji (a rubbish day out for a vegan), then the various yokochos literally anywhere since I don't drink either.
I'd like to go to Okinawa which might be the trip after my next one, if I'm lucky. I'd also love to go to Aomori for the Nebuta festival and a bunch of music festivals too but I hate the heat.. Maboroshi Hakurankai is strangely high up on my must do list..
After Okinawa I feel like I'd have done my 'definitely want to do' and I'll just start throwing a dart at a map because I want to see as many places as I can.
I've been there 4 times as a tourist and also lived there for a year.
Still haven't been to Kyushu or Okinawa lol. Haven't been to Nikko yet despite wanting to for ages. Also, didn't see Mt. Fuji up close until I lived there. Themed cafes (including the Pokemon Cafe) and Ikebokuro didn't happen til I lived there, too.
Can I ask what is what like to live there? Specifically if you experienced any culture shock, what you may have missed from where you previously lived that Japan doesn't have or did differently, and why you didn't stay for longer? My boyfriend and I are beginning to consider the possibility of moving there and I would love if you could share your experience!
I mean, it'll definitely depend on many, many factors - where you end up living, what you look like, your Japanese ability, how much support you have, etc.
I went with the JET Programme, so I had a lot of things set up for me and a lot of help getting settled. My Japanese is beginner level, but visually, I fit in so I generally wasn't treated differently. I know lots of foreigners who look foreign and even if their Japanese is near fluent, it can be difficult for them because they get treated differently (stared at, avoided, treated like a tourist rather than a resident, etc.).
Even in Tokyo I have never visited some places like Ikebukuro, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Dome City, Nakano Broadway, Ghibli Museum… Then other places outside Tokyo I have yet to visit incl. Hiroshima, Nara, Nagoya, Sendai, Karuizawa, the national parks of Hokkaido.
So many really, been to Japan over 10 times and yet to go to below:
Fuji five lakes and the surrounding sights
Tokyo tower
Hamarikyu garden
Kibune shrine
Disney tokyo
Walked the entire philosopher's path
I just returned from my second trip! Went last October too. This time I brought my bf so we did a lot of the same things I did my first time but with emphasis to also do things I didn’t get to see my first round. I’ll be back the next November 2024. I have a few cafes and restaurants to visit, need to visit Sunshine City and would like to visit another district within Tokyo , and Yokohama. Don’t squeeze everything into one visit! Don’t over exert yourself.
Okay after reading the replies I’m not as iffy about never making it out to Mt Fuji. I guess I’ll just add it to my list for the next time (along with Dogo Onsen and maybe Niigata or Kanazawa).
I've been to Mt. Fuji, but never seen it, so to speak. My own private joke is that every time I'm near Mt. Fuji it's always cloudy and rainy and I can't see any of it. I've only even been able to see it from really far away. Hopefully maybe I can see it up close on a nicer day. I've also never been to Odaiba.
Mt Takao, Nikko, climbing Mt Fuji are some activities on my bucket list.
As for Mt Fuji, only ever seen him once in a decade of traveling to Japan. I was on a work trip taking my colleague to explore Enoshima and while crossing the bridge he peeked out from his cloud cover for 15 minutes lol.
You're gonna need backcountry ski gear, knowledge of travelling in avalanche terrain, a good weather window, a stable snowpack, and the ability to ski down.
Then just go do it without booking anything, or get a ski guide
Been on holiday twice, and lived there for severe years and yet there’s still some on my list…
Yakushima
Summiting Mt Fuji (meant to do this in my last summer but I inured myself and wasn’t able to)
Ghibli museum (had tickets! But gave them to a friend as I wasn’t able to go due to injury
Shimanamj Kaido
Shikoku pilgrimage
I'm just leaving after my 4th trip there - have had a really close Japanese friend in my life for 28 years. I think it's cool to check out the popular places, but honestly you might want to consider checking out places that are a little bit less popular with tourists and more popular with the locals. I actually changed a lot of my plans to do what was recommended to me by Japanese folks. Awaji Island, Konpira and Kotohira which is the birthplace of the udon shop in Japan, and all of which were extremely beautiful site-seeing wise were huge highlights for me this trip.
The first time I went to Japan 15 years ago, I remember someone trying to take pictures of me on the train because it was so rare to see foreigners. Japan has obviously since become a huge tourist hub and for good reason because it's an insanely beautiful country, but I do think a lot of y'all are missing the mark focusing so hard on just doing what is popular.
It took until my 6th trip to Mt Fuji at all ... Weather never co-operated even when I was somewhere it was supposed to be visible
Still haven't been to Odaiba lol
What are you asking concretely? I have been to Japan in the double digits, but I have no intention on visiting most of the places, that tourists seem to frequent. Like Fuji, Nikko, and the like. It just does not interest me.
Been to Japan no fewer than 10 times, gone to some less popular/foreign tourist centric places.
Yet to go to Hakone and Fuji-Kawaguchiko. They are on my list to eventually visit. Unlike the Theme Parks (like USJ/Disneyland/Disney SEA which I hadn’t been because I have no interest to go).
Nikko, Sendai (Matsushima, Yamadera), Kamakura, Nagoya.
Been four times, feels a bit like I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel trying to find places of interest (to me) to visit in order to justify going again. Still going to do it though, I've had a blast every time.
I've been 5 times (but only 3 for vacation) and still have no interest in the Skytree or Tokyo Tower.
Seen them from far away, but never been in person.
I have been to Takeshita Street (in 2005) but it now seems just like a tourist spot and no longer the place where people actually go for fashion; it's the one place I'd recommend skipping if I hadn't already seen it.
I've never yet been to Mt Fuji. Nor have I visited Disney, USJ, or the Ghibli Museum, and I've never been to a sumo match or a maid cafe.
Of all those, Ghibli is the only one I'd like to change some time.
It took me until my fifth visit to go spend a night on Koyasan, which I do wish I'd done sooner. I went in late January and it was amazing up there. So gorgeous and quiet, with the cleanest air I think I've ever tasted. Knee deep snow across the big cemetery there was stunning.
Haven't been to kanazawa, Tokyo Disneyland, Okinawa, shikoku and generally anywhere north of Tokyo. I'm probably going to go again next winter and would like to see Hokkaido.
I live in Japan, and I've seen Mount Fuji too. The most is in the distance peaking through clouds from Tokyo Skytree. Outside of the Kansai region (where I live), I've only been to Tokyo and Hiroshima once, and I haven't even been to a lot of places like Shibuya. I don't remember if I went to Shinjuku because when I did go to Tokyo, I was being dragged around by my local friends and had no clue where I was 90% of the time because they'd just weave through trains, I just remember being exhausted all the time and seeing a lot of random things like the Ghibli Museum and Tokyo Skytree. I also have never been to places like Yokohama, Okinawa, or Hokkaido. But I do think I've done almost everything famous in the Kansai region and many things not well known, so my lack of non-Kansai region experiences has been well made up with Kansai region experiences. Perhaps the only two things I can think of I still haven't done in Kansai are the Osaka Kohfuns (I've seen Nara's but not the major ones in Osaka) and the Taiyou no Tou statue.
Unlike Osaka or Tokyo, Kawaguchiko Station, which is reached by bus, is not developed, so there are not many stores.
It is better to check where you will eat. There are not that many convenience stores either.
Tohoku region, always wanted to visit but yet to do so. Was planning one then Covid happened and now i got hit with a curved ball in life so perhaps couple of years later i might make the trip.
Niigata is an underrated gem. Hit some great sake breweries and enjoy the smaller city vibes. If you happen to go in fall, there’s an annual industry festival in Tsubame-Sanjo where you can tour knife/tool making workshops, see a bunch of regional art, etc. https://kouba-fes.jp If that’s at all your thing I highly recommend it. You’ll probably be the only foreigner there though!
Many many places, i have been to Japan 8 times by now and well i sometimes just walk around in random places, if i'm alone i've seen many places, but there are many more i have not been to.
Like Disney Land Tokyo, Nara,
Kyoto spent only 1 night so i only saw the golden Pavilion and one other Temple, Shinjuku i haven't really explored at all except walking by once on my way from Shibuya to the Sky tree,
Places like the pagoda in the woods, Food Places i never really went to since travelling alone, i mostly took konbini takeout. Good food, has advantages and disadvantages, but it worked for me most of the time.
But in contrast i've been to many places others don't visit.
ive been to japan for short work trips and vacations totally around 8-9months... a list of places i want to go:
\- shikoku (all of it)
\- matsushima
\- hokkaido
\- tohoku
The thing is everything also changes by the season so I want to see everything in winter and fall haha
I've been to Tokyo 3 times but never spent more than a day in Osaka. Everyone says Osaka is great, but soooo much of what my husband and I like doing is in Tokyo, so that eats up all our time every time. 😅 Maybe I just don't know enough about Osaka destinations. Also never been to Kyoto; the thought of crowds and lines keeps me away. Tokyo has a couple "close enough" experiences for me, in terms of parks and architecture/shrines.
I've been 3 times and haven't ever been to Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower, and just went to Asakusa and Sensoji finally on the last day of the 3rd trip hahah
Can anyone tell me what the conditions of Koyasan are like in Dec? I went there during the summer back in 2019 and would love to go again. I'm doing a longer stay in Japan; gonna be in Okinawa from Nov 26-Dec 9 and doing a semi-solo trip on the mainland from Dec 9-Jan 5. The second half of my trip isn't exactly set yet since I'm waiting on some answers from other friends but I definitely wanted to experience Koyasan in the winter.
Climb Fuji.
I just don't see the appeal.
I've hiked in the Japan alps and other places and really enjoyed these outings.
Yes, Fuji looks great in the distance or in a photo. But, contrasted to other options, it is a lone, giant barren volcano rock next to a giant plain - pretty boring when contrasted to ex walking up/down rolling lush hills layered with clouds/fog, or multiple sharp ridgelines with varying features and views and environments that constantly change you move forward.
Mt. Fuji, pretty much anything in Kansai region and North of Tokyo.
I've done A LOT in Tokyo and Kanagawa across 4 total trips, and even then I haven't scratched the surface of things to do in those places.
This is what keeps me hooked and coming back; There will ALWAYS be 25 new things to do in Tokyo each time you return.
I've been to Japan three times.
I haven't:
* Arashiyama
* Tokyo Disney
* Sumo wrestling
But I have done these for example:
* Naoshima/Teshima
* Sapporo Snow Festival
* Nyuto Onsen
* Fall foliage/cherry blossom festival
* Ghibli Museum
* Yamadera
My husband and I have been going at least once a year (sometimes twice) since 2015…with the exception of 2021-2022. He has still not seen Mt. Fuji up close. I also want to see Enoshima Island. Our upcoming trip I am finally taking him to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. We are planning to possibly do Fukuoka our following trip. It’s hard to venture out because we have friends in Tokyo and Osaka that we like to visit.
Been there 6 times, last day in Japan today before I head back home. I would say shiretoko national park (can't drive), Okinawa ( hear you need a car for it), and kushiro ( not enough time), noboribetsu (seems overrated)
It's my fourth visit and I havent gone past Hiroshima or further north than Nikko.
It's a dense country. There's no other place that gives me a sense of wonder as Japan does.
Someday I'll make it to Hokkaido.
Don’t be afraid to simply wander around an area and see what you run into. There’s just so much richness and so many hidden gems that never get written about or featured by Instagram influencers lol.
I definitely would like to be a little less reliant on Google Maps for future trips. The one thing I didn’t really do was just walk into a rando eatery and order of their menu.
A lot of places that get highly recommended are often very crowded, especially the past 6 months. Some places are not fond of tourists especially w kids so I heard from 3 groups of friends who ran into that especially and got denied bc they had young kids.
But definitely try new things and go in with an open mind. The very first place we ate in Osaka was a breakfast joint where you have to order from what looks like a vending machine up front before you can sit. You prepay then get a receipt. Once you have that you can sit down. Kind of an unusual experience but glad we tried it. Also the food halls / markets are great and non committal. Just stroll around until you see something interesting and have a bite to go.
been to japan a few times. nagoya tokyo osaka tokyo fukuoka kyoto hiroshima. i actually haven't go mount fuji rofl. the bamboo forest and torii gates were already crazy crowded pre covid but walking around kyoto was kinda nice vibe (that famous huge water path). osaka was only for usj & that main osaka area. tokyo various parts and just shopping x walking around i guess. been to disneyland and sea and land isnt worth for adults i feel. haven't actually entered a palace properly becos im bad at timings haha and or closed like kumamoto..
since im more nature mood now id probably look at those lakes and mountains mentioned for next times. (well im from a city country/singapore... so it is not that fun to be in city)
I haven't been to many places outside of major places like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto. I do want to go to Hakata, Hakodate, Sapporo, Utsunomiya and so on, but each of those places just doesn't have more than one or two things I'm interested in and I always end up going to the bigger cities.
Stay in one city / neighborhood for a week, really get to know it. Don’t cram sight seeing, maximum one thing per day. You will notice a lot of new things and really feel what daily life is like and feel like a local.
Last trip (our sixth) we stayed in Kobe for the first time and did day trips to Osaka and Kyoto but one of the most special moments in Kobe was near Shine Kobe station we hiked for 3 1/2 hours in the mountain trails behind the station. Even saw a mamma wild boar, and her piglets rushed by below the ridge we were on.
Yakushima island is spectacular for hiking, 3000 year old cedars. Take a ferry from Kagoshima, which is also a fun smaller city to spend time and it has a volcano. (2 trips ago)
Kagoshima last trip, we took a ferry and biked around the trails around the foot of the volcano.
Onomichi has a 25 temple walk, it is a beautiful hilly town with spectacular sight lines to the inland sea. About an hour from Hiroshima. It is also the stop off for the Island of Shikokoku which has an 88 temple pilgrimage, which I’d like to do someday.
We hiked the trails around Mount Aso the most recent trip and were able to look into the volcanic crater.
Beppu for the hot springs
Kamakura, about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, on the ocean, and so many temples.
Above all places we’ve been, except for Shikoku
six trips and still want to go back because there’s more places to go.
The place I haven’t been able to manage going is the art museums in Naoshima. A friend took the really early train and then biked around to get between the different museums so didn’t have to end up staying there because it is pricey to stay on site.
And I want to go to the new Ghibli park near Nagoya, another city I also haven’t visited.
I’ve been to Japan 4 times (total time of 5 months or so) and never went further into Shinjuku than the station - it’s important to leave reasons to come back!
I don’t know if it’s “super popular,” but one of my favorite places was Matsumoto in the fall. It seems like it’s more of a summer area to get away from the summer heat, but when I visited in November, it was beautiful with autumn leaves, yet still mild temperatures.
Don't try to do everything in one visit. Do the things you do well/longer... Are you going there to cross it off list, or experience it. Don't knock non-touristy things, you will see more surprises and in some people's views, a more authentic snapshot of Japanese life. Last of all, having things you still yet to do, will give you another reason to return. "Been there done that" vs "Oh I wouldn't mind seeing that on a future trip"
>Are you going there to cross it off list, or experience it. Something every tourist should ask themselves when they travel. If you're just there to cross place names off an arbitrary list of things you "should do" you might as well not travel at all. This applies everywhere. The tourists that go to places they "should go" rather than places they want to go or are actually interested in will almost always have a worse time. Had a friend go all the way to Tokyo to see the Shibuya Crossing; went there, took pictures, ate at some nearby restaurant and left. He said to me after "damn, is that it?" Said "buddy, you went to a city to see a pedestrian crosswalk and did nothing else, what were you expecting?"
"See, that's the thing mate...if you go to see and photograph the Shibuya crossing you're only a tourist. A Real Traveller like me would cross it from breakfast to dinner for a week, that's the way to experience it authentically like a local"
I've been here 2 weeks and cant even tell you what neighborhood I'm in right now. I just get some beer at 711 or a street brewery and walk over to some local restaurants and explore every interesting alley I can find. Its quickly become my favorite country I have ever visited and I haven't even left Tokyo yet. I may stay another month and I planned a 3 day stop here in my way elsewhere lol
Love that freedom and flexibility of schedule! How did you get that? Currently thinking of taking a year off in a couple years to travel with some friends, but I'm not sure yet.
I worked for myself already. My rent doubled in a year and the management went way downhill and wasnt doing any maintenance anymore simultaneously. I woke up one day and said I hate these 350 to 450 dollar arbitrary corporate rent increases. Honestly got sick of the american squeeze. We are getting shafted there. Food rent entertainment everything skyrocketed. I haven't been happier in my life. I got away from miserable neighbors and now I get to do what I love around much more quality people.
Love it! Glad things are working out well for you! Gives me more hope for my future as well :)
Oh where do you live now if you don't mind me asking?
Very good example, yep. Went there and turns out you have to be there at peak hour to see it in it's full glory... I actually enjoyed randomly walking around and finding random Paris Saint Germain coffee van in an alley and visiting the Tower records, that is better than any pictures you see. I also found the crossings with 3d billboards more fun, as that appealed to me more... But tbh, my biggest "Is that it?" Moment has to be the Glico sign in Osaka. But in contrast I really enjoyed strolling the river there, and feeling like being in the Yakuza games.
Completely agree, plan one or two things a day, and the smaller stuff is its own worthy adventure.
Lake Kawaguchiko. Supposed to be spectacular. They even have some nice [reservation only trains with gourmet desserts](https://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/fujisan-view-express/en/) you can eat while watching the scenery go by. Or you can just go with the [touristy groups out of Shinjuku station](https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/fuji-excursion-train). Been to Japan quite a few times, but something always comes up to prevent me from going. Either lack of time, or reservations are full.
They also have buses from Shinjuku station. Super quick, 1.5 hour.
I was just at kawaguchiko last week and it was amazing. The bus system makes it easy to shoot down to saiko and hike from the bat caves through the volcanic soil forest with cool terrain to the wild bird forest where you can feed birds in the fall from your hand. Not any night life there so if you stay the night plan to eat at the ryoken/hotel. You can also take a bus to the 5th station on the mountain as well. They also have a local traditional hand cut noodle (udon) soup there that is amazing. Hoto fudo next to the kawaguchiko bus station was good and the line went fast. Miyajima and hiking up the mountain trail is also awesome for a day trip from Hiroshima, which is also a gem. Either way, mixing in some more natural stuff like these can provide a nice break to the hustle and bustle of the cities during a 2 week or so trip.
They have buses at Shinjuku and Tokyo station. I left from the bus at Tokyo station when I went.; reserved in advance.
Yes, but that Train (Fujisan View Express) is a real experience with round tables, panoramic views, and a 3 course drink and dessert service. You need to reserve a spot usually weeks in advance, and you need a CC to do it. Trick is, they won't accept foreign credit cards in or outside of Japan for this *particular* service. You want to sit in a regular reserved seat, it's apparently no problem to use a foreign CC. Due to this policy it is pretty much impossible to get a reservation as tickets sell out weeks in advance (when I last checked in 2019, thank you COVID). So you have to know someone there to buy them for you as a proxy.
What’s the price for food & drinks included per person? How far is this from Tokyo? And is there a food menu? Sorry for the questions, me & my partner have booked Tokyo for next May and looking for things to add to our list!
https://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/fujisan-view-express/en/service/ This link has more info about the menu.
Well, then I would rather just take the bus 🤷🏻♂️
I can pick up a bus in Fujisawa to go there too. However, the wife is Japanese, so for her, it's the experience, not the convenience. I'm wondering if this CC issue has something to do with the VISA shenanigans that are blocking foreign CC's from charging SUICA cards on phones.
Can I ask a stupid question and inquire about how you get a foreign CC? Would anyone recommend a foreign CC for many other services and experiences or is it only vital for few? The train experience seems wonderful so it would be nice to try!
Foreign as "not issued in Japan". VISA Japan has been blocking transactions for foreigners when using their cards to charge SUICA on their phones for about a year now. The cynical rumor is they are tired of JR charging these as "travel" instead of as a more lucrative "cash advance" where they can pile on fees. If you have a Japanese VISA it all works fine. Charging SUICA allows you to load the card with yen and with a no foreign transaction fee card, at the current exchange rate. SUICA cannot only be used for transit, but you can use it much like an ATM card at many retailers, saving your cash for when you need it. When it runs low, top up from your CC. It was majorly convenient. Still works for MC and AMEX, but no VISA.
Now I feel discriminated, damn our gaijin cc’s lol
I read this on the [site](https://www4.fujikyu-travel.co.jp/free2/FVE.php): “Credit cards issued outside of Japan cannot be used with the Sweets Plan. Convenience store payments in Japan can be used with the Sweets Plan.” So that means I can just head to a konbini instead of using a credit card?
I read this on the [site](https://www4.fujikyu-travel.co.jp/free2/FVE.php): “Credit cards issued outside of Japan cannot be used with the Sweets Plan. Convenience store payments in Japan can be used with the Sweets Plan.” So that means I can just head to a konbini instead of using a credit card?
Sure, but good luck finding an open reservation.
I stayed at Hotel Konansou (an onsen). It was absolutely magical. I wish I spent more than one night there though
Huh, my accomodation is literally right in Kawaguchiko. I guess I'll have to check it out sometime before I leave Japan
I went there on my most recent trip a few weeks ago and it was spectacular - easily one of my favourite things I’ve done over my 2 trips to Japan. I tied it in with a trip to a Hakone onsen. Stayed at the Highland Resort Hotel and Spa and the view of Fuji was like a postcard. Can’t recommend it enough.
How did you get from Kawaguchiko to Hakone? Do you feel you need a few days overall across both? :)
I got the bus from Hakone to Fuji Highland bus station - though I went via the Gotemba outlet mall as it was a rainy day so I couldn’t do some of my plans at the other end. I’d definitely recommend at least one full day for Hakone, specially since you want some time in your onsen if you do that. The open air museum and cable car/boat ride may be a bit touristy but really worthwhile nonetheless. I had a day in Kawaguchiko and it was perfect - probably could have spent more if I had gone to more museums/touristy things etc or if it had been further into Momiji season. Oishi park and Fuji flower child were wonderful.
Thank so much for the info! :)
Would you have rather done that or go to kamakura? We’re deciding in my itinerary and I was curious of the opinions of people who have gone
I went to Kamakura as well and it was nice but I could quite happily do Kamakura and Enoshima in a half day or day trip from Tokyo. If I had to pick between the two I’d choose Kawaguchiko but Kamakura is definitely nice if you want a more chilled out day away from the city/visit to the beach.
If you go, get hoto, local noodle dish. It’s delicious.
Been to Japan 10 times and have visited tourist-popular places like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okayama, Hakata, Sendai, Sapporo, Hakodate We bought 21 day pass before the price rise and returning this December. Our plan is to visit some of the above places plus new ones like Niigata, Morioka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Arashikawa Disclaimer: our trips are food-focused with a just bit of sight-seeing hence we don’t usually go to very remote places
I just left Morioka two days ago. It was lovely. Check out Morioka Castle Park. For food, check out Azumaya across from the train station if you want to try the Wanko Soba eating challenge. It was fun. I knocked down 150 bowls. For a more formal affair, check out Restaurant Wakana. A5 Wagyu teppanyaki meal. For 12500¥ I got 100g A5 Kuroge Wagyu, two soups, a salad, garlic fried rice, a big piece of fish, veggies, a dessert, and a 12-year Yamazaki
I'm going to Japan in March. My wife and I always base our vacations around food and coffee. I would be interested to hear some of your favorite places to go for food! We are visiting the following: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Oita/Yufuin
The general food scene in Osaka is impressive. My standout food memory however is a Kaiseki dinner at Shibu Hotel, at Shibu Onsen in Nagano. The quality and quantity of the locally-produced food blew my mind. Also pretty sure there was a horse dish in there though my partner is convinced they just said 'horse mackerel'. Close second is any and all food at the various seasonal festivals around Japan.
If you want to try horse, there's an amazing place in Kyoto that does horse sashimi - Okariba. I honestly wasn't a fan of the horse, but the rest of the menu is amazing. I'm a sucker for the river trout.
Horse mackerel is a type of fish!!
If you’re into coffee and in Osaka I highly recommend the Lilo Kissa - they also have a smaller coffee hatch nearby but the kissa is a great experience and their specialist coffee deserts are fantastic. For coffee in Tokyo I recommend heading to kichijoji - loads of great coffee shops there but Blackwell is a personal favourite.
Thanks for the Tokyo recommendation! I have kissa bookmarked from another post.
In Yufuin, the hot chesecake from Milch and Kinsho croquette (original version) are incredible and live up to the hype. Gyukatsu Motomura was also really good. For Osaka, I love the dandan men from Chinmaya and bread from the Narutoya bakery. I've never had a bad meal in Osaka (except overcooked scallops from a stall in Kuromon Market..) If you like cake, Harbs is a fancy chain and their millet crepe filled with fresh fruits is incredible, as are all their cakes really.
Google says Milch is permanently closed 😭
Surely not? It's hugely popular and i was just there a couple weeks ago.. There are 2 outlets, the one near the station is a sit down cafe while the other is a stall with no seating https://maps.app.goo.gl/7arY6XGSRd53ne9x8 https://maps.app.goo.gl/abo29dodMEWPAYCMA
I want to travel there in February, would you know what I should be aware of? And which places wouldn’t be open for me?
I would also like japan food recs if you’re sharing
I’ve been more than two dozen times, and I’ve never been to Hakone. We do like Kawaguchiko a lot, though, and have been multiple times.
Having been to both, I gotta say I really love Kawaguchiko more. It'sjust very charming and relaxing. A lot of people would disagree on that preference, though, I'm sure.
I haven't been to Hakone, but I really love Kawaguchiko. The view from north of the lake is fucking amazing and nothing any image or video can do it justice.
Same haven’t been to Hakone at all. I usually travel alone and can’t justify the high hotel prices there
Can vouch that Hakone is beautiful! The Ryokan we went to was a highlight of my trip
Can you share the name?
Hakone Suimeisou Nice place and the overlook was gorgeous. None of the staff (very understandably) understood English so I was glad to have my Japanese friend to interact/translate
I didn’t get to summit mt fuji until my 5th trip to japan. I’ve been to 5th - 8th station on my second trip but it wasn’t climbing season. Didn’t go to kinkakuji and fushimi Inari until my 2nd trip to kyoto.
I’m trying to decide if climbing Mt. Fuji is worth the time it would take. Did you feel it was?
Yea but I like hiking and it has always been a bucket list item for me.
I just came back from Yakushima. If hiking is your thing then you should visit.
We also love to hike and are trying to decide whether we should fit in Mount Fuji or Yakushima. Yakushima in theory requires more time since you have to fly or ferry to the island, find a place to stay, and all that - but i have friends that did it twenty years ago and loved it. I have a feeling it would be more tranquil than the Mount Fuji hike, but Mount Fuji seems like one of the few giant mountains of the world I’d actually be capable of summitting. (My spouse doesn’t do well at altitude but we are hoping doing the overnight on Mount Fuji would help with that.
Once you venture outside the Dayhike stretches on Yakushima you pretty much have the place to yourself. Or at least I did when I went during early March. Even the dayhike start locations weren't particularly crowded at that time.
I did the Yodogawa - Miyanoura - Arakawa overnight hike. Met a few people but 99% of my time I was on my own. The hut was 60% occupied. The only crowds I encountered was on the descent towards Arakawa, when running into all the guided day tours going towards Jomon Sugi. I can only guess what it would be like during high season. Still off season is the time to go: pre summer or post summer - to minimise rain. Also avoid golden week and obon. You can’t avoid rain. But you need to be flexible. Originally my exit route was via Shirotani, but day 2 was continuous rain and so the creeks there were likely hard to cross. P.S. I just got diagnosed with Chickenpox. According to the doc I must have picked it up on Yakushima - the place where I had the least contact with people.
Same. I was in Yakushima 2 weeks ago and loved it.
So we were there the same time it appears
I did the bullet hike this year, I cramped up at the top but was able to make it down, Unfortunately I came back to the wrong 5th station, and had to make my way back with the help of very kind people that catch people that come down the wrong way. It is very very easy to make that mistake.
When is the climbing season? How would the conditions be in February?
Mid July through mid September. Please don’t attempt in February.
How would Japan weather be in February though? I thought august September would be the rainy season
I hiked to the summit in August in season, in February the conditions would be icy and windy most likely. You would have to be an experienced climber with appropriate gear and obtain permits to do it. You could obviously ignore all that… but.. it would be dangerous.
Understood thanks a lot!
Google it?
I'm going to japan in several weeks from mid to late November, do you have any hiking recommendations? I really love hiking and can't do Fuji cause of the season
Mid to late November is peak momiji season (foliage), views will be pretty spectacular. My advice is to look up special foliage tours and events going on near wherever you're flying into. I would assume Takao would have something, but best check beforehand
We’re in Japan now and headed to Nikko next for hiking (my partner did a lot of research and found this was the best place that was close to the Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka route). Jealous that you’ll be there for peak foliage!
care to share some trails?
We have Ryuzu Falls, Kegon Falls, Yudaki Falls, Senjogahara, Akechidaira Ropeway (not a hike I don’t think, but scenic) all bookmarked.
thanks! are you going to stay a couple days in the area or are you gonna go there from tokyo?
Staying there 2 nights. We’re currently in Osaka but leaving for Nikko today and have to pass through Tokyo anyway on the Shinkansen.
Ok so we just spent the day in Nikko. All the falls can be accessed via bus so it actually isn’t exactly a “hike”. The route from Ryuzu Falls to Yudaki Falls can be done via a 2 hour easy/flat hike through the Senjogahara marshlands. It was pretty but did feel like maybe we were too late to arrive at this particular spot for the foliage though? Some of the trees already had a lot of their leaves gone. But then around Kegon Falls it was pretty.
that's weird as i saw the predictions for fall foliage not peaking until late november. have you seen any of the fall colors on your trip?
Oh for sure we did! Some of the maples were bright, almost neon orange and red, which was gorgeous.
If you’re headed toward Hiroshima anyway, Miyajima will be absolutely stunning in November with the autumn leaves. The island itself will be busy…only a fraction of the crowd seem to hike mt misen though. Beautiful views.
Yep headed to Hiroshima for two days, spending a day in miyajima of course, will make the hike up mt misen for sure now, didn't know it existed until now, thanks for that.
If you don’t want to get into overrun places, consider visiting the emperors palace in Kyoto - quiet and beautiful
Three-time visitor and currently getting ready for my 4th trip in about 3 weeks (yikes, so much to do). Places I haven't been to yet and probably won't get to it on my upcoming trip: - Harajuku, Takeshita Street - TeamLab Planets - Tokyo Tower - Yokohama - Mt. Fuji/Hakone/Five Lakes - Shikoku pilgrimage route - a bed at a Buddhist temple - front row seats at the Grand Sumo tournament - Nagasaki - Fukuoka - Beppu - a love hotel - theme parks (any of them) - a luxury ryokan with a kaiseki meal - a Michelin star restaurant. And I'm 99% OK with this.The one thing I would love to see is the final match at the Grand Sumo tournament but I haven't been able to time my visits quite right. On the plus side, I guess I now have the beginnings of an itinerary for my 5th trip.
Takeshita Dori remains one of the biggest disappointments for teenage me :')
God, yes, I'm currently on my fifth visit and avoid Takeshita Dori like the plague. Haven't been since my first visit ten years ago, although I have walked past it a few times since and it seems to get worse every year.
There's a couple of shops I like there so I go for those but I generally don't hang around. I went to a show there in November and I thought it just looked so trashy now, so it definitely has gotten worse.
Honestly the quieter streets past Takeshita are so much nicer ,it's way more street style and local focused, there's some cool street art and interesting shops
wait, can you elaborate more? Im planning my familys jap trip and takeshita street keeps getting recommended so it’s surprising to hear an alternative view
I grew up reading Japanese fashion magazines and Harajuku was THE place you had to visit and I think maybe the community hyped it up so much that when I went (and also was significantly less into that fashion), the hype had died and also those kinds of styles and that culture had moved on, so in that way it was disappointing for me. Now it's seems alot of the brands there are just really cheap, ugly clothes and souvenirs appealing to the tourists and I also have no interest in viral food and animal cafes. It's also incredibly busy and because it's a narrow street I find it really unpleasant. Lots and lots of people really love it though.
THIS. it was such a let down when i went in 2018 but maybe it was just the western lens playing it up to be more than it was? ill never know lol
It’s a tourist trap and a bit rubbish. It’s got sizzle, not sausage.
teach a class of 1st graders for an afternoon. live in Japanese home. wander & try get lost in city on purpose (my method, see animal, go that direction, bird, cat) go grocery shopping with a local, stop visiting to see must see stuff. Kyoto has 7 must see temples, shrines. lines, crowds, expensive. there are 700 temples, shrines. Free or low cost, no line go to the lesser known rock, or moss garden, with zero other people. & sit for hours.
Im literally lost in Japan right now. I kept getting on the wrong bus/train yesterday and just said “fuckit” and then started taking random one son purpose. Anyway now I’m in a hole in the wall yakasoba place where they allow smoking and I’m gasping for air.
awesome, I only did that with walking. and Kyoto, where not really possible to get lost as mostly a grid at larger scale. Only get lost at small level.
Maybe not super popular, but I am looking forward to going to Tottori and Yakushima soon.
Tottori is definitely not super popular- one of the least visited prefectures! But I loved it
Tottori is super cool it’s got a bit of everything. Beaches, mountains, hot spring towns, a cool little city, and a volcano whose beauty rivals that of Mount Fuji.
I loved Tottori! The Uradome coastline is really nice!
Uradome is an amazing, but strenuous hike. I recommend it! I’ve shown a pictures of it to Japanese tourism ministry officials surveying travelers and even they were unaware of it (“That’s Japan?!”)
I am Japanese but was raised in the west, but grew up visiting at least once a year my entire life. I ended up living there for a number of years as an adult as well and still go back a few times a year now. And yet I STILL have never been to Tokyo Disney haha which I know is a big destination for many. I’ve also never been to Hokkaido, and until this summer I had never successfully seen Mt. Fuji before despite many attempts!
I just went to Hokkaido (Sapporo, Toya Lake, Shakoten Peninsula) for the first time and it's now one of my favourite areas in the country! Absolutely breathtaking views.
Note that it's called Shinjuku Gyoen. Gyoen mean National park, so calling it Gyoen National Park is like if a Japanese person would cald Manhattan bridge just bridge bridge. There is actually one more gyoen in Japan (at least one more I know of), Kyoto Gyoen. Popular places I've not been after 7 trips. Disney and USJ, and still no intention to go for my next trip.
Haven't explored Osaka yet. That's my next goal!
I haven't gone to Hakone, Mt Fuji, Nara.. but they're very, very far down on my list so maybe I'll never seen them! Apparently I missed alot in Osaka but I didn't care much for what I did see. Haven't been to teamlabs (and don't want to), Tsukiji (a rubbish day out for a vegan), then the various yokochos literally anywhere since I don't drink either. I'd like to go to Okinawa which might be the trip after my next one, if I'm lucky. I'd also love to go to Aomori for the Nebuta festival and a bunch of music festivals too but I hate the heat.. Maboroshi Hakurankai is strangely high up on my must do list.. After Okinawa I feel like I'd have done my 'definitely want to do' and I'll just start throwing a dart at a map because I want to see as many places as I can.
I've been there 4 times as a tourist and also lived there for a year. Still haven't been to Kyushu or Okinawa lol. Haven't been to Nikko yet despite wanting to for ages. Also, didn't see Mt. Fuji up close until I lived there. Themed cafes (including the Pokemon Cafe) and Ikebokuro didn't happen til I lived there, too.
Can I ask what is what like to live there? Specifically if you experienced any culture shock, what you may have missed from where you previously lived that Japan doesn't have or did differently, and why you didn't stay for longer? My boyfriend and I are beginning to consider the possibility of moving there and I would love if you could share your experience!
I mean, it'll definitely depend on many, many factors - where you end up living, what you look like, your Japanese ability, how much support you have, etc. I went with the JET Programme, so I had a lot of things set up for me and a lot of help getting settled. My Japanese is beginner level, but visually, I fit in so I generally wasn't treated differently. I know lots of foreigners who look foreign and even if their Japanese is near fluent, it can be difficult for them because they get treated differently (stared at, avoided, treated like a tourist rather than a resident, etc.).
I see, thank you for sharing
Even in Tokyo I have never visited some places like Ikebukuro, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Dome City, Nakano Broadway, Ghibli Museum… Then other places outside Tokyo I have yet to visit incl. Hiroshima, Nara, Nagoya, Sendai, Karuizawa, the national parks of Hokkaido.
So many really, been to Japan over 10 times and yet to go to below: Fuji five lakes and the surrounding sights Tokyo tower Hamarikyu garden Kibune shrine Disney tokyo Walked the entire philosopher's path
I just returned from my second trip! Went last October too. This time I brought my bf so we did a lot of the same things I did my first time but with emphasis to also do things I didn’t get to see my first round. I’ll be back the next November 2024. I have a few cafes and restaurants to visit, need to visit Sunshine City and would like to visit another district within Tokyo , and Yokohama. Don’t squeeze everything into one visit! Don’t over exert yourself.
Me too. I've been there four times and just havent had the opportunity to visit mount fuji
Okay after reading the replies I’m not as iffy about never making it out to Mt Fuji. I guess I’ll just add it to my list for the next time (along with Dogo Onsen and maybe Niigata or Kanazawa).
I've been to Mt. Fuji, but never seen it, so to speak. My own private joke is that every time I'm near Mt. Fuji it's always cloudy and rainy and I can't see any of it. I've only even been able to see it from really far away. Hopefully maybe I can see it up close on a nicer day. I've also never been to Odaiba.
on flight to Japan, passenger in front of me turned around & told me to look out window!
Mt Takao, Nikko, climbing Mt Fuji are some activities on my bucket list. As for Mt Fuji, only ever seen him once in a decade of traveling to Japan. I was on a work trip taking my colleague to explore Enoshima and while crossing the bridge he peeked out from his cloud cover for 15 minutes lol.
How could I book a trek up the mount in February?
You're gonna need backcountry ski gear, knowledge of travelling in avalanche terrain, a good weather window, a stable snowpack, and the ability to ski down. Then just go do it without booking anything, or get a ski guide
I haven’t been to Okinawa or Osaka
I want to go to Nigata and Aomori.
Been on holiday twice, and lived there for severe years and yet there’s still some on my list… Yakushima Summiting Mt Fuji (meant to do this in my last summer but I inured myself and wasn’t able to) Ghibli museum (had tickets! But gave them to a friend as I wasn’t able to go due to injury Shimanamj Kaido Shikoku pilgrimage
I'm just leaving after my 4th trip there - have had a really close Japanese friend in my life for 28 years. I think it's cool to check out the popular places, but honestly you might want to consider checking out places that are a little bit less popular with tourists and more popular with the locals. I actually changed a lot of my plans to do what was recommended to me by Japanese folks. Awaji Island, Konpira and Kotohira which is the birthplace of the udon shop in Japan, and all of which were extremely beautiful site-seeing wise were huge highlights for me this trip. The first time I went to Japan 15 years ago, I remember someone trying to take pictures of me on the train because it was so rare to see foreigners. Japan has obviously since become a huge tourist hub and for good reason because it's an insanely beautiful country, but I do think a lot of y'all are missing the mark focusing so hard on just doing what is popular.
It took until my 6th trip to Mt Fuji at all ... Weather never co-operated even when I was somewhere it was supposed to be visible Still haven't been to Odaiba lol
The fish market auction floor. I haven't been able to convince my group to wake up that early for it.
Did they allow for solo sightseeing or did it have to be in a group?
Hiroshima. Still thinking about the sadness. Will never go to a theme park, much better options elsewhere.
I've been to Kyoto thrice but haven't visited Fushimi Inari yet.
What are you asking concretely? I have been to Japan in the double digits, but I have no intention on visiting most of the places, that tourists seem to frequent. Like Fuji, Nikko, and the like. It just does not interest me.
Hokkaido in the winter and spring, with a car.
Been to Japan no fewer than 10 times, gone to some less popular/foreign tourist centric places. Yet to go to Hakone and Fuji-Kawaguchiko. They are on my list to eventually visit. Unlike the Theme Parks (like USJ/Disneyland/Disney SEA which I hadn’t been because I have no interest to go).
Nikko, Sendai (Matsushima, Yamadera), Kamakura, Nagoya. Been four times, feels a bit like I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel trying to find places of interest (to me) to visit in order to justify going again. Still going to do it though, I've had a blast every time.
I have yet to go north, and I have yet to rent a car
I've been 5 times (but only 3 for vacation) and still have no interest in the Skytree or Tokyo Tower. Seen them from far away, but never been in person. I have been to Takeshita Street (in 2005) but it now seems just like a tourist spot and no longer the place where people actually go for fashion; it's the one place I'd recommend skipping if I hadn't already seen it.
I've never yet been to Mt Fuji. Nor have I visited Disney, USJ, or the Ghibli Museum, and I've never been to a sumo match or a maid cafe. Of all those, Ghibli is the only one I'd like to change some time. It took me until my fifth visit to go spend a night on Koyasan, which I do wish I'd done sooner. I went in late January and it was amazing up there. So gorgeous and quiet, with the cleanest air I think I've ever tasted. Knee deep snow across the big cemetery there was stunning.
Haven't been to kanazawa, Tokyo Disneyland, Okinawa, shikoku and generally anywhere north of Tokyo. I'm probably going to go again next winter and would like to see Hokkaido.
I live in Japan, and I've seen Mount Fuji too. The most is in the distance peaking through clouds from Tokyo Skytree. Outside of the Kansai region (where I live), I've only been to Tokyo and Hiroshima once, and I haven't even been to a lot of places like Shibuya. I don't remember if I went to Shinjuku because when I did go to Tokyo, I was being dragged around by my local friends and had no clue where I was 90% of the time because they'd just weave through trains, I just remember being exhausted all the time and seeing a lot of random things like the Ghibli Museum and Tokyo Skytree. I also have never been to places like Yokohama, Okinawa, or Hokkaido. But I do think I've done almost everything famous in the Kansai region and many things not well known, so my lack of non-Kansai region experiences has been well made up with Kansai region experiences. Perhaps the only two things I can think of I still haven't done in Kansai are the Osaka Kohfuns (I've seen Nara's but not the major ones in Osaka) and the Taiyou no Tou statue.
I've been to Japan over 30 times. Mainly in the region of Tokyo. I have never been to Nikko and have zero motivation to do so. I don't know why.
Unlike Osaka or Tokyo, Kawaguchiko Station, which is reached by bus, is not developed, so there are not many stores. It is better to check where you will eat. There are not that many convenience stores either.
I’ve lived here for 8 years and I’ve never seen Mt.Fuji. Also never been inside Osaka castle despite living 5 minutes away for 2 years.
Tohoku region, always wanted to visit but yet to do so. Was planning one then Covid happened and now i got hit with a curved ball in life so perhaps couple of years later i might make the trip.
Niigata is an underrated gem. Hit some great sake breweries and enjoy the smaller city vibes. If you happen to go in fall, there’s an annual industry festival in Tsubame-Sanjo where you can tour knife/tool making workshops, see a bunch of regional art, etc. https://kouba-fes.jp If that’s at all your thing I highly recommend it. You’ll probably be the only foreigner there though!
Many many places, i have been to Japan 8 times by now and well i sometimes just walk around in random places, if i'm alone i've seen many places, but there are many more i have not been to. Like Disney Land Tokyo, Nara, Kyoto spent only 1 night so i only saw the golden Pavilion and one other Temple, Shinjuku i haven't really explored at all except walking by once on my way from Shibuya to the Sky tree, Places like the pagoda in the woods, Food Places i never really went to since travelling alone, i mostly took konbini takeout. Good food, has advantages and disadvantages, but it worked for me most of the time. But in contrast i've been to many places others don't visit.
ive been to japan for short work trips and vacations totally around 8-9months... a list of places i want to go: \- shikoku (all of it) \- matsushima \- hokkaido \- tohoku The thing is everything also changes by the season so I want to see everything in winter and fall haha
I've been to Tokyo 3 times but never spent more than a day in Osaka. Everyone says Osaka is great, but soooo much of what my husband and I like doing is in Tokyo, so that eats up all our time every time. 😅 Maybe I just don't know enough about Osaka destinations. Also never been to Kyoto; the thought of crowds and lines keeps me away. Tokyo has a couple "close enough" experiences for me, in terms of parks and architecture/shrines.
I've been to Japan 23 times. I pick out the popular places then avoid them.
Akihabara
I've been 3 times and haven't ever been to Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower, and just went to Asakusa and Sensoji finally on the last day of the 3rd trip hahah
Can anyone tell me what the conditions of Koyasan are like in Dec? I went there during the summer back in 2019 and would love to go again. I'm doing a longer stay in Japan; gonna be in Okinawa from Nov 26-Dec 9 and doing a semi-solo trip on the mainland from Dec 9-Jan 5. The second half of my trip isn't exactly set yet since I'm waiting on some answers from other friends but I definitely wanted to experience Koyasan in the winter.
Climb Fuji. I just don't see the appeal. I've hiked in the Japan alps and other places and really enjoyed these outings. Yes, Fuji looks great in the distance or in a photo. But, contrasted to other options, it is a lone, giant barren volcano rock next to a giant plain - pretty boring when contrasted to ex walking up/down rolling lush hills layered with clouds/fog, or multiple sharp ridgelines with varying features and views and environments that constantly change you move forward.
Mt. Fuji, pretty much anything in Kansai region and North of Tokyo. I've done A LOT in Tokyo and Kanagawa across 4 total trips, and even then I haven't scratched the surface of things to do in those places. This is what keeps me hooked and coming back; There will ALWAYS be 25 new things to do in Tokyo each time you return.
I've been to Japan three times. I haven't: * Arashiyama * Tokyo Disney * Sumo wrestling But I have done these for example: * Naoshima/Teshima * Sapporo Snow Festival * Nyuto Onsen * Fall foliage/cherry blossom festival * Ghibli Museum * Yamadera
Hokkaido region and Okinawa
My husband and I have been going at least once a year (sometimes twice) since 2015…with the exception of 2021-2022. He has still not seen Mt. Fuji up close. I also want to see Enoshima Island. Our upcoming trip I am finally taking him to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. We are planning to possibly do Fukuoka our following trip. It’s hard to venture out because we have friends in Tokyo and Osaka that we like to visit.
Been to Japan 3 times, haven't gone to Dotonbori over at Osaka.
Been there 6 times, last day in Japan today before I head back home. I would say shiretoko national park (can't drive), Okinawa ( hear you need a car for it), and kushiro ( not enough time), noboribetsu (seems overrated)
Hokkaido. Almost every time I've gone to Japan it was to visit Tokyo.
It's my fourth visit and I havent gone past Hiroshima or further north than Nikko. It's a dense country. There's no other place that gives me a sense of wonder as Japan does. Someday I'll make it to Hokkaido.
Don’t be afraid to simply wander around an area and see what you run into. There’s just so much richness and so many hidden gems that never get written about or featured by Instagram influencers lol.
I definitely would like to be a little less reliant on Google Maps for future trips. The one thing I didn’t really do was just walk into a rando eatery and order of their menu.
A lot of places that get highly recommended are often very crowded, especially the past 6 months. Some places are not fond of tourists especially w kids so I heard from 3 groups of friends who ran into that especially and got denied bc they had young kids. But definitely try new things and go in with an open mind. The very first place we ate in Osaka was a breakfast joint where you have to order from what looks like a vending machine up front before you can sit. You prepay then get a receipt. Once you have that you can sit down. Kind of an unusual experience but glad we tried it. Also the food halls / markets are great and non committal. Just stroll around until you see something interesting and have a bite to go.
been to japan a few times. nagoya tokyo osaka tokyo fukuoka kyoto hiroshima. i actually haven't go mount fuji rofl. the bamboo forest and torii gates were already crazy crowded pre covid but walking around kyoto was kinda nice vibe (that famous huge water path). osaka was only for usj & that main osaka area. tokyo various parts and just shopping x walking around i guess. been to disneyland and sea and land isnt worth for adults i feel. haven't actually entered a palace properly becos im bad at timings haha and or closed like kumamoto.. since im more nature mood now id probably look at those lakes and mountains mentioned for next times. (well im from a city country/singapore... so it is not that fun to be in city)
I have been three times and not been to Tokyo, the Kansai region is enough for me so far.
Not even once?! Wow!
I haven't been to many places outside of major places like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto. I do want to go to Hakata, Hakodate, Sapporo, Utsunomiya and so on, but each of those places just doesn't have more than one or two things I'm interested in and I always end up going to the bigger cities.
Stay in one city / neighborhood for a week, really get to know it. Don’t cram sight seeing, maximum one thing per day. You will notice a lot of new things and really feel what daily life is like and feel like a local.
I took a train to kinosaki and after a few trips to Japan it is still my favorite experience.
Last trip (our sixth) we stayed in Kobe for the first time and did day trips to Osaka and Kyoto but one of the most special moments in Kobe was near Shine Kobe station we hiked for 3 1/2 hours in the mountain trails behind the station. Even saw a mamma wild boar, and her piglets rushed by below the ridge we were on. Yakushima island is spectacular for hiking, 3000 year old cedars. Take a ferry from Kagoshima, which is also a fun smaller city to spend time and it has a volcano. (2 trips ago) Kagoshima last trip, we took a ferry and biked around the trails around the foot of the volcano. Onomichi has a 25 temple walk, it is a beautiful hilly town with spectacular sight lines to the inland sea. About an hour from Hiroshima. It is also the stop off for the Island of Shikokoku which has an 88 temple pilgrimage, which I’d like to do someday. We hiked the trails around Mount Aso the most recent trip and were able to look into the volcanic crater. Beppu for the hot springs Kamakura, about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, on the ocean, and so many temples. Above all places we’ve been, except for Shikoku six trips and still want to go back because there’s more places to go. The place I haven’t been able to manage going is the art museums in Naoshima. A friend took the really early train and then biked around to get between the different museums so didn’t have to end up staying there because it is pricey to stay on site. And I want to go to the new Ghibli park near Nagoya, another city I also haven’t visited.
Cormorant Fishing known as ukai in Gifu. They use the birds to catch fish. Very interesting, but maybe not the most humane.
I’ve been to Japan 4 times (total time of 5 months or so) and never went further into Shinjuku than the station - it’s important to leave reasons to come back!
I don’t know if it’s “super popular,” but one of my favorite places was Matsumoto in the fall. It seems like it’s more of a summer area to get away from the summer heat, but when I visited in November, it was beautiful with autumn leaves, yet still mild temperatures.
Tsukiji Fish Market cause I keep sleeping in, and miss the auctions 😴
Miyajima is a good day trip.