# Japan Trip Planning

* Time for traveling: Spring 2025 (May 1-15)
* Number of days total: 15
* Number of days in Tokyo: 10
* Number of days in Kyoto: 3
* Number of days in Osaka: 3
* Fly-out date: May 1, 2025
* Return date: May 15, 2024

## Before trip

**[Fill out the Visit Japan Web form](https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/)**

* We'll be able to claim up to $800 CAN on goods without paying any duty and taxes (see: https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-to-canada/personal-exemptions-mini-guide)

**Planning guides**:

* [START HERE](https://www.pretraveller.com/start-here-japan/)

**Drugs & Medication:**

* [Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan](https://en.japantravel.com/guide/bringing-medicines-into-japan/58063)
* [Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html)
* [Controlled Substances List](https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/dl_data/keitai/list.pdf)
* [Bringing Medication to Japan: What to Know Before You Travel](https://www.japanlivingguide.com/health-and-safety/health/bringing-medication-to-japan/)

**Flights & Hotels:**

* Booking hotels: [Booking.com](https://www.booking.com)
* Book non-stop flights with Westjet (add-on travel insurance)

* Avg Duration: ~10 hours (bring books and other items to keep busy)
* [Hopper](https://hopper.com/) for flight alerts
* [Scott's Cheap Flights](https://scottscheapflights.com/)
* Airport arrival: Haneda in Tokyo is preferred compared to Narita for distance to Tokyo

**Planning and Tips:**
* [How Many Days in Tokyo Should You Spend?](https://www.livingoutlau.com/how-many-days-in-tokyo-japan/)
* [How Many Days in Osaka Should You Spend?](https://www.livingoutlau.com/how-many-days-to-spend-in-osaka-japan/)
* [How Many Days in Kyoto Should You Spend?](https://www.livingoutlau.com/how-many-days-in-kyoto-to-spend/)
* [What to Know Before Arriving in Japan - 2023](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjVT3YKFfeo)
* Notify bank and/or credit card company about upcoming trip and dates
* Bring at least $1,000 cash
* JR Pass needs to be purchased before you enter the country
* [Japan - Power Plugs & Socket: Travel Adapter Needed?](https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/ca/japan/)
* Confirm mobile carrier works in Japan before trip or purchase SIM
* Bring Canadian souvenirs for in case locals come up to us to chat

* [Canadian Travel Agents.ca](https://www.canadiantravelagents.ca/)
* [Japan Customs website](https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm)
* [Japan Travel Checklist](https://www.dropbox.com/s/vvkjyzk8bihilqv/Japan%20Travel%20Planning%20-%20Japan%20Travel%20Checklist%20-%20Printable.pdf?dl=0&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2023-01-14&utm_campaign=Welcome+to+the+Japan+Travel+Planning+Email+List+-+download+your+free+ebook+)
* [Ultimate Checklist for Japan Travel [2023]](https://www.pretraveller.com/checklist-for-japan-travel/)
* [The Essential Guide to 2 Weeks in Japan for First Time Visitors](https://www.pretraveller.com/2-weeks-in-japan-first-time-itinerary/)
* [Japan Guide](https://www.japan-guide.com/)
* [Travel Japan](https://www.japan.travel/en/)
* [Travel Caffeine](https://www.travelcaffeine.com/)
* [Japan Travel Planning (Facebook Group)](https://www.facebook.com/groups/JapanTravelPlanning) for recommendations on bars, restaurants, etc.
* [Klook](https://www.klook.com/en-CA/) for WiFi, Bus, and Train passes, etc.

**Videos:**

* [What you MUST know before Arriving in Japan | 2024](https://youtu.be/xVW7UYirAec?si=HO5qcPf5AEQIBGJA)
* [JAPAN HAS CHANGED | 8 New Rules + Things You Need to Know Before Traveling](https://youtu.be/Hdx7aqM0Fts)
* [HOW TO TRAVEL JAPAN 2022 | Answers to the 20 MOST COMMON Questions](https://youtu.be/CToECl6aqBk)
* [Kim Dao (Youtube)](https://www.youtube.com/@kimdao)
* [Renata Pereira (Youtube)](https://www.youtube.com/@RenataPereiraTV) for general travel tips
* [How to: Dining Out in Japan | Travel Tips | japan-guide.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otF-b2seBjs)

**Mobile Apps:**

**Translation:**
* [Papago](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.naver.labs.translator&hl=en&gl=US)
* [Deepl](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deepl.mobiletranslator&hl=en&gl=US)

**WiFi and Sim Card:**
* [https://anyfone.jp/](https://anyfone.jp/)
* [https://www.jalabc.com/](https://www.jalabc.com/)

**IC cards:**

* [Pasmo](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobilepasmo.android&hl=en&gl=US) and [Suica](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobilesuica.msb.android&hl=en&gl=US)

**Books:**

* [Japan Travel Guide: Things I Wish I'D Known Before Going to Japan](https://www.amazon.com/Japan-Travel-Guide-Things-Before/dp/B0BL4ZGYNW)
* [Eyewitness Travel: Japan](https://www.amazon.ca/DK-Eyewitness-Travel-Guide-Japan/dp/0241365333)
* [Eyewitness Travel: Tokyo Top 10](https://www.amazon.ca/DK-Eyewitness-Top-10-Tokyo/dp/0241520444)

**Itineraries:**

* [The ‘Classic’ Golden Route First Time Japan Trip – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka 2 Week Itinerary](https://www.pretraveller.com/2-weeks-in-japan-first-time-itinerary/#The_Classic_Golden_Route_First_Time_Japan_Trip_Tokyo_Kyoto_and_Osaka_2_Week_Itinerary)
* [The ‘Extended’ First Time Japan Trip Itinerary – Tokyo, Mt Fuji/Hakone Region, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima](https://www.pretraveller.com/2-weeks-in-japan-first-time-itinerary/#The_Extended_First_Time_Japan_Trip_Itinerary_Tokyo_Mt_FujiHakone_Region_Kyoto_Osaka_and_Hiroshima)
* [The ‘Japanese Alps’ First Time Japan Trip Itinerary – Tokyo, Kyoto, Japanese Alps and Snow Monkeys](https://www.pretraveller.com/2-weeks-in-japan-first-time-itinerary/#The_Japanese_Alps_First_Time_Japan_Trip_Itinerary_Tokyo_Kyoto_Japanese_Alps_and_Snow_Monkeys)

### Dump of Otafest panel
* print hotel receipts/bookings for customs/entry
* avoid smoking hotels, can find nonsmoking hotels.
* Manga cafe overnight??
* Night bus, sleep & go
* luggage forwarding: Ta-q-bin, will move your luggage from hotel to hotel for you.
* storage lockers, 700jpy/day, can be useful.
* premium Japanese airlines are an option.
* cheap flights: Google flights, momondo, skyscanner, flight tracking alerts.
* insurance: travel & health insurance, list of medicine translation, confirm medicines are legal, check pharmacy for the good vaccinations 
* buying tickets in advance, many places need to be booked
* Japan Pocket wifi, prebook and pick up at airport. Sakura wifi,ninja wifi
* one night stay at airport hotel might be good
* transit passes, maybe ic card though. Suica good option
* do shopping at the end

## During trip

**Upon arrival:**
* Use [Skylets](https://skylets.jimdo.com/) guest service when arriving at airport
* Buy eSIM or Pocket Wifi (note: you will need to remember to charge pocket wifi and return it when you're done with it)
* Purchase Pasmo or IC card for getting on trains
* Take train from Narita airport to Tokyo

**Times:**
* NOTE: [Mudan](https://www.youtube.com/@Mudan/videos) mentioned that most restaurants have a siesta between 2pm-5pm, so, try going out to eat food before or after this time ([video here](https://youtu.be/wOXdc0tRpNI?si=7oqHae_HCtY4Mm6X&t=110))
* Rush Hour: 7:30am-9:00am & 5:00-6:30pm or 7:00pm
* Avg Hotel check-in / check-out: 3pm / 11am
* Restaurants do not open before 10am
* Buses in Tokyo stop running at 10PM and trains stop running 12AM

**Tips:**
* Spend 2-3 days minimum in each major city
* Interact with the locals to get recommendations, etc
* DO NOT FOLLOW PEOPLE INTO BARS OR CAFES
* Stay in a [Ryokan](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2029.html) for at least one night of trip
* Stay in Shibuya or Ginza

**Etiquette:**

* [Japanese Etiquette and Manners](https://www.japanesepod101.com/blog/2020/01/06/japanese-etiquette/)
* [How to bow in Japan and Manners](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytmdQC6OxPU)

### Traveling in Japan

* Download [SmartEX](https://smart-ex.jp/en/lp/app/) app for booking Shinkansen tickets
* Traveling by taxi is expensive in Tokyo. Just use the train instead
* [Japan Transit Planner](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.jorudan.japantransit&hl=en&gl=US)

**IC Cards:**

These cards can be used to pay for train passes (except for JR trains) and make purchases in most places.

- Name (registered) Suica: Available at JR East Service Center in Tokyo (info: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/index.html). Valid for up to 10 years. Any unleft balance can be used next trip.
- Welcome Suica: A suica card made specifically for tourists. Valid for up to 28 days. Available only at Haneda Airport. Must use entire balance before leaving Japan.
- [TOICA]( https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/tickets/buy/toica/)
- [ICOCA](https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/howto/guide/movie03.html)
- [Pasmo](https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/buy/)
- Virtual versions of these cards available at https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT207155 (not supported by Android)

**JR Pass stuff:**

NOTE: Buying a JR pass might not be worth it unless we plan to travel a lot by bullet train for long distances

* [My JR Pass](https://www.myjrpass.com/en/)
* [Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)](https://japanrailpass.net/en/) for Shinkansen (tip: buy 2-3 weeks before trip)
* [JR Pass Calculator](https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/) (see if a pass is worth it for your trip)
* Luggage slots must be reserved for bullet train and there's a limit to luggage size

**Limosine and Shuttle services:**

*  [https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en](https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en)
*  [https://www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/](https://www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/)
*  [https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/](https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/)

**Luggage Forwarding and Delivery services:**

* [Yamato Transport](https://www.global-yamato.com/en/) for shipping luggage across Japan and to your hotel to avoid bringing luggage on trains
* [https://www.jalabc.com/](https://www.jalabc.com/)

### Lodging and Accomodoations

* Hotel beds are small and hard, try getting bed that is big and comfy
* Might be best to book separate rooms

### Shopping

* [Shopping Guide](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2450.html)
* Buy a small pouch for carrying change
* Do bulk of shopping on the last couple of days to avoid carrying with you during trip
* TIP: Buy a small-to-mid size suitcase at Don Quijote for storing shopping bags
* [Canadian Duty and Taxes Estimator](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html)
* Clothes sizes will be different in Japan compared to in Canada. Remember this when buying souvenirs for people

### Food

* [15 Most Popular Foods You Have To Eat In Japan](https://gowithguide.com/blog/15-most-popular-foods-you-have-to-eat-in-japan-1549)
* [40 Japanese Foods You Shouldn’t Miss](https://www.byfood.com/blog/travel-tips/what-to-eat-in-japan)
* [Beginner’s Guide to Food in Japan for tourists](https://travelingcanucks.com/2024/01/beginners-guide-to-food-in-japan/)
* Japanese Cream Soda
* Buy Soufflé Pudding from Family Mart
* Go to McDonald's
* Go to LiQumu in Harajuku
* GIGA PUDDING!
* Ekiben on Shinkansen

### Destinations and Activities

**General:**
* [Collect Souvenir Stamps from train stations and airports and Goshuin's from shrines and temples](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HemL9v4gQaM)
* [Ride Hello Kitty Shinkansen](https://www.jr-hellokittyshinkansen.jp/en/) / [Hello Kitty Shinkansen: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Japan’s Most Unique Bullet Train](https://japantravelplanning.com/hello-kitty-shinkansen)
* [Watch a play or musical based on an anime](https://www.j25musical.jp/en/stage/)
* [Japan 2023 powerpoint presentation created by Daniel](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MJ8g4LuHJ5MjVFbMhHtwb-qVeCk_F60A/edit#slide=id.p1)
* [ANIME TRAVEL GUIDE JAPAN | 3 Must-Know Tips from a Local Otaku](https://youtu.be/Mom48FPnhMw)
* [Collabo-Cafe](https://collabo-cafe.com/)
* [Anime Tourism Association](https://animetourism88.com/en/88AnimeSpot) (Anime pilgrimages)
* Visit [Gundam Factory](https://gundam-factory.net/en/) in Yokohama
* Ghibli Museum / Ghibli Theme Park
* Awaji Island
* Fuji Q Highland (Evangelion ride and more)
* [Japan Tours & Trips (September 2023)](https://www.tourradar.com/d/japan#month=september-2023)
* [TOP 10 WEIRD 😂 Japanese restaurants that ACTUALLY EXIST!!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uV5RKMflCg)
* [Castles](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2296.html)
* [Shrines](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2059.html)
* [Temples](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2058.html)
* [Museums](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2428.html)
* [Manga & Anime](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2070.html)
* [Festivals](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2063.html)
* [Industry & Commerce](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2465.html)
* [Onsen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2292.html)
* [Beaches](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2461.html)
* [Theme Parks](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2067.html)
* List of prefectures annotated with related anime: [47 Anime for 47 Prefectures in Japan](https://www.tokyoweekender.com/art_and_culture/entertainment-art_and_culture/47-anime-locations-47-prefectures-japan/)
* List of anime annotated with their associated city, grouped by prefecture: [ycombinator news #37861230](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37861230)
* Matsumoto
* Takayama
* Gero Onsen
* Shirakawa-Go
* Kanazawa
* Wakayama Prefecture
* Koyasan

#### Tokyo and surrounding areas

* https://immersivefort.com/en/
* [SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO With Experience](https://mai-ko.com/samurai/tokyo.html)
* [TeamLab Planets Tokyo](https://www.teamlab.art/e/planets)
* [Top 5 Things to do in Tokyo | japan-guide.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr_TbL5ejuQ)
* [TOKYO Has CHANGED: BEST 7.5 NEW Things To Do In TOKYO 2023!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISOzPGfBad4)
* Tokyo Station (tip: spend a few hours)
* Tokyo Metro Gov Office Bldg observation deck
* Tokyo Tower
* Tokyo Skytree
* Tokyo Skytree Kirby Cafe (reservation needed) 
* Imperial Palace and East Garden
* Donquiote
* Nintendo World (Universal Studios Japan)
* Ghibli Park
* Ueno Park
* Go to [Mogra](https://club-mogra.jp/)
* Ride on a [jinrikisha (Rickshaw)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUe64IMT-KQ)
* Akihabara
  * [Owl Cafe](https://akiba2960.com/)
  * [5 Best Maid Cafes in Akihabara for First-Timers - Recommended by a Former Maid](https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-akihabara/article-a0003246/)
  * Radio Kaikan
  * Super Patato (retro game store)
  * Mandarake
  * Rashinban
* Ikebukuro (feeeeemale Akihabara)
  * Animate
  * K-Books
  * Sunshine City
  * Nakano Broadway
  * Surugaya
  * Shibuya Parco
  * Muscle Girls Muscle Girls 
* Shibuya
  * [Shibuya SKY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc6KzRlsVjY)
* Ginza Art Aquarium Museum
* Shinjuku
* Harajuku
* Meiji Shrine
* Kwagoe
* Kamakura
* Nikko
* Hakone
* Kawaguchiko
* Samurai Museum (Tokyo)
* Bar Jigen (Kyoto)
* Maharaja Roppongi (Nightclub)
* [Kinokuniya Book Store Shinjuku](https://www.kanko-shinjuku.jp.e.xm.hp.transer.com/spot/c002/article_555.html)
* [Shinjuku Marui Annex](https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g14133707-d12847990-Reviews-Shinjuku_Marui_Annex-Shinjuku_3_Chome_Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html) (multi-floor anime store)
* [Square Enix Artnia Cafe in Shinjuku](https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/artnia-the-square-enix-caf%C3%A9/12678)
* [Marui Main Building Rooftop Garden “Q-COURT”](https://yokoso-shinjuku.com/en/sightseeing-spot/roofgarden/)
* [Tower Records Shinjuku](https://tower.jp/store/Shinjuku)
* [Yellow Submarine Shinjuku](https://yellowsubmarine.co.jp/shop/shinjuku/)
* [Shinjuku Godzilla Store](https://godzilla.store/tokyo/)

#### Kyoto
* [Top 5 Things to do in Kyoto | japan-guide.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G0Hh8f9Cc8)
* Taxis are recommended for traveling around Kyoto
* Nishiki Market
* Kyto Museum (Kyto Animation section)
* Pontocho district—hidden alleys 
* [Kyoto Imperial Palace](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3917.html)
* [Nijo Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3918.html)
* [Momiji Tunnel](https://www.spoon-tamago.com/eizan-railway-momiji-tunnel/)  (Maple Tree Tunnel)

#### Nara
* Feed and pet some deer in the morning

#### Osaka
  * [Top 5 Things to do in Osaka | japan-guide.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyzalUUioQA)
  * Dotonbori
  * Umeda Sky Building
  * Osaka Castle
  * [Osaka Aqua-liner](https://www.osakastation.com/aqua-liner-osaka-river-cruise/)
  * Osaka Aquarium
  * [Suntory Yamazaki Distillery](https://www.suntory.com/factory/yamazaki/) (must book tickets months in advance!)

#### Other places to visit

* Hakone
* Yamanashi
* Yokohama

## Returning to Canada

* Collect all receipts for claiming goods through customs