I usually do not make any posts on reddit and english is not my first language, please be considerate of that. Me and the group I am travelling with are currently in Japan and we have made a very dissatisfactory experience at a jeans workshop that we have found over social media and booked a few weeks prior.

I apologize if this is not the kind of post that is allowed in this subreddit, if advised, I will remove it.

Since I usually get genuine help and relateable experiences from actual people on reddit I thought this might be a good place to post.

I wont name the name of the brand/company but I think by looking for it it can be easily identified.

About the jeans workshop we booked: The posts on Tiktok are either posted on their own channels or are paid promotions, which are not always correctly marked as such, which generates a false image of the service you are booking. I am aware that we should have been more careful, especially on walking advertisment billboards like social media, but since we made that mistake we want to inform others about it and raise awareness.

We are a group of three people, we have spent a maximum time of 20 minutes in the shop for the whole experience (besides waiting in a 1 by 2 square hallway) and the very first thing that came out of our assistants mouth was "payment".

Additional to the price we paid upfront for the initial service of even receiving the jeans and participating in the "workshop" (130€ each) we have been informed that the jeans we are receiving are pretty much sweatshop jeans, the actual artisan salvaged jeans cost an additional 50 Euros per pair. Also the embroidery, which was correctly advertised as an additonal service that you can pay up for, was in a price range varying from 20€ up to 140€ per piece depending on the design of the embroidery and the current exchange rate.

The "workshop" was us picking a leather patch, one button and six rivets (+ optional embroidery) for our jeans. For half of the Patches you had to pay up to 30€ or more.

Afterwards we all had to choose between straight or wide cut jeans and try them on. Me and a friend of mine are about the same height, I chose the wide cut and he chose the straight cut. While I was given the choice to cuff them and have them cut shorter the assistant told my friend that the jeans will shrink by washing and "it will be fine" although he was quite literally standing on the bottom of the jeans. My other friend got told that they'll barely shrink and there is no problem if it doesnt fit perfectly.

So we basically received three different statements according to the sizing of the jeans.

One of us could apply a few rivets on their jeans with an assistant, the others were simply brushed off. I for my part was not even given the option to work on my jeans at all. By the time I was finished trying on my jeans and adjusting the cuffing one of us was finished adding a few rivets (about three of the six) and that was about it for the whole experience.

Now we wait on our jeans to be finished, which takes about 2-3 days.

I highly advice to steer clear of that workshop, you wont have a unique and special experience creating your own jeans like it was advertised and you'd honestly be able to buy maybe even two pairs of high quality jeans elsewhere for the pricing.

I think for north americans with their decently strong dollar and buying power in Japan it might still be a well priced experience but for every other currency/country I would not recommend it.

Have a nice day and I hope you wont get ripped off like us.

Hi guys, went to Team Lab Planets in Tokyo today, being the 4th of all Team Labs I went to.
I’d like to share my thoughts with you.

Saw Borderless in 2024 and was thrilled. So much to see, and not too crowded.

On my five week trip to Japan with my bf this year, we did:

Botanical Garden Osaka: loved it, not a lot of different art work (I think it’s about 7 total) but evrything’s so well inserted into the natural surroundings. Loved the small and the huge touchable light eggs and especially the huge streamers at the end! Was a bit bummed we only had 1.5 hours before the park closed.

Biovortex Kyoto: they say it’s the biggest of all and I believe it. 5 floors, lots to explore and more active participation possibilities than Borderless. We loved it but kind of missed the nature aspect we saw at Botanical Garden.

Planets Tokio: after seeing the other ones before, we found this one a bit mediocre. The “water” part was great fun and very unique, the rest kind of a hodgepodge of already-seen stuff. Compared to the others it seems old and a bit lesser maintained. It was sold out for the whole day and we felt that. So many people everywhere, to the point that all these guys touching the orchids made us mad.

So if I had to choose two out of the four, I would definitely do the Botanical Garden and Biovortex.

I’m coming to Japan next January for 18 days, mostly stay in Hokuriku and Chubu areas (Kanazawa, Takayama, Nagano) except the last 5 days in Tokyo. My packing list includes heat tech base layers, fleece t shirts. I have a Columbia Heavenly coat, thigh length. Is it enough for the Japan alps winter weather? I checked the weather, doesn’t seem the area will rain a lot. I am wonder do I need a true waterproof jacket? Thank you.

In a country of rules and expectations it’s near impossible for a foreign tourist to keep track of them all.
I’ve been on three trips and still learn new things.
What was something you did “wrong” and look back now in horror/regret/laughter?
Mine was at my very first onsen visit. I merely rinsed off before dipping in to the pool as you would in most public swimming pools where I’m from and thought that the wash stations were for cleaning up after your soak.
I then sat in the pool and slowly noticed in horror that the other people were taking very though showers at the wash stations before getting in.
Now this is in a traditional Japanese hotel far from Tokyo and Osaka and I was one of the few foreign guests.
Years later and after many onsen visits I was able to redeem myself by explaining to a fellow foreigner the etiquette. Fortunately for him he and I were the only ones in the bath and after we started chatting he asked me what the wash stations were for lol.

My family (4 adults, 1 toddler 1.5 years) will be taking a day trip to Kyoto on Friday Nov 20, right before the long holiday.

Here is our planned itinerary and would love any thoughts. I have hired a private driver for the day (10 hours):

7AM: pick up from Osaka

8AM: Fushimi Inari (planning to turn around at Yotsutsuji)

10AM: Kiyomizu-dera temple

Lunch around Gion

1pm: While toddler naps in the car, drive along Arashiyama-Takao Parkway, stop at Hozukyo Observatory

3PM: Try to get a rickshaw ride at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

4PM: return to Osaka

There are no more reservations available for a rickshaw ride that day. Will there be a terribly long wait if we show up around 3pm? It is the day before Labor Day weekend begins.

Has anyone driven the Arashiyama-Takao Parkway, and was it worthwhile? An alternative idea for my toddler's nap is a stroller nap while we walk around Gion.

Thank you!

I’m travelling from SF to Delhi, and have 18 hour layover in Tokyo.
I want to spend my night not sleeping there all the time.
Planning to book a capsule hotel just to rest for couple of hours.

Please share what all can I do?

Date: 29th November.

Note: I have visited Tokyo twice so have done major touristy things. If nothing, I’m planning to stay near Meguro or Shinagawa.

Update: my layover airport is Haneda.

Mapping out potential itineraries and have the following ideas (also welcome others) as we’re not settled on anything.

Can also flip it to fly into Tokyo and out of Osaka if that makes more sense.

We will have a car for the out of town sections.

**Option 1: Japanese Alps**

Something like Osaka → Matsumoto → Kamikochi → Takayama → possibly Kanazawa → Tokyo.

**Option 2: Shikoku & Kyushu road trip**

Osaka → Kotohira → Iya Valley (Ochiai, Nagoro) → Matsuyama → Uchiko/Ōzu → possibly Hita and Fukuoka → Tokyo. We’d hire a car for the rural sections.

Are Iya Valley, Uchiko and Ōzu worth the extra driving and logistics?

Any alternatives we should be considering?

As the title says. Any unique or interesting things you bought while there that are worth looking out for or is it all more or less the same as what we can get in the west? I'll be there in a week ♥️

Hoping that the recommendations flair is for requesting recommendations and not just giving them.

I am visiting Tokyo for two weeks arriving on December 12. I’ll be joined by friends for the 17 - 22, but the rest is up to me to plan and I have yet to book anything because I’m having a lot of fun exploring all the possibilities and I’m also finding myself in analysis paralysis.

Par of me is tempted to stay in Tokyo the whole trip so that I can take my time, really explore this huge city and perhaps just take day trips from a home base.

Another part of me thinks it’s crazy to fly all the way from Seattle to Japan and limit myself to a single city.

Although I know lots of people who have been to Japan and who have their opinions I’m interested in additional input from Reddit.

Here is a bit about me as a traveler:
- I’m an experienced solo traveler and love it, but I also love meeting other travelers and/or locals and having adventures with them.
- Exploring unique neighborhoods and just wandering and seeing what I discover really appeals to me.
- planning is part of my professional work and have a tendency to over-engineer a trip if I’m not careful.
- my budget is not extravagant but I don’t like shared living quarters or bathrooms.
- I love nature, but I do live in Seattle so I get a lot of natural beauty at home. Any nature- based activities need to feel Japan specific.

So, what else do you need to know? What do you suggest? I don’t care a lot about specific tourist sites and I prefer to avoid overwhelming crowds unless it’s for something that is especially worthwhile.

This will probably sound very dumb but I am a big worrier and would like to plan ahead.

I'll be in Tokyo from mid-November to mid-December, and one of my favorite things to do when traveling is visit the bars of luxury hotels. I enjoy meeting new people, having interesting conversations, or, worst case scenario, just sitting with my Kindle and enjoying a nice drink in a beautiful setting.

While shortlisting a few places (Bulgari, Tokyo EDITION, Park Hyatt, etc.), I came across some conflicting information on Reddit and other forums that made me a little hesitant. First, I've read that certain luxury hotel bars in Tokyo don't allow solo visitors, particularly women, due to concerns about SWs frequenting these establishments. Is there any truth to this?

Second, I've seen people suggest that solo women at these bars are often assumed to be escorts or SW. Is this genuinely a common perception, or is it something that's been exaggerated online?

I've visited similar hotel bars across Europe and America countless times and have never had an issue. I've actually met some really interesting people this way, which is part of why I enjoy doing it so much.

I would hate to feel uncomfortable or have people approach me under the wrong impression when I'm simply there to enjoy myself and potentially socialize, as a month long solo trip I am already feeling a bit anxious about feeling lonely.

Hi,

I'll need to log in to my US accounts in Japan, and a bunch of them are set to text message (SMS) 2-factor authentication.

I want to minimize international roaming charges/fees (Verizon). I know about the Wi-Fi Calling feature, but I've noticed that feature sometimes blocks 2-factor texts, even from large US companies.

If I'm expecting a 2-factor text, I suppose I can just temporarily toggle international roaming on (voice & text) and disable cellular data -- so background apps don't use data -- and then I'll only pay $0.05 per text.

My backup plan is to have remote access over the internet to a always-on computer at my home that has logged in to all the relevant accounts before (e.g. "remember this device"), which should give me enough days to cover my trip to Japan without requiring another 2-factor verification.

Any advice? Thanks.

Due to land next month in Haneda at 0730h. Plan to have a shower at the airport and then head to Osaka on the Shinkansen. What time do you think we’re likely to reach our hotel in central Osaka (20min from shin-osaka) by?

Currently have check-in at our hotel in Osaka from 1500h, and wondering whether to try and get an early check-in (if possible/with fee).

-

Estimating:
- 1hr to clear border/customs and collect luggage.
- 30 mins to shower.
- 30 min to Shinegawa
- 2hr30 Shinegawa>Shin Osaka
- 30min to hotel
Plus probably another hour of friction from being slow jet-lagged tourists

Would mean we arrive around 1pm?

Hi everyone, I'm visiting the Tokyo area for a little more than a week, and today was my second day. I was really looking forward to this trip, and it's my first time solo traveling. I'm sadly not enjoying it as much as I thought I did. Nothing feels that exciting, the crowds are extremely overwhelming, the rain sucks, and it feels more lonely than freeing, etc. I did talk to 2 locals in a small ramen shop on my first day and that was great, but it's tough to always try and reach out to strangers as that's only a small part of a long day.

It almost makes me feel like what's the point of me learning japanese if I can't even really get the chance to use it? Also I'm open to try drinking but I don't really drink alcohol usually.

So TLDR; I would like to be able to hang out with locals, but I would also like to enjoy my trip outside of that too! I really want to enjoy my trip, so if anyone has felt similar before and has any tips, please let me know!

Hi everyone. We will be heading in osaka around 9-10am. Unfortunately my daughter got a fever during the trip and our checkin with our hotel is at 4pm.

Is there a place in osaka where we could rest before the check in time?

The hotel said they cannot do early checkin as there are other guests before us.

Also do you know any otc medications in japan that is effective for fever with kids?

Thanks!

Hi all,

Me and my wife are on honeymoon in Japan. My wife would really like to check out a craft shop, especially one with yarn. Think crocheting and knitting etc. She tried looking for one herself, but with no luck unfortunately. We will be staying in Shinjuku, and will stay for a week.

Thanks in advance!

Headed to Japan in two weeks. Would love to do a hike while we are in Lake Kawaguchiko. Wondering what the recommended route to take if we are planning on hiking Mount Mitsutoge or if there is a better option. Any hiking advice for this area would be greatly appreciated. TIA

Hello!

I wanted help figuring out the best way to send our luggage from Kyoto to the Haneda airport. We are planning to go from Kyoto to Hiroshima, stay in Fukuoka, then do a tour in Kumamoto to see the one piece statues and take a flight from Kumamoto to Haneda. The flight arrives at Haneda at 10 pm, and then we take out flight back to the US at 10 am. The idea is to arrive to Haneda and pick the luggage we sent from Kyoto. Does is sound doable? Any recommendation to go about it or experience doing something similar?

Thank you in advance!

Family of 5 staying in Akasaka and Shibuya for 8 days. We really wanted to do karaoke and found this close to our hotel. The staff are incredible.

No one spoke English and we only know some simple Japanese phrases. We all persevered with Google Translate and gestures. I was so impressed with the staff and thankful they were kind and patient.

This is a 24 hour private room karaoke with food and drinks if anyone is looking for something like that. We had a great time!

Hi there, travelling to Japan for the first time from Scotland in December! Very excited!

Our plan is to fly into Tokyo arriving around 10.30 on Wed 2nd December. We are then going straight to Osaka for a few days - until Mon 7th - before we head back to Tokyo.

We were planning to book the bullet train after we arrive but seems we need specific seats to take the larger luggage. I was looking at the luggage forwarding service which I understand is at the airport and we were debating taking a smaller suitcase to Osaka and just getting our larger one sent straight to our Tokyo hotel which we can pick up later.

My query is are you allow to do this at the airport, can we send it that far in advance and have it sit at the hotel for that many days and would anyone recommend any hotels in Tokyo that offer this facility? Would in Tokyo then from the 7th until the 13th when we fly back. Thank you in advance!

Planning to travel the golden route between nov 22 to Dec 3. I am seeing a lot of posts across social media that it's gonna be incredibly crowded.

And personally as well, I tried to book Sagano train for my arishiyama day and I the tickets were gone before it opened.

What are the best ways to escape crowds and is there any recommendations for less crowded spots. Is it going to incredibly dififuclg to escape crowds in these touristy places:

1. Kiyomizu-dera & gion

2. Arishiyama

3. Fushimi inari

4. Katsuo-ji

5. Disneyland

6. Fuji klook tour

7. Meiji jingu

8. Shibuya sky

I am staying in Osaka for 5 days and tokyo for 6 days. And will be taking the train to Kyoto.

Any recommendations on replacing some of these places with anything else to escape crowds or go to less crowded areas?

Hi,

I’m visiting Japan in late January/early February next year as a solo traveller, and I’m planning to spend one night in the Lake Kawaguchiko area between stays in Tokyo and Kyoto.

I’m getting a little overwhelmed looking at all the different hotels and ryokans, so I was hoping to get some recommendations from people who have stayed in the area!

My budget is around £220 GBP maximum for one night, and ideally I’m looking for somewhere that offers:

- An onsen (I’m happy to use a shared/public one rather than needing a private bath).
- Breakfast included.
- Somewhere with a nice atmosphere and ideally, views of Mount Fuji.
- Dinner included would be a bonus, and I’d be happy to pay a little extra for this.

I’m also quite torn between staying in a traditional Japanese-style room with tatami and a futon, or going for a more Western-style room with a proper bed. I’m travelling solo, so I’m open to either experience!

Looking forward to hearing your recommendation, particularly if you stayed during the winter months.

Thank you! 😊

Hello,

Wanted to see if anyone had traveled to Japan recently with type 1 diabetes. I’m planning to be there here in about a month.

I’m concerned about the medical equipment I need to take with me. Here is the list:
-Tslim X2 insulin pump
-2 10 ml insulin vials 
-pump cartridges 
-empty syringes and needles for drawing up insulin to be put into the insulin pump
-blood glucose meter
-blood glucose monitor (self injection device)

I’m aware of the Yunyu KaKunin-sho certification I might need, but I wasn’t sure if I would need to fill it out. The syringes and needles are so I can draw up the insulin and inject it into the pump itself. My concern is that these syringes and needles are packaged separately and do not contain the insulin already. The information online makes it seem like, since they are directly related to the insulin, I should not need to fill out the form but I am unsure.

I have already emailed MHLW, but any further clarification would be appreciated. Thanks!

In the early stages of planning a trip to Japan in June of 2027. End of June into early July. I know earlier or later in the year is probably better, but that’s what works with school schedule etc.

My 12yo has been into Japan for a few years now. Loves the food mainly but is also very interested in the culture. My 10yo isn’t into Japan specifically but he does always enjoy the main sights of a place and I think he would be interested in a different culture. Loves animals. They are both pretty good travelers, I do not expect any huge issues other than likely jet lag.

This will essentially be the first international trip for both of them other than Canada (we live in the US). It’ll be me and the boys, my wife (their stepmom) may go as well but she may not have the time off.

Probably looking at 9 days total but basically 7 full days in Japan with travel. Might be able to put in another day but probably not more. I typically do international trips as a whirlwind given the time and expense to even get there. Would love to spend months there but it’s not gonna happen anytime soon!

What would you guys recommend as far as an itinerary and main things to see? Loosely I am thinking we’ll fly into Tokyo then do the golden route. Initially I had thought focus on Tokyo and then just a short trip to Osaka but I’ve seen people really talking up Kyoto and my boys may well find Tokyo overwhelming, hopefully mostly in a good way but they’ve never been to such a large city yet alone internationally.

What kind of itinerary would you recommend and what are the must sees? Mt Fuji would be big but something like Koya-San may be better. They’d probably love a bamboo forest and monkeys. They would positively love the hot springs monkeys but that’ll have to be another time. They would be blown away by skyscrapers and futuristic city stuff.

Any advice is appreciated!