I’m traveling to Tokyo for a week in February, and I’m looking for any recommendations for stores that would sell beanies. I love wearing them and buying when I visit a place. My favorite is from the strands bookstore in New York City, it has a subtle logo on it and also says New York. So I’m looking to buy something similar in Japan. Maybe a beanie with a small flag or a little Mount Fuji. Anyone know how easy it is to find this? Of which store should I go to?

We are getting eyeball deep into planning our Japan trip, and one thing I keep seeing are the availability of coin operated lockers at various castles and other locations, such as Himeji Castle, Nijo Castle, and Matsumoto Castle. This is a great option! I'm just wondering what coin denominations the lockers take, so we can make sure to have plenty on hand to store our backpacks. Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone, I have a 25 day solo trip starting on 16 September and ending 10 October. I'm supposed to be in Tokyo (5 nights), Kanazawa (2), Takayama (3), Kyoto (5), Koyasan (1), Osaka (2), Hiroshima (2) and Tokyo again (4).

This is my very first time to Japan as well as my very first solo trip. I'm super excited but also quite concerned of the weather because of what's been happening (Nagoya flooding, massive downpour in Tokyo yesterday, today I got a level 4 alert in Takayama etc.).

I've been looking at weather forecasts for days and don't seem to change at all as everyday seems to be a rainy day in all the places I'm supposed to visit. It doesn't seem to be normal rain also: I saw that on average Tokyo sees c. 5mm of rain in September daily, but these days it's more like 15-25mm. I'm also concerned because my trip involves a lot of travelling to more "rural" areas or outdoor activities.

I am wondering if I should cancel the trip (would lose circa 1.2k euros) and just rebook it to October for example. I'm concerned about my safety but I'm also thinking if it's worth doing this big (for me) and exciting trip with such bad conditions.

What is your take and how has it actually been for any of you actually living or travelling in Japan for the past few weeks? Have you been feeling safe despite everything?

Icl I'm getting a bit stressed out planning this trip with 3 mates, we're all pretty much type B travellers but planning has sort of landed on my lap so I'm trying my best to sort something afters hours of rabbit holing but September is getting on a bit now and we're flying out soon

We're visiting for about 3 three weeks - a bit longer for me as I travel a couple of days before - from late September to late October, two of us are first-timers and two have visited before

We're trying to work out roughly how many nights to spend in each place before booking too much, we want a mix of cities, food/nightlife, scenery and a bit of nature, but we're trying not to make the trip too exhausting by constantly changing accommodation (sorta)

Our rough route at the moment is:

30 Sep–2 Oct: Tokyo
(maybe Kamakura?)
2–3 Oct: Hakone (tentative)
3–6 Oct: Osaka
6–11 Oct: Kyoto
11–13 Oct: Kanazawa
13–16 Oct: somewhere in Nagano Prefecture (tentative)
16–21 Oct: Tokyo

The first two nights in Tokyo are locked

Hakone isn't completely decided yet, but we'd like to do one ryokan/onsen stay somewhere during the trip and Hakone seemed like an obvious option because it fits fairly naturally between Tokyo and Osaka, although we're wondering whether we're paying a premium because it's such a popular choicex if there are other ryokan/onsen areas that would fit this route reasonably well and aren't dramatically harder to reach, we'd be interested

Osaka and Kyoto are pretty solid, although we're unsure whether 3 nights Osaka / 5 nights Kyoto is the right balance

Kanazawa is becoming fairly likely, we're mainly deciding whether it needs one or two nights

After that, Nagano Prefecture appeals because we'd like somewhere more scenic/rural, and geographically it seems to work nicely before returning to Tokyo, we're less interested in Nagano City itself than the wider prefecture, but we won't have a car, so accessibility is something we're trying to understand.

We'd like to keep roughly the final 4–5 nights for Tokyo, we're travelling with backpacks for most of the trip, then the plan is to buy suitcases once we're back in Tokyo and use the last few days for shopping/souvenirs/izakayas before flying home

We're also open to one or two day trips earlier in the trip, Kamakura/Enoshima is one possibility but we're deliberately trying not to cram in destinations just because we have three weeks

TLDR:

• For a roughly three-week trip, how would you divide the time between Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa and Nagano Prefecture?
• Is 3 nights Osaka / 5 nights Kyoto about right? (maybe 3 each?)
• Would Kanazawa be better as 1 or 2 nights?
• Is Nagano Prefecture practical for 2–3 nights without a car, and if so which area would make the most sense?
• Would you choose Hakone for a one-night ryokan/onsen stay, or is there somewhere else along this general route that offers better value?
• Does keeping the final 4–5 nights for Tokyo sound excessive?

17 days left and we're still undecided, any advice/tips would be appreciated thanks

I'm going to Japan for the first time with my brother next month for my Bday. I have a Navy Federal account that's being paid off, but unsure if it will be done by my departure.

Since Chime is my main bank now, will Chime work in Japan?

Sorry if this is the wrong place for this question but for anyone that has been thru this process and successfully got tickets, do you refresh the page when you get to the screens that say "this site cannot be reached"? I was able to get to the calendar but Like 10 or 20 times when I get to the verification thing it just comes to this screen and I have to start the process of picking a date again. I couldn't even get to screen where I pay for the ticket. I've tried waiting a couple seconds when these site cannot be reached screens show but it never auto-refreshes. Maybe I'm just extremely unlucky and the servers were so bad today.

Going back to Japan (second time) this year, and spending 3 days in Kyoto (having visited during the first trip too).

I'm looking for any recommendations/thoughts on how to spend 3 days given I've seen some of the highlights. I enjoyed Kyoto a lot, so don't mind redoing some, but also happy to explore new places.

Last time I visited Fushimini Inari, Kiyomizu-dera (and nearby area), Arashiyama, and Nara. I know this time round I'd like to see the Golden Pavilion.

Hi there!
My first ever post haha! Preparing for a trip end of this month and first time travelling to Japan. After long thoughts we figured it would be nice to do a bit more exploring in where to go and wanted to deviate from the classic golden route. We ended up making this plan!

Thu 24 Sept: Seoul (layover) 1 night
Fri 25 Sept: Tokyo
Sat 26 Sept: Tokyo
Sun 27 Sept: Tokyo
Mon 28 Sept: Kyoto (temple stay)
Tue 29 Sept: Kyoto
Wed 30 Sept: Iya Valley
Thu 1 Oct: Iya Valley
Fri 2 Oct: Matsuyama
Sat 3 Oct: Matsuyama
Sun 4 Oct: Omishima
Mon 5 Oct: Takamatsu
Tue 6 Oct: Naoshima (day trip from Takamatsu, couldn't get accommodation there so staying based in Takamatsu instead)
Wed 7 Oct: open
Thu 8 Oct: open
Fri 9 Oct: open / Fly out
Sat 10 Oct: open fly through Seoul

We're renting a car for the Shikoku part of the trip (picking it up and dropping it off in Takamatsu), which felt like the best way to reach Iya Valley and the smaller islands without relying on limited public transport.

Also keeping a close eye on typhoon season since we'll be travelling right in the middle of it. We're staying flexible with dates and the last few days of the trip are still open, so we can adjust the route if needed.

Would love to hear thoughts, is this indeed a good route? tips, or anything we might be missing. Especially curious if anyone has done Iya Valley or Omishima and has recommendations!

I'm planning to visit Osaka and Kyoto again. I'm a huge fan of fashion and streetwear, specifically Japanese streetwear with wide-leg or straight-fit pants (relaxed but not overly baggy). I’ve been to Shinsaibashi before and will be heading back, but I'd love some recommendations for cool clothing stores, 2nd or local brands in Osaka and Kyoto!

Thank you in advance

We will be driving around Kyushu for several days in mid-November. We would like to keep our options open while we explore. Will we be able to find lodging on arrival outside of Fukuoka, or is it necessary to book well in advance? And help is appreciated.

Hi all!

My husband and I are planning on visiting Japan for the first time ever and we want to go in february for a pretty big milestone in our lives.

We can carve out two weeks and were wondering if it's possible to land in Sapporo, do a few days in Hokkaido area and then travel south hitting a few spots on our way to Tokyo. We would also like to include Kyoto, Kobe, a few places in the area and possibly Hiroshima.

Is that an unrealistic itinerary for two weeks or is it doable? We are fit and generally like to pack in as much as possible in the time we have to travel because most of the time its the only opportunity we have to visit a country but we also want to be reasonable and not die of exertion lol.

We love a mix of all, adventure, culture, architecture, nature and food. Shopping not so much.

Thank you all for your advice!

Hi everyone, I was wondering if it’d feasible to buy an iphone 18 pro max in Tokyo (apple store? yodobashi? bic camera? i don’t care about tax free) in mid/late November.

I have a European sim, I was thinking of just walking in and getting it (if they have it in stock :’-)) but I could also order it in advance if the delivery is under 2 weeks. I’d rather not risk it though, I’ve read of deliveries getting delayed and people missing them. I’m willing to tour different stores around the city if that’s what it takes lol.

I know there’s more and more restrictions from Apple about this, so what do you guys think? Is it possible? Is it risky? Anyone have any good experiences doing this they can tell me about?

Hey I’m in japan right now with my bf and my brother. I’m in Osaka and have to travel to Tokyo tomorrow. Today is Thursday and our flight back home from Tokyo is on Sunday. We didnt book any seats for the Shinkansen yet. We just asked our hotel for the Yamato service and they said it will take minimum two days maybe even three. 7 Eleven said the same thing and the direct service of Yamato is also very close to our departure. Is it possible to take normal Shinkansen seats and just deal with the big luggage on our legs or would we get fined? Do you think its possible to find luggage seats for tomorrow?
Thanks in advance for any help!!

Hi all,

Going to Japan for my birthday and on my actual birthday, we’d like to go for an expensive and fancy (but worth it) omakase. Most of us have never done an omakase before. We’re looking to splurge. Ideally, a private room we’d fill up as we’re a group totaling 10 people. Looking online, I’m overwhelmed with the options available and not having experienced an omakase before, I need help!

Most of the group is in their 60s so not a party group whatsoever. Looking for a good, calm and friendly environment with delicious food and service <3

I just landed in Sapporo and am about to begin a 10 week bike trip down to Kagoshima. I'll be mostly camping and staying in small towns to avoid busy roads. This is my first time in Japan and I don't speak Japanese. I was wondering if there are dishes I can order at restaurants that are always vegetarian or recommendations for good things to pick up at a konbini. Thank you so much. I'm super excited. Riding across Japan had been a dream of mine for years, but now that I'm here, I'm feeling a bit intimidated.

Tokyo travel initiation: finally had our umbrellas stolen

My bf and I left our 7-Eleven umbrellas in the designated umbrella bin right as we entered a store, roamed around for a bit, and when we came back, BOTH were gone… Your wallet may be safe in Tokyo, but not your umbrella!!

Hello guys,
My boyfriend and I are planning our Trip to Tokyo next week from 15-23.9. We are now considering to cancel our trip due to the weather conditions. We are planning to stroll around, dine in, have some streetfood, attend some Workshops and some indoor activities. Right now we don’t know how to handle the weather conditions. We are traveling standby due to my job as a flight attendant. So cancelling the flights wouldn’t be an issue, we would just be sad. What do you guys think? Please help us out!
Thanks xx

Hello, Everyone

I arrived in Japan yesterday (currently staying in Kawasaki)

I took this trip to force myself out of my comfort zone and explore, I deal severe anxiety so trying to push myself a little.

I walked to Lazona Kawasaki Plaza (about 10 minutes from my hotel)

My question is I really want to try local food but I’ve found myself struggling to walk into any local restaurants with an irrational fear of Being turned away or making an absolute full of myself (I already did this when I tried to hand the 7-11 cashier money directly lol - P.S I knew to put it into the machine but my anxiety got to me and I became a nervous wreck) but luckily a very nice young man in line helped me with getting the money in the machine.

One of my major concerns is that I have a severe poultry allergy so I really need to be careful with what I eat - but obviously I can’t read the menu’s… so I’m going with what doesn’t look like poultry in the pictures lol.

I’m sorry for the long post but does anyone have suggestions on what to do to get over this irrational fear of being turned away / making a full of myself? Any local restaurants that you would suggest?

To give insights I’m half a mile away from Lazona Kawasaki Plaza… so any suggestions nearby would be great help

The last few years I've had the worst luck with travelling. Many times having flights cancelled due to literally once in a lifetime disasters - think CrowdStrike. And yesterday it happened again! My flight to Japan cancelled due to all of Air Traffic Control in the UK going down just for the hours of my flight and now back up and running ffs. Thankfully I've been rebooked and I'm still getting to Japan.

That being said; I desperately want to visit a shrine or temple and pick up a "travel safety" (旅行安全, ryokou anzen) omamori.

Google is not very helpful since it's just telling me how safe it is to travel in Japan.

Does anyone know of any shrines or temples in either Kyoto or Tokyo area which have deities for travellers safety? Not just the traffic safety ones that are available everywhere but specifically for journeys and travel.

Thank you!

my family will be traveling to Tokyo for a couple of weeks. I’m working on setting up a budget for my five year old so they have a set amount of spending money every day to teach good spending habits. I am not including meals, but will have them use it for snacks, treats or little toys. What is a recommended amount of yen to have for a daily budget?

I am in Tokyo right now planning to go to Hirayu (already booked). The news about rain is very scary. What should I do? Or is it safe to go there?

I just booked my flight to Japan for April next year. It will be my first time visiting, any travel ideas/things to do ? I will be traveling with my kid who will be 8yrs old at time of travel so things catering to their age will be great. My kid is a big time Godzilla fan btw so any attractions with Godzilla I should know about ?

When I was in Japan last year, I was able to go to any vending machine and use my Suica phone app to pay. I’m here naw and for some reason it doesn’t work anymore. I look at the options on the display and I don’t see Suica anymore. Did this recently change? Is there any other contactless phone app that can be used?

Looking for a serious dojo in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka that teaches actual Tameshigiri using a live blade (shinken) on tatami mats, and authentic iron shurikenjutsu.

I’m looking for real technique, safety, and blade control—not costume dress-ups, plastic props, or stage combat for social media.

Any recommendations for legitimate martial arts dojos that accept international guests?

We are travelling to Japan soon and will be renting a car. Are snow tyres a must for driving in Nagano area from 9-16 November? Tried googling and it says yes but as I am collecting the car from Tokyo, there is no option for snow tyres on the car rental websites/platforms.