Hi everyone! My partner and I are visiting Japan for the first time this winter. We arrive at KIX on December 24th and fly out of Tokyo on January 9th.

We’re planning a fairly typical itinerary, I think: Osaka, Koyasan, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Nara, Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo.

Our plan is to mainly use public transportation, but my husband really wants to drive at least once and have the experience of driving in Japan. We were thinking about renting a car for a day or two during the trip, mainly to see some more scenic areas and have the freedom to stop somewhere spontaneously along the way.

I’m not completely convinced it’s worth it, though. I feel like taking the train and enjoying the scenery along the way, while doing day trips, might be easier and more affordable.

So, a few questions:

1) Would you recommend renting a car for a day trip or a couple of days? For example, from Kyoto or Tokyo?

I was thinking about Hakone (although I imagine part of the fun there is taking the ropeway and using the other transportation options), or maybe Kamakura. But we’re definitely open to other suggestions if there are places where having a car would make more sense.

2) What are the roads like around that time of year? Is snow or ice something we should be concerned about?

3) Is parking generally difficult or expensive in places like Hakone/Kamakura and other popular destinations?

We’re still figuring out our itinerary, so any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated! Thanks so much in advance!

Please recommend me food and/or bar tours for Tokyo.

I'm open minded and have no allergies, so recommend me the best.

Bonus points if it's solo traveler friendly.

Please and thank you.

Planning a trip 2 week trip with my husband for May of next year. Our current plan is 5 nights in Akasaka Tokyo, 6 nights in Kyoto and 2 more nights in Tokyo(undecided where) before flying out. Will we get bored of being in kyoto all that time? We plan to spend 2 days exploring Kyoto, 1 day trip to universal, 1 to Osaka and 1 to Nara with one final day where we can decide what to do on the fly. Because we have so many day trips I feel as though we may not get sick of it, I also don’t want to get too fatigued by moving hotels so much. But I also fear that we’ll miss out on the culture of Osaka if we don’t get to explore the nightlife and stay there. Id also hate to feel like we didn’t make the most of our trip. Nothing has been booked so any advice helps!!

Staying in Ueno so great if it’s easy to get to from there. Will be bringing a travel stroller so hopefully no shops that are too cramped.

For the coffee, I enjoy lightly roasted pourover options. Family enjoys fun espresso/milk drinks.

Appreciate any recs!

I am planning a 11 day solo trip to Tokyo in January. I've been to Japan four times with a group of friends, and we usually stay at Airbnbs by the Skytree. This time, I wanted to try staying at a hotel because I don't have to share an accommodation with anyone. With my Hilton discount, I can get an executive room at the Hilton Tokyo for about 180 a night. It will run me about 2400 dollars for 11 nights, which is more expensive than an Airbnb.

Airbnbs have been a hit or miss though. 2/4 have been great, and the other two sucked. One of them was very miserable so I always make sure to double check the listing prior to booking. Looking at the prices, it can be significantly cheaper to book one versus staying at the Hilton Tokyo.

I am a bit indecisive because I have always wanted to stay a hotel, but prices are high for nicer hotels. I like to spend on vacation, but I dislike when a decent amount goes towards my accommodation. Is it generally worth it to pay more for a nicer hotel? I would be open to more hotel recommendations too! But for now, I am eyeing that discount at the Hilton Tokyo or staying at a decent Airbnb.

Hello my fellow Pokemon fans and soon Japan travellers,

today was the day the reservations for the month of October were released. I managed to make two bookings for the cafe in Tokyo, and as reservations changed since July 2026 and I couldn’t find new guides yet, I wanted to tell you my experience.

Standard info

The reservation slots are released at 6 pm Japanese standard time (JST). For me in Europe, this was 11 am. All slots for October 2026 were released today on 1st September 2026. I did this together with my partner so we had two one iPad and two phones ready to go.

Phase one - Site is busy please reload

There is still a human captcha (the pictures where you have to select hats or busses or stairs), and it times out after 5 to 7 minutes. We filled in the captcha at one minute before opening of the slots. As expected, the website immediately became unavailable at opening. Up until 11:15am (6:15pm JST) we were nearly unable to get any connection to the page, we just kept seeing a busy gateway page. When we finally managed, all slots were booked.

Phase two - we will never get tickets

From 11:15 onwards, it became a whole different story. At 15 minutes past release of the slots, both of us got onto the date selection page and some dates were available again. We were able to click on a date, but all of the timeslots were closed. So no luck for us. We wanted to give up and became kinda discouraged.

Phase three - Reload, reload and reload reload

At 30 minutes past opening of the dates, all of a sudden nearly all dates were available again. We were able to select exactly the day we wanted and a good time slot. Once you’re able to select a timeslot, you have to fill-in your name twice, your phone number and your email address. After we filled this information in, the site became unavailable again.

Keep pressing the reload button but do not reload your browser window. This is due to the fact that your reservation will now be held for 15 minutes, and reloading from the browser removed our held reservation. Often times you were sent back to the very start page. There you have to select the café you just managed to hold a reservation in. In the bottom right corner will be a blue square with “held reservation”. Click on the square. Now you are prompted to authenticate. You will get a email code in your inbox. Fill the code in, but it might crash again. Don’t worry just click on the reload button on the webpage and start this section again. Your reservation is still held.

After you’ve managed to authenticate, you are now prompted to select items to put in your cart. This exclusive merch will prompt you to fill in your card information which is another step which can fail. We therefore did not purchase any merch on our first reservation. At this stage it failed again and we had to reload again and restart the authentication process. Our reservation was held the entire time. Your reservation does not go away even if the site reloads.

Five minutes later, we managed to get to this same page again where we clicked continued. Then another field pops up where you have to confirm. And all of a sudden, I got a confirmation email in my inbox. This was the biggest excitement ever!

Phase four - do it again

After we managed to get our first reservation, we noticed that a lot of slots kept popping up once we refreshed the page. This seemed to happen in 15 minute increments. We managed to get a second reservation the exact same way I just described above but this time we added merch.

Long story short, it is possible and don’t be discouraged if the first 15 minutes don’t work out for you. Often times the bots don’t manage to actually confirm a reservation, and the pages gets much less errors after the first 30min have passed.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this write up and I am by no means a professional reservation booker, I just wanted to share my as I’ve noticed that there wasn’t a lot out there yet since the system changed.

The last post on this was from 6 months ago ( from what I could find ) sorry if I missed something!!

Any one of have any intel if 11/1/26 is truly the date they will implement? Trying to plan how much lead time at the airport we may need now that the refund situation is alot different...worried since its new that it will be a shit show...although it is Japan so I have a little bit more faith lolz :') ty all!

**edit: due to some responses.. we're not buying small items. Probably $10-$15k in USD purchases..per person.. if not more T_T

** édit 2: blocking redditors for myself personally that are not understanding- the point of this inquiry on this thread. If you aren’t interested in this process plz go kick rocks or get financially literate plzzzz

My fiance and I made reservations for the Pokemon Cafe this morning, checked out with merch, and thought that was that. Except at the very end we realized we got the wrong date (the 6th) instead of the 8th when we wanted to go. So we waited a few more minutes for the next ticket drop and got tickets for the correct date- skipping merch this time because we were just trying to get it done.

My question is: is it possible for us to still get the merch we picked out when we go on the 8th if we don't make it to the reservation on the 6th? (We have tickets for Tokyo Disneyland on the 6th so idk how realistic it'd be to stop by the cafe that day). If it's not possible to get the merch, does the card we used get refunded or how's it all work?

It’s my primary payment method, but online resources say credit, so I’m concerned.

Hi all! Its my first to to Japan soon! I'm going with 3 friends. We'll be in Tokyo for a week and a half, and we'll be in Osaka for three days. We have the Tokyo part pretty much planned, but we're looking for things to do in Osaka. We don't mind some tourist spots, but we would rather do something unique without all the Lines and other tourists around.

Any recs would be appreciated! We tend to avoid more physical activities like hikes, but woukd enjoy things like visiting a shrine or cool museum.

Any help is appreciated, thank you!!

Took my second solo trip to Japan. Was crazier than my previous one honestly... Focused this trip specifically near the Kansai region. This time I took the Kansai wide area pass, not sure if I used it to the fullest but it's worth it imo.

Wanted to recommend a few spots that you ought to appreciate (Note: These I'd say are slightly more underrated or missed out spots so they don't cover the more obvious ones):

1. Kobe's Mt. Maya Ropeway up to Kikuseidai Observation Platform: They said the view from up there is worth a hundred million dollars... And they were probably right... I went around the evening and stayed for about an hour and a half... It is one of Japan's three famous nigjttime views. Kobe itself is a unique city with a European vibe. Rating: 9/10

2. Amanohashidate: The mesmerising pine laden sandbar. Riding across the sandbar on a rented bike, stopping to appreciate the emerald waters was a highlight of this trip. The view from the Kasamatsu park is absolutely breathtaking. One of Japan's top three day time views. Rating: 9/10 (Getting there is not as tough as some people online make it out to be, I took the Hashidate 1 from Kyoto which is direct)

3. Omi-Maiko Nakahama Beach: I absolutely did not intend to come here but my god what a beautiful excursion. Super underrated spot, calm vibe and a mesmerising beach with stunning views across lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. Short trip from Kyoto on the Kosei line. Rating: 7.5/10

4. Nara's Isuien Garden: Do visit this beautiful garden, super calm and wasn't touristy so quite peaceful. It's a short walk from the deer park. Rating: 7/10

5. Osaka Port Pier and Kaiyukan Aquarium: I've never been to an aquarium as unique as this. I went during the evening so the place was practically empty. The Ferris wheel besides it illuminates beautifully and the whole area has a relaxing vibe. It's relatively close to Universal Osaka. Rating: 8/10

Notable Mentions: Himeji, Otsu, Hikone, Wakayama areas

I myself haven't been to places like Tottori, Okayama etc. Plan to visit later someday!

As the title says, me and my friends know most anime ops/eds in their tv size, is there a way to choose that on karaoke machines or are they all in full size?

Looking for a Maiko/Geisha tea ceremony in Kyoto for 5 people – 21 or 22 September

Hi everyone! We’re a group of 5 travelling to Kyoto and are hoping to do an authentic Maiko/Geiko (Geisha) tea ceremony/experience on either 21 or 22 September.

Unfortunately, the experience we originally wanted was sold out. Three of us managed to secure an alternative Maiko/Geisha experience through Klook for the 21st, but the other two weren’t able to get tickets. Before we split the group, I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for an experience that could accommodate all five of us together on either the 21st or 22nd.

Ideally, we’re looking for something involving tea/matcha, a Maiko or Geiko performance/dance, some interaction or conversation, and photos.

We’re also very open to private experiences or arranging something through a local Kyoto guide, concierge or tour operator. If anyone here has organised something similar, knows a guide with connections, or can personally help us arrange an experience for five people, I’d really appreciate any recommendations!

Thank you! 😊

Hi guys. I am going to Japan this October. I recently started braces as an adult, and I have been cutting my food to small pieces to make it easier to eat. I'm thinking I will have to do this when I'm in Japan too, especially if the food come in big pieces (chicken/pork katsu, meats, tempura for example).

Would it be frowned upon to cut up my food to smaller pieces? I will be bringing my own food scissors, and generally keep my eating space neat.

Hoping to get some help finding a ryokan that checks all the boxes we’re looking for. We have a budget of $1500 a night for two.

We want the following:

- Relatively convenient location between Tokyo and Kyoto. We would like to stay here in between going to Kyoto from Tokyo so being able to continue onto the next city without a significant increase in travel time would be a requirement.

- More traditional design, not modern luxury. We’re looking for that picturesque ryokan in the mountains or forest, traditional Japanese architecture, tatami mats, you know the look.

- private in-room onsen

- In-room kaiseki (the food being exceptional is very important to us and is a must)

- In-room Japanese breakfast

- Would be great if the ryokan or surrounding area offered points of interest or activities, but we plan to spend most of the time just relaxing so it’s not as important as the other criteria.

Thank you!

My spouse and I are taking my parents, younger brother and his mate to japan next year in February - march for a month. My spouse and I have been twice for a month previously and done a road trip in Hokkaido during Autumn and a trip from Sapporo to Hiroshima during winter, stopping in a lot of the bigger cities on the eastern side of japan. For everyone else its their first time in a non english speaking country

Currently the plan is,

Sapporo 2 nights - to see the snow festival

Hakodate 1 night - so my mum can see the old buildings and shop in the red brick warehouses

Aomori 2 nights - still figuring out what to do here

Then we have a 5 day gap before

Nagano for 2 or 3 nights - so my brother and friend can snowboard, we can see the hotspring monkeys and some other nature

Then we have another 5 day gap before

Osaka or Kyoto for 3 or 4 nights - leaning more towards osaka and then just day tripping to Nara and Kyoto

Hiroshima for 3 nights - so my mum can see all of the war memorial and related things

Tokyo for 4 nights - day trips, shopping and a fishing charter in tokyo bay

We have only booked accommodation up to Aomori at this stage and will be picking up 2 cars to drive the rest so we can stop in random little towns and see hard to reach attractions. Being Australians we don't have issues with long drives. Walks, seeing animals and things we could never see or try in Australia is the goal.

Going to Japan for the first time this November, and am planning on getting tickets for USJ. I know most people recommend klook for tickets, however I find the Osaka-tickets.com (crafted by Headout) website to be far easier to navigate. This is especially because klook won’t accept my card due to my surname, which has turned into a huge bother.

Do any of you know if Osaka-tickets is a legit site?

Hi,

We are 2 car interested people from Denmark who will be visiting Japan from the 27th of September to the 10th of October. we would really like to visit Diakoku Parking Area on Friday the 9th of October. But with it being a place only accessed by car. we have been looking for a way to get there. renting a car was our first choice. but we quickly abandoned the idea because of our flight early next morning. and not being able to deliver the car back in time. we have looked at a guided tour with Samurai Car Japan but its a new company and we are not completely sure about them. what other options do we have? with the rest of our trip planed. its not really possible any other day. are there places we can get in ouch with a local and ask them for a trip back from Daikoku PA?

We are also visiting Oishi(Kawaguchiko), Nagoya, Osaka, nara and Kyoto if you have any car or culture related must sees in those areas :)

I’ve been planning a Japan trip for about a year and am gonna be there for 2 weeks starting the 15th of this month, conveniently coinciding with the death of the suica penguin. I was really looking forward to having a physical card with the penguin on it since it’s been my favorite animal since as long as I can remember and it’s just very cute. I know that the suica stations will still have the penguin cards until their final stock is sold out, which has already been processed and shipped out. Does that stock last long and I shouldn’t worry and it’s likely they’ll be there for when I go or should I cave and get one shipped overseas just to have?

Myself, my partner and our 2 year old will be spending 5 weeks in Tokyo this November. We have left a week at the end of our trip (the first week of December) to head to somewhere else in Japan for a holiday in a holiday. We would love to head somewhere within 3 hours of Tokyo which will offer us a calmer/quieter end to our trip. This could be costal/mountainous or historical! Would love to hear people's top recommendations.

Hello, will be coming Solo (25M) from USA to Japan in 35 days for 10 days and I am planning to do Fuji Q Highland, Nagashima Spa Land and possibly Universal. Planning to stay in Tokyo for the first half of my trip, and then second half will be in either Osaka or Kyoto (likely Kyoto because I am more interested in things there) and will get hotels settled tomorrow, my passports ready to go, and not sure if I can get global entry settled away before I go. What else do I need to do absolutely as soon as possible (this week) to make things smooth for arrival? I have my bags situation figured out (planning to use luggage service in between hotels and travel with a backpack) and also looking to get my Kabuki tickets on Sept 9 when they (allegedly?) come out. Any hotel chain recommendations? Looking to spend probably between 60-120 per night max. Probably will get a hotel in Tokyo and 1 in Kyoto. People have told me don’t use Apa, but they look cheap and I usually go for the cheapest 2.5 star hotel I can find in the states. Can’t be worse than a good ole holiday inn or best western no?

Any and all advice welcome. Probably will make a separate post asking people for recommendations. Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone!

I am travelling to Japan for the first time in February 2027. I will only get to be in Japan for 8 days but I am flying into Tokyo and wondering what would be recommended to do?

I am 20F from Australia, so I am aware the weather will be cold and dry in Japan (would also love recommendations for how to keep warm hehe), but I would love to know everyones favourite spots and must-sees that would fit with being a 20F. I am travelling in a group so not solo-travelling but we are very open to doing anything!

We were considering a potential day trip to Osaka for shopping and further sight seeing but would love to hear everyone's thoughts on that!

For further context on our holiday, we are flighting AUS to Singapore, then spending 3 days in Singapore to do Universal Studios there and do some slight sightseeing, then flying into Tokyo and staying in Japan for 8 days, then flying back to AUS with a layover in Singapore. The holiday is a total of 11 days.

Any recommendations, advice, tips and help would be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance :)

considering it while we are dying from so much waking and going around everywhere lol has anyone actually tried it and how is it??

I sleep hot, it feels like it’d make me sweat harder lol!

I'm currently with Virgin Mobile and was wondering which route to go.

My main hubs are Shimoda, Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo.

Hey all, initially during our planning we were looking at a Shogun Bar in Tokyo that lets you dress up and photoshoot as a Samurai in armor. Since then it looks like that place has permanently closed. Are there any other places aside from the Museum that offer this type of experience in Tokyo?

Side note: Is there a store in Tokyo where we can buy Samurai/Oni Masks?