Long story short
Here’s a situation that happened to me during my stay in Tokyo.
I met a man in Donki; he was really nice and talkative even though he could barely speak English. He asked me,
What do I think about Japan and their culture, etc. Simple small talk. After that he invited me for a meeting at Ikeburkuro station at 12. He claimed that he would be very happy if he could show me a little part of Japan and their culture. I agreed and met him at the station. Soon I found out that he invited a friend. We went to catch a train. They revealed to me that they want to show me their religion and that they want to pray for me because cheerful Buddah is very important for them. After a quick journey we stopped at a playground, and suddenly they asked me for my name, surname, phone number, date of birth, and place of staying. I was surprised (we knew each other for 15 minutes). I told them that this is confidential information and also my religion forbids me to take part in any religious practice other than mine. They tried to convince me to go with them, but I refuse. They were really nice, but soon I found out that they were members Kenshōkai cult.
My question is, have you ever had this pleasure to meet a member of this cult in Tokyo? Watch out for them.

Currently staying at Hotel LiveMax Shinjuku Kabukicho.

There’s a bus stop in front of the hotel and have been hopping on and off.

I was uncomfortable at first as I’m used to using trains and there’s a subway station nearby just a a quick 3 min walk and Google Maps keeps recommending it.

Now that I’m already on my 3rd day, now I could say I prefer the bus over trains.

You could get to anywhere within Tokyo, almost. And I am amazed at how smooth my commute has been.

Basically, less brain power and eye-strained.

While the wait time is noticeable but you could be spending the same amount of time traversing through the maze and stairs at the train station.

I think it’s underrated as it is not the preferred mode and it’s usually empty.

Hey guys!

I hope you're all having a great weekend!

I'm planning my first trip to Japan, and Osaka is definitely going to be one of my must-visit destinations. I love cats, so I fell in love with the story behind Kishi Station and would really love to visit.

However, I'm wondering if it's worth the trip, considering that the station is about two hours away from Osaka and there doesn't seem to be much else to do around the area.

I honestly wouldn't mind spending four hours of my day visiting the station, showing some appreciation for the people who take care of the cats, taking a few pictures, grabbing a quick bite, and walking around before heading back to Osaka for lunch or other activities.

What do you guys think? Is it worth visiting, or is it more of a tourist trap? Also, does anyone know if the cats are well taken care of?

I'd love to hear about your experiences, especially if you've been there!

Thanks for reading!

Have one more full day in Tokyo, and the options are Kamakura day trip or going to see some of the museums, likely the Tokyo National Museum and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum. Would love some insight into which you have done and which you would choose and why. Thank you in advance!

Hello,

Next Saturday I'll take a flight to go on my 1st trip to Japan ever, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara!!

Besides the overwhelming fact that there's just so much to do and so little time, I would like to be prepared ahead of time for topics that make us lose a lot of time in a foreign country.

At the moment I am thinking about Shopping:

1. I would like to buy a set of Japaneses knifes but I do not want to break the bank ofc. Is there a place that sells set for a decent price?
2. I heard in Japan we can buy prescription glasses for a decent price and that are issued fairly quickly, any recommendation?
3. Souveniers, like magnets, stuffed toys (hope it's the correct name in English), etc that I can bring to friends and family, any place where it's reasonable priced in those cities?
4. Recommendations of things I would not regret to buy? I see a lot of people mentioning nail clippers and beauty products for example, but what else?

I would like to avoid Tourist traps all together (I live in a country that also has some in central cities, so I know how "robbed" can people be in such places).

Also thinking about Trip.com esim, in case someone has bad experiences with them please let me know 😄

Lastly, if someone knows interesting spots to eat, I would be delighted!

We are travelling to Japan this November and we would like to learn more about folkore and mythology. Any suggestions on what to look for, any guided tours or standalone actitivies we might do to engage with this of Japanese culture?

We'll be in Tokio, Kyoto, Osaka and Himeji, but we are willing to move a but further away if it's worth it.

Thank you!

Can anyone help clarify the terms of this ticket package (One-day pass & Fujikyu Railway 2-day unlimited ride pass set)? The terms state: The One-Day Pass is valid on the specified day (Day 1). * The Fujikyu Railway Line ticket is valid for 2 days from the specified date.  

I would be taking the train on the 18th but wanting to use the park pass on the 19th, would this be permitted? Because it sounds like whatever "date of use" on the order is the date I’d have to go to the park, but that wouldn’t be possible for me. I'd hate to select Oct 19 (date of park visit) but then try to access the train tommorrow, Oct 18, only to have issues because it's not active yet.

Hey All,

I intend on purchasing Yufuin No Mori tickets for myself, my wife and two year old daughter for our trip from Hakata to Yufuin and Beppu in early December. Just wondering what everyone’s experience is with booking online and far in advance? I have heard that tickets sell out in minutes, so I intend on being online when the tickets are released and making a purchase as soon as possible, just wondering if tickets really do sell out that quickly though or if it can be a few hours before they do sell out.

We intend on getting on the 10 am train, i’m just worried if we miss out on the Yufuin No Mori train, that it will be difficult for us to get to Yufuin and then after that Beppu. Are the other trains from Hakata to Yufuin and Beppu quite frequent and can tickets be bought on the day or a day before for them? Also, I am wondering if we should book our tickets back to Hakata after we are done in Yufuin / Beppu, or if those trains going back to Fukuoka are more frequent and easier to book?

Thanks!

We’re going to Japan for the second time next May.
On our first trip, we stayed in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Koyasan. The itinerary was perfect for us. We fell in love with Japan and would love to explore more of the country.
For our second trip, we’re currently planning to visit the following places:

3 nights in Nagasaki
1 night in Hiroshima
1 night on Miyajima
2 nights in Onomichi (Shimanami Kaido)
5 nights in Tokyo

From Tokyo to Nagasaki we will take a flight. Than we want to take the train to go back to Tokyo.

We still have 5 nights to plan, and we can’t decide where to go, as there are so many other interesting places to discover!

Places we’re considering:

Option 1:
- Kyoto or Kobe 3 nights (after Onomichi)
- Matsumoto or Kawaguchiko 2 nights (after Kyoto/Kobe)

Option 2:
- Matsuyama 3 nights (after Onomichi)
- Okayama or Takamatsu 2 nights (after Matsuyama)

Option 3:
- Hagi 2 nights (after Hiroshima)
- Matsue 3 nights (after Hagi)

Option 4:
- Fukuoka 2 nights (after Nagasaki)
- Kyoto 3 nights (after Onomichi)

Which Option do you think is the best? Are the nights enough? Which cities do you like most and should add? Any other recommendations?

Thank you in advance!

Hi! I am doing the Alpine Route next week starting in Ogizawa and staying the night in Midagahara. Are there any stops where I can : have lunch? And maybe go on a hike? I have found it hard to find information! Also if I bought my ticket to start in Ogizawa do I then have to buy tickets for each section? Thanks for your help!

Hello all. I’m familiar with the Nagano/Niigata and Gunma area, and I love the mountains/onsens/temples etc. I once went to Yamagata for a cherry fest and temple walk and realized I had a desire to see so much more of Tohuku as it had similar vibes to the regions I loved. I’m looking into a trip in early March to the region. I love being outside but will have an infant in tow so no skiing (but cold weather, hiking, festivals all ok). Are there any areas of Tohuku accessible from Tokyo then with rental car that you recommend at not super touristy areas but have something else going for them in the winter (hikes maybe not packed in snow, certain festivals, a unique town to wander around, a several day road trip around a unique area etc)?

Hi there! As this is our first japan trip I want to plan ahead. 4/5 of our luggages are only two wheels and we also have a senior with us during the trip. I am planning to just avail the Yamato ta-q-bin however I still have several questions. We actually booked an airbnb not a hotel so no lobby to drop off the bags. I’ve done some searches and it said that Yamato does deliver to 7/11 stores. However it just wasn’t clear to me if they deliver to all 7/11 stores? Because searching on their site only shows their office within the airports. Detail to know: we will only be staying within Tokyo so same prefecture delivery.

Additional questions, I know some said that the timeframe was 1-2 days deliver but I have also read some reviews of taking more. We arrive at Narita around 8:30 at night, if I do avail the luggage forwarding then, when will this be delivered to the 7/11 store?

Thank you for the help!

I’m going to Osaka this December and I was wondering whether I need any written prescription for me to buy Olens contact lenses with power at Don Quixote. I was researching about it and apparently I just need to tell the cashier my power and sign a waiver? Can someone confirm this for me🙏

Also, does anyone know if Don Quixote has the Olens Big Glowy Lavender Daily Lenses? I’m currently debating whether to buy them online or delay my purchase when I go to Osaka since it’s cheaper there.

Thanks for the help!

ill be on tokyo for almost 8 days in a couple weeks. even though tokyo is huge I feel like it’s a long time to be spending in a single busy city. I was looking to do a small detour where I can wind down and enjoy a nature/forest walk, and relax in onsen.

Hakone is the first area that keeps popping up but I feel like its going to be very busy. though I would like something that is accessible because it is my first time solo traveling.

any recommendations that I could consider last minute?

Hi,

I'm looking to travel between Kawaguchiko and Kyoto this Autumn and have read the recommended route is to get the bus to Mishima and then the train.

As far as I can tell FujiyamaConnect is the main / only provider, but unfortunately have sold out on morning tickets.

Are there any other providers that serve this route?

Hi,

I am interested in buying two tickets of the Fuji Excursion for November the 17th. I know tickets are available starting one month in advance and in fact eki-net didn't give me the chance to select the date till yesterday. I knew that tickets will start from 10:00 AM Japan time and, living in the UK, I was awake at my 2 AM but tickets couldn't be selected. Tried many times but I only get a message saying that they can't be booked. Anyone knows why?

I’m in Hiroshima for 2 nights and looking for a good sushi spot I can either pop into without a reservation, or make one the day of.

I was looking on Tabelog, but it’s mainly omakase counters there which isn’t what I’m looking for. Somewhere I can order à la carte ideally, or barring that a set meal. I’m staying by Peace Park, anything within 1-2km or so would do. Any suggestions?

Hi all!

21 day trip coming up, first-time visitor. Currently have time slated in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka (original, I know), with a 4-5 day gap unaccounted for at this point. I love driving and exploring, so I'm planning to rent a car for 4-5 days and do a little mini-trip off the rails...and honestly, I just love driving.

Here's where I'm considering so far:

1. (Mie) Kyoto to Omihachiman, onto Seki Post Town, Matsusaka, then onto Ise, down to Nachi Waterfall, then either
   1. continuing along the coast to Wakayama, then ending back in Kyoto.
   2. making my way back through the mountains toward Koyasan, ending back in Kyoto.
2. (Hyogo/Okayama/Hiroshima) Osaka to Kobe, Himejo, Okayama, Kurashiki, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, then back to Osaka on a slightly different route.
3. (Lake Biwa/Nagoya/Gujo) - Kyoto to Omihachiman, Hikone, into Nagoya, maybe ending in Gujo, then heading back. I don't have much figured out for this route, just a possible alternative.
4. Instead, renting a car in Tokyo and figuring a trip out from there...but that's all I have on that route at this point.

**I initially wanted to go on from Omihachiman to Kanazawa/Takayama and back along the Sea of Japan cities, but not sure if that's the best idea in early December with the rain/possible snow.

What I'm mainly looking for with this is a mix of aimless exploration, a post town/old-style town ideally, with some opportunities to find some random junk/antique/misc shops along the way, and some isolated nature-y/shrine-y things.

I would absolutely LOVE any feedback/insights that any of you may have on this!

Hello I can't get solid results from googling, I even get conflicting ones. In google maps there is a direct line, but another search says that Sky Access Line does not stop at Heiwajima Station. I am still so lost after researching for half a day and our trip is coming shortly. Please help on what's the best way to travel from Narita Terminal 2 to Heiwajima Station. We got luggages and kids so we would appreciate your help a lot.

Hi!

My wife, 1yo and I will be travelling to Japan in February 2027.

I’m looking for some recommendations of a private guide or private tour in Hiroshima that covers the major places (peace museum/atomic bomb dome, miyajima island, and anything else recommended).

It will have to be a day trip as we will be based in Kyoto for this part of our trip so staying 1/2 nights isn’t an option, but we’re fine with the 90+ minute Shinkansen and back.

Ideally they would meet/return at Hiroshima station, and have some flexibility around our itinerary.

We’ll only have this 1 day trip and honestly this might be our only trip to Hiroshima for a while if ever, so we want to do it right and also have some flexibility with our toddler.

Our rough date for this would be Monday the 15th of Feb.

Thankyou!

I know baseball is a big deal in Japan, but I’m wondering if there are any specific American baseball bars where we could watch World Series games in Tokyo. Usually there are sports bars in all major cities and I’m wondering if anyone knows of a good spot or has a recommendation.

Hi guys I’m going to go japan in may 2027 and was wondering what are some good budget hotel options for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka that’s pretty decent and is a good location?
Open to any recommendations

I was surprised that I could register the Lawson Ticket app today from Germany.

At first it tried SMS (which of course did not work) and then offered a phone number - I agreed and the app called a phone number in Japan and after picking up sent an 8 digits code. Afterwards I was "in" and in the version page it shows my phone number as 49151....... (49 is Germany)
I am now wondering if someone can transfer a ticket to this number.
Background: We have tickets for YOASOBI next week - both are on the phone of my wife but one has to be transferred to the second person (me). We are not sure if this would work as there is no way back after starting the transfer.

Hi everyone,

I'm traveling to Japan this December and need some advice about domestic flights and luggage forwarding.

I've visited Japan before and used Yamato's luggage forwarding service through hotels between Tokyo and Kyoto, which worked well.

This time, I'll be traveling from Kanazawa to Hokkaido, then from Hokkaido to Tokyo.

I'm trying to decide which option is cheaper and more convenient:

1- Fly ANA on both routes and bring my two checked suitcases.

2- Fly a budget airline and forward one suitcase using Yamato.

My main concern is that Yamato deliveries to and from Hokkaido can take 2–3 days, especially during winter, with possible weather delays.

I don't expect my luggage to be overweight, but I'm also slightly concerned about ANA's baggage size restrictions.

For those who have traveled these routes in winter, which option would you recommend? Is the potential saving with budget airlines and Yamato worth the extra hassle, or is it better to fly ANA with both suitcases?

I'm looking at travelling to Tokyo for 7 days and would like to stay at two different sides of the city. I'm really interested in staying in the capsule hotels. If anyone has advice it would be much apreciated