Two 26M went to Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Tokyo. It was both of our first time in Japan. We had a fabulous time and the following are some things we noticed along the way.
-MASKS. Check the rules before you depart for Japan and follow them. I’m an American living in Europe so I haven’t had to wear a mask in quite some time but it was an easy transition to get used to them again.
Also I noticed Tokyo and Kyoto had very strict mask policy adherence while I saw many foreigners and Japanese unmasked in Osaka and Nara. Just my experience on the days I was there.
– ITINERARY. if it’s your first time going like it was mine, be realistic with your itinerary and leave time to enjoy the areas you visit, not just check it off the list.
I had a pretty detailed itinerary mapped out I shared on this sub, but I found planning multiple neighborhoods per day to be unrealistic and had to adjust. I like to take my time browsing every shelf of an entire 6 story Animate shop then wait in that hour long line for the best omurice in the neighborhood. Before you know it the day is gone and you’ve only done maybe half your itinerary. Save the rest for next time and really soak in your surroundings.
Lastly in relation to planning, let life happen. My first day in Kyoto I met a Japanese girl and we hit it off instantly. Scheduled a date for that night and we didn’t get back to her place until 5 in the morning which led me to sleep almost all day. That was 2 of my 4 kyoto days gone. I was originally worried about not getting to see everything on my list but decided it can all just wait for my next trip. She did take me to Kiyomizu for hot sake and the temple illuminations on my third day which is something I hadn’t even heard of. So basically, let life happen and if you’re a planner and worrier like me, just reassure yourself it’s okay to deviate and go with the flow.
-Japanese POSITIVE ENERGY we received. From the young arcade worker who took 45 minutes of his time to set us up accounts so we could play the gundam pilot sim game when it’s clearly supposed to be a do-it-yourself process that we couldn’t figure out , to the old shop keepers that would return the deep bows I gave them after asking many questions about their goods, everyone was super kind. The other mid-20s people we met out at night said mostly everybody they knew was thrilled to have foreigners back around. Hearing different languages, sharing energy. Everybody just seemed excited. I heard rumors the older folk were the most vocal about not wanting to reopen but the older folk I had chance encounters with were all super friendly. Probably a little selection bias. One time a old man was pushing his wife in a wheelchair and couldn’t get it up over the edge of the sidewalk so my friend and I grabbed each side and lifted her up on real quick. Tons of bows and thank yous and smiles ensued it was very sweet moment.
– NAVIGATION. Everywhere I read said Google maps is my best friend but Google maps led me to the wrong place twice. If you have iPhone, I used Apple Maps the entire time after Google let me down and Apple Maps was flawless and way more intuitive for me. As for translate I just used basic phrases and hand gestures and never needed it for human interaction but the camera function on Google translate for signs and menus is fabulous.
-PHONES. Last thing I want to mention is phone service in Japan. I bought a Sakura mobile 15 day 4G SIM and couldn’t get it to work the first few days. After re configuring the APN settings and restarting my iPhone it worked like a charm. If you opt to get a SIM in Japan, make sure you follow the directions to configure these setting exactly as described by your provider.
My first trip was a beautiful experience and I’m already looking into booking my next one. Maybe for colder months since I was sweating walking around in November! If anybody planning to go soon has specific questions let me know.
4 comments
How did your love story end?
I do agree with not overstuffing your days, enjoying it fully and planning some things for the next trip. But this may be the mid-life crisis speaking, especially since my financial situation don’t allow me to travel often, I can’t help shake the thought of “If I don’t do this now, I don’t know when else I could do it”.
But yeah like I said, I do agree with your sentiment. Currently planning my own itinerary and now in the phase of dropping plans that may cause the day to be overstuffed
Great post! Heading to Japan in December through New Years and cannot wait.
Definitely looking to explore some nightlife – can you recommend any of the bars in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka that were friendly to foreigners (also open to clubs)? One of my favorite parts of traveling is meeting locals and having interesting conversations. Thanks!
Was just in Osaka last weekend. Many LOCAL people don’t wear masks there outside. There are giant signs in the airport “masks required inside, not required outside”
Also if anyone reads this and is flying into or out of Kansai- it’s a damn mess. The arrival lines are long and staffed with a hundred people and stantions and snake around but have no actual purpose. Just flash your QR code so you gotta keep phone out a hundred times. They actually only scan it at immigration. QR code for customs also had massive lines, but paper was empty. I arrived at 10:30 AM T1 from Seoul.
Just came back to Seoul today. 11 AM flight, arrived at airport at 9 AM.
THERE ARE NO SOUVENIR SNACKS OR FOOD OR CAFE to easily access. Only one of each of those types of places are open. The Family Mart by the gates had 50 people in line, and same for the only cafe open.
Literally only the side with gates 1-17 or so are open, so that also meant MASSIVE queues to board the shuttle.
Buy all your goodies before you get to the airport. I’ve been to Osaka af least oh 5-6 times over the years and THE AIRPORT definitely felt like when I visited America recently…just a mess.