Japan travel
Before you go
Add a Suica transit card to your iPhone
You can use this card to travel on the Tokyo metro, and also to pay for small items in stores like Lawsons.
You can add it in your Apple Wallet before you go.
- Open Wallet App
- Click the Plus icon and Add Transit Card
- Select Japan - Suica Card
- Top up with your payment method (credit, debit card)
- Make sure Suica is listed in your settings as your “Express Transit card”
Add a Suica, PASMO or ICOCA card to Apple Wallet
Order a SIM online, pick up at Airport or hotel
Example.
https://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/note_un_7gb.html
You can also buy SIMs in BIC Camera, Yodabashi, etc.
Osaka
The Glico running man
attraction
https://www.happyjappy.com/blog/the-glico-running-man.htm
Landmark 1930s sign in Osaka, over the Dotombori canal.
Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
attraction
https://www.insidekyoto.com/arashiyama-bamboo-grove
Fushimi Inari Taisha
attraction
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html
Harukoma honten
For dinner
Sushi in Osaka Will need to queue
Blog post about why it’s the one of the best sushi places in Osaka https://migrationology.com/best-sushi-osaka-japan/
Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FQieLmk1hwgToXfg8
Before going aboard your Shinkansen bullet train, get a bento box
Guide to Ekiben: The best bento box for on the train
https://www.jrpass.com/blog/guide-to-ekiben-the-best-bento-box-for-on-the-train
Ginza, Tokyo
Teamlab Planets
attraction
Top recommended attraction in Tokyo.
Book tickets in advance
Fairly near Ginza by Subway.
There is also teamLab Borderless - here is a video showing the difference between the two
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=RzUFtZRk1vc
Cafe de l’ambre
Coffee Break
Coffee shop in the back lanes of Ginza
If you’re in Ginza, and like drip coffee, this is an old fashioned classic Japanese cafe.
https://tokyocoffee.org/2016/05/29/cafe-de-lambre/
Starbucks in Ginza Six mall
Coffee Break
An attractive Starbucks on the top floor of this convenient Ginza mall.
https://whenin.tokyo/Starbucks-Tsutaya-Ginza-Six
Happy Pancake
snack
The original fluffy pancakes.
https://trulytokyo.com/a-happy-pancake-ginza/
Doutor
Coffee Break
Several branches of Doutor; Good regular place to stop for Coffee and a snack, eg. a toasted cheese sandwich.
Ask for an English menu
Sushizanmai
For dinner
There are quite a few branches of this sushi restaurant, eg. this branch in Ginza
https://tokyocheapo.com/food-and-drink/sushi/cheapo-sushi-sushizanmai/
Near Tokyo Station
Rigoletto (Italian) - near Tokyo station
For dinner
Italian food.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g14129528-d1679390-Reviews-Rigoletto_Wine_and_Bar-Marunouchi_Chiyoda_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
https://g.co/kgs/415EZKA
Shibuya, Tokyo
Shibuya Sky
attraction
https://youtube.com/watch?v=4wlXGTAssAI&si=h_VO2y5F33eAdEtP
Viewing deck on rooftop of a skyscraper overlooking Shibuya Scramble.
Book tickets in advance
Valley Park Stand
Coffee Break
https://g.co/kgs/9tsErX8
Miyashita Park
Pitstop in Shibuya for coffee : toilet break https://www.instagram.com/reel/CipIxXLvziT/?igsh=eTUzbHZuaTZmY2Jr
Shibuya Scramble / Crossing
attraction
The classic pedestrian crossing in Tokyo
Tully’s Coffee
Coffee Break
Western style coffee chain.
Multiple branches.
Try the Royal Milk Tea
Maisen
For dinner
4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
https://japanrestaurant.net/en/shop/maisen/
Pork cutlet restaurant in the Shibuya area.
Walkable from Omotesando station.
Also in Tokyo
Itasoba Kaoriya
For dinner
恵比寿4-3-10 (中出センチュリーパーク 1F)
Shibuya, Tokyo
150-0013
Japan
https://g.co/kgs/imUA12w
Famous Soba restaurant
Walkable from Ebisu station, which is on the Yamanote Line quite near Shibuya.
Will need to queue, doesn’t take bookings
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g14131018-d3607436-Reviews-Itasoba_Kaoriya-Ebisu_Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
Yodobashi Camera
attraction
Classic Japan Electronics store, multiple branches, described as ‘a temple’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DnmErX4MVo
Best branch is Akihabara
Yodobashi Akiba
https://g.co/kgs/2fzKHrb
If you have more time and you like these type of stores you can also go to BIC Camera if you see one, a competitor. Best one is BIC Yurakucho
https://g.co/kgs/wMWckGD
KITTE Garden
attraction
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/28/index.html
Rooftop to this mall, you can watch the bullet trains coming in and out of Tokyo station.
If you’re in the area, this is a good viewing deck, and is free. Top floor of the KITTE mall.
When you miss western food
The 3rd Burger (several branches in Tokyo)
For dinner
https://tokyocheapo.com/food-and-drink/international-food/the-3rd-burger-the-option-between-mcdonalds-and-expensive-gourmet-burgers/