JAPAN
Type1Fun
Budget for Japan Approximate Total ($6,000-$9,000)
Konnichiwa, fellow travelers! This was a different type of travel for me. I went to Tokyo with my cousin, my sister, and a girlfriend. Girls Trip! Shopping, exploring culture, and luxury hotels was on the menu for this trip, and it did not disappoint. It was a nice mix up from my normal Type2 trip. As you start planning your Japanese adventure, I'm here to equip you with some invaluable tips for making the most out of your stay in this captivating city.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re going — it’s who you go with that makes it fun!”
We stayed 3 nights in Tokyo, 3 nights in Kyoto and 2 nights in Hakone and were visiting in mid-May. There are many beautiful places in Tokyo - these are just the places we started with. I will absolutely be back to see more.
First Stop: Tokyo
Welcome to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis, and each neighborhood offers a unique experience. Visit Asakusa to witness the stunning Senso-ji Temple, head to Harajuku for trendy fashion and quirky street culture, and lose yourself in the bright lights of Shinjuku. Don't miss Shibuya's iconic crossing, a must-see spectacle of pedestrian mayhem.
"We all have that one friend who is either on a road-trip or planning a road-trip or thinking about a road-trip or talking to people who are on road-trip or posting quotes about road-trip."
We arrived at Haneda airport and easily found a taxi and showed him our hotel on our phone. It took about 40 minutes to drive from Haneda to TRUNK Hotel, which is in Harajuku. Enjoy the cute shops around and a 10 minute walk to Shibuya station. The first night we arrived, we relaxed.
Day 2 we explored Harajuku and Shibuya Station. We went to Team Labs, which was a very different way to see art and was fascinating. I didn't think I would like it, but I highly recommend it. We ended the night at Sunset at Shibuya Sky, which is a beautiful view of this impressive city.
“As with any journey, whom you travel with is more important than the destination.”
Day 3 we did more shopping and visited Asakusa which was my favorite neighborhood. The culture was everywhere and the shops were more what I was looking for, for traditional Japanese gifts, instead of lululemon and reebok, which you found in Harajuku. We ended the night at Sushi M which was an unforgettable, traditional, omakase meal. I am obsessed with Omakase and this did not disappoint.
Day 4 we began our trip to Kyoto. We had to activate our JR Pass and the ticket station which does this doesn't open until 10am. It may be a good idea to activate these the day before you leave, as many people told us, but we ignored them. We booked the first class tickets because it gave us luggage space, however, we didn't have luggage space. There were plenty of seats open where we left our bags, but I recommend purchasing the storage space. It took us 3 hours on the train to get to Kyoto. The train serves bento boxes and has wifi. You will be relaxing and enjoying the super fast train! We took a tax to The Chapter which was a great hotel for super cheap. For some reason, there are many italian restaurants within walking distance that you have to book several days in advance - I recommend trying one of those. The hotel was perfect and had onsen baths, the first that we enjoyed. They also serve a 9pm snack of noodles.
Day 5 we took a tour with Masu. Which again, I was not excited about and ended up loving it. Masu was a wonderful tour guide and took us to the spots that he thought would be the most important to us. He even took us to the best ramen place in town, which did not disappoint. He is so knowledgeable about Kyoto, I highly recommend not missing out on his expertise. When we finished the tour, Masu dropped us off at the dock, to take a boat to our next hotel, Hoshinoya. This hotel was wonderful, but to me, not worth the price. The river setting was gorgeous, but hard to swallow when I have stayed at similar places in South America for a quarter of the price. We had dinner at the hotel (included) the first night and enjoyed out pajamas in our rooms. We got shiatsu massages, which was amazing.
Day 6 we explored the town. I loved this town. The shopping was great and wspending a couple of hours walking around. You can also walk to the bamboo forest and The Arashiyama monkey park. One of my favorite parts of Japan! The monkeys are the most well behaved you will ever encounter. You can buy a bag of apples and feed them. Some babies and some adults, they are so fun to watch. The view from their home is also not too shabby. We traveled to downtown Kyoto and had dinner as Misono Kobe. It is a famous steak house which was very good, but so heavy. Especially after eating lean fish and small meals the whole trip. If you are a steak person, visit here.
“Good times and crazy friends make the best memories.”
Day 7 we traveled to Hakone. We took a taxi to the train station and started to head back towards tokyo, stopping in Hakone, which is a 2.5 hour train ride from Kyoto. Once in Hakone, we took a taxi to Gora Kadan. I loved this hotel and the price tag was worth it, in my opinion. The grounds were beautiful, the staff was extremely friendly, and the amenities were luxurious. We enjoyed the bar, looking out over the garden, the library, and of course, spent several hours every day in the onsen baths
Day 8 was supposed to be a day trip to Mount Fuji, but an hour and a half drive the day before we left didnt sound appealing. Instead the staff at the hotel directed us to the ropeway, which at the top, we could get a great view of Mount Fuji. And they were right. You can walk to the cable car from Gora Jadan, and the cable car takes you to the ropeway.
You oversee the natural springs and it takes you to the top where you get to stop and enjoy a black egg, which is said to extend your life for 7 years. (but don't eat 2, that does not extend your life!) From here, you can keep going to the end of the ropeway, to Togendai station. I rented an E-bike and took a ride around lake AShinoko. It was gorgeous. There is an option to hop on a pirate ship and tour the lake, which would be super cool for kids. Of course, after my bike ride, I enjoyed a soft serve before I headed back to get into the onsen baths at the hotel.
“The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”
Day 9 we headed back to Tokyo and the train and metro took us right to the airport. I was said to leave, but will be back for some real Type2Fun and hiking Mt Fuji!
Some tips for traveling in Japan:
Embrace the Metro System: Tokyo's subway network may seem daunting at first, but it's the lifeline of the city. Purchase a Pasmo or Suica card, available at any station, to make your commutes a breeze. The metro is efficient, clean, and punctual, so be sure to take advantage of it to explore various neighborhoods quickly and conveniently. Google maps always pointed us in the right direction while using the metro. Buy your shinkansen pass before you go. The shinkansen is the high speed train that will get you to the different cities.
Respect Local Customs: The Japanese culture is rich in customs and traditions, so it's essential to be respectful during your visit. Always bow when appropriate, and refrain from talking loudly on public transport. When entering homes or temples, remove your shoes, and remember to be patient and polite in all interactions. These small gestures will go a long way in showing your appreciation for the local way of life.
Stay Connected with Free Wi-Fi: Worried about staying connected in Tokyo? Fear not, as many public spaces like train stations, cafes, and convenience stores offer free Wi-Fi services. Additionally, tourists can take advantage of the "Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi" app to access free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city. I have AT&T and paid $10 per day for my international plan. My phone worked perfectly everywhere I went.
Savor Japanese Cuisine: Tokyo is a foodie paradise, and you'd be remiss not to indulge in the local delicacies. From fresh sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market to savory ramen in tiny backstreet shops, your taste buds are in for a treat. Venture into izakayas (Japanese pubs) for a diverse range of small plates and traditional drinks like sake and shochu. A reminder, you cannot eat and walk or eat while on public transportation. It is rude! So be sure to sit and enjoy every meal.
Master Basic Japanese Phrases: While many Tokyoites speak some English, learning a few basic Japanese phrases will earn you extra points and make your interactions more enjoyable. Phrases like "Konnichiwa" (Hello), "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you very much), and "Sumimasen" (Excuse me) will go a long way in fostering connections with the locals.
Plan for Seasonal Highlights: Tokyo's beauty changes with the seasons, so consider the time of year you're visiting. Spring brings the mesmerizing cherry blossoms, while autumn delights with colorful foliage. Winter offers illuminations and festivals, and summer brings lively fireworks displays. Each season has its unique charm, so plan accordingly to witness these picturesque moments.
Utilize Coin Lockers: If you're planning a day of sightseeing or just want to lighten your load, make use of the coin lockers available at train stations. These lockers are safe and affordable, providing a convenient way to store your bags while you explore the city.
Prepare for Cash Transactions: While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Tokyo, it's a good idea to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments, local markets, or street food vendors. Be sure to withdraw money from ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores, which are foreigner-friendly and accessible throughout the city.
Your US plugs will work in Japan. I never ran into a plug that I couldnt use.
“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.”
Get ready for an enchanting journey through the dynamic streets of Tokyo. Embrace the fusion of tradition and modernity, savor the delectable cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Japanese people. With these tips in your pocket, your Tokyo adventure is sure to be an unforgettable one. Safe travels and enjoy your time in this mesmerizing city!
Type1Fun