The Best of Japanese Skincare 2024

 Hey Subbies,

This is just another installment of end of the year list. I wanted to do another updated Japanese list that is more on par with my Korean ones especially now that Cosme has their own store that you can see in IRL what is trending in Japan. Also a lot of Japanese brands have global sites now so you should be able to buy from brands directly like Shiseido which is basically the L'oréal or Amore Pacific of Japan with Cle de peau which is the Japan's take on French cosmetics, Kose gives off major Estée Lauder vibes (Fun Fact: They did worked together on Exclusive line which was formulated for Japanese) with their Decorte brand, Kanebo is basically the Kerning Group of Japan and etc. I think Japanese brands used to want to stay exclusively domestic but now they are slowly wanting to strive for Cosmetic Globalization because they see the writing on the wall. I don't know why I didn't pick up any of these brands when I was Japan but I think from memory I was a bit overstimulated and my mind set was I can buy products we don't get back home since I live near Japanese and Japanese Americans so it would just be a little more back then domestically in Japan depending on the Yen. Anyways, Japan has a really cool culture of supporting staff or the people you might take for granted, there are whole fan clubs following their favorite "staff member" that are on par with Beauty or lifestyle Influencers these days. I wish I could have been able to work on these posts sooner but I had to wait on some important financial decisions while juggling end-of-the-year parties and a work project which is very unusual for this time of year and like to finish projects right before the end of year. I know people who dream of only work but I'm the type that rest is a non-negotiable when it comes to work especially in the creative fields.

Before start I want Highlight some the top pioneering products of Japan's Pharmaceutical industry:

1. SK-II Facial Treatment/ Shiseido Eudermine
2. Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion
3. Melano CC Essence
4. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen/ Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence 
5. Curel Intensive Moisture Cream
6. Shisedo Future Solution LX
7. Suisai Beauty Clear Powder 
8. Meiji Amino Collagen 
9. Pair Acne Cream W
10. Hatomugi Skin Conditioner 

Cleansers

1. Attenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil
2. Kanebo Scrubbing Mud Wash
3. D Program Essence In Cleansing Foam
4. Melano CC Deep Clear Face Wash
5. Sofina Ip Pore Clearing Gel Wash

Toners | Waters | Removers | Liquid |

1. Kiss Me Heroine Make Mascara Remover
2. Kanebo Radiant Skin Refiner

Serums | Essences | Ampoules | Oils

1. Decorte Liposome Advanced Repair Serum
2. Kanebo Skin Harmonizer
3. Clé de Peau Beauté Le Serum Ⅱ 
4. Obagi Obazi X Deep Advanced Drift Serum
5. Shiseido Elixir The Serum Moisturizing Aging Care

Masks | Patches 

1. Lululun Hydra Ex Face Mask
2. Kose One By Kose Clear Peel Serum

Moisturizers | Emulsions | Lotions | Creams | Gels | Balms

1. Kose DECORTE AQ Emulsion Absolute
2. SK-II LXP Kintsugi (Gold) Cream
3. SK-II LXP Ultimate Revival Cream

Mists | Sprays

1. Curel Deep Moisture Spray
2. Kanebo Dew Splash Mist
3. N Organic Moist Milk Mist

Sunscreens / SPFs

1. Cosme DECORTE Sun Shelter Tone Up CC SPF 50+ PA++++
2. COSME DECORTE AQ ABSOLUTE UV PROTECTION BRIGHTENING & WRINKLE
3. ELIXIR Day Care Revolution Tone Up SP+ aa SPF50+

Haircare

• plus eau Mellow Shampoo
• Cielo Color Treatment for the whole body
• Orbis Treatment Hair Water
• ReFa / ReFa STRAIGHT IRON PRO
• Panasonic Nanocare Hair Dryer

Read More

My Top 10 K-pop Songs so Far in 2023

 Hey Subbies,

I actually wanted to do a post when I saw others in K-Community on Youtube doing these in June. I just wanted to wait a little longer to do it. So here are songs that I have played consistently from Q1 to Q2 of this year. I usually go for uptempo dance tracks so these should be up your alley for the summer.

LE SSERAFIM - UNFORGIVEN | Country Western Pop | "This group is giving all that I need with this trilogy and please listen to b-sides too."

KAI - Rover | Dancehall | "It may be a remake but it's the guy's perspective and still a bop."

AESPA - Salty & Sweet | EDM | "Spicy is a close second but I like the dark tone of this song."

8TURN - TIC TAC |  EDM | "I love how playful this song is and there are a lot of different irl cultural refs in the MV."

NMIXX - Love Me Like This | Dance-pop | "I was expecting a little more Wonderland or C.S. Lewis but this song is catchy."

GOT the beat - Stamp on It | R&B/EDM | "Just seeing the faves is just nice even if it's just a project group but it's good to see BoA, the oh so Humble GOAT?

Lee Chae Yeon - Knock | Pop | "Omg the reference to her senior Sunmi's Full Moon caught me off guard during this vampire anthology."

Seventeen - Super | Dance | "Come thru Dragonball Z... lol...I think ATEEZ heard this song and said, 'We'll be back to follow up our hyungs with some more spice.'"

TWICE - Set Me Free | Disco | "While Twice was setting themselves free they set me free in the process lol."

MAVE - Pandora | EDM | "I didn't think I would like the 'AI' concepts but this song slaps."

Honorable Mentions

(G)-idle - Allergy

KARD - Without you

The Boyz - ROAR

Jisoo - Flower

VIVIZ - Pull up

Purple Kiss - Sweet Juice

xikers - Tricky House

Read More

Best of J-beauty Skincare 2021

 Hey Subbies,

I hope everyone had a Happy Holiday and Christmas. I was thinking about making an update to the Best of J-beauty post I did over two years ago. And it has hit me on the head to really tackle it once again since I was watching a couple of Japanese magazines like Vivi, Biteki, and JJ (they even have Japanese voice-over actors doing skincare skits) on Youtube since I was surprised they were covering the best of Cosme 2021 aka J-beauty and there are no direct subs for us, international peasants, lol. But one skincare youtube I finally got around to watching her best of beauty said "J beauty should be the next big thing" and me being like "That is the 21st time hearing that and won't be the last." Personally, I think it has been a lot easier to get J-beauty now because the explosion of K-beauty has allowed more brands from the Asian region to catch a ride-along in the e-commerce rat race. 

My main issues with J-Beauty are the use of alcohol /fragrance in Japanese skincare, the interesting popularity of the western luxury brand, and the lack of tutorials/demonstrations on how to use products. But the other issue is with Japan is the "beauty" export politics, shipping cost, and the high cost of goods in general. I remember looking at Japanese goods and being like I'm better off saving for a luxury brand when I was getting into Japanese subcultures back then. I think K-beauty as many brands that there has a lot growing still believe it or not. There are brands for almost every skin condition and the international market wants active ingredients like vitamin a and extracts (which used to be pushed to mature skin but Skinfood, Neogen, I'm from, Sulwhasoo, Beauty of Joseon, Cosrx, etc. has you covered). I just finish an exfoliator spray from a lesser know k-beauty brand called Ladykin. And I just found out I can buy The Pure Lotus another K-brand I have tried and has lotus extract on Peach and Lily. 

Anyways let's get on with the Best of J-Skincare...

Cleanser

• Shu Uemura Ultime8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil 4.8
• Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash 4.6
• Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Black Powder Wash 5.0

Exfoliate

• Sabon Face Polisher Refreshing 5
• KAO ines gentle scrub cleanse 5
• Benefique Reset Clear N

Lotion = Toner 

• Hadalabo Gokujyun Alpha Ultimate Anti-Aging Toner 4.7
• IPSA The Time R Aqua 4.5

Serum | Essence

• DECORTÉ Liploid Advanced Repair Serum
• Dr.Ci:Labo VC100 Essence Lotion EX 4.6

Emulsion = Moisturizers 

• ETVOS Ultimate Lotion 4.1
• Ihada Medicinal clear balm 5

Mist

• Comfort Day Mist Balancing Moisture - Decorté 4.2

Eye & Lip

• DHC Lip Cream 4.6

Skin Treatment

• SHISEIDO vital perfection Wrinkle Lift Deep Retino White 5
• Shiseido Elixir Enriched Wrinkle Cream 4.5
• ONE BY KOSÉ The Wrinkless 5

Sunscreen

• Orbis Wrinkle White UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++ 4.4
• Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence 4.7

Mask

• Kanebo Smile Performer Sheet Mask 4.4
• pdc / Wafood Maid Lees Pack

Read More

Top Vegan Spots in Tokyo

Hey Subbies,

Tokyo, Japan is know for it's food culture that revolves around Seafood. However, today I got a list that I put together after year plus of research. I would like highlight some restaurants but I will also include a map like my last post for reference. Happy Cow as they say.

Loving Hut

Loving Hut is a vegan restaurant chain that serves vegan foods and dishes. It was founded by Ching Hai. Wikipedia

T's Tan Tan

"T's Tan Tan" from Jiyugaoka offers noodles with rich flavor and rich taste without using meat, fish and shellfish, dairy products, eggs at all.

Itosho

Itosho is small restaurant that has been serving shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine) remaining one of the city’s better kept secrets.

Hallogallo

COSY & FRIENDLY VEGAN BAR IN THE HEART OF NAKANO
hallogallo is a small & cosy bar in the heart of Nakano, just 3 minutes walk from the station. Everything on our menu is 100% Vegan, including our homemade food. The decor is cheerfully eclectic & so are the music choices (you can click on the Playlists link for an idea of what we’re listening to). We host several DJ events each month where enthusiastic music lovers play a wide range of genres. Please click on the Events menu for details. We speak English & our customers are usually a friendly mix of Japanese & international people. There is no Table Charge.

Bar BoTaniCal

It is close to Akebashi, a shop casually drops in anytime on the first floor of a building facing Morizaka Dori in Tsu Araki Town in Shinjuku Ward. Modern interior decorated calmly with woodgraining kept away from the bustle of the Shinjuku neighborhood and forgetting to be in the city. While arranging abundant sake such as whiskey and homemade liqueur, also stick to healthy dishes ahead of the use of chemical seasonings and additives 【Bar BoTaNiCaL】
Gentle cuisine and alcohol drinks everyday fatigue in a warm lighting shop, directing a soft and fun space.
With your loose time.
A talk with a lively companion.
Please enjoy your favorite space.
There is a time when everyone who has visited is satisfied.

Ripple - Ain-soph

From AIN SOPH. Ripple to you; from you to further on...
Just as ripples spread when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.
In hopes for each one of you to realize that you yourself can be the pebble causing the ripple effect.

Kaemon Asakusa

ランチの詳細はこちら
“Kaemon Asakusa” : Oriental Vegetarian Vegan restaurant. Certified Restaurant of HALAL.
We offer handmade dishes made mainly of pesticide-free rice and vegetables – dishes with plenty of vegetables – 100% vegetable dishes.
Our restaurant has “food barrier-free” environment and are suited for anyone with special diet. We offer dishes for vegans – dishes made without meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products – dishes for oriental vegetarians – made without five pungent roots such as garlic, Chinese chives, onion, Welsh onions, or Chinese scallions – dishes for Muslims.
Hours;  Lunch  11:00-15:00 (Wed-Mon) (L.O.14:30)
​Close; Tuesday Wednesday

Read More

Tokyo Disney Resort, is worth it?

Hey Guys,

I'm sick yet I'm typing this post because  I'm tired of my bed. Anyways, as you can see by the title you came to find out is worth it. I never thought about going to Disneyland in Tokyo. In recent years every YT vlogger and blogger has been talking about their amazing  day at the parks. Even my so-called  high school best friend wants to see it. I'm going, to be honest, I haven't been to a Disney theme park  since high school grad night but I was lucky enough to go on the Disney Cruise on the Wonder but that was years ago too lol. They were literally announcing their new boat I think Dream. So is worth the hype?

There definitely many reasons why you should at least visit the parks at least once and there are definitely ways to budget it into your trip. When I go to themed parks I usually end up getting key chains or charms, cups/mugs, the occasional plush and possibly a shirt. I like to buy things I can use. There are sites that provide great discounts to both parks only if you spending more than a week in Japan it would be worth it.

Ticket | Transport ¥5 - ¥15 | Meals + Snacks - $60 (~ ¥70) | Shopping $25

*Disney Popular snacks include Turkey legs, Popcorn and Buns are a popular line snack. 

Tokyo Disney Resort which includes Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Park is located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It about less than a 30 minutes trip from Tokyo Station (Tokyo Civic Center) via the Keiyo line (runs every ~15 minutes) to Maihama Station and from there you can hoop on to the Tokyo Disneyland "Monorail" or take a 7-minute walk to the entrance gate. Tokyo Disney resort is operated by The Oriental Land Company (1960). Both parks act as sister parks to of course Disneyland and Disney California Adventures but with overall theme/ride differences. Tokyo Disneyland opened in April of 1983 yet, is about 30 more acres than the Disneyland (1955) park. This park also shares some rides and themes with Disney World as well. I would recommend this park for just the family or kids.

The park has seven themed areas:

• World Bazaar a.k.a Main Street U.S.A.[South of Enterance]

Four traditional Disney lands:

• Adventureland [North of Enterence]
• New Orleans
• Jungle Area
• Westernland a.k.a "Frontierland" [Northeast]
• Rivers of America
• Fantasyland [South]
• Small World
• Cinderella's Castle
• Haunted Mansion
• Tomorrowland [Southwest]
• Space Moutain

Two mini-lands:

• Critter Country [East]
• Splash Mountian
• Mickey's Toontown [South]
• Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Tokyo Disneyland is the top-ranked park of the Theme Park Resorts. 

Now, Tokyo DisneySea which opened in Septemeber 2001 and is also listed as the fastest top-visited Disney theme parks in the world. The park is 121 acres compared to Disney California Adventures 72 acres. The reason why I compared these two parks is that they have a shared history, you can learn about it here.  Anyways, the park gates are about a 20-minute walk from Tokyo Disneyland gates. If you are taking the train and bus then be advised to exit the Keiyo line one stop before the Miahama station that is the Kasairikin Station where the Kasai Seaside Park, Tokyo Sealife Park, and Aquarium are located (An alternative to the Disney Resorts on it busiest of days). Then you take the "Ring 7 Express: Shuttle Seven" that runs every 20 minutes. The other option is just to go all the way to the Maihama Station and jump on the Disney Resort Line "Monorail" which runs every 13 minutes and it also accepts IC Cards. Okay now, this park kind of reminds me of Epcot's World Showcase and I've heard many say it is a great park for Adults. 

There are seven themed areas or "ports of call": 

The entrance...

• Mediterranean Harbor
• Venetian Gondolas
• Fortress Explorations

Opens up to six more nautically themed ports: 

• American Waterfront [East]
• Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Mania 
• Lost River Delta [Southwest]
•  Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
•  Raging Spirits
• Port Discovery[Southeast]
• Aquatopia
• Nemo & Friends SeaRider
• Mermaid Lagoon[West]
• The Little Mermaid
• Flounder's Flying Fish Coaster
• Arabian Coast [West]
•  Sindbad's Storybook Voyage, 
• Jasmine's Flying Carpets
• Mysterious Island[Center]
• Mount Prometheus: 
• Journey to the Center of the Earth
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Now, that we got that out of the way. I'm interested in when to go too. Most people know when kids are out school it's vacation time, so I looked up when Japanese schools are in session which starts in Spring, mid-April to late July; May is usually when entrance ceremonies are done. The second semester starts in early-September to late-December for Fall/Autumn. And the last Semester is from January to March; late-January entrance exam usually takes place. From there, I looked at TripAdvisor to see if anyone had any complaints about the parks which the consensus is that it is Too Crowded a.k.a. Line-Con and say bye bye to those Fastpasses. But what I really wanted to know is when do Japanese citizens visited the park the most. I also looked at other websites [1]and blogs, which were really great. However, the website that tracked and foretasted the crowd matched what I was finding from the latest guest on TripAdvisor than the blog sites. Don't @ me if things change in the future. Also, expect it to be crowded when the season changes because of Disney fans who want those collectibles.

Low (30 mins) | Moderate (60 mins.) | Moderately High (120 mins.) | High( 180+ mins.)

• January [New years week]
• February[DisneySea]
• March
• April[DisneySea]
• May[DisneySea] 
• June
• July[Tokyo Disneyland]
• August[Festival Season]
• September[DisneySea]
• October[DisneySea]
• November
• December[Tokyo Disneyland]

My Personal Blackout Dates or Dates to Avoid:

(This will, in general, applies to Tourist and the Visiting.)

Jan. 1-8 | Feb. 10-13 | Mar. 21-23 | Apr. 28-31| May 1-7 | Jul. 15- 17 | Aug. 10-17 | Sept. 16-25 | Oct. 7-9 | Nov. 2-4, 22-25 | Dec. 20-31 |

Here is a link to Attractions and etc. Closure for the year.

Tips: 

• Be aware of National and Local Holidays.
• Every ride narrative is done in Japanese, like duh
• Buy your Tickets beforehand; Lawson/ Family Mart (video about Convenient Stores), Tokyo's Disney Stores, and Tokyo Disney Official website Online.
• Go during the Week.
• Get to the parks at least 30 minutes to an hour before opening.
• Fastpasses are a literal term because they do go fast. Try to get the popular ones before Noon.
• The oldest trick in the book: Go on the rides you want during Parades.
• Go to rides that allow single riders, it’s much faster.

FastPass - FP |  Single Rider - SR | Lottery - L | Show - S

Itinerary

Tokyo Disneyland

• 9:00 AM Star Tours (FP)
• 10:00 AM Monster Inc. Ride (FP) - you can make this the last ride of the day.
• 12:00 PM Space Mountain (FP)
• 1:00 PM Gadget Coaster
• 2:00 PM Lunch
• 3:00 PM Pooh Hunt (FP)
• 4:00 PM Splash Mountain (FP|SR)
• 5:00 PM Big Thunder Mountain (FP)
• 6:00 PM Western river railroad
• 7:00 PM Dinner
• 9:00 PM Pirates of the Caribbean
• Other Popular Attractions:
• Haunted Mansion (FP)
• It's a Small World (FP)
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (FP)
• Once Upon A Time (S | L) 
• Minnie oh Minnie (S)
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Shop: World Bazaar Shops

DisneySea

• 9:00 AM Raging Spirits (FP | SR)
• 10:00 AM Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull (FP| SR)
• 12:00 PM Big Bang Beat (S) / Out of the Shadowlands (S)
• 1:00 PM Tower of Terror (FP)
• 2:00 PM Lunch
• 3:00 PM Journey to the Centre of the Earth (FP)
• 4:00 PM 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (FP)
• 5:00 PM Venetian Gondolas
• 6:00 PM Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage
• 7:00 PM Dinner
• 9:00 PM Toy Story Mania (FP) (extremely popular)
• Other Popular Attractions:
  • Aquatopia
  • Fortress Explorations
  • Flounder's flying fish coaster
  • Jasmine's flying carpet
  • Carousel
  • Mermaid lagoon
  • Nemo & Friends SeaRider (FP)
• Shop: The Sleepy Whale Shoppe 

Lastly, DisneySea has its own special character called Duffy which is very popular. The bear is available at most of the parks but it's especially popular at Tokyo DisneySea with its very own store and people will rush to get those special collectibles that is one of the reasons why the parks are more crowded on certain days of each season so be aware of that. Another reason to beware of Anniversaries because both parks will release special items even if it just one park that's having the Anniversary.

Most collectibles come out around New Years/ Christmas, Halloween, Valentines, Easter, Festivals, and/or beginnings of each season: February, May, August, and November.

If you want to more idea or help for your trip to Tokyo or some basic info about Japan here is my older post.

Read More

Japan Planning

Updated 8/1/2023

JAPAN IS OPENING VISA-FREE UP ON OCTOBER 11, 2022

I think ever since I got into Anime, I've been wanting to go to visit Japan. I wanted to see the Ghibli studio/museum ever since they aired Kiki's Flying Delivery service in the U.S. Plus, I was a huge Kirsten Dunst fan back in the late '90s. I even planned my childhood dream trip to the Kanto region and stay in the Denen-chofu area where they have Sanrio Strawberry House right outside of Tokyo. Then I would take the JR bus to Ghibli and also wanted to go to Sealife park as well. Well, now that I'm older there are a lot more things I wanna do and see when I save up to go buy myself a ticket to "Land of the Rising Sun."

I found this great website if you are budgeting for any trip.

Also here is the Trip Template I made for myself for my Trip.

 JR Train Pass

When can I buy a pass?

3 months before the date of the trip.

When is the best time reserved seats for Shinkansen?
Non-Holidays/Matsuri (Festivals)/New Years Seasons

*Seat reservations cost roughly 300 to 700 yen but are free with the Japan Rail Pass.

Which pass should I choose?

There is a Green/First class and Ordinary/Coach class pass, which includes 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day standard passes.

Where can I buy it?
JTB is where you can buy an exchange order/voucher. Then you can redeem it once you get to Japan at a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office.

For the Tokyo/Kanto area, you want to apply for JR East passes, which include a 5-day, a 14-day, and a Flexible 4-day PASS.

What other transportation can you use the pass for?
JR most local lines (kakueki-teisha or futsu-densha)
JR local/HWY Bus lines
JR Ferries

Other Passes
If are you just trying to stay in the Greater Tokyo Region ( including the seven prefectures of Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi, Tokyo, and the north-central region of the main island of Honshu.) I would find passes for this area only because some of the stations aren't covered by JR Rail Pass. There are so many tour packages available for those trying to budget their trip wisely.

Tokyo Wide Pass: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tokyowidepass/
Yokohama Minatomirai Pass: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/yokohama_minatomirai.html
Odakyu Railway: https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/
Tokyo to Osaka (Tokaido Shinkansen): https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018_tokaido.html


Smart EX App 

Japan has come out with an app for the Tokaido Shinkansen lines which not a lot of foreigners know about. This is app is great for one-way trips. I hope to use this app for my trip soon for just that. If you have an IC card you are ahead of the game which I will talk about later on in this post. Here is the Link to the website.

Airport Services in to Tokyo

• KEISEI Expressway Bus  (Final StopToyko Station)
• KEISEI Limited Express (Final Stop Nippori Station)
• LCC Bus | The Access Narita* (Final Stops Ginza & Tokyo Station)
• Airport Limousine Bus (Stops at @ Major Hotels)
• N'EX (Recommended for 2-week stays)
• KEISEI Skyliner

  
What other documents do I need when I exchange my order/voucher?
Tourist Visa/Student Visa/ Working Visa...
You can acquire a visa when you land in Japan you may be charged fee(s).
 But check your Country's Embassy Policies for more information about acquiring a Visa.

 *As of July 2013, Japan had taken measures concerning the Visa Exemption Arrangements with 66 countries and regions as the chart below.
Nationals and citizens of those countries and regions shown below are not required to obtain a visa to enter Japan when the purpose of their visit is tourism, commerce, a conference, visit to relatives/ acquaintances, etc. However, when foreign national engages in paid activities in Japan, or the period of stay stipulated in each arrangement of short-term stay, visas will be required to enter Japan.

･Period of Stay
　The period of stay granted at the time of the landing permission shall be the shortest period out of "15 days," "30 days" or "90 days," that is long enough to cover the purpose of the stay of the foreign national. (for nationals of Brunei and Thailand is 15 days) 

 *A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business. 

USA's Japan Embassy

http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
JP Ministry of Foreign Affairs
https://www.mofa.go.jp/index.html
JP Ministry of Health...

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/

Convenience Cards / Prepaid Cards

If you plan on doing multiple trips to Japan throughout your life especially those who have no credit, to begin with, and want to go to Japan then these cards are truly right for you. These cards are available at card vending machines at the train stations.

NOTICE - Japan will be suspending the purchase of new Suica & PASMO IC Cards due to the chip storage (Tokyo Wide Pass is another option)
Suica is a rechargeable contactless smart card used as a fare card on train lines in Japan. While Suica's primary usage is as a fare card for currently in the Kantō region, at JR East stations near Sendai and Niigata (transportation services), it can also be used as electronic money for general purchases. a version called Mobile Suica has been incorporated into mobile FeliCa wallet phones by Japan's mobile operators such to recharge the Suica card stored in the mobile phone, and allows for Suica charges to be added directly to the phone bill, eliminating the requirement to constantly add to and monitor the remaining balance.

The card can also be used interchangeably with JR West's ICOCA card in the (JR West rail network) Kansai region and San'yō region in Okayama, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi Prefectures, and also with JR Central's TOICA. JR Kyushu's SUGOCA, Nishitetsu's Nimoca, and Fukuoka City Subway's Hayakaken area in Fukuoka City and its suburban areas. The card is also increasingly being accepted as a form of electronic money for purchases at stores and kiosks, especially within train stations.

If you have an iPhone Apple pay works at most stations.

You can also rent a Sim card or a Phone if you want to get in touch with friends or family during your stay in Japan which you can do at the Airport. Many Luxury hotels now provide free/ complimentary phones so please call or email your accommodation to see what they provide.

Here are some popular carriers in Japan:
Softbank
Docomo
KDDI
NEC

Just need a Pocket *Wifi [1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 ] to Connect!

Here is a list of great apps.

Recommended Downloads:

What other technical stuff do I need to know?
Most signs are written in Kanji Kana/Hiragana so you might want to brush up on those characters some do have English but it might be in Romanji.

Airports

Haneda Airport to Tokyo

Bus 46 mins

Train 55-115 mins

Narita Airport to Tokyo

Train 2hrs.

Top Tokyo Resting Spots

Standard Hotels

 "The word hotel is derived from the French hôtel (coming from the hôte meaning host), which referred to a French version of a townhouse or any other building seeing frequent visitors, rather than a place offering accommodation. In contemporary French usage, hôtel now has the same meaning as the English term, and hôtel in particular is used for the old meaning. The French spelling, with the circumflex, was also used in English but is now rare. The circumflex replaces the 's' found in the earlier hostel spelling, which over time took on a new, but closely related meaning. Grammatically, hotels usually take the definite article – hence "The Astoria Hotel" or simply "The Astoria."

1.The Capitol 

2.Park Hyatt

3.Conrad

4.The Peninsula

5.Mandarin Oriental

Other Types of Hotels

"Love hotels can usually be identified using symbols such as hearts and the offer of a room rate for a "rest" (休憩 kyūke) as well as for an overnight stay The period of a "rest" varies, typically ranging from one to three hours. Cheaper daytime off-peak rates are common. In general, reservations are not possible, leaving the hotel will forfeit access to the room, and overnight stay rates only become available after 10:00 p.m. These hotels may be used for prostitution, although they are sometimes used by budget-travelers sharing accommodation. The love hotel architecture is sometimes garish, with buildings shaped like castles, boats, or UFOs and lit with neon lighting. However, some more recent love hotels are very ordinary-looking buildings, distinguished mainly by having small, covered, or even no windows.?

Love Hotels 

1.Shibuya's Love Hotel Hill (bottom hotel)

2. Hotel Bali An Resort

3. Kyoichi Tsuzuki

 Romance hotel

1.Four Seasons Marunouchi Tokyo

2.Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

3.Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo

Fashion hotel

1.Hotel Hoshikaikan

2.Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya Jingumae

3.Shibuya Tobu Hotel

Leisure hotel

1.Hotel Seiyo Ginza

2.Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku

3.Hachioji Plaza Hotel

 Amusement hotel

1.Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

2. Hotel Grand Pacific Le Daiba (Gundam)

3.Royal Hotel (Hello Kitty)

 Couples hotel

1.Tokyo Kiba Hotel (Capsule Hotel)

2.The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

3.Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-So

Boutique hotel

1.Imperial Hotel

2.Claska

3.Shibuya Grand-bell

Business Hotels
1. Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten
2. Hotel Tetora Akabane
3. Family Inn Saiko
4. Ryokan Sawanoya

[Tokyo Sumidagawa Youth Hostel]

Hostels 

"Hostels provide budget-oriented, sociable accommodation where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed, in a dormitory and share a bathroom, lounge, and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available. Hostels may include a hot meal in the price. Hostels are generally cheaper for both the operator and the occupants; many hostels have long-term residents whom they employ as desk clerks or housekeeping staff in exchange for free accommodation."

1.K's House Tokyo

2.Khousan

3.Anne hostel

4.Meigetsu

5.Sakura Asakusa

6.Tokyo Central Youth Hostel

 Ryokan/ Inn

"A ryokan (旅館) is a type of traditional Japanese inn that originated in the Edo period (1603–1868) when such inns served travelers along Japan's highways. They typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner. A ryokan is difficult to find in Tokyo and other large cities because many are expensive compared to hotels, and Japanese people increasingly use hotels for urban tourism. Nonetheless, some major cities do have reasonably priced ryokan, with some costing as little as $40 a night. However, a ryokan is more typically located in scenic areas, such as in the mountains or by the sea, and tends to be more expensive."

1.Asakasa Shigetsu

2.Sadachiyo

3.Sumisho Hotel

4.Yamanaka

5.Tokyo Ryokan Taito B&B and Inn

6. Kimi Ryokan

^{Minshuku/Bed & Breakfast}

"Minshuku (民宿) is a budget version of a ryokan, roughly equivalent to a British boarding house or a bed and breakfast. The facilities are similar to a hotel or may simply consist of spare rooms in a family home. Minshuku often serves as the only type of accommodation in towns or villages too small to warrant a dedicated hotel or ryokan. The overall experience is much the same, but the food is simpler, dining may be optional and is often communal, rooms do not usually have a private toilet, and guests may have to lay out their own bedding."

 Onsen(Hots springs/bathhouses)

"An onsen (温泉) is a term for hot springs in the Japanese language, though the term is often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsen scattered along its length and breadth. Onsen was traditionally used as the public bathing place and today plays a central role in directing Japanese domestic tourism. Onsen comes in many types and shapes, including outdoor (露天風呂 or 野天風呂 Roten-buro or noten-buro) and indoor baths. Baths may be either public run by a municipality or private (内湯 uchiyu) often run as part of a hotel, ryokan or bed, and breakfast (民宿 minshuku)."

1. Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari
2.Tokyo Dome Natural Onsen Spa LaQua
3.Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura

4.Toshimaen Niwanoyu

5.Machida Roten Garden

6.The Spa Seijo

Online Sites

Air B&B

Couch Surfing

Exciting things to do around Tokyo:

Tokyo/Chiyoda 

The Imperial Palace
Tokyo Station
~ Tokyo Ramen Street
 ~ Character Street

Kanda Shrine 
Omoide Yokocho:
(Small Alleyways)
 Kurobei Yokocho, Yurakucho Sanchoku Inshokugai

Animal Cafes

Vegetarian/Vegan-Friendly Spots 
National Azabu - Minato-Ku, Shibuya, Setagaya
Nissen International Market - Minato-Ku
Juicery | Cosme Kitchen - Shinjuku
T'Tan Tan Ramen - Tokyo Station
Soranoiro - Tokyo Station, Chiyoda
Sangmi Ōtemachi - Tokyo Station
Doughnut Plant New York City - Minato, Shinagawa, Chiyoda, Musashino
8ablish - Harajuku
Akasha - Harajuku
Nagi - Uguisudanicho
Kuumba du falafel - Shibuya
Milan Nataraj - Shibuya, Ginza, Aoyama, Ogikubo
Rainbow Ramen - Higashi
Ko-So Cafe - Higashi
Ain Soph Journey - Shinjuku
Ain Soph "Ripple" - Shinjuku
Brown Rice - Omotesando Dori
 Mr. Farmer - Shinjuku, Omotesando
Veganic To Go - Roppongi
Kaemon Asakusa - Asakusa, Taito
Ain Soph - Ginza
Com.Cafe - Kitazawa
Hemp Cafe - Ebisu
Taiyaki Hiiragi - Ebisu
Mos Burger (select locations)
Coco Curry (select locations) 
Loving Hut - Kanda Jinbocho
Sasaya Cafe - Yokokawa
Cori Vegan Foodstand - Minato
Itosho - Minato
Ballon - Meguro
Bon - Taito
hallogallo - Nakano

DevaDeva Cafe - Musashino-Shi

"Yae" Kimono
(Rentals)
Tokyo Sky Tree Town Sora Machi Store
Aki Kimono Rental
Sakaeya Kimono Shop Tokyo
Omotenashi Nihonbashi

Sumida River (Cruise)

Cosplay Stores
~ Acos Akiba Zone Building
~ Acos Ikebukuro
~ Cospatio Gee! Store Akiba | COSPATIO

Cool Maid Cafes

1.Danso Cafe (handsome women)

2.Popopure

3.Royal Milk 

4.St. Grace's Court(nun)

 North

Kakiya
1.Bandai Museum(1000 yen)(A-Day Trip)
2.Namco Namjatown(300-3900 yen)
3.Ikebukuro
     Depachika: Tobu, Seibu
     Owl Statue
     Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo

     Otome Dori (road) 

     Swallowtail Butler Cafe(Butler Cafe)

      Kamen Rider Diner

     Village Vanguard
     Sunshine City
     Milky Way Cafe
4.Tokyo University
5.Ueno/ Taito/ Asakusa/Chuo
    Omoide Yokochō: Okazu Alley, Ueno Ameyoko Shotengai
     Senso-Ji Temple
     Asakusa Shrine
     Ebisu Rickshaw
     Nakamise Shopping Street
     Zoo(600 yen)/Park
     Hamarikyu Gardens
     Cat Cafe: MONTA
     Kurikoan: Magikarp Taiyaki
     Pokemon Cafe
    Alice in Wonderland Cafe
6.Tokyo Dome/Hotel
7.Akihabara
     Super Potato
     Eorzea Cafe (Final Fantasy)
     Popopure Cafe & Animation Studio(couple blocks north-west from the station)
     AKB48 Cafe and Shop
     Gundam Cafe
     Namco’s Ani-ON! Station:
    Cat Cafe: Neko JaLaLa
    Cat Cafe: Nyanny

 Maid Cafe for all you Otaku:

    1. Cure Maid Cafe
    2.Cafe Mailish
    3.Cafe @ home
    4. MaidDreamin

     Tsundere Cafe 
    1. Little Sister Maid Cafe
    2. Nagomi Bar & Cafe
    3. Cafe and Kitchen Cos-Cha

West

1.Shin-Okubo (Korea Town)
2.Shinjuku
    Depachika: Takashimaya, Isetan 
     Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    Omoide Yokocho: Shinjuku Alley
    Cat Café Calico
    New York Bar, Park Hyatt
   The Infamous Kabukichou(Red Light District)
   Kurikoan: Magikarp Taiyaki
    LOVE Statue
    Hoshoji Temple

    Robot Restaurant
    Artnia Square Enix Cafe
    Tokyo Anime Center
    Alice
3. Yoyogi 
4. Nakano 
    Nakano Broadway
5.Tama
      Sanrio Puroland (~3000yen)

6.Tama Themed Train Lines (Run from Wakayama and Kishi station)
      Tama Train
      Ichigo (Strawberry) Train 
      Omocha (Toy) Train.

South-West

1. Shibuya
      Depachika: Tokyu Toyoko-ten
      ButlerScape Cafe
      Alice in Wonderland Restaurant 

      Hachikō Statue
      Gyaru (GAL) Cafe
      Shibuya 109
      ITS'DEMO
      LOFT
      Genki Sushi
      Harajuku
      @Cosme Store

       Kawaii Monster Cafe

      Takeshita/ Omotesando Dori

      Line Friends Store
      Cat Street
      Meiji Shrine
      NHK
      Togo Shrine
      Yogogi Hachiman Shrine
      Kawaii Monster Cafe
      Pompompurin Cafe, Shibuya
      Park Harajuku
      Sailor Moon Store
      SUNDAY JAM: My Little Pony Cafe
      Kinji used clothing
      Chicago Omotesando
      Cat Cafe: MoCHA
2.Roppongi
   Roppongi Hills Mori Tower
   Snoopy Museum Tokyo
3.Mitaka
       Ghibli Museum(1000 yen)
4. Shimokitazawa
    Shimo Dori
    Ballon D’essai

    Bear Pond Espresso

    Frankie Melbourne Espresso
    Mois Cafe
    Avocado
    B&B BookstoreB&B (Book&Beer)

    Honda Theater

    Mother/Mother's Ruin

    Village Vanguard

    Thrifting (Chūko [chuu-ko]):

    Shimokitazawa (下北沢) Garage
    Mode Off
    Stickout
    Don Don Down
    Shimokita Chicago

    Flamingo Shimokitazawa

    Haight & Ashbury

    New York Joe Exchange

    Wego 

    Ocean BLVD

5. Koenji

South

1.Ginza
      Sony Building
      Depachika:Mitsukoshi,
                          Matsuya
2. Minato
        Tokyo Tower 
        Rainbow Bridge
        Pokemon Center 
         Kurikoan: Magikarp Taiyaki
3.Denen-chofu 
      Sanrio Strawberry House
3.Yokohama
   Yokohama Chinatown
   Cosmoworld
   Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum
   Kurikoan: Magikarp Taiyaki
4. Fuji Q land
    Evangelion World 
    Thomasland
4.Mt. Fuji (A-Day Trip)

South-East

1.Tsukiji
     Tsukiji Fish Market
2.Daiba 
     Lego land Discovery Centre Tokyo (1500-2000yen)
     Joypolis(800yen)
     Fuji TV
3. Chou-Ku
       Depachika: Nihonbashi Takashimaya, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi
       Omoide Yokocho: Amazake Alley

East

1. Ginza
   Alice In Wonderland Fantasy Dinning Ginza

2. Koto 
     Gundam Front Tokyo/ Cafe(1000yen)
(this is where you can find the large-scale Gundam model)
Odaiba VenusFort
Kasai Rinkai Park
Tokyo Sealife Park
 Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea* [post]

North-East 

 1. Sumida 
      Tokyo Skytree
2. Chiba
        Disney Resort

Here is my specialty-made plan guide (I love looking at maps a lot lol)  I made this a year ago because I thought I would be able to go soon but I hope this planner helps you but it's pretty geared to girls but kept you males in mind as well. 

Hint: To go around, for all of these sites I've listed, Tokyo takes about 3 weeks to a month.

More fun guides:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html

http://online.jtbusa.com/

http://www.japanican.com/index.aspx

 http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/about/ryokan/index.htm

http://www.hostels.com/

https://www.couchsurfing.org/
https://www.airbnb.com/

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/

http://www.hostelz.com/hostels/Japan/Tokyo/Tokyo

http://travel.rakuten.com/
 http://japaneseinngroup.com/

Read More