12.22.2012

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Japan Planning

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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

  
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
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."

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 

 Romance hotel

Fashion hotel

 Leisure hotel

 Amusement hotel
3.Royal Hotel (Hello Kitty)

 Couples hotel
1.Tokyo Kiba Hotel (Capsule Hotel)

 Boutique hotel
[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."


 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."

"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)."

Online Sites


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
     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
      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:

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