Japan Favorites

  Cherry Blossoms at Heian Shrine
by Rabbityama
 
  • Cherry Blossoms at Heian Shrine
      Cherry Blossoms at Heian Shrine
    by Rabbityama
  • Daigoji Temple
      Daigoji Temple
    by Rabbityama
  • Shimogamo Shrine
      Shimogamo Shrine
    by Rabbityama
  • People behaving bizarrely!
      People behaving bizarrely!
    by AKtravelers
  • at the airport
      at the airport
    by machomikemd
 

Most Viewed Favorites in Japan

76.

Foods and Products   Tokyo

Foods and Products, Tokyo

 29 Reviews  When you go to a sushi restaurant, I was told by a Japanese friend not to dunk the rice part of sushi in the soy sauce, but just the fish (and don't let it swim!). Also, the best way to eat sushi is... 

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77.

Tourist Information Center   Kyoto

Tourist Information Center, Kyoto

 6 Reviews  The Kyoto SGG Club,Goodwill Guide Volunteer Services of Kyoto, and the Rotary International District 2650 Club of Kyoto are giving away free maps to tourists in Kyoto. The map is in black and white... 

 See All 191 Favorites in Kyoto

78.

Kansai international airport   Osaka

Kansai international airport, Osaka

 3 Reviews  While Kyoto represents the elegant past of Japan, Osaka being a modern city, offers the opposite Japanese experience. Osaka offers the hustling and bustling of a modern city; in fact it is so busy... 

 See All 67 Favorites in Osaka

79.

Shrines & Temples   Nagoya

Shrines & Temples, Nagoya

 4 Reviews  The shops at Ossu-Kannon have some really great deals and some really unique stores. I found a complete kimono set for only about 10,000 yen (about $75 US). Just get off at the Kamemaezu or... 

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80.

Shrines and Temples   Tokyo

Shrines and Temples, Tokyo

 42 Reviews  The lucky charms in Japan can usually only be obtained at the shrines. They are usually categorized by the area of your wish such as “prosperous business”, “successful study”, “well-being of family”,... 

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81.

City Districts   Kyoto

City Districts, Kyoto

 3 Reviews  Depending on how many days you are staying in Kyoto, map out the places you are going to see. The temples are located in different areas: 1. Higashiyama Area - The attractions around this area... 

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82.

walking   Osaka

walking, Osaka

 4 Reviews  OSAKA often seems like it has no main centre and is an overwhelming maze of small streets and alleys. Although this is true - do not be shy about walking around Osaka, to where-ever the road takes... 

 See All 67 Favorites in Osaka

83.

Day Trip out of Tokyo   Tokyo

Day Trip out of Tokyo, Tokyo

 26 Reviews  On my first visit I didnt have chance to visit Disneyland. So for 2nd visit, I took my kids to Disneyland and they love it!. So many things to do there. A lot of Disney characters, show, Disney Sea,... 

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84.

Pontocho   Kyoto

Pontocho, Kyoto

 1 Review  DONT BE SHY ABOUT TAKING PEOPLES PHOTOS. In politically correct Australia, we fear taking peoples photos. So I have to do it as candidly as possible. But in Japan, Kyoto in particular - it was more... 

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85.

castle   Osaka

castle, Osaka

 11 Reviews  The extensive grounds of Osaka Castle were impressive. The next night, friends took us to the top of a 7-story building with a rooftop entrance to a huge, red ferris wheel. High over the city's... 

 See All 67 Favorites in Osaka

86.

People and Life   Tokyo

People and Life, Tokyo

 38 Reviews  The Love Hotel is a Japanese institution, where harried lovers find alone time away from gossiping office colleagues or crowded multi-generational homes with paper-thin walls. To attract patrons away... 

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87.

Internet Access   Kyoto

Internet Access, Kyoto

 2 Reviews  i found a nice place where you can use free internet, for an hour at a time..its "Campus Plaza" near the Kyoto station. if you exit the station on the north side, turn left and you will end up on a... 

 See All 191 Favorites in Kyoto

88.

Umeda Skybuilding   Osaka

Umeda Skybuilding, Osaka

 9 Reviews  After a walk up at the observatory, we came down and found this little resting place just beside the building. The little "park" was bloom with some flowers and thought they were nice & pretty so took... 

 See All 67 Favorites in Osaka

89.

Getting Around   Tokyo

Getting Around, Tokyo

 31 Reviews  what makes police in tokyo unique is the Koban System wherein a Koban is a typically a two-storied housing with a couple of rooms with from one to more than ten police oficers. The officers in these... 

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90.

temples & shrines   Osaka

temples & shrines, Osaka

 4 Reviews  This is one of the wooden statues found on either side of the main entrance into Shiittenoji Temple. These statues are at the entrances to all temples in Japan. They are guards placed to ward away... 

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91.

Facts and History   Tokyo

Facts and History, Tokyo

 18 Reviews  Before japan was famous (or notorious) for it's squat toilets wherein you just squat to tke a dump or pee but nowadays japan is now popularly known for its bidets and anus washes (lavatory) and it is... 

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92.

Shinsaibashi   Osaka

Shinsaibashi, Osaka

 2 Reviews  ShinshaibashiFountain display in the canal at Shinshaibashi. This place is full of happenings at night and is worth a visit. The brightly lit streets cris-crossed each others like a grid. You don't... 

 See All 67 Favorites in Osaka

93.

Managing Your Luggage   Tokyo

Managing Your Luggage, Tokyo

 8 Reviews   At Narita International Airport, delivery service counters will send luggage to your hotel the next day or from your hotel to the airport for about ¥2,000 for bags up to 20 kilograms .... 

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94.

zero (empty tips)   Osaka

zero (empty tips), Osaka

 5 Reviews  The two magazines pictured opposite are two of the most popular free papers in Japan. Both magazines are particularly useful for getting up to date listings of cinema, stage and live music... 

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95.

Travel Plan Examples   Tokyo

Travel Plan Examples, Tokyo

 6 Reviews  the number one tour company in the tokyo area, the hato bus company is an icon itself in the tokyo area hence i've made a separate things to do tip for hato bus tours here in my tokyo pages. Whether... 

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96.

Dotombori   Osaka

Dotombori, Osaka

 2 Reviews  Being at the busy and colorful streets in Dotonbori area at night is a real must. The colors of the advertising lights are bright and make the place so lively. It looks like more people like it... 

 See All 67 Favorites in Osaka

97.

How to Survive   Tokyo

How to Survive, Tokyo

 7 Reviews  Always Remember that ATM's in japan are mostly local! you can only withdraw from international ATM locations in Airports, Major Rail Stations, Post offices and on 7-11 stores! when in major Rail... 

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98.

Sightseeing outside Osaka   Osaka

Sightseeing outside Osaka, Osaka

 1 Review  Take a short ride (35 min.) by shinkansen to Himeji and go see Himeji Castle. I really enjoyed the aquarium even though I was there during the earthquake. I think the earthquake just made it more... 

 See All 67 Favorites in Osaka

99.

City Overview   Tokyo

City Overview, Tokyo

 32 Reviews  Please note that all information written here is valid for September 2011. Due to the events of the major Earthquake roughly 200-300km north of Tokyo and the problems with the Fukushima Nuclear Power... 

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100.

Theatres and Museums   Tokyo

Theatres and Museums, Tokyo

 9 Reviews  The Kabuki-za on Harumi-dôri at Ginza is Japan's most famous kabuki theatre. There are performances of the unique Japanses theatre art kabuki nearly every day. Because kabuki plays are very long... 

 See All 415 Favorites in Tokyo

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Coming to Japan for the 1st timers (hikers)

by KevinMichael

Lots of questions. I'll tell you what I know:1/ How widespread are hostels across Japan and would you need to book prior to your visit (late June, first half of July)? There are hostels in a number of the bigger and more famous cities. But, many of the lesser known and smaller cities don't have any at all. As far as booking in advance regarding hostels, I just don't know. I'll ask my staff about their experiences (as they've used them in Japan) and get back to you on that part.2/ How restricted would we be if traveling by rail, (i.e. can you get to mountain resorts by rail)? Some places you can get by rail others you can't get there by rail alone. In my experience, I would usually go by rail first and then by bus to places that I went hiking at.3/ Do you need to have reservations to stay in mountain huts? Maybe. But, I have stayed in a few places with no reservation (and I wouldn't have...

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Access Maps to Tourist Information Centers (TICs)

by joiwatani

Japan National Tourist Organization are based in 15 countries abroad. If you didnt' have this in your home country, you can get information guides and tourist maps from many airport locations in Japan.There is one in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and two at the Narita Airport Terminal. Once you arrive in Japan, make sure to ask where is the Tourist Information Center at the airport. The access Maps to Tourist Information Centers (ITCs) can be located at the following:Tokyo: Tokyo International ForumKyoto: Kyoto Tower BuildingOsaka: Arrival Lobby, Kansai International AirportNarita: Arrival Lobby, Airport Terminal 1 & 2, New Tokyo International Airport

Rent a Cellular Phone

by joiwatani

When I arrived in Japan, I rented a phone right away. I can use it to store telephone numbers, use it as a camera, and use it to keep in touch with my family members. There is a cellular phone booth at the Narita and/or the Kansai Airport. It is called the GRP Globa Rent-a-Phone. In order to apply, you have to have your own credit card, driver's license and a passport. The telephone rental charge is Y600 and for a month is Y12,000. The domestic call charge is Y105 per minute and no charge for incoming phone calls. For International call charge:USA Y200China/Taiwan Y290Korea Y260UK Y400. Payment will be deducted from your credit card one month after use.Application Procedure:Contact +81-(0) 43-243-6662Confirm ReservationReturn phone The telephone can be rented at the Narita International Airport Terminal 14th Floor: Garden Square.The counter is open from 7:30 am - 7:30 pm.

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Getting around in Tokyo

by bulldogtwo

Getting around usually is not a problem. The rail system is great, cheap, and they have english/japanese maps, and for the most part, someone will help you should you ask. Maps are easy to come by and they are good to find your way around the city.When I mentioned restauarants, I am talking about the small mom and pop little hole in the walls, and as I said before, it took me quite some time to realize they were there and to recognize that they were restauarants and that I could go into them. Many of them look like the small private night clubs that only Japanese businessmen go to. I doubt that you'll be going to these, however, these are nice and cheap and good food. You can find other places that are just as good. There are soup and noodle places all over the city, great on a chilly day! Many of these places will have pictures of the food they are serving in the front wondows, or...

January weather in Tokyo

by bulldogtwo

You can expect it to be cold, especially coming from Singapore! You could experience periods of warm weather but it will still be pretty cold. I would have a nice sweater and a medium jacket that can break the wind, a heavy jacket if you expect to be outside for long periods of time. What I always liked was when I got cold you could always find a hot coffee vending machine, the cans were nice and warm for the hands and the coffee was great to drink on a cold day! I would try and wait for as long as you can before you really decide what to take for jackets. Check an extended weather forecast right before you go and decide based on that to make your final decision, but I would think it'll be fairly cold for you.As far as cash to take, I don't know what your budget is but you can expect it to be similar to Singapore, Tokyo can be very expensive. You can eat at cheap restuarants but I found...

Cellular Phone rental at Narita Airport

by joiwatani

If you are in Japan for business or for sightseeing tour and wanted to have a cellphone where you can get in touch with your family, friends or business partner, you can actually sign up for a cell phone at the Narita Airport Terminal 1, 1st Floor, Arrival Lobby.The cell phone booth is there close to where you can rent cars. There are sales representatives over there who could barely speak English. The ame of the cell phone company is GRP (Global Rent-A-Phone).When I signed up for a cell phone, they required me to show them my passport, driver's license where it shows my address and a credit car.Here's more information of the cell phone rental:Telephone Numer is 043-243-6662 (From Japan)+81-43-243-6662 (From Overseas)Fax Numer: 043-243-2241 (From Japan)+81-43-243-2241 (From Overseas)URL: http://www.tokyoay.co.jp/worldphoneNarita Airport Termina 1 rth Floor:Garden Square -...

Include Kyoto in your itirenary!

by joiwatani

There is nothing like visiting Kyoto. But when you do, make sure to have at least five days in your planning so you can truly explore and experience the beauty and culture of Kyoto City. The best time to go to Japan is in Spring time and during the Fall season so you can truly experience the different festivals in Japan.I love Kyoto! I love the different temples and structures in Kyoto. I also love their food and different stores! I would love to go back to Kyoto to buy the things that I wanted to buy - all those Japanese Kabuki dolls, Bonsai, samurai (I am only allowed to buy the imitation one), and those beautiful potteries and paintings! My fondest memory of Japan is experiencing their way of life. How fast life is in Tokyo and how slow it is in the provinces. I also love going to their parks- just walking and looking at the local residents. I also love the food in Japan! It is...

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How much does it cost to travel in Japan

by Josilver

It depends how you are palnning to travel and what style of accomodation you want. Hostel will cost $25-$30 per night, basic ryokan $50-$70 and hotels $100+. Also if you get a JR rail pass it will cost about $580 for 21 days, you will need to work out if it is economical for you to get 2 or buy individual tickets. Food is not so expensive $15-$20 for a meal in a resturuant, the take away lunch boxes from convinience stores are great $5-$10.

Currency

by grayfo

The general currency for Japan is the yen usually written as JPY. The Meiji government introduced the yen to replace the previous complex system of the Edo Period, where there was no fixed exchange rate between the various coins used. The New Currency Act of 1871 established the yen as the official unit of currency and moved Japan onto the Gold Standard. It was named the "yen" because of the direct translation to "round object

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Okinawa and Japan

by bulldogtwo

Yes and yes, at least from what I have heard and understand from the Japanese I have talked to. Okinawa is part of Japan and are Japanese citizens. But the people that live on Okinawa consider themselves as Okinawan's. Many of the Okinawan's would like to separate themselves from mainland Japan in every way but even they know that is highly unlikely. Again, this is based on my conversations with Japanese when I lived in Japan.If I am wrong in this other VTer's will let us know!

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Q:  Toyoko Inn Club Card - I read that the price for this membership card is 1500yen. When is the expiration for this card for... 

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A: Generally the price of the room listed on the website should be the price of the room, at least for Japanese hotels. I can't guarantee it though. Booking.com may add... 

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