Japan Travel

Japan Travel

Japan Solo Travel Experience 22.08.23 / 04.09.23 Recommendations for your own itinerary.
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Info before you leave 

Check List

- Haneda Airport is closer by Tokyo city centre, Narita airport is further away but could be cheaper on flight tickets. If you can save a few hundred for Narita choose it. 

- Have your hotel address, phone number and name of the hotel written down or on your phone that doesn’t require internet. 

- Pre book activities and transportation via Klook. The prices are lower than the original websites and in person. Booking in advance will guarantee a spot for that activity  

- Order your E-sim so you have internet ready. It will be cheaper than buying from the airport.   

- Download Google maps, most useful app for the transportation. 

- Bring cash to exchange at a currency exchange office, To avoid fees on using the ATM. 

- Bring a coin purse with you. Paying with cash leads to getting a lot of coins. When you have a lot of coins the cashiers are always willing to help you pay with the coins. All the stores have little trays when you place the money when paying. They if often ask you to pour out the coins on the stay so they can help you out. 

- Note that most stores offer Tax free shopping for purchases over ¥5000. With every purchase that has been made tax free, the products cannot be opened or consumed in Japan.   

- Note that if you’re travelling to another city and you want to get your suitcases delivered. Make sure you give your suitcase to the reception before 11:00 am THE DAY BEFORE. There will be a form to fill out with the address of the next destination. The suitcase will be delivered the next day. For example you give your suitcase on the 29th of august before 10:00am / 11:00am (Times varies per hotel), you will receive it on the following day 30th of august during check in of the next hotel. 

Activities I recommend to pre-book 

- Shibuya Sky

- Ginza Aquarium

- Tokyo Skytree

- Team lab Planets 

Transportation options

- JR Pass

Unlimited travel with the trains cross country 

- Pasmo Passport

Prepaid transportation card for the subway and bus for Tokyo and Osaka. This card is available at the biggest stations, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo and the airports Narita and Haneda.

 

 - Pasmo & Suica card

Prepaid transportation card for the subway and bus for Tokyo and Osaka. ( Currently only available via Apple wallet and pay) Make sure you have a credit card linked to your apple wallet to topup the card.

These 3 cards can be used as payment at a lot of stores and convenient stores.

- Bus Ticket from Narita Airport and Tokyo station 

Between Narita Airport and Tokyo station is a shuttle bus driving. The journey takes around 65mins and the costs of the trip is ¥1300. From Tokyo station it is a whole lot easier to get to your accommodation. [Notice] When using the Night or very early morning bus the fair will be ¥2600. Double the price compared other time. Since they will be taking a different route during the early morning and night.    

- Shinkansen To Osaka, Kyoto, Nara

Tokyo

Shibuya

Shibuya Scramble Crossing 

Shibuya Scramble Crossing
@Lxsthan
Busiest crossing in the world. With over 5000 people crossing at the same time. Picture and video moment.
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Tower Records Shibuya

The nine-story Tower Records in Shibuya is a behemoth. Built in 1995, it would later become the flagship store for Tower Records Japan, which became independent in 2002, a full four years before the American company liquidated. Forbes found in 2014 that 85% of music sales in Japan comes from CDs, a figure largely resulting from strict digital licensing in the country. As one of the biggest CD retailers in the world today, there's no better place to experience this largely outmoded world of retail than Tower Records.

Tower Records - Shibuya
@Lxsthan
Big music store for all your favourite Cd’s, Records, and Albums. They have every genre available and its 7 stories high.
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Nintendo Tokyo

Nintendo Tokyo
@Lxsthan
Most popular Pokemon centre with the big Mewtwo statue, great for Pokemon and Nintendo lovers en souvenirs
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Shibuya Sky

A 360° open-air observation deck located on the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper.

Shibuya Sky
@Lxsthan
A high observation deck for a view all over Tokyo. Rooftop with a panorama view and the famous escalators. One level down is a nice bar and a souvenir store with a view over the city.
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Harajuku

Takeshita Street 

Situated in the heart of Harajuku, it is made for window shopping. Cutesy clothes overflow from shopfronts and gaggles of school kids meet up to devour sweet street food. 

Takeshita Street
@Lxsthan
A street full of clothing stores, toys and animated characters. Shiba Inu Cafe!
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Cosme Tokyo

COSME TOKYO is Japan's largest cosmetics trade fair gathering all kinds of cosmetics.

@cosme TOKYO
@Lxsthan
Cosme store is the biggest skincare store of Tokyo, with multiple floors and popular brands.
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Shinjuku

Godzilla Head

This Godzilla, towering over the Toho Cinema in Shinjuku, is probably the most famous in Tokyo. On closer inspection, it’s actually just a head and claw, but it still cuts a pretty intimidating figure.

Godzilla Statue
@Lxsthan
Icon to spot on top of a building.
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Omoide Yokochō

Landmark alleyway featuring a selection of food stalls for simple fare & alcoholic drinks.

Omoide Yokochō
@Lxsthan
A small side street that you need to know off in order to spot it. Very scenic and perfect for pictures. If you get lucky you may get a spot to sit for a meal. Seating is very limited so if you are with a big group, there is a small chance you won’t get a place to sit.
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Okubo

The neighborhood is built around Shin-Ōkubo Station, accessible on the Yamanote Line. It is known for its extensive Korean community, and is often called Tokyo Koreatown.

Okubo
@Lxsthan
Korean Town! Street is filled with Korean restaurants, skincare stores and a Korean supermarket.
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Meiji Jingu

Meiji Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo, that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.

Meiji Jingu
@Lxsthan
A beautiful shrine park, near the very busy parts of Tokyo and a great escape from the people. Also recommended to visit it early in the morning since it is still a touristy area.
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Ginza

Muji Ginza Flagship Store

Minimalist Japanese retailer with a wide range of generic products, including apparel & home goods.

MUJI Ginza Flagship Store
@Lxsthan
One of the biggest Muji’s in the world. The store has six floors for all your favourite products and the sixth floor for the hotel that is in the store! Yes you can actually stay at the Muji Hotel.
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Uniqlo Ginza

Clothing retailer producing a collection of casualwear & accessories for men, women & children.

Uniqlo Ginza
@Lxsthan
The biggest Uniqlo store is located in Ginza, it has 12 floors and a special floor designated for designing your own clothing pieces and bags.
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Itoya Ginza

Expansive retailer offering a wide selection of stationary, writing instruments & desktop objects.

Itoya
@Lxsthan
Itoya is a large stationary store, ranging from cards, pens, booklets and notepads. Great for back to school and a luxury visit.
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Art Aquarium Museum Ginza

Art museum with installation works & sculptures made out of goldfish tanks lit by colored lights.

ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM
@Lxsthan
Ginza aquarium a lot different from your normal aquarium. The rooms are very dark so that the fish tanks can illuminate and really stand out with the lights.
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Asakusa

Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II.

Sensō-ji
@Lxsthan
Street filled with food and souvenir stores. Perfect if you’re shopping for souvenirs.
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Funawa Nakamise

Japanese confectionery shop.

Funawa Nakamise Shop No. 2
@Lxsthan
Ice cream, crepe store. Very popular since its on the Main Street. There is a vending machine where you order your items. After ordering you will get a ticket, give the ticket through the window and receive your order!
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Koto

Tokyo Tower

Tower in the special wards of Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Tower
@Lxsthan
Perfect and iconic for a picture.
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TeamLab Planets 

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com is an art facility that utilizes digital technology and was established by teamLab and DMM.com.

teamLab Planets
@Lxsthan
Colourful interactive art exhibition. Multiple rooms with their own unique style. Recommended to book a spot an early as possible and to arrive at least 30 mins beforehand to avoid the busy crowd to still have the best possible experience for pictures.
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Tsukiji Outer Market

Bustling locale with wholesale & retail stores selling seafood, plus informal restaurants & cafes.

Tsukiji Outer Market
@Lxsthan
All small little markets for the perfect seafood street food experience. Great gifts for friends and family to get snacks for back home.
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Osaka

Nishishinsaibashi

Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel 

The Ferris wheel is also known as Ebisu Tower since it is decorated with a giant picture of Ebisu, the deity of commerce, as well as the Don Quixote brand character. Ebisu is particularly revered in Osaka, historically a merchant city. The Ferris wheel shouldn’t be too crowded on the weekdays but there may be extended wait times depending on the time you go over the weekend. It is open daily and will only close due to poor weather conditions.

Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel
@Lxsthan
One of the biggest stores around in Osaka. On the outside there is a ferris wheel built in it. You can ride the ferris wheel for a few Yen, The entrance is located inside on the 3rd floor. The admission fee for the ferris wheel is ¥600
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Dotonbori Glico Sign

Famed giant billboard installed in 1935 as an advertisement for the Glico confectionery company.

Dotonbori Glico Sign
@Lxsthan
The most iconic billboard of Osaka, for its famous pose.
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Tonbori River Cruise 

River boat sightseeing trips taking 30 minutes cruising under the city's 9 landmark bridges.

Tonbori River Cruise
@Lxsthan
Take a boat tour around the area, the boat leaves every 15 min and the journey takes around 30 mins. It gives you a great view around the area. Look out for people waving at you! Best time to go is during sunset 6pm or when it’s dark after 8pm since then all the lights will turn on of the buildings. Tickets are available next to Don Quijote outside on a little tent. Ticket prices are ¥1200.
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Osaka Castle 

Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

Osaka Castle
@Lxsthan
Beautiful building and definitely worth a visit when you’re in Osaka. Perfect for pictures outside. For entering the castle the admission fee is ¥600 + an additional ¥200 for the Nishinomaru Garden. Opening hours differs depending on the season, make sure you check them on the official website.
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Namba Yasaka Jinja 

Small shrine featuring a ritualistic performance stage in the shape of a lion's head.

Namba Yasaka Jinja
@Lxsthan
Very small but beautiful shrine. Here you find the iconic lion head. Entrance is free.
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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan 

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is an aquarium located in the ward of Minato in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, near Osaka Bay. When it first opened, it was the largest public aquarium in the world. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
@Lxsthan
- The aquarium is one of the biggest ones in the world. When it first opened it was the biggest. When purchasing tickets there will be time slots on entering the aquarium. The wartime for me was around 30 minutes. The admission fee is ¥2700. To avoid waiting you can book you tickets online for the same price with the desired time slot. - If you have decided to wait for the admission time. There will be a small shopping mall with cafe’s in it to pass the time. The walk from the shopping mall to the aquarium is less than 1 minute.
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Shinsekai Market 

Cheery, old-school covered shopping street lined with food, clothing & souvenir vendors.

Shinsekai Market
@Lxsthan
If you’re looking for many options of seafood then is Shinsekai the place to be in Osaka. There are endless options of restaurants to choose from.
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Tsūtenkaku

Tsūtenkaku, owned by Tsūtenkaku Kanko Co., Ltd., is a tower and well-known landmark of Osaka, Japan and advertises Hitachi. It is located in the Shinsekai district of Naniwa-ku, Osaka. Its total height is 103 metres; the main observation deck is at a height of 91 metres

Tsūtenkaku
@Lxsthan
The landmark is an icon when visiting Osaka. To be seen in every picture you make. To enter the observation deck there will be an admission fee of ¥900.
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Umeda 

Umeda is a major commercial, business, shopping and entertainment district in Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan, and the city's main northern railway terminus. The district's name means "plum field"

Umeda
@Lxsthan
Pokemon and Nintendo Store Both locations are with a visit since they are next to each other! The stores are both located in the department store Daimaru Umeda store on 13F. The stores have exclusive items that are different from the stores in Tokyo. - Ghibli store Shinsaibashi For the Ghibli fans that are looking for merchandise than this is the spot.
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Kyoto

 Hōkan Temple

The Yasaka Pagoda, also known as the Tower of Yasaka, is a Buddhist pagoda located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The 5-story tall pagoda is the last remaining structure of a 6th-century temple complex known as Hōkan Temple. The pagoda is now a tourist attraction.

Hōkan-ji Temple
@Lxsthan
Perfect photo spot infant of the famous building. Recommended to visit this landmark as early in the morning as possible to avoid the crowd for making pictures.
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Ghibli Studios Shop Kyoto

Cheerful shop offering character-inspired souvenirs from Ghibli movies, including bags & figurines.

Ghibli Studios Shop Kyoto
@Lxsthan
For the Ghibli fans that are looking for merchandise than this is the spot.
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Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya

Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is the world's first Starbucks store in a traditional Japanese house with tatami seating. We'll introduce the unique features of this location inspired by tea ceremony culture, along with tips on avoiding congested periods. 

Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
@Lxsthan
The Starbucks near the temple and the Ghibli store is one of the more unique Starbucks stores I have ever been in. The style of the store in the same style as the buildings in Kyoto. Very traditional and it gives you a feeling how it is to be in a Japanese home
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Yasaka-jinja Shrine

Yasaka Shrine, once called Gion Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in the Gion District of Kyoto, Japan. Situated at the east end of Shijō-dōri, the shrine includes several buildings, including gates, a main hall and a stage.

Yasaka-jinja Shrine
@Lxsthan
Small but beautiful area to see the shrines. The shrine has several buildings, gates, a main hall and a stage.
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Higashiyama Ward

Higashiyama-ku preserves the look and feel of feudal-era Japan in a wood-built historic quarter of narrow lanes lined with traditional pottery stores, tea houses, and restaurants for multi-course kaiseki meals. Centuries-old Zen and Shinto sites include lantern-lit Yasaka Shrine and hillside temple Kiyomizudera, which overlooks the city. Maruyama Park hosts festive hanami picnics under springtime cherry blossoms.

Higashiyama Ward
@Lxsthan
Walk around the Higashiyama ward and experience many pottery stores, Tea houses and Restaurants
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Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari-taisha is the head shrine of the kami Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.

Fushimi Inari Taisha
@Lxsthan
Quite a large area to see the Senbon Torii with there being over 1000 Torii gates. I recommend if you want to take a nice picture to walk all the way to the top. Since most of the people won’t go there and makes it less busy than the entrance.
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Chopstick Store

Kitchen supply store in Kyoto, Japan 

Chopstick Store
@Lxsthan
Quite famous for the personalised chopsticks and the high quality of them. I recommended to order your chopsticks before going to the shrines only of you want them personalised with your name. I had ordered 4 sets of chopsticks and had to wait 2 hours for them to be finished.
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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or Sagano Bamboo Forest, is a natural forest of bamboo in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. The forest consists mostly of mōsō bamboo and has several pathways for tourists and visitors. The Ministry of the Environment considers it a part of the soundscape of Japan.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
@Lxsthan
A large forest surrounded by bamboo plants. Great for photos but recommended to come when there is a lot of light since it can get quite dark there nearer the end of the day.
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Snoopy Chocolat

Chocolate shop in theme with Snoopy. 

Snoopy Chocolat
@Lxsthan
For the Snoopy lovers. There is just outside the forest a snoopy store that sells merchandise, food and drinks from snoop.
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Nara

Nara Park 

Nara Park is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Established in 1880, it is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture. 

Nara Park
@Lxsthan
A big area with a giant temple in the middle. You can enter the area for a small fee and see the temple from the inside.
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Todai-ji Nandaimon

Massive wooden temple gate completed in 1203, with a double-tier roof & 2 guardian statues.

Todai-ji Nandaimon (Grand South Gate)
@Lxsthan
Anywhere where there is grass the deers will be! Across the whole park there will be people with carts selling deer biscuits. They are ¥200 each. These biscuits are the only foods you are allowed to feed the deers. Be cautious when having the biscuits in your hand and if the deers sees them. They will follow you until you feed them.
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Kasuganocho

Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the shrine of the Fujiwara family, established in 768 CE and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up the shrine.

Kasuganocho
@Lxsthan
Is further in the park with a slight climb up a mountain. on you way up there will be deers surrounding you and on top there will be a temple. It’s a nice hike up to refresh your mind after the busy cities.
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Hashimotocho

Shopping Street located in Nara, Japan

Hashimotocho
@Lxsthan
This area is filled with restaurants and stores. A lot of the stores have exclusive Nara items, get them there while you can.
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Nakatanidou 

Well-known store featuring traditional Japanese mochi rice cakes & making demonstrations.

Nakatanidou
@Lxsthan
On Sanjo-Dori Street is the famous Mochi making store. The showcase of the making will be in time slots every 60 mins. Make sure to check the time and stand there earlier if possible since it can get busy when the show starts.
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