The temptation is nearly unbearable, but… You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t a good Japan traveler, so you already know to take off your shoes off outside the door, you wouldn’t dream of eating and drinking while walking around, and the last thing you’d ever do is get on a train while blabbing onContinueContinue reading “Don’t accidentally do these five things that drive Japanese locals crazy”
Tag Archives: Travel hacks
Noooo! Why is it CLOSED?!
There’s nothing more disappointing than flying all the way to Japan, navigating the trains, and hiking to the pin on your map,* only to discover that something you really want to see is CLOSED! Here’s what locals know about when things are open and when they’re not. 1 The 30-Minute Rule Most places don’t allowContinueContinue reading “Noooo! Why is it CLOSED?!”
Where to see the best cherry blossoms in Tokyo
Cherry blossoms at the Imperial Palace Chidorigafuchi Moat Map to all Cherry Blossom Spots First of all, what kind of cherry blossoms do you want to see? They bloom in four waves of different varieties, starting in mid-March with the dark pink kanzakura… Early-blooming cherries at Shinjuku Gyō-en then the weeping varieties bloom from mid-MarchContinueContinue reading “Where to see the best cherry blossoms in Tokyo”
What Japanese phrases should I learn before I go?
None. That’s right, none. Yikes, that seems super rude, right? Nobody wants to be the kind of clueless tourist who assumes all the world speaks English! But let’s imagine for a moment how trotting out those “useful Japanese phrases” you plan to memorize on the plane will play out… Imagine, if you will, a foreignContinueContinue reading “What Japanese phrases should I learn before I go?”
Don’t let AI ruin your Japan trip!
This little piece of fiction is from FineArtAmerica My friend the amazing tour guide recently told me that getting his guests into the top sushi restaurant in Tokyo is no longer his biggest challenge—it’s breaking the news that cherry blossoms aren’t really that pink and their #1 must-see destination doesn’t exist. The thing is, everyoneContinueContinue reading “Don’t let AI ruin your Japan trip!”
Fun stuff to do in Tokyo when it’s HOT outside
Don’t let a little steamy weather keep you from having all the summer fun and seeing all the good stuff! There are plenty of only-in-Japan delights you can 100% enjoy and still keep your cool. Instead of groaning at the soaring temperatures, think yourself lucky you’re here for experiences and food that are only offeredContinueContinue reading “Fun stuff to do in Tokyo when it’s HOT outside”
Beyond Tokyo: Great only-in-Japan stuff to do in the rest of the country
I’m always telling people they should spend more time in Tokyo because HELLO UNKNOWN GOODNESS, but there are plenty of other places in Japan worth visiting too! You already know the obvious ones, so I’m going to show you some only-in-Japan spots where you’ll be astonished by the experience, not the crowds. MAP TO ALLContinueContinue reading “Beyond Tokyo: Great only-in-Japan stuff to do in the rest of the country”
What to do in Tokyo on a rainy day
You’ve got every precious day in Japan all planned out…then you wake up one morning and it’s raining. Here are some only-in-Japan things you can do on a rainy day that might deliver even more fun than what you thought you’d be doing today! MAP TO ALL DESTINATIONS • Only-in-Japan Aquariums If the word “aquarium”ContinueContinue reading “What to do in Tokyo on a rainy day”
Tips & tricks for maximum fun at the new TeamLab Borderless
Hi, it’s me, Jonelle. The TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum is the hottest ticket in Tokyo right now, but it’s also the great grandaddy of FOMO. There are no maps, and it’s designed to get you turned around so you “discover” instead of beelining to the thing you’re dying to see. The new Azabudai Hills siteContinueContinue reading “Tips & tricks for maximum fun at the new TeamLab Borderless”
Where do I get a visitor transit card at Haneda Airport?
Regular PASMO, Suica and ICOCA transit cards are available again at all train station ticket machines, but if you buy a temporary visitor transit card when you arrive at the airport, it won’t cost you the ¥500 non-refundable deposit and can be reloaded for 28 days from the date of purchase. OR If you haveContinueContinue reading “Where do I get a visitor transit card at Haneda Airport?”
How to put a Japanese transit card on your phone
This is the easiest and most reliable way to buy a transit card. You can do it from home before you leave and use a credit card,* even if it’s not issued by a Japanese bank. *Important note: For various arcane reasons, VISA credit/debit cards issued by foreign banks are not accepted. MasterCard and AmExContinueContinue reading “How to put a Japanese transit card on your phone”
How to get and use a visitor transit card
If you’re flying into Osaka/Kyoto or points west, you can buy an ICOCA reloadable transit card at any train station and use it anywhere in Japan. But as of August 2023, you can no longer buy Suica or PASMO transit cards in Eastern Japan (Tokyo region and east), so you have to put one onContinueContinue reading “How to get and use a visitor transit card”
What NOT to do in Tokyo: The top ten overrated experiences (and what to do instead)
I like to keep things positive around here, but I just scanned the umpteenth itinerary forwarded to me by a coming-to-Japan friend, and I can’t believe that trip planners keep sending people to do this stuff! If yours tries to sell you a plan with these destinations on it,* send them back to the drawingContinueContinue reading “What NOT to do in Tokyo: The top ten overrated experiences (and what to do instead)”
Shrine or temple? The Quickie Guide
You’re craning your neck to see some gorgeous gold-leafed carving, and suddenly you’re overcome with traveler joy. “Isn’t this the most gorgeous…?” Uh oh. Shrine or temple? Because you know that temples are Buddhist and shrines are Shinto (and you don’t want to be that tourist) but which is which? Shrines and temples can both beContinueContinue reading “Shrine or temple? The Quickie Guide”
Hacking Leaf Season: Beat the crowds & duck those peak prices
Thinking about taking an autumn trip to Japan? Dreaming of strolling through divine gardens bursting with red maples, and serene temples robed in fall leaves? I’m with you: it’s totally my favorite time to be here – not beastly hot nor shiveringly cold, with plenty of upworthy photo ops everywhere – but you may be dismayedContinueContinue reading “Hacking Leaf Season: Beat the crowds & duck those peak prices”
How to do all the fun Tokyo stuff if you can’t speak Japanese
An interview with Mac of Maction Planet bespoke tours I know. The whole reason you’re on The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had is to figure out how to have fun in Tokyo without someone showing you around. And don’t get me wrong, you absolutely can! (If you haven’t explored the site yet, have a lookContinueContinue reading “How to do all the fun Tokyo stuff if you can’t speak Japanese”
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 