honeymooning in japan
- Sherry Brecher
- May 20
- 21 min read
Japan’s reputation as a world-class honeymoon destination is gathering pace - and not just because of the accelerating slide in the value of their yen. The Land of the Rising Sun is a country where the combination of ancient tradition and ultra modernity provides countless opportunities for romantic moments. It's an intoxicating location for newlyweds looking to explore somewhere unfamiliar and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Japan oozes with vibrance, charisma, craftsmanship, punctuality and social harmony. There’s very little that this country doesn’t do just a little bit better than everywhere else: food, design, trains, hospitality, cocktails, knives, whisky and even denim! It's a wacky, wild and fascinating place that’s simultaneously safe, approachable and welcoming.
Quick Links:
TOKYO
Japan's capital is the country's beating heart and, in a lot of ways, a model city - the people are polite, crime rates are low, public transport is extensive and efficient, the streets are clean and pedestrian-friendly, car horns are used sparingly and there is a strong focus on sustainability and smart city initiatives.
What really gives Tokyo an edge though is its thirst for novelty. This megacity is the land of endless discovery with its futuristic facade, immersive digital art installations, zany restaurant concepts and eccentric fashion. Tokyo offers a sensory overload that's as exciting as it is unusual.
It is the largest metropolitan area in the world, made up of 37+ million people and 23 'special wards' (municipalities), each with its own distinct charm and attractions. To make the most of this expansive urban sprawl, I suggest basing yourself somewhere well connected and grouping sightseeing by district(s) each day.
ACCOMMODATION:
One of the few things that I was not impressed by in Japan was the hotels, particularly at their distorted market rates. They were all clean and mostly comfortable, but very small and basic.
In Tokyo, we stayed at the Shibuya Stream Hotel, which was conveniently located within a mixed-use skyscraper, with an event hall, 30 restaurants/bars and office space (Google occupied floors 14-35). It was directly connected to the C2 exit of Shibuya Station on the subway/Tokyu lines and to JR Shibuya Station's new south exit, making it very easy to get around. I wouldn't necessarily recommend the hotel, but I would suggest staying in Shibuya if you're a first-time visitor.
SHIBUYA:
Shibuya is a bustling district known for fashion, entertainment, culture and commerce.
Do/See:
Hachikō Statue: Every evening, an Akita Inu dog (named Hachikō) would wait for his owner at Shibuya Station. Even after his master's death, the dog continued to wait every day, for ten years, until his own passing. The small bronze statue is now a symbol of devotion and commemorates the dog's unwavering loyalty.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing: The world’s busiest pedestrian intersection sees up to 3,000 people crossing per green light (every 80 seconds). An estimated 1.5 million people cross the street here each week. It's incredible how smooth and orderly the flow of pedestrians is, despite the volume of foot traffic.
Shibuya Sky: This 46-floor observation deck normally provides spectacular sights of the area with a 360° view. The day we went, however, was grey and rainy and visibility was terrible. Buy tickets in advance to skip the line. If the weather isn't nice when you've booked, you can opt to receive a refund.
Eat/Drink:
Gyoza no Ohsho (literally the 'King of Gyoza'): The specialty is crisp, delicious dumplings, sold six pieces per plate, for just 240 yen (~£1.22). Reservations are not accepted.
Han no Daidokoro Bettei Shibuya Branch: Offers sumptuous yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), serving two of Japan's finest cuts of beef: Kobe and Yamagata. Book in advance.
Din Tai Fung Shibuya Scramble Square: This popular Taiwanese dim sum chain restaurant is located one floor below the Shibuya Sky. The signature dish is xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and they are as good as everyone says.
The SG Club - Featured on The World's 50 Best list, this sexy bar is a fine place to sip or guzzle a fancy cocktail.
SHINJUKU:
Considered by many to be the city center of present-day Tokyo. It's a lively and crowded district, with the world's busiest train station. This major commercial and administrative area, by day, becomes a vivid entertainment district at night.
Do/See:
3D Cat Billboard: Installed in 2021, this billboard has gained Internet stardom and won a bunch of design/advertising awards. The calico cat appears on the screen between various other advertisements throughout the day. It also materializes for a longer animation sequence once every 15 minutes. It is a point of interest on Google Maps, making it easy to find, but using the East Exit gates at Shinjuku Station will help you find it quicker.
Godzilla Head: This prominent landmark has been located atop the Shinjuku Toho Building since 2015. The statue's eyes light up and it roars and emits smoke every hour from 12pm to 8pm.
Samurai Restaurant: This is a hyper-stimulated cabaret show that is a bit gimmicky and tacky but also entertaining. If you want a neon-lit, pop culture, 'only-in-Tokyo' smack in the face, this is the show for you. It features a variety of cultural cliches including samurai vs ninja sword battles, dancers in revealing samurai armor, shrine maidens and demon-themed floats. I suggest securing tickets in advance, so you don't risk a sellout. Be sure to bring your passport/ID (a digital copy is okay) as the staff will verify that you’re 18+.
Eat/Drink:
Golden-Gai: Comprised of 290 tiny bars squeezed into a network of six alleyways, this is a bar-hopping paradise for people who enjoy an intimate nightlife atmosphere. The buildings are just a few feet wide and can only fit five or so customers at a time. Most are two-stories, having a small bar at street level and another upstairs, reached by a steep set of steps. A few establishments discouraged tourists with 'no foreigners' signs, but most were welcoming. We particularly liked Plage and Open Book.
Omoide Yokocho: Known as 'Memory Lane', this nostalgic alleyway houses roughly 80 bite-sized izakaya (taverns) and yakitori (grilled skewers) joints serving some of the best street food in Japan. It had its roots in the chaotic period just after WWII when, amid the rubble and rebuilding of Tokyo, a bustling black market sprung up with vendors selling hard-to-obtain food, drinks and daily necessities. Over time, these makeshift stalls have evolved into more permanent eateries.
MINATO, CHIYODA & GINZA:
These three adjacent areas are often associated with high-end residences, business headquarters, politics, luxury and designer boutiques.
Do/See:
teamLabs Borderless: A world of interactive digital artwork installations without a map. The concept is to immerse you in one continuous world, without boundaries. Buy tickets in advance, go early in the AM and don’t wear a short dress/skirt because the floors are mirrored in many of the rooms.
Tokyo Tower: Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, this structure stands 333 meters tall and was the tallest freestanding tower in the world when completed, in 1958. From the highest viewing deck, you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
Atago Shrine: This was not on my original itinerary, but I when noticed that the Imperial Palace was closed on Mondays, I had to pivot and this shrine was walking distance from the Tokyo Tower. After climbing the 86 'stone steps to success', we were rewarded with a tranquil environment where locals come to pray for professional success.
Eat/Drink:
Ginza Kagari: Nestled in a back alley of the Ginza district, you'll find this ramen gem. It is globally renowned and draws long lines of visitors from all over the world. First, you'll need to wait in the queue to the right of the front door. When it's your turn, you'll order and pay (credit card only). They will give you a receipt and then you must queue in the line to the left of the door to wait to be seated. The signature dish is Tori Paitan - a rich, creamy chicken-based broth made by simmering whole chicken and chicken bones for hours and it's worth the wait!
Mint Ginza Rooftop: Located at the top of the Tokyu Plaza Ginza, this casual all-day cafe/bar is surrounded by greenery and skyline views.
Bar High Five: This basement venue in glitzy Ginza has no menu. The bartenders ask for your preferred flavor profile and then whip something up for you. The combination of Japanese bartending techniques plus modified classic recipes has resulted in High Five being a regular in the World’s 50 Best list. The bar’s notoriety and small size means it is often busy and that you’ll likely encounter more Westerners than locals.
JBA Bar Suzuki: Upstairs from Bar High Five, you'll find another famous bar that was founded in 1967 by the president of the Japan Bartenders’ Association (J.B.A.). The bar is traditional, modern and sophisticated, with a wide array of whiskies, a selection of original cocktails and jazz playing in the background.
Sanshuya Ginza: This izakaya (tavern) is tucked away in a small alley in Ginza. They specialize in seafood and beer. It was an authentic and affordable, no-frills sort of place filled with locals and old-school charm. Nobody spoke any English. Several waitresses, speaking at the same time, in Japanese, told us what we would have and then dishes promptly started arriving.
RYOGOKU, AKIHABARA & OCHANOMIZU:
Each of these three neighborhoods are located just a few minutes apart on the JR Chūō-Sōbu Line. Ryogoku is renowned for its connection to sumo; Akihabara for its electronics and anime and Ochanomizu is a popular district for bargain-conscious musicians and sportsmen.
Do/See:
Ryogoku Sumo Morning Practice Session: This tour allowed us to experience and appreciate the history and tradition of Japan's national sport by observing a morning training session at the Tokitsukaze stable. The tour was supposed to be two hours, but ended up being only about an hour, which was fine because we had to sit on the floor and be silent for the duration. There was a whole heap of rules (no shoes, no pointing bare feet at wrestlers, no talking, no sitting in the front row, no videoing, no eating/drinking) out of respect for the athletes.
Akihabara Electric Town: Affectionately known as Akiba, this area of the city is famous for its densely packed buildings crammed full of anime, manga and gaming paraphernalia. It's a must-go spot for visitors who want to bask in geeky otaku culture.
Guitar Street: This street, near Ochanomizu Station, is famous for new/used guitars and other musical gear. We ended up here to kill some time before the baseball game. Despite not being musically inclined, it was fun to walk around and look at all the pretty guitars.
Eat/Drink:
Syabu-Yō atre Akihabara 2: Hidden on the 4th floor of the food hall outside Akihabara station, you'll need to hunt to find this place. Once you find this shabu shabu (Japanese hot pot) restaurant, seat yourself, order on the iPad and begin your 100-minute all-you-can-eat and drink session. A human will serve your broths, but your meats will be delivered by a cat-faced robot. Get all your drinks, veggies, noodles and sauces at the buffet. Finally, pay at the front counter.
BUNKYO:
Bunkyo is home to some of Tokyo's most important historical shrines and culturally significant gardens and landscapes, as well as the ultra-modern Tokyo Dome.
Do/See:
Baseball: If you can, I highly recommend catching a ball game at the very cool, indoor Tokyo Dome stadium. We watched the Yomiuri Giants annihilate the Chunichi Dragons 8 to 1, alongside 41,402 other fans.
All Japan Pro-Wrestling: Located next to the Tokyo Dome, Kōrakuen Hall is a popular venue for professional wrestling, boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. We saw the Champion Carnival 2025 match. It was lively and loud and a whole lot of fun.
NAKANO:
This special ward is a popular spot for ramen and exploring retro Tokyo.
Do/See:
Nakano Broadway: This is a somewhat old-fashioned-looking mall where the top floors were claimed by anime/manga shops in the early eighties. Businesses here are generally small and focus on selling second-hand anime items, but you'll also find some impressive watch shops, like Jackroad, selling rare vintage timepieces and pet shops selling the tiniest of kittens and puppies. Additionally, there’s a vending machine selling insect snacks. Rumor has it that there’s a gachapon machine selling worn panties hidden somewhere in the complex, but I cannot confirm this. The alleys around Nakano Broadway are worth some time as well - they’re narrow and a bit dingy, with power cables running between buildings like vines, but there are plenty of cozy bars and restaurants to enjoy.
ASAKUSA:
Asakusa, often referred to as Old Tokyo, is known for its traditional atmosphere that transports you back in time.
Do/See:
Tokyo Skytree: This broadcasting and observation tower has been the tallest tower in Japan since opening in 2012. Given that we had already gone up the Shibuya Sky and the Tokyo Tower, we decided to skip the experience. I hear it's particularly beautiful in the evening though.
Nakamise Street: The most famous shopping street in Asakusa runs for 250 meters on the main approach to Sensō-ji Temple and is lined on both sides with shops selling traditional souvenirs, snacks and sweets.
Sensō-ji Temple: The oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, dating back to AD 645. It draws visitors from around the world to admire its lavish main hall and imposing gates. It is considered a must-see on any visit to Tokyo, which also means it's completely overrun with tourists.
Kappabashi Kitchen Street: About a 15-minute walk from the Sensō-ji Temple area, you'll find 160 shops selling everything from high-end Japanese knives, plastic food samples, crockery and other kitchen-related goods.
Eat/Drink:
Noura: The most famous French restaurant in Asakusa is Hommage, which has earned two Michelin stars. Affiliated with and located right behind Hommage is Noura which literally means 'behind'. On the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list, Noura is a great little French bistro, which is a more casual and affordable experience than Hommage.
Vineria Il Passaggio: This cozy, cash only wine bar serves its natural and organic wines in seashells.
KYOTO
From Tokyo Station, we took the Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Kyoto Station. With speeds up to 200 MPH, the bullet train took only two hours and fifteen minutes. We opted for the Mount Fuji seats (seats D & E) so we'd have a chance of seeing the majestic snow-capped volcano about 40-minutes into the journey. Make sure to reserve luggage when you book your train tickets, if you have oversized suitcases (bigger than a carry-on bag).
Unlike Tokyo's fast-pace, neon lights and skyscapers, Kyoto is more calm and tranquil, with its network of alleyways, gardens, temples, traditional architecture, mountains and forests.
ACCOMMODATION:
Although Kyoto is roughly a third of the size of Tokyo, it's still quite large and choosing where you want to stay is a big decision. We opted for convenience and tradition over luxury and ended up at Kyoto Granbell Hotel in the Gion District (renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town). I would highly recommend the location, but maybe not the hotel.
DO/SEE:
Explore Gion: Known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets and preservation of geisha (AKA geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas/geikos entertain), small shops and countless tiny eateries and bars.
Gion Corner Show: This 50-minute show at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater provides an opportunity to enjoy several traditional performing arts on one stage. The program includes a tea ceremony, music, flower arrangement, dance and comedy. If you opt for premium seats, you'll get a digital tablet with additional information and English translations.
Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine: We got up at 5am to get to the shrine just before 6am, to beat the crowds. We were rewarded with a peaceful and spiritual experience. The shrine is made up of thousands of vermilion torii gates lining a path leading up Mount Inari. Each gate has been donated by individuals or companies as an offering to the shrine. The names and dates of the donations are inscribed on the back of the gates.
Nishiki Market: This narrow, five-block-long marketplace in downtown Kyoto is lined with more than 100 stalls/restaurants and was insanely overcrowded. It was so packed that we couldn't stop anywhere nor try anything. According to Lonely Planet and the Japan National Tourism Organization, the best time to visit is between 10:00 and 11:00 AM, right when it opens.
Shūsui-tei Teahouse: This historical landmark was built about 200 years ago and is located in the southwest corner of the beautiful Imperial Palace Park.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: This is another one of Kyoto's top spots and is best to visit early in the AM, before the crowds. We arrived at 7am. The trail through the beautiful bamboo grove is short (only 0.3 miles one-way), but it's an enchanting and magical experience!
Kameyama-koen Park (next door to the Bamboo Forest): From the top, you will be able to enjoy excellent views of the Arashiyama Mountains and the Hozugawa River. Afterward, walk down to the Katsuragawa River.
Kimono Forest of Arashiyama: The lesser-known forest in Arashiyama is not actually a forest at all, but rather a colorful art installation. At the Kimono Forest, you'll find a collection of 600 clear acrylic cylinders, each standing 2 meters tall, wrapped with vibrant kimono fabrics. It’s recommended to visit at dusk so you can see the pillars illuminated by LED lights.
Sagano Romantic Train: This sightseeing train line runs along the Hozugawa River, between Arashiyama and Kameoka. The charming, old-fashioned train winds its way through the mountains at a slow pace, taking about 25 minutes to make the seven-kilometer journey and giving passengers beautiful scenic views. One of the ways to get back from Kameoka to Arashiyama is to take a river cruise, which is what we intended to do, but it was too windy and cold for a two-hour boat ride, so instead we took a quick train.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama: An amazing chance to get close to cute, free-roaming snow monkeys (Japanese macaques). You must buy tickets at the gate; they can't be bought in advance. It'll cost you 800 yen per adult, to be paid in cash.
EAT/DRINK:
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera Kyoto: This is a sushi bar, where the sushi is served on a conveyor belt. The restaurant offers a variety of sushi and other dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients and a fun atmosphere.
Mouriya Gion: This restaurant served up some of the best Kobe beef in Japan, Teppanyaki style. It was, by far, the most expensive meal we had on our honeymoon, but was well worth it. We had top-notch service, premium food and a cozy ambiance.
Gion Duck Rice: This restaurant features a unique emoji-based menu, and the whole setup was more like a science experiment than a lunch. Lots of explaining was necessary, which the staff handled well, with great English. The rice was covered with a generous layer of low-temperature cooked duck and served with three spices (grape sansho, yuzu and homemade black shichimi). The broth for ochazuke (rice with green tea) is made by boiling bonito by yourself using a dripper. The food and sake were a delight.
Giro Giro Hitoshina: A non-traditional kaiseki (multi-course dinner emphasizing seasonal ingredients) restaurant offering with only kaunta seki (counter) seating around an open kitchen. I had no idea what I was eating but most of it was delicious. You must book in advance.
Pontocho Kappa Sushi: Located on one of the cutest alleyways in Kyoto, Pontocho, this sushi restaurant was a great find - yummy, fresh and affordable.
Kyoto Gion Okaru: A low-key udon restaurant in Gion popular with local geiko (geishas) and maiko (geishas in training). It's cheap and good. They do not take reservations and there is often a queue.
enen Gyoza: Be prepared for the whole staff at this tiny eatery to simultaneously greet you with a hearty irasshai (welcome) when you enter. Also, the gyoza is awesome!
Hirobun Nagashi Somen (flowing noodles): We took a taxi to Hirobun in Kibune, Kyoto, but it is possible to take the train. From 1st May to the end of September, you can enjoy the cold noodle flowing from a bamboo chute, between 11am and 4pm, on days when it's not raining. First you need to wait in a line to get a number and pay 2,000 yen each, in cash. Then you'll go down the stairs to a lower waiting area, where you'll have to remove your shoes and sit on a mat. When your number matches the number on the blackboard, you'll move to the upper deck waiting area (also a shoe-off area). 10 people catch noodles at a time, for 15 minutes. There is a 5-minute gap between groups for cleaning and setting up. You have your own lane, based on where you're seated. The noodles come out slow enough to catch in your chopsticks but frequently, so eat quickly.
(THISIS)SHIZEN: The prettiest ice cream in Kyoto - possibly the world! This place has gained popularity because of its artistic ice cream cones which resemble intricate flower bouquets. The flower choices change seasonally.
Bar Alchemist: If you can find this speakeasy, hidden behind a bookshelf, then you'll be in for a treat. The atmosphere is cozy and the bartenders are skilled and attentive.
Rinken: We stumbled across this tiny bar accidentally, but were delighted to meet Master Ken, who amused us with his charm and cheeky banter and provided recommendations as well as a history lesson. The bar could only hold about seven patrons at a time and space is limited that each seat had its own door.
Hello Dolly: Amongst the many bars and restaurants in the historic Pontocho alleyway, you'll find this darling, dark jazz and whisky joint overlooking the Kamo River.
UE Rooftop Bar: If it's a nice day and you want some views or a nice evening and you want to experience a sunset, then UE Rooftop is the spot.
OSAKA
If Tokyo is the brain of Japan and Kyoto is the heart, then Osaka is the stomach. Known as 'Japan's kitchen', Osaka is home to mouth-watering seafood and other delicacies.
Unfortunately, we only spent one day in Osaka, which was not nearly enough to even scratch the surface but below are the highlights that I recommend for a one-day visit.
If you're visiting Osaka, from Kyoto, on a holiday or a weekend, I advise taking the Kyo-Train Garaku, operated by Hankyu Railway. Each carriage of this elegant train is decorated with a beautiful, seasonal motif.
Leaving out of the Kyoto-kawaramachi station and arriving at Osaka-umeda, the journey takes about 45-minutes one way. In Kyoto, the train departs from track 2, which appears between tracks 1 & 3 if you keep walking, like something out of Harry Potter.
Arrive early to get a window-facing bench seat in either car 3 & 4. You can't pre-book and seats are all unreserved. Passengers pay the standard fare that they would between the two cities and can use their normal travel card (Suica, IC, etc.) for this special train.
Umeda is Osaka's business district. Walk about 10-minutes from Osaka-umeda Station to the Umeda Sky Building. The Kuchu Teien Observatory connects the East and West Towers on the 39th, 40th and rooftop floors. Take in the Osaka cityscape with a bird’s-eye view from the 360-degree open air rooftop.
After, walk to Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station and walk another 20 minutes to Osaka Castle. This castle is one of Japan's most famous and historic landmarks and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century.
Osaka Castle Park, surrounding the castle, provides citizens and visitors with a peaceful haven in the middle of the bustling city.
Retrace your steps back to Osakajokoen Station, jump back on the JR Loop Line (make sure you're heading in the correct direction) and alight at Shin-Imamiya Station, which will land you in the Shinsekai District. Allow Google Maps to direct you to Janjan Yokocho Alley, which is one of Osaka's more colorful, energetic and chaotic neighborhoods.
After you get your fill of bright lights, lanterns, oversized buddhas, retro signboards and life-sized food displays head back to Shin-Imamiya Station, take the Nankai-Koya Line to Namba Station and explore Dotonbori, Osaka’s entertainment district.
Make your way to Shin-Osaka Station to take the Tokaido Shinkansen train back to Kyoto (last train is 10:30pm I believe), which takes about 13 minutes. Note that this bullet train leaves and arrives at different stations than the Kyo-Train Garaku (Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto Station). I purchased non-reserved seat tickets, one-way, in advance, through SmartEx, which allowed us the flexibility to take any train.
HAKONE
The final stop on our Japan honeymoon tour was Hakone. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than one hundred kilometers from Tokyo, Hakone is a famous resort area full of onsen (natural hot springs) and known for its views of nearby Mount Fuji.
You can get to Odawara (Hakone), from Kyoto Station, on a two-hour bullet train. It was absolutely pouring during our journey, which led to flooding on local train lines/streets and limited the number of available taxis/Ubers. We had to wait over an hour at the train station for a taxi to take us on the 40-minute journey to our hotel, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu.
This hotel was a sanctuary. All rooms have their own private open-air baths, there's free sparkling wine on tap, a heated footbath and they offer hair straighteners. The rate we paid included breakfast and dinner. The first night we enjoyed shabu shabu and the second was Teppanyaki - both delicious.
I had intentions of doing some sightseeing, but our hotel was so lovely, and we were feeling quite zen, so we decided to just hang out for the final few days and rest up ahead of our 14.5-hour flight home. If we had one more full day, I'd have hired a driver to take us to around to the nearby cable car, Lake Ashi for a pirate ship cruise, and to see the Hakone Shrine and Chisuji Falls. I guess we'll just have to go back another time!
Japan stands as an enigmatic paradise that captivates the soul and leaves an indelible mark on every traveler fortunate enough to step onto its shores. Exploring this breathtaking country is not just a journey; it's an awakening to the wonders of an entire universe within a single nation. What more could a couple ask for from a honeymoon destination!?
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Planning: This country has so many gems that you couldn’t uncover them all on multiple trips. My advice is to admit defeat before you even start and recognize that you can't do everything. Pick what's most important and create an itinerary from there.
Reservations: Spontaneity is fun, but many things need to be pre-booked in Japan or else you're likely to miss out or spend much of your time waiting in queues. I found that I could only book restaurants, shows, trains and other tickets between two weeks and one month in advance. Also, I had to pre-pay, at time of booking, for most of our reservations.
Operating Hours: When planning, pay attention to opening hours. Many places are closed at least one day a week - some on Mondays, some on Wednesdays. We found that most bars didn’t open until 5pm and many restaurants are closed 2-6pm.
Airports: If you can, I suggest arriving at Haneda Airport (HND), rather than Narita (NRT), as it is much more convenient.
Arrival into Japan: I pre-registered our trip, online, so we could scan a QR code instead of having to fill out the customs/landing forms (instructions for setting your account up are here). After you land and deplane, you'll line up for immigration. About halfway through the queue we used the kiosks for customs declaration and verification (follow the instructions on the screen). After immigration, we collected our suitcases at baggage claim and then cruised through customs with facial recognition.
Airport Transfers: I arranged car service to/from the airport, both ways. I used Booking.com upon arrival into Tokyo and Blacklane for our departure from Hakone. Both were smooth and easy processes.
Plugs: The outlets are the same as they are in the US, but voltage is different, so you might not need a plug adaptor, but you might need a converter. Japan's standard voltage is 100V, compared to North America (120V) and most of Europe (230V). My UK nor US hair straightener would work at all. I suggest bringing a cordless one or buying one there.
Tipping: They don’t tip, and you shouldn’t try. It’s not secretly charming, it’s awkward and makes people uncomfortable.
Trash: For a clean city, Japan has surprisingly few public garbage bins. This is because people carry their trash home and sort it properly, following Japan’s strict recycling rules.
Reading: In traditional Japanese writing, text is typically read vertically, from top to bottom, and then right to left, with each new column starting on the left.
Slurping Noodles: Unlike in many other cultures, slurping your noodles loudly in Japan is a sign of enjoyment and appreciation for the meal!
Fake Food Displays: Replica food is a billion-yen industry in Japan. Many restaurants use sampuru (realistic plastic food models) to show customers what the dishes look like before they order.
Expect the Unexpected: You can walk into a subway station and find a Michelin-star restaurant. Many cool bars and intimate restaurants are tucked away on various floors within office buildings. In the US or UK, it would feel like you were getting your teeth cleaned or visiting your accountant, but in Japan 'office bars' are quite common.
Getting Around: One of the biggest hurdles for first-time travelers is Tokyo’s railway system. Thankfully, each station has signs in English, and Google Maps is very reliable - it even tells you the platform, which carriage to be in, entrances/exits and prices. Add Suica card to your Apple wallet ahead of time (start with 3k JPY). To use Suica, you don’t even need to double tap/use face recognition, just tap it on many lines/special trains across Japan, not just in Tokyo. You cannot use it on the bullet trains though.
Taxis: You can set up GO taxi hailing app, once you have arrived in Japan. Or you can just use Uber, which is what I opted for.
Escalator Etiquette: In Tokyo, people stand on the left and walk on the right, while in Osaka, it’s the opposite!
Change Purse: As Japan is largely still a cash-based society, although many places are cashless entirely as well, bring a change purse. You'll end up with lots of coins.
ATMs: 7-11 (7 Bank) is the best for fee-free ATM withdrawals.
Language & Customs: Everyone is so friendly and helpful, but English is a challenge and not widely spoken. People generally bow instead of shaking hands. Bowing also means “thank you” and “sorry.” Making an X with fingers or arms means 'no, we’re closed' or 'there are no seats available'.
Greetings & Good Byes: Most restaurants in Japan will greet you with a loud irasshai (welcome) that will be echoed by the entire staff. This happens when you leave too, with arigatou gozaimashita (thank you for coming). At some shops, the staff will walk you all the way out of the building.
Cover Charges: Many bars, terraces, and some restaurants will charge a fee of 300-700 yen per person.
Golden Week: This is a collection of four Japanese national holidays that occur within a seven-day period in late April and early May. It is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan. Expect more crowded transportation, fully booked accommodations and higher prices. Bookings are necessary for trains, hotels and attractions.
Footwear: Wear socks and make sure they don't have holes. You'll have to take shoes off in a lot of places (bars/restaurants/sumo/anywhere with tatami mats) and bare feet are considered rude as are flip flops.
Vending Machines: They're everywhere. Every street corner has one, and there are even some on hiking trails, near shrines and even at other locales where food/drink are forbidden! Apart from selling your regular cans of soda, in Japanese vending machines you can find anything from ties and pizzas to eggs, canned bread and wigs for dogs.
Great post! Time for me to return after 35 years.