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> I’ve lived in Tokyo many years ago, but couldn’t have gotten around without it.

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> If you’re traveling long distance and need to purchase Shinkansen tickets etc, just go to the Midori no Madoguchi Ticket Office. They have a very sophisticated system and they can figure out the route better than the app above - just tell them where and when you need to go.

I was planning to pre-purchase the JR railway tickets a few days before I fly out - I used this website to calculate my trip (Narita Airport -> Osaka -> Kyoto -> Tokyo) . Is it recommended to buy the JR pass upon arrival, or to pre-purchase? I thought I had seen many recommendations for the latter.

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> When you travel from or to the airport with big luggage, avoid rush hours. Japanese commuter trains and stations are not very luggage friendly. We had to do it due to my poor planning, and I don’t recommend it!!

My only commute plans that involve my suitcase are the trains to each city - given that I'm not exactly sure what time we will be ending up on a train to the next city, I can't be too sure on this. Is the typical rush hour 4-6 PM?

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> For phone data, we usually buy data SIMs. They sell them at airport convenience stores, cellphone kiosks, or vending machines. It’s just for data so can’t make calls, but you get 4G LTE and it might be cheaper than international data roaming. Last couple of times we got this from Amazon in advance. Plans on this SIM is not the cheapest but we didn’t have to run around at the airport to buy them when we arrived there and were really tired. We just sat down at a free WiFi spot in Narita Airport and swapped out SIMs to activate them. A couple of our hotels had free smartphones called “handy”in the room we could borrow while we were staying, but we didn’t feel the need for it, and didn’t try it.

My plan has international roaming included in its price with unlimited data, though it's only at 3G speeds. I was planning to rely on this and the assumption that there are wifi in many places within areas like Tokyo (I am not so reliant on connectivity; I'd only need to text if necessary). Is it regardless, still advisable to get one of these SIMs?

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> Also getting out to Haneda can take some time. Leave plenty early to catch 11AM flight - you probably should get there by 8AM at the latest.

I'm an airport lover; I was planing to spend a couple of hours in the airport anyway!

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> Weather should be pretty nice in November, and changing leaves will be really pretty. Hope you and your friend have a great time!

That's what I'm hoping for! Thank you so much for your help!!

Hi, I’m originally from Japan and visit there once a year or every other year. Last I was there in June. I traveled using JR pass, and this app really helped planning and routing - I’ve lived in Tokyo many years ago, but couldn’t have gotten around without it.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/japan-travel-route-map-jr/id686373726

If you’re traveling long distance and need to purchase Shinkansen tickets etc, just go to the Midori no Madoguchi Ticket Office. They have a very sophisticated system and they can figure out the route better than the app above - just tell them where and when you need to go.

I can understand your excitement, but keep in mind that big cities in Japan can be very, very, very crowded and it might take some extra time to travel, especially during rush hours. Also weekends on tourist areas can be really busy. Give yourselves some flexibility and don’t feel bad if you don’t get to everything on your itinerary. Consider it as an excuse to go back :)

When you travel from or to the airport with big luggage, avoid rush hours. Japanese commuter trains and stations are not very luggage friendly. We had to do it due to my poor planning, and I don’t recommend it!!

For phone data, we usually buy data SIMs. They sell them at airport convenience stores, cellphone kiosks, or vending machines. It’s just for data so can’t make calls, but you get 4G LTE and it might be cheaper than international data roaming. Last couple of times we got this from Amazon in advance.
Plans on this SIM is not the cheapest but we didn’t have to run around at the airport to buy them when we arrived there and were really tired. We just sat down at a free WiFi spot in Narita Airport and swapped out SIMs to activate them. A couple of our hotels had free smartphones called “handy”in the room we could borrow while we were staying, but we didn’t feel the need for it, and didn’t try it.

Also getting out to Haneda can take some time. Leave plenty early to catch 11AM flight - you probably should get there by 8AM at the latest.

Weather should be pretty nice in November, and changing leaves will be really pretty. Hope you and your friend have a great time!

I use mainly Korean & Japanese products (I'm in the US). One of the most popular brands in Japan is Hada Labo which focuses on moisture with high amount of hyaluronic acid. I love the Perfect Gel by them & this lotion is the most popular item: http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA

The Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel SPF PA++++ is also an amazing sunscreen for the face and it acts as a primer as well. If she likes makeup, the Dollywink eyeliner is very popular. Sheet masks are also great to bring back!

One thing that worked really well for me was to travel to a major rail station like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara and just walk around. Each major station is a commerce centre.

There is a ton of good information out there, including this reddit. Tuttle press offers several good guide books including one that I used as a daily guide: 29 Walks in Tokyo.

I showed this book to an English-speaking guide in the observation gallery of the Metropolitan Tokyo Government building and her comment was that most people in Tokyo were not aware of what was in the book. I also spent a fair amount of time studying maps and the transit system. That will be very helpful in finding your way around.

I hope you enjoy your stay in Japan.

https://www.amazon.com/Man-No-Talents-Memoirs-Laborer/dp/080144375X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+man+with+no+talents&qid=1566508527&s=gateway&sr=8-1

He actually was a day laborer in that district, San'ya. It doesn't have the greatest of ratings but I enjoyed the read. I felt bad for him but he seemed really resigned to that lifestyle. I think it just made me uncomfortable knowing the kind of life he lived but not really wanting for more. Almost like he was just... existing?

I'm probably going to go back and read it again. I believe he won an award for the book as well but either declined to accept the award or declined to do any press for it. I think its worth a read, it's not too long and the memories he recall expose a side of Japan many never see or think of.

Finished a trip myself last week and the weather was already pretty shitty towards the end. Maybe not cooling off, but for staying comfortable:

• Travel light: leave almost everything at your hotel or store it at a locker at a train station (200-500 yen/day).
  
• Wear moisture-wicking synthetic clothes. I just wore gym T-shirts -- tight-fitting so I'd at least look half-presentable -- and Uniqlo Airism underwear, which certainly lives up to the hype. (Larger sizes are only sold online and at the Ginza flagship store, however.)
  
• Plan your laundry. Probably won't be an issue for you, but I went to four cities in five days and I couldn't use the hotels' laundry services since they needed a full day to take care of it.
  
• You can find cooling deodorant wipes at the convenience stores which are okay but I found them sort of pointless once it reached 30C+ and humid.

There are several sellers on Amazon with the same AIS product, but I was planning on buying from GAC as they are known to be fairly reputable and the reviews are good (the packaging looks different but it's clearly a repackaged sim2fly.) They also sell a 2-pack on Amazon for $33. There's more info in that Flyertalk thread, but basically it's a Thai carrier and they sell an international SIM card allows roaming in many Asian countries. Based on reviews, it sounds like the AIS SIM connects to either Softbank or NTT Docomo depending on where you are.

Regarding your last point, it's always a good idea to bring a compact power strip with you when travelling. Something like this or this, though you may need a 3-prong to 2-prong converter for some places in Japan. They are great for nights when you have to charge multiple devices and make you a hero at airports.

> r anything at all, I don't know why anyone would think it'd be somehow inappropriate for a non-Japanese woman to wear shorts. I wear shorts and skirts all the time because Tokyo is a humid hellhole.
> Low cut shirts, v-necks or promine

I walked in Nike Free 5.0's + [plantar fasciitis inserts] (http://www.amazon.com/Airplus-Plantar-Fasciitis-Orthotic-Insole/dp/B00HWNIQZE/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1467608638&sr=1-1&keywords=plantar+fasciitis+air+plus)
Usually covered about 8-12 miles a day. No foot pain... back pain was another story. If you're going to be walking definitely recommend some comfy sneakers and some inserts go a long way. I did not see anyone in Tokyo wearing flip flops to be honest.

Re: shorts, I didn't wear them and I didn't see many locals wearing them. Most women in Toyko favor breezy gaucho pants, dresses, or longer skirts. I think knee length shorts are okay though. I personally liked [loose crops] (http://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-crops/For-Love-Crop/_/prod1960017?rcnt=17&N=7yr&cnt=31&color=LW6HDXS_013612) and [joggers] (http://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-crops/Jet-Crop-Slim-Luxtreme/_/prod5020087?rcnt=2&N=8c0&cnt=22&color=LW6HA9S_024894)... the reason I linked Lululemon is because they are breathable. This is of the utmost importance!

If you want to cheat you can buy tights at Daiso for $1 and wear those under short dresses or shorts. This is how women in Tokyo get away with wearing shorter lengths. If you wear a dress with tights, it is very nice to help you stay cool but not look inappropriate.

Not explicitly relevant to Japan Travel, but an English version of FF Ultimania covering FF1-6 was just announced. Hopefully it has some of the content you are looking for

You can try Hada labo. I think their lotion feels like a toner but it's pretty moisturizing.

It looks like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA

I mean, you can just buy it from Amazon and have it sent to your hotel. The price listed is for 6 boxes.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3-%E3%82%82%E3%81%A1%E3%82%82%E3%81%A1%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%82%B3%E3%83%A9%E3%82%AC%E3%83%8A%E3%83%83%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A5-8%E5%80%8B%C3%976%E7%AE%B1/dp/B01ISPZ6G6

Otherwise, Bourbon products are pretty popular all over and I'd look at big supermarkets like Maruetsu.

For anybody who might know, here's the full name of the product: ブルボン もちもちショコラガナッシュ

It might be better in your case to bring a phrasebook that you can consult when needed. I've always found it handy to keep with me so I can pull it out and ask what I need to know. The other person can also point at phrases so you don't have to worry as much about not understanding the reply. Barron's Japanese At A Glance has been with me on all my trips and has been very helpful. Lots of necessary signs are in english as well, and this book goes over some others you may see.

Perhaps they'd enjoy some travel writing to give them a flavour of Japan before they go?

They're 20 years old now but I'm a huge fan of the two books Alan Booth wrote about walking in rural Japan.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Looking-Lost-Journeys-Vanishing-Kodansha/dp/1568361483/

Your itinerary looks like a good one, but maybe check out my book (released next week) which has advice on things to see and do for just this kind of short trip to Japan, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FNRR95I
I'm a professional travel writer and have been living in Japan for ten years, so you'll get all the inside knowledge you need :)

These are pretty good

https://www.amazon.com/Tokyo-Walks-Worlds-Most-Exciting/dp/4805309172

> but a something more profound with a lot on the literature, legends, culture, art, history of Japan.

If so, you might want to look for something that's not a guidebook.

This book on modern culture might be an interesting read.

Edit: Ian Buruma's "Inventing Japan" may prove to be a very readable introduction to modern history.

We bought these SIM cards for our 7 day trip to Tokyo this past April and they worked perfectly.

I used to use the Tokyo City Atlas in the dark days before smart phones, and it worked quite well for me.

I don't know too much about it but there is lots of hiking in most areas of Japan. If you can find it check out Lonely Plant's Hiking in Japan book or something similar. There isn't too much detailed information on hiking in Japan in English that I know of. Maybe someone might know of a good info site.

Recommend bringing this and an appropriate adapter when travelling anywhere: https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-3-Outlet-SurgePlus-Protector-BST300/dp/B00ATZJ5YS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504242237&sr=8-2&keywords=belkin+travel+surge+protector

beyond that, a physical adapter for South Korea and a three-prong for Japan. the latter you can find at a home depot for less than a buck, and the former either try Amazon or Monoprice.

• Do as much as you can as early as you can
  
  
• Consider napping in the afternoon and wandering some of the streets later in the evening. Gion, Higashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and downtown (e.g., Pontocho, Kiyamachi) are gorgeous at night, even if many of the attractions are closed.
  
  
• Do shopping in the afternoons (e.g., Nishiki Market, Shinkyogoku, Teramachi, Sanjo, Demachimasugata, Furukawacho, Kyoto Station area, etc.)
  
  
• Buy cooling wipes like these
  
  
• Consider renting a bicycle (moving at speed keeps you a lot cooler than walking all the time
  
  
• Consider indoor activities like the Railway Museum, Handicraft Center, and organized activities such as tea ceremony
  
  
• Spend time down by the river (great on a bicycle) or up in places like Kurama/Kibune, Ohara, Mt. Hiei, etc. where the temps are cooler. Northern Higashiyama is also noticeably cooler than elsewhere in the city because of the flowing water (especially along the Philosopher's Path) and abundance of shade.
  
  
• Not directly related, but go Gozan no Okuribi and Arashiyama Touro Nagashi on the 16th.

Hey! So when I first came to Japan I had actually bough this sim card on amazon https://www.amazon.com/eConnect-Japan-ZEN-SIM-for/dp/B01M6YWEGQ weeks before and activated it at the airport before boarding my plane. Once in Narita I just powered on my phone and had Data right away! You choose your plan when you activate it and you can top off your data. Depending on what time your flight leaves your home country and if you have prime 2 day shipping it could be an option.

Otherwise you might just have to have a sim sent to you hotel rely on airport wifi until you get there or buy one of the brands they sell at the airport.

Amazon in the US!

We have this one - https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-SW2034-01-Elongated-Washlet-Cotton/dp/B00UCIOWRM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484608204&sr=8-1&keywords=toto+bidet

Paired with this toilet - https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-Drake-Elongated-Cotton-White/dp/B0012HINC2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484608240&sr=8-1&keywords=toto+drake+cotton+white

edit: not only is voltage and different but the toilet fittings are likely in metric so good luck with that. just use amazon and get the US version

We bought the Toto C100, but I hear people also like the C200 (which has a couple of more features we didn't care about and a separate remote control that's not built into the console).

If you're an American, Suntory now sells Boss Black on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/BOSS-COFFEE-Suntory-Japanese-Original/dp/B07PMNR4FR/

The ramen museum is okay, but nothing special. You get to make your own ramen and the place is often full of school kids. You can see a small replica of the first experimental kitchen and a wall with half a million ramen cups. That's about it - 30 - 40 minutes.
I think natto is vile, but some shops sell a dried form like a natto nut. Its quite good, you get the sense of natto without all the sliminess. https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Dried-Fermented-Beans-Hoshi/dp/B009ZR1TAY

Here is the mobile version of your link

How many power outlet do you need and are they for USB charge?

I always bring this one to charge my USB devices : https://www.amazon.com/Anker-6-Port-Charger-PowerPort-Samsung/dp/B00P936188/

Or you can find something with both power outlet and usb charge:

https://www.amazon.com/Upow-3-Port-Travel-Charger-Outlets/dp/B01GY3B834/

https://www.amazon.com/Upow-3-Port-Travel-Charger-Outlets/dp/B01GY3B834/

This one has a 3 prong tho, wouldn't I need an adapter?

That's odd, u/gergles included the amazon product page in their reply, try this: https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3-%E3%82%82%E3%81%A1%E3%82%82%E3%81%A1%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%82%B3%E3%83%A9%E3%82%AC%E3%83%8A%E3%83%83%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A5-8%E5%80%8B%C3%976%E7%AE%B1/dp/B01ISPZ6G6