We've been fortunate to visit Japan several times. This was our fourth visit, and we would definitely return! There is so much to explore in this beautiful country. On this trip, we were determined to see Mount Fuji, so we made our way to Kawaguchiko.
If it's your first time visiting Japan, check out my earlier posts. Begin with the first post, as it contains all the details on accommodations, currency, transportation, and other essential information for first-time visitors.
Here are the direct links in order:
Frequently Asked Questions
Communication: Many people ask how we manage to communicate while traveling without knowing the language. It's always respectful to learn essential phrases when traveling, which we do, but we also heavily rely on the Google Translate app and Google Maps. With Google Translate, you can type questions or phrases in English (or any language), and it will translate them into Japanese. You can display the translated message on the screen or play the translation audibly. We typically show the screen. You can also take a photo of anything in Japanese, and it will translate it for you. This is incredibly useful when ordering from a menu or reading signs around the city. The app has a conversation tab where you can both speak into the microphone to communicate, but we haven't used this. We usually talk and show the translation, and they do the same on their phone.
Getting around in Tokyo: At train stations, you'll find signs in Japanese with English translations underneath. On the trains, the video screens above the doors display the route stops in Japanese, then switch to English. If you use Google Maps, you can track your journey on your phone, stop by stop. When you enter a destination in Google Maps, it provides several travel options. I usually select the one with the least walking and quickest arrival. If you're anxious about the trains, you might start with the option that has the fewest transfers. If you miss a connecting train, don't worry. The app shows the next trains arriving, typically in about 5 minutes. Buses also have a screen, displaying stops in both Japanese and English.
Here are my favorite apps to use when traveling to Japan:
Google Translate is great for comminicating as well as reading signage and menus.
Google Maps, you could also use JapanTransit app, we are just used to using google.
Suica is an IC card added to your apple wallet for transit and purchases.
Here's how to add it to your apple wallet:
Open apple wallet, click on + sign, click on Transit Card, scroll down to Japan and click on any of the IC cards (ICOCA, PASMO or SUICA) to add to your wallet.
Once added, attach a credit card to the IC card. You will not be refunded the amount, so we usually add ¥5000 and add more as needed. Near the end of our trip we add ¥1000 at a time. Try to use it all before leaving. If you have a little left, you can use it at the airport vending machines.
When you have loaded the SUICA card:
Open on your wallet to the Suica card and click the three dots at the top right, select Card Details and scroll down and make sure Express Transit is ON.
This will allow you to scan your phone at the gate without having to open the home screen. The gate (and your wallet) shows the balance of the Suica when scanned.
Uber calls a taxi but allows you to see the rate and no need to translate anything.
We prefer this to GoTaxi app as we are used to using Uber.
Currency Converter is a quick way to see how much things cost in your currency.
WhatsApp (use to make calls and text with internet instead of your service provider)
Hotel App (we use points or pay to earn points if paying by card)
Priority Pass (lounge access in foreign country airports, when coming home)
Weather App or Website: Check the weather before you go somewhere like Mount Fuji for a day trip. If it's cloudy go another day so you can actually see Fuji. Try fuji-san.info.
Visit Japan website for your QR code to get through customs upon arrival to Japan. If you do this ahead of time you won't have to scramble once you arrive to fill it out online or the paper version. You need a QR code for each person.
Bank App may be needed to turn on card access for ATM withdrawal. It's also good to have your credit card apps on your phone, just in case you need to access them.
Airline App will tell you what gate your flight leaves from, if it's delayed, and all of the important information regarding your flights.
Other Travel musts for our family:
Clear (get through security faster when leaving the country)
Global Entry (get through customs faster when coming back into the country)
T-Mobile (free unlimited data and texting in other countries, 25¢/min for calls)
HOTEL INFO: We returned to our usual spot, the Comfort Hotel Higashi Kanda. Although I considered a different location, my son is fond of the breakfast and the familiar vibe, so I agreed. This hotel offers an excellent breakfast selection, cozy beds, exceptional staff, and is very affordable. Having stayed here often, we're familiar with the train and bus stations, allowing us to easily navigate the city and beyond.
JAPAN AGAIN? While spending Christmas vacation in Cabo, my son mentioned that school wouldn't resume until January 13th, allowing us to fit in another trip to Japan. We both adore it so much that I couldn't refuse. This marks our fourth visit, and honestly, I would come back countless times. It's simply a place you can't help but fall in love with. This trip was about exploring side streets, savoring delicious food, shopping for everything Otaku (manga, Anime, video game culture), visiting shopping arcades, finding gifts for friends and family, and getting an up-close view of Mt. Fuji. We did it all.
AIRLINE SEATS: First Class will always be your most comfortable seating choice. For a 13-hour flight, comfort is key. We've experienced all sections of the plane, from the front to the back. It really impacts how you feel on arrival day. If your budget permits, always opt for the more comfortable seat. In first class, the food is significantly better, and you receive real dishes and glasses. On Delta, you can choose between a Japanese or Western meal.
Arrival Day: We typically use Uber to get from the airport to the hotel because it's convenient. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi. The Uber app calls a taxi, but it eliminates the need for communication or waiting to know the fare. It operates the same way as in the US. Depending on your location, you could also take the train, monorail or bus, but that involves carrying your luggage. We each travel with just a roller carry-on and a backpack or duffle bag, and taking an Uber remains the easiest option.
Upon our arrival to Japan, I wasn't feeling well. I had felt ill on the plane and was eager to reach the hotel room to rest for a while. Consequently, we chose to stay in for the night. To explore this beautiful city, I needed to be healthy. This decision turned out to be precisely what my body needed, and I felt refreshed and well the next morning.
Day 1: After having breakfast at the hotel, we went to 7-11 to withdraw cash from the ATM, which is the best choice for international travelers. My son also took the chance to buy a karaage and onigiri. Is he ever not hungry? We then took the train to Tokyo Station and found a gochapon area to collect some fun capsule toys. I finally got my Godzilla! Afterward, we visited the Kirby Petite Cafe to pick up a few items for my son who stayed back home. There is a Kirby Cafe near Tokyo Skytree. If you cannot get reservations there, I recommend placing a to-go order there. You are able to shop their small Cafe Store and when your food is ready you can sit right outside at the tables below Skytree. If you will be at Tokyo Station, then Kirby Petite Cafe is a great stop to pick up treats and souvenirs.
If you haven't visited Character Street, I highly recommend it. There are numerous themed shops such as Snoopy Town, Moomin, Pokemon, Miffy, Hello Kitty, Studio Ghibli, and others. It can be a bit tricky to find, but it's definitely worth the effort. The last photo shows a woman providing sake tastings at a shop we passed outside of Tokyo Station. So fun.
Today we were headed to the Demon Slayer Exhibit at the Tokyo Creative Museum. We arrived right when they opened to get in line for tickets. You are able to get tickets online to events, but without a local phone number I couldn't figure it out. When we arrived, there was a sign saying those without a time slot should come back at 3:00 PM. We decided to walk the area a bit and return at that time. Those with time slots went in one line and those without went in another line. After ticket holders for each time slot, they would allot a certain number in from our line. It was probably a 30 to 45-minute wait.
At the entrance, you can choose a character card. I selected Kyojuro Rengoku (the Flame Hashira), and Nicholas chose Mitsuri Kanroji. You're given a Demon Slayer passport to stamp with characters throughout the exhibit. The audio tour was in Japanese, so we couldn't understand it, but we explored all the boards, character stands, and original drawings. It was fantastic. There was also an area where you could scan your card to hear your Hashira speak to you. Another section featured all the weapon handles that you could hold and take photos with. The tour concluded in a room styled like Muzan's castle from the anime. Finally, there was a shop where you could buy various Hashira items. It was an amazing exhibit. As a Demon Slayer fan, I loved it!
Since it was early January, we got to see lots of holiday lights that were around the city.
Day 2: We went to the Death Note Exhibition at Gallery AaMo. We were both looking forward to this exhibit. We arrived an hour before tickets went on sale and there was already a small line. Luckily, we were near the front of the line and only waited about an hour. The line was LONG for those who came later.
At the ticket counter, everyone received a unique card as a keepsake before exploring the gallery. The gallery featured original manga drawings and paintings of all the characters. Although photos of these images were prohibited, there were interactive areas where photography was allowed. They had recreated some rooms from the series, making it a fun experience. At the end, there was a souvenir shop where we bought some mementos. It was a lot of fun. No matter which manga or anime you enjoy, search for an exhibition or popup related to it in the city during your visit. They are affordable and well organized.
After the gallery, we walked around the shops a bit and then headed back toward the hotel. We made a quick stop at 7-11 for a snack and drinks, then opened up our souvenirs and rested a bit.
For dinner we headed to Kura Sushi. It's a famous conveyor belt sushi restaurant that we usually go to when we visit Japan. My son doesn't eat sushi, so this works for us as there are other items you can order. You order your items from the tablet at the table, and they come to you on the conveyor belt. Fun and very affordable.
Next, we made our way to an arcade so he could play his favorite video game. The arcades in Japan are much better than what we have in the US. They have so many kinds are HUGE. There are floors dedicated to rhythm games (wacca rhythm game, dance games, Taiko no Tatsujin drum game, and lots of others). My son plays Fate Grand Order. This game allots cards of each game character that you can print out. He's been collecting them every trip.
The first floor of many arcades has UFO Catchers (called claw machines in the US). It's an entire floor (or several floors in some places) of large and/or small UFO machines. For ¥100 he won this HUGE Kirby plushie for his brother on the first try! After that we went to a few more stores to look around before heading back for the night. We loved the lights everywhere. These were near Animate. A fun store with tons of manga, anime and more.
Day 3: We always enjoy spotting flyers around the city featuring fun characters. On our way to the train station, we came across this Sonic Disaster Preparedness flyer. We were headed to Nakano for the day. Once you exit the station, you can walk through the covered arcade known as Nakano Sun Mall and explore the various shops and restaurants. We went all the way to the end to return to Nakano Broadway. It's a massive building filled with resale shops and some restaurants. The resale shops offer great deals on anime and manga products. During our previous visit, several shops were closed, so this time we planned to check out what we had missed. My son found his favorite character figure at a reasonable price here (new in package). There are numerous stores to browse through. There are more than one Mandarake store here, all carrying different items.
TIP: Purchasing manga at a resale shop (they look new) can save you a lot of money. For example, he got one manga for ¥100. In Animate, the new manga would have been ¥3000. It's fun searching places like Mandarake and Surugaya to get good deals.
We also stopped by Ichiran for ramen, a spot we always try to visit when in Japan. It's fun and very affordable, with locations throughout the city. I explain what the hanging tokens and paper means in my previous blogs.
Day 4: Another favorite store is Book Off. There retro game selection is huge and very affordable. We were sent with a list to pick out specific games for my younger son who stayed home this trip. Over all the trips we have taken, he has obtained a huge collection for all of his game systems. If you are looking for games, be sure the games are not region locked before buying them. We also enjoy Radio Kaikan. I took a photo so that you can see all of these kinds of stores are MANY stories high and could be in one building. This one in Akihabara had 10 floors plus the basement.
There are also characters everywhere all over Tokyo, as well as gachapon machines (small machines next to Mario). It's fun to find capsule toys of your favorite characters for yourself and for gifts. Most machines are ¥100-¥500 (65¢ - $3.24 USD), making it a fun and cheap activity.
TIP: Screen shot the last photo of the information sign. Open your google translate app on your phone to see how it works when taking a photo. Sometimes I will see a restaurant that looks good or has a long line, and I will snap a photo to look at it when we are back at the hotel to read what all they have and if we might want to try it out.
When you think food court in the US, you usually think mediocre fast food, but in Japan it is a floor in a large building with a variety of delicious restaurants. On this day we found Tonkatsu Wako in the Yodobashi Akiba building. Tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) is a popular dish in Japan. We got the set meal that includes your tonkatsu, cabbage salad, rice, miso soup (this one had baby clams in it, so good!), pickled vegetables, a radish dish and tea. You get free refills on the rice, cabbage, miso soup and tea. It was more than enough for me, but of course Nicholas got an extra serving of rice. Great food and very affordable.
I really wanted to get some Jujitsu Kaisen treats downstairs from the restaurant (see the sign below), but I was too full. We love that you can find your favorite manga and anime themed treats all over the city. We walked back to the hotel and took a photo at the photo booth they set up for New Year's. They encouraged guests to take photos and to show the front desk to get a sweet treat. We were given matcha KitKats when we showed our photo.
Day 5: The following day, we took the bus to Asakusa. After exploring and visiting shops, we discovered a fantastic taiyaki spot to enjoy some tea and a snack. Upon arrival, we noticed that Guraku offers taiyaki classes. We observed a few families at the other tables (there are only three in the shop, making it super cute and cozy). They watched a video, received a large bowl with all the ingredients, and then proceed to the molds to cook the taiyaki. It looked so fun! However, it made a lot, so we opted not to join the class. We enjoyed watching them and savoring our own. I chose the cream filling, while Nicholas went for the sweet potato filling. We each had a green tea to warm up on this rainy day.
Outside along the street many places had Happy New Year signs hanging. It's the year of the snake. We wanted to try to find one of those cute snakes to take home with us.
Kappabashi Dogugai Street is an excellent destination for various kitchen supplies. Numerous shops offer dishes, pots and pans, cooking utensils, and many other items. We searched for a taiyaki maker to take home, but it seemed too large to fit in our bags, so we decided not to buy it. Don't miss the fantastic view of Skytree in this area!
It began to rain pretty hard, and naturally, I forgot my umbrella. We dashed into FamilyMart and picked up an inexpensive umbrella for the remainder of the day's walk. I really like the clear umbrellas. You can still view all of your surroundings and not get wet!
Edo Taiyaki Asakusa Honten offered a roasted pork fillet that we hadn't seen before. He devoured it too quickly to capture a photo, but the fish-shaped bread was sliced like a sandwich, with the pork nestled inside. It was delicious.
Right down the street is Don Quijote. If you haven't come across this store yet, you definitely will before departing Japan. Plus, their theme song will linger in your mind for weeks. We enjoy visiting the Don Quijote stores in every neighborhood. Each one has its unique touch, yet you can find all your essentials in one visit.
Today, my son was craving gyoza. As we wandered around, we came across Dotombori Kamukura. We were seated promptly and placed our order using the tablet at the table. We both chose the dumpling set menu with fried rice from the menu. The bowl of ramen was enormous and delicious. I had never tried it with cabbage before, and it was so good! The gyoza and fried rice were also fantastic. It was the perfect dinner spot!
We headed to the shopping arcade pictured below to purchase yukata (similar to a kimono) from a resale shop. I read online you could get yukata for just ¥1000! It's called Kirakuya Asakusa. If you go to the second floor, it's filled with beautiful secondhand yukata. The ladies that work there will not explain to you how to wear them or what you need, but what I loved is that they had a QR code to scan that described what you will need to purchase for the full outfit as well as how to put it on. The middle screen shot is of part of the video. They were extremely kind and helpful when I came looking for the 2 koshihimos after picking fabric. Check out their IG page asakusa_kirakuya to see the videos.
They rang my purchase, and I did a double take because the total was way too low. They pointed to the New Year's Sale sign that showed all purchases were 50% off! Wow! My son also purchased one, although the men's section is fairly small. We were so excited to each have our own to take home as a souvenir! I will mention that they also have more expensive fabrics and items on the first floor, but since we would not be wearing it regularly, we were good with what we found. I love mine! Definitely check it out if you are in the area.
Day 6: We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel before making our way to Shibuya's Center-Gai. This pedestrian street, located just beyond the Shibuya Scramble (mentioned in my other blog posts), is filled with numerous shops and restaurants to discover. While there are signs at the bottom indicating what's on each floor, it's often best to explore yourself because you never know what unique characters you might find. My youngest son has dressed as Sans for Halloween for several years, so it was exciting to discover this area and Facetime him to see if he wanted anything.
The last photo shows the Mario Kart arcade games on that floor. There were also UFO catchers and tons of other machines just on that floor.
We walked over to the PARCO building. It's always fun to check out the area with famous shops like the Nintendo Store, Jump Shop and the Pokemon store.
We wanted stop at Starbucks for some tea and a treat, as well as stop at Uniqlo for some anime t-shirts. I am not a fan of Starbucks at all, but I will say that in Japan I love the matcha latte. It's fantastic. I got a matcha roll to go with it and my son got a scone. The cafe is a bit hidden back behind the crocs area. It was a nice break from the rain and walking.
Then we went to Uniqulo. It's a local clothing store. You can get anime and other character themed shirts here for excellent prices! The shirts we got were only ¥1500 a piece (about $9.67 USD). The quality is very good. I'd recommend trying one on to determine your size as things do run smaller in Japan than the US. In the changing room, you will be given a mesh covering that you put over your head/face to keep makeup from getting onto the clothes you are trying on. How brilliant. Wish we had this in the US.
I got my son the Dragon Ball shirt below. I also purchased a Demon Slayer Hashira shirt, Jujitsu Kaisen and My Melody "I love Tokyo" shirt. Nearly got that Kuromi one too! lol
Mandarake is one of our favorite stores in Japan for manga. My son was able to find a ton of Fate manga here and was able to expand his collection. There are collectables and lots of other items here as well, but we came here for his manga. You can take the stairs down or the elevator. There are two entrances.
Stopped to drop off all his books and relax a bit before heading to dinner at Japanese Yakiniku Party in Asakusabashi. We decided to try the Wagyu and the beef loin along with cabbage salad and rice. It was all delicious. They had other items too. You can see the full menu on their website. I like to order the plum wine with soda sometimes. It's very refreshing.
After dinner he played his arcade, and I walked around the area. It's very safe to walk alone at night in Japan. Don't be scared. I had planned on going to the cat cafe while he was playing but when I arrived, they were closed for some reason. So, I just wandered a bit and window shopped. It was fun.
Day 7: We took a day trip to Kawaguchiko on the limited express train from Shinjuku Station to Shimoyoshida Station. This allowed us to stay on the same train the entire trip and there were only two stops. This Fuji Excursion Direct Train only leaves Shinjuku at 7:30 AM, 8:30AM, and 9:30AM. Use the IC card (Suica) to tap into the Chuo Sobu Line at Shinjuku Station, then you need to buy a limited express ticket. You can purchase these at the machine or ticket counter. Be sure you have both tickets, one for the Sobu Line (on your Suica) and one for the limited express train). The limited express ticket costs about ¥1600 per person one way. They will check your ticket on the train. The trip took 90 minutes.
Before boarding, you may want to grab a bento box for the train. You are allowed to eat on these trains and there are bathrooms. There was a bento counter on the platform, so my son grabbed one for the ride over.
When we booked our limited express train (15 minutes before getting to the platform), there were no assigned seats available to purchase via the machine. If you do not have an assigned seat, you can sit anywhere in cars 1-3. As you approach stops (there are 2) you will be notified via a light above your seat if someone has purchased that seat. We did not have to move, but if someone purchases your seat, just move to another empty seat within the 3 designated cars. There is information posted on the back of the seat in front of you.
We arrived at Shimoyoshida Station (shown below) and were surprised how tiny it was! There were only two tracks at the station. We stopped at this station to go to the Chureito Pagoda. There are images of the pagoda in the walkway that you walk on to get there, so it is fairly easy to find. It's about a 15-minute walk from the station. You walk through the tori gate and head up to the top.
Take the large staircase to the top. Be sure to stop and turn around at various spots to view Mount Fuji from all heights. We got lucky there with such beautiful weather.
Keep going.... we're almost there.
The classic view of the pagoda with Mount Fuji from the top is just stunning. Definitely worth the hike! I highly recommend it!
Going down we decided to take the ramp around the side. Those stairs are a killer! It was a nice scenic walk down and back to the train station for our next stop. Part way down we stopped at the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. I got a Goeshin stamp with Mount Fuji on it and Nicholas got an amulet with Mount Fuji on it.
I love that you can see Mount Fuji from the train platform waiting area. We also saw a Naruto train parked next to us. There is an amusement park you can take the train to if you are a fan of Naruto.
We took the local train over to the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. You can buy tickets at the ticket machine if you are using a credit card, or at the ticket counter if you want to pay cash. There is a combo ticket for the ropeway and the sightseeing boat if you plan to do both, which we did. There are great views from the top at the observation deck. There is also a tea house and many places to take great photos.
The Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat is a 20-minute ride around the lake with beautiful views of Mount Fuji. There was an indoor area to try on some Japanese clothing too.
We took the local bus to Oisha Park. You can just use your IC card here (Suica). Be sure to tap in and out of the bus here. If you will be in the area longer, there is a bus pass you could get that could save you some money. Thew views of Mount Fuji from the park were beautiful. We stopped and had a sweet potato that was so good!
We headed back to Tokyo and stopped for Gyudon (beef bowl) at Yoshinoya. It's a local chain, but it's fast, cheap, and it hit the spot! I got a salad too.
Day 8: Before heading to the airport, we took one more walk around Akihabara. We did find a few more things to buy that we had to figure out how to pack. We then checked out and took an Uber to the airport.
Before you go through security there is an area that you can go up and over a huge bridge to a number of shops, restaurants and to the observation deck. We didn't get on our original flight, so we had time to explore the area. We went to a fantastic katsu chicken restaurant for lunch. We also went to a few of the shops and then later to the observation deck. We had a great trip!
We had to purchase an extra suitcase at Don Quijote to take all of our purchases home (last photo). I think most people end up buying a suitcase with so many great buys!
Another great trip! Be sure to check out my other blog posts for lots more things to see and do!
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