BlueDog's Home

This article is dedicated to all the dreamers out there. Although we are all little monsters, we must bravely escape towards the sunshine!

Show Me The Flowers🌹

Summary#

1. Essential items/software for traveling to Japan
   1. iPhone (and purchase a Suica card in advance within , with a recharge limit of 20,000 yen).
   2. Passport! Passport! Passport! Credit card! Credit card! Credit card!
   3. Power bank (you can bring up to two, with a combined capacity not exceeding 2500mAh).
   4. Google Maps, Google Translate.
   5. An email account!!!! 【Recommended to use Outlook, Gmail, etc.】, QQ email has had issues receiving Klook and restaurant emails, so please avoid it!
   6. Shopping and ticketing apps (Trip【Ctrip overseas version】, Ctrip Travel, Qunar, Meituan, Airbnb, Klook, Uber). Download multiple relevant apps to compare prices. From tickets to accommodation to dining, comparing prices can save a lot of money. Make sure to log into these apps and set up accounts while still in your home country. Otherwise, you might find yourself abroad unable to receive SMS verification codes for the SIM card you purchased, rendering the apps unusable.
   7. SIM card (can be purchased on domestic Taobao)【It is not recommended to buy offline upon arrival because when you are in a foreign country, the only thing you can rely on is your phone, so keeping your phone connected to the internet is the safest option.】
2. It is advisable to prepare an itinerary in advance.
   1. This guide has described the author's travel plans and content as detailed as possible, but there are certainly shortcomings. So please also browse Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and Zhihu for more information. Remember! Japan punishes every traveler who does not prepare an itinerary.
   2. Learning about Japan's transportation is your most important lesson. The author recommends carefully searching for Google Maps Japan on Douyin. Learn how to use the subway & maps here. (Although Japan's subway is expensive, and there are various regional passes & nationwide passes, do not listen to domestic media's advice to purchase them! Because with the language barrier + the restrictions on the use of the passes, this expense is bound to be a loss! And your experience will be very poor! 【If you prefer a graphic version, please refer to this article - Others - Subway Line Breakdown】
   3. If you plan to shop crazily, please prepare an extra suitcase in advance, and you don’t need to bring too many clothes. Most hostels, guesthouses, and hotels have washing machines and dryers. The author foolishly brought six sets of clothes, but only wore two sets due to the frequency of changing. This limited shopping capacity forced the author to buy a new suitcase in Japan.

Travel Plan#

January 24 - Arrival Day & Initial Exploration#

Exchanged 1500 RMB for yen (30,000 yen) at the airport, which was a rip-off. Please do not follow my example; make an appointment with a domestic bank in advance to exchange money, and have a wallet and coin pouch (the kind that holds coins).
Arrived at Kansai Airport in Osaka at 15:20.

Transportation: Take the Nankai Electric Railway or JR Kansai Airport Rapid to Osaka city (about 1 hour).
The author got lost on the first day... so please pay attention to carefully read the summary above and learn how to use Japan's subway.
Smoking: Regarding this, it only represents the author's personal lack of manners. It seems that smoking is not allowed on the streets in Japan; please go to smoking areas & smoking rooms (found in some subway stations/malls).
After arriving at the guesthouse, the author went to a nearby 711 to buy two packs of cigarettes + a lighter, spending 63.44.
Accommodation: 2-chōme-22-8 Tennōjichōminami, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-0002, Japan.
Dinner: Shinsaibashi, must eat ramen!
It was quite a mess; due to communication issues + luck factors, I couldn't find a suitable restaurant after trying four places, and finally ate at a ramen shop by the roadside in Shinsaibashi. It was really messy because it was a roadside stall, and there were no seats, so I had to eat standing up. But the taste was really great!

[!TIP]

This leads to a new piece of knowledge: when you need to find a restaurant, please first open your Google Maps, search for your destination or current location, and look for nearby restaurants. The author personally believes that places with scores above 3.2 are normal food. A score of 3.6-4.0 is considered excellent, and above 4.2, depending on the price range, I would call it a treasure shop.

Moreover, most popular, highly-rated, and worth trying shops require reservations. It's simple; select the restaurant you want to go to on the map and check if it has a reservation mark like the images below.

Late-night snack: Really hungry, went to 711 to buy some water and drinks. Spent 51.97.
Before sleeping, reviewed the day and gathered courage, and purchased tickets for Tokyo Disneyland (the best deal at that time on Ctrip) for 390 yuan.

January 25 - Exploring Osaka City#

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Visit Osaka Castle Park.
It's really beautiful, and you can open the famous scene at Tenshukaku. After visiting Osaka Castle Park, if you are interested in the famous detective, you can search for Detective Conan Bronze Statue.
There is a statue of the Young Detective League, and you can go take a picture. It is said that there are life-size statues of Kogoro Mouri and Kid in the mall behind, but the author was unlucky and encountered renovations, so I couldn't go in.
Souvenir purchase: Bought a few postcards at a shop near the scenic area, spending 121.77.
Lunch: Had a hamburger near the scenic area, which cost me 220. It was really bad, but at least I was full.

Afternoon: Tsutenkaku
https://anitabi.cn/map?pid=m758xi1a7&c=135.5058,34.6511&z=15

Evening: Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi (enjoying the night view)

https://anitabi.cn/map?pid=ojap5y329&c=135.5015,34.6689&z=15

Dinner: Ate at Yoshinoya on the way to Umeda Sky Building (42.65 yuan). The double meat was really satisfying!
Evening: Umeda Sky Building (reservation required - 1500 yen)【1500 when planning, but 2000 yen on-site】, but it is more recommended to purchase in advance on Meituan, I saw online the day before that it was only 83 yuan, but at the scene, I paid 92.68 yuan using Alipay.

On the 27th floor of the building, you can buy limited edition postcards. I also bought a few small car models, spending a total of 152.30 yuan.
On the way home, I saw a small tavern and went in for a drink. Spent 155.98 yuan.
Later, I got hungry again and went to the 711 next to the accommodation (19.5【bought three bottles of drinks】+35.61【four packs of snacks】).

January 26 - Universal Studios#

Location: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
Today's expenses:

1. Two bottles of cola + two sausages in the park: 107.78 yuan.
2. Two Super Mario wallets: 190 yuan.
3. Butterbeer regular version: 37.49 yuan.
4. Lunch in the park (pizza set - tastes good and fills you up): 86.31 yuan.
5. Hello Kitty doll + hat + pendant: 478.94 yuan.
6. Dinner: 142.93 yuan (oden + rice).
   Total for today: 1043.45 yuan.

Park check-in projects:
The moment you enter the Mario area, it’s worth the ticket price!

1. Mario Kart - Challenge of the Cool King - (fight with Japanese kids!)
2. Yoshi's Adventure (a silly shaking car, I even recorded a very silly video, talking to myself the whole time).
3. Donkey Kong's Crazy Mine Cart (quite average).
   The first three items reportedly have an average wait time of 80 minutes, but I finished all of them in just 45 minutes, thanks to the fast running and good luck.
4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey【Recommended】 (said to be the same as Beijing Universal).
5. Flying Unicorn【Recommended】 (ps: those afraid of heights should be cautious about this project).
6. Jurassic Park River Adventure【Recommended】 (the raincoat I bought with a beautiful teacher was a loss when the boat splashed down).
7. Flying Dinosaur【Recommended】 (you have to turn upside down, take off your glasses, and feel the wind in a blurred sensation).
8. Dream Ride【Recommended】 When Osaka Lover plays and the feeling of weightlessness comes, at that moment, I am the happiest person in the world! (ps: I’m afraid of heights but still love it!).
9. Detective 4D Live Show - Diamond in the Stars -【Performance】 - also highly recommended, I thought my seat was not good, but Kid refreshed next to me!
10. Jaws【Not recommended for non-Japanese speakers】, but they gave us a fast pass, so I won't complain.
11. Minion Mayhem Ride【A bit dizzy】, I do get dizzy with 3D.

This is the map of the entire park. Please try to memorize this map the day before you go, as it will greatly facilitate your exploration journey the next day. Also, plan the attractions you want to visit the next day in advance to have a clear idea of locations.

This website predicts the daily USJ crowd flow: https://usjreal.asumirai.info/monthly/6month-expect.html? You can click on the day you plan to visit to check the predicted waiting times. The predicted crowd flow data for the day I went was C level.

[!NOTE]

1️⃣ Express Pass#

• Purpose: Skip the line and prioritize experiencing popular attractions (such as Harry Potter, Nintendo area, etc.), saving time.
• Types: Different versions (such as Express 4/7) include different numbers and types of attractions, some include entry to the Nintendo area.
• Purchase Method: Must be purchased in advance on the official website or partner platforms, separate from the ticket, with prices fluctuating by season (approximately ¥5,000 to ¥15,000).
• Note:
  • Popular dates may sell out, so it is advisable to purchase early.
  • Confirm whether it includes entry to the "Nintendo area" when selecting.

2️⃣ Single Rider#

• Purpose: Utilize empty seats to fill in, single riders can significantly reduce waiting time.

• Applicable Projects: Roller coasters, ride types (such as "Hollywood Dream" and "Flying Dinosaur"), not all projects are open.

• Usage Tips:

• Suitable for those who don’t mind separating from companions. (In fact, when you see the staff while waiting, keep your distance from your companions and just tell them you are a Single).

• Check if there is a "Single Rider" sign at the entrance before queuing.

• Advantages: Completely free, a time-saving tool!

3️⃣ Super Nintendo World Entry Ticket#

• Purpose: A must-have ticket to enter Super Nintendo World (Mario area), with timed entry.
• Acquisition Method:
  • Rush in: The author rushed in, ran madly as soon as I entered, leaving everyone behind, and was among the first to enter the park, allowing direct entry to this area. So if you choose this method, don’t listen to those online guides that suggest reserving restaurants first; just rush to other attractions. Don’t waste time shopping here; selecting and paying in the store takes a lot of time. You can re-reserve this area in the app after playing around in the Mario area.
  • Free Ticket: Grab through the official app after entering the park (first come, first served, may run out quickly). 【In fact, I was still able to grab a free ticket for 18:00 at 11:40 AM, and you can use language skills to let the staff allow you in earlier than 18:00 (for example, go in to play in the morning and shop in the afternoon). The shift change time at USJ is 13:30. After each shift change, some staff have special quotas that can be approved, cough cough, this method is unethical but very useful.】
  • Guaranteed Plan: Purchase an Express Pass or ticket + entry ticket package that includes Nintendo entry rights.
• Note:
  • Without an entry ticket, you cannot enter (even with an Express Pass, you need to confirm if it includes it).
  • Entry tickets may be tied to specific time slots, so you need to go on time.

The author stayed up all night two nights ago, making detailed plans and itineraries. The next morning, I got up at 5:20 AM (GMT+9) to go have breakfast and arrived at the park entrance around 6:40 AM.

January 27 - Heading to Tokyo#

Woke up at 10 AM because I had walked a lot the previous day. Took the subway + Shinkansen to Tokyo, stored my luggage at the hotel, and started a day of walking.

Remember to choose a DE seat by the window on the Shinkansen, or buy a non-designated seat, as you can see Mount Fuji!

Shinkansen cost: 677 RMB.

Hotel address: Hotel LiveMax Kasai-Ekimae, 6 Chome-1-3 Higashikasai, Edogawa City, Tokyo 134-0084.

Due to foot pain, I rested for a long time before going out to shop in the Ginza shopping district, so I won’t record that.

January 28 - Tokyo Tour#

Senso-ji Temple

If you plan to draw lots at the temple, please prepare small change in advance.

I personally feel that the probability of drawing a bad lot is relatively high.

If you are curious about the interpretation of the lot you draw, please check this article on Xiaohongshu: http://xhslink.com/a/57tDFxwIxap5, where pages 6-14 have more detailed explanations. If you unfortunately draw a bad lot, you can follow local customs and leave the lot paper on the nearby railing. If you feel a bit anxious due to psychological reasons, you can also get a protective charm. Of course, if you, like me, do not believe in Japanese deities, you can silently chant "Taishang Laojun, urgent as the law commands" three times, after all, local officials are not as good as the current ones. Hahaha. If you are lucky enough to draw a good lot, please take it with you. In any case, do not let it affect your travel experience.

Tokyo Skytree (I prefer to call it "Tokyo Skytree")

Ginza

This is said to be the most expensive place in Asia, and indeed it is. As soon as you exit the subway station, you can smell the fragrance of high-end perfume. The air is filled with the luxurious scent of money, and the dazzling array of high-end products, digital devices, and exquisite snacks stimulates every sense, urging you to spend here. So, budget travelers, please take care of your wallets and don’t let them break here.

Of course, I also want to remind you that no matter where you shop, please carry your passport with you. If your purchase exceeds 5,000 yen, directly ask the staff if you can get a Tax-Free exemption; every little bit helps!

Tokyo Tower

January 29 - Mount Fuji & Shibuya Sky's Amazing Night View#

Mount Fuji🗻#

The name Fuji means "eternal life."

You can purchase tickets on HighWayBus, with a round-trip ticket costing a total of 4,400 yen.

(Departure station) Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku)

(Arrival station) Kawaguchi Lake Station

After getting off, follow the crowd to the famous Lawson convenience store photo spot. Since I was alone, I couldn't take a group photo.

It is highly recommended to wear headphones while taking photos here and play a song called "Under Mount Fuji."

Other recommended spots to visit around Mount Fuji include: Kawaguchi Lake, Nichikawa Clock Shop, Kawaguchi Lake Oishi Park, and Yamanakako (further away, recommended for a two-day trip).

For specific sample images, please refer to the following two links:

http://xhslink.com/a/l4ZXEfYELgp5

http://xhslink.com/a/KuKUhuMZVgp5

The author chose Kawaguchi Lake and purchased a cable car + small boat package. Payment only supports cash and NFC (Suica card), so please prepare in advance. The package price is not too expensive, with an average waiting time between 15-40 minutes. I do not recommend the cable car, but the small boat is highly recommended.

Due to foot pain from walking too much, I did not choose to go to other places. I later walked around nearby villages and small parks, enjoying the breeze and looking at Mount Fuji.

That's it, goodbye Mount Fuji.
“If you think it's not enough, I'll give you this old windbreaker as a spell.”

I returned to Tokyo from Mount Fuji, and it was already 7:40 PM.

Shibuya Sky#

The most anticipated check-in spot in Tokyo this round is Shibuya Sky!!!

If you also want to go to Shibuya Sky, please make sure to grab tickets on the official website or Klook at least half a month in advance; it is really hard to buy evening or night tickets.

But if you forget to buy tickets or can't get them, no worries, you can purchase tickets for earlier time slots on the same day. Then, take the ticket directly to security and tell the staff that you were delayed due to some matters and ask for assistance in replacing it. This method was shared by a friend, and I can confirm it works!!!

Finally, here’s the amazing night view!

https://v.douyin.com/sfcGu5KFUnU/

January 30 - Disney#

I don't even want to write this section; Tokyo Disney Sea is just pure nonsense. I won't go into the reasons...

Looking forward to friends willing to supplement this chapter later!

Or should I experience it again next time???

---

Since the entire text is written in a jumpy style, I am already very tired writing this, so I will stop here and only keep the names of the places visited each day, leaving the methods for you all.

January 31 - Tokyo to Kyoto#

February 1 - One Day Tour in Kyoto#

Kiyomizu-dera

Hanami Koji

Gion

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

February 2 - Osaka Shopping Day#

A day purely for shopping.

February 3 - Nara One Day Quick Tour#

Kasuga-taisha

Todai-ji

Nara Park

Here you can feed the deer; if you really like the deer, you can buy two packs of biscuits. Also, remember to break off a little each time, as there are too many deer here.

Naramachi

Do not go to the two local museums and art galleries in Nara; don’t listen to the random recommendations on Xiaohongshu.

They are not even as good as our school’s history museum; the things inside are of lower quality than what you would see in the bottom-tier museums in your own city...

Spending money to be a fool, and there is no internet in the exhibition hall, making it a pure suffering experience.

February 4 - Return Day#

Woke up at 5 AM, departed from the hotel (Nangōbashi) to the airport (KIX-Terminal 1 Departures, 1 Senshūkūkōkita, Izumisano, Sennan District, Osaka 549-0011 Japan).

Unfortunately, I sat on a designated seat train. And I didn’t buy a ticket, resulting in a fine of 1000 yen, hhhhh. On the last day leaving Japan, I faced the subway's punishment.

Expense Overview#

Visa Processing【236 yuan (simplified version)】#

Required materials are as follows:

1. Scanned copy of the passport's first page (✅)
2. 1 electronic version photo - 2-inch white background photo 3.5*4.5 (✅)
3. Application form
4. Scanned copy of ID card (front and back) + household registration book
5. Employment certificate + tax return for the past year + social security for the past 6 months or more.

Accommodation Reservations (Total 3648.63 yuan)#

January 24 - January 27 Accommodation (119.35💲=871 yuan)【Airbnb】#

2-chōme-22-8 Tennōjichōminami, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-0002, Japan.

January 27 - 29 Accommodation (594 yuan)【Meituan】#

Hotel LiveMax Kasai-Ekimae ホテルリブマックス葛西駅前.

January 29 - 31 Accommodation (675.76 yuan)【Meituan】#

Hotel Livemax Otsuka ホテルリブマックス東京大塚駅前.

January 31 - February 2 (482 yuan)【Meituan】#

Hotel Live Max Kyoto Gojo ホテルリブマックス BUDGET 京都五条.

February 1 - February 4 (1025.87 yuan)【Meituan】#

You can see that I mistakenly booked an extra day at the hotel; it is very difficult to cancel hotel reservations in Japan, so everyone should check the dates carefully.

Ark Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi アークホテル大阪心斎橋.

Entertainment Costs#

USJ Universal Studios ticket - purchased on second-hand market (380 yuan).

Shibuya Sky ticket - purchased on second-hand market (160 yuan) ---- actually 120 yuan.

Tokyo Disney Sea ticket - purchased on Ctrip (395 yuan) + three DPA/SP (236.52 yuan)【This is indeed cheaper than going to Disney, please everyone decisively purchase for your own travel experience】otherwise, this foolish place really has nothing to play with... Super speechless, I want to complain about Disney Sea!!!!!!

Disney shopping--- (1718.16 yuan).

Commuting Costs#

Round-trip airfare【3411 yuan】#

Transportation Card Purchase: Suica Card (Iphone Wallet)【Used up 18,000 yen】#

1. 2024-10-27 Recharge---141.19 (3000 yen); exchange rate 0.047063.
2. 2024-10-28 Recharge---232.95 (5000 yen); exchange rate 0.04659.
3. 2024-11-05 Recharge---234.28 (5000 yen); exchange rate 0.04659.
4. Subsequent recharge reached 20,000 yen, forgot to record the exchange rate.

I returned home with 2074 yen left; I used Suica to buy a few things in between, but definitely not much was spent.

Shinkansen#

Shin-Osaka to Tokyo (677 yuan)【Klook ticket purchase】.

Tokyo to Kyoto (654 yuan)【Klook ticket purchase】.

Other Costs#

Japanese SIM card 4G data card--- 15 days 30GB (insert card and use immediately)---104.6 yuan.

67W multi-country travel adapter---199.2 yuan.

Bought a lot of postcards---500 yuan.

Bought a lot of medicine and skincare products for my mom---4000 yuan.

Bought a camera + lens for about 10,100 yuan.

I basically ate four meals a day, and throughout the trip, the only thing I didn’t compromise on was my mouth; I probably ate too much every day. I won't record that; I can only say that after walking 20,000 to 40,000 steps every day, I gained 3 pounds when I returned home...

Others#

Subway Line Breakdown#

This chapter introduces readers to the basic knowledge of Japan's public transportation, teaching you how to distinguish between several main types of public transport in Japan: Shinkansen, JR, private railways, subways, streetcars, buses, highway buses, mountain trains/cable cars, etc.

JR & Shinkansen & Local Lines#

Japan's railway system is quite complex, mainly divided into national and private railways. The national railway is collectively known as Japan Railway, abbreviated as JR, similar to China's railway network managed by the Ministry of Railways (but this is just a comparison; in fact, the national railway has also been privatized, but explaining it this way is easier). The national railway can be divided by region: JR Hokkaido, JR East Japan, JR Central, JR West Japan, JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, etc., similar to China's Shanghai/Beijing/Zhengzhou/Chengdu railway bureaus.

The Shinkansen is Japan's high-speed rail system, operated by various JR companies, and is currently the fastest and most expensive rail transport in Japan, mainly used for inter-regional travel (for example: Sapporo-Sendai-Tokyo-Osaka-Okayama-Hakata-Kagoshima).

The Shinkansen is also subdivided into different models, directions, number of stops, speeds, etc., similar to China's C (city rail), D (high-speed train), G (high-speed train) classifications. But I won't elaborate on that here.

The JR divisions and the operating Shinkansen are as follows:

Within the JR system, the trains that are relatively slower, stop at more stations, and are cheaper are generally referred to as "local lines" (because these are relatively "old railways" compared to the Shinkansen). Local lines and the Shinkansen use different tracks and waiting platforms, but generally, they can be transferred at the same station. Generally speaking, local lines are equivalent to China's express and regular trains, being cheaper, stopping more, and slower than the Shinkansen, but the fares are much lower.

Types of local trains include: Limited Express, Express, New Rapid, Rapid, and Local. Different types of trains stop at different stations, with Limited Express and Express stopping the least, New Rapid and Rapid next, and Local stopping at every station.

Private Railways#

In addition to JR, various regions also have railway systems built and operated by private enterprises, collectively referred to as private railways.

In Japan, as long as it is not JR or subway, most can be called private railways.

Kansai is the most densely populated area for private railways, including Hankyu Railway, Keihan Electric Railway, Nankai Electric Railway, and others (the strategies for private railway coupons will be gradually released, so don't worry).

Each railway company's train names and charging methods are different, so there is no universal standard to explain. How to choose private railways depends on the specific travel situation.

Subway & Streetcars & Buses#

Major cities in Japan, such as Sapporo, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Fukuoka, have subways. Subways mainly serve urban transportation and generally do not cross regions. Chinese readers are very familiar with subways, so I won't elaborate here. Additionally, like in China, "light rail" on elevated tracks is generally also considered part of the subway system.

Here are subway maps for major cities where many Chinese travelers visit (Tokyo, Osaka) to give you a preliminary feel.

1. Station Signage: The station signage consists of English letters, Roman numerals, and a colored outer circle. By checking the signage, you can easily find your destination station. The station signage specifications are uniform and are used in running route maps, platform facilities, etc.
2. Explanation of Station Signage:
   
3. Usage of Station Signage:
   • You can easily find your destination station through the English letters and Roman numerals on the station signage.
   • You can simply calculate the number of stations to the transfer station or destination station.
   • You can clearly confirm whether you are taking a train heading to your target station.
4. Location of Station Signage:

Displayed along with the station name in running route maps, station boards, etc.

Some cities also have streetcars, which mainly serve urban transportation and do not operate across regions. Moreover, streetcars generally run at a slower speed, so they also have some sightseeing tourism interest, such as the streetcars in Hakodate.

Japan's buses generally also serve urban transportation. I won't elaborate on that.

Highway Buses#

Japan has a type of bus specifically designed for convenient inter-regional (intercity) travel, called highway buses.

Highway buses are a great tool for traveling in Japan, as many places use highway buses for intercity travel. Although they are slower than the Shinkansen or private railways, they are faster than local lines and are more expensive than local lines but cheaper than the Shinkansen or private railways. Highway buses are a very cost-effective way to travel.

A special variant of highway buses is the night highway bus, which is a blessing for budget travelers. As the name suggests, night buses usually depart at night, allowing passengers to sleep on the bus and arrive at their destination in the morning, making time management very convenient and saving on one night's accommodation. Especially since the hardware conditions of Japan's night buses are excellent, except for not being able to shower, there are almost no hardware shortcomings. In Japan, accommodation and transportation costs are the major expenses of travel. If you can make good use of night buses, it will greatly reduce your travel costs.

Mountain Trains/Cable Cars#

Mountain trains (ケーブルカー) are sometimes also translated as cable cars in Chinese. Mountain trains and cable cars both help people travel between the foot and the top of the mountain, but mountain trains are built along the mountain and rely on tracks to climb, while cable cars are suspended on cables and rely on cable transmission to move.

I want to specifically mention mountain trains/cable cars because they are generally built at scenic spots, and different travel packages/discounts may offer discounts or even free tickets for these scenic spots, so I hope everyone does not overlook this information when planning.

How to Ride#

Step 1: Download Navigation App

Before traveling to Japan, it is recommended to download a navigation app, such as Google Maps or Transfer Guide, which is extremely useful in Japan. It can help you easily find your target location and indicate the specific entrance at the station.

Step 2: Determine Boarding and Alighting Stations

Input the starting point and destination in the app, and the system will provide the optimal route. Remember to pay attention to the operating hours of different operators.

Step 3: Purchase Tickets

There are multiple automatic ticket machines at the station that support multiple languages. When purchasing, simply select the station and number of people. If you are unsure about the ticket price, it is advisable to select the cheaper ticket first and pay the difference when exiting; there are usually ticket machines for this purpose inside the station. Additionally, having some change on hand will be more convenient (this is also helpful if you accidentally board the wrong carriage on the Shinkansen or airport express, making it easier to pay fines, hhhh), although in most cases, amounts under 1000 yen can be given change.

Here is a picture explaining how to read & use your ticket.

Now, you can also purchase tickets through WeChat in Tokyo's subway, which is particularly convenient for Chinese travelers. Using the "Traveling in Japan" mini-program, you can buy 24, 48, or 72-hour passes, allowing unlimited rides during that period, which is very cost-effective.

However, I still recommend the Suica card; its convenience and flexibility, along with its applicability, are the highest.

Step 4: Find the Waiting Platform

Based on the station's signs (Japan does a great job in this regard, with comprehensive information signs everywhere, which will be your good helper!), confirm the platform for the train you want to take. In large stations, the platforms may be on different floors, so pay attention to the station's guidance.

Step 5: Pay Attention to Train Classifications

Japanese subway trains are classified into Limited Express, Express, Rapid, and Local trains based on speed. Be sure to carefully check the train route information when boarding to avoid getting on the wrong train and missing your destination.

Never get on the wrong carriage, as this can lead to getting lost/delays, or even fines (hhhh, don’t ask me how I know; I was fined on the last day leaving Japan...).

To ensure smooth travel, here are a few tips for you:

• Adjust Your Mindset (thick-skinned): Getting lost is part of traveling; if you feel confused, don’t panic. You can ask passersby & station staff for help; they are usually very friendly and willing to assist. (Here, I sincerely thank all the strangers who helped me during this journey.)
• Free Wi-Fi: Many subway stations offer free Wi-Fi, ensuring you can always go online to search for information.
• Make Good Use of Google Maps: If you are carrying many suitcases or are a bit physically weak, please filter for options in Google Maps. Because some public transport facilities in Japan are quite old and lack escalators or elevators, carrying two or three suitcases at once can be quite exhausting.
• Stop and Restart: If you realize you boarded the wrong train, please stop fantasizing and quickly get off at the nearest station. Refresh your Google Maps (this action is crucial), and then look for a new boarding location or waiting platform【because there’s a high chance it has changed!!!】.

About Tax-Free and Customs#

Japan's Tax-Free Quota#

When shopping in Japan, you can enjoy tax-free benefits for a single purchase exceeding 5,000 yen. This means you do not have to pay Japan's 10% consumption tax, saving money directly!

Are There Restrictions on Tax-Free Quotas?#

General goods (electronics, clothing, jewelry, watches, etc.): A single purchase exceeding 5,000 yen is tax-free, with no upper limit. Must be taken out of the country within 180 days.

Consumables (food, medicine, cosmetics, etc.): In Japan, the tax-free shopping limit for consumables has certain restrictions. The single purchase amount for consumables must be between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen; any amount exceeding 500,000 yen will not enjoy tax-free benefits. Additionally, they must be taken out of the country within 30 days.

Special reminder: Be sure not to carry prohibited drugs, and prescription medications require proof and translation from the hospital. When traveling, just buy some over-the-counter products from drugstores!

Tax-Free Conditions#

Tax-free shopping eligibility is limited to non-Japanese residents and tourists whose stay in Japan does not exceed 6 months. You must show your passport each time you shop to prove your eligibility.

[!TIP]

Recommended popular tax-free shopping areas: Ginza in Tokyo, Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and Shijo Kawaramachi in Kyoto are all shopping paradises. Don’t forget that many large department stores and specialty shops in these areas provide Chinese services; you can directly ask the staff to help you find someone who speaks Chinese.

Customs Upon Returning Home#

If, like me, you go with one suitcase and return with two, try to pack all liquids, cosmetics, and even tax-free items into one suitcase for check-in. It is also not advisable to keep the receipts and items together; try not to have too many of the same type of item.

Customs upon returning home is generally random checks; as long as you don’t look too suspicious and your items aren’t overly extravagant, it should go smoothly.

Japan's airport security does not require opening boxes for inspection, which is indeed more convenient than in China.

About Pilgrimages to Sacred Sites#

I believe many friends are interested in Japan due to anime, novels, etc. Traveling in Japan is also about making pilgrimages to sacred sites, so I recommend a fantastic website - Anitabi, which mainly focuses on providing online resources and a communication platform for anime enthusiasts. Based on the link you provided, it is an anime map website that displays various locations, resources, and activities related to Japanese anime. These locations include anime exhibitions, event sites, comic shops, and places related to the two-dimensional culture. Through this map, users can easily find anime cultural locations they are interested in or search for nearby anime resources based on their location.

The goal of this platform is to provide an interactive tool to help anime fans better explore and experience the two-dimensional world.

The use of this website is very intuitive. In simple terms, its core function is to display various locations related to anime through a map. Here are the simple usage steps:

1. Browse the Map: After opening the website, you will first see an interactive map showing the distribution of various anime-related locations.
2. Select Area: You can zoom in or out of the map to select the area you are interested in and see what anime culture-related locations are in that area.
3. View Details: Click on the markers on the map to view detailed information about that location, including address, opening hours, etc.
4. Search Function: If you already have specific locations or activities you want to find, you can use the search box to search directly.
5. Filtering Function: Some maps may offer filtering options, allowing you to filter by activity type, location type, etc., to quickly locate the information you want.

Finally, I would like to share a passage I wrote in tribute to the beautiful scenery of Tokyo Skytree:

“Her beauty is hidden in the subtle light and shadow. The soft sunlight spills through the window onto her face, like the warm touch of an afternoon, reflecting the delicate sheen of her skin. Her eyes are clear and bright, like the morning water in a pond, emitting a faint light, as if one can see the waves of her inner world. The slightly upturned corners of her mouth carry a hint of mischief, as if she is about to start a dialogue with the world. Her hair, tinged with gentle red, gently falls on her shoulders, like the first morning light on autumn leaves, carrying a story yet to be told. Every detail speaks of her uniqueness, that kind of natural beauty that is just right, neither deliberate nor hurried, as if time is willing to slow down beside her, flowing gently.”

About Cherry Blossom🌸 Season#

The author’s travel time did not coincide with Japan's cherry blossom season, but for the sake of completeness in this article, I will still add some information.

The Japan Meteorological Agency releases cherry blossom forecasts every year. Interested friends can refer to their official website: https://s.n-kishou.co.jp/w/sp/sakura/sakura_kaika.html?

You can narrow down your search based on your travel time and location. For example, in the Osaka area:

About Fireworks🎆 Festivals#

Japan's fireworks festivals (hanabi taikai) represent the summer scenery of the local area, and large and small fireworks festivals are held across the country, totaling up to 1,000 events! Among them, the following six are the most famous.

1. Sumida River Fireworks Festival

• Location: Sumida Ward, Tokyo, along both banks of the Sumida River.
• Time: The last Saturday of July each year (expected to be July 26, 2025).
• Viewing Features: The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of Tokyo's most famous fireworks festivals, lighting up the Tokyo skyline and creating a beautiful contrast with Tokyo Tower and Skytree. The festival features over 20,000 fireworks, including various creative shapes and colors, making it a visual feast.
• Reservation Ticket Purchase Method: Generally, no special reservation is needed for tickets; just find a good viewing spot. You can reserve seats in special viewing areas through some travel platforms or hotels, or rent special seats, such as on sightseeing boats.

2. Ōmagari Fireworks Festival

• Location: Ōmagari City, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, near the riverside park.
• Time: The last Saturday of August each year (expected to be August 30, 2025).
• Viewing Features: As one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals, the Ōmagari Fireworks Festival showcases world-class fireworks artistry. The fireworks are beautifully designed and divided into multiple segments, such as artistic fireworks and music-synchronized fireworks. Its uniqueness lies in its traditional "Japanese fireworks" artistry, with endless variations, perfectly combining technology and art.
• Reservation Ticket Purchase Method: The Ōmagari Fireworks Festival offers designated seating tickets, with prices varying based on location and perspective. It is recommended to reserve tickets in advance on the official website or through designated ticket platforms (such as e+, ローソン，etc.).

3. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

• Location: Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, along the banks of the Shinano River.
• Time: The second week of August each year (expected to be August 2-3, 2025).
• Viewing Features: The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is known for its stunning sound effects and breathtaking fireworks displays. The festival has historical and cultural significance, making it an important gathering place for fireworks enthusiasts nationwide. The special "sound fireworks" effect perfectly merges with the deafening sound.
• Reservation Ticket Purchase Method: The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival offers "front viewing seats" and "designated seats" tickets, which can be reserved through the official tourism website of Nagaoka City or major ticket platforms (such as JTB, ローソン，etc.). There are also outdoor park areas available for free viewing, but they tend to be crowded.

4. Kobe Fireworks Festival

• Location: Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, around Mount Rokko and the harbor area.
• Time: The first weekend of August each year (expected to be August 2, 2025).
• Viewing Features: The Kobe Fireworks Festival is famous for its beautiful harbor backdrop. Fireworks bloom against the city lights and harbor, creating a perfect blend of sea fireworks and urban scenery. The fireworks style in Kobe is relatively free, combining various creative and traditional elements.
• Reservation Ticket Purchase Method: The Kobe fireworks festival also has designated viewing areas and ticketing systems, which can be purchased through Kobe City’s official tourism website or related ticket platforms (such as Pia) for designated viewing positions, or you can choose to participate in night cruises to watch the fireworks.

5. Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Festival

• Location: Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, around Kasumigaura Lake in the city center.
• Time: The first Saturday of September each year (expected to be September 6, 2025).
• Viewing Features: The Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival has a history of over 150 years since its inception in 1870. The festival is characterized by its colorful fireworks artistry and innovative designs that change every year. During the festival, about 20,000 fireworks light up the night sky, providing an exceptional viewing experience.
• Reservation Ticket Purchase Method: Tickets for the Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival are generally purchased in advance online or through local convenience store systems (such as ローソン). You can choose to reserve seats in advance or find a suitable spot to watch on-site.

About the Budget Travel Tool - Coin Locker#

If you are a super budget traveler who thinks you can go without sleep, can sleep on the streets (actually, I can do that), and can travel with just one bag (or even no bag), then suitcases become your burden. I strongly recommend Coin Lockers (storage lockers).

Traveling with kids, being a super shopper, or having too many suitcases that hotels can't accommodate? Coin Lockers!!!

Additionally, due to Japan's unaccommodating check-in and check-out policies (check-in is only at 3 PM, and check-out is at 10 AM), do you really want to delay your itinerary just because you have to wait to drop off your luggage before going out to play?

Most large subway stations (like Shinjuku) have these storage lockers in various locations.

You can also visit their official website - https://coinlocker.click/index.php to find the nearest storage point or along your travel route.

The prices are affordable:

✴️ Small: 400 yen/day.

✴️ Medium: 500 yen/day.

✴️ Large: 700 yen/day (this is what I used, very cost-effective! Can fit two suitcases).

The usage process is also very simple:

🔑 Traditional version: Insert coins → place the box → pull out the key; to retrieve → insert coins → insert key → retrieve.

💳 Smart version: Select Chinese → insert coins/card → place the box → take the receipt; to retrieve → enter password → insert coins/card → unlock → retrieve.

🚪 IC card version: Select Chinese → swipe card → place the box; to retrieve → swipe card → unlock → retrieve.

[!WARNING]

Make sure to check the size; don’t let it not fit!

Once stored, you cannot open it again; otherwise, you will have to pay again!

Must be retrieved within three days!!!

Acknowledgments & Invitations and Reference Links#

Acknowledgments#

Thanks to all the new and old friends who helped me along the way!

Thanks to my two little cats for guarding the house during the New Year; I really missed them super badly by the third day...

Thanks to all the friendly strangers who helped me during this journey, thanks to the four kids who lent me their lighter, thanks to the two cherry blossom girls who guided me, thanks to Teacher Zheng from the USJ trip, thanks to every enthusiastic staff member at USJ and Tokyo Disney Sea, thanks to the uncle who lent me his umbrella in the rain, thanks to the Shaanxi fellow I met at Kawaguchi Lake, thanks to the guy who recommended buying a watch, thanks to the African and Chinese guys who sang "Boundless Sky" with me on the road, thanks to the Kenyan brother who pulled me into a live stream, thanks to the brother who helped me grab Shibuya Sky tickets on the second-hand market, thanks to the big sister who helped me exchange money and translate because I couldn't pay with WeChat, thanks to the watch shop staff who didn’t rip me off and generously accepted returns, thanks to the Austrian brother who accompanied me to bargain for a camera, thanks to the owner of the Sichuan restaurant who gave me fried rice, thanks to the sister from Changsha and her handsome son on the way back home, and thanks to the neighbor who helped take care of my cats during the New Year.

I sincerely thank all the friends mentioned above; their help and sharing made my journey very smooth and enjoyable. I also wish you all a smooth and joyful life and work in the future!

Invitation and Improvement#

The text has already exceeded ten thousand words, and many friends in my social circles, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu's comment sections, as well as those who want to travel to Japan, are constantly urging me to update and look forward to the completion of this article. However, as of February 6, 2025, this article is only based on the author's 12-day experiences and insights, but there are certainly many shortcomings. The wonders of Japan are not only the attractions and moments I have listed. The author is also interested and has made plans with friends to travel to Japan again in the future, so I sincerely invite friends who have benefited from this article or are willing to help improve it to share corrections for any inaccuracies in the text or share your beautiful scenery and unique adventures. By combining your happiness, experiences, and summaries, we can continuously improve this article to help more friends in need!

If you are interested in the above invitation, you can contact me through various communication methods; if you see this article on my blog or other websites and are interested in joining these shared resources, please contact: B1ueD0g@duck.com.

Finally, I sincerely wish all friends a smooth journey! Safe travels! I also look forward to you bringing me back a postcard when you reach a certain place!