Trip: Japan 2024
Overview
First time trip to Japan, maximum tourist mode.
Nov 3-8 • Tokyo
Nov 9 • Hakone | Mt. Fuji
Nov 10-12 • Kyoto | Himeji
Nov 13-14 • Osaka | Nara
Nov 15 • Tokyo
November
Sa | 2
Transit day - all of the spent in the air.
Flight | ORD to EWR - 6:00-9:10
UA1658 - 2h 10m (JP only)
Flight | EWR to HND - 10:45-14:20 (+1)
UA131 - 14h 35m
Meals: Lunch
Su | 3
Landing day! We'll probably be tired from flying all day, so this day will likely be spent recuperating and getting adjusted to the new surroundings.
Flight arrives at 2:20PM, it'll probably take about an hour to figure things out.
Haneda/Tokyo | PM
14:20 - Flight arrives
16:00 - Hopefully done with airport things, picked up baggage, etc.
16:30 - Arrive in Tokyo city proper
17:00 - Get to hotel
18:00 - Dinner @ ?
19:00 - Buy any necessities/free time/sleep
Train - international flights likely arrive/depart T3, train station located on the second floor.
Tokyo Monorail ¥500 ($3.15) (fare table)
13 minutes to Hamamatsuchō Station (every 3-14 mins)
Bus - airport buses makes direct stops at many major hotels in Tokyo.
Limousine Bus Haneda $9 (online tickets)
Leaves every 1-3 hours (limited time slots)
From Haneda/T3, connects to Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.
Taxi - direct but very expensive, not recommended.
Taxi (Fixed Price) ¥8000+ ($50) (reference)
Late night/early morning premiums between 10PM-5AM add approximately ¥1500 ($9).
Recommendation: Bus or Train.
Reference: https://www.klook.com/en-US/blog/haneda-airport-to-tokyo-guide/
Lodging Options
• Free Wifi
• Non-smoking rooms
• Private (non-shared) bathroom (unless it's a capsule hotel)
Looking for...
• Within short distance of train/walking distance to things
Nice to haves...
• Easy access to washing machine
KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi • $1275 ($212/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 16 minute walk to Asakusa Station
- Within 5 minute walk to Family Mart/Lawson/7-Eleven
- 10 minute walk to Senso-ji
Amentities
- American-style room • 291 ft²
- 2x twin + bunk/sofa
- Kitchen
- In-unit washing machine/dryer
Nihon Seinenkan Hotel • $1239 ($207/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 7 minute walk to Gaiemmae Station
- 14 minute walk to Shinanomachi Station
- 9 minute walk to the Japan National Stadium
- Within 10 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Lawson
- 24 minute walk to Meiji Jingu
- 15 minute train/30 minute walk to center of Shibuya City
- 30 minutes train to Tokyo Tower
- 45 minute train to Asakusa Shrine/Tokyo Skytree
Amenities
- On-site male and female-only public bath and cold bath + spa bath
- American-style room • 291 ft²
- 2x twin
- On-site laundry services
Section L Ueno-Hirokoji • $1665 + ¥7000 ($44) cleaning fee ($285/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 3 minute walk to Ueno-Hirokoji station
- 3 minute walk to Okachimachi station
- 4 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Lawson/Family Mart
- 6 minute walk to Ueno Park
Amenities
- American-style studio/condo-hotel • 334 ft²
- 2x twin + sofa
- Kitchen (microwave, fridge, stovetop)
- In-unit laundry
TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa • $1360 ($226/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 3 minute walk to Sumida Park (accommodation is near a river)
- 3 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Lawson
- 11 minute walk to Senso-ji
- 10 minute walk to Asakusa Station
- 17 minute walk to Tokyo Skytree
Amenities
- Comfy apartment • 431 ft²
- 2x full + sofa
- Kitchen (microwave, fridge, stovetop)
remm Akihabara • $1210 ($202/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 2 minute walk to Akihabara Station
- 2 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Lawson
- 26 minute walk to Ueno Park
Amenities
- American-style room • 248 ft²
- 2x twin
Airbnb/G3 Taito City • $1055+ ($176/n)
Links: airbnb.com
- 9 minute walk to Akihabara Station
- 8 minute walk to Okachimachi Station
- ~5 min walk to 7-Eleven/Family Mart
Amenities
- Entire rental unit • 452 ft²
- 2x queen
- In-unit washer
- ⚠️ No TV
Mo | 4
Tokyo, day 1 - Taito, Ueno. Tokyo Skytree.
Senso-ji | AM
10:00 - Get to Asakusa Station
11:00 - Walk around Senso-ji / visit the Asakusa Shrine
13:00 - Lunch @ ?
Tokyo Skytree, Ueno | PM
15:00 - Tokyo Skytree
16:30 - Pokemon Center @ Skytree (+ other stores around Skytree)
18:00 - Kirby Cafe? Conveyor Belt Sushi?
20:00 - Ueno Park
⚠️ We could do Ueno Park earlier - large park, many museums surrounding it + end with Skytree/Senso-ji instead.
22:00 - Home
Tu | 5
Tokyo, day 2 - Minato-Shibuya.
teamLab Planets | AM
9:00 - Get to Toyosu Station
10:00 - teamLab Planets
12:00 - Lunch @ ? (somewhere in Minato City?)
💡 Walk the Rainbow Bridge (30 mins) - might look better at dusk with the lights. We could come back in the evening and then end it off at the Tokyo Tower for a night view.
Shibuya | PM
14:00 - Shibuya Station + roam around
20:00 - Home
We | 6
Tokyo, day 3 • Akihabara.
Akihabara | AM
9:00 - Get to Akihabara Station + roam around
Akihabara | PM
13:00 - Around lunchtime, maid cafe or themed cafe?
15:00 - Go back to roaming around, maybe lose some money at crane games.
19:00 - Dinner @ ?
21:00 - Home
Th | 7
Tokyo, day 4 • Theme Park.
Ghibli Museum | AM
11:00 - Get to Kichijoji Station
11:30 - Ghibli Museum
13:00 - Lunch @ ?
The Making of Harry Potter Tour | PM
15:00 - Get to Toshimaen Station
16:00 - Making of Harry Potter
19:00 - Dinner @ ?
21:00 - Home
Fr | 8
Tokyo, day 5 • Shinjuku.
Shinjuku | AM
10:00 - Get to Shinjuku Station
11:00 - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
12:00 - Lunch @ ?
Shinjuku | PM
14:00 - Themed cafe/stores
Sa | 9
Time to unwind in Hakone!
TBD - likely ryokan (+ find transit options)
Matsuzakaya Honten • $949~1107
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- Includes a private bathroom and an open air bath. ($949 for no open air bath, $817 for shared bathroom)
- Mountain view
- A number of hot springs available
- Public garden and lounge area
- Public bath/open air bath area
Amenities
- Ryokan • 617 ft²
- 2x twin + 2x futon
- Breakfast and dinner included
Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso • $488~586
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- $488 includes 2x futon, $586 includes 2x twin
- Indoor and outdoor hot spring bath options
- Private-use bath available (extra charge)
- Foot bath on the rooftop
- Massage services available
- Karaoke and lounge bar
Amenities
- Ryokan • 409-592 ft²
- 2x twin or 2x futon
- Breakfast and dinner included
Su | 10
Kyoto, day 1.
TBD - likely via Shinkansen
Mo | 11
Kyoto, day 2.
TBD - day trip/Nara?
Tu | 12
Kyoto, day 3.
TBD
We | 13
Osaka, day 1.
TBD
Th | 14
Osaka, day 2.
TBD
Fr | 15
Wrap up in Tokyo.
TBD - Maybe a capsule hotel? (+ any last minute shopping)
Sa | 16
Return flight. Ideally stay awake as much as possible near the tail end so we're not up all night the following day.
Flight | HND to EWR - 18:25-17:15
UA130 - 12h 50m
Meals: Dinner
Flight | EWR to ORD - 19:43-21:22
UA546 - 2h 39m
Guides
Buying train tickets/IC/Suica card
Reference: https://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/english/tickets/purchase.html
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/downloads/pdf/welcomesuica_e.pdf
Note: continuous travel means - "You cannot use the Suica to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, but you can use it to travel within cities such as Osaka and Kyoto." see: https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/157weln/suica_website_indicates_that_the_suica_card/
More than likely we'll need a Welcome Suica card at Haneda Aiport.
"A special version of Suica, called Welcome Suica, is available to foreign tourists. The special cards are valid for only four weeks, come without a deposit fee, but do not allow for refunds."
Comparison of IC cards: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html
Essentials
Data
eSIM data plans can be bought for $17 (10GB/30 days) or less
Electricity
Most outlets are 2-prong 100V/50-60Hz - may need an adapter for 3-prong cables.
Travel
Luggage Services
You can get bags delivered to/from hotel-airport or between hotels.
See: https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5624-airport-luggage-services-tokyo/?spm=BlogArticle.InArticleHyperlinkWord&clickId=8803c4c572
Coin Lockers
Bags (including luggage) can be stored in coin lockers, approximately ¥300 for smaller bags to ¥800-900 for suitcases per day.
See: https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0000274/
Payments
IC/Suica
- Tap to pay options only available on iOS and domestic Android devices (requires Osaifu Keitai compatibility - often only available in domestic Japanese devices).
- Can be recharged at ticket machines or at convenience stores (max: ¥20,000).
Weather
TBD
Etiquette
TBD
Phrases
TBDs
Conversions
TBD
Restrictions
Medication
TBD
Expenses
Flight - $1600 (RT Economy, Changeable)
Nov 3-8 • Tokyo
Transit from Haneda to Tokyo/Airport - <$10
Nov 9 • Hakone | Mt. Fuji
Nov 10-12 • Kyoto | Himeji
Nov 13-14 • Osaka | Nara
Nov 15 • Tokyo
Others
Accomodations/Tokyo
Tokiwa 10 • $1394 + ¥8000 ($50) cleaning fee ($240/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 6 minute walk to Ikebukuro Station
- 20 minute train to Akihabara
Amenities
- American-style apartment • 517 ft²
- 2x full + sofa bed
- Kitchen (microwave, fridge, stovetop)
- In-unit laundry
Shiba Park Hotel • $1566 ($261/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 10 minute walk to Hamamatsucho Station
- 1 minute walk to FamilyMart/7-Eleven/Lawson
- 12 minute walk to Tokyo Tower
Amenities
- American-style room • 226 ft²
- 2x twin
- On-site laundry
Shinjuku Prince Hotel • $1460 ($243/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 5 minute walk to Shinjuku Station
- 1 minute walk to 7-Eleven/FamilyMart/Lawson
Amenities
- American-style room • 161 ft²
- 2x twin
the b akasaka-mitsuke • $777 ($130/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 8 minute walk to Nagatacho Station
- 2 minute walk to 7-Eleven/FamilyMart/Lawson
- 30 minute walk to the Imperial Palace
Amenities
- American-style room • Small room?
- 2x twin
Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akasaka • $1066 ($178/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- (Very close to the previous hotel - the b akasaka-mitsuke)
- 8 minute walk to Nagatacho Station
- 2 minute walk to 7-Eleven/FamilyMart/Lawson
- 30 minute walk to the Imperial Palace
Amenities
- American-style room • 182 ft²
- 2x twin
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusabashi • $748 ($125/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 1 minute walk to Asakusabashi Station
- 1 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Lawson/Family Mart
- 12 minute walk to Akihabara
Amenities
- American-style room • 186 ft²
- 2x twin
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi • $941 ($157/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 5 minute walk to Kuramae Station and Tawaramachi Station
- 1 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Lawson/Family Mart
- 11 minute walk to Senso-ji
Amenities
- American-style room • 186 ft²
- 2x twin
9h nine hours Suidobashi • $511 ($85/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 2 minute walk to Suidobashi Station
- 2 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Ministop/Lawson
Amenities
- Capsule Hotel
- 2x twin ($256 ea.)
- Shared bathroom/lounge area
Airbnb/201 Shibuya • $929+ ($155/n)
Links: airbnb.com
- ~1 train stop from Shinjuku Station, closest station looks to be Hatsudai Station
- ~5 min walk to 7-Eleven/Family Mart
- Located in a residential neighborhood
Amenities
- Entire rental unit • 2 floor duplex
- 1x queen + 2x futon + sofa bed
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita • $1961+ ($327/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com (only available direct) | direct link
- 2 minute walk to Setagaya-Daita Station
- 3 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Lawson
Amenities
- Ryokan • 290 ft²
- Breakfast included
- 2x twin
The Edo Sakura • $875 ($146/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 15 minute walk to Ueno Park
- 15 minute bus to Senso-ji
- 5 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Ministop
Amenities
- Ryokan • 194 ft²
- Breakfast not included ($9)
- 3x futon
- On-site coin laundry
- Private reservable bath between 15:00-23:00
HATAGO HOUSE • $875 ($146/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 15 minute walk to Ueno Park
- 15 minute bus to Senso-ji
- 5 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Ministop
Amenities
- Ryokan • 377 ft²
- 4x twin + 2x king
- Comes with a Nintendo Wii
- Fully equipped kitchen with oven
Hotel Yuni -Comfortable stay Star-Club iD • $574 ($96/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 3 minute walk to Ichigaya Station
- 5 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Family Mart
Amenities
- American-style room • 194 ft²
- 2x twin
Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa • $473 ($79/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- 3 minute walk to Asakusa Station
- 3 minute walk to 7-Eleven/Ministop/Lawson
Amenities
- Capsule Hotel
- 2x twin ($237 ea.)
- Shared bathroom/lounge area
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ginza-Nanachome • $1077 ($179/n)
Links: Google Maps | booking.com
- Buffet breakfast addon for $10
Amenities
- American-style room • 161 ft²
- 2x twin
- On-site coin laundry
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya • $3019 ($503/n)
