Japan Tips You ACTUALLY want (PT. 1)

1.) Japan is still HUMID in mid-late October! I’m talking 70s, sticky, direct sun. Japan has adapted their product market well to manage it, but a fan and sun umbrella are a good start for a new traveler! I thought I was gonna miss typhoon season and summer heat, but unfortunately it doesn’t get to that point until close to November. I can’t tell you the number of times I tried to stand away from the train crowds because I didn’t want to be sweating in someone’s face 🫠🥲.

2.) Kyoto relies heavily on BUSES unlike Osaka and Tokyo. You can still use Suica/Pasmo! You board through the middle door and exit the front (which is when you tap to pay). Other areas that use buses (primarily) are Sendai, Chiba, Gunma, etc..

It definitely caused a bit of anxiety not knowing that beforehand, but once I got used to it, I realized that it definitely beats the subway stairs!! (iykyk) You can still use the subway to get to and from Kyoto, but while you’re there, familiarize yourself with the bus system.

3.) Capsule hotels are cheap, and normally come with free amenities BUT there is always a chance you’ll risk comfort for price.

9H is a popular capsule hotel experience, and is the one I have pictured. First Cabin is another capsule hotel/pod experience, which I stayed at twice during my trip. Both chains came with free amenities, and were extremely clean. Both First Cabin locations had a hot springs in the hotel as well! That being said, the bed situation is rough: hall lights typically stay on, and the mattresses and pillows were extra firm, to an uncomfortable point. Sheets were also given, but definitely didn’t beat the comforters in other places. Business class (FC) in Haneda airport also came with a gap above the privacy curtain, which allowed the hall light to shine *perfectly* into my pod while I slept 🫠.

Overall, It was cheap, extremely clean and nice to have a public bath after a long day, so it’s up to you what would and wouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

4.) Booking cafes is a CHALLENGE! It’s also a lot of the times done through lottery. You may still get into *some* without a reservation, but it can be hours until you get in (IF theres still space). Others require reservations no matter what (like the Kirby Cafe in Osaka).

The Pokémon cafe in Osaka was a two hour wait without a reservation! I stood through two complete reservation time slots before there was an opening for me! And it was never guaranteed that there would be.

Being a solo traveler, you MAY see a line skip or two, but it’s not guaranteed. Some experiences cater towards solo travelers more, like Universal with their single rider lines.

5.) You’ll know which side to stand on the escalator, don’t get anxious over that detail. Yes it switches between regions, but most of the time you’ll just follow the crowd, or be alone enough where it doesn’t matter. Sometimes you’ll even see locals just doing their own thing (because we’re all human, and sometimes it’s not that deep). Just be aware of your surroundings.

6.) A LOT of hotel soaps will leave that residue film feeling on your skin. If you’re not used to it, or you HATE that feeling (like I do), be prepared. I encountered it in almost every hotel I stayed at, as well as some public baths.

And maybe it’s just my luck picking those hotels, but it’s still not something I’ve seen anyone mention. Make sure to bring your own soap if you don’t like it.

7.) The Yamanote line is seriously OVERRATED. Crazy to think a subway line, literal public transport is overhyped but influencers really make it out to be some insane thing. While in Tokyo, I mainly took the Ginza line, which was MUCH less crowded, much cleaner and got me essentially wherever I wanted with minimal transfers.

The Yamanote line is FULL of tourists (and locals), almost impossible to get on during busy hours, and (honestly) is not that clean. It reminds me of NYC (hint of pi** smell, musty). I honestly dreaded using it when I absolutely HAD to. Use the Ginza line when you can, for your own sanity.

8.) You WILL be waiting for things. Sometimes HOURS.

I went to Japan for EXPO2025 (unfortunately no longer being held), and the lines there were INSANE!! Up to 5 hours for some pavilions. Not to mention the insane hour long line to get into the Expo itself.

The photo pictured was from Ueno Zoo, where waiting to see one of two giant Pandas (they are separate lines) was over TWO HOURS. Luckily the wait to get in wasn’t long at all, and you can buy tickets online to get in faster.

My wait for Pokémon Cafe was over an hour and a half, granted I didn’t have a reservation.

If something is popular, expect a line and plan accordingly. I’ve seen people bring stools, Sun umbrellas, and food just to wait in line for a few hours.

9.) Universal Studios is a BEAST. I mean seriously. First, during special events, make sure to get a ticket EARLY. Events like the One piece show sell out SUPER FAST, so secure them asap (I couldn’t and I’ll regret it until I die). There are also certain events (like Sanji’s Restaurant) that require forms with a Japanese address, so sometimes you have to jump through a million hoops to get a reservation. You can also book a tour which sometimes includes access to those special events.

The lines are also LONG! Like any big amusement park, but for specific rides the wait can be HOURS. Donkey Kong’s ride was a 2 1/2 hour wait right at opening, IN THE SINGLE RIDER LINE. And people WILL RUN to get ahead in line when they get in, so if you’re not a track star, you might end up standing around for quite a bit.

You’ll also need the Universal app to schedule time slots for certain areas at peak traffic, which change throughout the day.

Many people say going on a weekday helps, which may be true, but the difference is like dusk and dawn (very little difference).

Tell me if you guys enjoyed this little essay, because I’ve got a bunch more I can share!! ✨💕

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