Japan: Tokyo + Osaka

Tokyo is a mesmerizing blend of retro and modernity. Despite being known as a global hub of modernity and technology, there's a sense of great pride in preserving some of its older influences such as the retro arcade games, vintage aesthetics, fashion or even some of the architecture. 

The city's natural beauty and culture is very captivating. Amidst the urban hustle and bustle, you will find pockets of many gems. There's so much to observe and eat and as you walk around you are most certainly to stumble across something interesting. There are temples, parks, rivers, and canals, which all add to the city's charm, especially when illuminated at night. 

I visited Osaka (the second largest metropolitan after Tokyo) for 1 day during my 7-day trip in Japan and what I was able to gather on that day is that it is rich in history, delicious cuisine, lively nightlife, a nice shopping district, and warm-hearted people.

TIPS

• PREPARE TO WALK/BRING COMFORTABLE SHOES. On average, I walked 12-16 miles per day

• Download the Suica app and add the card to your wallet. Suica is useful for train transportation and many restaurants/places allow you to use it for purchases.

• If you plan on buying merchandise, bring your passport with you to get your tax rebate 

• Try to find a bank that allows you to withdraw with no foreign transaction fees. For example, Capital One has no transaction fees. 7/11 which is practically everywhere in Tokyo has ATMs for you to make withdrawals if necessary.

• Convert a little bit of money to get you from the airport to your hotel or Airbnb but convert the rest of your money in Tokyo because it is cheaper. 

• If you're making a purchase and the machine asks do you want to pay in USD or JPY, click JPY. This will save you money. 

• If you plan on doing just a day trip or a short trip to OSAKA, it might be cheaper to fly than to take the train. Look into that and find out which is cheaper! The train is $200 round trip as of April 2024; however, the flight I bought was $100 round trip. 

• Korea is also very close and cheap flight from Japan. This can also be a short trip if you want to go to two places in one vacation. 

• Japanese brands are cheaper in Japan; therefore, you can buy Bape, Comme des Garçons, UNIQLO, Asics, etc for a better price than in the States or elsewhere. 

• Harajuku and Ginza were the best shopping districts for me. 

Where to stay

• Airbnb - This is where I stayed in Tokyo. Personally, it was a perfect stay. The room was clean and the surrounding neighborhood was quiet and safe. The main train station (JR line) was an 8-minute walk and it was about a 20-30 min train commute from the main attractions. The host was very communicative and helpful and the room was a bit more spacious than the typical hotel in Tokyo and cheaper. A win is a win. 

THINGS TO DO

Tokyo is so vast that making a day-to-day itinerary is sort of complicated. I would say wing it or map it out by city so you do not go to the same city multiple times for different things. Do it all in one!

• Day Trip - Mount Fuji + Private Onsen

• Day Trip - Snow Monkey Park

• Daikoku Car Meet JDM

• Baseball Game 

• Go-Kart Tokyo

• Ueno Park

• Wrestling Match

• Toei animations museum 

• Tsukiji market

• Samurai Classes - From airbnb experiences

• Akihabara - Anime City (close roads on Sunday)

• National Art Center 

• Shinjuku Gyoen National garden

• Tokyo Joypolis (Arcade) 

• Parco Shibuya 

• Shimokitazawa - Thriting district 

• Animate - Located in Ikebukuro  

• Anime Tokyo station - Located in Ikebukuro 

• Shrines/Temples - Senso-ji Temple