Japan trip 8 days August

[Japan8days]

We are spending 4 days in Tokyo snd 4 days in Kyoto at the end of August. Any advice of what things to see/not missed?

Do we need to take cash?

What about clothing? Cultural things we shouldn’t do?

Do we buy a sim card? Wireless internet? Where do we do that?

Any other advice would be appreciated. We haven’t done a lot of research due to work commitments?

Thank you, that's so interesting!

There are lots of festivals throughout the year in Japan and firework displays in the summer months. Might be worth seeing if there are any in the places when you are visiting. They usually also have stalls selling traditional Japanese food, snacks and toys

Summer festivals guide:
https://www.jal.co.jp/uk/en/guide-to-japan/destinations/articles/multi/festivals-in-japan-summer.html#:~:text=Japan's%20most%20famous%20festival%3A%20Gion%20Matsuri,-Gion%20Matsuri%20is&text=The%20celebration%20lights%20up%20the,food%20to%20sample%20as%20well.

I stayed in Osaka and 1 day in Kyoto was enough.

We (no kids) did Pokémon cafe and universal studios and aquarium and Disneyland. So really tons of different stuff to do whether you are into history or culture or fun stuff!

If we hired a wifi box -£3 per day so we could both hotspot off that. So used google maps and a travel app that showed all transport options -Japan travel.

It sounds like you don’t need much time in Kyoto so will try to do some trips from there. Perhaps Nara, Osaka. Any other trips people recommend from Kyoto?

Kobe was good -pleasant place by the sea and famous for its beef! Around 30 min train from Osaka

Osaka is cheaper than Kyoto to stay too in the main so we stayed there. Also flew back from Osaka to uk to save that final return train to Tokyo.

Friends in Japan at the moment - they have reported that it's currently 38° with 100% humidity during the day with lows of 27° overnight. They say you are literally dripping with sweat moments after leaving air conditioned buildings. They have had to ammend their plans as they are finding the heat (and humidity) oppressive (also travelling with teens). A local tour guide told them it will stay humid until October and temperatures could exceed 40° especially in the cities. Be prepared but have a great time!

tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/tokyo-events-august/

We had exactly that sort of weather when we visited Taiwan. The heat is oppressive but it didn’t stop us from having a wonderful time. I’m not someone that copes very well in the heat, but we managed. UV umbrellas and cooling spray helped.

Like your friends in Japan, we had to adjust our days a bit to work around it. I seem to remember that we would often head out sightseeing in the morning and then go back to the hotel for a shower and a couple of hours just chilling in our room in the late afternoon and then head out again after dark for dinner and explore a bit more. We also spent the very hottest days out of the city in cooler places.

Tokyo:
Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, Akihabara, Tsukiji Market, Odaiba.

Kyoto:
Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion District, Nijo Castle.

Tips:
Carry cash, dress light for August, respect cultural norms, get a SIM card/Wi-Fi, use Japan Rail Pass and IC cards, learn basic phrases. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, consider bringing along azelaic acid cream to soothe any irritation caused by the summer heat and humidity.

But she's not going to the Amazon, she's wants to go to Japan. 😆

Could I ask who you booked your trip with? We are thinking of a trip next year in August.
Thank you!

I like to go here in the late afternoon or early evening: www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html

Not the OP but we booked flights for our trips directly with the airline and booked hotels through booking.com.

There are companies out that will package a trip for you (Inside Japan being the first one that comes to mind) but their prices are so much higher than just doing it yourself.

When we went in 2008, Japan was so much less tourist friendly. There was much less English information for tourists and the transport system was much harder to navigate and get around as it was before you could use Suica cards across all the network in Tokyo and google maps was not what it is now. I can see why those sorts of companies would have been worth the money back then as Japan was quite overwhelming and a lot of websites were not English-friendly. Now, I just don’t think they are worth it. Booking Shinkansen, activities, guided tours, attractions etc is so simple and straightforward now that I really recommend DIY.

Tokyo Tower has become a bit tired now. Sky tree is much better imo.

Agree with @Takoneko I do the same when I go and just book flights and accommodation separately. Those tour companies charge £££.

You can find out anything you need to know from Google in terms of places you want to visit, how to get there etc. Easy to make your own itinerary.

My favourite Tonkotsu restaurant in Tokyo TONKI in Meguro. Watching the staff work in a quintessentially Japanese way is part of the experience
therantingpanda.com/2017/03/22/food-review-tonki-tonkatsu-restaurant-tokyo-easily-one-of-the-best-tonkatsu-dining-experience-in-tokyo/

We're in Tokyo now (me and two teens). I was expecting such bad things from the heat that it is much more bearable than I thought!

We have been to both of the teamlabs places and they were huge hits with my two - if I had to pick one it would be Teamlab planets. Get tickets in advance - website is easy to navigate. Shibuya sky (which we haven't gone to yet as it was sold out until we come back here on the homeward leg) is also meant to be worth it - again, get tickets now as they sell out, particularly at sun set.

My daughter loved Harajaku.

Shorts are fine, so are sandals. Although we've worn trainers for all the walking. We don't have fans although they do look appealing. I'm trying (and failing) to waft around in linen.

I've used the facebook groups and Lonely Planet to plan this trip. Also Timeout Tokyo has tips for things that are happening while you're here - we saw a big firework thing last night which is close to wear we're staying.

We're heading to Hakone for a day trip tomorrow and onto Kyoto on Tuesday.

Oh I ordered a pocket wifi that I picked up from the airport (ordered and paid for it online before my trip) - I went for sakura mobile. We all use it all day for our wifi and I think that's the easiest and most cost effective thing. (the other options are e-sims, but I found them too complicated to understand and think one pocket wifi for everyone works out easier cheaper anyway).

Download the Pasmo app for your phone too - that's the equivalent of an oyster card. you can put it in your apple wallet and load it with cash. (I have a child under 13 and had to get an actual physical card for her but that's easy at the airport too).

I have brought lots of cash with me, but have found that lots of places do take credit cards too.

@Takoneko can you cover tattoos with sports tape like K Tape to go in an Onsen?

That’s great advice. Thank you

I understand there are some luggage restrictions on the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, you need to register them? Can anyone explain please?

On an 8 day trip I’d be really surprised if you need to worry about Shinkansen luggage restrictions. No reservation is needed if the dimensions of your case add up to less than 160cm.

A medium sized suitcase per person and a handbag/backpack each won’t require any special reservation. The overhead bag space is generous as is the space by your legs.

I don’t have any tattoos so really not sure.
I’ve seen tattoo cover tape on sale for that purpose, so presumably it’s ok, but I don’t have direct experience.

If you are particularly keen on going to an insensitive and have lots of tattoos go to Kinosake which is a town of hot springs with public onsens that are tattoo friendly