Pop Japan Travel

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1487 W 178th St

Gardena, CA 90248

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Photo of Erissa N.

I had used Pop Japan Travel once before in 2003 and had a good time, but it was nothing compared to the fantastic experience I had with them in March 2010. I the night before my husband and were leaving Denver a freak snow storm hit and our flight to LA got canceled. One on our tour guides, Evan, was up till 2am trying to help us sort this out. Ultimately went missed the flight to Japan, but got to LA. and flew to Japan the next day. (Pop Japan arranged it so we didn't have to pay extra to change flights at the last minute) We had made arrangements through Pop Japan Travel to have dinner at Massa (Iron Chef Kobe's restaurant) the rest of the group was in Akihabara. Even had left us clear instructions so even though he wasn't able to meet us beforehand we got there in time. Once we got together with the group it was a whirlwind of amazing activities, shopping, and food. We had two guides Evan and Gigi, who were friendly and knowledgeable, they bent over backwards to make this a fun and memorable trip. Everyone on the tour felt like good friends. I could go into so much detail on what we did and how much fun I had, but I don't have the time right now. I will just say that I will go again with them as soon as I can!

Photo of ryan v.

First off, just to prove my point that this company rocks, is that I never actually reached the shores of Japan, yet I give them 5 stars. Let me explain. It was a week, before the Anime tour, that all of Japan crumbled from the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear fallout. And thoughout everything that happened, they kept us updated on the events, and even posted links on how to help the Japanese people. And then they refunded our money! They could of been mean about it, and kept the money, and said it was because of some technicality in contact, but they were very cool on that aspect. Before the quake happened, they were very patient and persistent with me with answering e-mails, no matter how frivolous the subject, because they wanted to everything to as non-stressful as possible. Also, even though I've never been on a tour of theres, I can tell that they want a unique experience for everyone. With their variety of tours, it feels that they don't want to give the feeling of being " shoved on a bus with the maximum capacity of people, and only view the sights from the window seats" type of tour. It seemed that they want you to absorb in the culture by taking you through the mass transit of the people, hence making it cheaper for everyone, and making it such a great experience.

Photo of Anthony H.

EDIT (10/22/09): At the request of one of the employees of Pop Japan Travel, I have changed his name to "Bob" to protect his privacy. However, my review of my experience with Pop Japan travel is honest and accurate, and I stand by my statements.

Business owner information

Photo of Gigi G.

Business Owner

Jul 22, 2010

We do apologize how "Bob" handled your custom tour. DX PJT is now under new management as of January 2010. We hope to provide you with a better experience if you choose to make travel arrangements to go to Japan again.

For my trip to Japan, I went through Pop Japan Travel, a travel agency that caters their itinerary towards fans of videos games, manga, anime, and Japanese pop culture. I had known about them for several years, and since most of the reviews were favorable, I decided to use them. My experience with them was a bit mixed, so I thought I'd give a review of their services in case anyone is considering using them. When I first contacted Pop Japan Travel in August, Ben Applegate handled my travel plans. He answered my questions and responded to my calls and e-mails very quickly. In addition, he e-mailed me a very thorough itinerary, covering each day's activities and which train to take to each location. Around mid-September, I hadn't heard from Ben in a while, and another person, Bob, contacted me regarding my trip. When I asked Bob what happened to Ben, Bob responded, "He's no longer with Pop Japan Travel." Here's where things started getting ugly. Bob was much slower to respond to my questions. As the day of the trip started getting closer, I started getting more and more worried because I hadn't received any of the flight information, hotel information, or tickets to the various events. During the last week before the trip, I called and e-mailed Bob several times, but getting a hold of him was nearly impossible. On the Friday before the trip (I was supposed to leave on Monday), I was finally fed up and left Bob a rather harsh voicemail, telling him that he was unprofessional for not having the courtesy to call me back and keep me informed. I even threatened to report Pop Japan Travel to the Better Business Bureau. Out of desperation, I looked on the Pop Japan Travel web site to see if there was anyone else I could contact. I noticed that Pop Japan Travel worked with IACE Travel, and I called them instead. Shiori from IACE immediately gave me the confirmation number for my flight and the name and location of my hotel. Later, in the same afternoon, Bob FINALLY e-mailed me, telling me that he had FedEx-ed a package for me, and that I would be receiving it at the end of the day. When I finally got the package, it had all of the important information and tickets for the events. The only exceptions were the tickets to the Tokyo Game Show and the Oedo Onsen hot springs, which Bob promised would be at the front desk of the hotel. So, the worst was over, right? Not really. When I got to the hotel, the front desk informed me that there were no tickets for the Tokyo Game Show and Oedo Onsen for me. They only had tickets for another customer. Once again, I had to call Pop Japan Travel and IACE to figure out what the hell was going on. Fortunately, I had rented a mobile phone, which made communicating with them a lot easier. Shiori from IACE informed me that my tickets were packaged together with the other customer's. Mizuno, from IACE's Japan office, also contacted me to try to resolve the problems. Both of them were very helpful and apologized profusely. Luckily, the other customer stayed at the same hotel, and I was able to leave a message for him. He left the ticket for the Tokyo Game Show for me, but he had already used the voucher for the Oedo Onsen, which was good for two people. Mizuno also called me during the middle of the week, asking me if I had received a pre-paid card (Suica Card) to take the subway and trains. This confused me because no one had ever informed me that I was supposed to get that. Up to that point, I had buying individual tickets for the subway and trying to figure out the fare each time. Again, I had to leave a message for the other customer, and he kindly left it at the front desk. THE GOOD: * I was able to go to the Ghibli Museum and Tokyo Game Show. * The Nikko and Kegon Waterfall Tour was excellent. The tour guide, Miho, was warm and friendly, and offered a lot of insight into Japanese culture and its history. This was an optional tour, but one that I highly recommend. * I stayed at the Shibuya Tokyu Inn, which was two blocks from the heart of Shibuya. The hotel was clean and comfortable, and the staff was helpful. * The package detailing all the cool things to see and places to eat was very useful. I only wish the maps were grouped with the information so I didn't have to flip back and forth between the pages. THE BAD: * Didn't get the flight information or hotel information until two days before the trip. * Did not receive the tickets to the Tokyo Game Show and Oedo Onsen at the front desk of the hotel as promised. * Did not get to go to the Oedo Onsen because the other customer had already used the voucher. * Didn't know I was supposed to receive a Suica Card for the subway/train. Didn't get the card from the other customer until 3 days into the trip. * I received a voucher to take the Airport Limousine to the airport, but it didn't specify a meeting point or time to use this. I ended up taking the Narita Express train instead, which cost about 1600 yen.

Photo of U T.

Would you pay 2,000 to learn how to ride the subway in Japan? Didn't think so. This tour is a waste of money and a scam. You have to fly from L.A. if you want the lower tour price (with airfare included), otherwise you have to buy your own ticket...on your own...that's right the travel agency will not help you buy your plane ticket. The price does not include transportation to and from the airport in Japan either, you have to pay for that too, and buy it on your own...with no help. So if you pay 700-800 on a plate ticket and you paid almost 2,000 for a tour, the tour must include a lot of things right? Nope. You basically pay for a hotel room that you have to SHARE and for two "tour guides" to take you around on the train system to go shopping in different places. It took me 5 min. to figure out how to ride the train system and it is very cheap. With what you pay you should have a shuttle take you around. Now back to the "tour guides" There were two, the leader could hardly speak English and the other one was unprofessional and sarcastic the whole time. Neither of them helped you go anywhere, they hardly knew where they were going (I saw them ask for directions several times.) They never told us anything about Japanese culture or went into detail regarding the places we went to. If it sounds bad it gets worse, no food is included and if you actually want to do things they have "options" of activities or places you can go to. BUT they cost MORE money! Yes you have to pay more money to do things other than shop! To go to the fish market, Onsen, Tokyo Tower and so on you have to pay anywhere from 40-80$ extra each time. And we are not just talking admission fees, they down right rip you off and charge way over the price of admission. Please do yourself a favor and avoid this unprofessional and unethical "business". If you want to get the same service go to Japan on your own and have someone give you a lesson on how to ride the train system and you will save a lot of money.

We apologize that you had a bad experience on one of PJT's tours. =( PJT is now under new management as of January 2010. We now can arrange flights from anywhere for our participants and give clear instructions on how they can meet us if they choose the Land Only option. Additionally we have new qualified guides and have price adjusted our tours so that your money is well spent. If you choose to travel with us in the future, we hope we can provide you with a more pleasant experience.

Photo of Michael S.

I went on the 2010 Tokyo Anime Fair tour with Pop Japan travel at the end of march 2010. Before the trip, I asked the tour guides a pretty extensive list of questions, and they responded quickly to all of them. The tour itself was an amazing experience, both Evan and Gigi did and excellent job running the trip and making the experience fun for everyone. Every day was packed with planned activities, and the guides also helped members of the group who wanted to break off on their own whenever they wanted to go somewhere that was not on the itinerary. I just had an amazing experience all around and would recommend a Pop Japan Travel tour to anyone who wants to go to Japan to see Tokyo and a bit of the surrounding area with a focus on the Anime/Manga fan aspects of the city.

Photo of Seth T.

Pop Japan has new management . . . Don't even bother reading reviews prior to 2010. This group is doing everything they can to create exciting travel experiences to Japan. And . . . holy cow . . . they go out of their way to provide an AMAZING experience! I just got home a few days ago from a tour and I'm still tired from all the adventuring we did. I got to do some really authentic things that I don't think I would have been able to do on my own without the expertise and Kung-Fu like powers of my tour guide. The tour I went on provided an excellent blend of pop culture and historical activities. WAM! BAM! Total action! If you want to experience a visit to Japan with a twist of anime, manga, peppered with buddhas, shrines, different Japanese cities, and eat lots of food, this is the tour for you! Bring a friend, comfortable tennis shoes, pack an extra bag for stuff you'll bring home, and be ready to go, go, go!

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Only in Tokyo: a tour of Japan’s pop-culture experiences

Rebecca Milner

Nov 14, 2018 • 5 min read

Godzilla peers over the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Godzilla peers over the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku © witaya ratanasirikulchai / Shutterstock

Whether you grew up on Godzilla, Super Mario, Hello Kitty, Pokémon or Sailor Moon, you'll know that Japan's pop culture has spread far and wide. In Tokyo, you can see it all come to life.

If you're already a fan, read on to find your favorite pop-culture icons; if you're not, read on to learn about the city’s sometimes-baffling, always-fascinating attractions. There's also a lot that will appeal to kids and some awesome photo opportunities in store.

Visitors to Ghibli Museum sitting outside

Visit the Ghibli Museum

Studio Ghibli, co-founded by directors Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao, is consistently responsible for Japan's most critically acclaimed and commercially successful animated films – a rare combination. It's also responsible for turning out a whole generation of Japanophiles – those who fell in love with films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Spirited Away (2001).

The  Ghibli Museum captures the spirit of wonder that makes the films so enchanting, and several beloved characters are worked into the design. There's also a small cinema here that screens original shorts directed by Miyazaki, Takahata and their protégés. Check the website for regular updates on what’s available.

Naturally, the museum has an excellent gift shop.

Toys at the Mandarake Complex

Make a pilgrimage to the original Mandarake Complex

Mandarake Complex is a hugely important shop in the anime, manga and gamer universe. What started as a small used comic-book store in the 1980s has since grown into a national franchise. But while the new shops might be bigger (and easier to navigate) there's nothing like the original shop in  Nakano .

'Shops', we should say: the original Mandarake is inside a vintage 1960's shopping centre,  Nakano Broadway . When it outgrew this space, it didn't move to a new location; it just took over more shops in the mall. The total now hovers around 25 – a significant chunk of the mall's real estate. Each is highly specific, carrying just items like production cels from animated films, or vintage toys or rare manga. The combination of faded mid-20th century mall architecture and Mandarake's somewhat mecha (mechanical) aesthetic gives the whole place an appropriately post-apocalyptic vibe.

There are other branches in  Akihabara ,  Ikebukuro (this one is popular with fan girls) and  Shibuya .

Costumed go-kart drivers pass on the streets of Tokyo

Ride around the city on a go-kart

It sounds crazy (and illegal; it's not), but this is a real thing you can do. And it gets better: operators like  MariCAR lend out costumes, so you can drive around dressed as your favourite character (be it Pikachu or Princess Peach). It's thrilling, if not a little terrifying. While Tokyo traffic isn't on the same level as your typical Asian mega-city, know that it still isn't for the faint of heart. You'll need an international drivers' license.

If real-life go-karting sounds too intense, you can always opt for the virtual experience instead.  VR Zone Shinjuku has a simulator of Nintendo's early 90s (but timeless) Super Mario Kart racing game. Here, throwing virtual banana peels at your fellow drivers is perfectly OK. There are other attractions, too, at this temporary facility that will be open through mid-July 2019.

A Gundam robot on Obaida Island in Tokyo, Japan.

Stand in awe before Gundam...

In case you don't know Gundam, it is a widely popular Japanese media franchise rooted in an anime series that first appeared in the 1990s. The titular Gundam is a 'mobile suit' (in the parlance of the franchise), a giant robot weapon that is piloted by the series' typically dashing young heroes.

Tokyo's  Odaiba has a 1:1 scale  replica – measuring nearly 20m tall – of an RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, a model from one of the franchise's later series. The Unicorn has two modes, 'unicorn' and 'destroy', and Odaiba's model transforms  – complete with moving parts and light displays – between the two several times a day. At night there are wildly photogenic light shows.

Godzilla peers over the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

...or Godzilla

If you're more of an old-school kaijū (big monster) fan, you can choose instead to pay your respects to Godzilla – the half-gorilla, half-whale star of Japan's most famous media franchise of all time. There is a giant, 'life-sized' Godzilla Head statue peering over the terrace at the  Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (where he looks about ready to attack the hotel).

There's also a new (scale) model of the monster who appeared in 2016's Shin Godzilla movie at the aptly named Hibiya Godzilla Square .

For a more intimate kaijū experience, visit Nakano's Daikaijū Salon , which is decorated with hundreds of monster models. It's a short walk from Mandarake Complex.

Plush pokemon toys, Tokyo

Eat at the Pokémon theme cafe

Japan has a knack for making food cute – a talent that is well on display at the new Pokémon Cafe . On the menu: a pasta dish that looks like Pikachu hiding in a hedge, Snorlax hamburger and rice dish and an Eevee-shaped chicken burger. Of course the branded plates and mugs are for sale, too.  Reservations are required for one of the 90-minute seatings (during which a special yellow guest makes an appearance).

Adjacent to the cafe is Pokémon Centre Tokyo DX , where you can pick up an even greater variety of Pokémon-branded goods.

The city's largest Pokémon store is in  Ikebukuro ; there's also an official shop at  Solamachi , the mall attached to  Tokyo Sky Tree .

Shop for all your favourite characters

In addition to the shops already listed above, a huge variety of character goods can be found at Harajuku's huge toy store  KiddyLand – which has lots of Sanrio character goods (including plenty of Hello Kitty) – and  Tokyo Character Street inside  Tokyo Station .

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JAPAN and more

Pop Culture

J apan has a unique pop culture with enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in street fashion, manga and anime, or specialty museums, Japan does not disappoint.

Where to Experience Pop Culture in Japan

Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku

Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku

Street Fashion

The best places to see street fashion are in Tokyo and Osaka . In Tokyo, stroll the streets of Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Ikebukuro to see the latest trends and styles. All of these areas are easily accessible via the Yamanote loop line.

In Osaka, be sure to visit Dotonbori, Amerikamura, and Denden Town. They are all within walking distance of Namba Station.

Shibuya Crosswalk

Shibuya Crosswalk

Shibuya is the center for youth fashion and culture. Here you can see the famous crosswalk seen in movies and magazines with neon advertisements and video screens in every direction. Every two minutes, the Shibuya Crossing sees up to 2500 people cross in every direction!

Takeshita Street in Harajuku

Takeshita Street in Harajuku

Harajuku is a popular area for teenagers. The main strip is Takeshita Dori, a narrow 400-meter long street. Here, you’ll see the latest fashion, trendy shops, boutique stores, and used clothing stores.

Godzilla in Shinjuku

Godzilla in Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s largest shopping and entertainment districts. Shinjuku Station opened in 1885 and is the busiest station in the world with over 3.5 million passengers every day. It actually holds the Guinness World Record. There are 36 platforms and over 200 exits. The East Exit leads to Kabuki-cho, the biggest entertainment district in Japan and the location of the giant Godzilla.

Animate Store in Akihabara

Animate Store at Akihabara

Akihabara is the center for electronics, video games, anime, manga, and computer goods, with a large anime culture. Diehard fans come from all over the country. Here you’ll find anime and manga figurines, collectibles, and toys.

Otome Road near Ikebukuro Station offers a female-oriented version of Akihabara. Female manga and anime fans should definitely check this out!

Dotonbori – Osaka, Japan

Dotonbori - Osaka, Japan

Dotonbori is known for shopping, dining , entertainment, pop culture, and street food. You’ll see many animated signboards, including a 21-foot crab above the restaurant Kani Doraku. Dotonbori is the best place to try Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.

Amerikamura – Osaka, Japan

Amerikamura, Osaka - Copyright JNTO

Amerikamura

Just north of Dotonbori, Amerikamura is the youth center of Osaka similar to Harajuku in Tokyo. There are vintage clothes, vinyl records, and trendy cafes.

Denden Town

Denden Town is the Osaka version of Akihabara in Tokyo. Located at Nipponbashi, this is where you’ll find electronics, video games, manga, and anime goods.

Full Size Gundam Statue

Full Size Gundam Statue

Japanese comics are called manga and are enjoyed by all ages in Japan, male and female. On the trains, you’ll see businessmen and school kids reading their favorite manga.

Topics are generally based on Japanese history and culture, and include genres of fantasy, romance, school life, science fiction, and sports. You can buy manga at bookstores, convenience stores, and specialty stores.

Astro Boy at Kyoto Station in 2010

Astro Boy at Kyoto Station

Photo by neekoh.fi / CC BY 2.0

The most famous manga, Astro Boy , was created by Tezuka Osamu. The Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum in Osaka has a library of comics, a gallery of Osamu’s works, and a theater.

The Kyoto International Manga Museum features over 300,000 Japanese manga. There is also a children’s library, workshops, and drawing classes.

Ghibli Museum

Ghibli Museum

Popular manga are often made into Japanese animation, called anime. There are films and television shows for both children and adults.

The most celebrated animation company is Studio Ghibli, which produced My Neighbor Totoro , Spirited Away , and Princess Mononoke . The museum features special animation exhibits and exclusive short films.

Ready for the Trip of a Lifetime?

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Becki & Shawn in Nara, Japan

Becki and Shawn Japan Travel Specialists

Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!

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15 Essential Travel Hacks When Visiting Japan

A sk anybody what's on their travel bucket list, and their response is sure to include "Japan." Thanks to a combination of rich heritage, lush landscapes, and labyrinth cities packed with skyscrapers, temples, and tourist traps alike, the country has soared in popularity, with American Express claiming that the number of bookings has increased by 1,300% since 2019 (via Bloomberg ).

Part of what makes Japan so alluring is that its culture and customs are so distinct and unique to those of other countries. That's also what makes it an overwhelming travel destination, especially for first-time visitors. If you start your journey in a major city like Tokyo, Yokohama, or Osaka, you're instantly immersed in a world of neon lights, bustling crowds, loud noises, a million different smells, and sensory overload.

With so much to see, do, and eat, a trip to Japan really isn't the kind of vacation you can make up as you go along. The last thing you need is to run into an easily avoided stumbling block like a lack of internet or 30 minutes spent figuring out the route to your next destination — which is why you'll want to arrive armed with as much knowledge as possible.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Get Quick Meals At 7-Eleven

It's tough to walk for longer than 20 seconds without stumbling upon a convenience store in Japan. Also known as conbini, these stores are usually open 24 hours a day and are packed full of affordable tasty treats that will keep you going without the time (and money) it takes to eat at an actual restaurant.

For as cheap as 200 yen ($1.34), you can enjoy the likes of onigiri rice balls, chicken karaage, sandos, oden, and bento boxes. We also recommend picking up taiyaki for a quick sugar boost. Shaped like fish and made of pancake or waffle batter, they're usually filled with red bean paste, custard, and chocolate and make for an endlessly addictive snack.

The most common store is 7-Eleven, which has over 20,000 locations throughout Japan and is miles above its U.S. counterpart in the culinary department. There are also over 15,000 FamilyMarts scattered across the country, but they typically don't offer as much variety.

Get Pocket Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is surprisingly scarce in Japan, which can put you in some tough spots if you get lost mid-metro commute. Fortunately, pocket Wi-Fi exists -- and it is a lifesaver. For as cheap as $5 a day, you can rent a portable device that will allow you to access the internet on the go, even on the train. The majority will allow you to connect multiple devices at the same time and come in a variety of different speeds and GB, with some even offering unlimited data throughout your stay.  

If you rent in advance through a website like Ninja WiFi or Japan Wireless , you can pick up the device (also known by the much cuter name of a Wi-Fi Egg) at a designated counter once you've got through customs at airports including Haneda and Narita in Tokyo, Chubu Centrair, Kansai International, Fukuoka, and more. Once you're done, you can just pop it into the returns box at the airport on the way back. Easy.

Buy A JR Pass

Sadly, the JR (Japan Rail) Pass isn't as cheap as it once was. It surged in price by 70% in July 2023 as the yen continued to decline in value against other currencies around the world. However, if your itinerary includes extensive train travel, it's still worth the purchase.

The Japan Rail Pass will allow you to ride the rail to your heart's desire -- including the country's infamous, lightning-speed Shinkansen bullet trains (for a supplementary fee) and the Narita Express. It's more expensive to purchase once in Japan, so we recommend buying yours in advance on the JRailPass website where it costs $340.65 for seven days, $544.45 for 14 days, and $680.35 for 21 days.

If your visit is limited to just one or two cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka or Tokyo and Kyoto, then it probably isn't necessary. For example, a trip between Tokyo and Osaka typically costs $120 each way, which is considerably cheaper than forking out a few hundred dollars for a JR Pass.

Download Train Schedules And Maps

Japan has incredible public transportation. It also happens to be extremely overwhelming if it's your first (or second, or third) time in the country. Tokyo's metro can be especially confusing, with nine different train lines and 180 different stations to navigate. Its roads are even more complex with the majority not even having names, baffling even the city's own taxi drivers.

With that in mind, future-proofing for any situation where you may end up lost in an unknown place is always a good idea. Download or screenshot train schedules ahead of time through the JRailPass website, which offers both interactive and PDF versions of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto's transportation systems. You can also download an offline version of the local area on Google Maps. This will also help if you face the aforementioned pesky issue of scarce public Wi-Fi, or if your portable Wi-Fi runs out of juice midday.

Use Citymapper

If you're visiting Tokyo, Citymapper is a must. Just like it does for multiple other cities across the globe, the award-winning app analyzes public transportation, congestion, and distance to figure out all the different ways you can reach your destination, and precisely how many minutes each option will take.

Whether it's walking, cycling, taxis, metro, or a combination of everything, all you need to do is select your chosen route and follow Citymapper's step-by-step instructions. When we say step-by-step, we mean it. The app's so smart that it will even tell you which exits and entrances to use at each station to make your journey as stress-free as possible. If you miss your stop or don't quite make your train, the app will also take that into account to restrategize your trip ASAP. You'll need to be online to request a new route, but if you check your journey ahead of time, you can save it to your homepage for offline use.

Visit Between January And March

There is no one "best" time to visit Japan, but there is a most convenient time. January to March tends to attract less crowds and will also usually bring the cheapest flights of the year. While it'll almost certainly be cold, you'll skip typhoon season and be in with a chance of seeing Japan in the snow.

If you do choose to visit at this time, just be sure to check the dates of the Lunar New Year (AKA Chinese New Year). This tends to be a public holiday across the region and will see cities across Japan packed with tourists. As it's such a popular time to travel, this will also be the exception to the "January to March is cheaper" rule with hotels and airlines driving up their prices over the holiday. The same is true of the end of March, which marks the beginning of cherry blossom season.

Make Advanced Reservations

There's a lot to enjoy in Japan. The problem is that everybody else wants to enjoy these things, too. Tourist attractions often book up months in advance, and a lot of them don't sell tickets at the gate, which doesn't leave much space for spontaneity for the average tourist visiting Japan .

If you plan on visiting the likes of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter, Tokyo Disney Resort, Ghibli Park, Shibuya Sky observation deck, Teamlab Planets, or the Studio Ghibli Museum, it's best to sort your tickets sooner rather than later. The Ghibli Museum is especially challenging, with tickets for the next month going on sale at 10 a.m. on the 10th of the month prior.

The same is true of the hotels at Tokyo Disney Resort . With one of the most impressive Disney hotel lineups in the world (including the MiraCosta, a hotel that is actually inside Tokyo DisneySea), rooms are in extremely high demand. These go on sale from 11 a.m. four months before the dates you hope to stay and are bookable through the Tokyo Disney Resort Online Reservations & Tickets website.

Download The Japan Connected-Free Wi-Fi App

If you don't want the responsibility of carrying around and charging pocket Wi-Fi, download the Japan Connected -free Wi-Fi app. Whether you need to double-check directions or just have a quick midday TikTok break, this handy tool will search over 170,000 internet hotspots to find the closest location to you. The majority of these will likely be at a 7-Eleven, where you'll almost always be able to go online.

As if that feature isn't useful enough, the app eliminates the need to fill in the registration forms that typically serve as a barrier before you can access public Wi-Fi. Fill out your name and email once and the app will complete each form on your behalf. While you used to need to be online to find the Internet (which kind of defeats the app's entire purpose), you can now download the offline map to ensure you can always find a connection. Just remember to be careful with what data you enter or share while using any public Wi-Fi network .

Japan has been a "cash is king" country for years, meaning paying with notes and coins is the default over ApplePay and credit cards. This attitude has slipped in recent years, but cash still has a strong grip on the country's residents with only 36% of people preferring cashless payments.

While you should be able to use your card in most major outlets and tourist locations -- such as department stores, malls, theme parks, supermarkets, and even taxis -- a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars still prefer to be paid in cash. This number will be much higher outside of major cities, and many local restaurants, markets, or temples won't have the facilities to accept card payments even if they want to. Exchanging at least a chunk of your spending money into Japanese yen ahead of time will save you in sticky situations (plus it helps you control your spending, which is always a bonus).

Choose Taxis Over Ubers

Although Uber exists in Japan, it's not as widespread or commonplace as in countries like the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. Journeys tend to be more expensive than those taken with local cabs, making the latter the service of choice for locals and tourists alike.

The upside to Uber is, of course, the fact that it's so familiar for many tourists. It's easy to order your taxi and pay via card, and the entire process is in English. However, your cheapest option is to hail taxis on the street, as you won't need to pay a base fare for the pick-up service. It'll say on the front of a car in Japanese if it's occupied. It's also color-coded so tourists can understand. Red means it's taken. Green means it's available. If you do want to pre-book, most locals prefer to use the Go app for journeys anywhere within Japan's 47 prefectures. This works similarly to Uber, except it allows you to pay with both cash and card and will give you a flat rate for journeys to and from the airport.

Purchase A Suica Card

The question isn't so much what a Suica card can do ; what can't it do? This prepaid, contactless card can be repeatedly loaded up with more cash to pay for public transport, including the metro, trains, buses, and taxis. Beyond transportation, Suica is also accepted in many shops, restaurants, cafes, and even vending machines. Just look out for the Suica symbol to know if they do -- and if you can't spot it, it's at least worth asking.

You can purchase your card before arriving in Japan and return it at the end of your trip to recover your 500 yen ($12) deposit. Due to a manufacturing shortage, the sale of new Suica cards is temporarily on hold as of June 2023, but if you're on a temporary visa, you can still purchase a Welcome Suica card. This doesn't require a deposit, doesn't need to be returned, and is valid for 28 days. These can only be purchased inside Japan at locations such as Narita and Haneda airports and will come with a reference paper which you'll need to keep on your person at all times.

Utilize Storage Lockers

For security reasons, storage lockers are a rarity at train stations around the world. Japan is an exception. You'd be hard-pressed to find a major station without coin lockers (which, despite the name, can actually be used with a Suica card, too), and in Tokyo, most stations come equipped with storage facilities.

Baggage storage is one of those things you don't realize you'll need until you desperately need it. These lockers are useful if you only have a few hours before heading to your hotel or next destination and want to stow away your belongings so you can freely explore. They also happen to be extremely cheap, typically costing between $1 and $5. There's usually no problem finding a vacant locker, but if you are struggling, you can download the  SPACER app , which will allow you to find and reserve a locker at major stations such as Shinjuku, Osaka, and Shibuya in advance. This is currently only available in Japanese, but there are plans for an English version in the near future.

Avoid National Holidays

Lunar New Year isn't the only holiday worth skipping if you want to avoid the crowds. National holidays bring in huge crowds anywhere, but especially Japan, where workers get little annual leave and want to take advantage of the break. If you do decide to brave big attractions like Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, or Tokyo Skytree, you'll likely find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow tourists.

For a quieter vacation, April 29 to May 6 -- or, Golden Week -- is one of Japan's busiest holiday periods. This tends to be the most hectic season for the likes of Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan, where you can expect to wait in long lines for everything, from the park entrance to the restrooms. While Christmas isn't a national holiday in Japan, it is for many other countries, meaning the festive season can also bring an influx of tourists to both of these locations. Late September (Silver Week), New Year, and the Obon Week in August are typically also very busy.

Claim Your Tax Refund

From clothes to gadgets, Japan is one of the most unique places for retail therapy in the world. If you're a tourist, you can also shop with the peace of mind that you'll get at least some of your money back. Any non-resident visiting Japan for less than six months can enjoy tax-free shopping, meaning you can reclaim 10% of the value of your purchase.

There are a few catches. First, you'll need to check that the store is in fact a "tax-free shop" by checking for a logo stating as such at the entrance. They're extremely common and can be found in the likes of Namba City, Echika Ikebukuro, and Seibu Shibuya. You'll also need to have spent more than 5,000 yen ($33) in the same store on the same day. Some stores will let you pay tax-free from the offset if you present your passport, while others will require you to present your receipt at a tax exemption counter on the same day to get your money back.

Download A Good Translation App

If you know Japanese, you're good to go. For those of us who aren't bilingual, Japan can be tough to navigate at times. While most signs in major cities will have translations, less than 30% of people living in Japan speak English, which means it's inevitable you'll hit the language barrier at some point during your stay.

A good translation app is a must, especially one that's able to translate pictures. Google Translate is always a go-to, but one of the best choices is iTranslate Translator . Not only can it tackle text, but you can also use it to scan and translate menus, signs, labels ... you name it. Best of all, it can work offline if you download the Japanese pack ahead of time. It's free to download but will cost you $5.99 a month to unlock its full potential. Considering how useful it is, it's better to spend $5.99 than find yourself stranded in a restaurant blind-ordering a dish because you can't read the menu.

Read the original article on Explore .

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Archi-Depot

Ultimate Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) Guide

pop japan travel

Great Buddha of Kamakura

Kyoto Studio Park

Walkthrough of a Kyoto Town House

Umimirai Library

Osamu Tezuka Manga in Japan

Japan builds house in 1 day

'Lego' Apartment in Tokyo

Lake Yamanaka

Jimbocho Book Town

Yamadera Temple

Nanzen ji, Kyoto

Takeda Castle

Naoshima Contemporary Art Museum

Nekokaigi (Cat Cafe in Kyoto)

Meiji Jingu

Saga International Balloon Fiesta: A Sky Full of Balloons

Nikko UNESCO Shrines and Temples

Itsukushima Daisho-in - Hiroshima

Zojoji Temple

Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka City, Japan

Koenji Awa Odori

The Crane Game Master test for children

Kodomo no Kuni

Senkoji Park

pop japan travel

Iga Ninja Museum

Sensoji (Asakusa)

pop japan travel

Snoopy Museum Tokyo

pop japan travel

Iwakuni Castle

JAPAN CULTURE SHOCK

New National Stadium for Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics [HD]

From Castle to Palace: Samurai Architecture

The Perfect Home: Japanese Architecture

pop japan travel

Sky Dream Fukuoka

Meriken Park

Space World

Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort

Japan's Most Terrifying Bridge

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

Fukui Dinosaur Museum

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Tsukiji Market

National Museum of Nature and Science

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Nagoya City Science Museum

Michinoku Park

Eshima Ohashi: The Rollercoaster Bridge

Takabisha: Japan's Record-Breaking Roller Coaster

Fake Swimming Pool in Japan

Himeji Castle

Kobe-Nunobiki Herb Gardens and Ropeway

Tokyo Tower

Cup Noodles Museum

Sanrio Puroland

3331 Arts Chiyoda

Tottori Sand Dunes

Sumida Aquarium

Capsule Hotels

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COMMENTS

  1. Pop Japan

    324 Layer Croissant from Yakitate!! Japan | Anime with Alvin. How Sake is Made in Japan. Cheap, Quick and Easy Shoyu Ramen Recipe. Pop Japan is your gateway to all the best that Japan has to offer. It boasts an excellent compilation of sights, sounds, and information about the country.

  2. POP JAPAN TRAVEL

    6 reviews of POP JAPAN TRAVEL "I went on the 2010 Tokyo Anime Fair tour with Pop Japan travel at the end of march 2010. Before the trip, I asked the tour guides a pretty extensive list of questions, and they responded quickly to all of them. The tour itself was an amazing experience, both Evan and Gigi did and excellent job running the trip and making the experience fun for everyone.

  3. Pop Japan Travel

    Pop Japan Travel, Gardena, California. 1,957 likes · 3 were here. The Official fan page for PJT! For more info go to: www.popjapantravel.com or email us:[email protected]

  4. PopJapanTravel

    Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

  5. Ultimate Japan Budget Travel Guide

    Japan rail pass costs 29, 110 yen to 59, 350 yen for ordinary and from 38, 880 yen to 81, 870 yen for a green car. JR lines are best used when you travel for long distances such as from Sendai city to Kobe. Here is the detailed JR lines map. * Where to buy: You can buy a JR rail pass via a travel agent overseas and the internet.

  6. Only in Tokyo: a tour of Japan's pop-culture experiences

    Tokyo's Odaiba has a 1:1 scale replica - measuring nearly 20m tall - of an RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, a model from one of the franchise's later series. The Unicorn has two modes, 'unicorn' and 'destroy', and Odaiba's model transforms - complete with moving parts and light displays - between the two several times a day.

  7. Where to Experience Pop Culture in Japan

    Shinjuku. Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's largest shopping and entertainment districts. Shinjuku Station opened in 1885 and is the busiest station in the world with over 3.5 million passengers every day. It actually holds the Guinness World Record. There are 36 platforms and over 200 exits. The East Exit leads to Kabuki-cho, the biggest ...

  8. Pop Japan Travel

    An otaku's essential travel guide in manga form, Pop Japan Travel follows a group of foreign otaku as they Explore the wild streets of Tokyo, encounter pop idols, evade the yakuza and experience culture shock. This manga also includes maps, travel tips, and shopping guides--essentially everything the otaku needs to experience Tokyo at its best. (Source: DMP)

  9. Pop Japan Travel: Essential Otaku Guide by Nakajima, Makoto

    Mass Market Paperback. $35.96 1 Used from $35.76 1 New from $35.96. Based off the hit tours arranged by Pop Japan Travel, explore the streets of Tokyo and experience Japanese pop culture in this new manga. T.M. Revolution makes a guest appearance along with a couple of yakuza in this whirlwind tour of Japan. This travel guide includes tips and ...

  10. Pop Japan Travel: Essential Otaku Guide

    Based off the hit tours arranged by Pop Japan Travel, explore the streets of Tokyo and experience Japanese pop culture in this new manga. T.M. Revolution makes a guest appearance along with a couple of yakuza in this whirlwind tour of Japan. This travel guide includes tips and maps to experience the best in pop culture that Japan has to offer.

  11. Pop Japan Travel

    Pop Japan Travel is a collaboration between HIS Travel and Digital Manga Earl explained that they are a special kind of tour trying to bring a lot of pop...

  12. Pop Japan

    Pop Japan. 4,265 likes · 756 talking about this. We pride ourselves on being one of the most passionate promoters of our nation. We believe that Japa

  13. Travel Japan

    The official site of Japan National Tourism Organization is your ultimate Japan guide with tourist information for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido and other top Japan holiday destinations. We offer travel information to make your Japan travel more comfortable and enjoyable.

  14. Pop Japan Travel: Essential Otaku Guide (Manga)

    Pop Japan Travel: Essential Otaku Guide (Manga) - Nook EditionBased off the hit tours arranged by Pop Japan Travel, explore the streets of Tokyo and experience Japanese pop culture in this new manga. T.M. Revolution makes a guest appearance along with a couple of yakuza in this whirlwind...

  15. All about Tokyo

    As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is a huge metropolis with a population of approximately 13 million people within the nation's 127 million residents. It has a total area of 2,190 km2(845 mile2), which is even bigger than that of New York City at 790 km2(305 mile2) and even London's 1,572 km2(607 mile2).

  16. THE TOP 10 Japan Pop Culture (w/Prices)

    Ghost Hunting in the Bamboo Forest - Arashiyama Kyoto at night. 11. Embark on a unique night-time adventure in Arashiyama. Starting at Saga-Arashiyama Station, we delve into the inky depths of the Bamboo Forest, experiencing its haunting beauty under the moonlight.

  17. HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go! Small Group Tour

    10 Nights: from US$4303 Trip Code: HYP0002JPOP. From day-glo cafés, video game arcades and kawaii street fashions to ancient temples, exquisite gardens and spectacular natural scenery; J-Pop & Go! is the perfect mixture of kitschy pop culture and traditional Japan. Read more >. At a glance. What's Included >.

  18. Getting Around Japan

    Pop Japan is your gateway to all the best that Japan has to offer. It boasts an excellent compilation of sights, sounds, and information about the country.

  19. Getting Around Japan

    Getting around Japan is easy by land, air, or sea. Tokyo has one of the most extensive railways in the world.

  20. Pop Japan Travel: Essential Otaku Guide (Manga)

    Based off the hit tours arranged by Pop Japan Travel, explore the streets of Tokyo and experience Japanese pop culture in this new manga. T.M. Revolution makes a guest appearance along with a couple of yakuza in this whirlwind tour of Japan. This travel guide includes tips and maps to experience the best in pop culture that Japan has to offer.

  21. Pop Japan Travel

    Find additional info about the manga Pop Japan Travel on MyAnimeList, the internet's largest manga database. An otaku's essential travel guide in manga form, Pop Japan Travel follows a group of foreign otaku as they Explore the wild streets of Tokyo, encounter pop idols, evade the yakuza and experience culture shock. This manga also includes maps, travel tips, and shopping guides--essentially ...

  22. Pop Japan travel : essential otaku guide : Nakajima, Makoto : Free

    Pop Japan travel : essential otaku guide by Nakajima, Makoto. Publication date 2007 ... Readers can join a tour group of anime fans, or "otaku," as they travel to Japan for the first time and experience a series of adventures while visiting anime attractions in Tokyo and learning about Japanese culture and customs

  23. 15 Essential Travel Hacks When Visiting Japan

    tourist visiting Japan. . If you plan on visiting the likes of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter, Tokyo Disney Resort, Ghibli Park, Shibuya Sky observation deck ...

  24. Tagged: travel

    Pop Japan is your gateway to all the best that Japan has to offer. It boasts an excellent compilation of sights, sounds, and information about the country.