Tokyo Birthday Diary
I recently celebrated my birthday in Japan traveling through different parts, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. while planning the trip I was unsure how long I should stay in each city but if you want to visit different cities in one trip, I highly recommend at least two weeks.
I absolutely loved my time in Japan and can’t wait to return. I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Tips
Takkyubin Luggage Forwarding If you’re traveling from hotel to hotel, city to city or don’t want to haul your luggage around. You can ship your luggage to the destination of your choice. Find the company Yamato Transport or do it with through your hotel I don’t believe this works with airbnbs since someone needs to be there to receive the shipment but if you’re staying at a hotel or hostel, you can ship it to the nearest 7-11 and pick it up there.
Before your flight, save time at customs by filling out the necessary forms online and screenshotting the QR code
Just remember to screenshot the QR code. Try to save the web page offline to reference later. If you can’t fill it out beforehand, you’ll just have to do it in person once you land.
I recommend downloading an offline map just in case you don’t have data, and learning a few words is always polite and well will help you more than hinder you, download google translate.
Getting Around -
One thing I love about Japan is that it’s spotless and quiet. It’s very much a walking city, and locals use the train; taxis can be very expensive. There are parts of the trains that are for women only. If you plan to enjoy nightlife, note that the trains stop at midnight and start back up at about 6 AM.
Since the JR rail price increased, I didn’t purchase it and noticed I saved time and money. If you’re traveling to different parts of Japan, I recommend buying the JR rail. I thought I could purchase this while in Japan, but this must be purchased before you arrive in Japan or before you leave the airport. Your Suica card can be downloaded via the app or mobile wallet. I was able to reload via the Wallet. On average, depending on the station, fares are about ¥4-600 yen one way. - You can buy the JR rail in advance and have it mailed to your home. You can get it off Klook or while you’re there.
Things to do
Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, or Tokyo Skytree for city views
Shibuya Crossing - the famous crossing where more than 1,000 people cross per traffic light stop!
Senso-ji - the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo
Nightlife in Tokyo,
Stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku to be close to nightlife. If you’re staying out later, know that Uber is expensive.
Roppongi
Hub- a pub with cheap drinks, tiny, limited sitting full of locals
Shamrock -more extensive and cheaper
V2 - very fun and lively but more expensive
& V3 - do not go here. The bouncers are very friendly. You pay a cover fee to get in that comes with a drink, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It was dead both nights.
V2 and V3 are the land of the working women. Do not be fooled. Unless you’re a passport bro, leave these women alone. They are only friendly and want your money. Spot the women at the bar drinking champagne alone or in groups of two, very dressed up after befriending a few of the ladies I belive the club hires the women and they get a cut.
Shinjuku Golden Gai- plenty of bars in this area have cash with you as most if not all, are cash only. Some have cover fees to get in. I end up going to Death Match - My Hell. Whether you’re into goth bars or a horror movie fan, I highly recommend this one. It’s pretty small, but you can make it. Click here to see my TikTok about it. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLdsVY9Q/
Akihabara - Anime fans should head here.
Shopping -
There is so much shopping to do, whether you’re in the Ginza area, which has the more high-end shopping.Harajuku and other areas have various shopping options, but you must visit the Mega Don Quijote store in the Shibuya area. It can be overwhelming for most, but I think it’s worth checking out. On the seventh floor, it’s tax-free, but don’t be like me; please bring your passport. If you don’t bring your passport, it will not be tax-free.
Where to Eat -
Tsukiji Fish Market—lots of fresh seafood and teas. Go EARLY, like 7 a.m., to avoid super heavy crowds. They open at 5-6 a.m.
Burger joints like Burger Mania Hiro and Sho Gun Burgers are highly recommended. If you only have time for one burger spot, check out Shogun.
I'm Donut a very new popular donut spot. I stumbled on it 30 minutes after it opened. It’s trendy, so there can be a waitlist. I got lucky and went on a day when it was raining. The donuts are delicious, but I don’t think they’re worth waiting for 30 minutes.
7/11
What's a visit to Japan if you're not eating at 7-Eleven? They have everything from hot to cold food. If you’re on a budget, you can live happily off 7-Eleven, and trust me when I say the 7-Elevens in Japan are so much better than the ones in the US.
I honestly can’t remember the name of it, but there are plenty of buffets. I’m not a buffet goer, even at home, but on my first night in Japan, my friend found an all-you-can-eat and drink buffet for an hour. That was a great way to pregame, and the highballs were amazing.
I honestly didn’t feel the need to reserve any restaurants; I was going with the flow. There are plenty of restaurants where you can easily walk into people, but if you’re trying to go to one of the viral places, then there are protocols.
Onsen (Spa) - After all of the walking take yourself to an Onsen, there are different tiers the more pricy ones obviously more well kept and have better amenities.
I do want to return to Tokyo as I do feel I didn’t do as much as I’d like. If you have any tips, suggestions or recommendations feel free to comment.