Japan is the world’s most functional travel destination — the trains run on time to the second, the streets are immaculate, and the food is consistently extraordinary. The 515km journey from Tokyo to Kyoto on the Shinkansen takes exactly 2 hours and 15 minutes, making it one of the most satisfying multi-city trips in the world.
Shinkansen: Booking and Etiquette
JR Pass strategy: The Japan Rail Pass (7 days = $283 for standard class) covers all Shinkansen (except Nozomi/Mizuho “bullet” trains that skip some stops). If your itinerary includes Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka, the JR Pass pays for itself in 2-3 long-distance journeys.
Booking tip: Reserve seats via Klook’s JR Pass and seat reservation platform before arrival — popular routes (Tokyo-Kyoto in樱花 season, Golden Week) fill car 7-11 weeks in advance.
Etiquette essentials:
- No phone calls on board
- Keep voices low — the train is quieter than you expect
- Eat and drink is permitted (and encouraged — bento boxes and beer are sold on the platform)
- Luggage: Large bags should be reserved in luggage storage areas (free) or sent ahead via Yamato Transport (takkyubin)
- Bags on seats: Your bag occupies a seat if it cannot fit in the overhead bin
Tokyo: Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Tokyo is best understood as a collection of villages, each with a distinct character:
Shibuya/Harajuku: Youth culture, fashion, the famous Shibuya crossing. Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is pure sensory overload.
Shinjuku: The city’s commercial heart — plus the red-light district (Kabukicho) and the best izakayas (Japanese pub-restaurants).
Roppongi/Azabu: Upscale, expat-friendly, home to the Tokyo Tower viewpoint.
Yanaka: Old Tokyo neighborhood — temples, traditional wooden houses, cat cafes, the best preserved “shitamachi” (old city) atmosphere.
Asakusa: Tokyo’s oldest temple (Senso-ji) and the oldest geisha district. Best for traditional atmosphere and souvenir shopping on Nakamise Street.
Kyoto: Beyond the Postcard
Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years. It has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 2,000 temples and shrines. The challenge is finding the quiet, authentic Kyoto beneath the tourist surface.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: The famous bamboo grove is real but crowded. Arrive at 6:30am for a chance to photograph it without hundreds of other visitors.
Fushimi Inari Shrine: Thousands of vermillion torii gates climbing a mountain. Free entry, open 24 hours — go at 5am or 10pm for a different experience.
Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi): A canal-side stone path lined with cherry trees — beautiful any season, stunning in April.
Book guided Kyoto temple walking tours that take you to lesser-known temples away from the crowds.
Osaka: Japan’s Kitchen
Osaka is where Japan goes to eat. The city’s food culture is relaxed, generous, and slightly spicy (yes, Japanese food can be spicy).
Must-try in Osaka:
- Takoyaki: Octopus balls — crispy outside, gooey inside, topped with bonito flakes and takoyaki sauce. The signature street food.
- Okonomiyaki: Savory pancake with cabbage, meat/seafood, and Osaka’s signature Worcestershire-derived sauce.
- Kushikatsu: Deep-fried skewers on sticks — everything from asparagus to beef. Rule #1 in the Kushikatsu temples: “No dipping sauce twice” (use the communal dipping bowl properly).
Dotonbori: The neon-lit food street along the canal. Take photos, eat your way across it, and do not miss the Glico Running Man sign.
Practical Information
- IC Card (Suica/Pasmo): Load this contactless transit card at any station — works on all metro, bus, and convenience store purchases. No need for cash
- Cash: Japan is still cash-heavy — carry ¥5,000-10,000 in cash for small towns, temples, and vending machines
- Language: JR stations and major tourist spots have English signage. Download Google Translate for menus and conversation
- Best seasons: March-April (cherry blossom), November (autumn foliage) — book accommodation 6-12 months in advance
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