Japan Trip Ideas & Tips • Notes

🌏 General Travel Tips (Japan)

General

June is Japan’s rainy season, so rain is quite common. Because of this, outdoor parades and fireworks at Tokyo Disneyland, as well as some attractions at theme parks, may be canceled due to weather conditions.

The Mario-style street kart experience usually still operates in the rain, but wearing a raincoat is required.

If you enjoy spicy ramen, be sure to try Mōko Tanmen Nakamoto cup ramen from 7-Eleven. It’s a popular Japanese ramen and is known to be a favorite of AKMU Suhyun.

🗼 Tokyo

Tokyo

In Tokyo, natural hot spring (onsen) sources are rare, so hotels or accommodations with authentic onsen facilities are quite limited.

Near Shibuya Scramble Crossing, there is a shop on Shibuya Center Street filled with capsule toy (gacha-gacha) machines. It’s a fun and easy stop if you’re already visiting the Shibuya area.

When taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, it’s highly recommended to reserve seats on the right-hand side of the train. On clear days, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Fuji from that side.

🎡 Osaka

Osaka

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is home to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, but entry to this area requires a timed-entry ticket or lottery reservation via the official USJ app. This is separate from the regular park admission ticket.

If you definitely want to visit SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and use your time efficiently, purchasing a guaranteed entry pass (for an additional fee) is strongly recommended.

USJ is extremely crowded on weekends, as most people in Japan have Saturdays and Sundays off. Weekends are especially busy, and due to the current high number of tourists in Osaka, even weekdays can still be quite crowded.

When visiting Dotonbori, don’t miss trying takoyaki. There are many famous takoyaki shops in the area — if possible, try more than one and compare the flavors from different places.

❄️ Hokkaido

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is one of the locations where AKMU filmed a music video.

The region is also famous for its hot springs, especially Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most well-known onsen areas.

🐒 Other Notable Places

Other

Located in Nagano Prefecture, Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous for wild monkeys bathing in hot springs during the winter. While it’s not in Hokkaido, it’s a unique and iconic destination worth knowing about.