[Japan Travels] is a travel guide series I wrote during my solo trips to Japan, which I continue to expand and update. It covers a wide range of attractions across various regions, along with basic Japanese travel phrases. Each location is presented like a digital sticky note, complete with detailed descriptions and one-tap navigation. You can use this as a travel guidebook or as a mobile tool while on the go to explore every corner of the city. This is the master index to help you easily find completed regional guides. Where would you like to explore today? Take your pick!
A Complete Guide to Japan Discounts: Drugstores, Department Stores & Electronics
Household appliances + medicine + retail
Bic Camera
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Yamada Denki
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
EDION
Hard-off Store / Kyoto Yoshida / Autumn Village Store
Tōkyū Hands
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Seibu Department Store
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Daikoku Pharmacy
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
COSMETICS AND MEDICAL (Medicine)
New Nakano Tower / New Yōkan Town New Tower / Dachin Town Firstsquare / Dachin Town Morioka / Shitamachi Town / East Japan Bridge
COSMOS Pharmacy
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
SUGI Pharmacy
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Daichō Pharmaceutical
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Daito Pharmacy
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Cocokara Fine Pharmacy
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Citizens Pharmacy
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Kitahai Road Pharmacy “Satsudora”
Ryuspa Cosmetic Brand Store
Retail
Sanmitsu OUTLET
Tokyo DiverCity
COREDO Room
LaLaport
Lazona
Grand Shinjuku Select Retail
Meitetsu Store / Lexus Bridge Store / Tokyo Store / Grand Store Outdoor Store / Kyoto Store
Matsubara Store / Kamiyama Store / Shimanami Store / Grand Store Denryūkan Store / Grand Store Seibu Store
Shower Cap East Military Retail
West Military Retail
SOGO Retail
Tokyo Yūten Free Trade Store Ginza
(GinzaNovo)
Little Tan Transit Retail Store
(New Tan West Entrance)
Near Metal Retail
Osaka Harukas
10% discount + maximum 5% reduction
New Tan Kyoto Retail
10% discount + maximum 5% reduction
Sports goods + cosmetics
JEANS MATE Clothing Store Premium Ticket
Shower Cap Store / Original Stay Lake Hotel / Nasu Store / Daisuke Store
Alpen Premium Ticket (Sports goods)
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
(New Stay Store Japan’s largest sports goods)
L-Breath (Sports goods)
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Victoria Golf (Sports goods)
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
Victoria (Sports goods)
(Best performance basis is used throughout Japan)
青山 of Shōfū
Free Shipping + 9% discount ticket
Japan Brand Line RYOBA ACE
9% discount ticket
🗼Tokyo🗼
Must-See Spots
🗼 Must-Visit Tokyo Spots 🇯🇵
Tokyo is vast, with attractions generally categorized into three main areas: historical and cultural sites, modern trendsetting districts, and diverse entertainment hubs.
📜 History & Tradition: Echoes of Edo
Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple and a spiritual symbol of Edo culture. Walking down Nakamise-dori, you’ll be immersed in the atmosphere of traditional street stalls, the scent of incense, and the vibrant spirit of local faith.
Imperial Palace: Built on the former site of Edo Castle, it stands in serene contrast to the surrounding city, framed by moats and stone walls. The nearby Tokyo Station area is also worth a visit for its abundance of department stores and dining options.
🛍️ Trends & Fashion: The Pulse of Modern Tokyo
Shibuya: A dense hub of youth culture, fashion, and music. Standing at the famous scramble crossing, where thousands of people surge forward every time the light turns green, you can truly feel the energy of Tokyo.
Shinjuku: A place where skyscrapers, department stores, and entertainment districts collide. Just a short walk toward Shin-Okubo, and you’ll find yourself in a different world filled with Korean beauty shops and street food.
🎮 Culture & Art: The Many Faces of Tokyo
Akihabara: The epicenter of otaku culture, featuring anime, video games, and electronics. It is a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide, offering everything from the latest gadgets to rare vintage finds.
Ueno Park: One of Tokyo’s first designated parks, home to a cluster of museums, art galleries, and a zoo. Nearby, Ameyoko Market offers a different vibe, packed with stalls selling cosmetics, snacks, and various goods.
Tokyo Skytree: Standing at 634 meters, it is the tallest structure in the Kanto region. On a clear day, the observation deck offers a panoramic view of Tokyo, and if you’re lucky, you can even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.
🚃 JR Yamanote Line
This is a loop line that circles central Tokyo in about 1 hour.
Primary Use: Best for traveling between major transport hubs in the city center, such as Shinagawa, Hamamatsucho, Tokyo, Ueno, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.
Travel Tip: Take the JR Chuo Line for a faster route between Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station.
Details:
Fare: Based on distance, approximately 150–280 yen. Using an IC card (such as Suica) costs 146–274 yen.
Travel Time: Approximately 1–3 minutes between stations.
Frequency: Trains run every 3–4 minutes during the day.
🚇 Subway
Tokyo’s subway system is operated by two companies, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway, with a total of 13 lines.
How to navigate: Each line is color-coded, and stations are numbered. We recommend picking up a route map to make getting around easier.
Recommended for tourists: Lines that provide convenient access to major sightseeing spots include the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, the Marunouchi Line, and the Toei Asakusa Line.
Details:
Fares: Calculated by distance. Fares start at 180 yen for both Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.
Travel time: It takes about 2–3 minutes between stations.
Frequency: Trains run approximately every 2–10 minutes during the day (depending on the line).
🏯Osaka🏯
Must-See Spots
🏯 Essential Osaka Sightseeing Guide 🐙
Osaka’s attractions are concentrated in two core areas: the historic “Osaka Castle,” and the modern commercial and culinary hubs of “Namba, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi.”
1. Osaka Castle: One of Japan’s most significant historic landmarks, Osaka Castle was built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the man who unified Japan. It symbolizes the power and glory of the Toyotomi regime. Despite being rebuilt several times after wartime destruction, its majestic presence remains the spiritual landmark of Osaka.
2. Dotonbori and Namba: These are Osaka’s most vibrant districts, famous for their dazzling neon lights, massive 3D signage, and endless food options. This area embodies the local spirit of “kuidaore” (eating until you drop).
3. Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade: One of the largest and oldest shopping arcades in the Kansai region. Extending north from Ebisubashi Bridge at the Dotonbori Canal, it is a hub for drugstores, fashion boutiques, and souvenir shops.
4. Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower: Shinsekai is Osaka’s most nostalgic district, preserving a distinct atmosphere from the early Showa era (early 20th century). Its central landmark is the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.
5. Umeda: Located at Osaka’s “North Gate,” the Umeda area is home to major transport hubs like Osaka Station (JR) and Umeda Station (subway/private railways). It is a modern center for business, shopping, and entertainment.
⛩️Kyoto⛩️
Must-See Spots
🌸 Kyoto: Key Sights and Highlights 🏯
1. Rakuto (Eastern Kyoto): The Golden Route of Tradition and Zen
Rakuto (the Higashiyama area) is Kyoto’s most iconic sightseeing route. A short walk from Gion to Kiyomizu-dera feels like traveling through a thousand years of history.
1. Kiyomizu-dera: Famous for its “Kiyomizu Stage,” which juts out over the hillside. The structure is supported by 139 massive zelkova pillars joined without a single nail. It offers breathtaking views over Kyoto city.
2. Gion & Hanamikoji Street: The heart of Kyoto’s Geisha and Maiko culture. Hanamikoji Street preserves traditional teahouse architecture in its original form.
3. Fushimi Inari Taisha: The head shrine for all Inari shrines in Japan, renowned for its thousands of vermilion “Senbon Torii” gates. These gates were donated by worshippers in gratitude for prosperity in business.
2. Rakusei (Western Kyoto): Zen Gardens and Nature (Arashiyama Area)
Rakusei is defined by its bamboo groves, the Togetsukyo Bridge, and ancient Zen temples—perfect for a leisurely, immersive experience.
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Towering bamboo stalks create a dreamlike natural tunnel, making it one of Kyoto’s most famous natural landscapes.
5. Tenryu-ji: A World Heritage site and the most important Zen temple in Arashiyama, with a history deeply intertwined with Japan’s Northern and Southern Courts period.
3. Rakuchu & Rakuhoku (Central & Northern Kyoto): Politics and Karesansui
Rakuchu (central Kyoto) is the city’s political and commercial hub, while Rakuhoku is celebrated for its aristocratic gardens and refined aesthetics.
6. Kinkaku-ji: Officially known as Rokuon-ji, this three-story pavilion is covered in gold leaf. It shines brilliantly in the sun, creating a stunning reflection in the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond).
7. Ryoan-ji: A World Heritage site famous for its “Karesansui” (dry landscape) rock garden. The garden contains only white sand and 15 rocks; from any vantage point, one can only see 14 at a time. This “hidden 15th rock” has inspired countless philosophical reflections.
8. Nijo Castle: Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, it served as the residence for the Tokugawa Shogunate during their visits to Kyoto. It is also the historic site where the Taisei Hokan (the return of political power to the Emperor) took place.
Kyoto is a year-round destination, though the highlights change with the seasons:
Spring (March-April): Cherry blossom season. Major spots like Kiyomizu-dera, Gion Shirakawa, and the Philosopher’s Path (connecting to Ginkaku-ji) are the main attractions.
Autumn (November): Fall foliage season. Locations such as Kodai-ji, Tofuku-ji, and Arashiyama feature magical evening illuminations.
Kyushu
Must-See Fukuoka Attractions
🌸 Fukuoka Travel Guide: Hakata and Tenjin Core Attractions and Features
Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu, composed of two main areas: Hakata and Tenjin. Hakata is the transportation hub and historical cultural center, while Tenjin is a hub for fashion shopping and dining. Fukuoka is famous for its food (especially ramen and tonkotsu hot pot), relaxed city atmosphere, and rich historical heritage.
Fukuoka Core Important Attractions Detailed Introduction
1. Canal City Hakata: A large-scale shopping complex located in the heart of Hakata, featuring a man-made canal that runs through it, known as the “City Theater.” It combines fashion clothing, souvenirs, movie theaters, theaters, and themed restaurants.
2. Nakasu Kawabata: Fukuoka’s most iconic scenery is located along the banks of the Naka River, featuring one of Japan’s largest outdoor food stalls. At night, the stalls are lit up with warm lights, offering a glimpse into Fukuoka’s local culture.
3. Tenjin Underground Mall: A massive shopping space located underground in the Tenjin area, connecting several department stores (such as Daimaru and Mitsukoshi) and subway stations. It features pharmacies, fashion clothing, young brands, and specialty dessert shops, making it a popular shopping destination for young people in Fukuoka.
4. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: A Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane, and one of the main shrines in the Tenmangu network. Although located on the outskirts of Fukuoka City, it is easily accessible by public transportation. During the spring, the shrine is particularly beautiful when the plum blossoms are in bloom. The approach to the shrine features several shops selling plum blossom sweets, a specialty of Dazaifu.
Okinawa
Must-See Fukuoka Attractions
🌸 Fukuoka Travel Guide: Hakata and Tenjin Core Attractions and Features
Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu, composed of two main areas: Hakata and Tenjin. Hakata is the transportation hub and historical cultural center, while Tenjin is a hub for fashion shopping and dining. Fukuoka is famous for its food (especially ramen and tonkotsu hot pot), relaxed city atmosphere, and rich historical heritage.
Fukuoka Core Important Attractions Detailed Introduction
1. Canal City Hakata: A large-scale shopping complex located in the heart of Hakata, featuring a man-made canal that runs through it, known as the “City Theater.” It combines fashion clothing, souvenirs, movie theaters, theaters, and themed restaurants.
2. Nakasu Kawabata: Fukuoka’s most iconic scenery is located along the banks of the Naka River, featuring one of Japan’s largest outdoor food stalls. At night, the stalls are lit up with warm lights, offering a glimpse into Fukuoka’s local culture.
3. Tenjin Underground Mall: A massive shopping space located underground in the Tenjin area, connecting several department stores (such as Daimaru and Mitsukoshi) and subway stations. It features pharmacies, fashion clothing, young brands, and specialty dessert shops, making it a popular shopping destination for young people in Fukuoka.
4. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: A Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane, and one of the main shrines in the Tenmangu network. Although located on the outskirts of Fukuoka City, it is easily accessible by public transportation. During the spring, the shrine is particularly beautiful when the plum blossoms are in bloom. The approach to the shrine features several shops selling plum blossom sweets, a specialty of Dazaifu.
