Going to Japan in May. Please recommend places to visit, things to do, transportation, etc.

Buy a guidebook, all the information you need will be in there...

You’re gonna have a blast- Japan is incredible. Tokyo>Osaka>Kyoto>Nara is what I did and wouldn’t change a thing. You have to get a discounted train pass while you’re here, you can’t get in Japan. I think it’s called the JR pass. I’m sure someone here will mention it

Robert we loved Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto as well! And yes, get the rail pass here before you get there!

Robert Yes, the JR Pass is the best way to travel between cities. It can also be used on the commuter train that circles Tokyo but not the subways.

Robert you can reserve the JR pass online now and pick it up at any JR office (easiest is likely Tokyo)

Robert I did similar but skipped Nara for the quaint onsen town kinosaki, can't recommend kinosaki enough!

If you’re in Japan during Mt Fuji climbing season I can’t recommend it enough. We climbed it 5 years ago and it was incredible.

Get a pocket wifi (can be rented at the airport). It will really help you navigate the subway system (Google Maps works fantastically for the subway) and help with translations too. Don't count on finding much public wifi. A lot of places are cash-only as well so use the ATMs at the combinis as needed. Otherwise just do a lot of research and don't rush around to too many different areas. Spending at least a few nights in the major cities will be nice for exploring and sightseeing.

add an onsen in Hakone to your list

Sarah I just planned my 2 days in hakone would be happy to share if interested!

Leah Taylor
That's a tall order. I suggest you join Japan Travel Planning . Amazing group. However you can't pose a question that broad there. You will need to be much more specific about your requests.

Assil Fahda

If you are in Tokyo for a while, take a day trip out to Kamakura -- the political center of medieval Japan. It is very charming and offers lots to see. Very few foreign tourists. Take the train to Kamakura, see the sights, and take the train back to Tokyo from Nishi-Kamakura.

Son just got back from backpacking Japan Osaka Kyoto where Brilliant he told me and the Bullit train

Following.

If you go to Hiroshima, I recommend taking a day trip to Miyajima. That was a super interesting island to explore. Make sure you don’t miss out on the Dashoin temple there.

Alison my favourite spot!

My wife and I did Osaka, Kyoto and Nara a few years back and loved it. Really took a shine to Osaka. It has a wonderful, fun, Kensington Market like vibe. If that's your speed, I suggest it's worth a visit. We're heading back next month to explore further.

Novina i would!

You will have a blast, don't try to cram too much in. My wife and I did all that and we decided we like Osaka the best, so we went back to further explore Osaka and Nara and do a side trip to see Himeji Castle. Osaka has this awesome Kensington Market like vibe in many spots - America Mura, Shinsaibashi and Nakazaki Cho. Check out the old Kissaten like Marufuku Coffee and Zeroku Hommachi.