Hi, I'm heading to Tokyo and Osaka between Feb 1-10th. Any recommendations on which areas to stay and any good ryokan/onsens?

Chris nice ill look into that, any other areas near Yanaka I can go to as well

Everything in Tokyo is easy to get to by train/ subway. There is a ton of stuff to do within a few stops. The things I went to and thought were cool are Ueno Park, Yanaka Ginza, Nezu Shrine, Ameyoko Market, Tokyo Station, The Imperial Palace, Asksusa/ Sensoji Temple. Department stores in Japan have amazing food courts in their basements. Daimaru at Tokyo Station has a great example. Every floor of that store is amazing, and it has two great resteraunts on the top floor as well.

Heads up, if you have tattoos the selection will drastically decrease. If you do have any tattoos, this site will help. tattoofriendlyjp.com. Otherwise, I do recommend arashiyama park while you are there.

about 14 years ago I went to Tokyo and got kicked out the capsule hotel because I had tattoos

Yes. Even hotel capsule hotel showers can be strict. You want your own hotel room if you have tattoos.

We loved our side trip to Hakone. We did up a blog on our favourite places:
https://lifamilytraveltips.weebly.com

Hi Michelle, saw your blog about the Hakone Ryokan. Were the public baths open to women and men at different times?

Louise they had 2 that alternated between men & women.

http://japanican.com is where you want to look. Momijiya Bekkan Kawa no Iori is a ryokan I would recommended. Looking around the takao area just north of kyoto will take you back in time

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I love staying at Kimi Ryokan in Tokyo. Although it is a bit further from the airport than other parts of Tokyo, it's near some great sights that are within walking distance. Plus you have to pass a Penguin Bar to get there! http://kimiryokan.jp/en/

The free tour people were great and the price was right.. You get to see their Japan and whatever you are interested in

Soapland in Kanagawa for giajin

HI There, We are planning a family ski trip in Japan in coming February. We would like to end our trip by visiting Kyoto. Looking recommendations to know what is the cheapest way and fastest way to get in/out of Kyoto with the family (2 adults 2 kids) from Tokyo. Thanks for your advice

Jessica if you have a lot of luggage, overnight bus but that's impractical with kids. I would suggest the shinkansen if you are wanting speed. Flights are doable but usually cost more if you have checked bags. If you want to travel a bit, and are going for at least a week, I would recommend the JRpass.

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If you are in Osaka, you might want to lookup arigato tours... www.arigatojapan.co.jp. They have a great half-day food tour with some excellent guides. They are very knowledgeable about culture,history, etc...

dress warm

Im looking for a pocket wifi that has good battery life, any recommendations?

I used global advanced communications. They are pretty good but I would check on sim cards instead.

https://www.japan-wireless.com/en/rates

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