Japan Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Universal Studios Japan Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Osaka USJ Tour Sequence Without Express Pass Guide
Recommended tour sequence for Osaka USJ without an express pass.
Mario and Harry Potter Forbidden Journey are must-plays! For the remaining attractions, it's recommended to choose either one roller coaster or two out of three, Minions, Spider-Man, and in between, you can intersperse parades and some performances. One day is enough!
Specific route:
It is advised to go on Tuesday to Thursday when it's least crowded, and it's best to arrive at the gate 40 minutes or more before opening to queue up for entry. Once inside, immediately reserve a time slot for the Mario area and then head to the Jurassic coaster/Harry Potter, depending on which has fewer people. Next, go to the Hollywood coaster/Doraemon (this and the Hollywood coaster can be a personal choice to play or not), then Minions and other areas - Spider-Man (if there's no time, skip Spider-Man and leave the park directly).
Keep an eye on the time to go to the Mario area, and you'll be okay.
Trip.com has many discount codes, which I've used for over a year to book flights, hotels, and tickets, saving quite a bit 👍🏻👍🏻
You can still have a blast at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka without a fast pass!
If you decide to buy a fast pass on a whim and find out that all the slots for your favorite attractions are sold out 😭, don't worry, I still managed to hit all the popular ones! The first thing to do after entering the park is to download the universal studios japan app and draw for a time slot to enter the Super Nintendo World 🎫 (if you're with a group, make sure to log in on the same phone to draw at the same time). I drew mine a little after 8 am, and basically, you can choose any time throughout the day, FREE! I chose 11 am 🕚.
As long as you get up early and pick the right order, it's not a problem to hit six or seven attractions in one day 😎. Entering the park at this time in the morning, you can usually go straight to two popular attractions with only about a 30-minute wait ⌛.
🌟 Recommended attraction rankings:
1. The Flying Dinosaur roller coaster 🎢
2. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (with VR glasses, it's really realistic!)
3. Mario Kart (requires VR glasses, very immersive!)
4. Yoshi's Adventure (super cute, perfect for taking photos in the Mario kart!)
5. Flight of the Hippogriff 🦅
6. Jaws 🦈
7. Waterworld show (check the schedule in advance, line up half an hour early to rest your feet~ the effects are amazing, and the actors give it their all!)
You can also stroll around the park, check out the Jurassic dinosaurs 🦕, take photos in Hollywood 📷, or go shopping 🛍️. You can basically have fun until six in the evening, and then it's time to head home for dinner 🍽️!
Here comes the guide to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka!
I visited Japan a long time ago, and here I'm sharing some practical advice.
Before departure:
Use the USJ APP in the morning of your visit to bind your ticket (you can also bind your partner's or family's tickets together), the method is shown in the image above.
It is recommended to arrive 1/2 hour before the park opens, as USJ might open its gates earlier.
(When I went, the scheduled opening time was 0900, I arrived at 0710, but they opened at 0740), once you get to the USJ station, just follow the crowd (you'll see many people start running, just run along!)
There are three ways to enter the Mario area:
: Be among the first group of people; you don't need to use the App to draw a timed entry ticket for the area, just head straight to the Mario area after the gates open, and you don't really need to run, walking is fine.
: Use the App to draw a timed entry ticket (the App will start the draw when Mario reaches a certain number of people, so generally, you can't draw within half an hour after the park opens because there aren't enough people, just go straight in), so keep an eye on the App after the park opens, I noticed that by around 9:30 they were all gone.
: There is a machine in the park that can draw tickets (I don't recommend this method, so I won't talk much about it haha)
Next, let's talk about some regrets and suggested routes:
Remember to arrive 1/2 hour before the park opens
I highly recommend that you try to draw a ticket to enter the Mario area, there will still be tickets available within 1-2 hours after they start drawing, so don't worry
After the park opens, first go for those must-ride attractions like 'The Flying Dinosaur, Forbidden Journey, The Dream Carousel', because these attractions will have about two hours' wait in the afternoon, so I was the one who went to the Mario area in the morning and only got to ride two attractions in the afternoon, haha, otherwise you could ride at least 3-4 attractions in the morning
It's a better strategy to go for these must-ride attractions in the morning while keeping an eye on the App for ticket drawing, and then head to the Mario area in the afternoon or at noon.
Universal Studios' 【Mario】 theme park is a paradise for fans of the 2D world!
💜Summer vacation is here, and for those babies who are worrying about where to play, please mark this Universal Studios' 【Mario】 theme park – although it's in Osaka, with various barriers now gone, traveling to 🇯🇵Japan is so easy~ Go for it~
🤍This place is really a paradise for fans of the 2D world, it's so photogenic, you can dress up as Mario, strike a pose, and there's a watch in the store that makes the sound of hitting a coin block when you wear it, which is super cool~ It instantly transported me into the Super Mario game~
💕🚁🧸👙🌈YOYO takes you traveling 🌈👙🧸🚁💕
🇯🇵⛩️Japan Edition⛩️🇯🇵
This time at the theme park, I didn't buy the express pass, and from the actual experience, I didn't feel it was necessary. Planning ahead and making full use of the single rider line is the real time-saving secret.
The Harry Potter area
The queue time was the longest of all the attractions, but it wasn't particularly annoying because the line was orderly, and everyone was quiet and well-behaved, whether they were queuing or chatting.
Find an empty locker to store your bag, and from personal experience, don't go in holding your phone in your hand to play; if you need to bring your phone, it's best to have it in a pocket that can be tightened or hang it around your neck. The game itself isn't particularly thrilling, but that day I went in holding my phone, and I was worried the whole time about it falling out – which made it a thousand times more nerve-wracking.
As a matter of course, I had a butterbeer at the Hog's Head pub, and it tasted good.
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Tokyo Disneyland Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Amazing Tokyo Disneyland Parade
#familytrips2024
Watching the Tokyo Disneyland parade with family is a magical experience filled with joy and excitement. As vibrant floats and beloved Disney characters pass by, children and adults alike are captivated by the enchanting music and colourful costumes. The atmosphere is electric with everyone cheering and waving. Families often arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, sharing snacks and laughter as they wait. When the parade starts, the look of wonder in children’s eyes is priceless. The parade offers a perfect blend of entertainment and nostalgia, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. It's a heartwarming way to spend quality time together in the happiest place on earth.
#tokyodisneyland
#parade
Travel Tips and Taboos in Japan, make sure to take advice
👀 Before traveling to Japan, it's necessary to understand some essential information to avoid unnecessary trouble during your trip.
🚫Taboos:
1️⃣ Do not make loud noises in public places
2️⃣ Do not eat on the streets
3️⃣ Do not spit in public
4️⃣ Do not disturb others on public transport
5️⃣ Do not smoke in public places
✅Tips:
1️⃣ Please do not walk on the bicycle lanes
2️⃣ Please do not touch the decorations of shrines or temples arbitrarily
3️⃣ Please do not swim in hot springs or enter wearing a swimsuit
4️⃣ Please do not make loud phone calls in public places
5️⃣ Please do not use mobile phones or cameras in toilets
📍20 Must-Do Things in Japan
1️⃣ Stroll through Tokyo's busiest street—Omotesando
2️⃣ Taste authentic sushi and ramen
3️⃣ Visit Shimane Prefecture in Okayama Prefecture to see the beauty of Matsue Castle
4️⃣ Dress up in a kimono for a photo
5️⃣ Watch a traditional Japanese Kabuki show
6️⃣ Visit ancient shrines and temples in Kyoto
7️⃣ Go to Osaka's Tsutenkaku to overlook the city's beautiful scenery
8️⃣ Try grilled eel and takoyaki
9️⃣ Enjoy skiing and hot springs in Hokkaido
🔟 Visit Senso-ji Temple and see the famous Kaminarimon
1️⃣1️⃣ Go to the foot of Mount Fuji to see the World Heritage Site—Mount Fuji
1️⃣2️⃣ Explore Hiroshima and Nagasaki to understand history and culture
1️⃣3️⃣ Experience traditional culture in Japan's small towns
1️⃣4️⃣ Go on a pilgrimage in Shikoku to see ancient temples and beautiful scenery
1️⃣5️⃣ Have a fun time at Tokyo Disneyland
1️⃣6️⃣ Visit the lovely zoos in Hokkaido
1️⃣7️⃣ See Japan's lantern festivals and fireworks
1️⃣8️⃣ Go to Lake Kawaguchi to see the reflection of Mount Fuji
1️⃣9️⃣ Visit the modern high-tech city of Nagoya
2️⃣0️⃣ Eat salmon and crab in Hokkaido
📍Places Not to Visit in Japan
🚫Places not to visit:
1️⃣ Do not go to worship
2️⃣ Do not visit private residences or buildings
3️⃣ Do not go to some entertainment venues
4️⃣ Do not go near nuclear power plants or hazardous areas
5️⃣ Do not go to places of illegal trade
✅Must-know:
1️⃣ Please do not take photos near train stations and bus stations
2️⃣ Please do not take photos of others in public places
3️⃣ Please do not cross the fences of public facilities
4️⃣ Please do not litter in public places
5️⃣ Please do not feed animals in public places
🌸 Hope this helps you, and wish you a pleasant trip in Japan!
It's a small World after All.
How can you not love this ride? It is a classic and iconic attraction known for its charming and whimsical portrayal of global unity and cultural diversity. It's also a great way of cooling off during hot days.
A nice quiet attraction great for small kids and toddlers. You just sit on a boat and it will take you to different places with small moving dolls/animals. Avoid if you are scare of moving dolls.
I wish to go back in 2024
#2024wish
Disneyland Turkey Leg 🍗
I tried Turkey Leg 🍗 at Tokyo Disney Land. It’s taste good 😋😘
#recommended 🫶
You should try one too #foodlover #yummylicious
The queue is really long but it’s worth it 🤩🤤🤤🤤
I want to eat it again but maybe different Disney Land, different countries 😘😍🥰🤩
#disneyworld #disneyland #tokyodisneyland #turkeyleg #wintertrip #tokyotrip #tokyo #japan 🫶
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Kyoto Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
🍁 Fall in Love with Kyoto: Embark on an Autumn Foliage Odyssey! 🍁🍂🌸
Imagine being surrounded by gorgeous autumn foliage as if you were in a colourful painting. Every step you take is on a carpet of gold, orange, red and emerald green, while the breeze gently caresses your face, bringing an indescribable sense of peace and joy. This is the beauty of autumn in Kyoto! 🍁🍂🌸
📸 Kyoto, Picturesque : Whether you're in one of Kyoto's temples, gardens or parks, autumn's handiwork is everywhere. Whether you're enjoying the perfect combination of its unique stage and maple leaves at Kiyomizu-dera Temple or the splendour of the red foliage at a Zen temple, the scenery will leave you in awe. Don't forget to capture these stunning moments on camera and share them with the world! ✨📸
🌸 Feel the magic of nature : Kyoto in autumn is not only full of maple leaves, but also picturesque natural landscapes. You can stroll through the bamboo forests of Arashiyama and feel the rhythm of the dancing bamboo leaves, or wander along the bamboo paths of Sagano and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Here, nature will completely overwhelm you with its endless charm! 🎋🍃
🍁 Collision of Culture and History : In addition to its magnificent scenery, Kyoto carries a rich culture and history. Here you can walk through ancient shrines and temples and experience the charm of a thousand years of culture. Whether on a crisp autumn day or against the backdrop of ancient buildings, you will be impressed by the wisdom that has been handed down here. Come and let's feel the collision of people and history together! 🏯💭
In Kyoto, autumn brings us not only beautiful maple leaves and charming scenery, but also a wonderful habitat for the soul. When you come here, you will forget your busy life and immerse yourself in endless beauty and tranquility. Kyoto of autumn leaf carnival is waiting for you to enjoy together! 🌸🍂✨
6tips for traveling in Japan in AUTUMN
Are you traveling to Japan for the first time? Here are six travel tips that I have organized for you. Click here to check them out. 😊
1. 💱 Currency Exchange: In Japan, many businesses only accept Japanese yen, so it's best to exchange some money into yen before your departure. You can do this at the airport, banks, or hotel front desks. However, it's advisable not to exchange too much at the airport or hotels, as the exchange rates may not be very favorable.
2. 🚅 Purchase JR Pass: If you plan to travel to multiple cities in Japan, buying a JR Pass is a good option. The JR Pass allows you to ride trains operated by JR Railway Company nationwide, including high-speed trains, and the price is cheaper compared to buying individual tickets.
3. 🚇 Taking the Subway: Japan's subway system is highly developed but can be complex. Before taking the subway, it's best to check maps and routes in advance to avoid getting lost.
4. 🙏 Observe Etiquette: Japanese people place a strong emphasis on etiquette, so it's important to be mindful of your behavior in public places. For example, avoid being loud or rowdy on the subway or train, refrain from eating while walking on the streets, and avoid taking photos indiscriminately.
5. 🍴 Dining: Japan has a rich food culture, but there are also certain things to be mindful of. For example, before a meal, it's customary to use a hot towel to clean your hands, avoid pointing at others with chopsticks, and refrain from blowing on your food to cool it down.
6. 👔 Dressing: Japanese people pay attention to dressing appropriately, so it's best to dress modestly when traveling to Japan. For example, when visiting temples or shrines, it's recommended to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops.
充實京都之旅
京都除咗有好多好嘢食,亦都有好多打卡地點,令到我哋嘅旅程充滿回憶同埋樂趣!我哋用咗一日嘅時間行咗好多唔同嘅景點,中間除咗欣賞景色,仲可以拍下短片,為呢個旅程記錄低美好嘅回憶 😊
Kyoto's "Spirited Away"
Gion, situated in Kyoto, Japan, is a captivating district that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. Renowned as the city's historic geisha district, Gion is characterized by narrow cobbled streets, wooden machiya houses, and traditional tea houses. The iconic Hanamikoji Street is lined with preserved machiya structures, creating an enchanting atmosphere that transports visitors to Japan's past. Gion not only preserves the artistry of geisha entertainment but also offers a glimpse into authentic Japanese culture through its tea ceremonies, traditional arts, and seasonal festivals. Amidst the historic charm, modern elements like upscale boutiques and fine dining establishments add a contemporary flair. Visitors to Gion witness the enduring grace of geiko and maiko performers, creating a timeless ambiance that showcases Kyoto's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy.
#fallingseason
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Tokyo Tower Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Tokyo Tower: Soaring through the city skyline, a stunning panorama awaits!
🗼 The Tokyo Tower, with its unique lines and elegant appearance, has become an iconic landmark of Tokyo that you can't miss. The 150-meter Main Observatory and the 249.9-meter Special Observatory offer views of Mount Fuji on clear days, allowing you to experience the perfect blend of nature and city.
🏢 Right beneath the tower, within the four floors of the Tokyo Tower FootTown, there's an aquarium and various shops. Here you can enjoy delicious ice cream, savoring the sweetness as you create wonderful memories alongside the tower.
👀 Beyond the Tokyo Tower itself, Azabudai Hills is another great spot for city views. The observation deck offers a panoramic view of the entire city, with the dazzling neon scenes captivating visitors.
🚶♂️ It's only a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Tower to Azabudai, and along the way, you can enjoy different perspectives of the Tokyo Tower's beauty, making your trip full of fun.
【Romantic Tokyo Tower】Roses bloom in Shiba Park in May.
[Once in a Lifetime 💗 Romantic Tokyo Tower🗼🌹]
Every May, the roses in Shiba Park, Tokyo's largest park, come into full bloom. It is only during this time that one can capture the marvelous sight of Tokyo Tower surrounded by roses🥰
📍Photo spot: Exit A4 of Shiba Park Station, 5min walk towards Shiba Park
Suggested itinerary: Roppongi➡️Walk along the road to Shiba Park, where you can see Tokyo Tower from different angles 🗼
7 Must-Visit Spots for Your First Trip to Tokyo! Save this guide
✅ Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, also a place of amusement with 'Edo customs' for the public, serving as a travel destination to understand Japanese national culture, with countless scenic spots to admire.
✅ Tokyo Tower
Appearing countless times in Japanese dramas, the tower has an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of Tokyo, and on clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance.
✅ Akihabara
The birthplace of Japanese anime culture, filled with anime, video games, and figurine shops, as well as many anime-themed stores.
✅ Ginza
Famous for its upscale shopping stores, it gathers famous brand products from all over the world, known as 'the most expensive place in Asia,' a shopper's paradise.
✅ Ueno Park
Japan's first park and also the largest in Tokyo. The park has over 1,300 cherry trees, which create a spectacular view of falling cherry blossoms in the spring breeze.
✅ Tokyo Disneyland
Reputed as the number one amusement park in Asia, it mainly consists of two areas: land and sea, filled with themes of adventure, fairy tales, and the future.
✅ Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
A great place to find childhood dreams, designed by Studio Ghibli, filled with elements from animations like 'My Neighbor Totoro' and 'Spirited Away'.
🌟 Travel tips:
For your first trip to Tokyo, it's best to stay in Akasaka, close to the Ginza subway station, where accommodations are good value for money and there's plenty of food.
In Tokyo, Google Maps is enough to find your way, check which subway line to take, and which line to transfer to.
Adding a Suica card directly to Apple Pay is very convenient, allowing for smooth entry to stations and the flexibility to recharge any amount you wish.
I'm A Yao, sharing travel tips from around the world, follow me if you love traveling
Tokyo Tower Photo Spot Guide | Mastering Japan Travel
At Tokyo Tower for the first time, gazing
Seeing the lights imitate the falling stars
When traveling to Tokyo, of course, you must see Tokyo Tower.
There are many photo spots around Tokyo Tower, and by strolling around, you can discover many beautiful spots.
Roppongi:
Walking towards Tokyo Tower along Roppongi, you can take street photos with the tower, and also see the hustle and bustle of traffic. There are also many delicious snacks and lots of bars at night, making it especially lively.
Akabanebashi:
Near Akabanebashi subway station is the filming location for Jay Chou's music video. Not only is it great for shooting Tokyo Tower, but you can also imitate the composition and perspective of Jay Chou's MV, and have a time-space dislocation with Jay Chou.
Mori Art Museum Observation Deck:
Standing at the Mori Art Museum, there are many upscale office districts here, and there is an observation deck where you can see Tokyo Tower.
Under Tokyo Tower:
The recently popular spot is towards Akabanebashi from Tokyo Tower, where there is an exit of an underground parking garage. Many people line up to take photos here. It's a bit crowded, but if you really like this spot, it's worth the wait in line.
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Nara Park Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Maple Leaves at Nara Park.
Location: Nara Park, a 15-minute walk from JR Nara Station
Admission: Free, with charming scenery during the maple leaf season 🍁
Nara Park, close to Osaka, is a must-visit spot for maple leaf viewing. It's just an hour's ride from JR Namba Station, which is very convenient 😎
The park is vast, with adorable deer everywhere. Some are lazily sleeping, while others actively seek food from tourists. They even nod politely ☺️, which is very cute.
Strolling through the park, you can feel the essence of autumn, with the yellow of ginkgo leaves and the red of maple leaves, making the whole environment beautifully framed like a painting of nature ✨📸
Feed Japan‘s Famous Deer
The Nara Deer Park is a historical park in Japan that’s famous for having hundreds of friendly deer you can feed and take pictures with. The semi-wild deer roam around the park freely and interacting with them can be lots of fun.But be careful of being chased by deer and stay away from deer with antlers. Being gored will be very painful.
I want to go to Japan for hot springs and skiing in 2024
#2024wish
FUFU Nara encounters playful deer in a yukata
🏯 Nara was once the capital of Japan, containing rich cultural history and beautiful scenery, many people choose it as their first choice for traveling in Japan, feeling the past time ⌛️
🏨 FUFU series hotel first entered Kansai, located on the south side of Nara Park, within walking distance to Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Outside the courtyard, you can see cute deer, and inside the courtyard is a quiet ancient city inn ⛩
● Time to reminisce
👨🏻🎨 The hotel is designed by famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, interpreting the traditional Japanese architectural thought 'courtyard house as one'
🏆 The lobby displays wood carvings, rust paintings and other historical treasures, with a low-key and stable temperament
🛋 5 types of 30 suites in total, creating a simple and rustic feel with wooden furniture, decorated with linen, iron art and other local handmade decorations, the garden outside the window presents different expressions with the seasons
♨️ Each room has a spacious balcony and a private open-air hot spring, and is equipped with a natural herbal bath sachet; 👘 After the bath, wear the Japanese yukata and feather woven coat prepared by the hotel to stroll in the garden, it's pleasant and comfortable
● Fusion cuisine
🍶 Kaiseki cuisine 'Dripping Green': Nara is the birthplace of Japanese herbal medicine, rich nourishing ingredients combined with Wagyu beef, bird cheese, cooked with Chinese medicine method to create a creative Kaiseki cuisine with color, aroma and taste
🍳 Teppanyaki 'Kuri': The smoke from the iron plate and the rich aroma of meat, like a feast for the senses
🥃 Lounge 'Lotus': Order a whiskey, wine or original cocktail, jazz music and lights create a charming night
🍱 Breakfast: Japanese breakfast is as exquisite and rich as the garden scenery, don't miss the ancient tea porridge special to Nara
🍵 Afternoon tea: Nara matcha paired with Japanese honey cake or Wagashi, enjoy the afternoon time
● Healing time
🌿 Medicinal hot spring: The bicarbonate hot spring is rich in sodium, calcium and other elements, in addition to the private hot spring in the room, there is also a hot spring medicinal bath that can be rented - Suzaku's bath
💆🏻♂️ Herbal SPA: Collaborate with high-end brand Sisley to create a SPA with multiple effects, herbal bath and special herbal drink, leading the senses into a luxurious journey
💐 Yoga Mountain Garden: The hotel has restored the Japanese historical and cultural heritage 'Yoga Mountain Garden', and designed a Japanese inner courtyard with its height difference, and will also hold flower arrangement classes from time to time
● Historical experience
⛩ Morning walk: Guided by a guide who knows Nara history like the back of his hand, take you to Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world, stroll through Nara Park, off-the-beaten-path sightseeing spot Tobihino, visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and tell the story
⛰️ Nature walk: Along the mountains and valleys, step into the ancient trade route of Nara, visit the original secluded waterfall of Kasuga Mountain, and reach the mountain top observation deck overlooking the whole view of Nara
🚲 Rickshaw sightseeing: You can choose from three lines: Mikasa, Wakakusa, Takamaru, and Kasuga for sightseeing, and listen to the rickshaw driver explain the history and culture along the way
● Encounter the ancient city
🏛 Nara National Museum: One of the only four national museums in Japan
🏯 Nara-machi: Retains the characteristics of townhouses from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era
🌸 Yoshino Mountain: One of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan
Nara Deer Park is fun for kids! 🦌
#fallishere
If you are in Osaka you might as well visit Nara Park where you can just relax and chill in the park. No entrance fee. Free to roam around and enjoy the company of cute deers.
This part of the trip was so exhilarating. It's simply stunning. The whole experience was amazing.
The open fields, the shrines, the deer, everything was beautiful. Recommended to explore the park further and enjoy the nature.
Be prepared to walk at least 20k steps and wear comfortable shoes.
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