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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Niko_is_ on 2024-12-23 21:42:31+00:00.

I’ll keep this short, but I think it is vital - Google Maps… everyone says it is amazing and YES, it is for train schedules, but not for walking. I spend hours circling in Kyoto and Osaka because the map would say I passed it when I hadn’t even reached a turn, or didn’t alert me to stairs (sometimes it did so it is capable). My location was on high-accuracy. The main thing, though, to save your sanity double check the local map of the station. For example, the map said to enter at Entrance 7, but it directed me and told me I arrived at Entrance 5, which was almost fully around the block from 7. I swear I am not dumb, I met another person on the plane back who agreed with me.

Osaka Aquarium- Completely worth it and even though the floor seems to direct you one way (arrows) through the aquarium to the exit, you can totally walk back in and go backwards and it’s not against the rules (I wasn’t sure since it was so specifically laid out).

TeamLabs Planets- I only needed 45 minutes, taking my time. It was about $25 USD? I think? So while I think it was very cool and I’m glad I went, mentally prepare if that short of a visit isn’t worth the money for you. Maybe if you’re with a group it will take longer, I went solo.

Skytree Christmas- They had so many cool Christmas decorations up!! Definitely go if you’re in the area already or going before the new year. Also they have a Christmas market on the top of the Skytree shopping center. Shopping- I found so many things I wanted to buy there, but decided to wait until the end of my trip. Well let me tell you, I did not find many of those things again. So while I’m glad I didn’t have to haul them around, I didn’t see them elsewhere like I thought I would - I incorrectly assumed it was touristy stuff bc, Skytree, and they were chopsticks and chopstick rests. I definitely saw a ton of them everywhere, but if you fall in love with something, just get it.

Free Gifts that can be souvenirs- If you fill out guest surveys you tend to get a gift. I received a small hand towel from Rikugien (or a pen) and a pretty postcard of a bunraku puppet from the Koto Cultural Center (the only place I could find Bunraku show- they had excellent audio guides).

Koto Cultural Center- I didn’t see this in any of my guidebooks, but they were the only ones where I could find Bunraku during my trip dates, and it was basically a local neighborhood as far as I could tell. No tourists. It was me and a bunch of elderly Japanese, with some little old ladies dressed up in their formal kimono for the afternoon show. Unexpectedly great English audio guide, it gave historical info while you waited for the show to start.