Before you go
Travel & Logistics
A few starter tips to make the trip smooth. We'll keep adding to this — shout if you have questions.
Getting there
- Most guests fly into Tokyo (Haneda HND is closest to the city; Narita NRT is further out but common on international routes).
- Fly home from Osaka (Kansai KIX) if you can — it saves backtracking after Kyoto.
Tokyo → Kyoto
- The Tōkaidō Shinkansen (bullet train) runs Tokyo → Kyoto in ~2h15. Reserve a seat on the Nozomi or Hikari.
- Sit on the right-hand side (Row E) heading south-west for a chance at Mt Fuji around 40 min in.
Rail passes & IC cards
- The nationwide JR Pass is now pricey — for a Tokyo-week + one Kyoto leg it often is NOT worth it. Do the maths for your itinerary.
- Get a Suica or PASMO IC card (or add one to Apple Wallet) for trains, buses and convenience stores.
Money
- Japan is still cash-friendly in small bars and markets. Carry some yen; 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.
- Cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but Nishiki Market stalls and tiny izakayas may be cash-only.
Staying connected
- An eSIM (Ubigi, Airalo, or Sakura Mobile) is the easiest data option — set it up before you fly.
- Pocket wifi is an alternative if several of you want to share one connection.
Good to know
- Trains are punctual and quiet — keep phone calls off and voices low.
- Tipping is not customary anywhere. Genuinely.
- Carry a small bag for rubbish — public bins are rare. Convenience stores are everywhere for anything you forget.