Japan Trove

Japan Trove

Author: JapanTrove Editorial

  • Best Day Trips from Tokyo: Hakone, Nikko & Mt. Fuji

    Best Day Trips from Tokyo: Hakone, Nikko & Mt. Fuji

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you book through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Tokyo is amazing, but some of Japan’s best experiences are a short train ride away. These three day trips — Hakone, Nikko, and the Mt. Fuji area — are all doable as round trips and give you mountains, hot springs, and shrines without changing hotels.

    Hakone — hot springs & Mt. Fuji views

    About 90 minutes from Shinjuku, Hakone is the classic onsen escape. Do the scenic “loop”: mountain railway, cablecar, a pirate ship across Lake Ashi, and (on a clear day) Fuji views. Soak in an onsen before heading back. The Hakone Free Pass covers most of the transport and is easy to buy in English on Klook .

    Nikko — shrines in the mountains

    Two hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage town of ornate shrines set in cedar forest, plus waterfalls and a scenic lake up the mountain. Toshogu Shrine is the highlight. Best in autumn for the foliage.

    Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko) — the iconic view

    For that postcard Fuji shot reflected in a lake, head to the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko). Great for photos, a ropeway, and lakeside cafés. Note: Fuji is clearest in the colder months and early mornings; summer often hides it in cloud.

    How to choose

    • Want hot springs + Fuji + variety? Hakone.
    • Love temples & nature? Nikko.
    • Chasing the perfect Fuji photo? Kawaguchiko.

    Tips

    • Go early. First train out beats the crowds and the afternoon clouds.
    • Check the pass math. Regional day passes usually beat singles — related: is the JR Pass worth it?
    • Book guided tours if you want zero logistics; compare on GetYourGuide or Klook.

    Fitting these into a week? See our 7-day Japan itinerary and sort your eSIM and Tokyo base first.

  • Best Japanese Stationery: Pens, Notebooks & Where to Buy

    Best Japanese Stationery: Pens, Notebooks & Where to Buy

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japanese stationery has a cult following for good reason: pens that write like a dream, notebooks with paper so smooth it feels wrong, and clever little tools you didn’t know you needed. Here’s where to start — whether you’re a note-taker, a bullet journaler, or just curious.

    Pens worth the hype

    • Uni-ball Kuru Toga — a mechanical pencil whose lead rotates to stay sharp. Genius.
    • Pilot Juice / Uni Signo — smooth gel pens in gorgeous colors.
    • Pentel EnerGel / Zebra Sarasa — fast-drying, buttery writers.
    • Pilot Kakuno / Lamy-alternative fountain pens — a friendly, cheap way into fountain pens.

    Notebooks & paper

    • Kokuyo Campus — the everyday student notebook; excellent paper for the price.
    • Midori MD — minimalist, fountain-pen friendly.
    • Hobonichi Techo — the beloved daily planner with ultra-thin Tomoe River paper.

    Clever extras

    • Washi tape — decorative paper tape for journaling and gifts.
    • Sticky notes & page markers (Post-it Japan, Kanmido) in shapes you won’t find elsewhere.
    • Desk tools — precise scissors, staple-free staplers, and tiny organizers.

    Where to buy

    JetPens is the specialist most fans use outside Japan — a curated catalog of Japanese pens, paper, and tools with detailed guides and worldwide shipping. → JetPens . Amazon also stocks many Uni, Pilot, and Zebra pens. → Amazon

    Want a monthly surprise?

    Stationery subscription boxes (like ZenPop) send a themed set each month — a fun way to discover new brands. In Japan, visit Itoya in Ginza or a Loft/Tokyu Hands store. New to buying from Japan generally? See how to buy from Japan.

  • Best Japanese Sunscreens: Anessa, Biore & More (Buyer’s Guide)

    Best Japanese Sunscreens: Anessa, Biore & More (Buyer’s Guide)

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    If you buy one thing from Japanese skincare, make it sunscreen. Japanese sunscreens are famous for feeling weightless — no white cast, no greasy film — which is why people actually reapply them. Here’s what to know and which cult bottles to try.

    Why Japanese sunscreens are different

    They pioneered elegant, high-protection formulas (look for SPF50+ PA++++) that dry to a near-invisible finish. Many double as a smooth makeup base. The textures are the reason people are obsessed.

    Cult sunscreens to try

    • Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk — the gold standard; sweat- and water-resistant, great for travel and beach days.
    • Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence — the famous budget hero; feather-light and cheap enough for daily generous use.
    • Skin Aqua (Rohto) — light, affordable, several finishes (tone-up, moisture).
    • Allie / Nivea Sun Protect (Japan) — solid daily options with nice textures.

    How to use it right

    • Use enough. Most people underapply — two finger-lengths for the face.
    • Reapply every few hours outdoors; that’s the whole point of a nice texture.
    • Last step in the morning, after moisturizer.

    Where to buy

    • YesStyle — wide range of Anessa, Biore, Skin Aqua. → YesStyle
    • Amazon — carries the popular Biore and Anessa lines. → Amazon

    Note: formulas sold in Japan may differ slightly from versions in other markets. Buying in Japan? Drugstores have the best prices. Pair sunscreen with the basics in our Japanese skincare guide.

  • Best Japanese Skincare (J-Beauty): A Beginner’s Guide & Where to Buy

    Best Japanese Skincare (J-Beauty): A Beginner’s Guide & Where to Buy

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japanese skincare (J-beauty) is loved for one reason: effective, no-nonsense products at fair prices. The philosophy is gentle, consistent care — hydration and sun protection over gimmicks. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the categories and cult products worth buying, and where to get them abroad.

    The J-beauty approach

    Where some routines pile on ten steps, J-beauty focuses on cleanse, hydrate, protect: a good cleanser, a hydrating lotion (a watery essence, not a Western “lotion”), a moisturizer, and — non-negotiable — daily sunscreen.

    Cult products to know

    • Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion — the iconic hydrating lotion; cheap and beloved.
    • Hatomugi (Job’s Tears) lotion — big bottle, gentle, great for layering.
    • Cleansing oils (DHC, Shu Uemura, Bioré) — Japan does oil cleansing exceptionally well.
    • Melano CC vitamin C essence — a budget cult favorite for brightening.
    • Sheet masks — Lululun and others sell daily-use packs.
    • Sunscreen — the crown jewel; see our best Japanese sunscreens guide.

    How to build a simple routine

    1. AM: gentle cleanse → hydrating lotion → moisturizer → sunscreen.
    2. PM: oil cleanse (if wearing sunscreen/makeup) → water cleanse → lotion → moisturizer.

    Add treatments (vitamin C, retinol) slowly, one at a time.

    Where to buy outside Japan

    • YesStyle — huge J-beauty (and K-beauty) range, ships worldwide, frequent deals. → YesStyle
    • iHerb — reliable for many Japanese/Asian skincare and health items. → iHerb
    • Amazon — carries many Hada Labo, Melano CC, and cleansing oils. → Amazon

    Visiting Japan? The best prices are at drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi — a drugstore haul guide is coming. Meanwhile, don’t skip the one step that matters most: sunscreen.

  • Japanese Kit Kat Flavors: Which to Try & How to Get Them

    Japanese Kit Kat Flavors: Which to Try & How to Get Them

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japan has made hundreds of Kit Kat flavors — many exclusive to regions or seasons — and they’re one of the most popular edible souvenirs in the world. Here’s a guide to the flavors worth trying and, if you’re not in Japan, how to actually get them.

    Why Japan is Kit Kat obsessed

    “Kit Kat” sounds like kitto katsu (“you’ll surely win”) in Japanese, so they became a good-luck gift — especially for students taking exams. That cultural hook plus relentless limited editions turned them into collectibles.

    Flavors worth trying

    • Matcha (Uji green tea) — the classic; rich and slightly bitter. A must.
    • Strawberry — sweet, reliable crowd-pleaser.
    • Sake — subtle rice-wine notes; a fun grown-up one.
    • Wasabi — sweet-then-warm; better than it sounds.
    • Hojicha (roasted tea) — toasty and mellow.
    • Regional exclusives — Tokyo Banana, Shinshu apple, Hokkaido melon, and more, sold only in their home areas or airports.

    Where to buy them

    In Japan

    Convenience stores and supermarkets for everyday flavors; Don Quijote and airport shops for the widest variety and regional gift boxes.

    From abroad

    Two easy options:

    Gift tip

    Regional Kit Kat assortment boxes make excellent, affordable souvenirs — they’re pre-packaged as gifts and travel well. Pair them with other picks from our Japanese snack guide.

  • How to Buy Anime Figures from Japan (HLJ, AmiAmi & CDJapan)

    How to Buy Anime Figures from Japan (HLJ, AmiAmi & CDJapan)

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Want that anime figure, Gunpla kit, or piece of merch straight from the source? Buying from Japan is easy once you know the right stores. Here’s how to order authentic figures and hobby goods and get them shipped home — without overpaying.

    The two ways to buy

    1. Dedicated hobby retailers that ship internationally — the simplest route for most items.
    2. A proxy service for things that only sell domestically (limited lottery prizes, Mercari, store exclusives) — see how to buy from Japan with a proxy.

    Best stores that ship worldwide

    HobbyLink Japan (HLJ)

    A veteran hobby store with a massive catalog of figures, Gunpla, and model kits, plus a “Private Warehouse” that lets you consolidate orders to save shipping. Great prices on pre-orders. → HLJ

    AmiAmi

    Famous for deep discounts on figures and pre-orders, and a huge selection. A go-to for collectors chasing value. → AmiAmi

    CDJapan

    Best when you also want music, Blu-rays, art books, and merch alongside figures. Reliable international shipping and points. → CDJapan

    Pre-orders: how they work

    Most sought-after figures sell as pre-orders months before release. You reserve, then pay near ship date. Reserve early — popular figures close fast and resell for far more later.

    Save on shipping (the real cost)

    • Consolidate. Use a store’s warehouse feature to combine items into one box.
    • Pick the right courier. Surface/economy for heavy kits; air/EMS for urgent, light items.
    • Mind customs. Check your country’s duty threshold before a big order.

    New to building?

    If figures led you to model kits, start with a beginner-friendly Gunpla grade (HG or EG) and a basic tool set — guide coming soon. For snacks and other goodies from Japan, see our picks for the best Japanese snack boxes, or learn the proxy method for anything that won’t ship abroad.

  • Suica vs Pasmo: Which IC Card to Get (and How)

    Suica vs Pasmo: Which IC Card to Get (and How)

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you book through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    An IC card is the single most useful thing you’ll get in Japan. Tap it to ride any train, subway, or bus, and use it to pay at convenience stores, vending machines, and lots of shops. Here’s how Suica, Pasmo, and the tourist versions compare.

    Suica vs Pasmo — what’s the difference?

    Honestly, almost none. Both are rechargeable tap cards that work nationwide on nearly all transit and at the same shops. Suica is run by JR East, Pasmo by the private railways. Pick whichever you can get first.

    Mobile Suica/Pasmo — the best option for many

    If you have an iPhone (or Apple Watch), you can add a Suica or Pasmo straight into Apple Wallet and top it up with your credit card — no physical card, no queue, no deposit. This is often the easiest route for visitors. Some Android/Google Pay setups support it too, depending on region.

    Physical cards for tourists

    Due to a chip shortage, standard plastic Suica/Pasmo have had limited availability at times. Tourist versions to look for:

    • Welcome Suica — no deposit, valid 28 days, for visitors.
    • Pasmo Passport — similar tourist card.

    You buy these at airport stations and major terminals. If mobile Suica works on your phone, though, you may not need a physical card at all.

    How to use it

    • Top up at any station machine (cash) or, on mobile, with your card.
    • Tap in and out at train gates — it calculates the fare automatically.
    • Pay at konbini by saying the card name and tapping.

    Do you still need a rail pass?

    IC cards handle city travel and short hops perfectly. For long-distance Shinkansen trips, that’s a separate decision — see whether the JR Pass is worth it. For everything else, an IC card plus an eSIM covers your day-to-day. New to Japan? Start with our first-timer tips.

  • Narita & Haneda to Tokyo: How to Get into the City

    Narita & Haneda to Tokyo: How to Get into the City

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you book through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Tokyo has two airports, and they’re very different distances from the city. Here’s the simple guide to getting from Narita and Haneda into central Tokyo without overpaying or getting lost.

    From Haneda (close — 30–45 min)

    Haneda is the closer, easier airport. Best options:

    • Keikyu Line / Tokyo Monorail — cheap and fast to Shinagawa/Hamamatsucho, then connect on the Yamanote line. Tap in with a Suica/Pasmo.
    • Airport Limousine Bus — direct to major hotels; great with luggage.
    • Taxi — reasonable at night if you’re a group heading to a central hotel.

    From Narita (far — 60–90 min)

    Narita is ~60 km out, so the transfer matters more:

    • Keisei Skyliner — fastest to Ueno/Nippori (about 40 min); buy discounted tickets in advance.
    • Narita Express (N’EX) — direct to Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama; comfortable with big bags.
    • Airport Limousine Bus — door-to-hotel, no transfers.
    • Budget buses — cheapest to Tokyo Station if you’re watching every yen.

    You can pre-book Skyliner, N’EX, and bus tickets in English (often discounted) on Klook , which saves queueing at the airport counter.

    Which to choose

    • Light bags, want cheapest: trains + IC card.
    • Lots of luggage / late arrival: Limousine Bus or taxi straight to the hotel.
    • Narita to west Tokyo (Shinjuku/Shibuya): N’EX; to Ueno/Asakusa: Skyliner.

    Before you land

    Have your eSIM active so maps work immediately, know which neighborhood your hotel is in, and grab an IC card at the station. Then you’re ready for the 7-day itinerary.

  • Best Time to Visit Japan: A Month-by-Month Guide

    Best Time to Visit Japan: A Month-by-Month Guide

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you book through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    There’s no single “best” month to visit Japan — it depends on whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, snow, or just fewer crowds and lower prices. Here’s an honest month-by-month breakdown.

    Season by season

    Spring (March–May) — cherry blossoms

    The famous sakura bloom, usually late March to early April in Tokyo/Kyoto. Beautiful but the busiest and priciest window — book hotels months ahead. Late May is quieter and pleasant.

    Summer (June–August) — festivals & heat

    June is rainy season; July–August are hot and humid but full of fireworks and matsuri festivals. Great for northern Japan (Hokkaido) and mountains, tough in the cities.

    Autumn (September–November) — best all-rounder

    Comfortable temperatures and spectacular fall foliage (peaking Nov in Kyoto). Arguably the best mix of weather, scenery, and manageable crowds. Watch for typhoons in September.

    Winter (December–February) — snow & deals

    Cold but crisp and clear, world-class skiing in Hokkaido/Nagano, onsen in the snow, and the lowest prices and crowds (outside New Year). Illuminations everywhere.

    Quick picks

    • First trip, best weather: late October–November.
    • Cherry blossoms: late March–early April (book early).
    • Fewest crowds & cheapest: January–February (skip New Year week).
    • Skiing: January–February.

    Crowds & costs

    Avoid the three big domestic holidays when everything is packed and pricey: New Year (late Dec–early Jan), Golden Week (late April–early May), and Obon (mid-August). Traveling just outside these saves money and stress. Whenever you go, lock in central hotels early via Booking.com .

    Once you’ve picked your month, map out the days with our 7-day itinerary and sort trains and an eSIM.

  • First Time in Japan: 20 Things to Know Before You Go

    First Time in Japan: 20 Things to Know Before You Go

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy or book through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japan is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel — once you know a handful of local rules. Here are the things first-timers most often wish someone had told them before landing.

    Money & payments

    • Carry some cash. Cards and IC cards work widely now, but small restaurants, shrines, and rural spots are still cash-only. Convenience-store ATMs (7-Eleven, Japan Post) accept foreign cards 24/7.
    • Get an IC card. Suica or Pasmo tap you through trains and buy things at konbini — see our IC card guide.
    • Tax-free shopping exists for tourists over a spend threshold — bring your passport.

    Trains

    • Use Google Maps — it’s excellent for Japanese trains, showing platforms and exact carriages.
    • Don’t overbuy the rail pass. After the 2023 price hike, singles are often cheaper — check our JR Pass guide.
    • Be quiet on trains. Phone calls are a no; keep your voice low.

    Etiquette that matters

    • No tipping. It can cause confusion — service is included.
    • Don’t eat while walking in most places; step aside.
    • Shoes off where you see a step up and slippers (ryokan, some restaurants, homes).
    • Trash bins are rare — carry a small bag and dispose at your hotel or a konbini.
    • Queue neatly and stand on the correct side of the escalator (left in Tokyo, right in Osaka).

    Connectivity & language

    • Set up data before you fly with an eSIM.
    • Download a translation app; camera translation is a lifesaver for menus.
    • A few words go a long way: arigatou (thanks), sumimasen (excuse me/sorry).

    Practical bits

    • Konbini are your friend — food, ATMs, tickets, clean toilets. Learn to shop Japan in general and you’ll never be stuck.
    • Luggage forwarding (takkyubin) lets you send bags hotel-to-hotel cheaply — travel light on transit days.
    • Book central hotels early — see where to stay in Tokyo.

    Ready to plan the days? Follow our 7-day first-timer itinerary.