Japan intercity travel operates on pre-paid cards: typically PASMO or Suica. Either has worked at every metro station or bus I have been on across Japan. If you go to the information desks at a metro station they can help you purchase a card and load...
Transport pass
JR pass is only beneficial if you are travel to/from multiple cities in Japan, i.e. Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka > Hiroshima. The JR pass allows you to travel on bullet trains and local metros, but you will still need an additional travel card on non-JR metro lines. If you are only traveling out to one or two cities, it is more cost effective to purchase bullet ...
Japan Rail Pass - Travel by Train
Cash is king is many locations in Japan. Within Tokyo, a lot of locations will accept cards, but many locations such as the fish markets and small mom-and-pop stops will only take cash. We have always withdrawn cash at Narita Airport - the ATMs are t...
ATM | NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Activities & Attractions
Google Maps links available in the comments.
Honestly, the cafe was less impressive than I anticipated, but we booked the five-course meal and it was a really fun experience! The area surrounding has a Harry Potter custom store and the majority of shops in the region have some form of Potterhea...
*BOOK AHEAD* Their website will release reservations two weeks in advance. For example, around July 15th they will release tickets for August 1st - 15th. They will book out, especially on weekends.
Harry Potter Cafe
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A definite must-stop and so much more than a fish market. Of course you will get some delicious sashimi, but we have also had amazing strawberry mochi, kobe beef skewers, and fresh fruit cups.
I'll post a link in the comments to the little shop we ate at on several occasions at the Tsukiji Fish Market - yummy tuna sashimi don!
Tsukiji Outer Market
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This is said to be the biggest (and newest) Pokémon center in Tokyo. It is really just a large merchandise center, but it was fun to look around. They have a cafe available as well, but reservations are required for seating.
Pokemon Center Tokyo DX
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A beautiful, beautiful viewpoint of the city during day time or night time. I have been during both times; the only problem with going in the evening is that you will have difficulty getting tickets to the Top Deck, which I would also recommend wheth...
東京タワー TokyoTower
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We thoroughly enjoyed our baseball game! We saw the Saitama Seibu Lions and we loved the experience. They sell ramen and fried chicken in their snack shacks, have beer girls running the stadium with carry-kegs, and are an excellent mix of the high-en...
We were able to reach the stadium by taking several trains from Tokyo - one of which had to be specially reserved as it is a “limited express train”.
Belluna Dome Stadium Information | Saitama Seibu Lions | JapanBall.com
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Also called the “Cat Temple”, this small temple is off the beaten path but a worthwhile stop to see a piece of Japanese culture. Honestly, there's not a lot here of significant interest other than the hundreds of maneki-neko (cats), but there's no wa...
Gotokuji Temple: Birthplace of Maneki-neko
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Most people have this on their list as a “must-see”. I would say it isn't a “travel out of your way to see” destination, but it definitely has high energy and is interesting to see. Immediately nearby there is also the Hachiko Memorial Statue for Hac...
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
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Cute little animal cafe. There are vending machine coffees and teas that come with your admission to the cafe, but don't expect a barista or fancy coffee. You will need to make reservations ahead of time through their website. They have otters, hedgehogs, rabbits, and chinchillas. I always tend to be a little cautious around animal cafes, worried that the animals will be uncared for or abused, but the otters genuinely seemed to enjoy and have relationships with their caret...
HARRY HARAJUKU terrace|ハリネズミカフェ®(原宿、横浜)
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Beautiful, unassuming shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, located immediately behind Harajuku Station. On the walk to the entrance you will pass decorative sake barrels and wine casks.
Meiji Shrine
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Tokyo Imperial Palace - a beautiful grounds to walk around and explore on a cool day. Full of history and beautiful gardens.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
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Eats
Super cute brewery in the basement of a building. Good snacks, good beer, excellent ambiance.
新宿東口店 - Yona Yona Beer Works Shinjuku
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Fanciest Starbucks we've been to with a full cocktail menu of Starbucks themed drinks. Their bar opens at 8am. A fun stop for sure!
The Tokyo Roastery, Starbucks
Even if it's not this location, gyukatsu should be on your list of foods to try in Japan! This location was adorable and delicious - a hole in the wall, basement location with very limited seating. Most gyukatsu places we've been to have had this sam...
GYUKATSU MOTOMURA HARAJUKU, Shibuya
Delicious brunch spot. We had ricotta soufflé pancakes and the fresh Aussie breakfast - both were amazing! Would recommend making a reservation, or you'll wait in a decent line, but the food is worth it. And the views are outstanding from their location.
Bills
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Starbucks is more of the deal in Japan - and this location is awesome. They have outdoor seating, high above the city, with beautiful views. Additionally, this location is immediately below Bills, the amazing brunch spot I also shared. So grab a coff...
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Small and quaint little brewery right in Kabukicho - a bustling area full of personality and color. Just around the corner is the Godzilla statue on the top of the building, which I will link in the comments.
Shinjuku Ale
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A cute little street with bustling street shops hawking yakatori and gyoza. Can be difficult to find seating, but it's a unique experience that's worth at least walking through.