Vending machines make up a huge section of the fabric of the country whether you are in a big city or out in the countryside. There are 5 million vending machines to be found across the country. That’s one vending machine for every 23 people and these babies rack in more than $60 billion annually! So next time you’re visiting Japan you need to check them out! But you’ll be surprised to find more than just soda and candy inside…

Japanese vending machines sell everything from flowers to fish. From bread to bees. Uncovering hidden vending machines selling strange oddities becomes an unwritten game on your travels. Every new street you walk down an opportunity to discover something new!

Japanese Vending Machines

1. History
2. Why are Vending Machines so Popular in Japan?
3. How to Pay
4. Checklist
5. Drink Vending Machines
6. Popcorn Vending Machine
7. Canned Oden
8. Mystery Vending Machine
9. Akihabara Gachapon Hall
10. Sake Tasting Vending Machine
11. Pokémon vending machine
12. Omamori Vending Machine
13. Shibuya 109 T-shirt Vending Machine
14. Hot Food Vending Machine
15. Fruit Vending Machines
16. Natto Vending Machine
17. Flower Vending Machine
18. Dashi Soup Stock 
19. Bread in a Can
20. Bugs in a Can
21. Umbrella Vending Machine
22. Cigarette Machine
23. Corn Potage
24. Ice Cream
25. Crepes
26. Medical Masks
27. Vegetable Vending Machines
28. Egg Vending Machines
29. Rice Vending Machines
30. Curry Vending Machine
31. Instant Noodles Vending Machine
32. PCR Testing Kit Vending Machine
33. Jihanki Shokudo

History

The very first vending machine was made in Alexandria in 251 BC! It was a holy water dispenser. It worked by inserting a coin into a slot and the weight of the coin would trigger a lever to dispense a vial of holy water. The different weights of the various coins would dispense different sizes of holy water. Impressive that such an invention dates back so far into history.

The first Japanese vending machine was made in 1888. It was designed by Tawaraya Koshichi who was an amateur inventor and full-time furniture maker. Koshichi sold tobacco out of his machine, a popular kind of vending machine still to this day.

One of the oldest remaining vending machines is still on display in the Postal Museum of Japan, located in Tokyo. The machine dated back to 1904 and was an automatic stamp and postcard vending machine.

The boom of vending machines began in the 1950s with automated “fountain-style juice dispensers” installed inside office buildings. These machines would dispense a cup of juice for just 10 yen into a small paper cup. You could get a little taste of your favourite drink without needing to leave the office. These caught on like wildfire and more and more machines began appearing all over Japan.  In the 60s and 70s, vending machines were used to dispense short-distance tickets at train stations. In these more remote locations where it wasn’t financially viable to employ human workers 24/hours a day, these made a huge change in how the rail system functioned. And now, automated machines are responsible for almost 100% of the ticketing at metro stations in Japan.

Why are Vending Machines so Popular in Japan?

There are lots of different reasons why the vending machine’s popularity exploded in Japan. In many of the larger, more populated cities, real estate costs are astronomically high. Therefore, vending machines have become the best option to replace medium and small-sized convenience stores. This also means cost-savings in the workforce as you don’t need to employ a cashier full time to checkout customers. All you need is one man to replace the stock every few days (or more frequently depending on the location.)

Japanese people are also overly concerned with convenience. They are busy people with workdays exceeding those of any other country. So being able to run out and get a coffee from a “vendo” means you don’t even need to walk down the street to the local coffee shop.

While other countries keep most of their vending machines safe indoors, in Japan there are millions outside. The crime rate in Japan is so low that the machines are rarely ever vandalized. Lastly, Japanese people love automation. Japan has long been a country of extraordinary inventions. Many of these vending machines are an automated answer to a physical problem and the Japanese love to see their ingenuity in action.

How to Pay

Japan is a majorly cash-based society. A surprising thing considering how we sometimes view Japan as this metropolis of modernity. Most vending machines require coins to dispense any item inside. In the past few years we can started to see more and more modern machines, some of which have entirely LED displays. These newer machines are able to accept cards but often then only works with local credit cards.

Over the years, more and more machines have been retrofitted with tap payments. This works with your Suica and Pasmo metro cards. These cards are meant to be used to pay for your trips on the metro but can be preloaded with funds and used at vending machines and even some convenience stores. If you are travelling on the public rail system you’ll need one of these cards so I would always advise you to load it up with more money than you think as you’ll find so many different ways to use your cards.

Checklist

I’ve included a fun checklist of the most interesting vending machines I’ve found on my travels if you want to make a game of this hunt too! If you discover some new ones, add them to the list and please comment on this post of what they are and where you found them here so other people can find them too! Some of these vending have specific locations and I’ve done my best to add those to a google map at the bottom of this post for you to follow! Others are scattered around the city so you just need to keep your eyes peeled. Happy Hunting!

Drink Vending Machines

I have an entire post dedicated just to the incredible and exciting drinks you can find inside vending machines in Japan. In general, these consist of the following categories:

• Sodas
• Juices
• Yogurt Drinks
• Milk
• Coffee
• Tea
• Water
• Vitamin Drinks
• Alcohol

Feel free to check out my post entirely dedicated to these unique creations to see if you can find them all or discover a new favourite for yourself.

Popcorn Vending Machine

Akihabara, the kingdom of Otaku culture, is one of the main hubs where you can find the best vending machines in the city! One of the most popular places for vending machine hunters has been dubbed Akihabara Vending Machine Corner. I’ve pinned the location of this place on the map at the bottom of this post.

Right out front is the ever-popular Popcorn Vending Machine. This retro-styled machine pops freshly made popcorn on demand for just 220 yen a cup. While the device looks old and run down, the popcorn it produces is surprisingly fresh and delicious! That’s one of the most interesting things about Japan, even those things that look old and unusable are maintained in perfect working order. So don’t let the age fool you!

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Canned Oden

Also found in Akihabara’s vending machine corner is the canned oden machine. Oden is a Japanese one-pot dish consisting of ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon, konjac, and fishcakes all inside a light, soy-flavoured dashi broth. The canned version is served piping hot, even inside the vending machine. You peel off the lid and inside is a little toothpick that helps you eat all the ingredients in the soup. To drink the broth you just need to sip it like a drink. While this might seem pretty strange for those in a rush or who need a hit of oden before the konbinis open, this is super convenient!

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If you can’t make it out to Japan to see and experience the amazing food for yourself you should check out Sugoi Mart, a Japanese online store, shipping all over the world everything that Japan has to offer. From snacks, chocolates, anime licenses to toys and collectibles, our motto is pretty much: You want it? They have it! If they don’t, let them know and they will! Use Promo code: CREATIVE15 for 15% OFF today!

Mystery Vending Machine

Perhaps one machine that has gained notoriety over the last few years is the Akihabara Mystery Vending Machine. To be honest with you, this machine is a total novelty. While it’s interesting to look at, don’t waste your money getting anything from inside it. Inside this ubiquitous machine, are a series of white boxes. On the exteriors are strange notes and weird poems that have absolutely nothing to do with the contents inside. Each one costs around 500 yen and while they suck you in to imagine you’ll get a real unique surprise they are nothing more than stale chocolates and other cheap everyday snacks. It’s worth a laugh to look at but save your money for something else.

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Akihabara Gachapon Hall

Gachapon refers to the little vending machines that dispense capsule toys. The word ‘Gachapon ‘is onomatopoeia for the sound the crank makes when you use the machine. These little brightly coloured machines each contain different sets of toys, and you never know which item from the collection you’re going to receive. It’s totally random. Most locations include some rare toys which become sought-after collector treasures. The toys change pretty often, so there’s always something new to buy.

We found little plastic cats were sitting on rice cookers, tiny replicas of vintage buckets, Pokemon-shaped cookies, and lots of Japanese cartoon characters often themed around the nearest holiday. These make for small, cheap souvenirs to bring home for friends and family. They are wonderfully weird and always unexpected. The Akihabara Gachapon Hall is where you can find hundreds of these machines all in one place. Although spotting them all over the city is a fun little activity, if you’re looking for something in particular, then this is the place you should check out!

Sake Tasting Vending Machine

Located inside the minature mall near the west exit of Ryogoku Station is ‘Tokyo Store.’ Inside this small stand-up bar, you’ll find a series of sake vending machines. Inside the metal and glass boxes are sake bottles from all over Japan. But you aren’t buying the whole bottle. Instead, you can drop your coins into the dispenser and try out a small shot of sake from that region. Inside each machine are three types of sake: Junmai shu (200 yen/cup), Ginjo-shu (300 yen/cup) and Daiginjo-shu (400 yen/cup). Each one is brewed slightly differently, and they each have progressively stronger alcohol content. The more alcohol, the more expensive the drink.

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To use the vending machines, take one of the small blue and white ceramic cups from the clean station and choose your sake. Place the cup under the dispenser and drop in your coins. Then your cup will be filled up with that specified sake! If you don’t have 100 yen coins, there is a change dispense located at the store’s front. If you’ve never tried sake before, this is a great way to see what you like and don’t like. Feel free to share your shots with a friend to ensure you don’t get too buzzed, as some of the sake can be pretty strong!

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Pokémon vending machine

Over in Odaiba, you can find a Pokémon vending machine. Pokémon stores are one of the most sought after shops in Tokyo. Since the Odaiba mall doesn’t have a Pokémon store, they have installed this little vendo to ensure, you can still “catch them all!” This is one of the most modern vending machines, with a touch screen and a digital inventory. Inside this machine, you’ll find everything from the newest plushy toys to themed keychains. They are dispensed into these adorable white and red boxes, an added bonus to the entire experience.

Omamori Vending Machine

Omamori are Japanese amulets commonly sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each one is dedicated to particular Shinto kami. Kamis are important spirits or gods in Shintoism. The kami embody values and virtues and are thought to be ancient ancestors made of different forces of nature. Outside Japanese shrines, there are usually little shops where you can buy various Omamori. These amulets are said to provide various forms of luck or protection.

Over the years, as fewer people are working inside these shrines as the population dwindles, they needed to come up with a way to still sell these items. In this case, vending machines have given visitors the ability to get their dose of protection at any time of the day, without the need for an open kiosk. Good luck on demand. Can’t get more modern than that!

Shibuya 109 T-shirt Vending Machine

At the entrance to the popular shopping mall Shibuya 109, you’ll find a brightly coloured t-shirt vending machine. Inside this machine, you’ll find a series of graphic souvenir t-shirts. The shirts aren’t the cheapest at 1,200 to 2,500 yen apiece, but honestly, the shirts’ designs are pretty impressive.

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Hot Food Vending Machine

24-Hour Hot Meal Vending Machines are found throughout the country in areas where there might not be a restaurant or where people find themselves after hours needing food. The items inside are frozen, and once you insert your money and select your meal, the frozen food is placed inside a microwave where it is reheated automatically. Depending on the type of meal you choose, it will take a different amount of time to reheat, and then the microwave door will pop open. They offer everything from hot dogs, takoyaki (octopus balls), hamburgers, fries and even the iconic fish-shaped dessert taiyaki! Although the food might be a little subpar, the boxes in which the food is packaged are surprisingly well designed. The Yakisoba is most likely your best bet as the noodles reheat pretty well, and the sauce is well flavoured enough to balance out the dish.

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Fruit Vending Machines

For a quick and healthy breakfast on the go, find yourself a Banana or Apple vending machine. These are mainly found inside train stations for people on their way to work. They are sold either by a bunch (for the bananas) or individually packaged. Japanese people tend not to shop for huge grocery orders like we do in North America. So their fridges aren’t constantly stocked with fresh food. So these machines are a great way for them to get some fresh fruit before heading off to work.

Natto Vending Machine

Natto might be the only thing I tried in Japan that I roundly objected to. That being said, so many people love it and swear by its health benefits. Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans that have been fermented. It’s considered a breakfast food but can be eaten anytime. While I’m a fan of fermented kimchi, there is something about the slimy and sticky texture of natto that I just can’t get on board with. Natto vending machines are another popular stop for many salary men and women on their work who need a quick breakfast on the go!

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Flower Vending Machine

In the lower levels of Shinjuku station, you might happen upon these flower vending machines. These vending machines are fairly large in order to dispense full sized bouquets which can even come inside glass vases. For those salarymen who might not have time to stop in at a florist on the way home to their beloved this is a great option. The flowers come in a vareity of sizes, as small as a single rose. They are replcaed daily so there is always something fresh.

Dashi Soup Stock 

At first glance, you might think this vending machine is selling black tea, but if you look closer, you might be shocked at what you see inside. Inside the brown liquid bottles is an entire fish! These are, in fact, not drinks but Dashi soup stock. Dashi is one of the most essential ingredients in many Japanese dishes, like ramen, okonomiyaki and takoyaki.

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It might seem strange to foreigners to see these in such large quantities taking up an entire vending machine, but running out of dashi might be like running out of sugar. And instead of going to the neighbours to borrow a cup of sugar, you can just go to the vending machine down the street. Suppose you’re interested in buying one but have no idea how to use it without cooking an entire pot of soup? In that case, you can pour some into some instant ramen to boost up the flavour or just drizzle it over soft-boiled eggs in the morning for an even more tasty meal.

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Bread in a Can

Inokashira Park, in the quaint neighbourhood of Kichijōji, is home to a few impressive vending machines. Inokashira Park is a beautiful park to visit outside the city centre if you’re looking for a peaceful place to escape to. One of the most popular vending machines you can find here is the canned bread vending machine! Canned bread was invented to preserve food during the war and is still something people eat today. Here in the park, these machine serves flavours like blueberry, strawberry and orange. Although this seems like a bad idea, the bread is surprisingly soft and the fruity jam really adds to the flavour.

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Bugs in a Can

If you thought bread in a can was weird, well, then Inokashira Park has a real surprise in store for you. You can also buy canned grasshoppers or bee larvae from the same vending machine! This is really for the brave at heart. That being said, the bugs are heavily flavoured in soya sauce, so the critters’ taste is pretty muted, you just have to get over the texture…

This vending machine is selling canned inago (grasshoppers) and hachinoko (bee larvae). Baby bees are expensive…! pic.twitter.com/XPvju73g8w

— Matt Alt (@Matt_Alt) January 18, 2016

Umbrella Vending Machine

Japan is known for its extreme weather. Japan’s rainy season lasts from the beginning of June to mid-July and can come out of nowhere. For this reason, you never want to be caught without an umbrella. Lucky for you, they have their fair share of Umbrella vending machines. The umbrellas cost only 500 yen and are surprisingly sturdy considering the low price!

Cigarette Machine

One of the only things I don’t like about Japan is the number of people smoking. Unlike many other countries, smoking is still wildly popular here. And therefore, Cigarette Vending Machines can be found everywhere you go. These require a special age-verification ID card to purchase anything to ensure underage people are not smoking. While I’m not the biggest fan of these machines’ popularity, as it seems to feed the addiction, I would be remiss not to mention them here.

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Corn Potage

You might have heard of the infamous Japanese corn soup in a can and indeed, it’s real! Corn Potage, or corn soup, is a drinkable meal that is served warm and on the go! These are super popular in the winter as a great way to warm up and feed your body as well! While it might seem strange, corn soup is absolutely delicious and totally worth your time and money to try! You just need to get past the idea of drinking chunky soup, and then you’ll be home free.

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Ice Cream

On hot days in the middle of Japan’s crushingly humid summers, there is nothing better than cold ice cream. But sometimes, when you’re wandering around the park, you don’t want to have to get up and walk all the way over to the convenience store. That’s where ice cream vending machines come in! Ice cream in Japan is superb, and there are so many unique varieties you can find inside these machines.

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Crepes

If ice cream isn’t your favourite dessert, not to fear, vending machines in Japan also serve up crepes! The crepe vending machines serve both hot and cold varieties. They have flavours like cheese and strawberry, chocolate and banana, custard, caramel and more! They cost around 200 yen apiece. These are pretty rare, so if you find one, definitely give it a try!

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Medical Masks

Well before COVID-19, Japan was all over the idea of wearing medical masks. Japanese people take the well-being of others very seriously. Before COVID-19, everyone would wear masks not because they were afraid of other people’s illnesses but instead, to wear if they were feeling unwell as to not spread the disease to others. Because illness can hit at any time, mask dispensers were extremely popular. The vending machine masks also allow the purchaser not to have to interact with anyone either, no need to go inside a convenience store. I’m sure they will be making lots more of these machines in 2021!

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Vegetable Vending Machines

Out in the country, instead of farmers’ markets, vegetable producers can place their goods inside vegetable vending machines where locals can come and pick up their shopping for the day. These have everything from radishes, lettuce, sweet potatoes and more! You won’t find these in big cities where grocery stores are more popular but they are great for rural areas. These are the Japanese version of farm stands we might find on country roads in North America.

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Egg Vending Machines

Eggs vending machines are another item you’ll find in the country. They come as small as packs of 6, the perfect size for a few soft-boiled eggs to make for breakfast in the morning. These vending machines are so adorable and often are designed to look like a giant chicken

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Rice Vending Machines

Another solution servicing the countryside is rice vending machines. These sell rice by the pound in all sorts of varieties. This is a great way to pick up the rice you need for the day or the week without travelling to the grocery store which can sometimes be a far drive depending on the ruralness of the area. Rice is the lifeblood of meals in Japan so the fact these are open 24 hours a day is fantastic!

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Curry Vending Machine

Curry in Japan is one of my favourite things to eat. Japanese curry is unlike Thai or Indian curry, it is a creation all of its own. One way which people have been eating curry for years is in these retort pouches. And vending machine curry pouches were a great way for people to get a delicious curry to cook quickly when they go home. Inside the laminate pouch are different varieties of curry and rice that just need to be dipped in boiling water or microwaved for 3-7 minutes. Then open the pouch and chow down on your curry. It might seem odd to buy your curry in a pouch when there are so many fast-food curry joints but some people who has a particular nostalgia for them swear the flavour is more pronounced in these retort pouches. You’ll have to try it for yourself to find out!

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Instant Noodles Vending Machine

Cup Noodles is a brand of instant ramen we all have eaten in college. It may have been invented in Japan in 1971 but it has since become a phenomenon all over the world. But in Japan, you can get your ramen fix from a Cup Noodles Vending Machine! These single-serving cups of freeze-dried noodles are brought to life with the addition of boiling water. These vending machines sell a variety of different flavours and after the cup is dispensed you use the on-site boiling water station to rehydrate your noodles!

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PCR Testing Kit Vending Machine

This is perhaps the more 2020 Japanese invention of all time – the vending machine PCR Covid testing kit. These machines sell at-home saliva-based kits for 4,500 yen. You just give yourself a swab and mail in the kit for analysis. No need to go into any pharmacies or hospitals for a test possibly spreading the virus further. Right now there are five locations, but more are said to be installed over the next few months.

Jihanki Shokudo

If you’re interested in an experience unlike any other, then head over to Jihanki Shokudo, the Automated Diner. Jihanki Shokudo is a fully unstaffed restaurant featuring a few retro vending machines. These serve up hot noodles, sandwiches, burgers and more! There are several tables inside where you can eat your reheated meal. In addition to the food, there are a series of drink vending machines and a few gatchapon as well. While the machines inside don’t look very fancy and slightly rundown, there are serviced frequently, and the food inside is as fresh as vending machine food can be. For any vending machine addict, it’s worth checking out just for the strangeness of the experience. 

I hope you enjoyed this list of the best vending machines you can seek out in Japan. But I’m sure there are lots more which I have yet to discover. If you have any favourites please let me know in the comments and I’ll be sure to seek them out on my next adventure to Japan.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Amazing Vending Machines You Won’t Believe Exist in Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Otaku Akihabara

Akihabara is often referred to as being the ‘Otaku‘ centre of Tokyo. Otaku refers to a young person who is obsessed with computers or particular aspects of pop culture to the detriment of their social skills. Its kinda like our word “geek” or “nerd.” But just as in our North American vocabulary, these terms are no longer as harmful as they once were. Nerds now run the world! Fantasy comics and movies are now not just for nerds but Hollywood Blockbusters! Initially, Akihabara was known for being a technology hub, it was called electric town. It got this name in WWII when this area was the place where people could find old radio and electronic parts sold illegally under the train lines. It was the only way people could get them since almost everything was given over to the war effort.

Today, you can still find these shops, although they no longer need to hide underground. From old wires to new robotics Akihabara grew into a centre where the geeks of the city would congregate. And today it is this new centre of pop culture. All of these aspects of the neighbourhood make it one of the liveliest areas in Tokyo. If you’ve never been here before hopefully, this guide allows you to explore everything Akihabara has to offer!

Table Of Contents

1. Where to Stay?
2. Where to Eat?
3. What to do?
4. Interesting Vending Machines

Where to Stay?

Glansit Akihabara Capsule Hotel

Capsule Hotels are one of the most unique forms of accommodation in Japan. Capsule hotels are not just a super cool thing to experience; they are also a great way to save some money! Perfect for solo travellers. The Capsules are divided into male and female floors, where you’ll get a single capsule all to yourself to sleep inside. The Glansit Capsules in Akihabara are incredibly modern, clean and even have an onsen attached to the shower area, the perfect way to unwind after a long flight or long day walking around the city.

The capsule here are made of a large, rectangular cube, which is more spacious than you’d imagine. Each capsule comes with its own personal light, tv, bedding, place to plug in all your devices and even air conditioning and a fan. It feels like sleeping in a spaceship. Outside your capsule, you can use all the amenities of a hotel.

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Washington Hotel

If you’re looking for a great hotel, just steps away from all the action than the Washington Hotel is the place for you. This hotel is still within most travellers’ budgets but provides everything you need in the perfect location. The hotel is right across the street from the train station, which makes it super easy to get anywhere in the city in minutes. The rooms are spacious in terms of Japanese standards, but be sure not to book the “economy double bed” if you’re a couple since the bed is little more than a large single and you might be a little squished.

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Hotel Mystays Ochanomizu

Hotel Mystays Ochanomizu is located just a few minutes away from the central JR rail station, on the opposite side of the rivers from Akihabara. While this means you’re not RIGHT in the centre of the action, this actually might be a plus for some travellers. Being across the river means this hotel feels like it is more a part of the less touristy, neighbourhood part of Akihabara.

The streets are quiet, but only a five minutes walk down the road you’re in the centre of the bustling neon skyscrapers which are iconically Akihabara. While the hotel bills itself as a conference centre/business hotel, I still found it to be perfect for tourists. The price was great, the amenities were excellent, and since a lot of the people staying there were businessmen, it was a super quiet hotel. Ideal for relaxing at the end of a long night. Book a twin room for two people, its the same price as the standard but gives you two beds and more space inside the room.

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Where to Eat?

Kikanbo

Kikanbo is my ABSOLUTE favourite restaurant in the entire city. I know this seems odd, and arguably it holds a sentimental part in my heart. Still, even without that, this ramen restaurant is fantastic! Kikanbo is known for its red pepper spicy ramen. When you walk up to the restaurant, you’re greeted with several demon spiked masks on the outside of the building, but don’t let that scare you off. You have complete control over the spice level, so even if you don’t like hot food, the rich miso broth and gorgeous toppings are enough to make for a spectacular meal.

Kikanbo also uses three different noodles in their ramen to give you a variety of textures as you eat, which makes it super unique compared to other ramen restaurants. There is always a line out the door, but it moves quickly. The staff are so friendly and if you don’t know how to order, they’re always more than happy to help you out, even without being able to share a common language!

Toraji

Toraji is a “yakiniku” style restaurant located at the top of the Remm tower in Akihabara. Yakiniku translates into “grilled meat,” as the cooking of the meal is given over to the customer! It’s a tradition that started in Korea and was adopted by the Japanese as well. There is something so enjoyable about being able to cook food at your table, to your tastes, without having to shop for any ingredients and know that everything is still prepared for you.

This restaurant still preserves some of the Korean aspects of the meal, as it serves kimchi and cold noodles along with the various meats and steamed vegetables. Now I know what you might be thinking, “Korean food? In Tokyo?” and yes, this might sound odd. But Korean food is super popular in Tokyo for a reason. You choose a particular set menu, and then the meat and veggies are all brought out to you, as an all-you-can-eat service. Whenever a dish is finished, just ask for another, and it will be brought you fresh from the kitchen. Perfect for hungry eaters.

Gansozushi

While conveyor belt sushi restaurants have started popping up in other locations around the world, they got their start here in Japan. If you’ve never visited one before, then Gansozushi is the best place to start! Conveyor belt sushi restaurants are all over Tokyo, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. While the fish might not be as high quality as in some upscale restaurants, it’s still far and away better than anything we get in North America. Once you get inside, you’ll be seated around an actual moving conveyor belt with dishes containing various types of sushi.

This restaurant is especially great since it’s so small, the chef is right behind the counter. And you can watch him making the sushi throughout the meal. Each of the plates on which the sushi is placed is a different colour and/or pattern. The plates denote the cost of the sushi, often displayed on small signage inside the restaurant. Just grab what you want and keep the empty plates at your table. These plates are used to calculate your bill at the end of the meal. The sushi is cheap and delicious, and often you’ll be more enticed into trying something new once you see it right there in front of you.

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Kanda Yabusoba

Across the river is one of my favourite restaurants, Kanda Yabusoba. This place serves up Soba noodles in a variety of different fashions. I LOVE cold soba noodles, and this restaurant has been making them since 1880! “Soba,” or buckwheat noodles, is a traditional Japanese food dating back to the Edo period. These noodles were a favourite dish of the then Emperor of Japan. Soba noodles are eaten dipped in a tasty broth and enjoyed alongside crispy deep-fried shrimp and vegetable tempura. The other reason I love this place is for the decor. It feels like a traditional tea house, with all wood panels and a peaceful zen garden welcoming you as you come in the front doors.

Blue Bottle Coffee Kanda Cafe

Another popular spot on the riverside is Blue Bottle Coffee. The Japanese have gotten obsessed with coffee, but more than that, they have an obsession with ensuring it is brewed to perfection. This place offers pour-over coffees, which are superb! The beans are roasted to varying degrees based on their unique profile. This cool little cafe offers seats along the riverside, which is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy a morning brew before heading into the clamour of downtown Akihabara.

Mister Donut Akihabara

I realize recommending Mister Donut is like recommending Dunkin’ Donuts to people visiting America or Tim Hortons to those in Canada. But you know what? I think I would do that too. They’re a simple, classic for a reason. Mister Donut is a chain cafe which sells, just that, donuts. But Japanese donuts are unlike the textures and flavour of those in North American, and you need to give them a try! They always have seasonal flavours or different designs to celebrate various events happening in Japan. So there always something new to try every time you visit!

Honey Toast Cafe Akihabara

If donuts aren’t for you, but you have a sweet tooth, then you just have to check out Honey toast Café! Honey toast starts with a thick piece of bread cut almost to the size of a brick! The bread is as fluffy as can be, similar to the texture of Wonder Bread we have in North America. The toast is then smothered in toppings like whipped cream, ice cream, honey and fresh fruits. It’s as decadent as it gets! The plastic models of these desserts sit in window displays outside inviting customers to come inside and let me tell you they’re pretty hard to resist.

Honey toast is often eaten by young teens on their first dates, and often, you’ll find groups of kids heading to Akihabara just to eat honey toast and blush in front of their crushes. Eating a slice of honey toast with your true love feels like you’re just two kids again.

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Gyukatsu Ichi Ni San

One of the absolute best places to eat in Akihabara is Gyukatsu Ichi Ni San. Prepare to wait in line or get there early to ensure you get a spot in this bite-sized restaurant. Gyukatsu is a Japanese meal that consists of breaded, deep-fried beef cutlets. At this restaurant, you are given slices of the meat, which has been deep-fried, but the interior is still raw. You are then sat in front of a tiny little pan where you can grill the meat to your desired level of cooking. Staff are super kind and ready to help you with the coking if you are new to the process. They have an English menu, so they are more than welcoming to tourists. Dishes come with a bowl of rice, soup, sauces, and a mountain of veggies!

Taiyaki

Taiyaki is a Japanese street food that is on almost every traveller’s list of things to eat in Japan. It’s a fish-shaped cake, which is filled with your choice of sweet centre before being cooked into the shape of a fish. Typical fillings include red bean paste, custard, chocolate, cheese, or sweet potato. Magikarp Taiyaki is similar to most other stands except for the fact they sell their Taiyaki in the shape of iconic Pokemon character ‘Magikarp.‘ Which I think fits being in Otaku Akihabara.

Fruits de Saison

For a sweet treat, head over to Fruits de Saison. This cafe specializes in fruit parfaits, which are iconic in Japan. Using only the best Japanese fruit of the season they create a sculptural looking dessert with mounds of sweet fruit. And their homemade whipped cream is the perfect topper. But the very best thing to try here is the fruit and cream croissants. Fruit cream sandwiches are a trendy convenience store food in Japan, but stuffed inside a fresh, buttery pastry just takes the dessert to another level!

What to do?

Walk along Chuo Dori

A walk down the main street Chuo Dori is one of the best ways to not only get your bearings upon landing in Japan but also a vibrant way to explore Akihabara. Everywhere you look, especially at night, you’ll find the most amazingly designed signage, neon lights, blaring music and excited people ready to hit the town. Chuo Dori is where you’ll be able to get some fantastic, iconic photographs of Tokyo so its a photographer’s dream.

Arcades

The Japanese pioneer video gaming and with Japan being the centre for its development came to the prevalence of arcades. Here kids and adults alike could play the newest coin-operated games like Street Fighter and Pacman. Today, the games you’ll find in the arcades are a little more sophisticated. And most of them can only be found in arcades as they are designed for that space, and not the home console system. These games are everything from racing games, dancing competitions to VR headsets, which jet you off into space!

But our favourite thing to play at the arcades were the crane games. Not the UFO catchers, those don’t involve any skill. But the arm crane games actually are winnable. The sheer drama of playing and/or watching others win is a suspenseful good time. And everyone loves to cheer for other players too as we’re all in this together. Plus, they always have such strange items to win, like a stuffed bear with a bloody arm or all kinds of scandalously clad anime figurines.

Taito and Sega Arcades

Every arcade brand is similar and yet totally different at the same time. They each have their own look and feel, which makes them stand apart, and you quickly will find which one is your favourite. We prefer the Taito arcades for their selection of cranes games prizes. Still, others love the SEGA arcade as they have a larger range of modern arcade games on the upper floors.

Purikura

In the basement of these arcades, you’ll find dozens of Purikura photo cubicles, each one from a different company offering a unique experience. Purikura machines are where you can get those classic Japanese printed photos where you can add text, stickers and give your face the “anime” treatment. The Purikura experience costs 500 yen ($5 US). Unlike photo booths you find in North America, where you step in and just take your picture, these use a green screen.

The camera moves around, so you get a bunch of different options from portrait mode to full body and even sometimes animated GIFs. Once you finish your photo shoot, you’ll be directed into another booth where you’ll get to decorate, alter, add filters and text to all the photos you took. Afterwards, your photos will be arranged into a collage (often picked by you) and printed out at the same station where you initially put your coins inside. It was great fun trying out different poses and spending as much time as we were allowed decorating the photos into something absolutely ridiculous.

Super Potato

If you’re interested in retro gaming, then a visit to Super Potato is in order. This little arcade, hidden upstairs inside a commercial tower on a side street of Akihabara, has some of the most nostalgic arcade games anywhere in the city. While SEGA and Taito might have all the newest in video game technology, Super Potato is still serving up pong, Super Mario and the original Street Fighter. The first floor of the store also has retro games for sale if you’re looking for something to complete your collection. But I prefer to head upstairs and play the day away on the gaming consoles, which didn’t require a Ph.D. to understand how to play.

Don Quijote

A fantastic late-night activity – for those of us not too interested in drinking the night away – is shopping at Don Quijote. The one in Akihabara is open 24 hours a day, and with over six floors of goods, there is always something new to discover. My favourite part of the store was the cosmetics section. Japanese and Korean cosmetics are some of the best in the world, and Don Quixote carries hundreds of products I’d never even seen before. I especially loved finding the anime character-themed cosmetics. They also had some featuring Sailor Moon, who was always my favourite cartoon character growing up. Don Quixote truly has something for everyone and even things no one would want but are hilarious to look at (e.g. animal-shaped male undergarments.) Honestly, even if you don’t buy anything here, you’ll have hours of fun just looking at all the oddities for sale.

Akihabara Gachapon Hall

Gachapon refers to the little vending machine which dispenses capsule toys. The word ‘Gachapon‘ is onomatopoeia for the sound the crank makes when you use the machine. These devices each contain different sets of toys, and you never know which item from the set you’re going to receive. It’s totally random. Most sets include some rare items which become sought-after collector treasures. The toys set change pretty often, so there’s always something new to buy. We found little plastic cats were sitting on rice cookers, tiny replicas of vintage buckets, Pokemon shaped cookies and lots of Japanese characters often themed the various holidays.

These make for small, cheap souvenirs to bring home for friends and family as they are wonderfully weird and always unexpected. The Akihabara Gachapon Hall is the place where you can find hundreds of these machines all in one place. Although spotting them all over the city is a fun little activity, if you’re looking for something in particular, then this is the place you should check out!

KaraokeKan

The best way to end a night out in Akihabara is to go to a karaoke room. You can come into a karaoke room at any time of the day with any size of the group (or even just solo)! Once inside, you select what kind of room you’d like, how long you want to sing for, and even what kind of karaoke system you wish to use. We had no idea what the difference was, but the staff is there day and night to help you out. And in Akihabara where there are lots of tourists, they know how to help you out even if they don’t speak very much English.

Karaoke Additions

Most karaoke places will require you to buy one beverage in addition to the price of the Karaoke. You can even buy an all-you-can drink option. If you’re going to be there a while, chose that option! In common areas, there are drink machines that serve coffee, soda, juice and sometimes even soft-serve ice cream! Once you have your assigned a room, head on over. Most rooms have coat hooks, phone chargers, mirrors, and some even have musical instruments like tambourines and cowbells!

I was pretty shy about singing at first, but my husband wasn’t shy at all and belted his favourite songs out. It got me in the mood for singing, and soon enough, we had ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘New Order‘ blasting down the halls. Honestly, it was the best night out ever! KaraokeKan in Akihabara is an excellent option as it has a pretty wide variety of English songs. They even rent costumes to perform in for a very unique night out!

Akiba Cultures Zone

Akiba Cultures Zone is a one-stop-shop for anime and otaku goods. There are over seven different levels to this one super mall dedicated to Japan’s anime subculture. Spread out on each level are grouping of different themed stores that specialize in a particular thing from sweets, to figurines, cosplay costumes, wigs and accessories. There is even a theatre on the top floor with performances daily.

Mandarake

If you didn’t find what you were looking for at Akiba Cultures Zone, then head over to Mandarake. Mandarake also has a slightly different selection of goods with more items for collectors of trains, Godzilla, manga and Hello Kitty rather than just pure anime. Once more, this place is more than a store, its eight different floors of collectible merchandise feels like a museum! If you’re looking for something a little more accessible, I would come here over Akiba Cultures Zone, which can feel a bit too specialized. Here you’ll find things from popular culture as well as Japanese anime. But they both really inform travellers into what Otaku culture is all about.

Yodobashi Camera

If technology is your thing, then you have to make a trip over to Yodobashi Camera Akihabara. Exploring the ground level of Yodobashi is like a trip to CES (the Consumer Technology Association convention held every year in Las Vegas). You can see all the newest in gadgetry which Japan has to offer its consumers. You’ll find everything from cameras to robotic toilets and even weird things like specialized drawers for roasting fish. Under the almost blinding white lights inside the store, you’ll find the oddest things which makes for one of the most enjoyable experiences!

CHABARA

Chabara is a grocery store, but its also so much more than that. They sell a variety of artisanal & traditional Japanese foods both to bring home with you as a souvenir or to enjoy back at your hotel. If you’re looking to sample the best Japanse food or perhaps don’t really know what foods you need to try, then this is the place to come! They even have gourmet instant-ramen noodle section, which has been carefully curated to feature only the very best of instant at-home noodles. Their sake selection is also stellar as it features varieties from all over Japan. They also have several kinds which you can try in-store in case you’ve never experienced true Japanese sake. Sake is a great gift to take home, and they will carefully wrap it to ensure it makes it back safe and sound. Something beautiful to remember your trip by!

Akihabara Radio Center

If you’re an electronics tinkerer, then head to Akihabara Radio Center. Akihabara Radio Center still sells cheap electronics parts for absolutely everything. Need a weird battery for something you bought 35 years ago, chances are you’ll find it here. There are entire shops dedicated to screws or wire. Some places only sell types of metal. While these things might not be for everyone, it’s kinda cool to explore the weird hallways and see the kind of shops which put Akihabara on the map back in WWII.

Interesting Vending Machines

Vending machines are pretty much everywhere you look in Japan. They’re on every street corner, down every alley and on every floor anywhere you go. And while most vending machines sell simply food and drinks, some sell genuinely bizarre items. And there is no better place to explore the variety of vending machines than in Akihabara. The specific corner where you’ll find these machines is marked on the map. Here you’ll find a plethora of vending machines that only have unique items inside. No sodas to be found here. These range from dead rhinoceros beetles, scented candles, wind chimes and even mystery boxes with stories written on the outside. Don’t be fooled by these though, aside from the strange stories, the actual prizes inside the blank box aren’t worth the price you’ll pay. Still, getting a chance to pursue the selection is undoubtedly something you’ll only find in Akihabara.

For anyone visiting Tokyo for the first time, my suggestion is always to stay and see Akihabara first. It feels like the perfect introduction to the city as it has it all! Let me what your favourite neighbourhood in Tokyo is or what you love about Akihabara!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Akihabara Tokyo, What to Do and Eat first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. What to Pack
   • A good Coin Purse
   • Slip-on Shoes
   • Covid Masks
   • Download Offline Maps
2. Preparing for your Flight
   • Packing Your Carry-On
   • Pick the Right Seat & Upgrade to Exit Row
   • Skip the Middle Seat
   • Ensuring a Good Night's Sleep
     • Lavender
     • Melatonin
3. Use the In-Flight Time Wisely
4. Arrival & Immigration
5. Using Data/Wifi in Japan
   • eSIM
   • Wifi-Hotspot
6. Get some Cash
7. Transportation from the Airport
   • Public Transportation
   • Airport Limousine Bus
8. Grab a Drink from a Japanese Vending Machine
   • Reading the Vending Machines
9. Checking into your Accommodation
   • Capsule Hotels / Hostel
   • Ryokans
   • Japanese Hotels
10. Go for a Walk
11. Get Something to Eat
    • Vending Machine-Operated Restaurants
12. Buy your Suica or Pasmo Card
13. Visit an Arcade
14. Purikura
15. Find some Gachapon
16. Grab Breakfast at the Conbini
17. Customs to Keep in Mind
    • Don’t Tip
    • Be ready to bow
    • Don't Forget to Bring a Plastic Bag
    • Learn to Line Up
    • Slurping is Key
    • Ladies only subway cars
    • Pay your bus fare when you get off
    • Don't be scared of the mouth masks
      • Happy Travels Adventurers

What to Pack

For the most part, travelling to Japan requires some same things you pack for any other trip. But there are a few items I wished I had had with me the first time I arrive. And was sure to pack these the next time I travelled to Japan. So I wanted to make sure to share a few of them!

A good Coin Purse

I’m not much of a purse person, to begin with. I travel everywhere with a backpack and wallet. But in Japan, you’ll need so many coins at all times! You’ll need coins for vending machines, some restaurants, temple donations, arcade games and more! Fumbling through your wallet or bag to find the exact change can be painful. With the addition of a small coin purse, I could easily find the right amount I needed at a moment’s notice.

Slip-on Shoes

Make sure you pack a good pair of slip-on walking shoes. Many restaurants and hotels require you to remove your shoes when you enter. Anything with complicated laces will slow this process and become quite irritating when you’re still tired from the long flight. And make sure these aren’t cheap shoes either. You will be walking a lot in Japan so you definitely should invest in a very comfortable pair.

Covid Masks

Although Japan has finally reopened its borders to international travellers, they still have stringent rules around wearing masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Masks are required indoors unless you are not talking and are more than two meters apart. When you are in restaurants, you are requested to wear your mask when you are not eating or drinking.

You do not need to wear a mask outdoors, but if you are in close contact with someone outside, it is recommended to wear a mask. You will still see lots of people wearing their masks outside. I would always lean on the side of being considerate and follow the locals to see what they are doing and do the same. While there are plenty of places to buy masks all over Japan you never want to be caught without one. So be sure to pack a few and carry them with you at all time.

Download Offline Maps

Downloading some offline maps will definitely help you with navigating your way around the notoriously complex street systems in Japan. Even if you have access to wifi/data on your trip, maps often load slowly. Plus they tend to use a lot of data. Downloading offline maps before you leave for the various cities you’re visiting will save you a ton of data and time. Also, be sure to download the Navitime app which will give you transit directions in English for any train and metro journeys you might take while in Japan.

Preparing for your Flight

Packing Your Carry-On

These days, checking your luggage has become a thing of the past. Not only is it almost always an extra few hundred dollars, but the amount of times flights have lost my luggage is climbing up into the double digits. This has resulted in packing a carry-on bag, more and more important, in ensuring everything you brought with you makes it to your destination. For tips on how to pack the perfect carry-on for a long-haul flight, read this post!

Pick the Right Seat & Upgrade to Exit Row

Depending on where you’re setting off from, you’re most likely looking at a 13-hour flight to Japan. If you don’t have the cash to splurge for first class (and let’s face it, whoever does,) see if you can upgrade your seats to the exit row. For my last flight, it was an extra $150 to book the exit row. And it was some of the best money I ever spent.

Exit row gives you ample legroom, lots of space to get up and stretch. Plus. there is no one in front of you to recline their seat down on top of your head. The exit rows tend to be a little colder, as your seated beside the door, so always pack a light scarf with you. And you can always use your coat as a blanket. Some airlines even provide blankets free of charge on long-haul flights, so never be shy to ask for an extra one if you need it. Be kind and make friends with the flight staff, and you’ll have all the more of an enjoyable flight.

Skip the Middle Seat

If you’re travelling with two people, another money savings hack that will work every so often is booking the window and the aisle seat. Instead of booking the middle seat and aisle/window. When other people are booking their seats, they will almost always skip choosing between two people. So if your flight isn’t 100% full often, you’ll find the seat will be free, and you’ll be able to spread out. And if someone does show up and you want to sit beside your flying partner, everyone will jump at the chance to switch from the middle to the aisle or the window. This won’t work every time, but trying is never harmful.

Ensuring a Good Night’s Sleep

If you’re planning on getting any sleep on the plane (which hopefully you are), there are a few essential items to bring. These will ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of getting some shuteye. The flights usually are good about turning off the lights when it’s time to readjust your sleep schedule. But if the person next to you is reading and has the lights, it’s important to ensure you have a good eye mask. That way you can shut out the light and try to adjust to a new time-zone.

Lavender

Another thing I do to lull myself to sleep is to bring a travel-sized bottle of lavender spray. I just transferred this Lush Twilight spray to a tiny travel perfume spray atomizer. Before getting on the flight I spray a little on my neck pillow and scarf. This soothing scent helps calm me down during any turbulence and puts me to sleep once I’m nice and relaxed.

Melatonin

If you need an extra bit of help getting to sleep, you can take a small dose of melatonin. While I don’t recommend this for the long term, it is a great way to help readjust your sleep pattern temporarily.

Noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones are a great way to ensure any noise will be blocked out and you can simply sink into a good night’s sleep.

Use the In-Flight Time Wisely

When you aren’t sleeping, spend this time reviewing your Japanese phrase book. About a month before your trip I would recommend downloading apps like Duolingo, to help learn some key phrases. But during the long flights, it’s a great time to have a little crash course in the language.

Japanese is such a beautiful language; I only grazed on the surface. But it’s important to at least try to learn “please,” “thank you,” “hello” and “goodbye.” I was thrilled with how much I could retain and even how even speaking a few words would bring huge smiles to people’s faces. It was definitely worth the time I put into it.

Arrival & Immigration

Before you land, you’ll be given an incoming passenger card to complete and give to the immigration officer. It’s a simple card with how long you’ll be there and where you’ll stay. Make sure you have the addresses of your accommodations written down or screenshotted on your phone as you won’t have wifi in the air.

Once you land in Japan, you’ll most likely be a bit jet-lagged and tired despite your best efforts to get some sleep. But luckily for you, Japanese airports have some of the best signage in the world and making your way to immigration and baggage claim a seamless process. Signage from the plane to get to immigration is all in Japanese and English.

Once you arrive at the immigration desk, they’ll check your card (make sure you didn’t miss any information), take your picture, and index your fingerprints. Don’t worry; this happens with everyone; you’re not being singled out. And that’s all. You’re ready to head into the city!

Using Data/Wifi in Japan

Japan can be pretty daunting for new or first-time travellers. And having access to the internet for directions, translations, and more can be key for your comfort. But roaming with most phone plans is extremely expensive. Luckily, there are many other options to ensure you have the internet at your fingertips.

eSIM

My newest favourite option for international travel are eSIMs. Most new phones will have both a physical sim and what’s called an “eSIM.” Before eSIM, most people would buy a physical sim, but this was often time-consuming and much more difficult to set up.

An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card stored on your device rather than in a physical card form. An eSIM allows you to activate and manage your mobile service directly on your device without needing a physical SIM card.

To set up an eSIM, you will also need an active mobile plan from a carrier that supports eSIM. I use Nomad as my provide. They make setup super easy, and their rates are excellent. 20 GB will cost only $34 USD, which is tons of data. Most likely, you won’t need that much. You can use my code: LAUR66NY, to get $3 off your next eSIM purchase. You will need to turn off your physical SIM and phone number associated when you activate your eSIM, so be sure you download an app like Whatsapp to keep in touch with your contacts. Since Whatsapp will still work with your new eSIM.

Wifi-Hotspot

Another option is to use what’s called “pocket wifi.” Pocket wifi devices are portable internet you can pick up or purchase in Japan. They are just like a mobile hotspot. Ninja Wifi was my favourite provider as their speed was excellent, and it costs about $30 US for five days. The more time you rent the device, the cheaper it gets daily. I would never travel to Japan without one of these since free wifi is really hard to come by in Japan. Definitely don’t rely on that as your main internet access method. When you’re done using it, they come with a pre-paid envelope to mail them back to the company. So just place it inside and find the nearest mailbox to throw it into.

Get some Cash

If you didn’t go to your bank before leaving to get some local currency, you’ll want to hit up the ATM in the airport. Despite Japan being considered a modern country, there are different ways in which it feels much more old-fashioned. One of these ways is that most places only accept cash. Credit cards are only generally accepted for large purchases.

All those little ramen shops you are dying to visit won’t know what to do with your credit card. Cash is king in Japan. And you always want to ensure you don’t run out! You don’t want to miss out on a unique street snack that’s only available seasonally at this one location, and you find yourself out of cash! If you’re worried about carrying around so much cash for fear of being robbed, don’t be. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.

Transportation from the Airport

Public Transportation

Transportation to and from the airport in Japan is very convenient. Although your first thought might be to grab a taxi, these are generally the most expensive method of transportation. In big cities like Tokyo, and Osaka, you’ll be able to take the train directly from the airport and get to the city’s centre in no time.

Airport Limousine Bus

If you’re looking for a more direct route into the city my favourite method is taking the Airport Limousine Bus. The Airport Limousine Bus service takes passengers from the arrivals terminal to hundreds of drop-off locations around Tokyo. No matter where you’re staying, you’ll find a drop-off location minutes away. I like the bus service better than the trains from the airport because it’s a lot less stressful. The train system in Japan can be overwhelming at the best of times, and post-long-haul flight, the airport limousine bus is a breeze! You just go up to any of the orange kiosks in the arrivals terminal and select your destination. It’s good to research their site in advance since there are many options for destinations.

Tickets cost around ¥1000 ($10 US) and maybe a little more or less depending on the distance from the airport. The airport limousine buses have free wifi on board, and I loved getting a good first look at the city as we drove in. The underground trains don’t give you this amazing viewpoint as you enter the city.

Grab a Drink from a Japanese Vending Machine

While waiting for your bus or train to arrive at the airport, pass the time by exploring the Japanese vending machines! As soon as you step off the plane you’ll see them everywhere. It might seem silly, especially to Japanese people for whom these are ubiquitous, but I’m obsessed with these. Japan is the mecca of vending machines. I am fascinated with the way they work, the way they look, and especially the unique treats inside. Old, new, big and small and full of all sorts of goodies.

The vending machines we found at the airport were relatively standard compared to those in the city’s hub. However, seeing drinks I’d never even heard of was still exciting. Mostly, you can surmise what kind of drink it is from the images on the packaging. But you’d be amazed at how many different flavours and varieties there are!

Reading the Vending Machines

The colour of the buttons on the vending machine denotes whether the drink is hot or cold. Red for hot, blue for cold. That’s right, hot beverages like tea and coffee come right out of a vending machine! Grab yourself a warm can of coffee and give that a try for the first time. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious these are. Coffee is just the thing to keep you from crashing on your way to your hotel. And staying awake a little bit longer is key to preventing jet lag. The worst thing you can do is fall asleep as soon as you see that bed and find yourself wide away at 2 am.

Checking into your Accommodation

There are multiple options for accommodation in Japan. 

Capsule Hotels / Hostel

Capsule hotels are no doubt the most trendy option. These are very inexpensive and a one-of-a-kind experience. Capsule hotels are small, modular structures that contain individual capsules stacked one on top of another. Each capsule is a tiny room that provides just enough space for a person to sleep, typically with a bed, reading light, and power outlet. Some capsule hotels also have communal areas such as showers, toilets, and lounges. They are great for solo travellers or anyone wanting to save as much yen as possible.

Ryokans

Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns with rooms that offer guests tatami mats, futons for sleeping, and communal hot springs or onsens. They often have a minimalist design and are meant to provide guests with a serene and peaceful environment. Ryokans are known for their hospitality and attention to detail, with staff often going out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. These often come with luxurious dining experiences often served in your room. They are pretty pricey so maybe someplace you want to splurge on for a single night.

Japanese Hotels

My recommendation for first-timers is a hotel. While perhaps that might sound a little boring, hotels are often a great place to stay that’s both slightly familiar and a new experience. The staff in many of these hotels don’t speak much English. But are all incredibly helpful with the use of a little bit of non-verbal communication. 

Prepare yourself in advance for the size of a Japanese hotel room. The rumours are true, and most hotel rooms are shockingly tiny in big cities like Tokyo. There is often not even room for your luggage without it being in the middle of the room. Be sure when booking your hotel room you ask for a “western style bed” since traditional Japanese beds are hard as a rock. Also, if you book a room with a “double bed,” expect it to be tiny. All the bed sizing in Japan is smaller than in North America, so it’s always advisable to size up. The best option for the price is to book a room with two singles and push them together! This is actually what most Japanese travellers do.

Despite how comfy your room might look, drop your bags and head out the door right away, don’t give yourself a chance to get comfy and lulled into sleep.

Go for a Walk

One of the best things to wake you up and keep that jet lag at bay is a walk around the bright neon lights and visual sensations that is Japan. By this time of the day, most businesses will be closed. The sidewalks are clamouring with young teens playing arcade games, giggling nervously at the women dressed in maid costumes advertising their maid cafes. Dozens of Salarymen in white button-ups and black slacks are just getting their night started and gregariously piling themselves into bars, singing along loudly to whatever K-Pop is blaring on the radio inside.

There is nothing like your first time walking down the streets of Tokyo, especially in a busy neighbourhood. Soak it all in but don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed. That’s natural, particularly if this is your first time in a huge city. If you’re looking for a break from the crowd, duck down a small side street or alley. You’ll be immediately met with peace and quiet, as even the loudest Japanese partier is also always very respectful of their residential neighbours.

Get Something to Eat

You’ll undoubtedly be excited to dive into Japanese cuisine after a long day and nothing but airline food. My advice for the perfect first-time meal is a bowl of ramen. Ramen shops are all over the place, and there is no such thing as a bad bowl of ramen. So you don’t need to worry about researching where to do it; just find a shop that catches your eye and head inside.

Vending Machine-Operated Restaurants

Most small ramen shops operate with a vending machine kiosk. At the front of the restaurant, you’ll see a huge vending machine with different coloured buttons, each with pictures of ramen and perhaps a few side dishes. The buttons will also display the price of the meal. Put your money into the slot at the top and press the button of the meal item that catches your fancy. Out of a small slot at the base of the vending machine comes a little paper ticket with your order printed on it, in Japanese, of course, and any change from the bill you put it. If there is a line, get in the queue to wait your turn to be seated. If there’s no line, head right inside and take a seat.

Then all you need to do is give your ticket to the chef, who will prepare the meal as indicated. This might seem strange, but it’s an ingenious way to cut down on staff and allow the chefs, who also act as the waiter and server, to get your order without ever having to touch dirty money. One of the best parts of a ramen shop is sitting at the counter and watching the cooks at work. They effortlessly perform this dance, filling bowl after bowl with hot broth and whipping around the bar, grabbing stacks of toppings with deft movements to create your food fantasy!

Buy your Suica or Pasmo Card

After filling up some food, head to the closest train station to grab your Suica or Pasmo Card; a Suica or Pasmo card is a metro pass that you load up with the money to use on the train. You can simply swipe your card when entering and exiting any train station. Your fare will automatically be calculated and deducted from your card. This makes it so simple to travel on the metro since the Japanese subway system requires you to pay different fares for different distances.

If you don’t have a Suica or Pasmo card, you’ll have to figure out which fare you’ll need to pay for every trip you take based on the distance. Armed with these cards, you’ll be ready to hop on the metro the next day without fighting the morning crush of people. Just check the balance frequently to ensure you have enough money on the card. To purchase a new card, you just head to any machine in the station with the words “buy a new card” on it. The signage is in English and Japanese, and the machines themselves have English menus making it easy to buy or refill your card.

Visit an Arcade

After picking up your Suica cards, seek out an arcade! These behemoth arcade buildings are sometimes up to six floors of fun, each offering something different. Taito and Sega are reliably the best options for arcades. The first floor of most consists of UFO catcher machines, while the upper floors each have different sets of video games to play with friends or on your own. Some levels felt more like casinos, full of smokers playing digital slots or the Japanese gambling obsession Pachinko. The machines all cost a few hundred yen to play, and you can either pay with coins or tap your Suica card to have the money deducted from there!

Purikura

In the basement of these arcades, you’ll find dozens of these Purikura photo cubicles, each from a different company offering a unique experience. Purikura is where you can get those classic Japanese printed photos, add text and stickers, and give your face the “anime” treatment. The Purikura experience costs 500 yen ($5 US). Once you drop the coins inside the payment machine, the screen will direct you to your starting photo booth. Unlike photo booths in North America, where you step in and just take your picture, these use a green screen. The camera will direct you (almost always in English and Japanese) to pose and take pictures. The camera moves around, so you get different options from portrait mode to full body and sometimes animated GIFs.

Once you finish your photoshoot, you’ll be directed into another booth where you’ll get to decorate, alter, and add filters and text to all the photos you took. Often this process is timed, so keep an eye on the clock. Afterwards, your photos will be arranged into a collage (often picked by you) and printed out at the station where you initially put your coins. It was great fun trying out different poses and spending as much time as we were allowed decorating the photos into something absolutely ridiculous. Trust me, this will make for an incredible first Instagram of your trip!

Find some Gachapon

Gachapon refers to little vending machine capsule toys. The word ‘Gachapon’ is onomatopoeia for the sound the crank makes when you use the machine. These devices each contain different sets of toys, and you never know which item from the set you will receive. It’s totally random. Most sets include some rare items which become sought-after collector treasures. The toy sets change frequently, so there’s always something new to buy. My inner child (and let us face it, current adult) was immediately drawn to all the ‘Sailor Moon’ sets.

I decided to go for the most expensive machine, where you could get one of 5 different Sailor scout wands. I got Sailor Jupiter’s – my favourite Sailor Scout – and had a lot of fun back at the hotel putting the wand display together. There were toy sets of little cats sitting on rice cookers, tiny replicas of vintage buckets, Pokemon cookie toys and lots of Japanese characters often themed along with the next holiday. These make for small, cheap souvenirs to bring home for friends and family, as they are wonderfully weird and always unexpected.

Grab Breakfast at the Conbini

By this time of night, if you’ve managed to stay awake, it’s time to head back to the hotel. But before you do, stop into a ‘conbini’ (Japanese convenience store) to grab a few items for breakfast. 7-Eleven, Circle K, Lawsons and FamilyMart are the most common stores you’ll find on every corner in Japan. Breakfast in Japan is taken on the go, so you won’t find many restaurants open early in the morning. Picking up some items for a little in-hotel picnic is a great idea to help take it easy on your first morning.

My favourite treats to buy for the morning are an egg salad sandwich (honestly one of the best things you can eat in Japan, sounds weird, but TRUST ME), a baked sweet treat filled with matcha, a can of coffee or latte to crack open in the morning for instant caffeine, and a ball of onigiri. This array of treats is sure to give you a reason to get up in the morning, no matter how tired you feel.

And with that, your first day in Japan comes to a close. Hopefully, with all these tips, you’ll have an incredible first few hours that will result in minimal jet lag and leave you excited for the rest of your time in Japan! Below I’ve listed a few important customs to keep in mind which might surprise you as you experience Japan for the first time. Culture shock is part of travel, but don’t let it overtake you. Embrace it and even try to see if you can follow along with the culture and customs while visiting this incredible country!

Customs to Keep in Mind

Don’t Tip

Tipping isn’t something that is part of Japan’s consumer culture. They believe good service should be something you always should be provided and not something that is earned through money. If you leave money on the table, don’t be surprised if the waiter takes you down the street thinking you might have left it there accidentally. A great way to show your appreciation for excellent service is to learn a few Japanese phrases to tell your waiter, chef or receptionist how much you appreciate their service.

Be ready to bow

Bowing is a sign of respect in Japan, so don’t be surprised to have people bow to you at your hotel, coming onto the bus or even just on the street if you’ve had a particularly lovely interaction. Can foreigners bow, you ask? Most Japanese people don’t expect foreigners to bow, but I found them whenever I simply mimicked exactly what their bow was like; they seemed to respond very positively and loved I made an effort.

Don’t Forget to Bring a Plastic Bag

Garbage cans are one of the most challenging things to find in Japan. The only public place where you can reliably find these is outside of convenience stores. But don’t let that make you think they’ll be garbage all over the place. No, Japan is the cleanest country I’ve ever visited. Locals carry their trash with them until they can find a trash can or often until they get home so they can adequately sort it. Play with the locals and ensure you have a plastic bag to carry your garage and that you’re not ruining their clean streets.

Learn to Line Up

Lineups in Japan are a way the city manages its deluge of people. Everyone is very respectful of the line. There are never any budding or large random groups, everyone takes the idea of lining up seriously, and you should too. Large masses of people taking the subway daily are efficiently organized into two or three lines making even the busiest commute very coordinated. Keep your eye out for lines as they often signify something popular that you wanna jump into. Most often, it is related to food, and you’ll never be disappointed.

Slurping is Key

In North America, slurping might sound rude or low-class, but in Japan, it is a sign of your appreciation for the food. Slurp loud enough that the chef in the back can hear you are going at it!

Ladies only subway cars

During certain times of the day, there are designated carriages for women on the subway. This is to keep them safe in full vehicles. The signs identifying these cars are in pink paint on the floors of the metro, so keep your eye out if you’re a male traveller and don’t want to get on these by accident, an embarrassing affair which we might have experienced once or twice.

Pay your bus fare when you get off

Japan is one of the only places I’ve visited where you have to pay for your bus far when you get off, not when you get on. When you get on the bus, you’ll enter through the back doors, and when you get off, you’ll exit through the front, where you can either pay the ash fare or swipe your Suica or pasmo card.

Don’t be scared of the mouth masks

If you see people wearing mouth masks, don’t be scared. They’re not an Ebola patient or a hypochondriac. These masks are worn to prevent other people from getting sick if you’re coming down with a cold, flu, or even allergies. Even if you’re the slightest bit under the weather, the Japanese plop one of these masks on, more for your protection and out of respect for others. They sell these everywhere, so if you feel like you’re getting sick, you should also don one.

Have you travelled to Japan before? How did you manage your first few hours in the country? Did jet lag get the better of you? Leave your experiences in the comments, or let me know if you’re planning to visit Japan and what other tips and tricks you’d like to learn!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post First Time Travelling to Japan? Here’s our Ultimate Guide for Your First Day in Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access to the Museum
2. Admission and Hours
   • What is Ramen?
   • About the Museum
3. Gallery Floor
4. Street Replica Dining Room
   • Decor of the Museum
5. The Ramen Varieties
6. How to Order
7. The Outdoor Bar
8. Don't' Skip Exploring the rest of the Museum
   • Gift Shop
     • Happy Travels, Adventurers!

Access to the Museum

Most people who visit the museum are coming from Tokyo on a day trip to Yokohama. The trip takes about 50 minutes. Take the JR Tokaido Line straight to Higashi-Kanagawa Station. Change lines to the Yokohama City Subway and take the green line to Shinyokohama station. From there it’s an 8-minute walk to the museum.

Admission and Hours

To enter the museum, the fee is 310 yen ($3) for adults and 100 yen ($1) for children and seniors. The entry price is very low, but you are asked to purchase at least two bowls of ramen when inside as a part of the admission. There is no way to monitor this; it’s more of an honour system. But trust me, it’s not difficult to want to try a lot more than just two varieties. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day except for holidays. The ramen shops inside stop serving 30 minutes before the museum closes.

What is Ramen?

Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish from China and is now one of the most popular things to eat in Japan. So much so that many people might even assume that ramen is originally Japanese. The museum is dedicated to educating people about the flavours, traditions and specialties that different kinds of ramen from all of Japan possess.

About the Museum

The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum was first opened in 1994 as a one-stop shop for people to sample all varieties of ramen, which has been dubbed the national dish of Japan. The museum’s interior is designed to replicate the streets of Japan in 1958. It was in 1958 that the first instant ramen was invented in Japan, so the year is of great significance to the museum.

Gallery Floor

The museum is made up of three floors. The first floor is the gallery, where plaques on the walls detail the history of ramen noodles over the years. Along one wall, there is a mosaic of instant ramen bowl designs sold in convenience stores worldwide, highlighting the most attractive designs. The information and history are pretty bare bones, so if you’re looking for something more in-depth, check out the Ramen Museum in Osaka, which is much more thorough.

Street Replica Dining Room

After touring the gallery, you descend into the 2-storey basement, where immediately you are awestruck upon walking into a scale replica of the town of Shitamachi, a small suburb of Tokyo set in 1985. The 1950s was a boom time for Tokyo, and it is looked back at with rose-tinted glasses by many older Japanese historians. This was the Showa era when young people still lived in small villages, cared for their parents and cherished the small-town lifestyle. Those same towns are almost fading away because they are losing all their young people to major cities like Tokyo.

Decor of the Museum

The details in the design of this faux city are immaculate. The scene is set at dusk, and the city’s twinkling lights have started to shine. We see a variety of ramen shops surrounding the exterior of an old train station in the country. These ramen shops would catch commuters on their way home and be central to small-town life. There is a lived-in feeling to this place, a grittiness that helped the authenticity of the experience.

Along the walls are fake advertisements and retro signage — posters advertising rooms for rent, blockbuster movies and even the latest in electronics. Clothes hung out to dry, and a subtle breeze blew through the air.

The Ramen Varieties

There are nine different restaurants open throughout the two lower floors serving up all sorts of different variations of ramen, each specializing in a regional flavour profile. The small brochure you receive with your admission describes every shop and what they serve. But the best way to explore them is to try them all.

To distinguish the different types of ramen, the place to first look is at the broth. In the south, they use pork bone (tonkatsu) broth; in the north, they use a clear chicken and vegetable broth seasoned with salt and a pad of butter; in other regions, they prefer a soy sauce or miso broth to bring in some extra flavour. My favourite is the pork bone broth. The broth is thick and fatty, mixed with the noodles. This ramen is a perfect, hearty dish.

Other regional specialties include toppings and noodles. You can have wontons, roast pork, bamboo shoots and (due to the Korean influence) a massive helping of hot chilis. There is even a vegetarian option made without pork broth for those with that dietary restriction.

How to Order

There are usually two lines in front of each shop; one to line up to purchase a meal ticket and the other to get your seat inside. You need to buy a ticket for your ramen from a small vending machine outside the shop before you can get seated. All the buttons are in both English and Japanese, so don’t worry about having to translate. Once you’ve bought your ticket, you can line up and be given a seat inside.

One important thing to note, you cannot sit inside the restaurant without purchasing ramen. So get ready to eat a lot, or you’ll have to wait outside like a chump. I had to do this while my husband enjoyed more noodles. You can buy a “mini ramen,” which is about 2/3 the size of a regular bowl but will allow you to fill up more throughout your visit.

Once seated inside, these small shop fronts open up into regular-sized ramen restaurants, and you’d never even know you weren’t on the streets of Tokyo. There are tables for groups, doubles and even single seats around the bar, so you won’t have to wait too long to be seated. Weekends and holidays are busier, but on weekdays we barely had to wait at all. Find the shortest line and start there.

The Outdoor Bar

In the centre of the room are a few tables and an outdoor bar where you can order a variety of local alcoholic beverages. In the summertime, they also offer ‘kakigori,’ which is shaved ice covered in sweet syrup flavoured to your preference. Sitting out under the twinkle lights and neon signs, this is a great place to take a break between ramen dishes.

Don’t’ Skip Exploring the rest of the Museum

After you’ve filled up on ramen, you can walk around the first basement level to check out the “dashi” or dime shops. These little shops sell penny candy, old retro toys and even pin-up photos of vintage Japanese film stars. Fill up a small plastic basket with all the sweets the little kid inside you desires.

The side street around the ramen shops weaves around the museum; hidden alleys and dead ends make the entire place feel real. See if you can find your way to the ice cream shops where you can cool down after all that hot ramen. There is also a small bar if you feel like a break between rounds of ramen.

Wandering the narrow alleyways, there are also fake storefronts selling cigarettes, cameras, cosmetics and more. Crawling up the wall are dozens upon dozens of ads written in Japanese. I wished I had been able to read them, as I’m sure they helped set the scene for the surroundings.

Gift Shop

On the upper level, you’ll find the gift shop. This shop has many ramen-themed trinkets and souvenirs, and they even sell vacuumed-packed ramen packages you can customize with your favourite ingredients to take home with you. They can also print a custom package design with your face imprinted on the packet. These were so cool, but be sure you are allowed to bring them into your country before assuming you can bring them home, as some customs might not let the meat products through. It’s still a great thing to do, and you even eat back at your hotel before you head on the plane home.

While some people might not think the trip down to Yokohama is worth visiting this museum, Yokohama is such an incredible city, and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. While exploring this seaside city, make some time to visit the Shinyokohama Ramen Museum and experience the entirety of Tokyo’s ramen scene in one afternoon. Come hungry and leave happy!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Eating Your Way Through Yokohama’s Amazing Ramen Museum first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.