Useful links and notes
Apps to install, phrases to memorize, transit cards, embassies — the practical stuff that saves a half-hour at customs or a missed train.
交通Transit
Suica / ICOCA on Apple Wallet (do before landing)
transitAdd Suica to Apple Wallet before the flight. Top up ¥3,000 each. Works on every train, subway, bus, and most konbini in both Tokyo and Kyoto.
jreast.co.jpRomancecar — Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto
transitDay 6 (May 15). One train, ~80 min, reserved seats, no transfer. Surcharge ¥1,200/adult on top of the regular fare. Book at 10 AM JST on April 15, 2027 (eve of April 14 in Denver/Vancouver).
odakyu.jpShinkansen — Odawara → Kyoto via SmartEX
transitDay 8 (May 17). ~2 h on Hikari/Nozomi. Reserve seats on the right side for Mt. Fuji views. SmartEX opens at 10 AM JST on April 17 (eve of April 16 here).
smart-ex.jpSkip the JR Pass — buy point-to-point
transitPost-2026 price hike (¥53k adult / ¥27k child for 7 days) makes the JR Pass not worth it for our route. Tokyo↔Kyoto Nozomi is ~¥14,170 one-way; just buy individual tickets.
japanrailpass.netYamato luggage forwarding (Tokyo → Kyoto)
transitDay 5 (May 14): forward big bags from Tokyo hotel straight to Kyoto MIMARU. Each suitcase ~¥2,000–¥3,000. Take only an overnight bag per family to Hakone.
global-yamato.comアプリApps
Google Maps — download offline maps for each city
appsWalking + transit directions are reliable. Download offline maps for Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara before the flight.
Google Translate (camera mode is the killer feature)
appsPoint the camera at any menu, sign, or product. Live translation overlay. Works offline if you download Japanese.
translate.google.comTabelog (locals' Yelp)
apps3.5+ is genuinely great. 3.7+ is exceptional. Better than English-language guides for finding Kyoto/Tokyo neighborhood spots.
tabelog.com言葉Phrases
Survival phrases card
phrasesSumimasen — excuse me / sorry. Arigatou gozaimasu — thank you. Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka? — English menu? Kore o kudasai — this one please. O-kanjō onegaishimasu — check please.
Rosetta-safe sushi vocabulary
phrasesKappa maki (cucumber roll), tamago (sweet egg), inari (tofu pouch with rice), ebi (cooked shrimp), karaage (fried chicken). Conveyor-belt sushi (kaitenzushi) is the move with a kid.
礼儀Etiquette
Onsen rules (Linda + Kerry brief)
etiquetteWash thoroughly at the spigots before entering the bath. No towel in the water. No phones. Tattoos sometimes restricted — Ten-yu has private in-room onsen so this isn't an issue for us.
Quiet on trains
etiquetteNo phone calls, voices low. Backpack to the front in crowded cars. Avoid weekday rush hours: 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM.
書類Documents
Visit Japan Web (do this 2 weeks before)
docsPre-clear immigration and customs online. Get the QR codes into everyone's Apple Wallet before the flight — saves 30+ minutes at Narita.
services.digital.go.jpTourist visa — none needed for US/Canada
docsU.S. and Canadian passports get visa-free entry for tourism up to 90 days. Passports valid for the full stay with blank pages. Verify a few months out — rules can change.
U.S. Embassy Tokyo
docs1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku. For Jake/Jess/Rosetta if a passport disappears.
jp.usembassy.govCanadian Embassy Tokyo
docs7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku. For Linda + Kerry if a passport disappears.
canadainternational.gc.caその他Misc
Tokyo Disneyland tickets — release window
miscDay 4 is the Disney day. Tickets release 2 PM JST exactly two months ahead. For May 13, 2027 visit, set an alarm for the evening of March 12 in Denver/Vancouver. Adult ¥7,900 / child ¥4,700.
tokyodisneyresort.jpteamLab Planets timed entry
miscDay 3 (May 12). Buy timed tickets in advance — sells out. ~¥3,600 adult / ¥1,500 child. Wear shorts or roll-up pants — you walk through ankle-deep water.
teamlab.artGhibli Museum (optional, hard to get)
miscIf we want to attempt: tickets release 10 AM JST on the 10th of the prior month. For May 2027 visit, that's the evening of April 9 in Denver/Vancouver. Adult ¥1,000, child ¥100. Plan B if we miss: skip it.
ghibli-museum.jp