From Toilets to Transit: The Ultimate Guide to Japan

October 6, 2025

Japan is a place that I hope everyone gets to either intensely learn about or experience in their lifetime, with its marvelous blend of ancient traditions and modernism. Over the summer, I had the privilege of taking an anthropology travel course in Japan about how space and physical atmospheres effect how civilians view their nation and go about their everyday life. I extended my stay to shadow a company that works with veterans with disabilities, exploring Hiroshima, Tokyo and Kyoto with my class and myself. Whether you are a history buff or food connoisseur, this list has all my favorite places and top recommendations.

The first thing I urge you to do before coming to Japan is understanding the train system, as it will be one of the first things you tackle among arrival. First things first, download the Suica App and load a card into your Apple Pay or other mobile banking systems before you even go on your trip, as this is what you will use to pay for train tickets. Try not to buy your tickets at the stations themselves, they typically end up costing more than just loading money on the Suica card. Although there are a lot of people around that would be happy to help you find the locations of your train, there are some etiquette and unspoken rules of the train. First, when loading into a train of any kind of, it is custom to line up in a straight line on both the right and the left of the doorways, allowing those who need to exit the cart to leave first, before loading on, in a calm manner. Once on the train, remember to be respectful of sound, it is normal to have a quiet train ride where locals are either reading, listening to music through headphones or simply observing. Keep your voice down, save seats for those older than yourself, and be ready to be stuffed at rush hour, which typically happens early in the morning, and in the evening when most get off work and into the night.

As someone who is fascinated by history and the past of our world leading to our present, being in Hiroshima and being able to take a walk through the city itself simply changed my life. So much of the current state of Japan, the morals, ethics, cleanliness and politeness are derived from the effects post WWII, especially after the atomic bombing. Thus, whether you are a fan of history or not, my first recommendation is to go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, built to send a message of hope to the generations affected by the bomb and to lead into a better future.

Our next stop and something you must do is karaoke. First, enjoy a nice Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a traditional meal that emerged post-war in Hiroshima. It is the ultimate comfort food and experience you cannot miss. My favorite spot that I went to multiple times was Okonomiyaki Micchan. After, walk to a local karaoke bar, with far more intimate settings than in other cities. Being a national pastime in Japan, almost every street has a place to belt your heart out, while connecting with locals on one common love: music!

Off to Kyoto! A place known for its glorious and show stopping temples, this is a city you want to put your walking shoes on for and explore. In a city that blends nature, history and spirituality all in one, there are two places that completely blew me away. Fushimi Inari Taisha was by far one of the most iconic experiences of my trip, famous for its seemingly endless trail of bright red torii gates, being about 2.5 miles, taking 2 hours to complete, especially if you want to take part in the famous photo opportunity. More than just the pictures, climbing the path takes you on a spiritual journey up Mount Inari, where each gate has been donated by individuals or companies looking for good fortune. At the end, you greeted with a skyline view of all of Kyoto, accompanied by some of the most beautiful parts of Japanese traditions. My pro tips are to arrive early, before 8 AM if you can, as the path is far more peaceful when in solidarity. However, I first went at night, and this was also a breathtaking experience as the dim lights that light the path make it feel more intimate and the whole city of Kyoto was lit up once reaching the top. Second pro tip, wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes if you plan to climb to the summit, I promise the tranquil forest paths and views are entirely worth it. After, I suggest going to one of the many conveyor belt sushi restaurants, for an engaging eating experience and tremendous food options; my favorite place was Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera.

From Kyoto, you can travel by train to fun knew cities filled with cultural content, or bustling nightlife. I took a trip down to Osaka, also known as The Kitchen of Japan, where you have to try Takoyaki, octopus-filled flour powdered ball and okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that hits the spot. Hit Shinsaibashi for big brands, or Amerikamura for vintage and streetwear. Den Den Town is perfect for anime and gadgets. Before you leave, be sure to get a picture with the Glico Man, a fixture in Dotonbori since 1935, representing the Glico brand. But today, it’s more than just an advertisement, as it’s become a symbol of Osaka’s vibrant, energetic spirit. The neon lights, the bustling streets, and that classic “arms raised” pose are all part of the city’s charm. Osaka is perfect for any day or night, but bring your wallet, you will probably end up spending more than you would like (It is irresistible!).

Let’s take a trip to Tokyo! Just a bullet train ride on the Tokaido Shinkansen train away from all the fun that the bustling city has to offer. Tokyo is a city that has anything you can think of, from real life Mario Kart racing through the streets, to endless avenues of shopping and delicious food ranging from Michelin-starred sushi to themed cafes.

If you are looking for an interactive activity, you can find it in almost every corner of Tokyo, a must-see being teamLab Planets, an immersive digital art museum that flips the narrative of a traditional gallery. You are not just looking at art, you walk through it, touch it, and even become a part of it. If you are looking for an activity to spend all day in awe over, head over to Disneyland Tokyo and its adjacent park DisneySea, for a day filled with magical rides, entirely different in comparison to our local Anaheim Park. The food and snacks there are not only delicious, but are so cute, you may not even want to eat it. One ride you MUST go on is Beauty and the Beast, my group and I rode it over 5 times and somehow it felt more magical after every ride!

For a more historic and reflective experience, I strongly recommend taking a visit and even donating to the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM), better known as the comfort Women Museum. This museum sheds light of the lived struggles of women forced into sexual slavery during wartime, a large part of history that tends to get lost in the global narrative of the war. This emotional yet important stop to your trip will add historical depth, reminding us that traveling is more than just fun, but it’s connecting and honoring the stories of the places we visit.

Before you wrap up your Tokyo trip, consider something a bit off the typical tourist path: The Tokyo Toilet Tour, and yes, it is a real thing. If you have seen the movie Perfect Days, (which I absolutely recommend watching at some point BEFORE your trip, regardless

if you intend on doing the tour), you will know that the public toilets are more than just facilities, but rather carefully designed by world-renowned architects and deeply symbolic spaces that reflect Japan’s respect for cleanliness and public well-being. The toilets themselves speak to something deeper regarding Japan’s postwar transformation. After WWII, Japan rebuilt itself, not just physically, but socially and morally, thus the toilets were revamped in a way to produce national pride and create a sense of collective responsibility. The tour and toilets become a window into how Japan’s modern identity was crafted after a difficult past.

Whether you are singing your heart out or reflecting on wartime history after climbing torii-line trails, Japan challenges you to observe society more deeply. Whether you are planning your first trip or going back for a deeper dive, I hope this guide gives you a roadmap to not just see Japan but truly feel it! Traveling is so much more than ticking a place off your bucket list, but rather about learning from the spaces we step into and the people that live in them.