Travel Note
✈️ Before landing in Tokyo, make sure to fill out your online customs forms to save time. You can find that on the Visit Japan Web website (linked below). ☑️ Pack compression socks & stretch during the flight. ☑️ In your Calculator app (iPhone) you can toggle on the Yen conversion to easily show you how much everything is in USD. ☑️ Google Maps will be your best friend to navigate anywhere - it's super accurate! ☑️ Download Tabelog in the App Store to find local recs for food. Anything 3⭐️ + is a must-try ☑️ Make sure to grab a Suica transit card when you arrive, or if you're an iPhone user, go to Wallet> + > Add Transit card, and you can add money through Apple Pay. Suica cards are how locals use the train systems, buy from vending machines, and you can even use it to pay at 7-11. ☑️ Many shrines and street vendors take cash only; we recommend having a few thousand Yen on you. 7-11 is the easiest and cheapest place to withdraw cash. ☑️ Keep a reusable bag and small towel on hand, trash cans and paper towels can be hard to come by. ☑️ If you don't want to lug your suitcases everywhere, Japan has extremely reliable luggage forwarding services. You can do this at any hotel lobby, 7-11, airport, or train station. We did this in Kanazawa, and the suitcases made it to the hotel before we did!
Flight
When booking your flight, we recommend flying into Haneda International Airport (HND). It’s the closest airport to central Tokyo, which means less time in transit after a long flight and an easier start to your trip. Once you've gone through customs and baggage claim, the easiest way to get into the city is through an Uber or taxi service at the dedicated pick-up area on the 1st Floor (arrival lobby floor). If you happen to find a better deal into Narita Airport, don’t stress—both work! But Haneda is typically the most convenient option if you have the choice. Google Flights is the easiest service to compare flights.
Train
The easiest (and most iconic) way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is via the Shinkansen (bullet train). The ride takes about 2–2.5 hours and is truly part of the Japan experience. We have a few tips below to ensure everyone has a smooth trip: - Booking Your Tickets: We highly recommend booking your reserved train tickets in advance through the app Klook. We have linked below where you can book transport depending on your preferred times. - Arrive Early: Shinkansen trains are 99% insanely accurate, and stop for less than a minute at each stop. Make sure to head to the station early and grab a bento box for the ride! - Luggage reservations (!!) - If you’re bringing a standard large checked suitcase, you’ll need to reserve a seat with oversized luggage space. Shinkansen trains have similar overhead storage as a plane, so if it wouldn't fit as a carry on you need to purchase specific seats. (Another option for luggage would be using the luggage forwarding service mentioned in the T&T).
Discount Code - 977HRG
Train
Japan’s subway/metro train system might look intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Linked below is a helpful video walk-through of how to master the trains- highly recommend! The best tool you can use is Google Maps. When navigating stations, pay attention to three key things: - Line name (for example, JR Yamanote Line) - Line color (each line is color-coded on signs and maps) - Platform number (this tells you exactly where to go) To use the trains, you'll need the Suica card previously mentioned in the T&T. You can grab a physical ticket at a train station, or (easiest) is to add it to your iPhone Wallet. If you have an iPhone, you can use your phone like a tap-to-pay at the gates (even if your phone is dead!). Public transportation in Japan is very calm and quiet. Most people keep conversations low or don’t talk at all.
Hotel
Please be sure to mention that you are part of a wedding party at The SODOH Higashiyama Kyoto when booking. November is during a peak season in Kyoto, hotels may sell out quickly. It’s recommended arranging your hotels as early as possible.
Hotel
Hotel
Access the private site below with the following account and access key: Account: SODOHWEDDING Access key: NOHGA8888
Hotel
Access the private site below with the following account and access key:
Discount Code - Account: c12228 / Access key: SDKT3588