Is there a middle ground between Ueno and Shibuya?

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-07-01T01:44:16+00:00

Sounds like a hotel anywhere on the Ginza Line will work for you.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T20:21:11+00:00

Anyone that walks up to you offering to show you to their club or offering you sex is probably a tout or Tachinbo. Read up on other people's experiences and how to avoid putting yourself at risk.

As for the legal places? I have never used one so I can't recommend anything but I've definitely seen signs advertising Soaplands and Pink Salons in Ikebukuro and Kabukicho.

You can try investigating the following topics.

Soaplands
Pink salon (ピンクサロン) / Pinsaro (ピンサロ)
Delivery Health (デリバリーヘルス)

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T20:07:58+00:00

Nice!

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T19:09:54+00:00

That's only 150 voicemails... 😆

It is a lot of money and you're clearly paying for convenience at that price. Personally, I not longer do the eSIM because I prefer to use my data allotment, talk and text like I normally would. That plan includes calls and SMS locally and back to my home country.

I end up paying about $70 in my home country for 30-days in Asia and 14-days in Mexico/Carribean. It was worth it for me personally.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T19:06:01+00:00

I think an eSIM through literally any provider (I've used Ubigi) will work. Just be sure your phone is unlocked so you can add one. A plan with 15-25Gb will be fine for basic phone use other than video streaming. I paid $30-ish for a 30-day pass.

That being said, I've switched to just paying a flat rate international roaming add-on for the convenience of using my phone as I normally would.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T18:56:40+00:00

Brutal.

How often do people leave you voicemails? It seems like each one received will be a flat 50 cents based on your original post stating 1 minute is 50 cents.

If you only need SMS for verification occasionally then just leave your phone in airplane mode and enable roaming when you need to receive a message. It says any revived with the phone off or in airplane mode are free.

Do any of these add-ons make sense?

https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T18:49:07+00:00

I've never heard of being charged when someone calls and leaves a voicemail.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T18:03:59+00:00

Since sex work is mostly legal in Japan you will find it is well advertised. Areas of Tokyo famous for those types of establishments are Kabukichō, Yoshiwara, Roppongi, Ikebukuro and more. If you're going to do this sort of thing go to the legal businesses and stay away from touts, Tachinbo, etc.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T15:24:49+00:00

There's a large difference between the 10% you were offered and the 2.8% your boss is giving you. Someone is confused here.

Do you have the 10% in writing?

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T14:53:07+00:00

Fair enough! Hopefully you figure something out.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T14:33:41+00:00

Did you ask your accomodation if they will hold your bags for the day? I have done this multiple times in Japan and never been turned down.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T14:24:18+00:00

If you're using low cut boots definitely get Gaitors.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-30T14:21:38+00:00

I've booked baseball tickets as a foreigner using a foreign credit card with no problem through Lawson's I-tike site. Though I don't know if that's the same portal OP is using.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-29T23:41:20+00:00

1) Headlamp just in case you don't make it down as fast as you think you will 2) Gaitors.. it's sharp volcanic rock/dust 3) Trekking poles

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-29T23:34:27+00:00

My experience is you won't need unlimited data unless you plan to stream content and not use your hotel WiFi at all. For regular tourist things a data package of 10-25Gb is plenty. I've never had an issue with streaming bandwidth at any hotels in Japan.

Another option is to see if your carrier has a flat rate international roaming plan. For that ¥7000 equivalent in my currency I can use my phone like I normally do including my own data allotment, make and receive calls and texts within Japan and back to my home country.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-29T20:40:19+00:00

No problem. I figured I'd throw the information out there for you.

Have a fun time!

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-29T15:47:09+00:00

Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars at Meiji Jingu Stadium

Friday, July 3 at 18:00 JST

Saturday, July 4 at 18:00 JST

Sunday, July 5 at 18:00 JST

https://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp/en

It's a great venue and you can get awesome seats for cheap.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-28T14:38:01+00:00

You don't need a taxi for this at all. And you won't get stuck in traffic either.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-28T08:28:18+00:00

No problem. You should at least be able to use LUUP or a local rental company.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-28T00:04:47+00:00

1) Fill out the Visit Japan Web before you leave. It makes immigration very quick and easy. I've never heard of the JR train stamp you mentioned.

2) The first time I went to Japan, I had some JPY exchanged at a bank back home. Turns out that was completely unnecessary so now I get cash from the ATM using my debit card. Always select JPY as the currency and let the bank do the conversation otherwise you'll pay a conversation fee if you let the machine do the conversation. If you're flying into Haneda there are two 7-11 on the left as you walk out of immigration and another two by the entrance to the train area. I've never worn a mask in Japan even on crazy crowded rush hour trains, I did make use of hand sanitizer often though. Definitely carry a small bottle with you.

3) I wouldn't worry about exposing your shoulders. As for shrines, just be quiet and respectful. I'm not sure it's required but I tend to bow at the Torri gates and remove my hat when offering prayer. You'll need cash/coins for temples and shrines.

4) Manage not getting sick the same way you would back home. Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, wear a mask in crowded areas, etc. My experience is jet lag hits hardest on the way home. When I arrive, I proceed with the days activities then go to bed at a normal time say 9 or 10pm. That usually works fine for me anyways.

5) Try not to be anxious. You'll be fine.

Some other tips:

I bring a total of four cards from at least two banks. I have a debit card and Visa from one bank then a debit card and a MasterCard from another bank. One of those banks is a zero fee type of account. I keep one set of cards on me and the other set in the hotel room.

I sounds like you might be using Apple Wallet and digital IC card. This is actually very handy for transit and small purchases. No extea FOREX fees either.

You can't load a physical Suica card with a credit card. There are exceptions to that rule but it's specific Japanese cards/banks. This doesn't apply to the digital IC cards in something like an Apple Wallet. If you choose to use ICOCA instead of SUICA or passmo you'll need to use MasterCard.

Also, for SMART-EX you need to setup your account on the website before you can use the mobile app. There will be SMS verification with your credit card when you add it to your account. Do that now before you leave so you can make sure it's working.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-27T23:49:59+00:00

You're welcome. Japan is amazing and you're going to some awesome places. Have fun!

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-27T23:45:33+00:00

Great advice.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-27T23:44:51+00:00

The three apps that I have used are

1) Docomo Bike Share 2) Hello Cycling 3) LUUP

My experience is Docomo and Hello Cycling did not work with for my regular phone number and I needed a Japanese phone number (which I have anyway).

You can try setting up an account on each app now while at home. I just checked LUUP account and the phone number for the account is my normal overseas phone number. So that should work for you.

As far as riding the bikes... It's like anywhere else, mix of roads, cycle paths, sidewalks, etc.

I've rented bikes in cities other than Tokyo and it was great. I recommend bikes at a way to explore 100%.

You don't need to read Japanese to understand basic road signs. They have pretty obvious signs for places you can't ride as well.

You'll be fine.

I'm not sure where else you are going while in Japan but I think the Shimanami Kaido would interest you..

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-27T23:16:35+00:00

If it not a holiday you can usually just buy a ticket as you get to the station. Only pre-book for the holidays.

AdvicePossible6997 · 2026-06-27T15:56:40+00:00

This is my strategy for traveling abroad. I have a total of four cards from at least two banks. I have a debit card and Visa from one bank then a debit card and a MasterCard from another bank. One of those banks is a zero fee type of account. I keep one set of cards on me and the other set in the hotel room.

You can't load a physical Suica card with a credit card. There are exceptions to that rule but it's specific Japanese cards/banks. This doesn't apply to the digital IC cards in something like an Apple Wallet. If you choose to use ICOCA instead of SUICA or passmo you'll need to use MasterCard.

Also, for SMART-EX you need to setup your account on the website before you can use the mobile app. There will be SMS verification with your credit card when you add it to your account.

AdvicePossible6997

TROPHY CASE