First Timer to Japan

[galant22]

First timer to Japan, arrive 29 Nov Tokyo and leaving 10 Dec Osaka.

A few questions to ask of the gurus here:
1. Saw that the temp range for the Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka is about 15deg to 5deg. may I know if thermal wear is required for 8 and 10yr old kids? or heat-tech/puff-tech is needed?
2. I'm not sure if I should book the Shinkansen tickets in advance or buy on the spot. I scared buy early but on the day and "lose my reserved seats" due to missed train. I know can take the next train but will be on non-reserved. How good are my chance to get a seat if I bought at Tokyo Station on non-reserved seats?
3. I'd be bringing 2 large luggage with total dimensions (LxBxH) around 155ish. Do I still need to book those seats with large luggage compartment or space on the Shinkansen? I assume these can be stored in the overhead racks instead but in case its too heavy, any chance the seats' leg-space can fit it instead?
4. As I'm entering via Tokyo and exiting via Osaka, should I get a Suica, ICOCA or Welcome Suica? The latter no need to refund and I should be able to finish off all values inside before leaving.

Thanks in advance.

 

[saffronsatire]

If your large luggage meaning ~28" and above, I do recommend making reservations to book the seats with luggage space behind. It will be less harassing as you know for sure you can store your luggage behind you.

There might be only a few carriages with reserved seats and they can sold out within a few days of the dates opening up, depending on your preferred time range.

I can't recall if it's 2 weeks in advance for seats with the luggage space. You can play with future dates on the app to get a feel of the availability and decide. Probably book a slightly later train since you are traveling with family.

Some ppl recommend luggage forwarding but not everyone prefers to pack separately to get by before their luggage can reach their next destination.

 

[Sauron]

First timer to Japan, arrive 29 Nov Tokyo and leaving 10 Dec Osaka.

A few questions to ask of the gurus here:
1. Saw that the temp range for the Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka is about 15deg to 5deg. may I know if thermal wear is required for 8 and 10yr old kids? or heat-tech/puff-tech is needed?
2. I'm not sure if I should book the Shinkansen tickets in advance or buy on the spot. I scared buy early but on the day and "lose my reserved seats" due to missed train. I know can take the next train but will be on non-reserved. How good are my chance to get a seat if I bought at Tokyo Station on non-reserved seats?
3. I'd be bringing 2 large luggage with total dimensions (LxBxH) around 155ish. Do I still need to book those seats with large luggage compartment or space on the Shinkansen? I assume these can be stored in the overhead racks instead but in case its too heavy, any chance the seats' leg-space can fit it instead?
4. As I'm entering via Tokyo and exiting via Osaka, should I get a Suica, ICOCA or Welcome Suica? The latter no need to refund and I should be able to finish off all values inside before leaving.

Thanks in advance.

Since you are arriving Tokyo, just get the Suica or Welcome Suica, can also using in Osaka. Google Japan ic card interoperability.
If you are iphone user, can also download digital Suica app

 

[deodorant]

4. As I'm entering via Tokyo and exiting via Osaka, should I get a Suica, ICOCA or Welcome Suica? The latter no need to refund and I should be able to finish off all values inside before leaving.

If you are iPhone user just create a new suica (or pasmo or whatever, they are all functionally the same) on your wallet and self reload using credit card.

 

[galant22]

If you are iPhone user just create a new suica (or pasmo or whatever, they are all functionally the same) on your wallet and self reload using credit card.

i'm andriod user.

 

[s7460597]

Since you are arriving Tokyo, just get the Suica or Welcome Suica, can also using in Osaka. Google Japan ic card interoperability.
If you are iphone user, can also download digital Suica app

Icoca is for sale in Kansai, Osaka region.

In Tokyo it's SuICA or welcome suica depending what's available. Imho SuICA is preferable.

 

[thwysg]

Do you intend to revisit Japan? If yes, get a Suica instead of Welcome Suica. Can reuse for next visit. Valid for 10 years but the validity gets extended after your next usage. I’m still using mine from 2010.

 

[Sauron]

Icoca is for sale in Kansai, Osaka region.

In Tokyo it's SuICA or welcome suica depending what's available. Imho SuICA is preferable.

The major IC cards are interoperable

 

[s7460597]

The major IC cards are interoperable

Yes, my point point is icoca isn't sold in Tokyo. Perhaps I want clear enough.

 

[kaiserslayern]

First timer to Japan, arrive 29 Nov Tokyo and leaving 10 Dec Osaka.

A few questions to ask of the gurus here:
1. Saw that the temp range for the Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka is about 15deg to 5deg. may I know if thermal wear is required for 8 and 10yr old kids? or heat-tech/puff-tech is needed?
2. I'm not sure if I should book the Shinkansen tickets in advance or buy on the spot. I scared buy early but on the day and "lose my reserved seats" due to missed train. I know can take the next train but will be on non-reserved. How good are my chance to get a seat if I bought at Tokyo Station on non-reserved seats?
3. I'd be bringing 2 large luggage with total dimensions (LxBxH) around 155ish. Do I still need to book those seats with large luggage compartment or space on the Shinkansen? I assume these can be stored in the overhead racks instead but in case its too heavy, any chance the seats' leg-space can fit it instead?
4. As I'm entering via Tokyo and exiting via Osaka, should I get a Suica, ICOCA or Welcome Suica? The latter no need to refund and I should be able to finish off all values inside before leaving.

Thanks in advance.

Book the Shinkansen tix via official app, can keep changing via app until your travel time but subject to availability. Buy seats with luggage area!

 

[llx384]

I suggest sending your luggage from your Tokyo hotel to your Osaka hotel. Save you the hassle of lugging it around, especially if you have kids. If you do this, you won't need to book the "luggage seats" train tickets. Most hotels provide this paid service. Send it one night before you plan to go Osaka.

We bought it directly at the train station. Plenty of time slots and plenty of seats. Usually the immediate train will be the most sold. So what we did was buy a 1hr later departure time. Then we used the spare time to walk around the station to buy food to bring on board the train.

 

[winningeleven]

For luggage size of 65 to 70cm (25) I managed to place it at overhead compartment at the shinkansen ride. Just make sure u r strong enough to lift it up over your head. Bigger than and have to use the luggage compartment near the entrance of the train .

As I also Android phone user. I used my youtrip card to pay for my subway / metro train ride when I was at osaka. Do note that some private railways do not have this tap to ride function .

 

[s7460597]

For luggage size of 65 to 70cm (25) I managed to place it at overhead compartment at the shinkansen ride. Just make sure u r strong enough to lift it up over your head. Bigger than and have to use the luggage compartment near the entrance of the train .

As I also Android phone user. I used my youtrip card to pay for my subway / metro train ride when I was at osaka. Do note that some private railways do not have this tap to ride function .

Make sure it's safe, you don't want it falling on someone's head. Train doesn't just go straight.

 

[XcoVar]

Do standby thermal wear (Uniqlo heattech) for both adults and kids, you'll need them. Layer with light sweater and jacket. Puff jacket not necessary unless you're heading to Hokkaido.

In Osaka, you can try Fraser Residence, it's 2 mins walk from train station with train directly to airport, tickets can be book via Klook. Pls visit Nara deer park, it's the highlight of our trip.

 

[tjkb230]

First timer to Japan, arrive 29 Nov Tokyo and leaving 10 Dec Osaka.

A few questions to ask of the gurus here:
1. Saw that the temp range for the Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka is about 15deg to 5deg. may I know if thermal wear is required for 8 and 10yr old kids? or heat-tech/puff-tech is needed?
2. I'm not sure if I should book the Shinkansen tickets in advance or buy on the spot. I scared buy early but on the day and "lose my reserved seats" due to missed train. I know can take the next train but will be on non-reserved. How good are my chance to get a seat if I bought at Tokyo Station on non-reserved seats?
3. I'd be bringing 2 large luggage with total dimensions (LxBxH) around 155ish. Do I still need to book those seats with large luggage compartment or space on the Shinkansen? I assume these can be stored in the overhead racks instead but in case its too heavy, any chance the seats' leg-space can fit it instead?
4. As I'm entering via Tokyo and exiting via Osaka, should I get a Suica, ICOCA or Welcome Suica? The latter no need to refund and I should be able to finish off all values inside before leaving.

Thanks in advance.

1. Wear like onion, ready to layer on and off depending on temperature. Also, different people have different threshold/definition on "what is cold". Can standby some head pack. The trip should give you a better idea how to better prep next time.
2. If possible, buy in advance. If buy pass, can reserve seats in advance.
3. For big luggages, try to reserve seat on the last row (i.e. there is space behind seat and after that it's the sliding door leading to common area, such as entrance door or toilet or gangway. Tokyo-Osaka stretch is operated by JR Central. Check its website on this: https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/oversized-baggage/
4. Suica/ICOCA work the same and accept in both Tokyo/Osaka (in fact nationwide except for some very handful/minor places). Never use Welcome Suica before, so can't comment. But if you think you will visit Japan in future, better to have a Suica/ICOCA.

 

[hwarzoner]

i sweating now outside narita airport, outside so warm.

 

[PaprikaSG]

During my last Shinkansen trip from Osaka to Tokyo, I was advised to get a reserved luggage compartment with lock. Hence, no need sit near to my luggage.

 

[ApeTruelove]

During my last Shinkansen trip from Osaka to Tokyo, I was advised to get a reserved luggage compartment with lock. Hence, no need sit near to my luggage.

Outside not many ppl use

 

[tomsss]

First timer to Japan, arrive 29 Nov Tokyo and leaving 10 Dec Osaka.

A few questions to ask of the gurus here:
1. Saw that the temp range for the Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka is about 15deg to 5deg. may I know if thermal wear is required for 8 and 10yr old kids? or heat-tech/puff-tech is needed?
2. I'm not sure if I should book the Shinkansen tickets in advance or buy on the spot. I scared buy early but on the day and "lose my reserved seats" due to missed train. I know can take the next train but will be on non-reserved. How good are my chance to get a seat if I bought at Tokyo Station on non-reserved seats?
3. I'd be bringing 2 large luggage with total dimensions (LxBxH) around 155ish. Do I still need to book those seats with large luggage compartment or space on the Shinkansen? I assume these can be stored in the overhead racks instead but in case its too heavy, any chance the seats' leg-space can fit it instead?
4. As I'm entering via Tokyo and exiting via Osaka, should I get a Suica, ICOCA or Welcome Suica? The latter no need to refund and I should be able to finish off all values inside before leaving.

Thanks in advance.

if you are first timer to cold climate country, one way you can experience what 5-15 degrees is like is go to Far East Flora. they have a cold room for flowers and you can have a feel what that kind of temperature is like

 

[hwarzoner]

weather very hot in asakusa sensoji temple now