I've noticed there are a few of us looking into travelling to Japan soon. I thought it might be helpful to start a thread where we can share tips, must-visit places, and any advice for first-timers. Whether it's about navigating the JR Pass, finding the best sushi spots, or understanding cultural etiquette, let's pool our knowledge. What's one thing you wish you knew before your first trip to Japan?
Just wanted to share a really great experience from my recent Japan trip, in case it helps anyone planning a visit.
Before the trip, I booked a private driver through a website — ¥90,000 for a day with a Toyota Alphard from Osaka to Kyoto. I honestly expected nothing more than basic transportation.
But our driver, Hoshino, totally changed the vibe of the day.
Super punctual (actually early)
We looked outside our hotel in the morning and the van was already there — he showed up 20 minutes early and waited quietly so we wouldn’t feel rushed. Really set the tone for the day.
His English wasn’t perfect, but his effort was 10/10
Even though he wasn’t fluent, he tried so hard to explain things about Japan, local culture, temples, food… it was honestly adorable.
The drive never felt boring — the time flew by.
Our Kyoto day trip was way more efficient than expected
We stayed in Osaka because Kyoto hotels were pricier and Osaka→Kyoto is like an hour by car. With Hoshino planning the route based on crowds and distance, we actually managed to see a TON in one day:
• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Sanjusangendo (his recommendation — we didn’t even know about it, and it ended up being one of our favorites)
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Ninenzaka
• Kinkaku-ji
• Arashiyama bamboo grove
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Monkey Park
He even helped take family photos everywhere. Some of them turned out way better than what we usually get on our own
Lunch with him ended up being super helpful
He recommended a local restaurant. At first he didn’t want to join us (very Japanese polite), but we insisted.
Good thing he did — he helped with ordering and explaining the menu, which saved us a lot of confusion.
We liked him so much we booked him again the next day
We were supposed to go to Nara Park by train the next day, but with kids and all the walking, we realized it might be a pain.
So we asked if he was free.
Surprisingly, he said yes.
I asked how much a full day would cost if we booked him directly.
He said: “¥46,000 is okay.”
I stared at him like… WHAT!?
I literally paid ¥90,000 through the platform the day before.
Apparently the platform takes a huge commission.
So yeah — we booked him again on the spot.
Ended the trip with a new friend
We added each other on email and WhatsApp, and honestly, he just felt like a genuinely kind, hardworking guy.
If my friends go to Japan, I’ll definitely recommend him.
And if anyone here wants his contact, I’m happy to share privately.(Whatsapp08049875588)
Just thought I’d share because good people make travel so much better.
