(Part 2) Best products from r/JapanTravel

Biggest suggestion...stay in either Osaka or Kyoto and do trips from there to the other one. Switching hotels is pain, even more of a pain with a 2 yr old. Each is only about 45 mins away from each other. Take into consideration there is not a whole lot to do in Kyoto at night, which might not be a problem since you have a 2 yr old but you could also consider making Osaka home base as it has more to do at night.
I'd say two days in Osaka not one. Lots more to see than can fit into a day, especially if you go to the Aquarium as you can be in there for a long time.
For Kyoto, three days is the best starting point. Try not to cut shorter than this. Four days is nice but you could also consider a day trip to Nara. Nara is really nice and has the whole deer thing. Of course be careful as the deer are SUPER friendly...sometimes too friendly especially if nipping at a child.
Biggest tip for travelling with a young kid...get a Carrier Backpack. Something like:
https://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Toddler-Backpack-Country-Carrier/dp/B00LH7MEMM/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518110448&sr=8-4&keywords=backpack+child+carrier
Do not do the stroller thing. Lots of stairs, uneven ground, tight spots, etc etc.

Your two main friends are:

https://www.accessible-japan.com/ , which has a lot of useful information as well as first hand accessibility reviews of a bunch of the main tourist attractions in Tokyo. They have an [e-book](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9YXT1Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=accesjapan0b-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N9YXT1Y&linkId=94a26e1fb29342713cb57c09f4fa1717
) as well that's supposedly quite good.

http://www.japan-accessible.com/ , which also has attraction reviews. Their main use is the list of accessible stations, I found this invaluable going around Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka / Kobe.

Can the person you're going with walk little bits without his wheelchair? I found that a lot of restaurants (smaller ones anyway) have a step to get into the place. I found the restaurants in the big rail stations to be surprisingly good and those pretty much all seem to be fully accessible.

If you roughly plan out where you're staying and where you want to go, you can look up beforehand if the underground station you want to use have an elevator, escalator or nothing at all. This made my trip infinitely easier as I didn't have to worry about getting around.

Looks like your itinerary is pretty full already, but if you have time to visit Candy Alley in Kawagoe, I would recommend it. Kawagoe isn't far from Tokyo, it has a more laid-back feel, and I'm sure your boys would have a lot of fun sampling the traditional Japanese candy (They've been making it in Kawagoe since the 1800s).

For the flights I would recommend earplugs/sleep mask/this sleep collar (I'm assuming it will be a long flight, I don't know where you're coming from).

If you like steak, go to Kobe Bifteck Kawamura. It's expensive, but I guarantee you will have the best steak of your life.

A few ideas:

1. A really great travel book - there are some quirkier ones out there that have some great tips in them. A good phrasebook could be handy too! Availability will depend on what country you're from though, I guess...either way, here are the ones we really liked: CITIx60: Tokyo (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-CITIx60-Tokyo-Victionary/dp/9881222761) and the Monocle Guide to Tokyo (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tokyo-Monocle-Travel-Guides/dp/3899555740).
   
   
2. Yen. Simple, yes - but easily the most useful. Even a relatively small amount could be used for something great, from a meal to a trip highlight. Could pack it with a suggestion of things they could use it for - like tickets up the Tokyo Tower/Skytree or something.
   
   
3. If they're anime fans, tickets to the Ghibli museum (make sure they haven't done so already though if that's the case...which will ruin the surprise)
   
   
4. A voucher for a photobook - for printing off their memories when they get home! Depending on their photo/computer skills could also give them some money for a month's subscription to Photoshop/Lightroom.

You literally have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. The fact that you even claim this tells me that you have not actually done the comparisons you suggest doing.

Cases in point:

Nikon D810--$2,796.00 in America, $2,436.48 at Yodobashi, [$2,191.12 at Map Camera] (https://www.mapcamera.com/item/4960759143532)

Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II--$1,699.00 in America, $1,702.54 at Yodobashi, $1,530.49 at Map Camera

OM-D E-M5 Mark II--$879.99 in America, $882.99 at Yodobashi, $794.67 at Map Camera

Fuji 35mm 1.4--$599.00 in America, $570.15 at Yodobashi, $518.76 at Map Camera

I could go on, but you get the picture. Also keep in mind that these Japanese prices include tax, whereas the American ones do not. And also remember that purchases at Yodobashi are eligible for 10% back in points. Moreover, foreign shoppers can shop duty free at both Yodobashi and Map Camera. Yes, it is possible to find isolated incidences where the Japanese price is higher, but in the vast majority of cases the price of cameras and lenses in Japan is the same or lower than it is in America. Trust me--I know this shit. I've been buying and selling cameras and lenses for years in both America and Japan.

And I made the point of saying this applies to modern cameras and lenses because vintage gear in Japan is not necessarily cheaper--primarily because there's a larger market for it, because it's generally better taken care of, and because people are more aware of it's actual worth (in America people tend to severely over or under value vintage photo gear, and they are often unable/unwilling to check if it's in working condition before selling it).

Edit: I love that people downvote this even though I've provided ample evidence to prove my point. If you have a good argument to the contrary, present your evidence.

2 suggestions - if you think herbal teas might be OK:

• Get that an assortment pack of Celestrial Seasons, probably the fruit sampler. It has some nice teas in it. I would probably give them 2 boxes. Some of the flavors are really nice.
  
• Pick a few boxes of Tazo Tea or Similar brands to give them. Pick some nice flavors you know taste good. Some of these might be a bit unusual for Japan, and might be appreciated.
  
  
  Some nice flavors:
  https://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Leaf-Tea-Chamomile-Pouches/dp/B00MFNF1DG/ref=sr_1_19?crid=1FF2UHC653LI1&keywords=chamomile+citrus+tea&qid=1557388367&s=gateway&sprefix=citrus+tea%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-19
  
  Chamomile Citrus
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Tazo-Sweet-Cinnamon-Spice-Herbal/dp/B01DUHOJ10/ref=sr_1_18?keywords=tazo+tea&qid=1557388252&s=gateway&sr=8-18
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Celestial-Seasonings-Herbal-Cinnamon-Apple/dp/B000E65OII/ref=sr_1_3?crid=K9HFVYX578D9&keywords=cinnamon+apple+spice+tea&qid=1557388553&s=gateway&sprefix=cinamon+apple%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-3
  ^___
  Celestrial Seasons
  https://www.amazon.com/Celestial-Seasonings-Herbal-Fruit-Sampler/dp/B000E63LME/ref=sr_1_3?crid=9LRYUAQCVEBN&keywords=celestial%2Bseasonings%2Bfruit%2Btea%2Bsampler%2C%2B18%2Bcount&qid=1557388663&s=gateway&sprefix=Celestial%2BSeasonings%2Bfr%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-3&th=1
  
  If it were me, I would also buy a box of some of these flavors from this sampler:
  
  Country Peach, Razzberry Zinger, Black Cherry (all really good). Lemon Zinger tea is also excellent.

> Suggestions/tips to combat temple fatigue? I'm thinking of purchasing a goshuin to collect my memories better...

I bought a goshuin at Sensoji on my first day and brought it along during my 21 day trip. While I did not go out of my way persay to find shuins, I did end up collecting about 24 of them (enough for one full half) just by traveling around. It is definitely an amazing souvenir if you appreciate calligraphy and visiting various temples.

> Do you know where I might be able to research ekiben? Or see what stores are in which stations and what they sell?

You'll be able to find ekiben at almost every large train station. There are usually vendor(s) selling them in the shopping areas before/after ticketing, and often on the train platform themselves. I ended up getting 2-3 out of convenience, but they are moderately pricy for the quality (900-1100 yen).

> Where I might be able to find a comprehensive list of regional food specialties? Foods that would definitely not be available in the States. For example, kushikatsu or akashiyaki.

I ended up buying a book before my Japan trip to bring with me and to brush up on the culinary aspects of Japan. I can highly recommend this one combined with some Googling.

> Candy/snack recommendations! I have a massive sweet/salty tooth and I can't wait to bring back snacks and candy to the states. Tell me your favorite Japanese snacks and candy and where to buy them.

I'm not especially into sweets but for me, freshly made senbei were mindblowingly delicious. Some places that make them on the spot will have packaged ones as well.

Small update: Buying my ticket with China East Airlines for $487 round trip!!!! I'll be extending my trip an extra month, so April 3rd to June 1st.
I called China East Airlines inquiring about their bike policy, and as long as I'm under the oversize limit and deflate the tires I'm good to go.
This is probably quite expensive for a glorified bag, but I had my eyes on this piece of gear: http://www.amazon.com/Weanas%C2%AE-Transport-Transitote-Bicycle-Carrying/dp/B00JEILGMK/ref=pd_sim_468_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=417b6Ozoq7L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=00X2R8RAH9EMNNNKR9EA

Would require a little more protection for the plane ride of course, but the reviews are really positive, including one from someone who flew to Japan to do the exact same, saying he had no trouble getting onto trains.

Just want to express my gratitude again for all the thoughtful help and advice. I'm going to be living very simply but imagine my art will only benefit from the extended time abroad, and the inherent hardship of living so cheaply :b

cheers.

I can't recommend this book enough: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JIDTBRI/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

It has only 100 words and can easily be made into flash cards but unlike other introductory word sets the book is focused on teaching words and grammar useful to traveling rather than creating a good foundation for eventual Japanese fluency (a noble goal but I can't plan on becoming fluent in the language of every country I visit). I knew about 50 words from that book well and it was easy to navigate a 7 week trip with minimal language anxiety.

I also fell in love with Japanese toilets. So I got one. I have the TOTO Washlet E350 I bought it on Amazon. You can buy a "Japanese toilet" that is made for American toilets. The sizes match up, and the voltage is 120. (although I didn't need an electrical adapter in Japan, and the toilet seat sizes appeared to be the same)

I had a handyman install the toilet seat. He was able to run power from the other side of the wall into the bathroom, so the toilet can plug right in there. Then he put a fitting on the water supply to split the water source. The actual toilet seat clipped right onto my existing toilet.

I don't know how many toilet sizes you have in Canada, but in the US we basically have two: a round seat and elongated seat. The actual dimensions of the toilet don't really matter here. just the seat size. Take a tape measure and figure out your dimensions, and you are set to shop. It seems that the voltage in Canada and the USA is 120 v, so that shouldn't be an issue.

If you just want something heated, it won't cost you as much as the multiple wash toilet seat. There's a price point you have to break to get the front / lady wash.

My best advice is to enjoy the toilets there, and then buy one when you get home. You won't have to transport it around Japan, worry about damage, and if you need to exchange it, you can. Also, you are more likely to get instructions in English if the toilet is manufactured for the North American market.

Best of luck and follow your toilet dreams!

Maybe someone can chime in on a good spot to reliably purchase a cheap suitcase. We spent $75, which compared to shipping everything home, was a bargain, but still more than I hoped to spend.

Normally I bring a lightweight duffle bag like these sea to summit ones, and put all my clothes in that, then bring all my other stuff home in the backpack, but I had a lot of fragile stuff I didn't want to cram into my pack.

And naturally, if you have a use for a nice piece of luggage, you can always buy a good one. They have some nice stuff there you don't see at home, but it's not cheap of course.

osprey farpoint 55,

Osprey Packs Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack, Volcanic Grey, Small/Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014EBLREI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8UwqDbW6GKX6K

best bag I’ve owned for traveling. Just make sure it’s the small size, carry on friendly. Anything bigger is a bit cumbersome, if you will be taking trains, subways, and buses between stay locations.

Pack incredibly light, if staying at a hotel or Airbnb, you will more than likely have access to a washing machine. Socks and undergarments can be purchased cheaply at a don quiote. This goes the same for toiletries.

And as mentioned in other comments, just buy an extra duffel/luggage in Japan for all your nick nacs, and souvenirs. Or another cheap alternative would to just buy a cardboard box and use as checked baggage.

P.S I just got back from Japan, it’s HOT and HUMID right now over there. so just be ready for that, if your trip is soon, Hope you have a great trip!

https://www.amazon.com/Man-No-Talents-Memoirs-Laborer/dp/080144375X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+man+with+no+talents&qid=1566508527&s=gateway&sr=8-1

He actually was a day laborer in that district, San'ya. It doesn't have the greatest of ratings but I enjoyed the read. I felt bad for him but he seemed really resigned to that lifestyle. I think it just made me uncomfortable knowing the kind of life he lived but not really wanting for more. Almost like he was just... existing?

I'm probably going to go back and read it again. I believe he won an award for the book as well but either declined to accept the award or declined to do any press for it. I think its worth a read, it's not too long and the memories he recall expose a side of Japan many never see or think of.

Perhaps they'd enjoy some travel writing to give them a flavour of Japan before they go?

They're 20 years old now but I'm a huge fan of the two books Alan Booth wrote about walking in rural Japan.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Looking-Lost-Journeys-Vanishing-Kodansha/dp/1568361483/