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Dana Yao | Japan Travel – Things To Do in Japan

@itsdanayao

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🌸 Japan’s iconic spots and hidden gems
✨ Fun experiences, eat, stay, tips and more!
📍 US ↔ Japan

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Comment “LOCAL” for the Tabelog app 👇

🍽️ ABOUT TABELOG 🍽️

The app Japanese locals actually use to find and review restaurants, and the easiest way to eat where locals eat on your Japan trip.

Search by area or cuisine, browse rankings, menus, and photos, and book directly in the app, all rated by local diners who actually eat there!

@tabelog_japanbylocals

🤩 WHY YOU NEED IT 🤩

✅ No Japanese phone number needed (that’s a pain, trust me)
✅ No Japanese reading skills required
✅ Reserve directly in the app (select restaurants)
✅ Ratings from actual local diners, with all the info you need to decide

✨ WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT ✨

I can sort by food genre, so if I’m in the mood for something specific, I can always find new places nearby.

Reviews, photos, even the seating layout make planning so much easier.

I also don’t smoke and can’t stand the smell, so being able to check whether a restaurant has non-smoking seats before I go has been a lifesaver!

📍 The teppanyaki restaurant we featured in this video is Bifuteki no Kawamura

💫 NOTE ABOUT RATINGS IN JAPAN 💫

Japan’s restaurant ratings are very strict. Only about 3% of restaurants score above 3.5, so anything above that is considered really good!

This is hands down the easiest way to find authentic restaurants in Japan without wasting hours in line. It’s become my go-to! 🤗

Copy the link into your browser:

https://tabelog.onelink.me/IfVY/dzolmf88?af_ad=itsdanayao

OR Comment “LOCAL” and I’ll send it to you 💝

#Tabelog #pr #japanfood by @itsdanayao

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a month ago

Cat stationery shop in Japan 😻

📍U-ARTS, Osaka

Near Namba Station, about a 2 min walk, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary.

This place is heaven for cat and stationery lovers!

The shop isn’t too big, but it’s packed with heart-warming, cute cat-themed stationery.

They also carry regular art supplies, so it’s great for a casual stroll to find cool things.

Don’t forget to bring your own stamp book (or buy a cat-themed one there like I did) for the in-store cat stamp 🐾

#japanstationery #cat #japancat by @itsdanayao

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a month ago

Personal Skincare Souvenir 👇

From 365-day-themed hand lotions to lip balms and face masks, these are the kind of unique finds that make perfect gifts...or a little treat for yourself!

Every time we’re in Asakusa, we have to stop by these shops just to see what new scents they’ve got.

📍 Monkado & Yoroshi Cosmetics, both on Asakusa’s main shopping street (right across from each other!)

Yoroshi Cosmetics also has a bigger store just a couple blocks away.

Each one’s beautifully designed and smells amazing. I had to grab both the lip balm and the hand cream.

Definitely add these to your Japan shopping list!

#japanskincare #japansouvenir by @itsdanayao

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3 months ago

Daruma Dolls Stamp Hunting 👇

This is one of the most unique souvenirs you can get in Japan, and it comes with a quest. 🏯

At Katsuoji Temple (勝尾寺) in Osaka, you can join the Katsuoji stamping quest: a fun walk around the temple grounds collecting 6 hidden stamp stations.

Each stamp forms part of a larger picture, and once you’ve collected all six, it reveals a beautiful Daruma doll design! a symbol of perseverance and good luck.

The stamp design changes with each season, so depends on the season you visit, it might be different from the video shown.

It takes about 1.5-2 hours to explore the full route, passing ponds, bridges, and hundreds of little red Daruma figures tucked around the temple.

The postcard and stamps are free (entry fee to the temple is not free), and the experience makes for one of the coolest Japan souvenirs you’ll ever bring home.

📍 Location: Katsuoji Temple, Minoh, Osaka

🚆 Access: About 30-40 minutes from Umeda by train + bus

💡 Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and take time to explore the smaller paths…there are hidden viewpoints and photogenic corners everywhere.

#katsuoji #japansouvenir #stamphunting by @itsdanayao

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3 months ago

Kyoto Sukiyaki Details 👇

Sukiyaki is one of my favorite things to eat in Japan, and this spot in Kyoto is such a good one to save after a day out exploring.

Head to:

📍 Sukiyaki Hokuto in Karasuma, Kyoto (on the 2nd floor)

It’s a sukiyaki specialty restaurant that’s super convenient, and you can enjoy great sukiyaki here at a reasonable price.

It’s about a 5-minute walk from Nishiki Market, right in the center of the city, and super easy to fit into your day.

There’s also a sister store in Osaka!

💰 PRICING 💰

The price depends on the beef quality and which set you choose.

Lunch is more affordable, with sets starting from around ¥1,300. Dinner is slightly more expensive.

For the quality and overall experience, I honestly think it’s such a good value.

📌 Save this for your Kyoto trip

#kyotofood #sukiyaki #japantravel by @itsdanayao

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4 months ago

Code DANAYAO for up to 10% off on Klook 💝

If you love digital art spaces like teamLab but want another fun place in Osaka, head to:

📍 MIRACLE WORLD

about a 5-minute walk from Namba Station.

It just opened last December and is Osaka’s first permanent indoor digital art facility.

It’s got multiple themed spaces with very cool 360° LED visuals, mirror effects, and interactive zones. You can even talk to an alien!

It’s a great alternative if teamLab is sold out, too crowded, or you want to try something different!

❗TIPS BEFORE YOU GO❗

The floors and mirrors can be very reflective, so just keep that in mind when choosing your outfit.

There are no lockers so pack light. Also, tripods and selfie sticks aren’t allowed.

⏰ HOURS ⏰

Usually 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and later hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Code DANAYAO for up to 10% off your Miracle World tickets on Klook 💝

@klook_usa

#miracleworld #osakaattractions #japantravel by @itsdanayao

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4 months ago

Comment “INE” for the booking link and use code DANAYAO to get up to 10% off! 💝

Most people think of Kyoto as shrines, torii gates, bamboo forests, and matcha everything, and that’s fair.

But just a couple of hours away, you’re still in Kyoto Prefecture, and the scenery looks completely different.

This side of Kyoto is all about the coast, fishing villages, scenic views, and quiet countryside spots, and it ended up being one of my favorite day trips.

🌊 WHERE WE WENT 🌊

1️⃣ Miyama Kayabuki no Sato

I didn’t have enough time to mention this in the video, but this is a quiet thatched-roof village that feels like a totally different side of Japan.

If you’re into A-frames like I am, this place is so cool and such a great option if you want that kind of look without going all the way to Shirakawa-go.

2️⃣ Amanohashidate

One of Japan’s 3 most scenic views!

We took the ropeway up and got the most incredible view over the sandbar. You can also enjoy the view from the little amusement park at the top.

3️⃣ Chionji Temple

A quick stop near Amanohashidate that added a nice cultural moment to the day, and they have very cool fan-shaped omikuji you can hang on the pine trees.

4️⃣ Ine Town

A peaceful fishing village known for its traditional waterfront boathouses.

We also went on a boat ride around the area, where you can feed the seagulls and eagles, which was honestly so fun.

🚌 BOOKING DETAILS 🚌

We’re such DIY travel people, but when we saw this tour, it had so many places we’d dreamed of visiting since 2018, so signing up felt like such a no-brainer.

Especially because doing all of these spots on your own would be a lot of logistics.

The tour departs from Osaka and includes round-trip transportation, and there’s an option that includes the ropeway and sightseeing boat tickets too.

The tour is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, and we just loved our tour guide.

Comment “INE” for the booking link and use code DANAYAO to get up to 10% off! 💝

Save this for your next Kyoto trip because there’s so much more to Kyoto than just the city.

@klook_usa

#ine #coastalkyoto #amanohashidate by @itsdanayao

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4 months ago

Train Ticket Machine in Japan 101 🎟️

Trains are the easiest way to get around Japan, so knowing how to buy tickets at the machine is a must.

The system is super simple, and once you do it one time, you’ll be able to get the exact ticket you need.

What most people don’t know: if you make a mistake and already bought the ticket, you can refund it directly at the machine right after, so you don’t have to go to the counter!

📌 Save this post and safe travels in Japan!

#PR #JReast #japantrip Buying train tickets in Japan by @itsdanayao

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4 months ago

How does Suica work in Japan? 👇

Suica is a rechargeable prepaid IC card you can use for transportation like trains and buses, plus convenience stores and more.

You just tap and go, and the funds will be automatically deducted from your card.

You can reload at most train stations with cash.

🌸 ABOUT “Welcome Suica” 🌸

Welcome Suica has a red background with sakura and it’s made for travelers.

Unlike a regular Suica, Welcome Suica has a 28-day time limit.

No deposit or refund needed, compared to a regular Suica that requires a 500 yen deposit.

📱”Welcome Suica Mobile” 📱

If you have an iPhone, you can download Mobile Suica and use your phone to tap at the ticket gates. It works the same way.

Mobile Suica is available on iPhones only.

🙋 “JR East Travel Service Centers” 🙋

These centers are great for helping you plan trips around Tokyo and Japan.

You can also buy a Welcome Suica here if you missed it at the airport.

The staff speak English and offer excellent service.

You can find JR East Travel Service Centers in major stations like Ueno, Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, and many more!

📌 Save this for an easier time navigating Japan!

#PR #jreast #japantrip by @itsdanayao

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4 months ago

Code DANAYAO on Klook for up to 10% off your teamLab Biovortex tickets 💝

We finally made it to the newest and biggest teamLab in Japan: teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, which opened late last year.

Here are a few things I wish I knew before going, so you can have the best experience.

@klook_usa

#teamlabbiovortex #teamlabjapan #japantravel by @itsdanayao

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4 months ago

Use code DANAYAO on Klook for a discount on your Shinkansen tickets! 💝

Is Green Car worth it on the Shinkansen?

We tried it ourselves, and for a longer trip, we really do think the Green Car upgrade is worth it. 🤓

@klook_usa

#shinkansen #shinkansengreencar #japantravel by @itsdanayao

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4 months ago

Stationery omakase tour details 👇

Japan is well known for high quality stationery, and spending time in stationery places is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a trip here!

This time, my tour leader from @tomogo.official planned my Omakase Tour, and we absolutely loved it!

We got to enjoy the hidden spots I wouldn’t have found on my own.

Stationery shops mentioned:

📍 ㈱ならや本舗 (Gotanda)
📍 書斎館 Shosaikan (Omotesando)

💸 Use my code DANAYAO for 10% off your next TOMOGO! tour

If you love stationery (or want the quieter, under the radar stops) and want your Tokyo day to feel a little more personal, this tour is so perfect! 💝

#TOMOGO #japanstationery #stationerytour by @itsdanayao

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4 months ago