Getting Around

• JR Pass if traveling between least at 3 cities within a given time frame (e.g. Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagano) – best to get the 7 day pass and compress travel
• Take Shinkansen as much as possible to get the most value out of JR Pass -- learn to use the machines so you don't need to talk to a taller every time
• Within Tokyo, if taking subway 4 trips or less a day, just tap using Apple Pay – otherwise get one of the foreigner unlimited passes

Eating

Tokyo

• Ebisu Endo (sushi)
• Kagari (special ramen)
• Hannosuke (tempura)
• Katsukara (pork cutlet)

Kyoto

• Gion Nishikawa (kaiseki)

Lodging

• Aim for $100/night – many deals on different sites and Airbnb