I wandered into a bustling izakaya nestled in the quiet backstreets of Roppongi. I still think about it — the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere.

The difference? In dollars, about $150 in cab fare. Yes, you read that right. Via subway, it was an hour difference. Distance-wise, it was 43 miles vs. 14. (I chose the subway, which cost around $10, and decided to sacrifice time.) 

I later learned that there are airport limousine buses that take you across the city. They cost more than the subway — at around $20 — but they're faster and way less stressful than navigating a new transportation system with heavy luggage. I think they're definitely an option worth exploring.

Fortunately, there are Currency Exchange booths at the airport and station.

I hardly ever carry cash with me in the States, so I was relieved I had some that day. When traveling to foreign countries, I was reminded that having a few small bills on hand can be helpful. You just never know.

It helped me avoid pesky ATM fees, and while airport exchange rates aren't always the most favorable, I was able to kickstart my trip with some yen to spend.

At some currency exchange machines, if using your debit card, I noticed there's a minimum exchange amount. So, even if you only need, say, ¥500, you might have to withdraw a much larger sum. If it's your last day, that can be frustrating! Another reason why having some cash might come in handy.

Gyukatsu Motomura, an elevated, popular Japanese chain known for their deep-fried, rare beef cutlets, had been on my bucket list for some time. Every Yelp review I read mentioned long lines, so I decided to go for an early 4 p.m. dinner. I was fourth in line and waited maybe 15 minutes?

Many of the places I visited offered English menus, but having a translation app was still helpful when communicating with locals or in random moments, like when I had a sudden curiosity for what was in my Family Mart sandos (for the record, nothing crazy, they're all very, very good).

I used the built-in Apple Translate app, which worked fine for me. Other smartphones offer similar free options, and Google Translate is another great one to download.

With the iPhone app, I selected the language I wanted translated and used the camera feature to wave over any text, and within seconds, it translated everything into English.

When visiting another country, I don't view English commonly spoken there as a requirement. So, I'm appreciative when a translation is available, and I try to do my best when navigating language barriers. 

To add, I also did have more trouble navigating the subway system. But both are efficient and clean and wonderful methods of public transportation.

For either bus or subway, though, if you’re unused to city transit, watch out for rush hour.

Kim Kardashian and her family and friends also visited the exhibitions over the years. Swipe through her Instagram to get a feel for what the experience is like.

I found out later that the Kyoto location for the ramen has been featured in Bib Gourmand — a subset of the Michelin Guide that celebrates high-quality restaurants at affordable prices — for four years in a row. Made sense. 

We stumbled upon an intimate but bustling izakaya, which I absolutely suggest trying in Japan.

My friend and I walked in, and we were immediately taken with the space.

Smoked billowed from the yakitori station that was next to a bar. Both were set up in the front entrance so you couldn't miss them when you walked in.

It was like entering a fiery cooking and cocktail-making competition show. Chefs rotated hot, dripping cuts of meat while bartenders poured highballs and muddled fruit shochus.

The bartop was filled, and at another seating area, we took off our shoes and sat cross-legged on wooden floors next to patrons eating and drinking on low-top tables.

We tried different cuts of meat and small plates of other uniquely delicious Japanese dishes, and had one too many highballs and shochus, which I think might be a specialty of theirs.

The place is called Jomon — and it is a vibe!