Winter Comiket and my expectations vs my experience tips
Hello! So back in 2024, I went to Winter Comiket 105 and I wanted to share some tips and such from my experience based on my list of expectations I made before. I'll be posting my list and then under each one, I'll post some more info about that part. Sit back, relax, and read up if you want, because this is going to be a long one. The dates are relative to 2024 and such, and it is a bit specialized for what I had in mind for the specific days I was at Comiket, so it isn't an all-inclusive guide, but it does have some info to help you build your own. I call this list my Preparation, Observation, Recovery, and Notes list (P.O.R.N):
#Preparation:
> Before leaving US (20DEC24):
> - Prepare Google translate to be used constantly
Big one of you speak very limited Japanese. Good thing that it lets you download their dataset and use it when you don't have a cell connection.
> - Check cosplay items are good to go
I was a cosplayer there and I had won an early entry ticket for cosplayers to the event on the second day, which was the one day out of two that I went so I can get some stuff and cosplay. Just remember you must also pack it away so you can roll up, put it on in a changing area for cosplay, take it off in the same area, and pull out as soon as the event is over. No cosplaying while walking around Ariake (which is also very cold that time of year, so be skimpy within reason of the cosplay rules but have some warm stuff packed)
> - Check camera gear is all set
Basically me just making sure I have all the gear that I want. I suggest just a standard zoom and a telephoto zoom lens for this trip. Follow the camera rules of places as well and not be the one online getting posted in the news for being an asshat or generally disrespectful. Capture with respect and honor.
> - Check laptop is all set for the trip
Another personal check since I had just got my Framework 16 in prior to the trip. Just setting it up downloading software and things like that for any long travels I went on during the rest of my trip.
> - Check tech is all accounted for and good to go
Basically camera, laptop, portable router (not an LTE hotspot), a few battery banks, and a converter or two, which was useful when my hotel I went to had UK style outlets available to use, but a majority of it is 100v 60hz 2 prongs similar to the US. A majority of charging blocks should work fine without a transformer for step up or down. Even less would be needed if you pick up a adapter where it has a built in charger and swappable fuses.
> - Check clothes and miscellaneous items are good for the trip
General check to make sure I packed for the weather before going there. It is cold but not very snowy in Tokyo that time of year. Layer up with wicking clothes and some wool socks with a decent coat to add to your fit
> - Lock everything up in apartment room and clean up a bit before the trip
Did that for just ease of mind. No problems with that when coming back home.
> - Uber to the airport early enough to use airport lounges to the max time (1130 flight 0730 arrival to airport)
Didn't leave early because I wanted to take care of some other things before I left, and make sure my car is in a good spot out of the elements.
> Upon arrival to Japan (22DEC24 1645):
> - Check into first hotel and set up base camp
Had one hotel I stayed in for a majority of my trip, one hotel specifically lined up for Comiket because it was closest that I can get to Tokyo Big Sight and I wanted to just be within walking distance (which was quite far but still walkable), and a third one near a subway station so I can get to Narita straight from my hotel easier.
> - Prepare to buy printed Comiket C105 Catalogue
Not exactly a necessity, but something cheap and fun to bring back home to remember the event. It is also very heavy and it is also available online with full maps and navigation. But as I said: good gift that isn't necessary for the experience.
> - Prepare to buy Comiket early cosplay tickets day two from FamilyMart
The lotto was the month prior, so it was just needing to go to one of the various convenience stores around me and printing it out. This is your ticket to get your wristband. Not your ticket to entry. If you got a friend in Japan, I strongly recommend having them buy your wristbands ahead of time so you can jump in line as soon as possible, since international purchases had to go in a different line to get their wristbands later at a different time, which can set you back pretty far from the main line in after receiving your wristbands.
> - Check and mark down items that you want and plan your route and estimated wait times and if there will be lines
Kind of difficult to judge that beforehand. Keep an eye on your target artist/corp's Twitter/X for more info and updates on item stock. Checking before can help you set a priority before you get in.
> - Check online catalogue for other updates on items and booths
Not exactly a necessity either. But the closer to the event, the more you will see about doujinshi and merch being posted by artists or corporations. This one is kind of similar to the one above.
> - Check artists socials to see who it is and what their stuff is like
This is mostly if you want to use this as a means of discovering a new artist where you may like their stuff but didn't know them before you looked them up from the Comiket catalog. I definitely found out a few new ones to add to my follows at this event.
> - Check plans for each day on who to stop by first for those only there on certain days
Certain artists will only be there for certain days. Some on the first day. Some on the second day. Some on both days. It changes around between day one and two, so it is a good thing to add to the plan as well prior to going.
> - Prepare cash reserves with any bank or ATM
Cash is king there obviously. Load up now if you intend to spend a lot of time and money there. I spent somewhere in the ball park of 1.5 to 2k USD there because I told myself "fuck it we ball" since I didn't know if I was possibly able to go again and just bought a lot of stuff from merch to doujinshi from artists. Well, guess that turned out not true last time. Just keeping it up as much as I can. Bring a bit more than you intend to spend because it would be better to go over and take a small L in converting it back to your home currency on the way back than miss out on something you planned on getting because you ran out of cash. There is also the possibility of getting some of that stuff afterwards in stores and online, but expect to pay a little bit of a premium on it with the usual shipping and fees.
> - Load up on language knowledge and key phrases to help with getting around Comiket
This will help you out to seem more immersed imo. People like it when you at least give a shit to try when you are polite about it. Reflecting the same kindness that they show you will get you a long way. Some of the broken, yet speakable conversations with artists also help me get some good stuff for free. DO NOT SET YOUR EXPECTATIONS ON THAT KIND OF THING AND EXPECT THAT EVERY TIME YOU DO. IT IS LUCK BASED AND DEPENDS ON YOUR VIBE TO THEM. DO NOT FUCK IT UP FOR EVERYONE ELSE BECAUSE YOU DIDNT GET FREE SHIT FOR BEING NICE. Also buying up one of everything is a good way to get on their good side and give you something to talk about with them. Just make sure there isn't any people behind you.
> - Load up on layout and map knowledge of Tokyo Big Sight and the convention halls to know how to get around faster
This is a bit of a big (sight) one. There is a few tips and tricks for getting around faster from the East halls to the west and south halls. You can do the skybridge or the crossing under it. Both get pretty packed regardless and have very defined traffic directions. Elevators are also usually one way up or one way down and have a traffic path before and after you get on it. Follow those and keep them in mind so you don't get stuck when you are reviewing the map. Keep those in mind when you are walking around as well. Opting for the stairs can be a bit faster, less crowded, and much more convenient when the opportunity comes up.
> - Prepare base camp at original hotel with stuff organized and things placed out neatly for organization
Just a general tip for my stay. Keeping things organized so packing it all back can be done a lot easier. You might need to buy a second piece of luggage to bring the rest of it back home.
> - Prepare mind by reading up and studying the other notes at the bottom
General note stuff again
> Two or less days before (26-27DEC24):
> - Get at least 200,000 yen in cash (some small bills and coins with a small amount being huge bills) and break it down with Combini purchases and arcade coin machines
A personal one, but honestly, I would have done more if I could and if the convenience store ATMs around the convention center would give me much more bills. Breaking them down with convenience store purchases is the most legitimate way to do it. Arcades is a bit dicey as long as you play some games here and there. Just changing bills to coins there is frowned upon at minimum or against the rules at max, which can get you kicked out or in worse case scenario based on a bad reaction, arrested. Didn't happen to me, but just be polite and play some games to relax. It is a vacation and there are some neat gems you rarely see in the US that are super fun for arcade games.
> - Check Comiket wish list and on making it accurate and efficient for what you are looking for based on location and hall
Corporation stuff (think Cygames (Uma Musume), Yostar (Blue Archive), Nekopara, Nexon, and any other big company) in the South/west halls across the bridge, and indie stuff in the east halls on the other side. Usually all grouped up by circles and usually in various halls.
> - Make a plan of action and backup plans to go with it just in case it doesn't work out for some
Shit can go sideways based on the sheer amount of foot traffic that you would have to deal with. Plan reroutes, backup places to stop, or things you can cut out of your day just to make it for some other line or booth. Some can take a very long time to get through.
> - Buy snacks and sports drinks to get through the day (Calorie Mate bars, 1 minute meal jellies, Pocari, etc.)
Something to do if you plan to spend the whole day there. Don't expect the convenience stores in the halls to be fully stocked with what you want and the restaurants in there to have open seats for you to sit down and eat. If you want to pack your day full and buy all the stuff you want as much as possible, quick bites like that will get you through.
> - Bring a small packable chair
Some lines, especially like the one prior to entering the convention center, can take a long as time to process through for the next person. A small tri-leg chair or anything easily packable (and also mildly comfortable, which is a balance you should consider) is nice to have. Don't sit on the ground at least when you are inside the convention hall lines. They are going to have you sitting in grouped lines in either the south/west line or east line.
> - Bring an full water bottle
Or bring an empty water bottle. Fill up in the sink or a water fountain at the convention hall while you are there so you aren't carrying a lot of weight before going in or got too much in a rolling suitcase to pack into. A filled one does allow you to have ice in it beforehand, but just make sure it is either a double-walled bottle so condensation doesn't make your bag and goods wet, or a standard one with or without ice in a safe place away from goods.
> - Buy plastic protectors from dollar stores for doujinshi (A5 for small, B5 for large, A4 for common paper size)
Didn't exactly do this because I forgot. Though it does make taking it back home a lot easier and protects it from possible damage by airline workers and such. Either form fit or enough spacing to keep the corners cushioned is the way to go.
> - Buy poster tube to hold posters and possibly wall scrolls
Also didn't do this, since the wall scrolls and posters I got were pretty small. I suggest this for larger stuff to protect it well.
> - Buy some hand warmers to prepare for the cold in line
Can't stress this one enough. Waiting in line for 2 hours in the freezing cold of Ariake was like hell froze over yet you were still stuck there in the cold with some breeze from the ocean near by. Hands moved from my pockets to my breath to keep them warm. Luckily they gave away some for free at the time before I got where I needed to in line. That was just pure luck that it happened to solve my unfortunate issue. Though, better be safe than sorry.
> - Prepare bug out bag for the convention and prepare cosplay bag/rolling suitcase
Basically pack some snacks, cosplay repair and prep material, first aid, any medicine you may need, water/water bottle, and possibly cigarettes with you to smoke them if you got them and are addicted. They had some areas by the outdoor cosplay areas where you can smoke. Just look around this year's event map to make sure that info is up to date for you.
> - Prepare to pick up food for breakfast those two days at combini
If you want to get the best spot in line, you got to be out pretty early. That means you might have to be up and out before the morning breakfast line is open at your hotel. For me, that was just a few things: convenience store food, water, caffeine (through various sources like tablets or energy drinks like Zone), and nicotine (addicted but didn't want to stress myself out trying to quit on the trip) to kick me into gear for the day and I'll go without eating until late night for dinner time at the hotel buffet. Though, with the situation for international ticket buyers, you might be able to have a normal breakfast before heading out.
> - Take antidierreha pills two days before until after the event
Keeping your shit solid keeps you more comfortable and less needing to shit during con time when you could be standing in line for something cool instead.
> - Walk to the convention center with a few laps from the hotel to gauge time and where you need to go by memory
This did not go as planned, as I was there the night before late and wanted to get to bed as soon as possible to wake up early.
> - Make sure to wear the right shoes that are well broken in for walking around and in cosplay
General convention tip: either make your cosplay work with your broken-in shoes, or don't make them work with your broken in shoes. Either way, never wear shoes you haven't broken in yet because that shit is not comfortable at all.
> - Prepare mind by reading up and studying the other notes at the bottom
Adding those extra notes help out a bit as you find out more info while you are there.
> The day before (28DEC24):
> - Get to the hotel reserved closest to the convention center as early as possible
You'll want to settle down and rest before you sleep to get ready for the con. From my experience, not doing that is a bad idea but doesn't mean you can't fight through that in the morning.
> - Prepare bug out bag stuff in the room that isn't needed for the convention
You won't need everything you brought with you to your room when you are at the convention. Leaving it in the room means more bag space for more stuff. Keep only the essentials for a good time at Comiket.
> - Explore the area a bit for other supplies and possible needs
Ariake literally has jack shit there outside of a mall or two and a handful of convenience stores. Grab what you can from them for what you need if you didn't get covered the days before.
> - Eat well before early bed time
Or don't. Up to you on how much you eat and how much it may impact your sleep.
> - Don't eat too much before bed
Or do. Up to you on that just like the last one.
> - Check Comiket wish list and work on making it accurate and efficient for what you are looking for
Plan for backups, cutoffs, and reroutes for doing so. Because that is almost a guarantee with the sea of people there and all the stuff they have.
> - Plan routes for Comiket based on the event map
See above on that one for when you are inside. When you are outside, follow the signs for the specific line you want to be in.
> - Check all cosplay parts are prepared and bagged up nicely
Keep this in mind cosplayers: once you are in there, it is basically game day and the commitment stays with what you bring in with you. If you forget something while you are in, take the L and continue on with the day. Having a friend helps with this, but I was solo traveling at the time for this, so it is all on me during my day to cosplay. Having a separate bag/suitcase for cosplay really helps out if you want a lot of stuff or your cosplay has a lot of stuff associated to it.
> - Check battery banks are charged and fully functional
Pregame checks. USB PD ones are great because they fast charge and you won't have to worry too much about this if your phone lasts the whole day already. But always have one that is good for emergencies.
> - Check camera battery and spares are fully charged
Same as above. Keep your stuff on point and ready for game day.
> - Check SD card is loaded and ready
Same as above again. Shouldn't be an issue if you don't swap during the trip and such.
> - Check ticket confirmation is saved somewhere safe
Always keep your physical copy on you until it is turned in for a wristband. Because once you lose it, you can't get another one and will have to go and buy one from any of the wristband stands they have after opening.
> - Prepare comfortable clothes and shoes to wear to the event
Doing this is basic convention creature comforts. Don't want to be uncomfortable physically on a day that should only be uncomfortable mentally if you haven't dealt with the crowds.
> - Prepare morning meals for both days from Combini stuff for breakfast and pills to take beforehand
Don't want to spend too much time in the morning making breakfast if you want to stay locked in for Comiket. I don't recommend this if you want a more casual experience.
> - Prepare some toiletry items for the days ahead such as body spray/cologne and body wipes with some deodorant/anti-persperants
Probably going to need this as you layer down inside and still sweat from the sheer amount of body heat accumulated around you by the people there. Body wipes and deodorant to not be like the worst of convention goers that I see in the US too often.
> - Prepare yourself up and put on clean face before bed (shit, shower, shave, put on skin care stuff, etc.)
Good hygiene is still to be kept. I may be locked in but the event is still moving at the same pace as it was before. Take care of yourself and feel fresh every day because a con will erase that freshness by the end, or make you feel even more dirty if you are already dirty.
> - Prepare mind by reading up and studying the other notes at the bottom
It's going to be a daily thing with some changes as time goes on until the day of the event. Keep it all in mind.
> - Go to bed early so you can wake up and prepare for the AM opening time (or early AM opening time if you get picked in the lottery)
This was made before I found out I won an early cosplay entry in their lotto on Etix.
> The morning you wake up (29DEC24 0200 approx.):
> - Wake up and eat breakfast and pills as soon as possible
Got a put something in your stomach to power through the beginning of the day. Don't go there hungry but not too full either, since that would be uncomfortable with either extreme.
> - Check weather outside and prepare to dress up or down in layers
It's going to be cold. Adjust as necessary based on the weather.
> - Dress in layers and be prepared to remove layers in case it gets warm in the halls
Layers help with this. Don't have too many where it would be difficult to carry around or you won't have as much space for your stuff that you buy.
> - Pull up ticket confirmation and save it somehow
Physical confirmation is kind of the only way to go. Keep it on your person, know where it is, and whip it out as necessary to get you where you want to go.
> - Take caffeine and make sure to go to the bathroom before waiting outside the convention hall
Caffeine makes you shit, but it does keep you awake for the convention and keep your energy (and among other things) high. If you don't eat too much or eat anything that would upset your stomach, you should be just fine in line and in the halls.
> - Prepare mind by reading up and studying the other notes at the bottom
Always keep your note in mind so you know how to play it out.
> - Prepare walking route to stand at the right place in line
Pull it up on Google maps and adjust your leaving time based on the next point.
> - Leave and be there before 0300
Didn't exactly do that until I realized my situation with the international tickets. Follow the point above to plan that out a bit better for yourself.
#Observation:
> DAY 1 (29DEC24):
> - Prepare to wake up and eat breakfast and pills as soon as possible
Part of that covered in the last section.
> - Prepare to clean up yourself just before the convention (shit, shower, shave, put on skin care stuff, etc.)
Also covered in the last section. Still something to keep in mind.
> - Prepare ticket wristband or QR code from Eplus email
Gonna need that in order to exchange it for your wristband. Don't want to not have it and take a fat L waiting in the other line.
> - Leave and be there before 0300
Covered in last section. Adjust it as needed unless you got your insider for a wristband already.
> - Plan for industry booths this day
My general plan, but that came crashing down when I realized the line I was supposed to be standing in was on the exact other side of the convention center. But I made do with what I could to get there and get something.
> - Make sure to look for the end of the line at certain booths
It will always be someone with a sign. Though there are cases where the line needs to split somehow and there is another person with the sign to signify that it is a split in the line.
> - Check socials and Circles to see what stuff might have gone out of stock while waiting
Plan for backups, since you can't be there for everything if you go there alone. I had a lot of times where I had to use a backup because some places ran out of the stuff I wanted from the corporate booths. Though I did get a copy of the Nekopara book and got it signed by the creator, Sayori, and even was able to go back the next day in cosplay to get another one as well to get that signed too (though I think she noticed that she has seen me before the previous day because I kind of stood out in height but she still signed it anyways and I wouldn't have given her shade for it because I liked the series).
> - Walk around to the spots marked out with the stuff you want to buy and prepare to wait in line for some stuff
There is going to be a lot of lines and a lot of waiting if they are shutter booths and such, since those are highly known artists that sell a shit ton and need that space for a line.
> - Use the intersection under the sky bridge to cross between the larger halls.
This one kind of became foobar, since it was just as busy as the skybridge, but with the added benefit of crossing lights to take up your time. I'd suggest the skybridge because at least that movement is constant.
> - Cosplay at the event after finding all the stuff you want initially on the first day
Kind of wanted to do this, but opted out on that because I wanted to spend time walking around and finding hidden gems and such that I didn't know about before.
> DAY 2 (30DEC24):
> - Prepare to wake up and eat breakfast and pills as soon as possible
Same as a couple sections ago. Don't go empty or on an overfilled tank
> - Prepare to clean up yourself just before the convention
Stay fresh is a passive kindness that is easy to do for the sake of others. That "aura" you call it is unfettered ass. Go shower, dipshit.
> - Leave by 0500
Necessary for the early cosplay line lotto tickets.
> - Get in early cosplay entry line
They usually gather people in an empty hall, separated by sex, and then send you off to the changing area where you will change out like an open locker-less locker room with a bunch of tables, chairs, small mirrors for make up and such, and general privacy. Minimum naked, at least for the male changing area, is basically underwear. Even though the rules say don't do things that make a huge mess, I asked and you can get the go ahead to put in hair products there like pomade/gel if your cosplay requires it and you didn't do it ahead of time. Always feel free to ask the staff in their specific hats for clarifications and such to have a fun cosplay experience there.
> - Change into cosplay at before halls open
Once you are done and in your cosplay, they let you go out into the cosplay area to stand around and be there for photos and such. If you are a dude and you don't have a highly recognizable and well built out cosplay (like me who was just dressed up as Helltaker from the game Helltaker), don't anticipate any photos. If you are a girl with any cosplay, anticipate photos. But remember this: you can always decline someone a photo and they are obligated to oblige. If they don't, that is against the convention rules and they can be asked to leave.
> - Plan for doujinshi booths this day
My original plan was this, but it was mostly just walking around for more gems that day in cosplay to be honest.
> - Check around for more stuff on the second day
Same as above. Might be some new gems that weren't there on the first day.
> - Use the hotel's on-site lockers for day 2 to store stuff on the last hotel day
I check out of my hotel the day of day 2 before normal checkout time, so I used a few of the coin lockers they had available to store my stuff until the event was over with that afternoon (they end it one hour earlier than the day before). One thing that I would like to add: if you do have hair products in your hair and don't want to wash it out there, you can just get back into normal clothes and then walk out. Either way you are going to have to do that each day or else they will stop you, since they prohibit wearing your cosplay out in town. Don't be the shitbag that ruins it for us and those who live around there that have to deal with these crowds. Tourists are already under heavy scrutiny and I sure as hell don't want to be the next news story that the next prime minister would use as truth bullets to keep foreigners out.
#Recovery (after the event):
> - Make sure the goods you bought are packed nicely for the way back to the base camp hotel and the way home
Get an extra suitcase or bag if you have to. If you are like me, you'll have a lot of stuff and sorting though it all will likely have to be done at home. You can plan for some more time afterwards if you want to bask in the stuff you bought.
> - Make sure everything is squared away in the hotel room before leaving and nothing is left there in the Comiket hotel
Coin lockers again to help with this. Put your stuff in there can let you lighten your load and explore the area a bit. Ariake is kind of neat and does have some neat stuff going on during the day.
> - Check Akihabara for exclusive stuff you might have missed out on and still want (possibly for an upcharge)
Melonbooks, book-off, and such places might have some stuff that some smaller artists may not have been able to sell at Comiket. Checking there afterwards is basically like Comiket 2: Electric Boogaloo. It is always worth checking, but there is also always a chance that it will be more than what it was originally selling for depending on the rarity of it. If you just want general kind of stuff that you can find in Akihabara for cheaper, go out of Tokyo to any of the other neighboring prefectures and find local stores there. That allowed me to find more hidden gem items that I wouldn't have found at Comiket, and for a lot cheaper. Easier to ball out on a budget outside of Tokyo and outside of general tourist places.
> - Pack things to ship back home in case I can't carry them all in my luggage
I didn't have enough luggage then and bought a decent yet cheap hard shell luggage case to bring it all back. Look around for luggage stores and you might be able to find a place with those for a decent price. All you need out of it is to get it good enough to get back home. Don't need to get all fancy for it unless you are flying on a cargo plane.
#Notes:
> - CASH ONLY
Cash is king as mentioned before. Credit/debit card isn't accepted by most of the smaller artists or even more of the larger ones. There is also no one that will accept IC card payment either. Just keep that in mind to keep bands of cash on you in a safe spot.
> - Study the catalogue and plan out a route to where you want to go efficiently
Something to consider, but that shit will likely be thrown out the window if you never dealt with a crowd like that before there.
> - Use Circles.ms for online mapping
It works for the most part, but I do wish that they just released an app for it instead so it can be kept locally and updated for each Comiket.
> - Day 1 is for corporation stuff
Just make sure you are in the right line for it and extremely early before opening to stand in line. Doors usually open around 1000 and the line usually gets really long by 0800. Having someone get you wristbands before the convention from places like Animate and such would be a huge help off of your shoulders and will allow you to be able to stand in line earlier.
> - Day 2 is for adult/indie stuff
All that stuff is in the east halls. If your main focus is that, I'd get a spot in the east AM lines.
> - Wall circles: Popular doujinshi sellers by the walls of the halls
Pretty straight forward note. Lots of the more popular artists were around the wall area with a large booth as well as large lines that may even snake around.
> - Shutter circles: Very popular doujinshi sellers by the unused shutter doors of the halls
This one is a bit less straightforward. Sometimes they were by closed shutters facing towards the inside of the halls, or open shutters facing towards the outside of the halls. Either way, it was a general position for highly regarded artists and such (such as the creator of Jashin-Chan Dropkick which I was willing to stand in line for even though it was outside and they sold out of the more fun merch like the tote bag that had a recursion picture of Pekora the Angle holding a tote bag with that same picture on it and such like that).
> - Watch out for traffic ways in the convention halls possibly being only one way
I had ran into some areas where the traffic was one way most of the time due to the sheer amount of people going a certain direction. Keep that in mind and don't be the one to stand out by being a shit bag and going in the opposite direction of the traffic. Someone will correct you on that (💢💢💢) and it will dampen your experience and make shit worse for others who want to make the pilgrimage to this event.
> - Avoid the sky bridge and use the intersection nearest to the doors to cross between the halls
This one is kind of iffy. The skybridge did have a constant flow, but had a shit ton of people still going through. The crosswalk is less people, but you would have to deal with the crossing light as well. Pick your poison on that one to be honest.
> - Verify layout with online and print catalogue
This one was fucking useless to me lol
> - Sample artist's works available through their Pixiv or other socials through Circle.ms
They do give you access to see some artists works though their socials and such through Circles, and this can help give you a heads up on gems and such.
> - Do not overeat on these days to keep slim for cosplay.
This was kind of a must for me. Save the eating a lot for later when you are just chilling at the hotel and can enjoy some good, non-convenience store food for once, since you might have to rely on it for a couple days.
> - The end of the line usually has someone holding a sign reading 最後尾 ("Saikoubi" meaning "end of line").
A majority of the signs I have seen for this kind of sign is going to be just in Japanese. Though some may contain English along with it to note the end of the line, it is going to be a YMMV depending on what you are standing in line for. You might also get randomly chosen to hold the sign as well if it is just being passed down to whoever is last in line and isn't a staff member of the booth holding it.
> - Itadakimasu before eating and Gochisousama deshita after a meal
This one is just a little note for when I was with a friend to try and follow what he does. Not exact, but just to have a better sense of immersion with them and my limited Japanese with some Google translate downloaded to get by with them.
Overall, I would say that even if I didn't follow the plan and took a more "taking it head on" approach with some "fuck it we ball" mixed in, I still had fun and learned a lot for my next trip there. I also hope that this over view of expectations vs reality can be a good guide to help you build your trip there. If you have any questions, comments, or have any more personal anecdotes or info, please drop them in the comments and I will do my best to respond if it is something I can respond to.