Japan holds a special place in my heart. Not just as a favorite travel destination, but as a part of my identity.
I’m half Japanese and spent several years of my life living there. And even when I didn’t live there, Japan was a huge part of my family and home.
Whether it’s the excitement of bustling city streets or the quiet charm of a small neighborhood eatery, Japan has so much to offer, no matter how many times you visit.
If you’re planning your first trip (or even your second or third), navigating Japan can feel overwhelming with its endless options of places to see, foods to try, and experiences to have.
That’s why I’ve put together this travel guide—packed with recommendations to help you make the most of your time.
Let’s dive in!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Basics:
- Transportation
- Best time of year to visit
- Cash is king
- Basic etiquette
- Convenience stores
Tokyo:
- Asakusa
- Shibuya
- Harajuku
- Food Tour
- Yokohama Chinatown
- Daibutsu (Great Buddha Statue)
- Bonus: Enoshima Island
Kyoto:
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Recommended photographer
Osaka:
- Sumo Wrestling + Hot Pot Night
- Osaka Castle
- Dotonbori
Hiroshima:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Miyajima Island
T O K Y O
Asakusa
Sensōji Temple is one of Tokyo’s most iconic and historic landmarks, making it a must-visit when exploring Asakusa
It’s best to visit first thing in the morning (around 7:30 – 8 AM) before the crowds start pouring in. You can see in our photos how empty it is without the crowds! The temple grounds are peaceful at this time, allowing you to take in the stunning architecture, pass through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), and participate in traditions like wafting incense over yourself for good fortune or drawing omikuji (fortune slips).
Right outside Sensōji, Nakamise Shopping Street is lined with stalls selling souvenirs and traditional street food, but keep in mind that most shops don’t open until 9 – 10 AM. If you visit the temple early, you can always come back later to browse or grab lunch. This street is the perfect place to try out fun Japanese snacks and find fun souvenirs.
We stayed at APA Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from Sensōji and Nakamise, which made everything super convenient. Note that it’s not a fancy hotel! It’s quite small! But it was perfect for us since we just needed a spot to drop off our bags and sleep.
Shibuya
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and energetic districts, known for its iconic Shibuya Crossing. It’s a must-visit spot if you’re a big city person, especially at night! It’s one of the best spots you can go in Tokyo for shopping.
Aside from crossing the famous intersection, you can explore Shibuya Scramble Square for incredible city views, shop at Shibuya 109 for trendy fashion, or check out Miyashita Park, a stylish rooftop park with cafes and stores.
If you’re hungry, I highly recommend trying Yasubee, a tsukemen restaurant about a 15-minute walk from Shibuya Crossing. Tsukemen is a style of ramen where the noodles are served separately from the broth, allowing you to dip them into a rich, concentrated soup. This spot was a huge hit with my friends, and they even said it was one of their favorite meals of the entire trip!
Harajuku
Harajuku is just one train stop away from Shibuya on the JR Yamanote Line. If you prefer to walk, it’s only a 15-minute walk.
Harajuku is the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture and fashion scene. No visit is complete without a stroll down Takeshita Street. This bustling, colorful street is packed with quirky fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, and some of the most over-the-top sweets you’ll find in Japan. It’s most well-known for its crepes and cotton candy, although you will have no problem finding something to satisfy your sweet tooth there.
Just a 5-minute walk from the chaos of Takeshita Street is Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo’s most serene and significant Shinto shrines.
Surrounded by a dense forest of over 100,000 trees, the shrine is a peaceful escape from the city. You’ll be greeted by a massive torii gate at the entrance, followed by a walk through a calm, wooded path. It’s a beautiful contrast to the lively energy of Takeshita Street, and visiting both in the same day gives you a perfect mix of modern and traditional Japan.
Food Tour in Tokyo
While you’re in Tokyo (and especially if you are in the Harajuku/Shibuya area), I highly recommend doing a food tour with Mayuko’s Little Kitchen.
We were lucky to have Mayuko (the owner, pictured) lead our tour! She also offers cooking classes in her own kitchen, though she’s on maternity leave until Oct. 2025; however, her food tour will still operate during that time!
Mayuko’s English is excellent, and her website is easy to navigate. Beware that many other food tours and cooking classes can have tedious, or Japanese-only sites.
On the food tour, Mayuko took us to three hidden gem restaurants that we never would have found on our own. Even with my experience living in Japan, these spots were incredibly unique and offered a completely different side of Japanese cuisine.
We tried so many dishes, some even my mom, who was completely born and raised in Japan, had never encountered.
This isn’t a tour for those looking for basic Japanese food—it’s perfect for adventurous eaters, with a focus on incredible, fresh seafood.
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