Japan: Popular Spots and Hidden Gems

Tokyo

• Tsukiji Market: If this is your first time in Tokyo, a visit to Tsukiji Market, in my mind, is a must. Sure, it is touristy, but the market is famous and is worth a stroll, plus you can try some amazing food at various stalls.

• Shinjuku at night: Join an izakaya tour, or explore on your own. Filled with neon lights, clubs, restaurants, here you will find the famous 3D cat, and Godzilla building. You will also find Tokyo’s red light district — Kabukicho, as well as Golden Gai.

• Golden Gai: Six alleyways filled with tiny bars, clubs and eateries with some spots being locals only.

• Shibuya Crossing- The ever-famous street crossing best viewed from above at one of the various establishments. I have a few favorite spots I recommend that are not Starbucks.

• Gyoen National Garden: Not your typical spot on a travel guide, but I love a good garden escape from a big city.

• Tokyo Tower: While not as famous in the United States, the Tokyo Tower is Tokyo’s version of the Eiffel Tower and a famous landmark.

• Tokyo Skytree: You can spot the Skytree throughout Tokyo. This free-standing tower is spectacular. Go to the top for panoramic views or enjoy shopping at the mall at the base. The Studio Ghibli store is here and a must-stop for any Ghibli fans.

• Senso-ji Temple: A stop at Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple is an absolute must. I recommend going when the shops along the roads are closed to enjoy the artwork on the shop doors, and less crowds. I went early morning as the shops were slowly opening, but evening time when the temple is lit up would be beautiful.

Kyoto

• Kinkaku-ji, aka Golden Pavilion: A bit out of the city center, this popular temple is covered in gold leaf and in the winter covered in snow is absolutely breathtaking.

• Knife Making class: I absolutely recommend a knife-making class while in Kyoto. Learn more about the coveted Japanese chef knives, as well as take home an amazing souvenir.

• Kintsugi class: The art of kintsugi, began over 12,000 years ago during the Jomon period to fix tools. As time progressed, so did the art of kintsugi. Learning about this practice, and the connection to Buddhism and the practice of wabi-sabi, simplicity, beauty and focus and finding beauty in the imperfection.

• Fushimi Inari Taisha: The Shinto shrine known for its thousand vermilion torii gates. I recommend an early morning, or evening visit to avoid the crowds. I went right before sunset and enjoyed strolling through the torii gates lit up before hiking the trails up behind the main building, along a bamboo forest, and finding other small shrines along the way.

• Sagano Romantic Train: A 25-minute train ride from Kyoto Sagano to Arashiyama, where you will enjoy some of the best nature and scenery that Kyoto has to offer.

• Explore the area beyond Arashiyama bamboo forest. Here you will find less popular temples and shrines with less crowded bamboo forests, beautiful views of Kyoto, and preserved streets and houses that transport you back in time.

Hakone

• Hakone open-air museum: Enjoy strolling through this outdoor museum with sculptures and exhibits.

• Narukuawa Art Museum: While the Japanese-style paintings on display here are worth viewing, so are the views of Lake Ashinoko and the famous Hakone Shrine's floating torii gate.

• Hakone Onsen: Book a stay at one of the many hot spring resorts where you can enjoy the benefits of the famous hot springs from your own private or communal baths.

• Hakone Ropeway: Enjoy views of Mount Fuji from the sky on a clear day.

Day trips

• Enoshima, Osaka, Mt. Fuji

• Sukiyabashi Jiro Ginza: Sushi spot in Ginza station. My favorite meal while in Tokyo. It was made famous from Jiro Dreams of Sushi, visited by Anthony Bourdain. It was once a Michelin Starred restaurant but was removed in 2019 after not accepting reservations for the public. Hotel concierge will need to make the reservation in advance.

• Tsukiji Market: Come here to eat and try food from the various stands.

• Ryoriya Otaya (Kyoto): Kappo-style restaurant.

• Sanmikouan (Kyoto): Japnese soba overlooking the Shirakawa River.

• Bar Rocking Chair (Kyoto): Fun Bar with great cocktails and homemade desserts.

• Arashiyama Itsukichaya: A traditional lunch in Kyoto.