Winter in Japan: The Highlights of Tokyo & Kyoto

Tokyo

• Visit the Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa): Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, Senso-ji, is located in the Asakusa district. Explore the temple grounds, shop along Nakamise Street and admire the iconic Thunder Gate.

• Explore Shibuya Crossing: One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, Shibuya Crossing is a must-see. Experience the hustle and bustle and check out the nearby Hachiko Statue and trendy shopping malls.

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A peaceful oasis amidst the urban sprawl, this large park features beautifully landscaped gardens. It's perfect for a relaxing stroll, especially during cherry blossom season.

• Tokyo Skytree: Visit the Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking views of the city from the observation decks. The tower also has a shopping mall, aquarium and restaurants.

• Odaiba: Odaiba is a futuristic entertainment hub with attractions like teamLab Borderless (digital art museum), DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (with a giant Gundam statue) and Palette Town.

• Explore Harajuku: Tokyo’s youth fashion capital. Takeshita Street is filled with quirky shops, sweet treats (like crepes) and unique fashion boutiques.

• Tsukiji Outer Market: While the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market still offers fresh seafood, street food and traditional Japanese snacks.

• Meiji Shrine: Nestled near Harajuku, the Meiji Shrine is a tranquil Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest. It’s a great spot to experience traditional Japanese culture.

• Akihabara (Electric Town): A paradise for tech lovers and anime fans, Akihabara is filled with electronic stores, manga shops and themed cafes, such as maid cafes and gaming centers.

• Roppongi Hills: This upscale district has luxury shopping, dining and art galleries, including the Mori Art Museum. The Roppongi Hills observation deck offers panoramic views of Tokyo Tower.

Kyoto:

• Fushimi Inari Taisha: Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Hike up the mountain to enjoy beautiful views of the city.

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): The Golden Pavilion is a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf. The serene garden surrounding the temple reflects its stunning beauty, especially in winter.

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest in the Arashiyama district. It’s a peaceful and picturesque experience, perfect for photos.

• Kiyomizu-dera: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, with stunning views over the city from its large wooden platform.

• Nijo Castle: Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its beautiful gardens and ornate interiors. Explore the famous "nightingale floors," which chirp when walked upon.

• Philosopher’s Path: This scenic walk follows a canal lined with cherry trees. It’s a peaceful route that passes by several temples and offers lovely views, especially during the sakura season.

• Gion District: Stroll through the historic Gion district, known for its traditional tea houses and geishas. Stop by Yasaka Shrine and explore the charming narrow streets.

• Nishiki Market: Often referred to as "Kyoto’s kitchen," Nishiki Market is the place to go for local food specialties, such as pickles, seafood and sweets like matcha-flavored treats.

• Toji Temple: Home to Japan's tallest wooden pagoda, Toji Temple is a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture. The temple’s grounds are tranquil and ideal for a quiet visit.

• Tea Ceremony Experience: Kyoto is the heart of Japanese tea culture. Join a traditional tea ceremony to experience the art of matcha preparation and enjoy a cup of tea in a serene setting.

These activities offer a balance of both historical and modern experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the best that Tokyo and Kyoto have to offer!

Day trips:

Tokyo Disney Resort: Disneyland & DisneySea:

• Tokyo Disney Resort is a world-renowned theme park complex located just outside Tokyo, Japan. It consists of two main parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, along with a variety of hotels, shopping areas and entertainment options. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, this guide will help you navigate and enjoy everything Tokyo Disney Resort has to offer.

• Tokyo Disneyland: Opened in 1983, Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney park built outside the United States. It's a classic Disney park with a distinct blend of American and Japanese culture.

• Tokyo DisneySea: Opened in 2001, Tokyo DisneySea is a one-of-a-kind park with a nautical theme. It’s famous for its detailed theming, mature attractions and beautiful design.

Where to buy tickets

• Official Website: Best for booking tickets in advance.

• Tickets and Admission Types: One-Day Pass: Valid for one park (Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea). Two-Day Pass: Split between the two parks, or stay in one park for the entire day.

• At the Park: You can purchase tickets on-site, but expect long lines, especially during peak seasons.

Best time to visit

• Low Seasons

• Winter (January–February) and late September–early November tend to be less crowded.

Weather

• Summer: Hot and humid, with rain.

• Winter: Cold but often clear.

• Spring/Fall: Pleasant weather, ideal for visiting.

Tips for visiting

• Arrive Early: To maximize your time, arrive before the park opens. The first few hours typically have fewer crowds.

• FastPass System: Tokyo Disney Resort has a FastPass system for certain popular rides. Be sure to use it to skip the long lines.

• Mobile App: Download the Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Official App for real-time information about wait times, show schedules and mobile food ordering.

• Language: Most signs are in Japanese and English. Cast members generally understand basic English, but learning a few key phrases in Japanese can enhance your experience.

Where to stay

On-site hotels

• Disneyland Hotel: A Victorian-style hotel with great proximity to the parks.

• Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta: Located inside DisneySea, offering stunning views of the park.

• Disney Ambassador Hotel: A stylish hotel with a retro Disney theme.

• Tokyo Disneyland Hotel: Elegant and grand, with direct access to Disneyland.

Off-site hotels

• There are numerous hotels near the resort offering a range of budgets and conveniences, often with shuttle busses to the parks.

Here are the directions from Tokyo to Tokyo Disney Resort, which includes both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea:

By train:

• Start at Tokyo Station (JR Lines)

• Head to JR Maihama Station. You will need to take the JR Keiyo Line or the JR Musashino Line.

From Tokyo Station, follow these steps:

• Board the JR Keiyo Line or the JR Musashino Line (both are direct lines).

• Travel for about 15–20 minutes towards Maihama Station.

• Get off at Maihama Station (the stop for Tokyo Disney Resort).

• Arriving at Maihama Station

• Once you arrive at Maihama Station, follow the signs to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea.

• The Disney Resort Line, a monorail, is available at Maihama Station. You can take it to either Disneyland or DisneySea, depending on your destination.

• Alternatively, you can walk to the park entrance (around 10–15 minutes walk from the station).

By car:

• From Central Tokyo (e.g., Shibuya or Shinjuku)

• Take the Shuto Expressway (Tokyo’s urban expressway) and follow signs for the Bayshore Route (Tokyo Wan Aqualine) towards Chiba.

• Continue along the route for approximately 30 minutes to reach the Tokyo Disney Resort exit.

• Follow signs to the Disneyland or DisneySea parking areas.

• The total drive should take about 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

By airport limousine bus:

• If you’re traveling from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, you can take the Limousine Bus directly to the Tokyo Disney Resort. This takes around 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.

By taxi:

• A taxi ride from central Tokyo to Tokyo Disney Resort should take about 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare can vary, but expect it to be around ¥7,000–¥10,000.

Final thoughts

Tokyo Disney Resort is a magical place that combines the best of Disney with the unique Japanese hospitality and attention to detail. Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney or want to experience the more adventurous Tokyo DisneySea, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to plan ahead, use the FastPass system and soak in the immersive experience the parks provide!

Here are ten great places to eat in Tokyo & Kyoto, offering a range of delicious and unique dining experiences:

Tokyo:

• Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza), Cuisine: Sushi

A world-famous sushi restaurant helmed by Jiro Ono, regarded as one of the best sushi chefs in the world. It offers an exceptional dining experience with meticulously crafted sushi, but reservations are hard to come by and the price is steep. If you’re a sushi connoisseur, this is an unforgettable meal.

• Ippudo (Various Locations), Cuisine: Ramen

Known for its rich and savory tonkotsu ramen, Ippudo is a must-visit for ramen lovers. With a vibrant atmosphere, it serves bowls of perfectly seasoned broth paired with tender pork, noodles and a variety of toppings. There are several locations in Tokyo, so you’re bound to find one nearby.

• Narisawa (Minato), Cuisine: Japanese Fine Dining

Narisawa is one of Japan’s Michelin-starred restaurants. It focuses on innovative, seasonal and sustainable dishes that reflect the natural beauty of Japan. The beautifully plated dishes showcase local ingredients, and each course tells a story about nature.

• Tsukiji Outer Market (Tsukiji), Cuisine: Seafood & Sushi

While the Tsukiji Fish Market has moved, the outer market remains a vibrant spot for fresh seafood and sushi. You can enjoy delicious sashimi, grilled seafood and sushi from vendors like Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi, offering a more casual yet flavorful sushi experience.

• Gyukatsu Motomura (Shibuya, Shinjuku), Cuisine: Gyukatsu (Breaded and fried beef cutlets)

This popular spot specializes in gyukatsu, a unique Japanese dish where tender beef cutlets are breaded and fried, served with rice, miso soup and vegetables. Diners can grill their beef to their desired level of doneness, making for a fun and interactive meal.

Kyoto:

• Kikunoi, Cuisine: Kaiseki (Traditional Japanese Multi-Course)

Kikunoi is a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant offering traditional kaiseki cuisine. Set in a charming traditional Kyoto house, it focuses on seasonal ingredients and impeccable presentation. It’s a place for a refined dining experience that embodies the essence of Kyoto’s culinary heritage.

• Nishiki Market (Nishiki Ichiba), Cuisine: Variety of Traditional Kyoto Snacks

Known as Kyoto’s kitchen, Nishiki Market offers a vast array of food stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and pickled vegetables to sweets and traditional Kyoto specialties. You can enjoy local street foods like yudofu (tofu hot pot), grilled fish and kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables).

• Gyuan, Cuisine: Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu

For a comforting and delicious experience, Gyuan is a great place for sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. The restaurant specializes in high-quality wagyu beef, offering a warm and intimate setting for hot-pot lovers.

• Giro Giro Hitoshina, Cuisine: Modern Kaiseki

Giro Giro Hitoshina offers a unique take on kaiseki, blending modern techniques with traditional flavors. This restaurant is well-known for its creative and beautifully presented dishes. The multi-course meals provide a great way to explore Kyoto’s flavors in a contemporary way.

• Izuju Sushi, Cuisine: Kyoto-style Sushi (Saba Sushi)

Established over 100 years ago, Izuju is famous for its Kyoto-style sushi, particularly saba sushi (vinegared mackerel sushi). This long-standing sushi spot is a must-try for sushi enthusiasts wanting to experience the local variation of the iconic dish.