Kimono

Asia, Japan

Kimono
Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart, mesmerizes with its centuries-old temples, serene gardens, and traditional tea houses, preserving a captivating glimpse of ancient Japanese heritage.
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Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a city of mesmerizing beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture as you explore the stunning temples and shrines. Wander through the charming streets lined with traditional wooden houses and experience the tranquility of the Japanese gardens. Indulge in delicious local cuisine and shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Kyoto is a place that will capture your heart and leave you enchanted.
Tokyo Tokyo National Museum Kimono scaled
 Toji Shrine
 Geisha performance

Here’s how we spent our first time in Kyoto

Day 5

  • <8.00 AM to 11.00 AM> Take the 8:03 AM train from Tokyo to Kyoto
  • <11.00 AM to 12.00 PM> Start your trip with visit to Toji Shrine (1 km from station)
    • The pagoda of Toji-in is one of the tallest in Japan – and its five stories represent the various elements fire, water, earth and air- the rings at top represent the nine spheres of Heaven
    • Cost: USD$5
    • Toji Temple, or East Temple, was built at the start of the Heian Period in the late 700’s. This 5 story pagoda is made from wood and is another famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto. Other notable buildings in the complex include Kondo Hall. Reconstructed in the early Edo Period after a fire in 1486 destroyed the original. It is considered one of the Toji Temple Complex’s original buildings. Destroyed in the same fire is Kodo Hall, which sits next door. Kodo Hall served as the lecture hall in the Toji Temple area. The wooden Toji Tower itself stands 57 meters tall, the tallest in all Japan. You can get to Toji Temple via the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and is a 5-minute walk from Toji Station. During cherry blossom season, the grounds around the temple are overflowing with the beautiful flowers as well!
  • <12.00 PM to 1.00 PM> Grab Lunch near the shrine.
  • <1.00 PM to 2.00 PM> Head to Rengeoin Sanjusangendo (3 kms from To-Ji)
    • Originally named Rengeoin Temple, this site has taken on the name of the great hall within which houses 1001 life-sized, wooden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
  • <2.00 PM to 6.00 PM> Fushimi Inari Shrine (3 kms from Rengeoin Sanjusangendo)
    • Fushimi Inari Shrine is usually the number one attraction -in all of Japan! Dedicated to the Shinto God of Rice, Inari, thousands of bright torii gates lead visitors from the main shrine up Mt Inari
    • This popularity means that it is busy, very busy. This trail winds up the sacred Inari Mountain and eventually gives off some beautiful views of Kyoto and surrounding areas.
    • At the entrance to the shrine complex stands the Romon Gate that was donated in 1589.
    • While the primary reason most foreign visitors come to Fushimi Inari Shrine is to explore the mountain trails, the shrine buildings themselves are also attractive. At the shrine’s entrance stands the Romon Gate, which was donated in 1589 by the famous leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Behind stands the shrine’s main hall (honden) where all visitors are encouraged to pay respect to the resident deity by making a small offering.
    • At the very back of the shrine’s main grounds is the entrance to the torii gate-covered hiking trail, which starts with two dense, parallel rows of gates called Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). The torii gates along the entire trail are donations by individuals and companies, and you will find the donator’s name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each gate. The donation amount starts around 400,000 yen for a smaller gate and increases to over one million yen for a large gate.
    • The hike to the summit of the mountain and back takes about 2-3 hours, however, visitors are free to walk just as far as they wish before turning back. Along the way, there are multiple smaller shrines with stacks of miniature torii gates that were donated by visitors with smaller budgets. There are also a few restaurants along the way, which offer locally themed dishes such as Inari Sushi and Kitsune Udon (“Fox Udon”), both featuring pieces of aburaage (fried tofu), said to be a favorite food of foxes.
    • After about a 30-45 minute ascent and a gradual decrease in the density of torii gates, visitors will reach the Yotsutsuji intersection roughly halfway up the mountain, where some nice views over Kyoto can be enjoyed, and the trail splits into a circular route to the summit. Many hikers only venture as far as here, as the trails do not offer much variation beyond this point and the gate density decreases further.
    • Photography ideas: https://www.iamnotanartist.net/fujimi-inari-shrine/
  • <6.00 PM to 7.00 PM> Head to Kyoto station (3 kms) and pick up our luggage, then head to the Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo (3 kms).
    • Check into our rooms and freshen up.
  • <7.00 PM to 10.00 PM> Explore The Old Historic Geisha Districts Of Kyoto & Pontocho
    • Gion is the famous entertainment and Geisha area of Kyoto. The Gion quarter is a cozy labyrinth of narrow brick-covered alleys and streets, lined with old and beautiful wooden buildings lit up by lanterns housing cozy traditional restaurants, teahouses, and bars. Some of the restaurants and teahouses have been here since the 17th-century.
    • There are a lot of great dining options in Gion. From upscale restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to weird and wonderful restaurants.
    • Ponto-Cho is a narrow pedestrian-only street on the west side of the Kamo-gawa River, at the riverbank just opposite the Gion area.

Nara & Osaka

Asia, Japan

Nara & Osaka
Nara exudes historical tranquility with its ancient temples and serene parks, while Osaka embodies modern vibrancy with its bustling city life and dynamic entertainment scene.
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Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, captivates with its tranquil parks and iconic deer roaming freely around historic temples, embodying a serene blend of nature and heritage. Osaka, a bustling city of modernity and culinary delights, dazzles with its vibrant street life, renowned street food, and dynamic entertainment districts. Famous for its hundreds of deer roaming around a large park within the city, beautiful Japanese zen gardens and ancient shrines that date back to when Nara was Japan’s first capital city – Nara shouldn’t be missed when visiting Japan. Located only a short train ride from both Kyoto and Osaka, taking a day trip to Nara can be the perfect addition to your itinerary. The city is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites

 Todai-ji Main Entrance
 Deer of Nara
 Interior of Temple
 Buddha Statue

Nara

  • <8.30 AM-10.00AM> Leave for Kyoto Station & ride to Nara
    • Miyakoji rapid trains operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto Station and JR Nara The one way trip takes 45 minutes, costs 720 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. For the same fare, the trip could also be made by twice-hourly local trains in 75 minutes.
  • < 10.00 AM> Arrive at JR NARA Station
  • <10.15 AM to 12.00 PM> Visit Kofuku-ji temple (Kōfuku-ji)
    • Kofuku-ji Temple is located only a few minutes from Kintetsu-Nara station. It’s a little bit further from JR Nara Station, but this gives you a chance to walk through some of Nara’s iconic streets. Kofuku-ji Temple is one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites that can be found in Nara.
    • Visiting the temple grounds of Kofuku-ji is free. You do have to pay a few hundred yen for entering some of the buildings, including the Central Golden Hall, the Eastern Golden Hall and the National Treasure Museum.
    • The original Central Golden Hall at Kofuku-ji Temple was destroyed in a fire almost 300 years ago. It has been reconstructed to its original size and opened to the public in October 2018. Inside, you can find the Yakushi Buddha.
    • Take some time to explore the temple grounds, as there are many shrines and temples to admire. Moving towards the side, you can find the Southern Octagonal Halls. These buildings date back over a thousand years.
  • <12.00 PM to 1.00 PM> Lunch
  • <1.00 PM to 3.00 PM> Visit Todai-ji Temple
    • Todai-ji Temple is one of Nara’s most famous buildings. Also listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Todai-ji is the world’s largest wooden structure. It houses the world’s largest Daibutsu-san, or Bronze Buddha Statue, in the Great Buddha Hall.
    • The temple was established in 752. If you’re planning your one day in Nara, make sure to stop by this temple – it was by far my favourite sight in the city.
    • It is almost impossible to grasp the size of Todai-ji. The fact that this building is entirely made out of wood is incredible.
    • To enter the building, you pay an entree fee for the museum or buy a combined ticket for the museum and the hall. Inside the hall, you can witness Japan’s largest Buddha statue in bronze.

Optional –  Visit Kasuga-Taisha –  Nara has quite a few shrines and temples to visit. So when you’re only in Nara for one day, you’ll have to pick and choose. That’s why I’d recommend visiting Kasuga-Taisha. It fits perfectly with the walking route of this one-day itinerary and gives you the chance to visit one of Nara’s most beautiful shrines. Kasuga-Taisha is famous for its 3,000 stone lanterns lining up the path towards the entrance. They are also known as “toro”. This shrine is another one of eight Nara UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was built in 768 and has been rebuilt every 20 years until 1863. This was done because of the Shinto concept of purity.

Osaka

 Multiple train connections are available between Nara and Osaka. Once in Osaka head to Osaka Castle

  • <3.00 PM> Osaka Castle stands majestically as a symbol of history and resilience, characterized by its striking white walls, expansive moats, and stunning multi-tiered architecture adorned with intricate gold accents, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. The castle’s interior showcases a museum displaying artifacts and exhibits, narrating the rich history of the region and providing panoramic views of Osaka from its observation deck atop the main keep. 
    • The park is huge, getting from the edge of the 60,000 sq.ft park to the main building will take a lot of steps. 
    • Entry inside the castle requires a ticket Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm, Entrance Fee: ¥600 (free with Osaka Amazing Pass)
  • <5.00 PM> Head to Osaka for food tour
    • Osaka is the neon capital of Japan. Walking through the streets of the central shopping area Dotonbori in central Osaka almost feels like being in a colorful theme park. Huge dazzling neon billboards sparkle with every color, while giant lively plastic crabs, octopus, and blowfish hang from the walls welcoming hungry passers-by into the many specialty restaurants. This area really comes to life after dark when its many restaurants, street food stalls, and shops open up, and the locals and tourists flock to the streets for an authentic Osaka gastronomical experience.
  • <4.00 PM Onwards> Kuromon Ichibia Market (take the train from Osaka station)
    • Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as “The kitchen of Osaka”, is an energetic and fun food market. It is like a landmark in Osaka and has been going on for over a century. It is a must-visit if you come to Osaka and like food (who doesn’t?! 🙂 ).If you are a bit unfamiliar with Osaka’s specialties and food culture, it might be a good idea to join a food tour with a local guide (Get Your Guide). The guide will tell you all about the history of this market and will explain the food and give you different Osaka dishes to try out.
    • Here you can indulge in a 600 m long array of vendors selling all sorts of Japanese food delights, snacks, and odd specialties. The vendors sell fresh fish and meats of all kinds, some you eat raw as sushi/ sashimi or you can grill them on the grills set up on the street.
      • Address: 2 Chome-4-1 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka
      • How To Get There: Take the Sakai-suji Subway Line to Nippombashi Station. Head out of exit 10 to get to the market.
      • Opening Hours: 09:00 am – 18:00/ 6 pm
      • Ticket Prices: Free to walk around at the market, but the food cost money of course 🙂
    • Dotonbori Street! (You can walk from Kuromon)
      • You are now in the middle of the famous neon-lit strip Dotonbori which is lined with restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars.
      • When you have seen photos of Osaka, they have most likely been of streets packed with extravagant 3D signs and colorful neon signs. Dotombori, or Dotonbori, is the neon heaven of Osaka and a must-visit area after dark just to watch the craziness and take urban and cool street photos.
      • The history of the Dotonbori area dates back to 1612 when the man Yasui Doton put all his money into this vast development project – make Umezu River into a new waterway connecting the network of local canals with the Kizugawa River. Then the war Siege of Osaka came in 1615, and Doton was unfortunately killed. His cousins completed his work and named the new canal Dotonbori (meaning Doton Canal) after its founder Yasui Doton. The new canal became a huge success, and the trade bloomed, making this area of Osaka into a famous entertainment district. Lots of theaters and playhouses popped up, as well as restaurants and teahouses. Sadly, during World War II, most of the theaters were bombed. You will only find one theater left – the Shochikuza, who still shows traditional Japanese kabuki plays, opera, dramas, and musicals.
      • Dotombori is the place to head to in the evenings to enjoy and check out Osaka’s famous food culture. Osaka’s main food specialties are:
        • Okonomiyaki – Pancakes/ pizza filled with cabbage and different meats, topped with a special sauce
        • Takoyaki – Dumpling balls with octopus (see picture below)
        • Kushikatsu – It is like Yakitori or skewered of grilled meat, seafood, and vegetables, although Kushikatsu is deep-fried. It is often enjoyed with a cold beer.
        • Kaiten-sushi – Conveyor-belt sushi/ sushi trains. This is an Osaka invention from the 1950s.
        • Kappo-ryori – Posh, high-end dining. The menu varies with the season and consists of different small dishes. It is kind of like Kaiseki (traditional Japanese Haute cuisine), although it is not that formal. You sit by the counter and are handed the dishes by the chef directly. The atmosphere is rather laid-back and casual, but the prices can be quite stiff. So ask for prices before ordering if you are on a budget
  Osaka Castle
 Dotonbori Street
 Dotonbori Street
 Dotonbori

Kyoto

Asia, Japan

Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart, mesmerizes with its centuries-old temples, serene gardens, and traditional tea houses, preserving a captivating glimpse of ancient Japanese heritage.
Gallery
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Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a city of mesmerizing beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture as you explore the stunning temples and shrines. Wander through the charming streets lined with traditional wooden houses and experience the tranquility of the Japanese gardens. Indulge in delicious local cuisine and shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Kyoto is a place that will capture your heart and leave you enchanted.
 Mt Fuji from Shinkansen
 Fushimi Inari Shrine
 Toji Shrine
 Geisha performance
 Gion District
 Ponto Cho Bridge

Here’s how we spent our first time in Kyoto

Day 5

  • <8.00 AM to 11.00 AM> Take the 8:03 AM train from Tokyo to Kyoto
  • <11.00 AM to 12.00 PM> Start your trip with visit to Toji Shrine (1 km from station)
    • The pagoda of Toji-in is one of the tallest in Japan – and its five stories represent the various elements fire, water, earth and air- the rings at top represent the nine spheres of Heaven
    • Cost: USD$5
    • Toji Temple, or East Temple, was built at the start of the Heian Period in the late 700’s. This 5 story pagoda is made from wood and is another famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto. Other notable buildings in the complex include Kondo Hall. Reconstructed in the early Edo Period after a fire in 1486 destroyed the original. It is considered one of the Toji Temple Complex’s original buildings. Destroyed in the same fire is Kodo Hall, which sits next door. Kodo Hall served as the lecture hall in the Toji Temple area. The wooden Toji Tower itself stands 57 meters tall, the tallest in all Japan. You can get to Toji Temple via the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and is a 5-minute walk from Toji Station. During cherry blossom season, the grounds around the temple are overflowing with the beautiful flowers as well!
  • <12.00 PM to 1.00 PM> Grab Lunch near the shrine.
  • <1.00 PM to 2.00 PM> Head to Rengeoin Sanjusangendo (3 kms from To-Ji)
    • Originally named Rengeoin Temple, this site has taken on the name of the great hall within which houses 1001 life-sized, wooden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
  • <2.00 PM to 6.00 PM> Fushimi Inari Shrine (3 kms from Rengeoin Sanjusangendo)
    • Fushimi Inari Shrine is usually the number one attraction -in all of Japan! Dedicated to the Shinto God of Rice, Inari, thousands of bright torii gates lead visitors from the main shrine up Mt Inari
    • This popularity means that it is busy, very busy. This trail winds up the sacred Inari Mountain and eventually gives off some beautiful views of Kyoto and surrounding areas.
    • At the entrance to the shrine complex stands the Romon Gate that was donated in 1589.
    • While the primary reason most foreign visitors come to Fushimi Inari Shrine is to explore the mountain trails, the shrine buildings themselves are also attractive. At the shrine’s entrance stands the Romon Gate, which was donated in 1589 by the famous leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Behind stands the shrine’s main hall (honden) where all visitors are encouraged to pay respect to the resident deity by making a small offering.
    • At the very back of the shrine’s main grounds is the entrance to the torii gate-covered hiking trail, which starts with two dense, parallel rows of gates called Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). The torii gates along the entire trail are donations by individuals and companies, and you will find the donator’s name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each gate. The donation amount starts around 400,000 yen for a smaller gate and increases to over one million yen for a large gate.
    • The hike to the summit of the mountain and back takes about 2-3 hours, however, visitors are free to walk just as far as they wish before turning back. Along the way, there are multiple smaller shrines with stacks of miniature torii gates that were donated by visitors with smaller budgets. There are also a few restaurants along the way, which offer locally themed dishes such as Inari Sushi and Kitsune Udon (“Fox Udon”), both featuring pieces of aburaage (fried tofu), said to be a favorite food of foxes.
    • After about a 30-45 minute ascent and a gradual decrease in the density of torii gates, visitors will reach the Yotsutsuji intersection roughly halfway up the mountain, where some nice views over Kyoto can be enjoyed, and the trail splits into a circular route to the summit. Many hikers only venture as far as here, as the trails do not offer much variation beyond this point and the gate density decreases further.
    • Photography ideas: https://www.iamnotanartist.net/fujimi-inari-shrine/
  • <6.00 PM to 7.00 PM> Head to Kyoto station (3 kms) and pick up our luggage, then head to the Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo (3 kms).
    • Check into our rooms and freshen up.
  • <7.00 PM to 10.00 PM> Explore The Old Historic Geisha Districts Of Kyoto & Pontocho
    • Gion is the famous entertainment and Geisha area of Kyoto. The Gion quarter is a cozy labyrinth of narrow brick-covered alleys and streets, lined with old and beautiful wooden buildings lit up by lanterns housing cozy traditional restaurants, teahouses, and bars. Some of the restaurants and teahouses have been here since the 17th-century.
    • There are a lot of great dining options in Gion. From upscale restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to weird and wonderful restaurants.
    • Ponto-Cho is a narrow pedestrian-only street on the west side of the Kamo-gawa River, at the riverbank just opposite the Gion area.

Day 6

  • <8.00 AM to 10.00 AM> Nishiki Market (800 meters from hotel)
    • Start the day at the Nishiki Market– known for its different food stalls where you can try all kinds of Japanese cuisine and treats. Stroll for an hour or so up and down the streets of the market, stopping whenever something tickles your fancy. The market is a great place to dive into some of the more unusual dishes – don’t be a chicken, try them!
    • However, absolutely don’t leave the market without trying tako tamago – the infamous candied baby octopus stuffed with a quail egg. It tastes way better than it sounds
  • <10.00 AM to 1.00 AM > Head to Kinkakuji Shrine (Golden Pavilion)
    • Kinkakuji Shrine 35 minutes by train from Hotel Royal Park
    • This is the famous Golden Pavilion
    • How to get to the Golden Pavilion: Kyoto City Bus 205 from Kyoto Station to Kinkakuji-michi Stop, or Kyoto City Bus 59 from Sanjo-Keihan to the Kinkakuji-mae Stop. Or just take a taxi to the temple.
  • <1.00 PM to 6.00 PM> Explore Higashiyama District
    • End the day at the Higashiyama District, the world famous hub of Kyoto’s best-known shrines and temples.
    • Temples to do (the ones in bold are MUST DO)
    • Outline of this DIY walking tour of the Southern Higashiyama area in Kyoto that consists of six temples and shrines:
      • Higashiyama Station
      • Shoren-in Temple
      • Chion-in Temple
      • Maruyama Park (cherry blossoms)
      • Yasaka Shrine
      • Kodaiji Temple
      • Ishibe-Koji Alley
      • Nine-Zaka & Sannen-Zaka Street
        • Make sure to walk down Sannenzaka and Ninensaka – the two most beautiful streets in the district, with numerous souvenir shops and eateries. It can get rather crowded during the day (for good reason!), so we chose to come a bit before dusk had encountered a less cramped experience.
      • Yakasa Pagoda/ Hokanji Temple
      • Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • Outline of this DIY walking tour of the Northern Higashiyama area in Kyoto that consists of four temples:
      • Keage Station
      • Nanzen-ji Temple
      • Eikan-do Temple
      • Path Of Philosophy/ Tetsugaku-no-Michi
      • Honen-in Temple
      • Ginkaku-ji Temple/ Silver Pavilion
 Nishiki Market
 Nishiki Market
  Kinkakuji Temple
 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
 Path of Philosophy
 Ginkaku-ji Temple

3 Days in Tokyo

Asia, Japan

3 Days in Tokyo
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Tokyo was the first stop in a long awaited trip to Japan. And it does not disappoint. Steeped in technology in some ways and yet rooted in tradition and old world charm in some other ways Tokyo is a true metropolis, really a collection of multiple cities tied together to form one of the most densely populated cities in the world. No where is it more obvious till you reach the top of the Tokyo tower (highly recommended, see day 2 itinerary for details) and view what the city looks like from above. You can get a sneak peak in the panorama we were able to take from there

 View from our Hotel

Here’s how we spent our first 3 days in Tokyo

Day 1

  • Arrive in Tokyo Haneda.
  • <6:30 PM> Take cab from airport to Hotel Gracery Shinjuku.
    • Van for 6 pax ($70) – booked from Klook
    • Monorail trains from terminals 1 and 2 leave every 5 minutes and the journey takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Upon arriving at Hamamatsuchō you’ll be able to change onto the JR Yamanote Line. From there it’s just 10 stops to Shinjuku which will take around 20 minutes.
    • Airport Limousine Bus – 45-minute ride (1300 Y for adults 650Y for kids~ $55) Multiple buses leave from the airport and will drop directly at Shinjuku West Station (6 minute walk to Hotel Gracery)
  • <7:15 PM> Check into Hotel Gracery Shinjuku and freshen up

Day 2

  • <8:30 AM> Have breakfast at/near the hotel.
  • <9:00 AM – 10:30 AM> Take the Yamanote line from Shinjuku Station and head to Shibuya (after 2 stops). Shibuya is Tokyo’s version of Times Square. Check out the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, and statue of Hachiko (the most loyal dog in the world statue) at the crossing. For the best view above, head to Starbucks (we’ll need to order something before going upstairs) or find the Keio Inokashira Line at Shibuya Station for another perfect view. Address: 21-6 Udagawacho Q Front Bldg. B1F, Shibuya 150-0042
  • <11:00 AM – 12:30 PM> Head to Harajuku. (We can take the Yamanote line to Harajuku Station (next stop) or walk directly from Shibuya). Short walk from Harajuku Station is the Meiji Shrine – this is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Chances of seeing a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony here. Surrounded by a huge expanse of forest, this superb Shinto shrine is one of Tokyo’s top attractions.  After visiting the shrine, head to Takeshita Dori/ Omotesando for shopping and food. Admission to the shrine is free, and it is open from sunrise to sunset. The Meiji Jingu Museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and admission is 1,000 yen per person.
  • <1:00 PM – 3:00 PM> Head back towards Harajuku and walk down the famous shopping street of Takeshita Dori, where you’ll find a whole mess of fun stores and fun cafes. Have lunch here. (Option to visit Harajuku Taproom – Craft beer local and international with yakitori). Try a crepe – the unofficial street food of Harajuku, which you’ll find all over Takeshita Dori. On Sundays, you can see traditional Harajuku Girls dressed in elaborate costumes and anime in the area.
  • <3:30 PM – 5:30 PM> Take the Yamanote line from Harajuku station and get to Shinjuku (after 1 stop). Visit the free observation deck on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Location: 2-8-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokio. Hours: North Observatory: from 9:30 am to 11 pm (closed on the first and third Tuesday of the month). South Observatory: from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed second and fourth Monday of the month). On the building’s first floor you’ll find a tourist information office with maps, area plans, as well as being able to take free guided tours in English. Option to hand around here for sunset pics.
  • <5:30 PM – 7:00 PM> (Optional) Next door is the Shinjuku Gyoen (a large public park near Shinjuku Station being a perfect cherry blossom spot – need to check on hours). There’s also a great view of the area from the pedestrian overpass near the northwest corner of the Shinjuku station.
  • <7:00 PM – 8:30 PM> Have dinner at Omoide Yokocho (also commonly known as Piss Alley!). Just by the west gate of Shinjuku station is a small network of alleyways along the tracks northwest of Shinjuku Station filled with dozens of tiny eateries serving ramen, soba, sushi and yakitori.  Just pick one with open seats and go in – they’re all worthy of some stomach real-estate. Starting out as an illegal drinking quarter in the late 1940s, this narrow side street quickly became a prime spot for cheap drinks, yakitori and cabaret-style hostess bars. Due to the lack of restroom facilities, patrons would wander off and relieve themselves on the nearby train tracks, and it didn’t take long for Piss Alley to earn its name.
  • <9:30 PM – > Nightlife in the Shinjuku entertainment district.
  • Spend the night at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku.
 Shibuya Crossing
 Hachiko Statue
  Meiji Jingu Shrine
 View from Metropolitan Building
 Piss Alley
 Shinjuku Gyoen
 Sensoji Temple
  Sumida Park
 Tokyo SkyTree
 View From top

Day 3

    • <7:30 AM> Have breakfast at/near the hotel.
    • <8:30 AM – 11:00 AM> Take the Chuo line from Shinjuku Station to get to Kanda station, take Ginza line from here and get to Asakusa. This is the spiritual heart of Tokyo and a good place to start our day.

    Sensoji Temple (2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan) is 350 meters from Asakusa station and is the main attraction here. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo, and it is the temple of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu). This important center of religious faith draws 30 million worshippers every year. As we walk toward the Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji temple buildings, check out the historic Nakamise Dori shopping street, before exploring Sensoji Temple and the surrounding old-fashioned neighborhoods around Asakusa. Sensoji’s main hall is open from 6 am to 5 pm every day from April to September. Admission is free to the Sensoji temple. The temple grounds are always open, and the main building is illuminated nightly from sunset until 11 pm.

    • <11:30 AM – 12:00 PM> Grab a picnic lunch.
    • <12:00 PM – 1:30 PM> Walk to Sumida Park, which is a wonderful spot to see the cherry blossoms (if lucky)! This green space bordering the Sumida River is a relaxing spot that offers great views of Tokyo Skytree rising toward the clouds. Sumida Park’s entrance is a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza, Asakusa and Tobu Isesaki lines. The park runs along both sides of the Sumida River. Have lunch here.
    • <2:00 PM – 4:00 PM> Cross the river and head to the Tokyo SkyTree (1 km) – the tallest tower in not only Japan, but the entire world! At 634m (2,080 feet), the complex has two observation decks with great views over the city.  There’s even a glass floor.  Expect a queue, so plan on spending a bit of time here. The Tokyo Skytree is about a 20-minute walk or a 5 minute train ride from Sumida Park, Asakusa area. Adult Ticket – 3,100 yen, Kids Ticket – 2,350 yen (Floor 450). Hours are 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Book tickets in advance?

    https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/floor/ground/4f.html

    • <4:30 PM – 6:30 PM> Option to spend some more time at Sensoji Temple for evening/night shots. Sunset is around 6:10 pm.
    • <7:00 PM> Take the train back to Shinjuku station and walk to Gracery Shinjuku hotel and freshen up.
    • <7:30 PM – > Dinner Options
      • @ Marugame Seimen (udon)
      • @ Tsurutontan Shinjuku (udon)
      • @ Isetan shopping center (food court) 
    • <9:30 PM – > Nightlife in the Shinjuku entertainment district.

Day 4

  • <8:30 AM> Have breakfast at/near the hotel.
  • Optional – Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens – Take the Chuo line from Shinjuku Station to get to Tokyo station. The current Imperial Palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. The Imperial Palace East Gardens is a spacious, sprawling garden in the center of Tokyo, and it’s the only part of the inner palace area that’s open to the public. Stroll through for a pleasant escape from the surrounding concrete jungle.
  • <1:00 PM – 3:30 PM> Take a cab or train to Ueno Park, another large public space located in central Tokyo and another lively cherry blossom spot. Option to visit the Tokyo National Museum (13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712, Japan). Adult Ticket – 1,000 yen, Kids Free. (From April 1, 2022, our reservation system for the regular exhibitions will be suspended. From this day onwards, visitors can enter the Museum without reservations by purchasing tickets at the ticket booths by the Main Gate. Please note the number of people in each building will be monitored; visitors may be asked to wait when any of the buildings becomes too crowded). Hours are 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
  • <4:00 PM – 5:00 PM> Close by is the Yanaka cemetery (800 meters). Stroll through the Yanaka district.
  • <5:30 PM – 7:30 PM> Visit the Akihabara district. Take the Yamanote line from Uguisudani Station to Akihabara Station (after 2 stops). Spend the evening perusing the many electronic shops, including Yodobashi Akiba – the world’s largest with nine stories stuffed with hi tech equipment. You’ll also find Japan’s diehard fan anime culture here, with stores devoted to anime and manga; just be sure to keep kids away from the adult-only sections! You could easily fill up a whole afternoon and night in Akihabara, from its maid and Gundam cafes, gaming centers (check out Super Potato Retro Shop if you want to be transported into the 90’s), and just gazing at the bright lights. Dinner in the area. (Option to revisit Shibuya in the night).
  • <8:00 PM > Take the train – Yamanote line from Akihabara Station to Shinjuku station (after 13 stops), and head back to the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku.
Gallery
  Tokyo National Museum
 Yanaka Cemetery
  Akihabara
 Akihabara

Japan Itinerary

Destinations, Asia, itinerary, Japan

Japan Itinerary
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Our high-level itinerary was as follows:

Day 0: Fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo
Day 1-4: Travel through the different districts of Tokyo
Day 5: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto
Day 6: Enjoy Kyoto’s districts and temples
Day 7-: Day trips to Nara and Osaka
Day 8: Back to Tokyo on the high speed train
Day 9: Final day to enjoy Tokyo
Day 10: Flight Back home

Tokyo
Day 1-4
Kyoto
Day 5-6
Nara & Osaka
Day 7
Tokyo
Day 8-9
Shinkansen
Japan Rail
Dressing Up
Kimono
Enjoying
Food