JAPAN
tokyo | yokohama | kyototravel tips | eat - see- shop - sleep | bonus experiences | foods to try | souvenirs | 711 guide | cultural considerationsJAPAN
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unsolicited adviceCommunication: Download Google Translate for use when asking for assistanceDining: Try 7-Eleven at least once daily, but actuallyAccommodation: Consider budget-friendly capsule hotelsBest Time: January/February offers a great experienceSolo Travel: Fantastic destination for solo explorersPacking: Opt for a backpack over luggage for convenience
tokyo
tokyo
EAT
Asakusa
☆ Hinatomaru Kaminarimon
Chiyoda City
Tokyo Ramen Street
Chuo City
Ginza Kagari Main Branch
Ginza Sushi Co
Shibuya
Bills Omesanto (Japanese pancake)
☆ Daidokoya
☆ Ichiran Shibuya
☆ Midori Sushi
Robot Restaurant
Tokyo Food Show (in basement)
☆ Tsuta
Shinjuku
Coco ichiban
Tsuru Ton Tan
General
Sukiya: Chain restaurant serving rice bowls.
Yoshinoya: Chain known for beef bowls.
DRINK
Chuo City
Star Bar
Shibuya
Alife
ATOM TOKYO
Club camelot
Shinjuku
Alternative Absinthe
☆ Golden Gai (neighborhood)
Kenzos Bar
Park Hyatt Hotel
SEE
Asakusa
Kaminarimon Gate
Sensoji temple
Chiyoda City
Hie Shrine
Chuo City/ Koto
Kiyosumi Garden
☆ Team lab planets museum
Tsukiji fish market
☆ Fushimi inari
Shibuya
Hachiko (the dog statue)
meiji-Jingu shrine
☆ Shibuya Crossing
Shinjuku gyoen national garden
Shinjuku
☆ Fashion District
Disneyland Japan
SHOP
☆Don Quijote
Shibuya 109
☆ Takeshita Street
☆ Harajuku District treats + desserts
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Beauty
SLEEP
Nine Hours Asakusa
Ryokan (tranditional)
*stay in a capsule hotel
yokohama
yokohama
quick day trip from tokyo
Eat: Uchiki Pan
See: Cup Noodles Museum, Kohoku-no-yu, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, Yamashita Park, Yokohama Chinatown, Yokohama Cosmo World
kyoto
kyoto
*Shinkansen Station from Tokyo
EAT
Gion Matsudaya
Hafuu Honten
Honke Owariya
Itoh Dining
Kaitenzushi Chojiro Kyoto-Avanti
Kappo Sakamoto
☆ Kichi Kichi Omurice
Kyoudon Kisoba Okakita
Okonomiyaki Katsu
Shinmonzen Yonemura
Sukiya
☆ Sumibi-Torito
Yamamoto Menzou
SEE
☆ Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (go as early as you can)
Kinkaku-ju
Kiyomizu
Sagano Bamboo Forest
☆ Sagano Onsen Tenzan-no-yu (an absolute must)
Yasaka jinja shrine
Yasaka Shrine
清水寺門前商店街 (清水寺門前会) 出口
SHOP
Nishiki Market
Sou Sou
SLEEP
The Millennials Kyoto
*stay in a capsule hotel
bonus experiences...
bonus experiences...
...to consider
Indulge in a traditional Japanese breakfast, easily found at upscale hotels.
Enjoy a 10-course kaiseki banquet, a pinnacle of Japanese cuisine.
Learn sushi making, mastering this iconic dish.
Observe a maiko's tea ceremony, a glimpse into geisha culture.
Relax at an onsen, surrounded by nature's beauty.
Capture memories in a purikura photobooth at an arcade – a popular activity, especially among Japanese girls.
Experience Tokyos nightlife till dawn, until public transit re-opens.
Foods to Try
Foods to Try
Bingsu: Korean shaved ice dessert.
Gyudon: Japanese beef bowl dish.
☆ Maguro 5 piece set: Assorted tuna sushi set.
Okonomiyaki: Savory pancake.
☆ Ramen: Japanese noodle soup.
Soba: Buckwheat noodles.
Sushi
Ippon Anago: Whole eel preparation.
Negitoro: Minced tuna belly.
Toro Salmon: Fatty salmon.
Zuniku (Maguro head meat): Tuna head delicacy.
☆ Takoyaki: Octopus-filled balls.
☆ Yakitori: Grilled skewered chicken.
Yakiniku: Korean-style barbecue.
Sou (wagyu A5): High-grade Japanese beef.
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
☆ Beauty Products: High-quality skincare and cosmetics.
☆ Face Sheet Masks
Hanko Seal: Personalized name stamps.
☆ Japan Vogue: Fashion and culture magazine.
Japanese Knives: Renowned for their precision.
Japanese Tea Sets: Beautifully crafted porcelain and ceramics.
Matcha Green Tea: A quintessential Japanese flavor.
☆ Onsen Bath Salts: Relaxing hot spring experiences.
☆ Sake: Traditional Japanese rice wine.
☆ Sake Drinking Set
Traditional Sweets (Wagashi): Delicate and beautifully crafted treats.
☆ Sweets and Treats from 711
what to get at 711
what to get at 711
☆ Onigiri (Rice Balls) - Seaweed-wrapped rice with various fillings. Brands: Seven Premium, Family Mart.
Bento (Lunch Boxes) - Pre-packaged meals with assorted dishes. Brands: Seven Premium, Lawson Fresh Deli.
☆ Sandwiches ($2) - Affordable ready-to-eat sandwiches.
☆ Packaged Sweets - Assorted packaged sweet snacks. Brands: Pocky, KitKat, Meiji.
☆ Instant Noodles - Quick noodle cups. Brands: Nissin, Maruchan.
Juicebox Alcohol - Alcoholic drinks in small containers.
Coolish - "Drinkable" ice cream in pouches.
Ice Cream - Various ice cream cups or bars.
Smoked Squid - Flavorful packaged squid snack.
Nikuman (Steamed Buns) - Meat-filled steamed buns. Brands: Nikuman-ya, 7-Eleven Nikuman.
Mochi
☆ Japanese Snacks - Sweet and savory options. Brands: Calbee, Glico.
Drinks - Cold and hot beverages. Brands: Boss Coffee, Suntory.
cultural considerationsWhen traveling to Japan, it's important to be mindful of cultural customs and practices to show respect and integrate smoothly into the local way of life. Here are some cultural considerations to keep in mind
- Public Spaces: Maintain cleanliness, avoid eating while walking. Quietness on public transit.
- Public Baths (Onsens): Observe proper bathing etiquette, wash before entering.
- Queueing: Wait orderly in lines for transport, shops, tickets.
- Cash and Payments: Carry cash in addition to cards, especially in smaller areas.
- Tipping: Not customary, may be seen as impolite. Service charges often included.
- Chopsticks: Never upright in rice; lay flat or use rest.
- Language: Know basic phrases like "hello," "thank you"
- Bowing: Common greeting and respect gesture. Bow's depth varies with context.
- Shoes: Remove shoes indoors, wear provided slippers. Applies to homes, temples, and some restaurants
- Tattoos: Visible tattoos linked to yakuza; some places restrict entry.
last visited february 2020
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