Japan - May 2024
May 17-25
May 17
Came to ginza at 7pm. Really fun. Not much fun to go inside tho. Cool cheap stuff with cute designs if you're into it
May 18
This morning I spent a couple of hours organizing the next couple of days. I tried to go to the teamlab planets but booked out. It is a Saturday so that might be the reason, but in general it might be better to book in advance. I just didn't find it interesting enough. Instead I can to Tokyo tower 🗼
Then walked to midtown garden
Just a park nothing crazy
Nezu museum was closed so I had to skip that :(
Lunch at
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uidg3jtgc9KTkEhTA
Then visited
https://maps.google.com/?cid=15490653164204088489&entry=gps
It's a cool bookstore recommended by friends
Then
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4jGzNuZak8kKwgBh9
Kyu Asakura House
Only 100 yen (70 cents)
Really cool house
Shinjuku at night. Pretty cool
Dinner at a sushi place that wasn't overcrowded. Locals don't use Google maps so the one that you see on Google maps with a lot of reviews or the touristy spots that are filled up
May 19
Got coffee at the cafe close to our hotel and a crepe cake yum
We did a walking tour with this app called pokke
Costs 1000 yen for each tour
Shinjuku Unveiled: Delving into the Heart of Tokyo is a captivating exploration into one of Tokyo's most vibrant districts. The tour promises an immersive journey through time, where the bustling streets of Shinjuku serve as your open-air museum, rich with stories, cultural nuances, and historical significance. From the serene Shinjuku Gyoen Park, a testament to Japan's harmonious relationship with nature, to the modern consumer culture of Takashimaya Times Square, you'll witness the unique fusion of tradition and innovation that defines Japan. Uncover the charm of Shinjuku's capsule hotels, a symbol of Japan's ingenious urban solutions, and let the meticulously crafted plastic food models, known as sampuru, tempt your taste buds. At the world's busiest railway station, you'll feel the pulsating energy that epitomizes Tokyo's relentless pace. This tour isn't just a sightseeing jaunt; it's an invitation to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture, history, and tradition, offering insights, stories, and experiences that will make your exploration of Shinjuku truly unforgettable. So gear up for a journey that engages all senses and lets you discover your own Japan.
Shinjuku one took us around 3 hours including a one hour lunch stop
The story of Yakuza and the fact that they are so active still was crazy! They got out of Shinjuku in 2020 because the government wanted to clean the streets for Olympics
(Include pictures of tour)
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
500 yen
Traditional Japanese garden and greenhouse
Meiji jingu
Discover the spiritual heart of Tokyo in our comprehensive guide to the Meiji Shrine. Starting at the imposing Torii gate, we delve into the significance of Shinto symbols and rituals, opening your eyes to Japans unique spiritual culture. Wander through the peaceful tranquility of the Kitasando, a less trodden path filled with rustling leaves and chirping birds that cleanse the mind. Marvel at the Shrine Bridge, a symbolic gateway separating the earthly and spiritual realms. You'll witness an array of vibrantly colored sake barrels, symbolizing the deep respect and gratitude the Japanese hold for their deities. Stroll down Omotesando Street, a sanctuary in bustling Tokyo, and take home traditional souvenirs as mementos. From ancient Japanese rituals to modern urban life, this guide is your key to unlock Japan's rich cultural tapestry, giving you an authentic taste of the country's heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japan's spiritual life. Get ready to step into a realm of tranquility and sacredness that lies hidden in the heart of the bustling city. This is not just a tour; it's an invitation to experience the timeless beauty and spirituality of Japan.
This is a beautiful and very big complex. It took us one and a half hour to complete the tour. We also saw a wedding. It was pretty cool
We stopped at this book cafe and it was amazing
https://g.co/kgs/5Y8WtKQ
All you can drink + 1 hour seating 1500 per person
We then did the Shibuya tour
Around 1 hour
Total steps so far 30k
Shibuya tour description
Dive into Tokyo's vibrant heart with our immersive tour that begins at bustling Shibuya Station. Discover the touching tale of Hachiko, then ascend to Shibuya Sky for a breathtaking city view. Experience the world's busiest intersection, Shibuya Crossing, before exploring trendsetting fashion at Shibuya 109 and the secrets of 'Love Hotel Hill. Absorb the cultural richness of Bunkamura and the nostalgic charm of Nonbei Yokocho, before immersing yourself in the rhythm of Tower Records. Refresh in Miyashita Park, then indulge in upscale shopping at Omotesando and soak in Harajuku's youth culture on Takeshita Street. Relax at Yoyogi Park, an urban retreat amidst city chaos, before ending the tour at Meiji Shrine, a sanctuary reflecting Japan's rich tradition. This tour weaves together historical insights, cultural delights, and modern marvels for a captivating journey through Tokyo.
Then dinner here
https://maps.google.com/?cid=3342363753007324535&entry=gps
Cool vibe restaurant
Kushiyaki Bistro Fukumimi Ginza
Dessert green tea in
Quil Fait Bon Grand Maison Ginza
キル フェ ボン グランメゾン銀座
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CsYkZZyFS4uDFe2c7
May 20
Left for hakone
Tickets are 2500 and the express train takes 1:20 hr and normal one takes 1:40hr
Express train goes every three hours so plan accordingly
We went to tenzan which allows tattoos
1500 yen for day pass
200 yen for towels
Nice restaurant (food is more authentic so a couple of dishes were harder for us to tolerate)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SkUGkK6KH4XRXQZo7
We stayed at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel
湯本富士屋ホテル
It also has public onsen but it's no tattoos. You can book private bath for 2000. We also got an omakase for 12k yen.
We got dinner at hotel but didn't worth it at all
May 21
Left hotel at 5 am. Got to the base of the climb at 8
(We had coordinated transportation)
This was off season and we did through Fujinomia route. Gotemba is a good longer route and the yoshida is the worst and the most crowded. We saw maybe only 20 people total and it was beautiful. Early season Fuji highly recommended. Took a lot of breaks and an hour and half break at the summit. Total of 8 hours. We got dropped off at fujishin station and took bullet train to Kyoto
Stay in tanoya riokan
Really cool tea room and shower
May 22
Pastries and coffees nearby are amazing
Imperial Palace and the garden, no entrance fee, highly recommended (one hour is enough)
Be careful of hop bus being showed up on Google bus as a form of public transportation. Kinda a scam
Took the bus to philosophers path
Start from the southern most point of the path
Try green tea crepes! Yum!
Sopa noodle for lunch
It's alright. Similar to normal noodles imo
Best dumpling:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BNPDN4RttWhnVhg38
Walking tour
Geisha district
LINK: https://kyotofreewalkingtour.com/kyoto-tours-schedule/kyoto-free-walking-tour-gion-5-22/
Hanamikoji district
Zen Buddhist temple
Kenninji Hatto (Nengedo, Lecture Hall)
法堂（拈華堂）
Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple
金剛寺 (八坂庚申堂)
Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
法観寺 (八坂の塔)
Maruyama Park
Famous for cherry blossoms
Tour was really good. We learned a lot about geisha culture and shinto culture
Then came to
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fabulous! Where religion meets business. Must go
At least leave 2 hours. Has a 1 hour hike to top of the mountain.
It was recommended to us to do it at night (goes 24/7)
Recommendations from our guide
Enryakuji temple (Mt Hiei)
Kifune shrine
- Uji
Food:
- Yataizushi Gion Hanamikojicho > sushi
-Gior Soy Milk Uno Yukiko > Vegan Ramen
Kiku > Izakaya (2F of the building)
ChaoChao Gyoza > Dumplings
Ganko Takasegawa Nijo-en > beautiful restaurant in Samurai Villa
Ichijoji > Ramen district of Kyoto
Drinks:
- ING > Rock'n'roll bar
- Gion Kiyomizu NEKI > Sake Bar
- Barcode > Karaoke Bar
- Rub'a'dub > Reggae bar
May 23
Got breakfast at Le Petit Mec - Imadegawa
Le Petit Mec 今出川店
In general French bakeries are amazing in Japan
Took the train to Yuri shrine. We put our luggages in the lockers (fit 2 carry one and one backpack in a big one) 700yen per day.
Train is half an hour and very scenic!!!
Admission fee 500
Possible to take the funicular
This was definitely the highlight of our experience. Very calm and soothing and you can get into the temple at the top
Head temple Kuramadera
The route to mount kumara summit was closed. We walked to
Kifune Shrine
Nice restaurants by the water and overpriced
Took a bus back to closest train station
Kyoto train station has the best food court in the mall. Unbelievable. Don't miss
Golden Kai for drinks, no mafia, just tourists now lol
May 24
Ueno station has great pastries
Shinobazu Pond
Tokyo national museum
In there based on recommendation we visited these halls:
Tokyo National Museum Gallery of Horyuji Treasures
東京国立博物館 法隆寺宝物館
Cool quick visit
Definitely download the app guide for the museum
Tokyo National Museum - Heiseikan
東京国立博物館 平成館
And the Japanese gallery
It took us two hours total mainly at the Japanese gallery.
Then took a one hour break to listen to the audio tour of
Ameyoko Shopping District
上野アメ横商店街
And then visited the district
Asakusa plan:
Shared route
From 2-chōme-8 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0034, Japan to 2-chōme-8 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan via 雷門通り.
25 min (1.7 km)
To see this route visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/zxwz3kpyY4ATg9YP6
Definitely go to top of
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Great view, it's free and has a cafe at the top
We did an omakase, 90 bucks per person. 8 course meal all beef. The restaurant wasn't on Google maps and only on table log. Tablelog is the way to go. And remember, above 4 is astounding. 3.5 is great above 3 is good.
May 25
Coffee at
Lucent Coffee
Really great coffee
KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA TOKYO
We did tea ceremony and kimono experience. Highly recommended. Just the experience of wearing the kimono and see how restricting it is was a great experience.
Kappabashi Knife Gallery 2F (Limited Knife shop)
Knife district
Noh show in the national noh theater
We got there late and couldn't get to our seat so no subtitles. The show was around two hours. We ended up leaving
Wagyu tasting
emc
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xBRQWT7dhhDLm2uG6
The best thing ever! 130$ per person through Airbnb
Great wagyu and sake pairing.
Definitely highlight of our trip
[Kiana] [Email:ehsanik@gmail.com] [Twitter:@ehsanik] [Github:@ehsanik]