Japan Trip: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
Last month, we visited Japan and already miss it from their organized, respectful culture to their quality food and clean, efficient way of living. Will can't stop talking about Japan as he watches Japan-related YouTube videos and reminisces about our incredible experience in Japan.
When we were counting down the days for our Japan trip, we were sparkling with anticipation. Now, we miss it already and look forward to planning our second trip to Japan. In the meantime, we are sharing a recap of our Japan trip to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto on October 29-November 5, 2016. When I have time, I will expand and create separate posts to share more details about some of the experiences below. We hope these will be an inspiration for your future trip to Japan.
TOKYO
WHAT TO DO
- Tokyo Skytree - Tallest tower in the world and second tallest structure after Burj Khalifa
- Shopping in Harajuku - LINE Store, Kiddy Land, etc.
- Meiji Shrine
- Ueno Zoo - I chose this place to see the pandas!
- Rikugien Garden - peaceful, relaxing, stunning place to visit
- Akihabara Electric Town
- Robot Restaurant
- Tokyo Bay - We saw the Gundam Statue in front of Diver City Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba area
SUSHI SORA
WHAT TO EAT
- Sushi SORA - inside Mandarin Oriental
- Izakayas (Japanese pubs) - Our friend's friend found a place near Mandarin Oriental called something like Yakitori and Oyakodon Hottoya
- Ichiran Harajuku - best ramen we've ever had in Shinjuku neighborhood. We ordered from a vending machine and pick your preference on firmness, spiciness, broth richness, etc.
- Food Hall at Isetan - Food halls are amazing, but this one has no seats or tables. We had to buy it to bring back to our hotel. It reminded us of Harrod's in London.
- Family Mart and 7/11 - Japan has the best convenience stores with quality, cheap, delicious food!
- El Fuego del Toro - Our last lunch in Tokyo, we stumbled upon a Spanish restaurant that uses rare Spanish kilns and josper ovens, which only uses charcoal fire as a heat source.
- Tempura Tsunahachi - Thanks to my friend, Kana for taking the time to meet us for dinner and suggesting this tempura spot. They serve you as they make it rather than all at the same time like they do in the US to give you soggy tempura. This was fresh, delicious and I have never tasted any tempura as good as this! Luckily, we had her help to order for us since we do not speak Japanese.
Dancing Crabs Restaurant
WHERE TO STAY
- Mandarin Oriental Tokyo - used Will's UBS corporate rates to enjoy this 5-star luxe hotel
- Hyatt Regency Tokyo - used our free anniversary night from our Hyatt credit card
- The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kiocho - Breathtaking views of Tokyo from our hotel room thanks to SPG Reward Points for this free hotel night.
OSAKA
WHAT TO DO
- Umeda Sky Building - Tallest tower in the world and second tallest structure after
- Osaka Castle - a famous Japanese landmark and absolutely stunning on the inside and outside
WHAT TO EAT
- BBQ33 - This is a poolside beer garden we discovered in the Grand Front Osaka building
- Dancing Crabs
WHERE TO STAY
- InterContinental OSAKA - We are IPG Spire Members redeeming our annual reward night and we were given a free upgrade to a suite!
KYOTO
WHAT TO DO
- Fushimi Inari Shrine - a beautiful walking path through a tunnel of torii gates and a Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Words cannot describe how serene this place is surrounded by soaring stalks of bamboo towering over you as you continue on the walking path.
WHAT TO EAT
Kacho - We were too lazy to leave our hotel and settled for Japanese comfort food, hot pot.
WHERE TO STAY
- The Westin Miyako Kyoto - We were given a free upgrade to their executive suite including benefits of their Executive Club Lounge for free breakfast. This was using our Starwood Reward Points for a FREE hotel night.
TRANSPORTATION
- Japan Airlines (round-trip direct economy flight from JFK to NRT)
- JR Pass (Narita Express from Narita to Tokyo, Bullet Train, etc.)
FUN FACTS
- Beverage Vending Machine - you can buy cold or hot drinks from vending machines all over Japan streets
- Clean Environment - Unlike the fast-paced NYC lifestyle where people drink coffee on the go, Japan does not have garbage cans in most areas and you will have to hold onto your garbage until you get home, hotel, office, etc.
- Women-Only Subway Cars - Japan is one of the few countries with women-only passenger cars (read more)
- Polite Culture - We said "Arigatou Gozaimasu" (Thank You) to everyone as much as possible while bowing down back at them for services they provided. Also, we gave our credit card with two hands as that is part of their culture when making purchases.
