The stand out is the salt-based chicken and bonito stock ramen made with the Japanese citrus Yuzu. The servings aren't enormous, so try one of the excellent sides and the dark Asahi beer on offer.
This Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice tower is 333 meters high. It was originally intended for television broadcasting. Today it is one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks.
The awe-inspiring main residence of Japan's emperor. Apply online in advance for a guided tour.
Find peace and serenity at this Shinto Shrine in Shibuya. Make sure to visit both major areas (Naien and Gaien). You can also write a prayer on a piece of paper and then tie it to the wall of prayer.
It is the outer of two large entrance gates to the Sensō-ji in Asakusa. The gate, with its big red lantern and 2 statues of God of Thunder and God of Wind, is popular with tourists.
A free viewpoint on 45th floor but only through glass windows. Good thing though that it's open very late (to 23.00). I heard that on a clear day you can see all the way to Mount Fuji.
Experience the amazing sunset - the views over Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji (when it is clear) are unforgettable, with 360 degrees view of Tokyo City and the bay area at the same time. 続きを読む
Ramen is not the only thing this museum has to offer. The inside is set up to replicate the buildings from the Showa-era (1950's-60's) and you get to see what Japan was like back then. 続きを読む
Apple Store on steroids. Or the child of apple store and MoMa. Even is you don't come for the exhibit, the space alone is worth a visit. Have. Latte and just chill. Don't miss the gift shop.
Great exhibition, free English audio guide, and entry to Tokyo City View is included. Late hours means great night views.
Your one stop venue if you're keen to find out the history of old Tokyo(Edo) and the early history of when it became Tokyo
Two counters at this enormous, crowded market stand out above the rest: Sushi-Dai and Daiwa Sushi. This is the freshest sushi you will ever try, and the immense variety will impress you too.
fyi I got here at 5:30 in the morning on a thursday and i waited 2h to get in. At 7:45 there are 50-60 ppl lineup.
Save yourself a 3-hour wait at Sushi Dai and eat here instead. The line is much shorter, but most tourists don't know because it's just a few steps further down the alley (btw buildings 6 and 7).
The food stalls around the temple in Asakusa provide for some fun and affordable snacking of items you won't find abroad. Don't stop at the McDonalds, but keep going and eat something local :)
You can enjoy Sakura - cherry blossom in early April. the best is Sumida Park(Sumida kohen) along the Sumida river.
Possibly the busiest train station in the world with 10 train lines intersecting here! The Skyscraper District is at the West Exit, while the East Exit is the shopping district. Get a map!
See organized chaos in the Shibuya Station. Wait until all the traffic lights turn red—and see throngs of people walk in different directions. A great scene capturing the essence of modern Tokyo.
Highly overpriced "made in China" clothes and accessories. So many different stores worth seeing, though!
Home of the Yomiuri Giants baseball theme, Tokyo Dome is easily accessible from JR Suidobashi, or the Tokyo Metro Korakuen line. 続きを読む
More amusement park than onsen. Multi-language explanations will help 1st timers to adjust but for real onsen go elsewhere. Fake Edo period interior can be fun or annoyingly kitch.
The oldest of the two parks of Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Disneyland is mostly geared to children. Take the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo and get off at Maihama Station. English is spoken. 続きを読む
Go after 6pm on a weekday and it's only ¥3300 to get in instead of ¥6200! Plus the lines are much shorter in the evening.
Saccharine sweet and full of screaming children, Sanrio Puroland is an interesting visit only if you're a Hello Kitty fan. It's mostly indoors, so it's a great place for families to visit in the rain. 続きを読む
No cool dude would seriously hang out/ shop here. It's Cat Street and the surrounding backstreets way down Takeshita and over the main road (Meiji Dori) under the unmistakable Harajuku arch you want.
The younger cousin to Roppongi Hills, Omotesando Hills itself is architecturally fascinating. The shops are fairly high-end, but without being pretentious. Visit especially during Christmas! 続きを読む
Endless rows of shops. Go to Takeshita Dori for inexpensive youth apparel, Omotesando for the high-end retailers, and Jingumae for Western brands.
If you're buying shoes, research the Nike naming conventions before you visit. Variety can be very intimidating.
On a Sunday, swing through and see the Dancing Elvises (Elvi?) and wander down towards the Harajuku entrance from some Harajuku girls. Good Okonomiyaki from street vendors, too!
For a far better view of the city from the impressive outdoor viewing platform, visit the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower instead. Far less crowded too.
Take the Yurikamome monorail from Shimbashi Station to Daiba. This will stop right at Aqua City Mall. Spend time to take beautiful photos of the mini Statue if Liberty and the view of Tokyo Bay.
参拝券はお札！暮れ時、金箔に夕陽が反射し美しい。The ticket is a Japanese ofuda note. You can use it as a household talisman. Visit here in an early-morning/evening. Awesome gold and the amazing light reflections on the pond!
Right across from Kyoto Station, this is the tallest thing in the city. Some dislike it's modernity in traditional Kyoto.
The Philosopher's Path. Free. Easiest entrance is to the right of the street leading to Ginkaku-ji. Not well marked, but you'll know you're in right spot when it's a 2-by-2 stone path along a stream.
It's a short walk but it's worth the trip up to Arashiyama. The bamboo is beautiful and blue.
Come with empty tummies & try all the lovely snacks here - daifuku, oden, octopus, sashimi, sushi etc.
Designed by Yoshio Taniguchi (who also designed New York's MoMA), this minimalist, modern building houses over 300 objects from the 7th and 8th centuries donated by the Horyuji Temple.
Just south of JR Ueno Station, there is a little bit of Japanese history: Ameyoko is a throwback to the post-WWII Japanese market. This bazaar-type market has everything and then some! Worth a visit! 続きを読む
Hamarikyu is Japanese Feudal Lord's garden during the Edo Period (1603-1867), is one of Tokyo's most famous gardens.
to order, get a ticket from the machine when you first enter. green curry is the fourth button down on the left column.
This shrine was dedicated to the Emperor Ojin, his mother Empress Jingu and his wife Hime-gami. built in 1063.
Pure enlightenment! A must see if visiting Tokyo. Accessible by JR Metro and a perfect day trip!!
Gion Tsujiri is an amazingly popular place selling green tea ice cream parfaits. Constant queues.
One of the coolest locations you can visit in all of Kyoto. Go all the way up to the top and enjoy the fantastic view of Kyoto! Take left at the crossing far up on the mountain walk.
For foreigners: If you buy an item or items with accumulated amount of 10k yen or more, make sure you ask for 5% discount.
Good location, spacious rooms for Tokyo. Clean and super comfortable beds! A lot of foreigners stay here so staff speak English perfectly. Can be quite noisy late at night.
Come during off hours to avoid lineup. Get one of each gyoza (boiled and pan-fried, with and without garlic and chives) and cucumber with miso.
This has got to be one of the coolest places to get espresso drinks in the world. The old world Japanese building with a one man espresso show & garden make for a unique experience. A must in the area
World-famous for tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet), this local favorite—housed in a former pre-World War II bathhouse—is hidden away in a back alley behind a busy Omotesando street.
Amazing fresh ramen. Look out for the yellow boxes and the pigs. Chasu ramen 9 different ways.
Everything works here. Friendly staff and great yakatori. And make sure you finish with a sake.
Go crazy on the Food floor located on B1 near store closing time. You will find discounts on fresh produces and food stalls
High end Kyoto kaiseki restaurant which is a century old. 3 Michelin stars. http://kikunoi.jp/english/store/index.html
If you only visit Kyoto for one day, make sure to visit Kiyomizu-dera. Best visited near dusk for amazing views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. Note, it's a long uphill walk to the temple.
Very cool! Make sure you do the Japanese tradition to race your partner through the double gate areas (called Hayaruke). The track on the right is the fastest. When you finish, the winner yells YATTA!
The portions are generous, but if you like soft-boiled eggs, definitely get the Aji Tama option.
Get the Tsukemen with shredded pork. For those who've been to Tsujita in LA, this broth is curry-like and sweeter. The line can be long, so budget 30 mins for waiting.
The Frozen Mountain is so good! The ice cream mixes perfectly with the popcorn and cotton candy - not too sweet 👌
Takashimaya has a large presence in the middle of town http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/osaka/
Great Ramen spot, make it spicier you wont regret, you can add extra pork slices for only ¥180.
The best place for all what you need from electronics to cloth. Don't forget to visit the 8th floor to have food.
Kiji is one of the best okonomiyaki in town with legendary queues http://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27000322/
런치오마카세 4200円(tax8%). 미슐랭2스타 받은적이 있는 텐푸라집입니다. 가격이 저렴해서 생선류는 많이 안나올줄 알았는데, 푸짐하고 너무 맛있었어요. 이 가격으로 다른 도시에선 먹기 힘드니, 히로시마에 가시면 예약하고 꼭 들러보세요!
Huge store with pretty much everything. Their liquor store is pretty good and cheap. If you're visiting, purchases above 5000 yen are tax free.
Magnificent view. Would say this is by far the best and must visit temple in nara. Gives you goosebumps by looking at the statue and good architectures for photos
La arquitectura la típica del periodo Edo. La sala es dos veces mas pequeña de lo que fue. El Buda de 15 metros impresionante. 👍👍👍
Una de las puertas de madera mas impresionantes con sus dos tallas también de madera enormes. Pasarás por ella si o si.. 👍👍👍
Huge space-age coffers located in the basement. Check out the old door locks in the bathroom on the first floor.
The landmark seems intentionally underwhelming - the city focusing on what's next rather than what happened. Maybe stare up at the sky from here, as the bomb actually detonated at 600m/1900ft.
It's very emotional - so much history. It's a true reminder that peace is precious. 🙏🏼😥💐🕊
Beautiful Park to enjoy a walk, a picnic, to see the cherryblossom when it's time, etc. It is very Well taken care of. And you'll find public toilets in good condition.
