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Discover Japan: Essential First-Time Travel Experiences, Stays, and Tips
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items Ready to travel to Japan for the first time? We just got back from our 2-week trip to Japan with stops in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and a remote Ryokan in the world's oldest hotel! This includes our top activities, hotels, and food experiences that we wou...
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Activities
Hotels
Restaurants
Activities
These were our top activities from Kyoto and Tokyo: We had a good mix of independent exploration and guided tours
This was our favorite thing we did on the trip! The instructors were super engaging and we got to learn the history of samurai in an actual samurai's house. We had a demonstration and then hands-on experience using a katana sword! With a small group ...
Kyoto Samurai Experience
Such a fun experience to learn more about sumo! We were upset we weren't there during a tournament, but this might have honestly been a better more personal experience. The power and flexibility they have is insane!
Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Stable in Tokyo
Great museum! Top floor is informative about the history of ramen and the different styles. Once you go to the basement, that's were this place shines! You get to sample multiple bowls of ramen to really get a taste. Don't forget to make your own cus...
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
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If you like dive bars, you'll love the vibes here. All the bars are super intimate and fit maybe 8-10 people. We went back here multiple nights and loved talking with the locals and other travelers.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
A classic tourist attraction, but it's worth the view! Amazing to see how massive tokyo is.
Tokyo Skytree
Nice tea ceremony with good explanations. You got to dress in a kimono which added to the overall experience
Traditional Tea Ceremony wearing a Kimono in Kyoto MAIKOYA
Fun Karaoke bar with great drink prices and lots of songs to pick from! Time flew by!
Karaoke Mega Big
Fun interactive art museum with beautiful exhibits. Took us about and hour and half to explore!
teamLab Planets TOKYO
Hotels
Where we stayed at on our trip. Mid-range hotels with a splurge at the Ryokan the worlds oldest hotel
Such a unique and beautiful experience! The natural hot springs and Kaiseki meals were such a treat! While this was the world's oldest hotel, everything is very well maintained and has wonderful amenities. Wonderful customer service
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan: Traditional Japanese Ryokan with Private Onsen
Centrally located hotel right nex to Kyoto Train Station. Wonderful perks like lattes in the lobby and free ramen every night!
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Great stay in central area of Shibuya. Lots of bars and resturaunts nearby that made this location very convenient
Shibuya Granbell hotel
Good hotel in good proximity to the Haneda Airport. Stayed here for 2 nights before our flight home
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
Restaurants
Small spot tucked away in an alley, but best sushi I've ever had in my life. Prices are amazing for the quality of the fish
Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan - Tokyo -
Best tempura I've ever had. Such a varitey of vegtables and fish that made for very filling and enjoyable dinner
Tempura Abe Honten
Beautiful cocktail bar with wonderful atmosphere! Our favorite spot for drinks on the entire trip!
K36 (The Bar & Rooftop)
Such a cute resturaunt if you like kirby! Food was good just make sure you book a reservation well in advance if you want to eat!
Kirby Café
Sushi was okay, but for the price a novelty of going to a revolving sushi bar, we had a blast!
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Cute cafe if you are stopping at the bamboo grove!
Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House
Classic Osaka street food! This spot was worth the small wait!
Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori