A Cool Girls Guide to Japan
Spending 2 weeks in Japan for our honeymoon, traveling the highlights. Heres some places we're going to, have been recommended and tools that might be useful. My Biggest tip is to BOOK THINGS AHEAD OF TIME. Stuff absolutely will sell out. Will update...
Hotels
Tokyo Hotel Babyyy
Staying in a Ryokan is a must while in Japan, even for just one night
More Ryokan options. If you have tattoos, its a great idea to get one with a private onsen!
Kyoto Hotel option. This is where we are staying in Kyoto
Temple stay in Japan
Osaka Hotel Option
another ryokan option. Ryokans can be a bit spenno just fyi!
Another Tokyo Hotel Option with a great view
Temple Stays are different from Ryokans but still a cool idea
Tours
If you'd rather let someone else take the lead
A great group trip to see the highlights of Japan
Ive never actually done Topdeck but I like that they go to the Japanese Alps!
Easy way to see a bunch of Tokyo in one go
if youre short on time, combine the insta famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and Bamboo forest all into one day
G adventures is my favorite tour company and I use them when I dont want to “think” or “plan”
A more upscale option (though it can skew older)
Things to Do
Teamlab Planets. I believe Borderless is reopening soon!
Tickets to Studio Ghibli Museum
If you want to go to DisneySea you absolutely have to buy it via Klook as the Japanese Disney website only accepts japanese credit cards
Public Onsen. No uncovered tattoos! If you have them, try a ryokan stay with private onsen
Osaka is known for its street food. Take advantage!
Come here to try all the Japanese Street Food
Tea ceremony in Kyoto. We're doing this on our honeymoon :)
Super cute, theres tons of animal cafe options in Japan
day hike from Osaka. Try the fried maple leafs!
The art of fixing broken pottery with gold filling
Teamlab Borderless. Check up for Planets, the other exhibit
go super early or late to avoid crowds. Theres also a “secret” path around the mountain to see a bamboo forest
Leave a cat statue at the temple for Good Luck!
Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo, just be ware the chances of seeing Mount Fuji are low!
Most Onsen dont allow tattoos. This one does
Monkeys are gauranteed if youre there over winter
To see some nice leaves or sakura or just a nice easy walk
Sushi making in Tokyo. I always try and take either a cooking class or food tour!
Kyoto Geisha experience. A great option to see Geisha in a respectful way
When in Japan, why not?
Osaka Castle- just like in Shogun. Is anyone else watching that right now?
Shrine in Osaka. A quick but cool stop if youre in the area
Famous shrine in Miyajima Island
Peaceful garden in Kyoto to see the colorful autumn leaves
Ring making in Tokyo, another event we're doing :)
Pottery class in Tokyo. Look up Kintsugi!!
Outdoor Art (if you want a break from the onsen) (doubtful)
Get your fortune! Hot tip: the best fortune isnt actually the best fortune
Osaka Aquarium, I havent been but apparently great for whale sharks and other massive aquatic fishies
Theatre in Kyoto. Has anyone been? This keeps getting recommended to me but I am…apprehensive
Moss Temple, would be super cool and haunting in the morning
Hakone Volcanic Valley. Its a toss up for me whether this or Hakone Open Air Museum
Personal photographer in Tokyo. We've booked this too. I just want to get our cute piccies and move on with our lives ya know
Restaurants and Bars
Cocktail bar in Kyoto if you want a break from Karaoke nights
Coffee in Kyoto near the Fushimi Inari temple
Carbonara Udon. I wonder if this is touristy or actually good? Someone let me know please
Cocktails in Tokyo, We're going here toooooo
Near Gōtokuji Temple if you're in the area
sushi train. Probably not the “best” sushi of your life but I feel like tis worth a try!
specializes in matcha. Also go to Uji if youre a matcha lover (I am not)
Tonkatsu spot that I keep getting recommended
warabimochi! I cant wait to try this
Fun bar option- more cocktails haha
Kaiseke, sit on the river side!
3D lattes- I will be getting Totoro themed
Egg Tarts baybeh- I seek them out in every city. IDK why. I just do.
Michelin starred french spot in Osaka
Donuts- apparently better than Mister Donut. I'll be the judge of that
Michelin starred sushi (quite the opposite of the sushi train)
Coffee on Miyajima Island
Bagels in Tokyo. I love bagels but can be a bit of a bagel snob I wont lie
Japanese Curry- Japanese food is more than just sushi!
Pizzeria in Tokyo. You might be like …??? But I think its fun to try other countries takes on various food styles
Trip Planning Tools
JR Train Travel Pass- check the calculator if its actually worth it for your trip
Calculator to determine if the JR Pass is worth it for you
Train from airport to city center
Japan E Sim to stay connected
If you have big luggage, you cant bring them on the train. Ship them ahead of time to your next destination
Yes this seems obvious but you can actually download maps ahead of time so you can use it without data
This is the site I use to plan how to get from A to B
Just like maps, you can also download Google translate so you can use it offline and read Japanese signs
For finding good japanese restaurants
the bible to answer all your Japanese travel questions that I may not have
the Japan public transport card- you can add it to your apple wallet
exactly how it sounds- I always use luggage storage if I get in early and just want to immediately explore
Find hotels, bnbs etc- Asia focused
I know Lonely planet is a bit old school but its fun
Portable, rentable wifi while you're in Japan
Japan rail pass map- make sure the JR pass is actually worth it to you before you purchase!
Shopping
Japanese makeup is so good. And Shiseido is the best
an example in overstimulation
Ghibli store in Kyoto. This is different than the Ghibli Studio btw
its like a 10 story Uniqlo
Stationary store in Tokyo