A helpful guide for first time travelers to Japan. Includes hotel picks, food spots, things to do, and travel tips for Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Easy , budget friendly, and tourist approved.😍
Sections
8
🏘️ Where to Stay 😍
🍣 Food & Must- Try Eats😘
🚙 Transportation
Experiences & Attractions 🌳
🛍️ Shopping 😘
👍 Budget Tips 🤭
🏘️ Where to Stay 😍
Japan offers a wide range of stays from modern city hotels and cozy guesthouses to traditional ryokan with hot spring baths. Whether you prefer luxury towers in Tokyo, charming boutique inns in Kyoto or budget friendly hostels in Osaka there are opti...
Elegant 5-star hotel across from the Imperial Palace,top notch spa.😍
The Marunouchi Suite | The Peninsula Tokyo
Modern rooms in the heart of Shinjuku, famous for Godzilla theme. 😍
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Scenic views near Meiji Jingu calm escape from busy Tokyo.😍
Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo PREMIER
Direct link to Shibuya Station, perfect for city explorers. 😍
【Official】Shibuya EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU | Directly connected ...
Classic European style inside Tokyo Station, heritage luxury.😍
The Tokyo Station Hotel
Spacious rooms + skyline views, close to nightlife & dining.😍
[Official] CERULEAN TOWER TOKYU HOTEL | Impressive night view near ...
Great value and location,mix of modern comfort and Japanese style.😍
HOTEL RYUMEIKAN TOKYO [Official] / 3-min. walk from Tokyo Sta.
Luxury ryokan experience in the city, serene and traditional.😍
HOSHINOYA Tokyo - Official Site
Budget friendly with excitement access to transport and shopping.😍
Shinjuku Prince Hotel - Official website
Stylish boutique luxury, panoramic views from rooftop bar.😍
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills - Luxury Lifestyle Hotel
Convenient for families, transport + shopping nearby.😍
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
Trendy and close to Ginza shopping streets, modern decor.😍
Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo
Family friendly hotel with free city shuttle, great breakfast.😍
Hilton Tokyo
Japanese inspired boutique stay, quiet and cozy atmosphere.😍
[Official] HOTEL NIWA TOKYO | JAPANESE MODERN HOTEL
Upscale hotel above Namba Station, direct airport train access 🤩
Swissotel Nankai Osaka - Luxury Hotel In Osaka - Swissôtel Hotels & ...
European - style hotel near Dotonbori and JR Namba Station.🤩
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka | Official Website | Located in Namba ...
Trendy boutique hotel steps from Shinsaibashi shopping and nightlife.🤩
Cross Hotel Osaka - All you need to know
Stylish modern stay by the riverside, quiet and peaceful location.🤩
Hotel The Royal Park Canvas - Osaka Kitahama - Hotels-osaka
Classic comfort, directly connected to Shinsaibashi Station.🤩
Hotel Nikko Osaka | Official Site
Beautiful city views, modern rooms near Midosujxi Avenue 🤩
[Official] Osaka EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU | About 2 minutes walk from Exit 13 of ...
River views, elegant design,free shuttle to Osaka Station.🤩
Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka PREMIER
Budget friendly, subway station right outside.🤩
Best Price on APA Hotel Osaka Higobashi Station in Osaka + Reviews!
Clean and simple, great for families on a budget.🤩
Official Website - SARASA HOTEL NAMBA | SARASA HOTELS
Theme style family hotel, perfect for USJ trips.🤩
Hotel Universal Port, Osaka (updated prices 2025)
Closest hotel to USJ, great theme park vibe.🤩
The Park Front Hotel at UNIVERSAL STUDIO JAPAN
Large full service hotel with shuttle to Osaka Station.🤩
RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection | Official
Convenient stay inside JR Osaka Station building.🤩
OSAKA UMEDA OS HOTEL - Reviews (Japan) - Tripadvisor
Luxury European style hotel, premium service and comfort.🤩
The Ritz-Carlton - Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Classic tatami rooms, peaceful garden views.😍
Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo Established in 1915 | Traditional ...
Budget friendly, private baths available.😍
The inn with the true feeling of Kyoto
Old world charm, warm traditional hospitality.😍
SEIKORO Ryokan Top
One of Japan's finest Ryokans, refined simplicity.😍
A Night at Tawaraya – Japan's Finest Ryokan
Luxury stay with stunning Mount Fuji views and exceptional service.😍
Park Hyatt Tokyo - 5-Star Luxury Hotel in the Heart of Shinjuku
🍣 Food & Must- Try Eats😘
A delicious journey through Japan's iconic flavors from street snacks to comfort bowls and traditional delicacies. Discover famous dishes like ramen, sushi, tempura, Wagyu, and matcha treats that showcase authentic Japanese taste and culture in every...
Famous tonkotsu ramen with solo dining booths customizable flavor level.😘
The Classic Tonkotsu Ramen - ICHIRAN - 一蘭
Rich pork broth and springy noodles modern ramen chain with consistent quality.😘
Ippudo - Ginza
Bold and flavorful specialty broths try the Black King or Red King.😘
Ramen Nagi
Light Yuzu infused broth fresh and citrusy, great for non heavy ramen lovers.😘
AFURI Ebisu
Mild,creamy shio ramen classic Hokkaido style with tender pork cheeks.😘
Locations in Japan - らーめん山頭火HOKKAIDO RAMEN SANTOUKA
Thick noodles and strong broth hearty, meaty, and filling.😘
Michelin star ramen soy truffle broth for a refined ramen experience.😘
Tsuta
Affordable local favorite simple yet satisfying bowls.😘
Ichiraku ramen | Fuji-Q Highland
Rich collagen heavy broth- popular spot with long lines but worth the wait.😘
Mutekiya
Comfort style tonkotsu ramen - mild yet flavorful with extra toppings.😘
Kyushu Jangara Ramen Harajuku
Popular budget chain with consistent quality and seasonal specials.🍣
SUSHIRO
Fun and family friendly,plates drop from a chute when you order.🍣
Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi
Modern ordering tablet and fast delivery via Express belt.🍣
About Us | Genki Sushi
Hokkaido style sushi, fresh seafood,mid range.🍣
Kaitenzushi Nemuro Hanamaru Ginza
High speed delivery track, affordable and quick service.🍣
Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka Store
Big chain with a wide menu, sauces and toppings variety.🍣
Hama Sushi
Simple, casual conveyor sushi with kids friendly options.🍣
Pontocho Kappa Sushi
Huge selection, fresh quality near Shibuya.🍣
Sushi Masashi
Fresh seafood from Numazu port,rich cuts.🍣
Numazuko Kaisho | Seafood Restaurant in Tokyo
Fresh fruit mile crepe cakes- light, elegant, and made daily.🎂
HARBS
Fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes with rich Hokkaido butter.🥞
A Happy Pancake Omotesando
Signature wobbly pancakes - super soft and melt in your mouth.🥞
gram cafe & pancakes
Premium soufflé pancakes topped with seasonal fruits.🥞
Flipper's Umeda EST
Kyoto style matcha parfaits and tea desserts.🥰
nana's green tea (Tokyo Dome City LaQua)
🚙 Transportation
Getting around Japan is fast, easy, and convenient thanks to its modern transportation system. Trains, and subways connect almost every city, while buses and taxis offer simple local travel. The famous Shinkansen bullet trains make long distance tri...
Unlimited travel on Japan Rail trains, best for long distance trips
🤩
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
Only for foreign tourists visiting Japan on a temporary visitor visa.🤩
Visa/Consular Services - Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
Available in 7,14, or 21 day passes to match travel plans. 🤩
Types and prices
Includes most bullet trains (except Nozomi/ Mizuho services.
Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train)
Order online before your trip or purchase at select stations in Japan 🤩
Where to buy train ticket? : r/JapanTravelTips
Exchange your e-voucher at JR offices after arrival in Japan.🤩
Exchange
Free seat booking available at JR ticket counters or machines.🤩
How to book a reserved seat
Works on JR airport trains like Narita Express and Haruka Express.🤩
Airport Access | Plan | Travel Japan（Japan National Tourism Organization）
Includes some JR Buses and ferry to Miyajima 🤩
Japanese Ferries (Domestic Routes)
A reloadable smart travel card used for trains, buses, and even shopping in Japan. Tap and go for fast and easy transportation no need to buy tickets each time.🤩
Prepaid IC Cards in Japan: Suica, Pasmo, Icoca
Experiences & Attractions 🌳
Discover unforgettable experiences and attractions that showcase the heart of every destination from iconic landmarks and breathtaking natural wonders to cultural treasures and unique local adventures. Whether you're exploring historic streets, savor...
Iconic tower with panoramic city views.🌳
Tokyo Skytree
Famous red Toril gate pathway through the mountains.🌳
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Magical bamboo walkway & scenic nature escape.🌳
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Immersive digital art museum with water rooms.🤩
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Classic Japan postcard scenery with hot springs nearby.🌳
The 5 BEST Places to See Mount Fuji from Hakone
Fun theme park, home of Super Nintendo World.🤩
Universal Studios Japan
Whimsical world of Studio Ghibli animation.🤩
Ghibli Museum
World's busiest pedestrian crossing+ neon city vibe.🤩
Shibuya Crossing 渋谷スクランブル交差点
Golden Zen temple reflecting on a peaceful pond.🤩
Kinkaku-ji
Friendly bowing deer in historic temple park.🤩
Nara Park
Street food heaven with big neon signs.🤩
Dotonbori
Powerful WW2 remembrance site with museum.🤩
Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima
Romantic canal with stone warehouses & winter lights.🤩
Otaru Canal
Lavish UNESCO shrine in the mountains.🤩
Nikkō Tōshogū
Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs.🤩
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen
Fairytale thatched -roof village, stunning in winter.
Shirakawa Village Official Website english
Huge sea life displays including whale sharks.🤩
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Art and sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting.🤩
THE HAKONE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
Floating torii gate & cultural shine island.🤩
What to do on Miyajima Island
Tokyo's oldest temple with lively Nakamise shopping street.🤩
Sensō-ji
🛍️ Shopping 😘
Trendy fashion mall packed with youth brands and Japanese street style.😘
Shibuya 109
Luxury shopping complex with high end brands and elegant boutiques.😘
GINZA SIX
Famous discount stores for snacks, cosmetics, gadgets, and souvenirs.😘
Don Quijote [store information]
Colorful fashion street known for kawaii styles and quirky shops.😘
Takeshita- Street 竹下通り
A lively covered street with fashion, cafés, and local boutiques.😘
Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
Shopping mall with rooftop gardens and stylish brand stores.😘
Namba Parks
Traditional food market with Japanese snacks,pickles, and souvenirs.😘
Nishiki Market
Authentic Japanese crafts like ceramics,fans, and yukata.😘
Kyoto Handicraft Center
Family friendly mall with fashion, groceries, and restaurants.😘
AEON MALL OSAKA DOME CITY
Mega 12 floor store for affordable Japanese fashion essentials.😘
Uniqlo Ginza Flagship Store
Tokyo's vintage fashion district with thrift stores and indie shops.😘
Thrift & Vintage in Shimokitazawa: Tokyo's Ultimate Second Hand ...
Shopping and entertainment complex with the giant Gundam statue.😘
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Brand outlet shops with great discounts on major fashion labels.😘
Mitsui Outlet Park
👍 Budget Tips 🤭
Easy tap for trains & buses, avoids ticket hassle.☺️
Prepaid IC Cards in Japan: Suica, Pasmo, Icoca
Slower but much cheaper for regional trips.☺️
How to book non-Shinkansen Trains? : r/JapanTravelTips
Clean reliable & affordable (Tokyo Inn, APA, Super Hotel.)☺️
Staying at a Business Hotel in Japan
Budget friendly and unique Japan stay experience.☺️
A guide to capsule hotels in Japan
Cheap and surprisingly delicious meals.☺️
7-11 vs. Family Mart vs. Lawson : r/Tokyo
Supermarkets discount bentos up to 50%.☺️
Japan eateries offer discounts after 8pm
Cheap domestic flights.☺️
What are the experiences with JetStar and Peach airlines for a trip from ...
Save transport cost and explore more.☺️
Anyone with experience of renting bikes in Tokyo instead of walking and using ...
Shrines,temples,parks & viewpoints often free ☺️
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Japan (2025) - Tripadvisor
Safe and free no need to buy bottled Water.☺️
Yes, water fountains in Japan are generally considered safe to drink. Tap ...
Buy essentials & souvenirs on a budget.☺️
DAISO daiei Sangenjaya Store
Inchiran, ippudo, and local chains offer affordable meals.☺️
Ippudo: Famous tonkotsu ramen chain in Japan
Rice bowls under ¥500 -¥600.☺️
Day 3 — “Gyudon say?!” The Ill-fated Battle between Yoshinoya, Matsuya ...
Saves time & transportation costs.☺️
The 10 best hotels near Tokyo Station in Tokyo, Japan
Save 10% consumption tax on purchases.☺️
Tax Free Shopping in Japan: A Quick Guide to How It Works
Relax for only ¥500 - ¥800.☺️
A Beginner's Guide to Onsen
Avoid expensive routes & transfers.☺️
HyperDia | Route Search in Japan.
📸 Photo Spots 🤩
Japan is a photographer's dream, blending ancient temples, modern skylines, and breathtaking nature into unforgettable scenes.🤩
Iconic busy street shot with neon lights and energy.🤭
Shibuya Crossing 渋谷スクランブル交差点
Thousand red Toril gates create a dramatic tunnel path.🤭
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Tall bamboo forest with magical light and peaceful vibes.🤭
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Classic Fuji reflection shot on calm days.🤭
The Complete Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji Travel Guide | Japan
Immersive digital art with mirror floors and water rooms.🤭
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Traditional temple with giant red lantern and lively streets.🤭
