From October to November 2024, I traveled to Japan. Here’s a list of the places I visited, from must-visit spots to those I found overrated.
Map
Sections
5
Tokyo & Yokohama
Fukushima
Kyushu
Hiroshima
Kyoto
Tokyo & Yokohama
Go here instead of the Fushimi Inari shrines in Kyoto. Less crowded.
Hie Shrine
If you want to learn the basic history of Japan, this is the best place to start. You get to dress up as a samurai for a photoshoot, and throw shruikens like a ninja - which I sucked at.
Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo With Experience - Maikoya
Best cosmetic Japanese and Korean products. Bring plenty of money.
@cosme TOKYO
2
Nice, classy Western bar. I can't believe the cocktails are only ¥700!
BAR LUKE, Ueno
If you've seen 'Shogun', Muira Anjin (a.k.a. William Adams) is the inspiration for John Blackthorne. Warning: the climb up to the grave is tough.
Grave of Miura Anjin - Tsukayama Park, Yokosuka
A popular place to grab beer. Nice decor, though I'm not a beer drinker.
Ginza Lion Beer Hall
The amount of antiques for sale is insane. My mum did not want to leave.
Kanagawa Yamato Old Folk Tools and Antiques Market
Your favourite character from Attack on Titan.
Mikasa Historic Memorial Warship
Tembo Deck (350m) = ¥2,100
Tembo Galleria (450m) = an extra ¥1000
Tokyo Skytree
It's like American/Japanese fusion cuisine piled high with salad.
Wild Rice, Yokohama
Izakaya in Shinjuku. Their pineapple shochu is goood!
Sahari - Shinjuku Sanchome/Izakaya (Tavern)
Difficult to find but it's worth checking out. It's a beautiful little DJ bar.
DJ BAR Bridge, Shinjuku
An observation deck that you could go for free. The night laser show on the building is worth seeing.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tocho
A district in Tokyo with kitchen equipment and other shops. Tourists specifically buy Japanese knives from this street.
Kappabashi Street, Tokyo
A bar in Kappabashi that serves drinks and gyudon.
Bar Babu バルバブ, Tokyo
This is like a Diagon Alley shop, but with chopsticks. This sells chopsticks of different shapes, lengths and materials. You can even try them out.
Hashitou Honten, Tokyo
Japanese grape flavour is refreshing.
Mario Gelateria Ginza, Tokyo
Fukushima
This particular area has got Western vibes. Fun fact: some Japanese spaghetti westerns were filmed there. I recommend you explore the rest of Bandai-Asahi National Park.
Joudodaira The Bandai-Asahi National Park
Wanna see a castle in Fukushima? This is it.
Aizuwakamatsu Castle
Boring-looking hotel but the buffet was insane and the hot spring was lovely.
Mercure Urabandai Resort & Spa
Five volcanic lakes. They're famous for their beautiful colour.
Goshiki-numa
A museum about the Byakkotai a.k.a. The White Tiger Brigade. They were a group of teenage samurai who died during the civil war.
Byakkotai Memorial Hall
Known as the Turban Temple. You climb up and down the temple without bumping into anyone. Neat, right?
Sazaedo Temple
A samurai mansion turned into a museum with mannequins dressed in historical clothes. One of the mannequins had a pink wig - lol.
Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence)
Truly amazing place. You feel like a king/queen there.
Shousuke no Yado Takinoyu
Charming village in Fukushima with souvenir shops.
Ouchi-juku
Beautiful handmade pottery.
Aizu Keizanyaki Pottery
Kyushu
Gigantic shopping mall in Hakata. It's worth checking out in the night for the rainbow lights on the fountain displays.
Canal City, Hakata, Fukuoka
An impressive parade float is displayed there. A festival takes place here every July.
Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka
I saw an interesting exhibition in this museum called ‘Echoes of Resilience’.
Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
One of the highly ranked ramen shops in Hakata. Atmosphere and noodles are great. Personally I think the Tonkotsu broth could be cleaner.
博多一双 (Hakata Isso), Fukuoka
10/10 for the most epic mist display.
Kumamoto Castle
Peaceful onsen resort. I wish I could have stayed here for a night or two.
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan
I did not try any of the food from these stalls. In my defence, it was a Saturday night and it was jam-packed. I was too overstimulated to figure out how to get a seat.
Food Stalls (Yatai), Nakasu, Fukuoka
Despite being November, there were already Christmas markets and operas performed under the giant Xmas tree.
JR Hakata City AMU Plaza, Hakata
Peaceful park with the ruins of Fukuoka castle. I'm sure it would've been beautiful in springtime.
Maizuru Park, Fukuoka
Scenic park along the bayside.
Ohori Park, Fukuoka
A community space in Beppu, perfect for tourists. I did a calligraphy beginner's class with Aoi.
Space Beppu
One of the oldest onsens in Beppu. Bath looked grimy and it was tiny. There are no washing amenities, so you have to be clean before going. The artwork in the lobby is lovely though.
Takegawara Onsen, Beppu
Outdated room with a dodgy door that won't lock, but the innkeeper is so sweet. She can't speak English but always saw me off with a kind goodbye. The front room is like a charming antique shop.
International Minsyuku Kokage, Beppu
Small cafe in Beppu also perfect for young tourists. Their homemade breakfast menu is unique and healthy.
Kimama Cafe, Beppu
If you go to Beppu, this is on your go-to list. It's a hot spring system featuring the most unique hot springs. Not safe to bathe in.
Hells (Jigoku), Beppu
The best onsen I've ever been to so far. There are so many varieties of baths to try. Their restaurant is also very good.
Hyotan Onsen, Beppu
A popular bakery in Beppu with an interesting order system. The buns are so soft and criminally cheap!
Tomonaga Panya, Beppu
A park along the coast.
Shoningahama Park, Beppu
Hiroshima
An important place to visit in Japan. It left everyone shell-shocked by the end of it, so mentally prepare yourself.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
This tiny little okonomiyaki shop run by just two guys can only fit 20 people so expect a very VERY long wait. The experience is worth it. The men are friendly and watching them cook is entertaining. Make sure you bring cash.
Okonomiyaki Teppan-yaki Momiji-Tei
The famous landmark in Miyajima Island: the floating torii gate in the sea. There's an entrance fee to the shrine near the gate. Expect a huge queue waiting to take a selfie with the torii gate.
This hike is not for the unfit. The climb is intense but the views are rewarding. Just manage your timing. The ropeway closes at 5pm and you could be at the risk of navigating all the way to the bottom of the island in the dark. Not ideal.
Mount Misen, Miyajima
Kyoto
Crowded and expensive. It sells whatever street food you can think of.
Nishiki Market
A famous street in Kyoto full of traditional-looking buildings, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Sannenzaka
Get their famous matcha tiramisu, it's to die for!
Maccha House
A cute, tiny cafe that serves traditional home-cooked dish sets. I adore this place! Make sure you bring cash.
Rojiusagi
This has a nice, affordable green tea ceremony
Taihoan, Uji City Tourist Association
Google reviews for this are also overrated. Wagyu beef set was nice but avoid the burgers - they tasted boring.
Food Park (Wagyu Burger and Wagyudon), Uji
Delicious hojicha desserts. I bought a packet of hojicha powder for my lattes - so addicting!
Hoho Hojicha Uji Main Store
The famous landmark with 1000 torii gates. All day long it's full of tourists so only go early in morning - like REALLY early. 7am is still packed.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Nice small BBQ restaurant
Yamadaruma
I skipped the bamboo grove before as I already went before. The district has really nice souvenir shops but my goodness, the streets were congested with tourists it was disgusting.
Arashiyama
Nice izakaya in Pontocho Alley. I had a yummy wagyu sukiyaki and grilled eel with rice.
Iroha Karuta Kiyamachi Honten
A bakery that sells sourdough bread and pastries. My friends say the bread tastes very nice.
