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Lost in Japan: My Favorite Cities & Finds
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items Hi, I just got back from a two month long trip to Japan with my friends, and I also got to visit family while I was there. I’ve made a list of some of the places we went and added my thoughts on each one. Heads up I went during the summer, so some st...
Map
Sections
4
Osaka
Tokyo
Kyoto
Extra areas to travel to…
Osaka
I visited Katsuo-ji Temple with my friends and we had a great time exploring the peaceful grounds and seeing all the daruma dolls placed throughout the temple. It’s very welcoming and accessible for foreigners, with clear signs and an easy to follow ...
Katsuoji Temple…WITH DARUMA
The World Expo is an incredible showcase of global innovation and culture. From futuristic technology and sustainable solutions to immersive cultural exhibits, there’s something for everyone. Expo 2025 in Osaka stands out with interactive experiences...
Expo 2025 Osaka !
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a must for marine life lovers. The highlight is the massive central tank, where graceful whale sharks swim alongside manta rays and other ocean giants. The spiral layout lets you explore diverse habitats, making it both edu...
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
If you’re near Dotonbori and into streetwear, you gotta check out Orange Street. It’s got loads of cool boutiques and vintage shops, and me and my friends had a blast hunting for hidden gems. Way less crowded than the main shopping streets too, which...
Orange Street (BEST STREETWARE)
Dotonbori in Osaka is an absolute must-visit. The neon lights, bustling streets, and lively atmosphere make it feel like the heart of the city. My friends and I loved walking along the canal, snapping photos with the iconic Glico sign, and trying all...
Dotonbori
PARCO Osaka is such a fun shopping spot with loads of cool stores, but the highlight for me and my friends was the Chobli shop on the 6th floor. You can take photos with no face from spirited away, and we spent ages laughing and taking pictures.
Shinsaibashi PARCO
Osaka Namba is a vibrant and bustling area full of energy, with endless shops, restaurants, and entertainment options to explore. Nestled within it is Namba Shrine, a peaceful oasis amid the hustle and bustle. Visiting the shrine was a calming contra...
Namba Shrine
Tokyo
Visiting Shibuya with my friends was an unforgettable experience. The shopping is incredible, with endless stores to explore, and the nightlife is just as lively, clubs and bars buzzing with energy. What really stood out was how friendly everyone was...
SHIBUYA !!!
Shibuya Crossing is an iconic spot that’s even more fun in person. It’s right by Shibuya Station, surrounded by countless shops and bright billboards. My friends and I couldn’t stop laughing when we realized just how small the crossing actually is co...
Shibuya Crossing (absolutely insane during rush hour)
One of the days, my friends and I went up to the top floor of Magnet in Shibuya. If you can’t get tickets for Shibuya Sky, it’s a great alternative, you just need to buy a drink at the bar, and the view of the city skyline is just as stunning. We lov...
MAGNET…..if you didn’t get tickets to shibuya sky
Visiting Shibuya Sky at night with my friends was absolutely magical. The city lights stretching out in every direction created a breathtaking view, and it felt like we were on top of the world. The atmosphere was lively but still relaxing, making it...
Shibuya Sky
Visiting Harajuku was such a fun experience, especially for the fashion it’s bold, creative, and full of energy. Takeshita Street is iconic, but it’s extremely crowded due to over tourism. That said, if you explore the streets just outside Takeshita,...
Harajuku
Visiting Asakusa was an unforgettable experience for me and my friends. We loved exploring the historic streets and shopping at the lively stalls. One highlight was buying sumo tickets and one of my friends even got to wear a sumo costume and wrestle...
Asakusa
Visiting Kabukicho was such a lively and unforgettable experience! Seeing the giant Godzilla head towering over the streets and the quirky cat advertisement made the area instantly iconic. The street performers really bring the neighborhood to life, ...
Kabukicho
The Asakusa Sumo Club was an absolute blast for me and my friends. We got to buy sumo tickets and experience the thrill of sumo up close one of my friends even wore a sumo costume and wrestled with a real sumo wrestler! Afterward, we enjoyed their un...
ASAKUSA SUMO CLUB
Visiting Roppongi at night was an incredible experience seeing all the city lights and the iconic Tokyo Tower sparkling in the distance was breathtaking. The area feels lively and vibrant, perfect for night-time photos. That said, it can be a bit mor...
Roppongi Hills
Visiting Meiji Jingu was a truly special experience. The shrine itself is peaceful and surrounded by beautiful forested grounds, offering a serene escape from the city. I was lucky enough to witness a traditional shrine dance during my visit, which m...
Meiji Jingu
Gotokuji, the famous “cat temple,” is smaller in size but still absolutely beautiful. The peaceful grounds filled with hundreds of maneki-neko statues make it a unique and charming spot to visit perfect for cat lovers and anyone looking for something...
Gōtokuji Temple
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory is such a charming little spot, and an absolute must for Studio Ghibli fans. The Totoro themed cream puffs are not only adorable but also delicious, with different fillings to choose from. The atmosphere feels cozy and...
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
Kyoto
Visiting Otagi Nenbutsu-ji was such a fun and memorable experience. The 1,200 stone statues all have quirky, expressive faces, and wandering the mossy grounds felt peaceful and a little magical. Plus, it’s just a short walk from Arashiyama’s Bamboo F...
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Gion is Kyoto’s iconic geisha district, famous for its lantern lit streets, traditional teahouses, and graceful geiko and maiko. Wander the historic alleys, visit Yasaka Shrine, or catch a cultural performance at Gion Corner. Evening strolls are espe...
Gion
Amanohashidate is a beautiful spot to visit! The beach is perfect for swimming in the summer, with clear water and great views. You can also take the cable cars up to the park at the tip, which gives you an amazing lookout over the sandbar. It’s the ...
Amanohashidate
Fushimi Inari Shrine is stunning, with thousands of red torii gates leading up the mountain. The hike can be tiring, but reaching the summit is totally worth it especially if you time it for sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable view.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Shimogamo Jinja Shrine is a serene and enchanting spot in Kyoto, famous for its two intertwining sacred trees symbolizing unity and love. Visitors can try the unique tradition of having their fortune told in the river, adding a magical touch to the v...
Shimogamo Shrine
Extra areas to travel to…
Nara is such a lovely area, full of charm and character. The free roaming deer add so much personality, and there are plenty of shops and fun activities to explore. I was lucky enough to visit during a festival when candles lined the paths up to the ...
Nara
Nara Deer Park is a charming and unique experience where friendly sika deer roam freely. You can buy special rice crackers to feed them, but be careful some deer can be surprisingly aggressive if they spot food. It’s fun, memorable, and a little wild...
Nara Park
Mi Nara Mall is a lively shopping and entertainment spot perfect for families and friends. Inside, Spatcha offers a variety of fun, interactive activities such as virtual reality games, crafting stations, and arcade challenges making it a hit with ki...
Mi Nara
Visiting Toba Aquarium was a really fun and memorable experience. The variety of marine life is impressive, but the highlight for me and my friends was seeing the dougan, they were so cute and playful! Wandering through the exhibits, we got up close ...
Toba Aquarium
Ine Fishing Town is such a hidden gem. The traditional wooden boathouses along the water are beautiful, and exploring the quiet streets feels like stepping into another time. We stopped at Funaya Café, which has a warm, welcoming vibe and incredible ...
What to do in Ine Village
Uji is a must for matcha lovers! The town is famous for its high quality green tea, and everywhere you go you’ll find amazing matcha treats. I’d definitely recommend trying the matcha dango it’s delicious and a perfect way to experience the local fla...
Uji…. Matcha heaven
Lake Biwa is such a fun and refreshing spot to visit! Me and my friends went for a swim and had an amazing time the water is clean and perfect for cooling off. Around the lake, there are local bars where you can grab a drink, and even paddle board re...
Lake Biwa
Visiting Studio Ghibli Park with my family was an absolutely magical experience. We loved exploring the whimsical settings straight out of our favorite films, from the lush forests to charming architecture. Every corner was full of surprises, and it ...
Ghibli Park
Visiting Hiroshima during the Peace Memorial was a deeply moving experience. It was incredible to see the community come together in such a sad moment, reflecting on history while honoring the past. The city itself is historic, with the museum and me...
Hiroshima
Visiting Miyajima Island was an amazing experience. I took the ferry over, and the approach gave stunning views of the iconic Torii gates. Like Nara, friendly deer roam freely around the island, adding to the charm. I stayed in a cozy AirBnB café whe...
Miyajima Island
Ise Shrine is one of the oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan, and visiting it feels truly special. The grounds are peaceful, surrounded by ancient trees and stunning traditional architecture. One of the highlights is the beautiful koi pond...
Kotai Jingu
Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is a stunning, monkey-themed shrine surrounded by lush greenery. Grand and serene, it’s a wonderful sight especially meaningful to me, as my relatives were married there.
Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine
Visiting Sendai was such a fun experience for me and my friends. We spent hours exploring the huge Sendai PARCO mall, checking out stores like Uniqlo, Muji, and Zara. The highlight for us was definitely the Pokémon Center, we loved browsing all the e...
Sendai
Saitama is a hidden gem for nature lovers, especially during flower season. From vibrant tulip fields to colorful cosmos and cherry blossoms, the prefecture bursts with stunning floral displays. Parks like Hitsujiyama Park and Chichibu’s flower spots...
Saitama
Ruru Matcha is a cozy little spot perfect for matcha lovers. The drinks are rich and flavorful, and the desserts are beautifully presented. My friends and I really enjoyed relaxing there and soaking up the calm, green tea vibes it’s a lovely treat in...
RURU KAMAKURA
My friends and I had such a wonderful day visiting Kamakura. We strolled along the lovely beach, enjoying the sea breeze and peaceful atmosphere, and then visited the giant Buddha, which was truly awe-inspiring. While there, we also lit incense at th...
Kamakura
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a charming mix of history and modern flair. The red-brick buildings house boutique shops, cafés, and seasonal events, making it a perfect spot to explore. Sunset is magical here the warm light on the bricks, the wa...
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Kobe was honestly amazing, especially the beef. Me and my friends went to try it, and it was really good definitely some of the best food I’ve ever had. Even if you’re not a huge beef fan, you’ve gotta try it when you’re in Kobe.
Kobe