The Ultimate Guide to Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Beyond

There is so much to see in Japan that you’ll want enough time to really explore each city. It can be helpful to have a tour to capture some of the top sites, and then continue to explore the rest on your own. Here are my top recommendations.

Must-see sites in Tokyo

• Nihonbashi: A hidden gem, this neighborhood is where Tokyo (Edo) originated. Explore the Nihonbashi bridge, Mitsukoshi department store, and Coredo street filled with food vendors. We grabbed food at the market inside the department store and ate it on the rooftop picnic tables.

• Ginza: High-end shops and pristine sidewalks fill the Ginza neighborhood, as well as many restaurants. This is the perfect place to stroll and shop.

• Harajuku: This neighborhood is home to one of the most important shrines in Japan, the Meiji Jingu Shrine. After visiting the shrine, you can walk to the busy Takeshita Street, filled with unique fashion, food, and pop culture.

• Shinjuku: Bright lights and skyscrapers fill Shinjuku, giving it a similar atmosphere to Times Square. In the day, come here to see the Godzilla head and explore the many shops. At night, indulge in lively drinks in the Golden Gai neighborhood. We had a fun night meandering the narrow alleyways, going from one themed bar to the next.

• Shibuya: Famous for Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. Pro tip: we had a better view of the Shibuya Crossing from the Shibuya Sky tower, which is also a great way to see panoramic views of Tokyo.

• Tsukiji Outer Market: This market is filled with food vendors selling fresh seafood, vegetables, and traditional Japanese cuisine.

• Imperial Palace & Gardens: The main residence of the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial Family, plus expansive gardens.

Must-see sites in Kyoto

• Kiyomizu: Travel back in time while strolling through this area, where women dress in classic kimonos, and the architecture features pagodas, thatched roofs, and cobblestone streets. In addition to shopping for traditional Japanese gifts, the main attraction is the Kyomizu-dera Temple.

• Gion District: Known as the Geisha district, this area comes alive in the evening with restaurants, preserved machiya houses, and geiko and maiko.

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park: Located outside of Kyoto city center, this forest has soaring stalks of bamboo. To get to the Monkey Park, you have to hike up quite a ways; I was skeptical of the hike, but the views at the top were stunning.

• Fushimi Inari: Taisha: Located outside of Kyoto city center, you’ve probably seen this shrine on social media. It lives up to the hype and features a path of hundreds of gates.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace and Gyoen National Gardens: The former residence of the Emperor of Japan sits in a large park and gardens.

• Nijo Castle: This was the residence of the first shogun of the Edo period and was used as an imperial palace for many years before being opened to the public as a historic site.

• Nishiki Market: Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this market bustles with food vendors. Walk through here and sample food from multiple spots.

Day trips from Tokyo

• Kamakura: About an hour outside of Tokyo by train, this quaint town has so much to offer and was a favorite of the trip. Visit the bamboo forest, Great Buddha, and Hase Temple, stroll the beaches and coastline, and eat along the well-known Komachi Dori street. This is also a great town to visit during the cherry blossom season.

• Hakone: About 30 minutes outside of Tokyo by train, enjoy hot springs, art museums, and scenic views of Mt. Fuji.

• Kanazawa: About two and a half hours outside of Tokyo by train, this town is known for its Edo-era districts, historical sites, and gardens.

• Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Less than 30 minutes outside of Tokyo by train or car, both theme parks offer a Japanese version of the classic Disney experience. Be sure to plan in advance, and arrive early. DisneySea is the most unique compared to the American parks, so if you can only pick one to visit, I would recommend DisneySea.

Day trips from Kyoto

• Osaka: About 20 minutes outside of Kyoto by train, Osaka is a major commercial city that has similar energy and architecture to Tokyo. Visit kid-friendly attractions like Universal Studios Japan or the Osaka Aquarium, take in historical sites like Osaka Castle, and eat your way through Dotonbori.

• Nara: About 40 minutes outside of Kyoto by train, Nara is known for its historical temples and deer roaming freely throughout the city.

• Uji: About 20 minutes outside of Kyoto by train, Uji is the home of green tea, especially matcha. Explore the oldest tea shop in the world, Tsuen Tea House, as well as temples and the Uji River. This was perfect as a half-day trip from Kyoto, since it’s a small town.

• Hiroshima: About an hour and a half outside of Kyoto by train, Hiroshima has a devastating history of the atomic bomb. Take a sobering, yet important, historical tour through Hiroshima.

• Kaitenzushi Nemuro Hanamaru Ginza: Conveyer belt sushi in Tokyo, where you can eat until your heart’s content. It is tough to get in here, and they don’t accept reservations, so I recommend arriving early.

• Sushi Harumi: Omakase sushi in Tokyo, freshly prepared by the chef right in front of you. The fish melts in your mouth, and the flavors are immaculate.

• Roppongi Inakaya: Fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables are grilled right in front of you (but in a different way from hibachi). This was a lively experience, and everyone sits at the counter to take in the evening.

• Kiraku Kiyomizu Gojozaka: Okonomiyaki restaurant in Kyoto. This has a casual ambience and delicious food. I recommend sharing a few things among the group to sample several items.

• K36 Bar & Rooftop: Located at the Hotel Seiryu, this rooftop bar is perfect for sunset cocktails with views of the landscape and nearby pagoda.

• Nishiki Market: Sample the many foods throughout this market. We found this to be the perfect stop for lunch in the midst of sightseeing.