An Amazing Second Trip to Japan: Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima

Trip overview

I love everything about Japan—from the culture, to the people, to the food. During my first visit, I went to Tokyo and Kyoto. On this visit, I had to see Kyoto again. It’s pure magic! I also went to Osaka and Hiroshima as well.

Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima

Kyoto

Kyoto remains my favorite city in Japan.

Where to stay: I definitely recommend staying in the Gion area so you have easy access to the amazing restaurants and bars in Pontocho Alley, the shopping on Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, and easy access to some of the most beautiful shrines and temples.

Tip: Be sure to walk all the way up Sannenzaka until you reach the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Eating in Kyoto

Of course, there’s no shortage of great food in Kyoto. But, if you want fantastic sushi at the best prices, go to Sushitetsu in the Gion neighborhood.

The best meal in Kyoto remains Teppan Tavern Tenamoya (go on their website and carefully follow the directions for getting a reservation—it will be worth it).

Tip: For something different and so delicious, take a ramen cooking class, which can be booked through local operators.

Osaka: City for foodies

While the food in Kyoto is amazing, Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen for a reason.

Okonomiyaki and takoyaki remain the favorite street foods, and there are plenty of shops to choose from. The okonomiyaki at Chibo was my favorite!

Do yourself a favor and sign up for a food tour with Osaka Food Tours (also available via local operators), which will give you an opportunity to try an array of amazing food at places without English menus and filled with locals.

Dotonbori Street, Osaka—street food heaven.

Hiroshima

While everyone goes to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, try to visit other cities in Japan if you have time, and it will give you a deeper insight into Japan’s amazing culture. We visited Hiroshima and loved the city.

• The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Monuments are beautiful and emotional.

• If you are there during baseball season, treat yourself to a baseball game. The fans are some of the most dedicated I’ve seen at any sporting event.

Floating torii gate, Miyajima Island (off the coast of Hiroshima)

Unforgettable omakase

For a truly unforgettable experience, make a reservation at Seasonal Cuisine Nakashima, a three-Michelin star omakase meal, which happens to be one of the least expensive three-Michelin star restaurants in the world. The food is incredible, the service is impeccable, and each course is served in gorgeous hand-painted china that is hundreds of years old.

You will be so happy that you did!

Our sea bream sashimi at Seasonal Cuisine Nakashima was so fresh that we got to see the fish where it came from!

English is spoken throughout Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, but less so in Hiroshima.

For a full-service hotel in a great location in Hiroshima (and where English is spoken), stay at the Royal Righa Hotel Hiroshima.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Japan page.