Japan is a small country, yet it is packed with many incredible locations and experiences to be had! Deciding on the perfect time to visit Japan is all about your preferences and what you hope to experience. Whether you are eager to see the breathtaking cherry blossoms in Tokyo or seek a winter wonderland in Hokkaido, timing is everything! Get ready for an experience that will blow your mind! Here is our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide!

Tokyo is a captivating destination that should be at the top of every travel enthusiast's list. Immerse yourself in the rich Japanese culture, discover the vibrant city life, embrace your inner cartoon character, and observe the fascinating people around you. And let's not forget about the incredible variety of restaurants, each with its own distinct and mouthwatering offerings. Discover the wonders of Tokyo with my comprehensive travel guide!

I absolutely love Japan! It's definitely one of my top picks when it comes to destinations in Asia. There is a wide array of attractions, activities, and destinations to discover. Bringing together ancient history and the latest technology and development, Japan is a fascinating mix of contradictions. With a wide range of attractions, there is something to suit every taste and interest. And we mustn't overlook the amazing culinary experiences and shopping opportunities! I can't stop thinking about the mouthwatering sushi, Soba, and Ramen noodles. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

I also have a blog post on what to expect for a first time traveler to Japan: Tips For Your First Time Japan Trip HERE.

Looking for a place to stay in Tokyo?

Tokyo is home to a variety of incredible neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences. The best place for you to stay will depend on your specific interests and preferences! Let's explore some of Tokyo's popular areas:

Shinjuku | Golden Gai : Golden Gai is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't find anywhere else. Transporting you back in time, this part of the Shinjuku district offers a nostalgic peek into the city's 1950s era. We stayed in Shinjuku for five days, and it was the perfect location!

Harajuku: Harajuku is known for its trendy fashion scene, while Ginza is renowned for its high-end shopping establishments. By the way, tech enthusiasts will absolutely enjoy exploring Akihabara.

Kabukicho and Roppongi: If you're looking for some excitement after dark, you definitely don't want to miss out on Kabukicho and Roppongi. These districts are where the city really comes alive with vibrant clubs and bars. It's the perfect place to experience the buzzing nightlife! These districts are perfect for a fun night out.

Sensoji: Sensoji is a must-visit destination in Tokyo, boasting the city's largest Buddhist temple and housing numerous cultural treasures. Ueno is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in culture and explore.

Ebisu: If you're interested in getting a glimpse of modern life, you should definitely visit Ebisu, which happens to be Tokyo's most expensive neighborhood. And while you're there, don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the stunning skyscrapers of Yebisu.

GETTING AROUND TOKYO

When it comes to getting around Tokyo, public transportation is the way to go. It's impressively organized and impeccably clean, setting it apart from other major cities. To start your journey in Tokyo, it's essential to get acquainted with the transport map. Get your hands on a bilingual version and begin mapping out your exciting escapades!

Understanding the lay of the land in this bustling city is essential for finding your way around. Tokyo is comprised of twenty-three wards, with each ward consisting of multiple districts. When planning your daily adventures, it's important to identify wards with captivating districts and carefully plan your route.

A Quick Guide to Tokyo’s Major Districts

Boasting a staggering population of over thirty-eight million individuals, Tokyo holds the esteemed title of being the largest city in the world. Although one could dedicate a significant amount of time to thoroughly explore it, many of us only have a limited timeframe, making it crucial to devise a plan. Understanding the layout of the metro system can be helpful for navigating this bustling city. Tokyo is comprised of twenty-three wards, with each ward consisting of multiple districts. When you're planning your daily adventures, it's important to consider the different neighborhoods that offer unique experiences. Take some time to map out your route and explore these fascinating areas.

Exploring the vibrant Shibuya District

Chiyoda District

Chuo District

Exploring Minato District 

Exploring the Shinjuku District

Exploring the Taito District 

We stayed in Taito City at the end of our vacation in Japan. Although it was a lovely area, it was very far removed. I would not select this location again to stay as it was not central to Tokyo and it added at least 30-45 minutes, and sometimes an hour of train time to our daily activities.

TOKYO

If you're familiar with Japan, it's highly likely that you're familiar with Tokyo! Tokyo, the capital of Japan, boasts an impressive population of 37 million residents, making it the most populous city in the world. Tokyo captures the perfect blend of contemporary city life and rich Japanese traditions. Within moments, you'll find yourself amidst towering skyscrapers, only to unexpectedly come across a concealed shrine!

Tokyo is renowned for its distinctive "Kawaii" Culture in Harajuku, the vibrant world of Electronics and Anime in Akihabara, the opulent shopping districts in Ginza, and a plethora of other attractions! I've been living in Tokyo for quite some time now, and I can confidently say that this city has something to offer for everyone! Tokyo is a city that truly embodies the essence of Japan - vast, diverse, and eclectic! Here, I have compiled a list of attractions that I highly recommend for someone visiting for the first time:

TOP ATTRACTIONS

KYOTO

Once the capital and residence of the emperor, this city has transformed into a popular destination for those seeking an immersive experience in Japanese culture, complete with traditional temples and shrines. Exploring Tokyo and Kyoto feels like venturing into two distinct worlds! There is a wide variety of architectural styles, transportation systems, and even dialects!

If you have limited time in Japan, prioritizing and experiencing Kyoto is a must! In addition to the numerous breathtaking destinations in Kyoto, there are also countless extraordinary encounters to be had in this culturally rich environment! Here are a few of the things I absolutely love to see and do:

TOP ATTRACTIONS

OSAKA

Located near Kyoto, Osaka is Japan's third largest city! This city is famous for its vibrant nightlife, distinctive cuisine, and thrilling attractions. Just like Tokyo, this city boasts a captivating blend of contemporary architecture and age-old customs. Regardless, this location has a distinct charm and offers unique attractions for both locals and visitors. Here are a few of the attractions that I absolutely love in the area:

TOP ATTRACTIONS

HIROSHIMA

Hiroshima is widely recognized for its significant involvement in World War II. This city has undergone significant changes since its destruction in 1945. Exploring Hiroshima is a whirlwind of emotions. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Hiroshima as you visit the Hiroshima Memorial and Peace Park. Then, escape into the tranquil beauty of Miyajima Island, where you can indulge in delicious local cuisine and enjoy the company of friendly deer. I absolutely love this place in Japan! Below, I've listed my top recommendations for attractions:

TOP ATTRACTIONS

MUST TRY FOODS

It's no secret that the food in Japan stands out from other global cuisines. The culinary traditions of ancient Japan have greatly influenced the types of food that people on this island still enjoy today. With a strong dependence on seafood and grains, Japan's rich history has left a lasting impact on its cuisine.

In countries outside of Japan, it is quite common to find restaurants that serve Japanese cuisine. However, many of these establishments have made adjustments to cater to the local preferences and tastes. When visiting Japan, one will likely observe that even the most traditional Japanese dishes have a unique presentation. Here are a few suggestions that I think you should give a try:

SUSHI

OKONOMIYAKI

NOODLES \ SOBA

FISH MARKETS

STREET FOODS

FISHING RESTAURANTS

OMURICE

WAGYU

CREPES

TAKOYAKI

YAKITORI

MATCHA

SESAME ICE CREAM

I also have a blog post on what to expect for a first time traveler to Japan: Tips For Your First Time Japan Trip HERE.

Japan offers a wide array of activities and attractions. While exploring, you'll come across bustling cities, as well as charming mountain villages, stunning beaches, and even opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. Seeing everything in one trip may prove to be quite challenging. Our trip was jam-packed with activities, yet we still couldn't manage to experience them all. The bustling crowds, navigation challenges, tired children, unexpected restaurant closures, inclement weather, and other factors all contributed to disrupted or cancelled plans and activities. We approached each day with a flexible mindset, striving to adhere to our plans as closely as we could. In hindsight, it would have been better to prioritize Hiroshima and Miyajima over Osaka. My children were simply exhausted and unwilling to board another train that day to travel to Hiroshima and Miyajima.