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The Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide: Exploring Japan’s Culinary, Cultural, and Urban Heart

After a journey that felt both long-awaited and incredibly rewarding, I’m thrilled to finally share the first part of my Japan travel guide with you! This trip was an experience unlike any other, leaving an indelible mark on my heart and mind. As the saying goes, better late than never, and I couldn’t be more excited to delve into the magic of Japan, starting with its vibrant capital, Tokyo.

My partner, Connor, and I embarked on a nine-night adventure to Japan in April. For years, Japan had topped our travel bucket list. The opportunity arose when we realized we had accumulated enough airline miles for free round-trip, direct flights from Chicago to Tokyo, perfectly coinciding with our second wedding anniversary. It felt like fate, and we immediately knew we had to seize it.

While I anticipated an extraordinary culinary journey – and it certainly was – I hadn’t fully grasped just how deeply I would fall in love with the country itself. The warmth of its people, the richness of its culture, the unparalleled food, the meticulous order, and the breathtaking beauty of everything truly captivated me. Without a doubt, it stands out as one of the most unique and profoundly impactful travel experiences of my life.

Japan didn’t just meet my expectations; it transcended them in every possible way.

Planning Our Unforgettable Japan Trip

With a limited nine-night window, we knew from the outset that we wouldn’t be able to explore every corner of Japan. After initial research, we curated a shortlist of must-visit destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. (You can find my detailed Kyoto travel guide here.) While choosing the cities was relatively straightforward, the true challenge lay in meticulously planning the day-to-day itinerary.

We aimed for a balance of relaxed spontaneity and efficient exploration, understanding that a sprawling city like Tokyo demanded strategic navigation. Traditional guide books offered only vague suggestions, which wasn’t enough for the in-depth, authentic experience we craved. Tokyo, for instance, boasts an estimated 300,000 restaurants – a staggering number compared to New York City’s 30,000. As a self-proclaimed ‘food planner,’ I felt completely overwhelmed. My goal was to discover genuine Japanese cuisine, venture beyond typical tourist traps, and immerse ourselves in local culture, all while contending with a significant language barrier and the fact that most traditional Japanese eateries don’t have an online presence.

How We Mastered Our Tokyo Itinerary with Journy

Fortunately, I learned about Journy, an online travel concierge service, through a fellow blogger. Upon contacting them, they generously offered a complimentary, customized itinerary for our trip. The entire process was incredibly simple and seamless.

I completed a brief quiz designed to understand our travel style, priorities, and goals. This led to my perfect match: Melissa, our dedicated Journy concierge. We exchanged several emails, sharing details about our adventurous eating habits, budget, and specific interests. From there, Melissa handled everything, crafting an itinerary that proved invaluable.

Each day of our trip was thoughtfully planned, featuring activities, attractions, and restaurant recommendations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with suggestions for unique, off-the-beaten-path spots. Journy seamlessly integrated our existing reservations into a logical, well-structured, and comprehensive itinerary. This meant no wasted time commuting back and forth between different neighborhoods, allowing us to maximize our exploration.

Having this detailed itinerary provided a solid game plan for each day, yet it still offered the flexibility to embrace spontaneity. The most exceptional aspect was Journy’s restaurant recommendations. Sourced from local insiders, esteemed chefs, and passionate bloggers, these culinary gems were places we absolutely would never have discovered on our own. We always had a fantastic food plan, and Journy even booked all our dinner reservations, which was a tremendous relief and significantly enhanced our trip’s enjoyment.

Our final itinerary was delivered both as a PDF and via their intuitive Journy iPhone app, complete with maps and detailed directions to every single location. Trying to spontaneously plan meals in Japan, especially given the “understatement of the century” endless options, would have been exceedingly difficult and highly stressful. Many of the incredible restaurants we visited were tucked away off main roads, down residential alleys, or even hidden downstairs with minimal signage. For an authentic and exceptional culinary experience in Japan, planning is absolutely essential.

I cannot overstate this: working with Journy was the single best decision we made for our Japan trip. Our itinerary was far from ordinary; it provided an incredibly unique, personalized experience we will cherish forever. I would gladly pay their service fee ($25/day) tenfold in the future and have already recommended them countless times. They truly deserve immense credit for the success, the unforgettable meals, and the lasting memories of our adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend them.

Our Japan Trip Breakdown: Tokyo & Beyond

Our journey to Japan spanned eight nights in total, with our first night spent flying from Chicago. We dedicated the initial three nights to exploring Tokyo, followed by four nights immersing ourselves in Kyoto, and concluded with one final night back in Tokyo before our flight home.

Arriving in Tokyo: A World Apart

Our flight departed Chicago on a Friday afternoon, landing us in Tokyo late Saturday evening. Crossing the date line meant a 14-hour time difference, but the excitement of arrival quickly overshadowed any fatigue. We were fortunate to fly into Haneda Airport, Tokyo’s closer and more convenient airport, allowing us to swiftly catch the subway to our hotel in the city center.

Within moments of stepping off the plane, it was clear we had entered a completely different world. Everything, from the meticulously organized infrastructure to the vibrant, quirky vending machines, felt wonderfully distinct. I had anticipated the language barrier to be our biggest hurdle, but it surprisingly became one of the most memorable and special aspects of our trip. Beyond the extensive English signage and translations in the transportation system, English was sparse, leading to a wonderfully “lost in translation” feeling that was oddly peaceful.

I was immediately struck by the sheer order and thoughtful design of everything. The subway and transportation system, in particular, is nothing short of incredible. Despite Tokyo being a massive metropolis, and encountering crowds at times, an underlying order permeates every aspect of daily life. The city is also remarkably quiet, with clear markings for everything from rail car numbers to station bathrooms and even queues for boarding and alighting trains.

Japan epitomizes efficiency, cleanliness, and courtesy. This deeply resonated with the inner “organization freak” and Type-A personality within me, making me incredibly happy. Furthermore, the city feels exceptionally safe. Many of our evening restaurant explorations led us down quiet residential alleys or dimly lit streets, yet we never once felt unsafe or anxious, even when navigating the subway late at night.

Exploring Tokyo: Our Initial Days

Shinjuku: Our Tokyo Basecamp

Following advice from seasoned travelers, we chose the Shinjuku neighborhood as our base for the first three nights in Tokyo. While it might not be Tokyo’s most picturesque or unique district, its unparalleled proximity to Shinjuku Station – the world’s busiest railway station – makes it an exceptionally convenient hub for exploring the city. After checking into our hotel and picking up our essential pocket wifi from the lobby, we retired for the night, eager for the adventures ahead.

Remarkably, Connor and I conquered jet lag with surprising speed. Whether it was our late-night arrival, a shorter nap on the flight, or the melatonin we took, we slept soundly from 11 PM to 7 AM. Waking up completely refreshed on our first full day allowed us to establish a normal sleep schedule almost immediately – truly a travel jackpot!

Our first morning was dedicated to exploring Shinjuku. After a pleasant wander through the streets and discovering some charming hidden alleys, we hit our first minor snag: our planned udon noodle breakfast spot was closed. This was the only slight deviation from our meticulously crafted Journy itinerary, proving just how well it was designed!

Having roamed for an hour and growing increasingly hungry, we found ourselves stumped on where to eat. It was 9 AM on a Sunday, drizzling lightly, and most businesses were still shuttered. This moment perfectly underscored the importance of a food plan in Tokyo! We eventually circled back to Shinjuku Station and settled for a Western-style breakfast of quiche, fresh fruit, and coffee at Dean & Deluca. While perhaps not the authentic Japanese start we envisioned, it was surprisingly delicious and served its purpose admirably.

Later that morning, we explored the renowned Isetan Department Store. This isn’t just any department store; it’s legendary for its basement food floor, a veritable wonderland of culinary delights. Organized into meticulously categorized sections – Japanese pastries, Western pastries, seafood, poultry, meat, prepared foods, and more – it offers every imaginable ingredient and ready-to-eat dish. From exquisitely packaged fruits and delicate bean paste candies to freshly made soba noodles and every type of tempura, the variety is astounding. While most prepared foods are intended for takeout (eating on-the-go is generally frowned upon in Japan), many counters offered generous samples, inviting us to taste the incredible quality.

Our journey began in the seafood section, where we were quickly offered small sample cups filled with mini cooked fish (shirasu), tiny shrimp, and baby octopus. The entire experience was a delightful sensory overload. One could easily spend hours simply marveling at the abundance and presentation.

Following our gastronomic exploration at Isetan, we walked to the serene Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The rain had intensified, making the grounds quite wet, but this didn’t detract from our first authentic glimpse of Japan’s iconic cherry blossom trees. We felt incredibly fortunate that our trip dates perfectly aligned with the cherry blossom season. While it was a possibility, we hadn’t truly anticipated or planned for it, making this natural spectacle an unexpected and profoundly special highlight of our journey.

Shinjuku Gyoen is a magnificent sprawling garden nestled in the heart of the city. It features picturesque bridges, elegant greenhouses, traditional temple buildings, and offers stunning views of the distant Tokyo skyline. It’s a highly recommended visit, especially if you’re in the area and, by sheer luck, happen to be there during the magical cherry blossom season.

Shibuya: Culinary Delights and Cherry Blossom Canals

The latter half of our day was spent exploring the lively Shibuya neighborhood, a short subway ride away. Upon arriving, we walked a few blocks to experience our first truly authentic Japanese meal of the trip. Tucked away down a flight of stairs in an unassuming building, Gohan-ya Isshin offered incredibly affordable and exquisite lunch sets. Immediately upon entering, we were politely asked to remove our shoes – a customary practice that initially took us by surprise, but we happily obliged. We were then led to a serene tatami-style booth, elegantly partitioned by bamboo screens, setting a peaceful ambiance.

We each selected a lunch set, which included exquisitely fresh sashimi, perfectly cooked rice, comforting miso soup, and a selection of delicate pickled vegetables. In place of water, we were served refreshing cold green tea. Every component of the meal was delicious and beautifully presented, making for a truly relaxing and wonderful start to our culinary explorations in Japan.

From our lunch spot, a short walk led us to the enchanting canals of Nakameguro. We were instantly captivated by the sight of gorgeous cherry blossom trees stretching as far as the eye could see. Nakameguro is a significant tourist destination during cherry blossom season for both Japanese locals and international visitors, and while it was quite crowded, witnessing its beauty in person was absolutely breathtaking. The famous canal is flanked by charming shops and boutiques, and almost every establishment offered champagne or other sakura (cherry blossom) themed drinks and snacks, adding to the festive atmosphere.

To escape the bustling crowds, we ducked into quieter back alleys and residential streets, where we discovered a quaint bookstore, grabbed some delicious hot bottled coffee from a convenience store (a personal favorite discovery!), and stumbled upon two residential parks. One of these parks reputedly offered views of Mount Fuji, though sadly, visibility was zero that day. Throughout this entire excursion, I indulged my passion for photography, capturing a gazillion photos of flowers – zero regrets!

In the late afternoon, we took the subway back to our Shinjuku hotel for a quick refresh before heading out for our pre-booked Journy dinner reservations at Motoyoshi, a Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its exquisite tempura. This meal was truly one of the most special experiences of our entire trip, and a place I absolutely would never have discovered on my own.

Located discreetly down a dark residential alley and a half-flight of stairs, the restaurant itself was breathtaking upon entry. The intimate space, characteristic of many fine Japanese eateries, featured just an eight-seat counter. What made it magical were the real cherry blossom branches elegantly draped just above the counter. I remain baffled by how they managed to keep these delicate blossoms alive and vibrant in a windowless setting, but it created an atmosphere of pure enchantment.

The menu was entirely in Japanese, but our waiter, speaking just enough English, explained there were four menu options varying in the number of vegetables and fish. Journy had specifically recommended their tempura shiso leaf topped with uni, and we eagerly chose that option. The next two hours unfolded into an unforgettable culinary journey.

At the start of our meal, the chef, working deftly behind the counter, presented a beautiful wooden box filled with exquisitely arranged market vegetables, signaling what delights awaited us that evening. Gorgeous fat asparagus, plump shrimp (bodies and heads meticulously separated and fried individually!), earthy lotus root, fragrant shiitake mushrooms, tender baby octopus, delicate red snapper, and a host of other seasonal ingredients. Each item was individually taken, lightly battered, and fried right before our eyes, resulting in the lightest, crispiest, and most unbelievably non-greasy tempura imaginable. A new course, typically one or two exquisite bites, arrived every five to ten minutes.

Traditional Japanese tempura is designed to be seasoned by the diner. We were provided with elegant pottery dishes holding flaky salt, fresh lime, finely grated daikon radish, and a delicate tempura sauce (a dashi broth). Some tempura bites, however, had been pre-marinated, aged, or subtly seasoned with cherry blossom smoke, for which we were instructed to enjoy them unadorned. Every morsel was absolutely divine and profoundly special. If you ever find yourself in Tokyo, I wholeheartedly recommend securing a reservation at Motoyoshi in advance. It will forever change your perception of tempura.

Tsukiji & Ginza: Markets, Sushi, and Historic Cafes

Our second full day in Tokyo was primarily dedicated to exploring the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and the sophisticated Ginza neighborhood nearby. Tsukiji was an absolute highlight of our entire trip and a definite must-visit. We were fortunate to meet up with my friend and fellow food blogger, Lindsay, and her husband, Taylor, whose travel dates briefly overlapped with ours. Exploring the city with friends and fellow foodies/photographers made the experience even more enjoyable!

We spent the better part of the morning immersed in the famous Tsukiji fish market, followed by an engaging sushi insider workshop. During the workshop, we not only learned the intricate art of preparing traditional Japanese sushi but also embarked on a guided tour of the market itself. Here, we personally selected and purchased incredibly fresh fish for our class – a memorable moment being witnessing a snapper expertly prepared right before our eyes.

Before we even fully entered the main market, our guide gave us a crucial warning: “Once you cross into the market, fish are primary and people are secondary.” This proved to be incredibly accurate, as we frequently had to quickly dodge motorized carts zipping by with little to no warning. Despite the occasional chaos, the vibrant energy and astonishing variety of fresh seafood—including cuttlefish, eel, tuna, salmon, red snapper, flounder, and sea urchin—were truly captivating. I could have easily spent hours just observing the bustling activity and absorbing everything around me.

After indulging in an abundance of fresh, handmade sushi during our class, we ventured into the outer Tsukiji market. Here, we treated ourselves to refreshing matcha and sakura (cherry blossom) flavored soft-serve ice cream – a delightful experience and just one of many soft-serve treats we enjoyed throughout our trip.

From Tsukiji, we strolled towards the sophisticated Ginza neighborhood, renowned for its high-end shopping and elegant atmosphere. En route, we made a delightful detour for coffee at Cafe de L’Ambre, one of Tokyo’s most historic coffee shops. This tiny, smoke-filled cafe is legendary for serving coffee made from exceptionally aged beans, some over 40 years old! The owner, a remarkable individual over 90 years old, still personally roasts the coffee every single day – a testament to incredible dedication and passion.

Connor and I had initially read about this unique establishment in a guide book, and since we were conveniently within walking distance, we decided it was a must-visit with Lindsay and Taylor. The cafe exuded an unparalleled character. Its coffee menu read more like a fine wine list, offering various coffee varieties and ages available by the single or double serving. The three of us (myself, Connor, and Taylor) couldn’t resist the allure of their oldest offering: Brazilian Bahia beans aged since 1973. A true “Yolo” moment!

For a princely sum of 870 yen (approximately eight dollars!) per single dose, we each received what amounted to a shot glass of this exceptionally aged brew. The verdict? Clearly, none of us are true coffee connoisseurs! While the taste might not have transformed our palates, the unique atmosphere and the sheer historical charm of Cafe de L’Ambre made the visit absolutely worthwhile.

That evening, we returned to the vibrant Shinjuku area for dinner at Robata-Shou, a wonderfully fun and casual traditional Japanese gastropub, or robata izakaya. Upon entering, we were enthusiastically greeted by the entire kitchen staff – a boisterous welcome that immediately made us feel at ease. Despite being the only foreigners in the establishment and navigating a slight language barrier, we felt incredibly welcomed and immersed in the local atmosphere.

The restaurant specializes in freshly grilled seafood, expertly selected from the market each day, along with seasonal vegetables and unique side dishes. We savored delicious red snapper, skewered and grilled over open flames right before our eyes. Other highlights included tender grilled daikon with a delicate sake glaze, an incredibly unique potato salad whose complex flavors I still struggle to describe, and perfectly cooked, plump asparagus. The entire meal was wonderfully authentic and delightfully off-the-beaten-path, offering a culinary experience remarkably distinct from anything else we had encountered.

Akihabara, Kappabashi, and Ueno: Final Tokyo Explorations

Our final day and a half in Tokyo (after our incredible detour to Kyoto, which will be covered in a separate guide!) were spent in the historic Ueno neighborhood. This area proved to be an excellent choice, conveniently located near other fascinating districts we wished to explore and offering easy access to the Narita Airport express train for our journey home.

Upon our return from Kyoto via the bullet train, we quickly dropped off our luggage at our Ueno hotel. Our first order of business was to seek out some delicious ramen, and we found it at Motenashi Kuroki, where I savored my favorite shio ramen of the entire trip. With renewed energy, we then set out on foot to explore Akihabara, famously known as Tokyo’s electronics district.

Akihabara can be succinctly described in two words: sensory overload. Every single inch of the towering high-rise buildings in this incredibly concentrated area is literally plastered with vibrant, colorful advertisements, flashing signage, and dynamic animations. While I could only manage about half an hour or so before feeling overwhelmed, it was an absolutely fascinating spectacle to behold in person! It felt as though we had stepped directly into a comic book, or as my friend Lindsay aptly put it, a giant pin-ball machine. The fact that we couldn’t decipher any of the written text only added to its captivating, alien-like allure.

Following our dazzling experience in Akihabara, we enjoyed a quick, refreshing stroll through Ueno Park before heading to Kappabashi “Kitchen Town” street. While primarily a hub for commercial kitchen supply stores, I was delighted to discover several shops offering beautifully crafted (though fairly common) Japanese pottery at excellent prices – a treasure trove for any food photographer or home cook! Kappabashi is also famous for its plastic food shops, where incredibly intricate, hand-made plastic food replicas are meticulously crafted. These highly realistic models are famously displayed in most traditional Japanese restaurant windows, serving as tempting visual menus – truly a sight to behold and a unique aspect of Japanese culture.

Our culminating meal in Tokyo was enjoyed at the truly incredible Sushi Miyazono. Once again, I must extend immense credit to Journy for this outstanding recommendation, as Miyazono is a hidden gem not widely known among non-locals. In fact, the chef himself seemed curious as to how we had even discovered his establishment!

While this dinner was the most significant splurge of our trip, it was unequivocally one of the finest culinary experiences – let alone sushi! – of my entire life. I genuinely mean that. If you are making the journey all the way to Tokyo, I highly recommend investing in at least two special dinners; you never know when you’ll have the chance to return!

Chef Miyazono masterfully prepared bite after exquisite bite of luxurious sushi pieces, alongside other delights, including a divine miso crab gratin. The dinner was as much a theatrical performance as it was a gastronomic one, showcasing his incredible dedication to his craft. The restaurant itself operates until 3 AM every evening, after which the chef heads straight to Tsukiji fish market to personally procure the finest ingredients for the following evening’s service. The day’s fresh seafood is proudly displayed in a beautiful wooden box atop the intimate eight-seat wooden counter. Though Chef Miyazono and his staff spoke almost no English, we were more than happy to be served anything the chef created for us. Every single bite was memorable, a testament to his passion and skill.

Where to Eat & Drink in Tokyo: A Culinary Journey

Isetan Department Store (Shinjuku): A renowned Shinjuku department store, famous for its incredible basement food hall (Depachika). This culinary paradise offers an astonishing array of prepared foods, fresh ingredients, and gourmet delights. It’s a feast for the senses – perfect for sampling, exploring, and marveling at the artistry of Japanese food presentation.
Gohan-ya Isshin (Shibuya): Tucked away in an unassuming building, this serene restaurant offers exceptionally affordable and beautifully presented lunch or dinner sets (around ¥1,000 per person). It’s an ideal spot to relax and savor a traditional Japanese meal before or after exploring the vibrant streets of Nakameguro.
Motoyoshi (Shinjuku-ku): A breathtaking Michelin-starred tempura restaurant, a short subway ride from Shinjuku. Offering an intimate, unforgettable dining experience with set meals ranging from ¥9,500 to ¥14,900 per person. Witness the chef’s artistry as he prepares each delicate bite right before your eyes. Booking well in advance is highly recommended.
Robata Sho (Shinjuku): An authentic and lively robata izakaya (Japanese gastropub) conveniently located near Shinjuku Station (look for the blue curtain and small yellow lantern – it’s a bit hidden!). This high-energy spot is beloved by locals and specializes in the freshest grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, and unique side dishes. Expect a boisterous welcome and a truly immersive dining experience. Highly recommend the grilled daikon, asparagus, red snapper, and their unique potato salad. Prices typically range from ¥3,000 to ¥4,500 per person.
Cafe de L’Ambre (Ginza): Tokyo’s oldest coffee shop, nestled in Ginza. This historic, smoke-filled cafe, frequented by “salarymen,” is renowned for its aged brewed coffee selections, some beans over 40 years old. A unique step back in time, offering an unparalleled atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts (or curious travelers!).
Motenashi Kuroki (Ueno): A highly regarded ramen shop in the Ueno neighborhood, celebrated for its beautifully presented bowls of shio ramen. Featuring handmade noodles, perfectly seasoned soft-boiled eggs, slow-roasted tomatoes, and succulent chashu pork, it offers one of the most exquisite ramen experiences in Tokyo. It was my personal favorite bowl from the entire trip.
Sushi Miyazono (Ueno/Akihabara area): An utterly unforgettable, intimate sushi experience and arguably the best sushi meal of our lives. A late-night favorite among local chefs, Miyazono serves the freshest fish imaginable, personally sourced by the dedicated chef from Tsukiji Fish Market every morning. With only nine seats, it’s an incredibly personal and fulfilling culinary journey. While a splurge (around ¥20,000 to ¥24,000 per person), it’s an essential experience for any serious food lover visiting Tokyo.
Rokurinsha (Tokyo Station): Famous for its rich tsukemen ramen, this beloved shop (even by David Chang!) serves cold, thick noodles meant for dipping into a piping hot, incredibly flavorful meat broth. Expect a wait of at least an hour, but the line moves efficiently, and the reward is truly exceptional flavor and perfectly cooked noodles. Located in Tokyo Station’s “Tokyo Ramen Street,” it’s a convenient stop before heading to the airport. Don’t forget to grab some unique KitKat flavors from nearby shops while you wait!
Tokyo Station (Tokyo Ramen Street): Beyond Rokurinsha, this bustling station boasts countless dining options and prepared food items. Tokyo Ramen Street, with its selection of eight different ramen shops, is a culinary destination in itself.

What to See & Do in Tokyo: Must-Visit Attractions

Nakameguro Canal (Shibuya): A picturesque canal in Shibuya, famously lined with stunning cherry blossom trees on both sides during spring. The area is brimming with charming shops and boutiques, perfect for leisurely browsing and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Tsukiji Outer Fish Market: While the inner wholesale market has moved, the outer market remains a bustling, essential visit in Tokyo. It’s a vibrant hub for fresh seafood, street food, and culinary tools. Be prepared for a fast-paced environment and keep an eye out for motorized carts!
Tsukiji Sushi Insider Tour: A highly recommended, fun, and informative sushi-making workshop. It includes a guided walking tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market to source ingredients, followed by a hands-on class where you’ll prepare (and eat!) more homemade sushi than you can imagine.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Shinjuku): A sprawling, tranquil park in the heart of Shinjuku, offering a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle. It features exquisite Japanese gardens, elegant temple buildings, serene ponds, and is particularly breathtaking during cherry blossom season. With stunning skyline views, admission is also incredibly affordable.
Akihabara (Electronics District): While not a traditional “must-see” for everyone, this loud, colorful, and densely commercial area is a fascinating spectacle. It’s a vibrant hub of electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture, offering a unique glimpse into a distinctly modern Japanese subculture.
Kappabashi Kitchen Town Street (Ueno/Asakusa area): A paradise for chefs, foodies, and home cooks. This street is packed with commercial kitchen supply stores, specialized shops selling beautiful Japanese pottery, and the famous plastic food shops where incredibly realistic food replicas are meticulously crafted. A unique shopping and cultural experience!

Where to Stay in Tokyo: Our Top Hotel Recommendations

Keio Plaza Hotel (Shinjuku): Situated right in the bustling heart of Shinjuku, this high-rise hotel boasts spectacular skyline views and an incredibly convenient location, just steps from Shinjuku Station. It’s an ideal base for exploring Tokyo’s major attractions.
Hotel Tsubaki (Ueno): A charming and unique ryokan-style hotel nestled on a residential street in the Ueno neighborhood. While the rooms are compact, they are remarkably cozy, comfortable, and offer an authentic, distinctive Japanese accommodation experience.

Essential Japan Travel Resources & Recommendations: Prepare for Your Trip

Journy: An online travel concierge service that expertly crafts customized itineraries using recommendations from local chefs, bloggers, and insiders. Their invaluable assistance was instrumental in planning our remarkable dining experiences and overall wonderful trip. Highly, highly recommended for a truly personalized and stress-free journey.
JR Rail Pass: An indispensable tool for cost-effective and convenient travel by train and bullet train (Shinkansen) across Japan, including to cities like Kyoto and Nara. Foreign visitors must purchase this pass in advance before arriving in Japan. We opted for a 7-day pass, which also allowed us to use it on certain metro lines within Tokyo.
Google Maps + Hyperdia App: These two apps are absolutely essential for navigating Japan’s intricate public transportation system and city streets. Google Maps is excellent for general navigation, while Hyperdia is unparalleled for precise train schedules and routes, especially for the JR lines.
Pocket Wifi (eConnect): Reliable mobile internet is CRUCIAL for travel in Japan. A pocket wifi device ensures you’re always connected for navigation, translation, and communication. It’s affordable and significantly more reliable than relying on international phone plans or spotty public Wi-Fi. Book in advance, arrange pickup at your hotel, and drop it off at the airport before departure. Remember to charge it daily!
72-Hour Subway Ticket: If you choose not to activate your JR Rail Pass immediately upon arrival in Tokyo, this ticket offers an economical way to travel extensively across the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. It’s exclusively for foreign tourists and can only be purchased at the airport.
iPhone Battery Case or Portable Charger: You will be using your phone extensively for photos, navigation, and using essential apps. A backup power source is a lifesaver and will prevent your phone from dying mid-adventure.
Google Translate App: While not always perfectly accurate, this app can be incredibly helpful for overcoming language barriers, especially with its camera translation feature for menus and signs. It’s a valuable tool to have in your travel arsenal.

For more exciting travel-related posts and guides, be sure to visit my travel page!