Japan Trip Suggestions

Himeji.md

• Himeji Castle - better than Osaka Castle: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wAThXuS7JGZdysHA9

Hiroshima.md

• The Peace Park is a must
• Okonomiyaki - look for somewhere with counter seating only
• Miyajima - You have to take a ferry to get out there, but it is one of my favorite places in all of Japan

Kyoto.md

Sights

• Kiyomizu Temple (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Za5nToYfpdi6PNkq7) is the 100% must. Quite possibly the most famous temple in all of Japan. Do the full tour.
• Inariyama (https://maps.app.goo.gl/3eRYVuge99wvBn336) is the mountain with all the red gates in a row. The neighborhood leading up to it is also really nice.
• Sanjo Ohashi Bridge (https://maps.app.goo.gl/gATCYb6g56rBx9vm9) is the end point of the Nakasendo and Tokaido old travel routes so super seeped in history BUT ALSO the river right there is probably the best chill-out spot in Kyoto. You will see people picnicking there if the weather is nice.
• Nintendo Headquarters - back in the day you'd just stand outside and be like "cool" https://maps.app.goo.gl/tAgwuhJa8QZdN1iMA - but there's the museum now so probably the better thing to do: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tAgwuhJa8QZdN1iMA
• Toji is the pagoda from Street Fighter: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TdmtePjCYYd4oLQi9
• Kinkakuji is cool and all, but far away: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oUdpMC8vpmV4vm3Y7
• Ginkakuji isn't quite as pretty, but they let you go inside: https://maps.app.goo.gl/142wXCBPY1Ni7sLG8

Food/Drink

• Beer Komachi was one of the first craft beer bars in Japan if I remember correctly: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2tcoqLSjx7z9wNGGA
• Kyoto Brewing is fantastic, but a bit off the beaten path, kind of near Nintendo: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LjVw4ReJkokL63oPA
• Pontocho (https://maps.app.goo.gl/gZjfgUMd9MGNmAt67) is a narrow alleyway that is a good next thing to do after Sanjo Ohashi. Lots of bars and character. Feels like a different world.

Nara.md

Nara

• Nara is the older capital - a bit of a train ride away from Kyoto, but still pretty cool - Todaiji is MASSIVE: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FZK1bUFKRsPYUYaV9

Osaka.md

• Osaka Castle: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cYmVbuKBp5Nhn6277
• Dotomburi: Obligatory trip to the Glico sign is a must: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHow9t85cvzkPArT6
• The whole area around Tsutenkaku is nuts: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHow9t85cvzkPArT6
• The Tower of the Sun is a fever dream that likely inspired a lot from Zelda (get a reservation) https://taiyounotou-expo70.jp/en/about/

Tokyo.md

Sights

• Tokyo Tower is better than SkyTree, don't at me. Tokyo Tower's tour is pretty steeped in history and the view is still impressive. SkyTree is just better on the outside than the inside.
• There's a great temple nearby called Zojoji that is free to visit and really neat
• Additionally, the whole Azubudai Hills area nearby has the new TeamLabs
• Harajuku and Shibuya are a must for people watching. Recommended course is to do the walk between the two - start at Shibuya and head down Basketball Street, then visit Shibuya PARCO, then head through Yoyogi Park, swing by Meiji Shrine, then down Takeshita street. Take it slow and soak in the sights.
• Yokohama and Enoshima are both good for the beach vibe if they are an ocean lover, but be warned, the beaches in Japan are weirdly nasty compared to how clean everything else is
• The best hot spring experience nearish Tokyo is Minakami by far, but it does get a little pricy. A cheaper and more foreigner friendly option is Takaragawa - one of the only mixed gender baths in Japan and really a one-of-a-kind experience

Neighborhoods

• Yanaka Ginza is a bit of a different vibe, but I have stayed in that area a few times as my base in Tokyo and always enjoyed it.
• Another neighborhood that’s a bit off the beaten path is Kameido. Famous shrine there (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ugCVsssu4Am5MGiq9), a brewery (https://share.google/lFP8XkPOlVQw7oxb9), as well as the funkiest gyoza place I’ve ever been to (https://share.google/lFUPR6dEtiF4q2olo)

Food/Drink

Ramen

• Kikanbo in Kanda (nearish Akihabara) is a wait, but they have bilingual staff and insane ramen. I generally go for a 3/3, but you do you https://maps.app.goo.gl/LeQZWYugmUButTPC7
• Manriki has the best chashu I've ever eaten, hands down https://maps.app.goo.gl/yVZrajSzXPxpiHk19
• While Haruka (in Akihabara) technically isn't ramen (soupless), it's good enough to warrant a trip https://maps.app.goo.gl/HLFxRWWbPyiWKJJy9

Drinks

• Shinshu Osake Mura used to be one of my favorite places to drink (cheap beer and sake in a very retro spot), but I think the secret is out and they have gotten a bit tired of the tourists, but if you are adventurous, this is another truly unique Tokyo experience https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y1QVpsam2qvpr29w5
• Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku is another retro drinking spot https://maps.app.goo.gl/NuHD95aN8BDrzH5s9

Other

• Buta Yarou is oh so good, burnt pork on rice, what's not to love https://maps.app.goo.gl/7hXmLT21nUpUeeLJA
• Pancho is a chain, but it is really authentic "Japanese pasta" https://maps.app.goo.gl/gdNQQRHczhkwYJrK9
• Udon Maruka is a bit of a challenge to navigate, but one of the best real udon experiences in Tokyo https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ZJziBgZNn7Jfr526
• Maihama is wonderful for lunch or drinks, but you probably want a reservation for the evening https://maps.app.goo.gl/hyk6Y8gyFjrHAcMK6