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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/B_Buch on 2025-01-03 09:09:24+00:00.
My wife and I just got back from a nearly three-week trip across Japan—a place I’ve been dreaming about since I was a kid. Growing up on Dragon Ball, Pokémon, and Digimon, and later spending countless hours gaming on my Nintendo 64 and PlayStation, I built up some pretty huge expectations over the years. I even studied Japanese during the pandemic and passed the JLPT N5, so I was both super excited and a bit nervous. What if the real Japan didn’t match my “romanticized” vision?
Fortunately, it turned out even better than I could have imagined. From the very first moment, Japan filled our hearts with wonder. From the clean streets to the incredible warmth of the people, every day felt like one long highlight. I honestly can’t single out any moment as “the best,” because everything was special in its own way. But I’ll do my best to walk you through our journey—city by city—and share the tips we picked up along the way.
Days 1–2: Tokyo (Ueno, Yanaka, Nezu, Akihabara) - A Warm Welcome & City Buzz
The second we landed at Narita Airport, I felt a rush of excitement. Pokémon signs waved hello, and anime ads showed everyone how to line up politely and to speak quietly on trains. My heart was racing: This is real. We’re in Japan!
Before heading to the hotel, we stopped at our first konbini (convenience store)—7-Eleven—and picked up onigiri, sandwiches, and snacks we’d only seen in YouTube videos. Tired from the flight, we checked into our hotel, turned on the TV, and devoured our konbini feast.
The next day, we explored Ueno, Yanaka, and Nezu. These older neighborhoods felt like hidden pockets of traditional Tokyo: narrow alleys, quiet shrines, and small family shops. At Kayaba Coffee, we sat on tatami mats, eating fluffy toast and omurice while sipping hot coffee. There was something peaceful about it—a gentle start to a big adventure.
In the afternoon, we plunged into Akihabara’s neon world: towering anime posters, arcades filled with flashing lights, and shops crammed with manga and figurines. We even stumbled upon Hijiri Bridge, featured in the anime movie Suzume.
That night, we also soared up Tokyo Skytree, where a special Jujutsu Kaisen event was happening, making the city view even more epic. Exhaustion swept over us, but we couldn’t stop grinning as we ended the evening with a quick meal at Sukiya where we had some ramen and beer. Even though our feet hurt and our eyes were droopy, my heart felt like it was glowing.
Day 3: Kanazawa - A Tranquil Gem & Our First Onsen
The next morning, we boarded our first Shinkansen from Ueno to Kanazawa. Watching the city speed by, I kept thinking: We’re really here… traveling across Japan by bullet train. It was surreal.
Kanazawa instantly felt different from Tokyo. The pace was slower, and the streets were calm. We found a nice place called Angolo Caffe for breakfast. While walking the streets we greeted the locals with “Ohayō gozaimasu", which was really fun and their warm smiles and friendly nods made us feel right at home.
We spent the day exploring the Higashi Chaya (Geisha District) with old wooden houses and Nagamachi (Samurai District).
We tried gold-leaf ice cream and wandered through Kenroku-en Garden, said to be one of Japan’s top three gardens. Though we didn’t see all of it (our legs were still tired from Tokyo and the flight), the little we saw was breathtaking. We walked back through Omicho Market where we tasted some eel.
Back at the hotel, we experienced our very first onsen (hot spring). We were nervous about the etiquette (undressing in front of strangers!), but the moment we sank into the hot water, all worries melted away.
Days 4–5: Takayama - Nighttime Magic & Delicious Surprises
After Kanazawa, we took a direct bus to Takayama. Originally, we wanted to visit Shirakawago, but exhaustion told us to slow down. I’m so glad we did. Takayama felt like a secret, storybook town—especially after dark.
Upon arrival, Takayama was more crowded than we’d imagined, so we headed straight to our ryokan, Oyado Koto no Yume. Stepping inside was a dream: tatami floors, sliding doors, and a classic kaiseki dinner that looked too pretty to eat. Another onsen waited for us, and each soak made us feel brand new.
Once the sun set, Takayama’s streets were almost empty. The old wooden buildings glowed under lanterns, creating a peaceful, almost haunting beauty. We took a slow evening walk, holding hands, saying almost nothing—words would’ve broken the spell.
We also stopped by the Hida Takayama Retro Museum, filled with old arcade games and pachinko machines. We couldn’t stop taking photos—it felt like we’d traveled back in time.
The following food places in Takayama stole our hearts:
- Toranoya Okonomiyaki: A cozy spot run by a sweet 72-year-old lady who made us laugh and served us the most perfect okonomiyaki.
- Hiranograno Pizzeria: Located on the outskirts of town, this hidden gem offered the best pasta and pizza we had in Japan. We were the only guests that night, which made the intimate meal feel even more magical.
- Center 4 Hamburgers: A cozy burger place where we had one of our favorite moments of the trip. After finishing her meal, my wife confidently told the staff, “Chīzubaagā daisuki desu!” (I love your cheeseburgers!). Their reactions were priceless—they smiled so widely I thought they might float away. It was such a joyful and heartwarming interaction that we’ll cherish forever.
Other Takayama highlights included some quiet Uniqlo shopping with great tax-free deals, plus a relaxing soak at the Hanami Foot Bath near the main station—an ideal treat after a day on our feet.
With Shirakawago off the list, we thought of visiting Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village) on our second afternoon, but the bus schedule didn’t work in our favor. Though we were disappointed to skip it, we left Takayama feeling deeply satisfied by its old-town charm, incredible food, and warm hospitality.
Days 6–9: Kyoto - Tourist Crowds & Hidden Calm
After two nights in Takayama, we took the Hida View Express to Kyoto—large windows, rotating seats, and stunning mountain scenery that felt straight out of a Ghibli film (think My Neighbor Totoro). Just watching the landscape roll by was a highlight in itself.
In Kyoto, we stayed at RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka. It was surprisingly spacious, especially by Japanese standards, and our room offered a breathtaking view of the Yasaka Pagoda. But we soon realized we weren’t alone. Kyoto was more crowded than our previous stops, and that took some getting used to. Still, we managed to enjoy:
- Kiyomizu-dera & Street Food: A must-see temple with stunning architecture and city views. The nearby street-food stalls serve delicious treats; our favorite was the spicy pork bun.
- Kyoto Tower & Food Court: This spot is a hidden gem in plain sight. Despite being an iconic landmark, the tower’s food court was surprisingly calm. We indulged in burgers, steaks, and fluffy pancakes, all while enjoying a panoramic sunset view—no reservation needed.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park: While the bamboo forest is undeniably beautiful, it’s also packed with tourists. For a more memorable time, we climbed up to the Monkey Park—one of my wife’s trip highlights. The short hike offers a fun chance to feed monkeys and soak in gorgeous views of Kyoto.
- Philosopher’s Path: Early mornings or late afternoons here are near-magical, with few people around. This peaceful walkway lined with trees and small shrines is perfect for a quiet stroll or reflection.
- Traditional Tea Ceremony (Sakaguchian): Near our hotel, we booked a session to sip matcha and learn the art of tea preparation. It was a serene experience—a welcome contrast to the bustling city outside.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: We began our climb around 4 p.m., and as we ascended, the crowds thinned. By the time we headed back down, it was dusk, and the lantern-lit paths took on an almost creepy yet enchanting atmosphere. The absence of tourists in the higher sections made it feel like our own secret temple trail.
Despite the crowds, Kyoto’s blend of ancient tradition is truly captivating. Each day felt like stepping into a new chapter of a historical story—complete with delicious food and unforgettable experiences.
Days 10–11: Osaka - Glowing Streets & Late-Night Adventures
A short train ride took us from Kyoto to Osaka. After Kyoto’s temples, arriving in Osaka felt like stepping into a whole new world. We stayed at the Dotonbori Hotel, right in the heart of the action...
During the day, we snacked on local favorites like takoyaki and 10-yen cheese coins, then took a quick rest to save our energy for Osaka’s lively nightlife. As evening fell, we found ourselves in front of the legendary Glico Sign, and in that moment, my wife’s vision of a futuristic Japan came to life—dazzling neon lights, vibrant arcades, and a constant buzz of excitement. We jumped right in, snapping photos and competing in nearby game centers. The train-driving simulator, drum arcade and dance arcades were surprisingly addictive, and we spent way more time on it than we expected! We even got some souvenirs from the claw machine.
The next day, we finally got our hands on the famous Rikuro Cheesecake—light, jiggly, and not too sweet. My wife,...
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