Go on an adventure to Japan
Experience a remarkable journey to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka!
If you’re looking for a vacation destination that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, then Japan should definitely be at the top of your list. This beautiful country is home to vibrant cities, ancient temples,
delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals. A trip to Japan would not be complete without visiting the three major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Start your trip in Tokyo, the bustling capital city of Japan. Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, and there is always something to see or do. The city offers a wide variety of experiences, from traditional to modern, and everything in between. You can visit famous landmarks like the Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, and the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. You can also explore the trendy neighbourhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku, where you can shop for the latest fashion trends and enjoy some of the best street food in the city.
Kyoto After a few days in Tokyo, head to Kyoto, a city that is steeped in history and culture. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, and it is home to numerous temples, shrines, and historic sites. You can visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates that line the hiking trails. You can also visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, which is covered in gold leaf and situated in a beautiful garden.
Osaka Your final stop on your Japan vacation should be Osaka, a vibrant city that is known for its food and nightlife. Osaka is home to some of the best street food in Japan, and you can sample dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). You can also visit the famous Osaka Castle, which was built in the 16th century and is now a museum that showcases the history of the city.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. From its towering skyscrapers to its ancient temples, Tokyo is a city that has something for everyone. Here are some tips for visiting Tokyo to help you make the most of your trip.
Getting Around Tokyo
Tokyo has an extensive public transportation system that includes trains, buses, and subways. The easiest way to get around is to purchase a Suica or Pasmo card, which is a rechargeable card that can be used on all forms of public transportation. You can also use these cards to purchase food and drinks from vending machines and convenience stores.
Sightseeing
Tokyo has many famous landmarks and attractions that you won’t want to miss. Some of the most popular include the Tokyo Tower, which offers stunning views of the city, and the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, which is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Tokyo. You can also visit the Tokyo Skytree, which is the tallest tower in Japan, or the Imperial Palace, which is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan.
Shopping
Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of shopping options, from high-end department stores to quirky boutique shops. Here are some great places to go shopping in Tokyo:
- Ginza: This upscale shopping district is known for its high-end department stores like Mitsukoshi and Matsuya, as well as luxury brand stores like Chanel and Gucci.
- Shibuya: This bustling district is famous for its fashion boutiques, record shops, and quirky souvenir stores. It’s also home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, where you can watch the crowds of people cross the street.
- Harajuku: This district is known for its unique and colourful fashion scene, with many boutiques and stores selling eccentric and trendy clothing.
- Akihabara: This area is famous for its electronics and anime stores, with shops selling everything from high-tech gadgets to rare manga.
- Tsukiji Outer Market: This market is known for its fresh seafood, but it also has a variety of shops selling traditional Japanese goods, like ceramics and souvenirs.
- Tokyo Midtown: This shopping complex has a mix of high-end and affordable shops, as well as restaurants and a large park.
- Omotesando: This tree-lined avenue is home to many upscale shops and cafes, including the famous Omotesando Hills shopping complex.
These are just a few of the many great places to go shopping in Tokyo. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that fits your style and budget.
Food
Tokyo is famous for its food, and there are endless options to choose from. You can try traditional Japanese dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura, or sample some of the city’s famous street food, such as Takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). For a unique dining experience, check out the many themed restaurants and cafes, such as the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku or the Kawaii Monster Cafe in Harajuku.
Kyoto
Kyoto, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is a city that is steeped in history and tradition. Known for its ancient temples, beautiful gardens, and traditional geisha culture, Kyoto offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s past. Here are some tips for visiting Kyoto to help you make the most of your trip.
Getting Around Kyoto
Kyoto has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and subways. The easiest way to get around is to purchase a Kyoto City Bus All-Day Pass, which allows you to ride all city buses for one day. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle or walk to explore the city’s many attractions.
Sightseeing
Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, and for good reason. It is known for its beautiful temples, traditional architecture, and picturesque gardens. Here are some great places to go sightseeing in Kyoto:
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): This temple is one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, with its stunning gold leaf exterior reflected in a tranquil pond.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: This shrine is known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, which create a beautiful tunnel-like pathway up a mountain.
- Kiyomizu-dera: This temple is known for its stunning views of the city, as well as its wooden platform that juts out from the main hall.
- Arashiyama: This district is known for its beautiful bamboo forest, as well as its monkey park and traditional boat rides on the Hozu River.
- Gion: This historic district is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, as well as its geisha culture.
- Nijo Castle: This castle was once the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, and is known for its stunning gardens and intricate architecture.
- Philosopher’s Path: This scenic path along a canal is lined with cherry blossom trees in the spring, and is a popular spot for a leisurely stroll.
These are just a few of the many great places to go sightseeing in Kyoto. With so much history and beauty, Kyoto is a must-visit destination for any traveller to Japan.
Experience Geisha Culture
Kyoto is one of the few places in Japan where you can still see traditional geisha culture in action. The Gion district is known for its geisha houses, and you may be lucky enough to see a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking the streets. You can also attend a traditional tea ceremony or watch a geisha performance at a local theatre.
Food
Kyoto is known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes like kaiseki (a multi-course meal), yudofu (tofu hot pot), and matcha (powdered green tea). Nishiki Market is a popular destination for foodies, with a wide variety of local specialties and street food. You can also try sake (Japanese rice wine) at one of the many sake breweries in the Fushimi district.
Osaka
Osaka, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is a vibrant and energetic city that is known for its delicious food, lively nightlife, and modern attractions. Here are some tips for visiting Osaka to help you make the most of your trip.
Getting Around Osaka
Osaka has an extensive public transportation system that includes trains, buses, and subways. The Osaka Amazing Pass is a great way to save money on transportation and sightseeing, as it includes unlimited rides on subway, buses, and trains, as well as free admission to many popular attractions.
Sightseeing
Osaka has many famous landmarks and attractions that you won’t want to miss. The Osaka Castle is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. The Umeda Sky Building is a modern skyscraper that offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop observatory. The Dotonbori district is a popular destination for foodies, with a wide variety of local specialties and street food.
Food
Osaka is known as the “Kitchen of Japan” and is famous for its delicious street food and local specialties.
- Dotonbori: This is one of the most popular food destinations in Osaka, and it’s not hard to see why. The street is lined with restaurants and food stalls offering everything from takoyaki (octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake).
- Kuromon Ichiba Market: Known as Osaka’s kitchen, this market is a great place to sample local seafood, meat, and produce. Be sure to try some of the famous fugu (blowfish) if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Tsuruhashi: This area is known for its Korean-style BBQ restaurants, where you can grill your own meat at your table. The smell of the grilling meat will make your mouth water.
- Daruma: This restaurant is famous for its kushikatsu, which are skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables that are battered and deep-fried. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Matsusakagyu Yakiniku: If you’re a meat lover, this is the place for you. This restaurant specializes in wagyu beef, which is considered some of the best beef in the world.
- Okonomiyaki Chitose: Okonomiyaki is a must-try dish in Osaka, and this restaurant is a great place to do it. They serve a variety of styles, but the classic version with pork and cabbage is a customer favorite.
These are just a few of the many great food places to visit in Osaka. With so many delicious options, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Nightlife
Osaka is known for its lively nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and entertainment venues to choose from. The Dotonbori district is a popular destination for nightlife, with many bars and clubs lining the streets. The Umeda Sky Building is also home to a rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city at night.
The Verdict
Overall, a vacation to Japan visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with something to suit every traveler’s interests. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto and the vibrant food scene of Osaka, this trip will be an unforgettable experience.
