Planning a trip or already on one? I gotchu because Japan is absolutely one of my favorite places to travel to! I’ve done two study abroad programs in college and took a two-week trip earlier this year. While I’m no expert, this is my personal master list of all the things I recommend eating, seeing, and doing in Japan in no particular order.
I will also be constantly adding to this list with every trip I make, so bookmark this post and check back for updates.
Note: I spend a vast majority of my time in Tokyo since that’s where I studied and where most of my friends live. Sorry for the lack of recommendations in other prefectures of Japan!! I’m working on it!
LAST UPDATED: 10/25/23
☆ TOKYO ☆
FOOD/DRINKS
- Sushi
- Sushiro: Conveyor belt sushi and the love of my Japan food life
- Location: Multiple (in fact you’ll find most locations right outside of train stations)
- Sushiro: Conveyor belt sushi and the love of my Japan food life
- Meat
- Gyukatsu Motomura: Beef cutlets where you get a mini hot stove to cook your meal on
- Location: Multiple
- Yoshikami: Western-styled cuisine (steak, beef stew, etc) that was recommended by Asakusa locals (all the food/stall vendors go here after the temple closes)
- Location: 1 Chome-41-4 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
- Pepper Lunch: pepper fried rice with meat served on a hot stone plate
- Location: Multiple
- Sukiya: fast food chain that specializes in gyudon (thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory-sweet sauce on top of rice) with other options
- Location: Multiple
- Gyukatsu Motomura: Beef cutlets where you get a mini hot stove to cook your meal on
- Noodles
- Ichiran: Popular ramen shop where you order via vending machine and are individually seated from your party (expect lines)
- Location: Multiple
- Iroha Udon: Traditional and non-traditional udon (some are Italian style)
- Location: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 4 Chome−28−26 木村ビル １階
- Tsuru Ton Tan: Udon at the top of a shopping center in Ginza (nice views) that has hot/cold options and is open super late
- Location: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5 Chome−2−1 東急プラザ銀座 10階
- Ichiran: Popular ramen shop where you order via vending machine and are individually seated from your party (expect lines)
- Misc.
- Kuma-chan Onsen: Shabu shabu (Japanese style hotpot) where your soup is a cute little bear that melts
- Location: Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 1 Chome−8−10 2階
- Link to make reservations
- Maruya Hoten: Traditional unagi dish from Nagoya called hitsumabushi (slices of char-grilled eel covered in rich tamari sauce, served atop a steaming bed of rice in a large wooden container)
- Location: Japan, 〒107-0052 Tokyo, Minato City, Akasaka, 9 Chome−7−4 東京ミッドタウン ガーデンテラス ３階
- Great eating experience for unagi lovers but is on the pricier side (around $30+ per meal)
- Pomme no Ki: Omelet rice or omurice
- Location: Multiple (Shibuya recommended)
- Saizeriya: Japanese-style Italian cuisine that’s super cheap with tons of options
- Harajuku Gyozaro: Fried and steamed Japanese dumplings with super intimate and limited seating (expect lines during peak eating times)
- Location: 6 Chome-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
- Oshio Ima: Monjayaki (Japanese pan-fried batter/pancake) that’s similar to okonomiyaki but more liquid, like melted cheese, and is popular in the Kanto region
- Location: Japan, 〒104-0052 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukishima, 2 Chome−10−2 ムーンアイランドタワ 1F
- Note: Go to Tsukishima Station then take exit 9
- Kuma-chan Onsen: Shabu shabu (Japanese style hotpot) where your soup is a cute little bear that melts
- Snacks
- Cremia Soft Serve Ice Cream: Some of the best soft serve ice cream you’ll have in Japan
- Location: You can find this all over Japan within various cafes/shops but they don’t actually have their own chain store
- Pro-tip: Look for the giant Cremia ice cream cone display and the place likely will be selling this dessert
- Note: RIP if you’re lactose intolerant because it’s made with super rich cream from Hokkaido
- Location: You can find this all over Japan within various cafes/shops but they don’t actually have their own chain store
- Mitarashi Dango: Japanese rice flour dumpling on skewers that’s smothered in a sweet soy glaze
- Location: Look for the street vendors! Most are by popular tourist destinations such as Asakusa Sensoji
- Mister Donut: Glazed mochi donuts at the price they should be ($1-$2) and other yummy baked goods
- Location: Multiple
- IKEA Harajuku: Nothing different than the one in the States but it’s so CHEAP and I think it’s better
- Location: Multiple
- Recommended: Soft Serve (they call it soft cream)
- Cost: ¥50 ($0.33)
- Cremia Soft Serve Ice Cream: Some of the best soft serve ice cream you’ll have in Japan
- Drinks
- Whale of August: Super cozy bar that makes and serves drinks based on films that’s open super late
- Location: Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 28−13 渋谷門ビル
- Cover charge: ¥500 ($3-$4)
- Note: They have a pre-made list of films (ie. The Devil Wears Prada) that you can order from or you can request your own favorite like I did (Beauty and the Beast, Harry Potter, etc) and they’ll make a drink that matches/fits the film
- Yurakucho Station
- Near this station, there’s a whole street full of bars and izakayas! Super popular for locals after work and some do have English menus
- Note: Some places may have a cover charge
- Recommended: Toromasa
- Specializes in lemon sours
- Whale of August: Super cozy bar that makes and serves drinks based on films that’s open super late
SIGHTSEEING
- Asakusa Sensoji: Famous Buddhist temple dedicated to Kannon, Goddess of Mercy, that’s located in Asakusa and is known to be the oldest religious building in Tokyo. You’ll find the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) at the very entrance, then shopping streets full of color, delicious foods, and various souvenir/gift shops
- Location: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
- Meiji Jingu: Famous Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, that’s located near Shibuya and Harajuku in the middle of a man-made forest
- Location: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
- Shibuya: Amazing place for shopping and food that’s famous for its street crossing and Hachiko statue right outside the train station. This is where a lot of big Japanese brands have their flagship stores (if you’re a Disney fan, their Disney Store exterior is a castle)
- Harajuku: Known for its colorful street art and fashion along Takeshita Street (all the Japanese youth hang out here), this is a great place for shopping unique clothing stores, getting to know and see Japanese street fashion, and various cafes/dessert shops
- Akihabara: If you like anime/manga/games, arcades, maid/animal cafes, anything hobby/otaku-related, you’ll find it here! It’s also known for its electronic retailers from super small street stalls to huge department store-like buildings
- Sunshine City: Looking for the biggest Pokemon center in Japan? You’ll find it in this shopping center in Ikebukuro, along with retailers dedicated to things like Studio Ghibli, Sanrio, Moomin, etc. and other brands
- Location: 3 Chome-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-8630, Japan
- Tokyo Skytree: One of the world’s tallest, freestanding tower
- Location: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
- Cost: ¥1,800-¥2,700 ($13-$15)
- Tokyo Tower: Major landmark that serves as a symbol for Tokyo’s rebirth after WWII and was inspired by the Eiffel Tower
- Location: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
- Cost: ¥1,200-¥3,000 ($9-$21)
- Akasaka Station: Transformed into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you’ll find a giant time turner leaving the station, the Harry Potter cafe and shop (Mahou Dokoro), and other fun photo opportunities
- Harry Potter Cafe (Japanese only): Japan, 〒107-0052 Tokyo, Minato City, Akasaka, 5 Chome−3−1 BIZタワ 1F
- Harry Potter Mahou Dokoro (Japanese only): Japan, 〒107-6301 Tokyo, Minato City, Akasaka, 5 Chome−3−1, Akasaka Biz Tower, 1階
ACTIVITIES
- Tokyo Disney Resort: Home of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySEA (enough said)
- Studio Ghibli Museum: Full of exhibits showcasing the work and history of Studio Ghibli, along with a theater that shows the studio’s short films
- Location: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
- Cost: ¥1,000 ($7)
- TeamLab Borderless or Planets: Interactive art and so much fun to explore/take photos in
- Planets Location:
- Cost: ¥3,800 ($28)
- If buying tickets through Klook, you can use “WEITOMAGICKLOOK” to save 5% on your order of $50 or more
- Note: I prefer Borderless, but it’s currently unavailable so Planets is your only option (still a good one!)
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter: See the behind-the-scenes of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast films with iconic sets, interactive experiences, British-inspired food/drinks, and the world’s largest Harry Potter shop
- Location: 1 Chome-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima City, Tokyo 179-0074, Japan
- Costs:
- Admission: ¥6,300 ($45)
- Digital Guidebook: ¥1,300 ($9)
- Physical Souvenir Guidebook: ¥2,500 ($18)
- Note: This is similar to the tour in London, with some added sets that are exclusive to Tokyo and will take AT LEAST 5+ hours! I would plan to be here for the day if you’re a huge fan and the type to take lots of photos, read through info signs, etc.
- Important tips:
- Tickets sell QUICKLY so make sure to plan ahead and book far in advance
- You can purchase tickets through the direct website and if you have any issues with your foreign card (basically anything issued outside of Japan), Klook is an authorized ticket distributor
- If buying through Klook, you can use “WEITOMAGICKLOOK” to save 5% on your order of $50 or more
- You can start your tour up to an hour before your reserved time
- Bring your own water bottle (no water stations until halfway through the tour when you get to the Backlot Cafe)
- Use the bathroom before beginning your tour (no bathrooms until halfway through the tour)
- Have a portable charger
- Tickets sell QUICKLY so make sure to plan ahead and book far in advance
- A separate blog post will be written for this activity soon
- Spa LaQua: onsen (hot springs) right next to Tokyo Dome
- Location: 1 Chome-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0003, Japan
- Costs:
- General Admission: ¥3,230 ($22), incl. towels, facility attire, access 6F baths/saunas and lounge rooms
- Healing Baden (extra sauna): ¥1,100 ($7)
- Late Night Charge (1-6AM): ¥2,420 ($16)
- Holiday Charge (weekends, holidays): ¥660 ($5)
- Note: Baths/saunas are split by gender and you are required to be fully undressed before entering the baths/saunas. Unfortunately, tattoos are also not allowed
☆YOKOHAMA☆
FOOD/DRINKS
- Kamakura Pasta: Japanese-style Italian food (I still think about their salmon lemon pasta)
- Location: Multiple
- Sushiro: Conveyor belt sushi and the love of my Japan food life
- Location: Multiple (in fact you’ll find most locations right outside of train stations)
- I will recommend this in every prefecture, sorry not sorry
SIGHTSEEING
- Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga): Historic building that used to be a customs inspection house for shipping, but is now full of unique shops and restaurants with a great view of Yokohama Port
- Location: 1 Chome-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
- Sankeien Garden: Japanese-style garden that has super pretty scenery with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in the fall. They also house several historic buildings and sells mitarashi dango
- Location: 58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0824, Japan
- Note: You can find mitarashi dango being sold at one of their teahouses (Sankeien Saryo) along with their specialty tea
- Kamakura: Seaside city full of historic Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and famously known for the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) statue, as well as beaches and hiking trails
- Enoshima Island: Home of Enoshima Shrine and a great getaway from the city with small shops and a little hike to the top to the shrine/gardens
ACTIVITIES
- Cup Noodle Museum: Museum dedicated to Nissin’s instant noodles and Cup Noodles, as well as its creator/founder, Momofuku Ando, with stories, history, and attractions
- Location: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
- Must do: My CUPNOODLES Factory (custom Cup Noodles, my personal favorite) or Chicken Ramen Factory and Noodles Bazaar
- Costs
- Admission: ¥500 ($4)
- My CUPNOODLES Factory: ¥500 ($4)
- Chicken Ramen Factory: ¥1,000 ($7)
- Noodle Bazaar: ¥250-¥500 ($2-$4)
☆OSAKA/NARA/KYOTO☆
FOOD/DRINKS
- Kinguemon: Shoyu-based (soy sauce) ramen that one first place in the Ramen Championship in Osaka
- Location: 1 Chome-4-17 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
- Sushiro: Conveyor belt sushi and the love of my Japan food life
- Location: Multiple (in fact you’ll find most locations right outside of train stations)
- I will recommend this in every prefecture, sorry not sorry
- Takoyaki: Fried octopus balls
- Location: Literally find any street vendor or shop that’s selling it in Dotonbori
- Osaka-style okonomiyaki: Japanese pan-fried batter/pancake where all ingredients are mixed together then cooked together
- Location: Literally find any street vendor or shop that’s selling it in Dotonbori
SIGHTSEEING
- Osaka Castle: One of Japan’s most famous landmarks and played a major role in the unification of Japan in the 16th century
- Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
- Cost: ¥600 ($4)
- Dotonbori: Long street in the entertain district of Osaka that’s full of bright lights, amazing food, and the infamous Glico running man above
- Location (general): 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
- Nara Park: One of the oldest parks in Japan that is full of deers waiting for humans to feed them (they have no fears of humans lol)
- Note: I don’t have many words except WARNING – the deers are M E A N, so be cautious when buying crackers to feed them because they will chase and bite you
- I would still recommend you visit at least once in your life though
- Note: I don’t have many words except WARNING – the deers are M E A N, so be cautious when buying crackers to feed them because they will chase and bite you
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: Famous shrine known for its thousands of Tori gates and 2.8mi hike to the top
- Note: There is a lot of walking and climbing stairs – do not attempt near or during sunset in the summer because you’ll be eaten by bugs
ACTIVITIES
- Universal Studios: Home of the OG (and better) Super Nintendo World with other attractions dedicated to Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Sesame Street, Spiderman, Hollywood, Disciple Me, etc.
- Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
- Cost: ¥8,600-¥16,300 ($62-$118)
- Recommendation: 1.5 day ticket (entry after 3pm on first day, then full day second day)
- Spa World: Onsen with baths modeled after spas from around the world (Europe on one floor with Asia on another) and a whole water park on the roof
- Location: 3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
- Cost: ¥1,500 + any add-ons ($11)
- Note: Spa World does not allow any patrons with tattoos
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: My favorite aquarium ever simply because they have whale sharks and a cute stamp rally
- Location: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan
- Cost: ¥2,700 ($20)
☆HIROSHIMA☆
FOOD/DRINKS
- Nagataya: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (Japanese pan-fried batter/pancake) where the batter is cooked first then ingredients are layered on top
SIGHTSEEING
- Peace Memorial Park: Where several memorials and the museum is located
- Location: 1-1-10 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
- Note: At the center of the park is a concrete, saddle-shaped monument that covers a cenotaph holding the names of all the people that were killed in the bombing
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial (also “Gengaku/Atomic Bomb Dome”): Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, this dome-shaped building was the only structure left standing in the area after the first atomic bomb drop
- Location: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, Japan
- Children’s Peace Monument: Statue of a girl holding a folded crane that’s based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died from radiation from the bomb
- Location: 1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
- Miyajima: Small island in Hiroshima Bay that houses the famous Itsukushima Shrine with it’s “floating” torii gate (you’ll see a smaller replica at Epcot in the Japan Pavilion)
- Note: You have to take a ferry to get to the island
- Ferry Cost: ¥360 round-trip ($3)
- Okunoshima: also known as Rabbit Island or Usagishima, is a small island in eastern Hiroshima that is occupied by hundreds of cute bunnies
- Ferry Cost: ¥720 round-trip ($6)
- Note: While the island is now known for the bunnies, it was historically a secret power plant site during WWII and has a lot of buildings/ruins still standing
ACTIVITIES
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Museum dedicated to documenting the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II
- Location: 1-2 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
- Cost: ¥200 ($1.50)
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you were able to find some new things to add to your trip itinerary and wish you luck with planning it!
Stay Magical,
Eri
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