Japan
After spending time in South Korea, we spent about 10 days exploring Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo. This post covers everything we did in Kyoto—tips, favorite spots, and the must-see experiences!
Kyoto
We flew into Osaka and took the train straight to Kyoto—about a 1.5-hour ride. Once we arrived at Kyoto Station, we grabbed an Uber to our Airbnb, a cozy little apartment tucked in the most charming neighborhood right near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The location was perfect—super walkable, with lots of restaurants, shops, and easy access to sights like Yasaka Dori, Kodaiji Temple, and of course, Kiyomizu-dera.
That first night, we settled in and had dinner at a nearby spot. Quick tip: we didn’t book any dinner reservations during our time in Japan. While planning, I found that many restaurants didn’t offer clear ways to reserve tables—many don’t even accept reservations at all. Instead, most places either operate on a first-come, first-serve basis or give you a ticket and text you when your table is ready. Totally different from how I usually travel, but honestly—it worked out just fine. The food in Japan is incredible, and it’s hard to go wrong.
Kyoto Day 1: Fushimi Inari, Kimonos & Matcha Magic
We started our first full day in Kyoto with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, arriving around 9:30 AM—and yes, it was busy! The first stretch of the hike is shoulder-to-shoulder with people, but if you keep going, the crowds start to thin out. The full hike takes around 2–3 hours, with lots of stairs toward the top, but the peaceful views (and photos) are so worth it.
Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari is one of Japan’s most iconic spots, known for its endless rows of red torii gates leading up Mount Inari. Founded in 711 AD and dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, it’s filled with small shrines, little cafes, and scenic resting spots. Don’t miss the ice cream stand near the top—it made a perfect little break with a view of Kyoto below. And the best part? It’s free!
Afterward, we had lunch near our Airbnb and wandered down Yasaka Dori where we tried wagyu sushi and candied fruit—both absolutely delicious. The wagyu literally melted in our mouths, and the strawberries were super juicy. It was peak cherry blossom season, so the streets were packed—but the energy was fun.
Later that afternoon, we went to a tea ceremony at Nishiki Orizuruya. I opted for the kimono experience (highly recommend!) and got to choose my kimono and have my hair done in traditional Japanese style. I felt like a real-life Japanese princess! The ceremony was peaceful and informative—we learned about the history of matcha, how to prepare it properly, and the etiquette involved. It was just my husband and me, so it felt like a private, serene experience.
Nishiki Orizuruya
Later that afternoon, we went to a tea ceremony at Nishiki Orizuruya. I opted for the kimono experience (highly recommend!) and got to choose my kimono and have my hair done in traditional Japanese style. I felt like a real-life Japanese princess! The ceremony was peaceful and informative—we learned about the history of matcha, how to prepare it properly, and the etiquette involved. It was just my husband and me, so it felt like a private, serene experience.
Still dressed in our kimonos, we walked around the nearby cherry blossom-lined streets and visited Nishiki Market, a bustling spot full of tasty street food and souvenir shopping. For dinner, we ended up at Tenpura Sushi—right across from Chao Chao, which had a line out the door. We only waited about five minutes and had some of the freshest, most affordable sushi. Our entire meal was under $60 and absolutely delicious.
To cap off the evening, we wandered over to Kiyomizu-dera Temple—just steps from our Airbnb—and it was magical at night. With soft lighting and blooming cherry blossoms all around, it felt like something out of a dream. I highly recommend visiting this temple both during the day and after dark.
Kyoto Day 2: Day Trip to Nara & a Quiet Evening in Town
We kicked off day two with breakfast at Maeda Coffee—open early, with good coffee and solid breakfast options—then caught a quick 30-minute train to Nara.
Nara Park
As soon as we arrived at Nara Park, we were greeted by the famous free-roaming deer. They’re adorable, but be warned—they’re aggressive when they see you holding the deer cookies (which you can buy all around the park). We were being tugged, nudged, and even lightly nipped at! It was chaotic but hilarious. Don’t wear white as you will get dirty—these deer are not afraid to get up close and personal.
Next, we visited Todaiji Temple, home to one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The scale of it was absolutely awe-inspiring, and the peaceful temple grounds were beautiful. Between this and the deer, a half-day in Nara is totally worth it.
After lunch and a walk through the cherry blossom-filled park, we headed back to Kyoto. We stopped at Hario Café, a peaceful little spot tucked away on a quiet street with a lovely garden view—great for an afternoon tea or matcha break.
That evening, we visited Kiyomizu-dera again—this time exploring the backside of the temple with its large wooden platform overlooking the hillside. Later, we walked to Kodaiji Temple for their cherry blossom illuminations and bamboo grove. The bamboo forest was smaller than I expected, but still lovely. The light show itself was pretty but didn’t blow us away. Still, it was a peaceful evening, and I’m glad we went.
Kyoto Day 3: Gold Temples & Cherry Blossom Paths
Our final day in Kyoto started with a visit to the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This iconic gold temple sits on a peaceful lake surrounded by lush greenery, and it’s just as beautiful in person as you imagine. The grounds are lovely, though this stop is fairly quick since there’s only one main area to explore.
Next, we headed to Philosopher’s Path, a gorgeous cherry blossom-lined walkway filled with cozy cafés and little shops. It was the perfect spot to slow down, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.
We had lunch at Sushi Ishimatsu, a tiny sushi spot that’s super popular (expect a wait). We stood in line for about an hour, but the experience was worth it—the sushi was so fresh, and the chef's attention to detail was mesmerizing. Traditional Japanese seating and top-notch service made it a memorable lunch.
We spent our last afternoon admiring the blossoms, sipping coffee, and soaking in the atmosphere. That evening, we tried to go to K36 Rooftop Bar, but there was a private event (and it was a bit chilly anyway), so we pivoted to Benoit Kyoto, a French bistro nearby. It was definitely more upscale—and pricier—but a lovely spot to end our time in Kyoto.
Overall I think Kyoto is worth stopping by for 2-3 days while traveling to Japan. The temples here are strikingly beautiful and abundant, the food here is great, and the traditional Japanese homes and villages really take you back into time. The only cons was how busy it was (cherry blossom is peak season) but the streets and sidewalks are so small so it makes it feel even more crowded. The public transportation was difficult to figure out and takes a while, I’m referring to the bus system to get around town. Other than that, it is definitely worth visiting—would I go back? Probably not.
Mount Fuji
We left for Mount Fuji around 10 a.m., taking the train to Mishima Station, followed by a bus to Kawaguchiko Station. From there, our Airbnb host kindly picked us up—it was only about a 5-minute drive to the house. We arrived around 2 p.m., and honestly, the travel wasn’t bad at all.
The moment we got to our Airbnb, we fell in love. The view of Mount Fuji was absolutely stunning, and the space itself was cozy, charming, super clean, and surprisingly roomy—actually the largest place we stayed during our entire Asia trip! They even had bikes available, so after settling in, we went for a little ride.
Oishi Park
We were staying by Lake Kawaguchi, right near Yagizaki Park. We biked across to Oishi Park on the other side of the lake, and it ended up being the most beautiful bike ride I’ve ever been on. Mount Fuji is just so breathtaking to see in person—it almost doesn’t look real. Once we got to Oishi Park, we wandered around for a bit, but noticed a lot of places were closing early (we were here on a Saturday). Still, the ride was so peaceful and worth it.
That evening, we had dinner at a spot just around the corner from our Airbnb. The food was great—I had an amazing wagyu steak—but the restaurant had a strict “No English” sign and only accepted cash. It felt like they were trying to deter tourists a bit. Thankfully, we had cash on us, and with Google Translate, you can manage pretty easily. Definitely a heads-up: bring some yen with you. A lot of places, especially for small eats or tickets, are still cash-only.
Sunrise at Fuji
The next morning, I naturally woke up around 5:30 a.m. and got to catch a gorgeous view of Mount Fuji before the clouds rolled in. I went back to sleep for a bit, then we grabbed breakfast at Cisco Coffee—a super cute café literally right next to our Airbnb. The food and coffee were both great!
Then it was time to head out and make our way to Tokyo.
I’m so glad we added Mount Fuji to our itinerary. Some people do it as a day trip from Tokyo, which can work—especially if you’re keeping an eye on the forecast a few days ahead since Fuji is often hidden behind clouds. We decided to take the risk and stay one night, and it was totally worth it. We got lucky with clear views the day we arrived, but by the time we left the next morning, Fuji was completely covered.
If you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll have a better chance of seeing it clearly. During cherry blossom season, it’s more of a 50/50 shot. But even if we hadn’t seen the mountain, it still would’ve been a lovely and peaceful break between two busy cities.
Tokyo
The ride to Tokyo from Mount Fuji was just a few hours. Once we checked into our hotel, we made our way to Micasadeco Café, known for their famous fluffy pancakes — a must-try while in Japan! We waited in line for about 30 minutes before being served the fluffiest pancakes I’ve ever seen. They’re made with ricotta, which I think is the secret to their airy texture. They were good — super light and didn’t leave me feeling overly full — but in my opinion, they could’ve used a little more flavor.
Afterward, we wandered around for a bit before heading back to our hotel. We stayed at Dormy Inn Premium in the Shibuya area, which I would definitely recommend. The hotel was clean, modern, comfy (although the pillows are very flat — but you can ask for extras), and the location was fantastic. Plus, they offered breakfast (extra cost) which made our mornings very easy-going.
That evening, we went over to Shinjuku to put our name in at the famous Udon Shin, known for having some of the best udon noodles in Tokyo. It’s super popular and typically has a two-hour wait. Luckily, you can grab a ticket, wander around, and come back closer to your turn. While we waited, we explored the lively Shinjuku nightlife, grabbed a few drinks at a bar, and then returned to Udon Shin. When I say it didn’t disappoint, I mean it — easily the best noodles we had during our entire trip. Totally worth it, especially since you don’t actually have to stand in line the whole time.
Tokyo Day 1: Vintage Shopping, Good Eats, and Views
The next morning, we did some vintage shopping around Takeshita Street and Cat Street in Shibuya. Tokyo has incredible vintage and luxury second-hand designer shopping, and we absolutely fell in love with it. If you're in the area, check out the Ralph Lauren store — it’s super cool, with a full denim section and a cozy coffee shop inside. We grabbed some matcha and sweets there and relaxed on their patio for a bit.
Later, we headed to nearby Yoyogi Park for a little picnic under the cherry blossoms. The whole park was filled with people picnicking and enjoying the season — it was absolutely beautiful and such a peaceful moment in the city.
For an early dinner, we made our way to Wagyu Ichinoya Asakusa, where we had an unforgettable wagyu experience. Highly recommend! You get to enjoy the wagyu three different ways: straight up, mixed with raw egg, and then as a broth-based soup. Each bite was amazing.
After dinner, we walked over to Tokyo Tower, about 20 minutes from the restaurant. We caught the sunset and watched the city light up at night — one of our favorite things to do in any big city. There wasn’t much of a wait, tickets were reasonably priced, and if you catch a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji from the top. It’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Tokyo Day 2: Fish Market, Team Lab Planets, and City Views
The next morning, we visited the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. We arrived around 10:30 a.m. — which I recommend, as a lot of the vendors start closing or selling out by noon. It was busy but so worth it! We sampled sushi, kobe beef, and wagyu — and wow, the wagyu just melted in your mouth. Everything we tried was delicious, even though it’s definitely a pricier experience.
After about half an hour at the market, we wandered toward Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district. Even if you’re not into designer shopping, it’s a fun area to explore. Later, we headed to TeamLab Planets — an interactive art museum that blew us away. They have a garden section, a water area, and a forest section, and honestly, it’s hard to even put into words how magical it was. One of the rooms made us feel like we were floating through the galaxy. We spent about two hours there, and I’d recommend planning for 2–3 hours if you go. (Pro tip: don’t wear a skirt as some of the floors are mirrors, but they do provide shorts if needed, and make sure to wear something you can roll up because you’ll be walking through water.)
After grabbing lunch and relaxing at the hotel, I went on a mission for a second-hand Chanel bag. Tokyo’s vintage and second-hand designer scene is unmatched — after visiting about a dozen stores around Shibuya, I finally found the one and fell in love.
For dinner that night, we went to Sky Stellar Garden, a rooftop bar with gorgeous views of the city and Tokyo Tower. The food was just okay (get the burgers if you eat here), but it’s absolutely worth it for a drink and the views. It felt peaceful, classy, and romantic — a perfect way to end the evening.
Tokyo Day 3: Cherry Blossoms, Sumo Show, and Shinjuku Night Life
The next morning, we visited Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This park was stunning — lush, full of cherry blossoms, ponds, gardens, and peaceful walking paths. There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s absolutely worth it. We spent a few hours strolling around, sipping matcha, and eating ice cream. It was pure serenity.
For lunch, we found Tsukiji Tama Sushi Sasashigure tucked inside a mall — and honestly, it was a gem. Great sushi, and best of all, no wait!
That evening, we attended a sumo show across town, which ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. It was about an hour long and super entertaining — we learned about the history and rules of sumo wrestling, watched a match, and even saw some audience members (including my husband!) wrestle a sumo. It was hilarious and such a memorable experience — definitely add it to your Tokyo list.
After the sumo show, we took the bus to Senso-ji Temple. Seeing it lit up at night was magical. We pulled a fortune (a fun temple tradition), admired the beautiful architecture, and then made our way back to Shinjuku to experience more of the nightlife.
One of my favorite memories was just wandering around Shinjuku at night, soaking up the neon lights and vibrant energy. We grabbed drinks at a bar, played a few arcade claw machine games (be warned — they are highly addictive!), and just enjoyed the buzz of the city.
Overall, Tokyo ended up being our favorite part of Japan. There’s so much to see and do, from beautiful parks to amazing shopping, efficient public transport, and incredible food. Prices weren’t bad either! The only downside? Things sometimes felt rushed — especially with food. Often, we waited longer in line than we spent actually eating, which made meals feel a bit hurried. We did visit during peak season though, so that could have been a factor.
While I’m not dying to go back immediately, I would love to return someday and explore even more of Japan. Tokyo definitely left an impression on us.