Visiting Japan is one of those trips that gently nudges you out of your comfort zone, in the best possible way. The best way to make sure you have an incredible experience is to arrive with an open heart and a sense of curiosity. Japan invites you to slow down, observe, and try things you may not have planned on, whether that’s ordering a meal from a vending machine, wandering into a tiny neighborhood café, or hopping on a train to somewhere you’ve never heard of before.
There are so many chances to try new things, and it’s totally normal to feel both excited and a little nervous. Both feelings can coexist. If unfamiliar food feels intimidating, don’t worry, Japan is incredibly accommodating. Even the pickiest eaters can find comfort in ramen, rice bowls, pastries, or convenience store snacks that somehow taste better than they have any right to. And if navigating public transportation sounds overwhelming, trust that Google Maps will absolutely hold your hand every step of the way.
What makes Japan so special is how safe and welcoming it feels while still being wonderfully different from what you’re used to. It’s a place where getting a little lost can lead to your favorite memory of the trip. So plan loosely, go with the flow, and let curiosity lead the way. Say yes to the unknown, embrace the small surprises, and trust that Japan will meet you with kindness, beauty, and a whole lot of magic.
I hope this post can inspire your own Japan adventure! Feel free to reach out with any questions. Happy travels!
Overview of Our ROute
Tokyo —> Kyoto (Train)
Kyoto —> Osaka (Train)
Osaka—> Hiroshima (Train)
Hiroshima—> Miyajima (Streetcar + Ferry)
Miyajima —> Tokyo (Train)
A few miscellaneous things to know before going to Japan
Register for tax-free QR code to use to get through customs here. We did it before we left for Japan, but then had to finish it after we landed.
Here is info on using Suica on your phone (a ticket to all inner-city trains, streetcars, etc. that you use directly from your phone) - It’s super easy to use and you can quickly add additional funds if you need to. Perhaps one of my favorite parts about traveling around Japan was how simple Suica made it.
Notes on Trains: If you’re traveling in the regular season and don’t mind flexibility → buy at the station. We just waited in line and spoke with an agent every time and that was smooth.
Most train stations have lockers you can rent if you don’t want to carry your bags around and your Airbnb isn’t ready.
A lot of places are cash only.
Google translate and google maps will be your best friends.
Great news: the current exchange rate for the USD → yen works out really well for the USD. The exchange rate was challenging to do in our heads though so consider using this tutorial to convert your calculator into a currency converter. Thanks for the tip Abby!
Tokyo
Tokyo is big, fast, and full of energy, but somehow still incredibly easy to navigate. Expect a mix of neon lights and quiet neighborhoods, world-class food at every price point, and a city that feels exciting without being overwhelming once you settle in.
You might spend one moment in the middle of Shibuya Crossing where there is a lot of energy and the next wandering a calm side street with a neighborhood shrine or cozy café. Tokyo really has it all! Of all the citied we visited, it’s the one I would return to again and know that I would still have so much to explore.
Where we Stayed
Tokyo Airbnb #1 in Aksakusa Neighborhood - more local feel, very walkable to lots of restaurants and shops, but on the east side of the city so not as walkable to places like Shibuya/Shinjuku if that is where you are hoping to stay. This airbnb specifically was fine for the price, but not the greatest. The area was great though! (Washer Available)
Tokyo Airbnb #2 - Located a little southwest of Shinjuku Chao Park - This was a much more big-city feel and was closer to Shinjuku/Shubuya, but still quiet enough to not feel super overstimulated every time we left our apartment.
Tokyo Coffee, Food, + Sights
Coffee
Murma Coffee Stop - Beautiful space,dDelicious pour overs, and a top notch latte.
Finetime Coffee Roasters - Tokyo (open every day 12pm-7pm) - We didn’t make it here but it was on our list.
COFFEE 八七子 - Matcha and hot cocoa were delicious. Coffee was okay, but the duck Burger + matcha croissant were yummy and the barista was really nice. Definitely a cute place to sit for a bit.
Glitch Coffee - really good pour-overs and kind baristas. Multiple locations.
Coffee Swamp - super tiny shop with a record player and great pour over options
Food
7-Eleven - for quick food, I’ll put a list of items to try below. We literally went there every single day for at least one thing. It’s just a super fun experience.
Family Mart - Similar to 7-Eleven for quick food
Lawson’s - Similar to 7-Eleven
HALAL RAMEN & WAGYU 「SAMURAI SOUL」 - the BBQ beef ramen was to die for - order outside at a little kiosk and take your ticket inside to place your order. Cash only.
Coco Itchibanya - Japanese curry that is to-die for (a few locations around Japan)
De Frites Staan Harajuku (steak frites or fries with lots of sauces) - We didn’t make it here, but it sounds great
Sights
Asahi Super Dry Sky Room - get a beer for $5 and enjoy super fun skyline views (probably best at night). Right next to the Sky tree
Harajuku - small shops
Ueno Park - Gorgeous park!
Tokyo Night and Lights - beautiful light display on the Metropolitan Government Building. Go see the lights and then go up on the observation deck.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free observation deck)
Shibuya Crossing - Overwhelmingly crowded, but a fun experience to have and then get out of that area
Harajuku’s Takeshita Street → quirky shops & crepes.
Meiji Shrine - serene forest walk
Shinjuku Gyoen Garden - quick stroll.
Shinjuku nightlife – We felt very overwhelmed with this area, but it was fun to do a quick walk through
Visit Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise shopping street - Even if you don’t stay in that neighborhood it’s a fun and different vibe than Shibuya
KITTE Rooftop Garden - It might feel like you’re not supposed to be there at first, but go inside and keep walking then you will see signs.
Imperial Palace - Closed when we went, but looks like it would be cool. Close to the rooftop garden.
Tsukiji Fish Market is a cool spot with fresh fish and food stalls - this is an absolute DO NOT MISS, a top memory for us from our trip. Go early (before 10am) and come hungry.
Ginza Neighborhood - fun for shopping and a fun area to walk around
Kawagoe - more traditional small town outside of Tokyo. Cute streets with shopping and lots of food.”sweet street” has lots of ice creams, pastry, and candy (about a 50 minute commute from our SW Tokyo Airbnb, but super fun.) I’d say if you have less than 3 full days in Tokyo it’s maybe not worth the additional journey, but if you want a different experience outside the city, it’s really fun.
Kyoto
Kyoto feels like stepping into the heart of traditional Japan. It’s quiet, intentional, and deeply beautiful. Expect temples tucked into quiet neighborhoods, winding streets lined with wooden buildings. My best advice for visiting would be to get up early and try to do as much as you can before it get busy.
Where we Stayed
Airbnb - A great location, close to the train station and within walking distance of lots of coffee shops and restaurants.
Kyoto Coffee, Food, + Sights
Coffee
Oyomazaki Coffee Roasters - This was on our list, but we didn’t make it.
About us coffee - incredible hot chocolate, award winning coffees, lots of light roast options
Weekenders Coffee Tominokoji - pour overs, hidden on the far end of a parking lot. Gorgeous shop! No inside seating, but if rain is light you can still get a little protection from the trees outside the shop. Don’t skip this shop, it was definitely one of our favorites!
Sundays Coffee - Beautiful space, delicious pour over and a few select pastries
Food
Menya Inoichi - Michelin star ramen (have to wait in line to get reservation) 🍜- We didn’t do this because we filled our day up and got back too late, but it would have been a fun experience I’m sure.
Dragon Burger - Wasabi or Yuzu burger were amazing 🍔
Sawano - Great place to try omurice (egg and rice dish). Feels like a little Japanese diner. The owner makes adorable little animals out of fruit. Cash only. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke just know that smoking is allowed indoors here.
Breakfast Udon Express - If the jet lag has you up insanely early, this is the perfect place for breakfast. They open at 7am and have a nice garden view. It’s super quick and delicious.
Izugen - Michelin restaurant with authentic sushi at a great price.
Sights
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (iconic red torii gates) - Allow at least 2 hours to do the hike through the forest/ torii gates. We were so jetlagged that we woke up at went around 5am. This actually worked our great because we go to beat the crowds (there were still a shocking number of people doing the hike) and we caught the sunrise.
Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple and walk the historic Higashiyama District.
Stroll Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka streets (traditional Kyoto charm).
Stop at Yasaka Pagoda & Maruyama Park.
Head to Gion District – maybe spot a geisha.
Gion District stroll – teahouses, maybe glimpse geisha.
Traditional kaiseki dinner or izakaya or Kyoto style dinner
Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge - Just know that they will likely be VERY crowded.
Monkey Park Iwatayama (short hike, city view).
Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
Visit Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden nearby.
Nijo Castle
Osaka
Osaka feels lively, friendly, and unapologetically fun. It’s known as Japan’s kitchen, so expect incredible food around every corner. Think takoyaki, okonomiyaki, late-night ramen. The energy here is warm and welcoming, making it easy to feel comfortable right away.
Where we Stayed
Airbnb - My favorite of our Airbnbs. It was perfect for two couples traveling together – 3 floors so we could spread out, two bathrooms, and an excellent location to be able to get to the train station easily.
Osake Coffee, Food, + Sights
Coffee
Lilo Coffee Roasters - Didn’t make it here, but it is highly rated and was noted in the book “A Year in Japanese Coffee,” that inspired our trip.
Glitch - A stunning seating area full of vintage furniture. More seating than the Tokyo location we visited. Note that every person in your party has to order a drink before sitting down.
Food
Uzumaki うずまき- The most amazing experience! The chef only spoke Japanese but was very patient with us. We ordered the kimchi yakisoba, spicy egg yakisoba, the bacon, and then okonomiyaki. Everything was literally to die for. The highlight of our entire trip.. Cash only.
Dekasan Osaka - steak and egg sandwiches. Long line but they move fast. Highly recommend the egg sandwich and the steak sandwich.
Sights
Osaka Castle & Surroundings
Osaka Museum of History
Head to Shinsekai - Old-school retro Osaka district.
Tsutenkaku Tower - Panoramic view of the city.
Stroll Tennoji area – Abeno Harukas (Japan’s tallest skyscraper with observation deck).
Dotonbori — Neon lights, canals, and the famous Glico Running Man sign.
Walk through Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street (covered arcade with endless shops).
Umeda Sky Building – Floating Garden Observatory for night views.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is calm, reflective, and quietly powerful. It’s a city that invites you to slow down and be present, offering space to learn, feel, and appreciate resilience. Beyond its history, Hiroshima feels bright and livable, with tree-lined streets and friendly locals. It’s easy to explore, easy to navigate, and feels grounded in a way that balances the busier cities.
Where we Stayed
Airbnb - Not a fancy place to stay by any means, but it was a great location! We hopped on a street car from the train station. We could quickly walk to the Peace Memorial and all the other things we wanted to do.
Hiroshima Coffee, Food, + Sights
Coffee
Cue.
Food
Okonomimura - Multiple levels of independent okonomiyaki restaurants. Just stroll through and find a spot to sit down. A defininite must if you are in Hiroshima. Cash only.
We shamelessly went to the Costco food court in Hiroshima and it was a blast! Definitely get the Hokkaido soft cream. It’s slightly “cheesy” and so delicious.
Sights
Start at the Peace Memorial Museum (arrive early to avoid crowds) - I can’t recommend this enough. I am not a history buff by any means, but this museum was very moving.
Walk the Children’s Peace Monument, Cenotaph, and Atomic Bomb Dome.
Hiroshima Castle (Carp Castle) – a reconstructed castle with samurai history.
Shukkeien Garden – a scenic Japanese garden, perfect for a calm stroll
Explore Hondori Shopping Arcade for souvenirs and street food.
Miyajima
Miyajima feels calm, scenic, and a little magical, and it’s absolutely worth the extra effort to get there. As soon as you arrive, things slow down. Think ocean views, quiet shrines, and friendly deer wandering through town, with the iconic floating torii gate setting the tone.
You can keep it simple or explore more: walk through Itsukushima Shrine, snack your way down the main street, or head up Mount Misen for incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea. Nothing feels rushed, which makes the visit feel extra special.
Getting there takes a train and a ferry, but it’s easy and part of the adventure. Miyajima is one of those places that rewards curiosity, and chances are, it’ll end up being one of your favorite stops.
Where we Stayed
Airbnb - A perfect spot for two couples to stay. The location was fantastic and the space itself was very comfortable.
Getting to Miyajima
Take Ferry - 10 minute ride. You can use Suica to pay for the ferry, but you also have to pay a 100 yen visitor tax (just one way).
Consider luggage storage in ferry terminal prior to the Airbnb being available.
What to do on Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine & Floating Torii Gate (best at high tide for the floating effect).
Daisho-in Temple – Buddhist temple with colorful statues and prayer wheels. I had honestly thought we had seen enough temples at this point that I wouldn’t be that interested, but this one was super cool.
Mount Misen Ropeway - There is about 1.5 hour round trip hike to get to the very top of the mountain once you have taken the ropeway up (ropeway takes about 30 minutes-ish). I would get here right when they open or you will likely be waiting a very long time. I feel like it is a must if you come to the island.
Go to this tea house after you are done with your hike and get some matcha.
Stroll Omotesando Shopping Street – You’ll find snacks like momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes).
If you’re staying ovenight, the Torii gate illuminated at night is magical.
Visit Miyajima Brewing
A helpful blog post if you want even more info on Miyajima.
foods to try
There are so many unique food experiences to have in Japan. This list can help guide you if you feel overwhelmed. If you go to any of the markets I mentioned, you can likely knock a lot of items off the list. Thank you for the list Abby!
Yamagoyaki (Japanese omelette)
Mochi
Taiyaki (fish shaped treat w/ red bean paste)
Tokoyaki (pancake balls filled w/ octopus, topped w/ mayo) - big in Osaka
Daigaku imo (candied sweet potatoes)
Tako tamago (candied baby octopus stuffed w/ hard boiled egg)
Yaki soba (stir fry noodles)
Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)
Hokkaido soft cream (found at Costco)
Yakitori (wagyu beef)
Tempura (fried breaded shrimp)
Breakfast udon noodles
Sushi
Croquette
Fruit sandwich
Omurice (creamy omelette over rice)
Japanese curry
Tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet)
Nori (dried seaweed)
Fluffy pancakes
The foreigner 🍡
Strawberry milk
Mitarashi dango (rice flour dumplings covered in sweet soy sauce glaze)
Matcha
Onigiri (rice balls)
Ramen
Sushi
Ekiben (to go bento box)
Konbini Items to Try (Lawson’s/ Family Mart/ 7-Eleven)
Onigiri - Japanese rice ball made from white rice sometimes stuffed with other things) 7-Eleven has a salmon butter and soy sauce one that was delicious. We ate so many of these during our trip.
Chicken with tartar sauce and vinegar (7-Eleven)
Pickled Ginger Rice Crackesr (7-Eleven)
Chocolate Covered Panda Cookies (Family Mart, but 7-Eleven has a similar things that isn’t panda shaped so not as cute)
Smoothies (7-Eleven), they have them in the freezer You purchase them and then take them to the smoothie making station by the coffee machine and it gets blended.
Cream filled crepe - They’re rolled up like a jelly-roll and found in the refrigerated section.
Matcha KitKats
Cream filled donut holes
Pancakes with maple syrup and butter - They’re on the shelf-stable pasty shelf.
