Japan
Japan is a place I know I’ll continue to return to, both in travel and in memory.
Around Tokyo:
Tokyo Skytree: A broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo. It's the tallest structure in Japan at 2,080 ft. The views are incredible, be sure to check out the gallery and giftshop.
Sensoji Temple Asakusa: Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, dating back to 645 AD. Located in the historic Asakusa district, the temple is entered through the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), home to its massive red lantern. The bustling Nakamise Shopping Street leading to the temple is lined with traditional shops selling local snacks, handcrafted souvenirs, and Japanese gifts.
Kawaii Monsteer Cafe, located in Harajuku. This unique café is a treat for the senses. Fantastic colors and sweet treats are all around this trippy land of mushrooms! If you choose to enjoy lunch and a drink here, be sure to stay for the show.
Mori Art Museum, located in Roppongi. Not only is it a great contemporary art experience, but the views of the city are spectacular!
Fun and games: Let loose and have some fun! I recommend giving Pachinko a try, but be warned it is loud in there! Be sure to wander into an arcade because you'll likely win some cute prizes, and don't forget to take silly pictures in one of the many photo booths. Karaoke and Chuhai (girly lemon-flavored alcoholic drink) will guarantee a good time, so cut loose with your crew!
Kappabashi Kitchen Supply: Tokyo's famous shopping district for everything related to cooking and restaurants. Stretching for nearly a mile, the street is lined with specialty shops selling high-quality Japanese kitchen supplies.
Ameyoko Market:
One of Tokyo's liveliest open-air shopping streets, stretching beneath the railway tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi stations. Originally a post-war black market, it has grown into a bustling marketplace filled with vendors selling fresh seafood, street food, snacks, clothing, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
Shinobazu Pond is a scenic oasis within Ueno Park, offering a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Tokyo. The pond is famous for its seasonal lotus flowers, which blanket the water in summer, as well as its swan boats, walking paths, and abundant birdlife. At its center sits Bentendo Temple, a small island temple dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, wisdom, and fortune.
Tokyo Neighborhoods:
Harajuku: you'll see some colorful street style, funky shops, thrift stores, themed cafés and everything trendy!
Shibuya: A trendy neighborhood known for its famous Shibuya Crossing, a bustling intersection with crowds of pedestrians crossing at once. This area is a hub for shopping, entertainment, restaurants and many boutiques.
Shinjuku: It's home to the world's busiest train station and this area offers a mix of modern skyscrapers, shopping centers like Takashimaya Times Square.
Asakusa: A historical neighborhood with traditional charm. Its most iconic landmark is the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. The streets around the temple are lined with traditional shops and restaurants. Shopping on Denboin street is a great for gifts and delicious food.
Ueno: Ueno is a lively area of Tokyo known for its large park, museums, and street markets. The neighborhood blends culture and everyday life, where quiet paths through Ueno Park sit just steps away from the busy stalls of Ameya-Yokocho market.
Roppongi: This area is known for its nightlight, upscale restaurants, bars and art galleries.
Kyoto
Things we did in Kyoto
We stayed at an Airbnb in Kyoto's beautiful Higashiyama District, one of the city's best areas for exploring historic temples, traditional streets, and cultural landmarks on foot. The neighborhood is filled with narrow stone lanes, preserved wooden buildings, tea houses, and some of Kyoto's most iconic scenery, making it the perfect home base for our stay.
Kōdai-ji Temple & Bamboo Grove
Kōdai-ji Temple features serene Zen gardens, traditional architecture, and a quiet bamboo grove that offers a more intimate experience than Kyoto's larger bamboo forests.
Ryōzen Kannon Temple is a peaceful Buddhist temple dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Built in 1955 as a memorial to those who lost their lives in World War II, the temple is best known for its towering 24-meter (79-foot) statue of Kannon overlooking the grounds. Visitors can enjoy the serene gardens while reflecting on the temple's message of peace, compassion, and remembrance.
Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
One of Kyoto's most recognizable landmarks, the five-story Yasaka Pagoda rises above the historic streets of Higashiyama and provides one of the city's most photographed views.
Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple
This colorful temple is famous for its vibrant kukurizaru wish ornaments, representing desires and self-discipline. It's one of the most unique and photogenic stops in Kyoto.
Tō-ji Temple
A short train or bus ride from Higashiyama, Tō-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Japan's tallest wooden pagoda. Its spacious grounds and historic buildings make it one of Kyoto's most significant temples.
