Some of my favorite restaurants and things to do around Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. I've excluded most obvious touristy things to check out, but these are places I personally love and always recommend.

Tokyo, Japan

Kyoto, Japan

Osaka, Japan

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🏠I personally try to stay in Shinjuku when I can. It's a major hub for most train lines and connects you to other areas of Tokyo quickly. In terms of food and things to do, not really my fav. But it makes for a nice home base.

🛍 Ikebukuro is a fun major shopping spot, but most of the otaku goods are character oriented or focused on Japanese-specific VNs. I do like to go out of my way to stop by whenever I can though. 

West Tokyo (Nakano, Koenji, Kichijoji, Shimokitazawa)

🌟These neighborhoods are some of my favorite spots to hit up whenever I visit Japan, with a good balance of shopping, great food, and scenic walks.

Central-ish Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza)

🚃If you can break away from Tokyo for a few days, these spots are nice little 1-2 day trips from Tokyo. 

🛍Shibuya is more of a fun area to shop at rather than eat since it's so touristy. I've yet to be blown away by any restaurants around here, but I highly recommend going to nearby areas Ebisu and Omotesando to eat! 

💎Omotesando is a bit of a more upscale area in terms of shopping, and frankly the food sometimes too, but it is SUCH a cool neighborhood you can find a great hole in the wall for fashion or food easily. 

🎉Honestly I think Osaka has a better laid back vibe than most other major cities in Japan. The street food culture here is phenomenal. I don't have a ton to rec specifically because it's just a lot of fun to explore random things here!

🕹I openly admit that I rarely hang out in this area. I've yet to run into a solid neighborhood recommendation around here that has had a lasting impression on me. Worth checking out just to say you did IMO.

💬As much as I enjoy vacationing in the Kansai region, Tokyo offers so much to do. There have been trips where I spend most of it just hanging out in different neighborhoods and exploring the streets aimlessly. 

🏯It goes without saying that Kyoto is famed for its rich history tourism and temples. For me? I loved walking around Gion eating my weight in 🍵matcha desserts and treats in a kimono. 

Yama No Chaya

JAPANESE ICE OUCA ジャパニーズアイス櫻花

Wood Berry's

Harukor Ainu Restaurant

Isetan Shinjuku

Nintendo Tokyo

ARTNIA Square Enix

SHIBUYA109

Shodai

Sunshine City

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo

Pikachu Sweets Cafe

Inokashira Park

Nakano Broadway

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