This is my One-stop Shop guide for all my recommendations from best luxurious restaurants to restaurants hidden from google and even the budget but delicious restaurants. Also get live forecasts of congestion in Kyoto. This guide will be updated constantly. (Last updated: Aug.12.2024)

Welcome to the exclusive guide for advanced travelers seeking extraordinary culinary experiences in Japan. Delve into a curated selection of hidden restaurants that aren't on Google Maps and offer a truly unique dining adventure. From hidden alleyway izakayas to intimate chef's table experiences, these off-the-grid establishments will tantalize your taste buds and leave a lasting impression. Prepare to discover a world of culinary delights paid with the best spots for accommodations that will elevate your Japan travel experience to unparalleled heights.

If you want to hire me personally click on the pink text "Available for hire"

Tokyo, Japan

Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan

Kyoto, Japan

Japan

Osaka, Japan

Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan

Japan Travel Guide Made Easy (Luxe): Local and Luxurious

5/5 - Must Go | This restaurant is a hole in the wall gem. Only locals dine here, since this restaurant is not even on google maps. There were a lot of locals that came to this restaurant, so you know it is good. 

Lunch:  ¥2,000 for seasonal dish (chef's special) The chef only serves 8 customers for the day so it is very limited. Arrive at this restaurant before noon, so you are guaranteed a seat on a weekday.

If you want to book at this restaurant please use the pocket=concierge service

Senshin

This guide will be constantly updated, if you liked this please give me some feedback!

Locations: Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka / Hakone / Kobe

Searching for accommodations takes a lot of time and work, so let me do that for you. This guide is all about the best Accommodations you can get and not break your wallet (Unless you choose to). From Airbnb, hotels to Onsens you can find it all here. 

I will be constantly updating this doc so stay tuned, and be sure to book via the "Check Prices" button to help give me credit for the recommendations!

Check out my other guides:
1. Japan Travel Made Easy: One-Stop Guide for First-Timers: 
https://www.thatch.co/guide/3fp1o16zeizte/view 

2. Unblocking Your Japan Travel Experience: Tips for Overcoming Travel Constipation https://www.thatch.co/guide/3mp44f24mcojt/view

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

Japan: Unforgettable Accommodations for Your Journey

Welcome, I will be your ultimate guide to discovering the best of Japan for first-time travelers.

As an experienced traveler who has visited Japan numerous times, I am excited to share my insider knowledge and expert tips with you to help you plan an unforgettable trip to this fascinating country. 

Japan is a unique blend of old traditions and modern technology, with a vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, explore the ancient temples of Kyoto, or soak in a hot spring in Hakone, I got you covered. From must-see attractions to hidden gems, we will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your time in Japan. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

For even more in-depth guides, insider tips on hidden gems, local experiences, and where to find the best food be sure to check out my other guides, or contact me for personalized travel guides.

Please leave a review on my guide here!

Japan Travel Made Easy: One-Stop Guide for First-Timers

Do you feel like your travel experience in Japan is being hindered by an unexpected guest that you just can't seem to shake off? No, not a travel companion, but rather a lack of bowel movement?
Don't worry, you're not alone. Many travelers experience constipation while exploring a new country, and Japan is no exception. But fear not, with this guide, you can unblock your travel experience and make the most out of your time in Japan. 

So put down that Imodium and let's talk about how to overcome your travel constipation in Japan.

Unblocking Your Japan Travel Experience: Tips for Overcoming Travel Constipation

Detailed day trips in Tokyo, if you want to escape the urban city.
This trip will be a low budget trip, and mainly filled with scenic views + food

Anything in this guide I have put in here, would not include anything I personally wouldn't do/try. If you have any special requests for consultation, custom guides. Click on the "Available for Hire" Located right under my name

Hitachi Seaside Park, Mawatari, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan

Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan

[Day Trip]Tokyo Beyond the Core: A Memorable Day Trip Exploring Hitachi Seaside Park

teamLab Planets is a museum where you walk through water. It consists of 4 vast exhibition spaces with 7 disti…

teamLab Planets TOKYO | teamLab / チームラボ

teamLab Planets TOKYO

https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/

One day Tour with Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky

Tokyo Joypolis

異次元の、エンタメ体験を。日本最大×東京タワー × esports新体験それは、年齢も性別も超えた誰もが365日遊びつくせる、かつてないスケールのesportsパーク。

RED° TOKYO TOWER OFFICIAL WEBSITE | 異次元の、エンタメ体験を。

RED° TOKYO TOWER

Osaka Castle

This shopping mall is an oasis in the city where people can enjoy trees and flowers while browsing boutiques.

Namba Parks

Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori (Onsen)


Bills

Bills Omotesando
 

Okonomiyaki Mizuno – a Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking restaurant in the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Japan. The MICHELIN inspectors’ point of view, information on prices, types of cuisine and opening hours on the MICHELIN Guide's official website

Okonomiyaki Mizuno – Osaka - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant

Okonomiyaki Mizuno

JapaneseSobaNoodles 蔦オフィシャルサイト。自然の食材の本来の美味しさを引き出した日本が誇る日本人らしいラーメンを世界中に伝えています。
「ミシュランガイド東京2016」ラーメン部門にて、世界初のミシュラン一つ星を獲得。

Japanese Soba Noodles tsuta | Japanese soba noodles 蔦 | 日本

Tsuta

Kiwamiya

Jikasei MENSHO

Sosakumenkobo NAKIRYU

Welcome to the official website of TOKYO SKYTREE, the world's tallest tower at 634 meters. You can find the latest information about TOKYO SKYTREE and past events held at the site here.

TOKYO SKYTREE

Tokyo Skytree

Super Nintendo World

Kyūbey

Booking for Sushi Shin Tokyo

Sushi Shin

Yogurt Four SeasonsCheck out the information about Sweets restaurants in Ginza at Tabelog! It's full of real information like reviews, ratings, and photos posted by users! It also has enough detailed information like maps and menus.

Yogurt Four Seasons - Ginza/Sweets [Tabelog]

Yogurt Four Seasons

『さつまいもの常識を覆す、衝撃の一品を。』COEDO HACHIは江戸時代よりさつまいもの産地として有名な埼玉県川越市で生まれました。こだわりのさつまいもを2ヶ月熟成、その後壺焼きでじっくり丁寧に焼き上げています。

COEDO HACHI | 焼き芋ブリュレ

Coedo Hachi 

Koko Hotel Tsukiji Ginza

Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou

ALT STAY Azabudai

Tokyo is not exactly flushed with breakfast places open as early as 8am, so when you find one – especially one as special as Tsumugi – it’s worth relishing. Loc

Get an 18-course Buddhist breakfast at the modern café in Tsukiji Hongwanji temple

Tsumugi

Photo: ろってぃ Photo: うどんが主食 Photo: うどんが主食 Photo: マミ姉 Photo: 玉かずら Photo: *あんこ* An extraordinary bakery for the bread called "Shokupan" for to-go, which is basically a plain bread you often use for sandwiches or having it toasted. You usually don't eat it as is, right? Well, you'll absolutely be shocked…

CENTRE THE BAKERY - TokyoDiningOut

Centre The Bakery

https://twitter.com/milkosawa

Milk Shop Luck Akihabara

BistroMasa（ビストロマサ）お箸で食べられる気軽で隠れ家フレンチビストロ 豊洲から直接仕入れた魚介や厳選したお肉、野菜。 こだわりの詰まった食材を使い、でおもてなしさせて頂きます。ナチュラルワインを中心に取り揃えております。

Bistro Masa公式サイト | 築地 | ビストロマサ | ビストロ | ナチュラルワイン | お箸で食べられる |  フレンチビストロ | 中央区

築地BistroMasa (ビストロマサ) ×ナチュラルワイン×クラフトジン×和食器

Kobe Croquette

あっちち HAPPY DAYうた：吉野 悦世作詞・作曲：たかおかまりこ

acchichi HAPPY DAY Osaka Takoyaki SONG

Acchichi Honpo Dotonbori

Pasta de Pasta 阪急三番街店

https://yorkys-creperie.com/

ヨーキーズクレープリー

発酵CALPIS PARLOR

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g298566-d6065637-Reviews-Hakodate_Kantaro_Grand_Front_Osaka-Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Hakodate Gourmet-kaitenzushi Kantaro Grand Front Osaka

Grand Front Osaka

Myochi-in Temple

lotus lake

Tenryu-ji

Katsura River

One of the best ways to enjoy Kyoto's natural scenery is to take a short train trip to the neighboring city of Kameoka and board the Hozugawa Kudari boat ride to Arashiyama!

Hozugawa River Boat Ride | Discover Kyoto

Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)

Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area

鉄板で串を焼く『鉄板創作串料理』、リピーター率100％の鉄板創作串料理 鉄板神社 総本店。

総本店 | 難波・道頓堀・北新地で鉄板焼きなら｜鉄板神社

Teppan-jinja Sennichimae

こちらは和幸のとんかつ和幸匠庵伊勢丹新宿店のページです。

とんかつ和幸匠庵伊勢丹新宿店｜とんかつ 和幸

Tonkatsu Wako Takuan Isetan Shinjuku

HITACHI SEASIDE PARK – 国営ひたち海浜公園

Hitachi Seaside Park

Chabara: Akihabara

CHABARA

We kneaded sweet potatoes from Kawagoe into the pudding dough to create a rich potato pudding.By adding dice-cut potatoes, you can enjoy the texture of fluffy potatoes in addition to the texture of thick pudding.

Kawagoe Pudding (Kawagoe Imo) | Kawagoe Specialty | Koedo Kawagoe Web | Koedo Kawagoe Tourism Association

Kawagoe Pudding

Bromagee

The stunning cherry blossoms on Shingashi River. Take a boat ride under the sakura, witness the river of pink and sakura light up...

Shingashi River Cherry Blossoms

Shingashi Riverbank Cherry Blossoms

bills Odaiba

bills Ginza

Odaiba Beach

Ochazuke is a Japanese dish that is not well-known in the west despite being very simple – it’s basically just tea over rice, with various ingredients added. This dish is a staple of the average Japanese diet, and is known as a light, home-cooked meal. Try it at Dashi Chazuke En Shinjuku restaurant!

Try Ochazuke at Dashi Chazuke En in Shinjuku! - Shinjuku Guide

Dashi Chazuke En

En Dashi Ochazuke Lumine Shinjuku

Kameido Shrine is dedicated to the god of scholarship, attracting nervous students of all ages praying to pass their exams. Bursting with pink plum trees in winter and purple wisteria in spring, it is no surprise this shrine was chosen as one of the '100 Famous Views of Edo'.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine | Travel Japan (Japan National Tourism Organization)

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

SOBAHOUSE KONJIKI HOTOTOGISU – a One MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop! restaurant in the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Japan. The MICHELIN inspectors’ point of view, information on prices, types of cuisine and opening hours on the MICHELIN Guide's official website

SOBAHOUSE KONJIKI HOTOTOGISU – Tokyo - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant

Soba House Konjiki-Hototogisu

Sembikiya-Sohonten, Ltd.

Sembikiya-Sohonten Shinjuku Isetan

世界最大級の水族館・海遊館に隣接する「天保山マーケットプレース」では、大阪名物グルメやおみやげ、レゴランド®やふれあい動物園など、一日中お楽しみいただけます！

総合レジャースポット「天保山マーケットプレース」

Tempozan Market Place

Universal Citywalk Osaka

HEP FIVE is an integrated mall in the middle of Umeda, Osaka, marked by a red Ferris wheel with a 75-meter diameter. The stores showcase the latest fashions, attracting a trend-sensitive crowd of mainly young people. 

HEP FIVE | Premium Style in Osaka, Umeda Shopping

HEP FIVE

HERBIS Plaza Osaka

Takashimaya

Isetan Shinjuku

Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden

箕面公園（大阪府 箕面市）大阪府の箕面山周辺に位置する国定公園です。 日本の滝百選にも選ばれている美しい箕面滝など、見所がたくさん。イベント情報、散策マップ、よくある質問など、公園に関する様々な情報を提供しています。

箕面公園　公式サイト

Minoh Park

Tennoji Park

The park's athletic stadium is the venue for the Osaka International Ladies Marathon. A huge botanical garden and a museum are also among the many attractions of the park.

Nagai Park

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

Narisawa

teamLab Borderless

ZERO LATENCY VR

Mame Shiba Cafe

Hedgehog Cafe & Pet Store HARRY Harajuku

Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear

Lake Kawaguchi

Azabudai Hills

Kyo Yuba Kobo

Yogurt Four Seasons（ヨーグルト フォーシーズンズ）は、鳥取県産の生乳を使った自家製ヨーグルトに、季節の果実を取り入れた華やかなフルーツヨーグルト、スイーツをお届けします。毎日の朝食や昼のデザート、夜のちょっとしたご褒美として、おいしくヘルシーなヨーグルトをお楽しみください。

Japan Travel Guide Made Easy (Luxe): Local and Luxurious

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