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Sip, Savor & Stay: Japan

Another Request for PTO
A Travelers Guide to Coffee Shops, Restaurants and Hotels in Tokyo, Hakone Kyoto & Osaka.
Updated 22d ago
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Tokyo

Hotels

Toyoko Inn Tokyo Nihombashi Bakurocho
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Toyoko Inn Tokyo Nihombashi Bakuwrocho is located in Tokyo's Chuo district just a short walk from multiple subway and train stations. It offers travelers a blend of affordability, convenience, Wi-Fi, and mini fridges. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet.
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Sakura Hotel Jimbocho
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Category - Budget Located in Tokyo's Chiyoda district, Sakura Hotel Jimbocho offers budget friendly accommodations just a 2-minute walk from Jimbocho Station. Guests can choose from private rooms or dormitory style lodging, catering to both solo travelers and groups. There is also a 24-hour cafe providing a convenient dining option.
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi
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This hotel is conveniently situated a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station's Yaesu Central Exit, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. Guests can enjoy on-site dining options and easy access to nearby shopping districts like Ginza.
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Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
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Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo is a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Station's Yaesu North Exit. The hotel offers a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comforts. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant, which offers panoramic city views.
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Coffee/Cafes

Fuglen Tokyo
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Nestled in Tokyo's Shibuya district, Fuglen is a Scandanavian inspired coffee shop. At night it transforms into a cocktail bar.
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CAFE REISSUE
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Cafe Reissue is known for it's latte art, you can request personalized designs, making each cup a unique experience.
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Little Nap Coffee Stand
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Little Nap is known for its quality coffee and pastries, it's ideal for a quick coffee and pastry break near Yoyogi Park.
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Restaurants

Yakiniku Ponga Meguro
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This restaurant was a delight! We attended for team dinner and enjoyed being able to participate in an authentic Japanese barbecue experience. Offering premium A5-grade Kuroge Wagyu beef and other fresh ingredients such a vegetables and rice as accompaniments. Cozy atmosphere and attentive service. Located in Tokyo's Meguro district.
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Kimukatsu
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Great Katsu, with many options. I was actually surprised at the number of Katsu dishes and the quality of the rice, fries and salad that we almost filled up on!
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Hiroichi
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My go to spot for lunch while working for the week in the area. Affordable prices, and high quality. Pricing made it easy to experience multiple dishes without breaking the bank.
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Tenkaippin - Ikejiri
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Located in the Meguro area, Tenkaippan is known for its rich and thick chicken-based broth ramen which was honestly the best I've ever had. It's also a favorite among locals. This place offers a hearty meal for those craving robust ramen dishes!
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Bếp việt
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Great lunch spot near Kappabashi (Kitchen Street) offering traditional Vietnamese pho, banh mi and other favs!
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Cantonese cuisine Ryutenmon
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Upscale dining experience located in the Westin Hotel, Ryutenmon specializes in Cantonese cuisine - the food wasn't bad, but a bit pricey for what you get.
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Rue Favart
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Delectable French desserts in a Parisian inspired cafe. There's definitely something to satisfy your sweet tooth and delight your taste buds here.
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Hakone

Hotels

Mount View Hakone
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Mount View Hakone is a traditional Japanese ryokan renowned for it's milky-white spring baths. Guests can choose between public and private open-air baths to relax. The ryotan offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and futon bedding providing an authentic cultural experience.
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K's House Hakone
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15-minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station, K's House Hakone- is a fully renovated four story hostel, featuring an outdoor onsen (natural hot spring) bath. Guests can choose between Japanese-style private rooms and capsule-style dormitory beds, making it suitable for both individual travelers and groups.
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Hakone Yutowa
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Located 5-minutes from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Yutowa is a modern Japanese hotel offering two styles of guest rooms: traditional hotel rooms and condos. There is also an on-site restaurant.
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Odakyu Hotel de Yama
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Located on the shores of Lake Ashi, this upscale resort offers panoramic views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. There are also hot springs and two restaurants on site.
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Coffee/Cafes

COFFEE CAMP
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Great place to get coffee and the open-faced sandwiches were highly recommended!
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Cafe Fika Hakone
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Top recommended shop for coffee in Hakone. Everything is homemade and made in small batches. A perfect way to relax, enjoy a good meal and enjoy the surroundings.
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Café Ryusenkei
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Great place to start the day. Conveniently located on the way to the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
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Restaurants

HAKONE PICNIC
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Great Taiwanese restaurant in Hakone. Great flavors, many options, highly recommend!
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GORA BREWERY&GRILL
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This restaurant offers Japanese dishes alongside traditional options like fish and chips. Also features award winning craft beer.
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Gyoza Center
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Located in Hakone-machi, the menu offers a range of delicious gyoza (Japanese dumplings).
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Kyoto

Hotels

Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
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Located near Kyoto Station, Rihga Hotel Kyoto offers a blend of traditional elegance and modern amenities. The hotel boasts six restaurants including Kyoto's only revolving restaurant. You can find Japanese, Western and Chinese cuisine.
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Hotel Keihan Kyōto Ekiminami
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Located across the street from the JR Kyoto Station's Hachijoguchi Exit. The hotel features no frill rooms, a breakfast buffet and Wi-Fi. This location can't be beat for convenience!
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Cross Hotel Kyoto
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Cross Hotel provides easy access to popular areas such Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market. The hotel has modern rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi and premium bedding.
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Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier
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Situated near the Kamogawa River, this hotel offers a tranquil retreat in the center of Kyoto. Guests can relax in the indoor public bath and enjoy amenities such as laundry facilities and an on-site restaurant.
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Coffee/Cafes

% ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama
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Internationally acclaimed coffee brand known for its minimalist design and high-quality coffee.
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Walden Woods Kyoto
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Located near Kyoto Station, Walden Woods is inspired by Henry David Thoreau's "Walden". Enjoy your coffee in the serenity of the white-themed coffee shop.
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cité coffee roastery & vintage
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Cite Coffee Roasters is known for its artisan coffee offerings and commitment to quality.
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Restaurants

Kikyo Sushi
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Family-run restaurant serving sushi for over 60 years. I am not a sushi aficionado, but my travel companions praised the high-quality fish and seafood, noting the creamy texture and freshness of the dishes. The staff was also proficient in English, making it enjoyable for all!
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551 Horai JR Kyoto Isetan Store
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Chain restaurant located in Kyoto Station known for it's quick and tasty Chinese steamed buns, shumai dumplings and gyoza. Convenient access and small portions if you want to have a quick bite!
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Teppan-yaki Gozanbo
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Luxurious dining experience in the Hotel Granvia offering panoramic city views. Specializing in teppanyaki, they had amazing Wagyu beef. Definitely a memorable dining experience. Recommended by a local tour guide.
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Kyoto Ramen Koji
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A ramen lover's paradise, featuring a collection of ramen shops from across Japan, each offering unique style and flavors. Ramen Koji (Ramen street) was highly recommended by the locals when we inquired about ramen.
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Osaka

Hotels

Hotel new Hankyu Osaka Annex
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Located in Osaka's Umeda district, this hotel offers convenient access to the shopping area, train and subway stations. While the rooms are compact, the location can't be beat!
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Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama
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Located near Kitahama Station, providing easy access to the city's attractions. Spacious rooms (by Japanese standards) with modern amenities.
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Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
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This hotel features a 24-hour fitness center, a terrace and garden. Centrally located in Osaka, making it a convenient base for travelers looking to explore the city.
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
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Clean, spacious rooms with a top floor communal bath offering relaxation and city views. Modern amenities conveniently located in the Umeda area.
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Coffee/Cafes

CAFE TALES
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Beans imported from Colombia roasted by renowned roasters from the Kansai region = really good coffee!
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LiLo Coffee KISSA
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Must visit for coffee enthusiasts. The cafe offers a variety of espresso and coffee drinks. The lattes are highly recommended.
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Brooklyn Roasting Company Namba
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Good coffee, good vibes and good cinnamon rolls!
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Convenience Culture

Japan's convenience stores, 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are more than just  quick stop. Whether you need a fresh onigiri for breakfast, a hot coffee on the go, or a late-night snack, these konbini (convenience stores) have you covered. Grab a sandwich, bento box, or even matcha-flavored treats without breaking the bank. They also offer ATMs for international cards, travel-size essentials, and seasonal specialties you won't find anywhere else. A must-visit, even if just for the famous egg-sandwich.

Japan's vending machines (jidouhanbaiki) are a traveler's dream- offering everything from hot and cold drinks to snacks, ice cream and even ramen at the push of a button. Whether you need a quick energy boost with a canned coffee, a bottle of refreshing green tea or a warm corn soup in the winter, these machines are everywhere - train stations, street corners, even hidden alleyways. Keep some coins handy, and don't be surprised if you find something unexpected like a fresh banana or a toy souvenir!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Another Request for PTO
Hi, I’m Maria! A passionate traveler who has seen 30+ countries and counting! Why I Travel & What I Share My love for travel has fueled my mission: to make exploring the world accessible, and affordable for everyone. I provide insider tips, practical strategies, and advice to help you travel smarter. Destinations I Know Well I hold particular interest and expertise in Europe offering hands-on knowledge of Europe’s diverse cultures and hidden gems. I'm drawn to the diversity Asia has to offer and can help guide you through Asia’s rich tapestry of destinations, ensuring authentic and immersive experiences. Travel Your Way I've explored travel styles, from solo and couples’ retreats to girls’, budget-friendly , and splurge-worthy vacations. My personal approach to travel is immersing myself in new places and seeing as much as possible while maintaining a meaningful connection to each destination. The information I share is designed to give you the benefit of my experiences with the flexibility to customize, prioritize experiences, budget wisely, and tailor your trips based on your interests, creating a travel experience all your own. Travel Smarter I plan each itinerary with the research and attention to detail as if it were my own (as many are)! I offer budget-saving advice, and destination comparisons, making it easier to travel well without breaking the bank. In essence, helping you make the most of every trip. Beyond the Tourist Hot-Spots I seek out World Heritage Sites, and modern wonders. I’m always on the lookout for unique experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. To keep my advice relevant and up to date, I stay informed on the latest travel trends, safety protocols, and destination updates so you don’t have to. Join the Journey! Subscribe to this page, your go-to resource for all things travels from destination guides and budget strategies to personalized travel advice. Let’s explore the world together, one adventure at a time!
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