A visit to Japan offers rich history and culture as well as blend of modern and traditional with wonderful food, sights, and people. I lived there for 12+ years and offer travel recommendations with friends and family who plan to visit! This introductory guide is especially helpful for first time visitors to Tokyo... and beyond.
Japan is an archipelago of over 14,000 islands of which approximately 260 are inhabited. Japan's four major islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku.
Read on for information about when to visit, where to stay, and sights to see in Tokyo as well as ideas for other places to visit, foods to try, and useful Japanese travel phrases.
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🌞When to Visit
Much of Japan has four distinct seasons, with mild winters on mainland Honshu. The northernmost island of Hokkaido is much colder, while the southern islands of Okinawa has more tropical weather.
No matter when you choose to visit, there is plenty do do. Spring is very pretty and has generally good weather, but keep in mind that it can be busy due to cherry blossom season in March/April as well as Golden Week or Ōgon Shūkan (黄金週間) in late April to early May when many people take vacation over the holidays. The fall season is also pleasant with vibrant fall colors. For those interested in winter travel, Japan offers skiing and festivals that make the mos tof the season. Finally, summer is warm and humid, with opportunity to relax at the beach and even climb Mt. Fuji!
There are two international airports in Tokyo - Narita and Haneda. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, both require about an hour of transit to get to the heart of the city. Generally speaking, Narita offers links to more international flights while Haneda offers more domestic connections. Ultimately, ticket prices and your travel itinerary (e.g transiting through or staying in Tokyo) may dictate your choice of airport.
To get to the city center by rail, take the Tokyo Monorail/Yamanote line.
Tip: Check out the "Japan old city" inside Terminal 3 and the Sakura Lounge for food options.
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🚉Japan Railway Lines
The Japan Railways is the major Japanese train line that covers much of Japan. In the Tokyo area, the JR Yamanote Line (山手線, Yamanote-sen) is is a circular line that connects Tokyo's major city centers. A trip around the whole circle takes approximately one hour, with departures about every two to four minutes in each direction.
For more information visit the JR Yamanote Line website - https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/yamanote-line
You can also read more about each of the main stops - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2370.html
There are also several private railway lines, such as Tobu, Odakyu, and Tokyuu in the Tokyo area.
For more information about Japanese Trains - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2019.html
If you're planning to ride the train/subway, there are several helpful English language apps. While HyperDia used to be the best, they stooped offering their frequent timetable updates in 2022 so it is a more general-use tools. I've listed a few alternatives below (NaviTime and JNTO ), but I have not used them (yet) in Japan.
While you can take domestic flights from Tokyo to other areas in Japan such as the Kansai region, a ride on the Shinkansen Bullet Train offers a fast and convenient option, traveling 200-275mph! For example, the trip between Kyoto and Osaka is anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes depending on whether you take a regular train or express service.
There are 9 different Shinkansen (新幹線 - meaning "new main line") that travel across Japan and 4 different classes of service: 1) non-reserved; 2) reserved seats; 3) Green class; and 4) Gran class. All classes offer free wi-fi, and snacks are available for purchase from vendor carts.
I recommend purchasing lunch from the train station (called Ekiben - combining the Japanese word for station (eki) with ben for bento (or “lunchbox”). They are delicious!
The currency in Japan is the yen (¥, 円), and while credit cards are accepted, Japan remains a cash-based society. I suggest you have about ¥10,000 per day in spending money. Yen denominations are 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen in paper bills, and 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, and 500 yen in coins.
Tip: It might be helpful to carry a coin pursue while traveling in Japan. You can easily purchase one as a nice and useful souvenir as well!
Located in Shinjuku (referenced in the movie Lost in Translation).
Tip: Check out the New York Bar on the 52nd floor for expertly made cocktails with a view.
Highly rated luxury hotel located at Roppongi Hills. (Note: Roppongi Hills is a high-end development complex, while the nearby Roppongi area is a crowded nightlife district.
Located near the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Opened in 1962, it was refurbished in 2019. It has hosted numerous dignitaries, from U.S. President Ford in 1974 and President Obama in 2009 to Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Located at Yebisu Garden Place shopping complex and Yebisu Beer Museum (Note: The Museum of Yebisu Beer is currently closed for renovation. It is expected to reopen around late 2023.)
Located in Tokyo's business district, Tokyo's Central Business District, this sleek hotel is a 4-min walk from the Onarimon subway station, a 10-min walk to Hamamatsucho station which is only 3 stops from central Tokyo, and an 11-min walk from the landmark Tokyo Tower.
It offers simple rooms with a refined restaurant and a swanky bar.
Tip: Check out the Beer Tornado Dispenser from Asahi. It fills up a beer glass from the bottom and then illuminates it!
A solid option for families looking for larger apartment-style accommodations.
Note: YouTube Top Flight Family (https://www.topflightfamily.com/) stayed there based on recommendation from Hangry by Nature (https://www.hangrybynature.com/).
Available to military I.D. card holders and guests, this hotel is situated in a convenient location and boasts many activities and services.
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Note: The majority of Tokyo hotels listed above are modern establishments.
For those seeking a more traditional experience in Japan, check out the Japan Classic Hotel Association (https://jcha.jp/) as well as information about Ryokan, which are Japanese-style inns found throughout the country, especially in hot spring resorts. For more information, see the links below:
In 2018, the inner Tsukiji Fish market (with the early morning fish auctions) relocated to Toyosu, but the outer market remains on site with plenty of restaurants, shops, and fish!
Due to the time change, you will likely be up very early in the morning, so this is an excellent option for to enjoy... be sure to have some delicious sushi for breakfast!
Tip: A unique souvenir is a woven rectangular fish basket (referred to as Tsukiji basket - 手付竹篭).
Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. One of my favorite places in Tokyo, Asakusa and Sensoji temple offers lovely sightseeing as well as the Nakamise shopping street.
Note: You may see people blowing smoke onto their faces and inhaling - it is a form of blessing and good fortune.
Tip: you can enjoy a Sumida River cruise from Asakusa via link below for TOKYO CRUISE (also view the route map - https://www.suijobus.co.jp/en/cruise/asakusa/)
You can cruise the Sumida River from Asakusa to Odaiba.
https://www.suijobus.co.jp/en/
https://www.suijobus.co.jp/en/cruise/asakusa/
You will likely see The Flamme d’Or or the Golden Flame (better known as the "Golden Poo") atop the Asahi Super Dry Beer Hall building on the east bank of the Sumida River. Apparently the flame was originally supposed to stand upright but due to complaints of the structure blocking the sun and view from other buildings it was put in place on its side.
You can visit the Asahi Beer Hall building's 22nd floor and enjoy a nice cold glass of beer and some food while enjoying the views. My favorite is Asahi Black Beer.
Shibuya Sky offers views of Tokyo at this 360° open-air observation deck at the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. There is The ‘Sky Edge’ corner, where you can look down unobstructed at the cityscape below. Make sure to buy advanced tickets online as they are often sold out the day of.
For more information and tickets visit - https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com.e.apy.hp.transer.com/sky/ticket/
An observatory located at the top of a high-rise in the upscale Roppongi Hills shopping area. Nice views of the expanse of Tokyo as well as Tokyo tower, and plenty of shopping and dining in the mall.
Tip: For a free option, check out the South Observation Deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku - https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/offices/observat.html
This massive crossing is cool to visit, with flashing screens, lots of shops, and a mix of tourists and workers (suited "salarymen") on every corner.
Tip: For a view from above, go to the Shibuya Scramble Square tower above Shibuya rail station, along with panoramic vistas of the city from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory.
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken.
Omotesando (表参道) is a pedestrian-friendly street stretching from the Meiji Shrine in Harajuku to Aoyama in Tokyo. Dubbed Tokyo's Champs-Élysées, this tree-lined boulevard is a luxury and boutique shopping destination, housed with major fashion brands' flagship stores
Near Meiji Jingu is Harajuku, a trendy and fun neighborhood with colorful shops and a youthful vibe! You can try everything from a cat cafe to rainbow cotton candy and see many young people dressed in costume.
Tip: Try the crunchy stick-shaped cream puffs at Croquant Chou Zakuzaku.
Standing 333 meters high in the center of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower (東京タワー) is the world's tallest, self-supported steel tower and 3 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower.
For more information, visit the official website - https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/
A new mini city in Tokyo offering views of Tokyo Tower from its Mori JP Tower (now the tallest building in Japan). Check out the restaurant where you can dine in your own private room, as well as the incredible "grocery store" in the basement! IYKYK
Animate Ikebukuro is the world's largest anime store. It's located just a 5-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station on the JR Yamanote line.
For more information visit the official website -
https://ex.animate.co.jp/shop/ikebukuro/
Yes, this is a modern shopping area. But it also has a Yebisu restaurant and beer museum (Note: The Museum of Yebisu Beer is currently closed for renovation. It is expected to reopen around late 2023.)
Located just off Ebisu Station on the JR Yamanote train line (also spelled Yebisu), it is worth a stop for lunch and shopping.
Note: The Westin Tokyo is located here and offers a nice spot for overnight stay or evening cocktails.
Tip: Head to the basement of the Mitsukoshi Department Store for a large food hall and groceries!
Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It was founded by Emperor Meiji in June 1869 and commemorates those who died in service of Japan, including 1,068 war criminals who were convicted of war crimes (with 14 who were tried by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, following World War II.
Some consider Yasukuni Shrine to be an example of the "nationalist, revisionist and unapologetic approach Japan has taken towards its conduct during World War II."
I have fond childhood memories of field trips to the zoo/gardens. The zoo has had pandas since the first pair were donated in 1972 as a gesture of friendship from China to Japan. The current pair of pandas are a male called Ri Ri, and a female called Shin Shin, which arrived at the zoo in 2011.
The Ueno Zoological Gardens is host to several museums as well, including the Tokyo National Museum with the largest collection of Japan’s important cultural properties dating back to antiquity, the UNESCO National Museum of Western Art with an impressive collection (art by Rubens, Pollock, Rodin and Monet), a well as the interactive National Museum of Nature and Science.
Located in suburban Shinjuku, this museum is completely devoted to the works of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, including an installation of her “infinity room” series (very Instagrammable).
Tip: Make sure to visit the restroom and/or the elevator!
*Temporarily Closed* The Edo-Tokyo Museum (江戸東京博物館, Edo Tōkyō Hakubutsukan) is housed in a unique looking building in the Ryogoku district. It features city models of Edo and Tokyo between 1590 and 1964 and offers a nice rainy-ay option. Closed for renovation until 2025.
Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It’s also known for formal traditions such as kaiseki dining, consisting of multiple courses of precise dishes, and geisha, female entertainers often found in the Gion district.
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
For more information visit the official website - https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/
Fushimi Inari Shrine is an ancient shrine where bold red torii gates weave their way into the foothills of Kyoto's Higashiyama Mountains. It is the most important one of several thousand Japanese shrines devoted to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, grain, abundant crops, success in business, and fortune.
Set aside 2-3 hours in total to do the hike all the way to the top of Fushimi Inari and all the way down again.Fushimi Inari Shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station, the second station from Kyoto Station along the JR Nara Line.
For more information visit the official website - http://inari.jp/en/
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto's most famous and most scenic temples. It's well known for its wooden veranda which offers expansive views of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera means “Pure Water Temple” and it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For more information visit their official website - https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
The Ryoanji Temple Rock Garden is one of Kyoto's most famous gardens and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For more information visit the official website - http://www.ryoanji.jp/smph/eng/
The Heian-jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The Shrine is ranked as a Beppyō Jinja by the Association of Shinto Shrines and is listed as an important cultural property of Japan.
For more information visit the official website - https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/english/english.html
Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
To get there from From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and transfer to the Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station.
For more information, see https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3918.html
Visit the official website - https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en
Absolutely stunning! Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
It's worth walking up to see it from the outside, but if you're not keen on a too-modern reconstruction, skip a visit inside and spend more time in the park.
For more information visit the official website - https://www.osakacastle.net/
Lively area in Osaka known for street food and vibrant night life.
For more information see:
~ https://www.osakastation.com/dotonbori-area-the-bright-heart-of-osaka/
~ https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2207/
~ https://www.savoredjourneys.com/dotonbori-osaka-a-street-food-lovers-paradise/
Thousands of people climb Mt. Fuji every year, and the climbing season usually spans July - September. For climbing information visit the official Mt. Fuji website: https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/For_every_climbers.html.
For general information visit https://www.japan.travel/en/fuji-guide/
Alternatively, you can take the train to the 5th Station on Mt. Fuji for views of the mountain and the Five Lakes Region below.
To get to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (富士スバルライン五合目, Fuji Subaru Line Gogōme), you can travel by bus between the Busta Shinjuku bus terminal in Tokyo and the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station from spring to autumn (see Bus Timetable - https://www.japan-guide.com/bus/fuji_season.html). You can also travel via taxi or rental car, or arrange a tour to visit the site.
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For accommodations near Mt. Fuji, you might consider the following options:
Located in the western outskirts of Tokyo, Showa Memorial Park (昭和記念公園, Shōwa Kinen Kōen) is a park in the city of Tachikawa, 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train.
It is a lovely (and large) park that is especially nice for Spring flowers and Fall foliage. They also offer decorative illuminations in the Winter during the holiday season.
For the best way to get around this large park, you can rent a bike on site.
To get here, take the The JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku station to Nishi-Tachikawa Station (40 minutes, 490 yen one way.
Visit the port city of Yokohama (横浜), which is the second largest city in Japan. You can easily get there by rail from Tokyo in about 20 minutes (for options, see https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2360.html).
There are many sights to visit, including
Yamashita Koen park (山下公園) and Sankeien Garden (三溪園), as well as the seaside urban area of Minato Mirai 21 (みなとみらい 21), the Cup Noodle Museum, Ramen Museum, and Japan's largest Chinatown!
~ Yamashita Koen - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3204.html
~ Sankeien Garden - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3205.html
~ Minato Mirai - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3200.html
~ Cup Noodle Museum - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3212.html
~ Ramen Museum - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3202.html
~ Chinatown - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3201.html
The journey out to see the Kamakura Great Buddha (Daibutusu 鎌倉大仏) takes less than an hour and is well worth the journey.
Taking the JR Yokosuka Line is the fastest and simplest method to reach Kamakura. It goes directly to Kamakura Station from Tokyo Station. The ride costs 940 yen one-way and the ride takes around 57 minutes. You can take the same train from Shinagawa Station for 730 yen.
Tip: Nearby is the Hasedara (長谷寺) Temple (https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3101.html), as well as Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches (see https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3109.html)
A visit to both the Peace Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers important opportunities to reflect upon the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 and view of the Atomic Bomb Dome across the gardens and memorials.
When I visited, I arranged for an opportunity to meet with an atomic bomb survivor (hibakusha - 被爆者 (hi 被 "affected" + baku 爆 "bomb" + sha 者 "person"); a heartful and impactful experience. I was able to sit with and listen to a sobering account of the atomic bombing, along with a personal narrative of how lives are changed forever.
For more information:
~ Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Testimony of Hibakusha - https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/un/disarmament/arms/testimony_of_hibakusha/
~ Hiroshima for Global Peace - https://hiroshimaforpeace.com/en/an-interactive-online-forum-to-talk-to-atomic-bomb-survivors/
~ International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) - https://www.icanw.org/hiroshima_and_nagasaki_bombings
~ Hibakusha Stories - https://hibakushastories.org/who-are-the-hibakusha/
~ United Nations Disarmament Education - https://education.unoda.org/presentations/hibakusha.html
Also known as Miyajima, this small island in Hiroshima Bay is accessible by ferry boat. Known for its forests and ancient temples(and deer), the large orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. Nearby, the Museum of History and Folklore has cultural artifacts in a 19th-century merchant's home.
From Hiroshima Station to the ferry port, you can take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, 420 yen one way, covered by the Japan Rail Pass). From Miyajimaguchi Station, it is a short walk to the ferry pier, from where ferries depart frequently for Miyajima. There are two competing ferry companies operating from this port: JR and Matsudai. Both companies' ferry rides take 10 minutes and both cost 180 yen one way (200 yen from October 2023).
Another option is to travel by boat from Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima (45 minutes, 2200 yen one way, 4000 yen round trip, 1-2 connections/hour) and with Hiroshima Port (30 minutes, 1900 yen one way, 6-8 round trips per day).
For more details, visit - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3454.html
Nikkō (日光) is a lovely day trip or overnight getaway. Perfect for a quieter experience and located in the mountains and close to nature, the area is especially beautiful in Autumn.
The trip takes about 2 hours from Tokyo from the Tobu Asakusa Station, which can be accessed by subway (Ginza and Asakusa subway lines). A slightly more expensive option is to take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen (from Tokyo or Ueno Station) to Utsunomiya Station and transfer to the JR Nikko Line.
Once there, Nikko's famous shrines and temples are all clustered around in one area. You can walk about 30 minutes from the train station or take buses headed in the direction of Lake Chuzenji. Other sights include Kegon Falls and the Nikkō Botanical Garden.
For more information visit https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3805.html
Enjoy skiing at Nagano, which was the site of the 1998 winter Olympics (as well as the 2026 winter Olympics).
Travel from Tokyo to the Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort by train or bus.
Tokyo and Nagano are connected with each other by the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The one way trip takes 80-100 minutes, costs about 8,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass. There are multiple trains per hour.
Alternatively, take the ski bus or train, which are cheaper but takes around 5 hours for the trip.
For more information visit https://www.skihakuba.com/directions-from-tokyo.htm
This is the northernmost island in Japan, and it has a very different history from mainland Japan (Honshu), having maintained its Jomon culture of hunting and fishing until about 2,000 years ago, which was followed by the aboriginal Ainu culture. Now a largely agriculture-based society, the planned crisscrossing roads are easy to navigate. Its capitol Sapporo is famous its namesake beer and the annual Snow Festival (see link below), as well as several ski resorts and hot springs.
You can learn a lot about a culture by sampling their foods! I've shared several of my favorites below.
For an overview, check out this article - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.html
🍣Sushi (寿司) & Sashimi (刺身)
Sushi is focused on the rice topped with raw (or cooked) ingredients added, while sashimi is thinly-sliced fish (or meat) served without rice. While both are now readily available outside of Japan, it's worth enjoying in Japan, especially at the Tsukiji or Toyosu Fish Market.
The quality of the seafood and presentation are incredible, and for a more casual experience, you can stop into one of the "conveyer belt" or "sushi train" restaurants called kaitenzushi (回転寿司)!
🍙Onigiri ((おにぎり- Japanese rice balls)
The humble Japanese rice ball onigiri is a staple in Japanese society. Children carry them to school for lunch, and they are readily available at convenience stores as well for those on the go. Even if (or especially if) you're unable to read the kanji characters to determine the fillings, it's fun to try and see what you get!
My favorite is shiozake (塩鮭 - salted salmon), but there are other varieties such as umeboshi (梅干し- pickled plum) and katsuobushi (鰹節 - dried bonito flakes made of shavings from preserved skipjack tuna), and more! More often than not, they come wrapped in seaweed for added flavor and for eating without getting your fingers sticky with rice!
To learn more, visit this story map created by my sister - https://nyuds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=4e6306e18f504a2ca78c0e242069e5c1
🍜Ramen (ラーメン)
There are different styles of ramen depending on which region of Japan you may find yourself, and they are of higher quality than than pre-packaged brands we buy at the grocery store!
The 4 main types of broth are: 1) shoyu - light soy sauce flavor; 2) shio - salt with chicken broth base; 3) miso - flavored with fermented soybean paste; and 4) tonkotsu - made with pork fat and bone broth.
Toppings include chashu roasted pork, bamboo shoots, scallions, bean sprouts, fish cake, and marinated boiled eggs.
To learn more, visit the Ramen Museum in Yokohama - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3202.html
🍛Tonkatsu (とんかつ)
Tokatsu, or "pork cutlet" are thick slices of pork that are breaded and deep fried, somewhat similar to German schnitzel. Served "as is" as a set meal (teishoku) with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup and pickles, you can also find it served over rice (katsudon), in a curry (katsu kare), or in tasty sandwiches at convenience stores (see below). While pork seems to be the most common, you can find chicken-katsu and ham-katsu as well.
🍤Tempura
You can order it as a separate appetizer or entree, or tempura may accompany ramen, udon noodles, or even sushi and rice balls!
Tempura is a typical Japanese dish that usually consists of seafood and vegetables that have been coated in a thin batter and deep fried. It's origins trace back to the Portuguese, who took peixinhos da horta – a dish of battered and fried green bean - to Japan in the 16th century.
🍢Yakitori ( 焼き鳥)
Yakitori are grilled chicken skewers made from bite sized pieces of meat from all different parts of the chicken, such as the breasts, thighs, skin, liver and other innards. Usually made to order and cooked over charcoal, yakitori is a popular, inexpensive dish commonly enjoyed together with a glass of beer at specialty restaurants, known as yakitori-ya, or at informal (and often very small) Japanese bars called izakaya.
Note: There are regional varieties as well, such as takoyaki (grilled octopus balls), which are very popular in the Osaka area. You can even find some with full baby octopus in front of Toki Toki Escape Cafe in Dotonbori Osaka!
🍂Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き- Japanese savory pancake)
An especially popular street food in Osaka and Hiroshima, the name of this dish translates to “grilled as you like it” – Okonomi (as you like it) Yaki (grill). Made with flour, eggs, tempura scraps (tenkasu), and cabbage, it's topped with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese "Kewpie" mayonnaise, dried seaweed, and dried bonito flakes, as well as your choice of protein or vegetables.
🌾Udon & Soba Noodles
Udon (うどん) are thick Japanese noodles made of wheat flour, while soba (そば) noodles are noodles made of buckwheat flour, roughly as thick as spaghetti. Both are prepared in various hot and cold dishes.
In the summertime, I enjoy Zaru Soba (ざる蕎麦), which is a traditional chilled noodle dish made from buckwheat flour and served with soy sauce-based dipping sauce called Tsuyu (つゆ).
For a unique spin on noodles, check out Oh My Dot in Shibuya, where you can create your own noodles with help from a robot chef! There are over 500 possible combinations of noodles, with customers choosing from 10 kinds of soup and three kinds of noodle. For details, visit - https://japantoday.com/category/features/food/oh-my-dot-create-your-own-noodles-with-the-help-of-a-robot-chef-in-tokyo-4
🍱Bento Box
The iconic Japanese bento box is filled with an assortment of delicacies tucked into a container and eaten in bite-size pieces. Often offered for lunch as set menus, they are also available "to go" at train stations and even in schools.
At higher end establishments ($$$), a more formal version is Kaiseki ryori (会席料理), a traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine.
🍰Bakeries & Desserts
Japanese cakes are less sweeter than American desserts and available by the slice as well as modestly-sized cakes. Intricately decorated for various seasons and occasions, my favorites are strawberry shortcake (very popular during the Christmas holiday due to its colors, along with KFC's red and white box lol) and chocolate or coffee-flavored cakes.
Other varieties of desserts include Castella (カステラ - originally fro Portugal where they call it Madeira cake), and Roll Cake (also called Swiss Cake) with different fillings available. Even the cakes at Starbucks in Japan are little works of art!
For fluffy breakfast pancakes (and more), check out Flippers (フリッパーズ) in Shibuya - https://www.flavorworks.co.jp/brand/flippers.html.
Another treat is something called Purin (プリン - Japanese Custard Pudding), which can be found in most convenience and grocery stores. While there are various jelly flavors, the classic Purin is a creme caramel custard flan; turn the cup upside down on a plate and pop the small tab - enjoy!
🍡Mochi (rice cakes)
Mochi (もち) rice cakes are made of glutinous rice and can be enjoyed plain with soy sauce, or filled with everything from sweet bean paste (Daifuku - 大福) or even ice cream!
By the way, speaking of bean paste, there is a wide variety of traditional sweets, or
Wagashi (和菓子) that are typically enjoyed in combination with a cup of green tea.
For pictures and to learn more, visit - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2312.html
🌿Convenience Stores (sandwiches, rice balls, and more)
The food offerings at convenience stores (affectionately called by Japanese people - konbini) are tasty and varied, with Lawson, 7-11, and FamilyMart being the largest chains. While that may sound odd, the quality is excellent!
You can find onigiri rice balls and a wide range of sandwiches as well as bento boxes and hot meals such as curry rice and oden or nabe (soup broth with a selection of seasonal vegetables and meats that you can choose to customize your meal).
My favorites are the shiozake (塩鮭 - salted salmon) Onigiri rice balls and either the breaded pork cutlet sandwich with Tonkatsu sauce, lettuce and mayonnaise or the egg salad sandwich (even the late Anthony Bourdain was a fan). For a sweet treat, they offer fruit-filled sandwiches as well (strawberry いちごサンド "ichigosando" with sweet cream filling in between between slices of Shokupan milk bread - yum!)
Check out the following article for pictures and descriptions - https://japlanease.com/japanese-convenience-store-sandwich/
☕Vending Machines
Japan is known for its ubiquitous vending machines selling both hot and cold drinks and a wide variety of foods and products. Very convenient and always well-stocked, try the different varieties of coffee as well as Karupisu (カルピス, or Calpico, a Japanese uncarbonated soft drink) and Pocari Sweat (electrolyte-enhanced water). Speaking of water (misu - (水, みず), if you see a drink with the water symbol, read carefully... there is a variety called water jelly (ゼリー) which offers minty water in a jelly consistency!
🍥Department Store Basements
Department stores (デパート, depāto) operate typically in buildings five to ten stories high. Many have restaurants on the top floor, and a basement food floor ((デパ地下, depāchika) )with a wide range of offerings.
Major department store chains that can be found across Japan include Isetan-Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya and Daimaru-Matsuzakaya.
🎎Basic Japanese Phrases
It is always helpful to learn a few phrases to help you get around places and make travel easier. Being "travel fluent" can also demonstrate good will and promote understanding of different cultures!
🌸 Hello - konnichiwa (こんにちは)
💮 Good morning - ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます)
🌸 Good evening - konbanwa (こんばんは)
💮 Nice to meet you - hajimemashite (はじめまして)
🌸 Please - onegaishimasu (お願いします)*
💮Yes/No - hai/iie (はい/いいえ)
🌸 Thank you - arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
💮 You're welcome - dou itashimashite (どういたしまして)
🌸 Excuse me/Sorry - sumimasen (すみません)
💮
Before eating, Japanese people say "itadakimasu," a polite phrase meaning "I receive this food" to give thanks to whoever worked to prepare the meal (いただきます)
🌸 Goodbye - sayounara (さようなら)
* Onegaishimasu is especially useful, as you can use it in a variety of contexts. For example, you can point to something and say it to indicate you request to have it, or indicate that they should go ahead and proceed with the action.
💎Tips & Etiquette
Tips for Travelers
~ Taxis have automatic doors that open when you approach which are very convenient, but watch out!
~ At airports and train stations, be mindful of space and avoid blocking traffic. Stand in line when queues are available, and stand to the left on escalators (to the right in Osaka).
~ Restrooms have two distinct types of toilets: Japanese-style (hole in the ground) and Western-style. Many Western-style toilets in Japan feature options such as a heated seat, a built-in shower and dryer for your behind and an automatic lid opener.
~ Note that many public restrooms do not provide toilet paper or paper towels. As such, I recommend carrying small tissue packs as well as a hand towel or handkerchief.
~ Try your best to avoid train stations during peak commutes. They can get extremely crowded, and there are even professional "pushers" to pack train cars!
~ Japanese trains are notoriously on time. In fact, you can almost set the time based on their punctuality!
~ When walking around Japan, look down at the manhole covers. Most are adorned with what the city is famous for... for example, covers in the city of Nara are adorned with deer!
~ Bowing is customary everywhere, even when talking on the phone (when the other person can't see you). While there is no need for visitors to bow, you are welcome to adopt the custom!
~ Many restaurants in Japan display plastic replicas of their dishes in a window near their entrance. This does not mean the food quality is poor. Rather, these replicas serve both to draw customers in and also to inform you of the restaurant's menu and prices!
~ When you enter a restaurant, customers are greeted with the expression "irasshaimase" meaning "welcome, please come in."
~ When using chopsticks, avoid sticking them into the rice or passing food from one set of chopsticks to another (this is done at funerals). When not in use or when you're done eating, set your chopsticks in front of you with the tip to the left.
~ It is customary to lift bowls (soup or rice bowls) and tea cups during meals. You can also slurp noodles as a sign of enjoyment (and to cool hot noodles)!
Japanese Etiquette Basics
To learn the basics, visit the following link for information about Japanese etiquette - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html
Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you found this information and suggestions to be helpful! 🙂
I've had a passport since I was born, and I’m a travel enthusiast, educator, consultant, certified professional coach, and veteran. I enjoy exploring different countries and cultures:
~ 🌎32 countries (so far)
~ 🚢Sailed on 11 cruises (more soon)
~ 🛫My favorite destination is wherever I’m going next!
I hope you'll find my tips and first-hand experiences helpful in planning your travel adventures! Thanks for visiting, and let’s keep exploring, sharing, and learning from and with one another. Wishing you safe and happy travels!
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