Japan Ultimate Guide Map +425 Places

Japan Ultimate Guide Map +425 Places

Explore this map, I made as the ultimate Japan guide, to get inspired and discover the places that will become the highlight of your next trip. Many of the places in this map will have helpful booking links and/or links to social media posts with more inside information. I see all my Guide Maps as perpetual works in progress and will do my best to add to and update them as my knowledge expands. Use my Klook promo: ACKUGARTE for 10% off for new users and 3% off for returning users.
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Check out my complete Japan 2 week itinerary~

An eSIM is a must and can be installed and set up before you leave for your trip I recommend Holafly and Airalo.

Some useful videos with great tips for your trip to Japan.

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding woods. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens. The city's many museums offer exhibits ranging from classical art (in the Tokyo National Museum) to a reconstructed kabuki theater (in the Edo-Tokyo Museum).

Where to Stay

The Blossom Hibiya
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Set on a bustling street among high-rise buildings, this sleek hotel is 3 minutes on foot from Shimbashi train station, a 16-minute walk from the Imperial Palace, featuring gardens and guided tours, and 2 km from an observation deck at Tokyo Tower. Book on Klook
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Hotel Toranomon Hills - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
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HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel
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A 3-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku train station, this trendy, art- and music-themed hotel in the vibrant Shinjuku neighborhood is 9 minutes away by foot from the Golden Gai entertainment district and 1 km from the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
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Hotel Tavinos Asakusa
@alexandriaugarte
Set a minute's walk from Asakusa train station, this modern hotel is a 4-minute walk from both Sensō-ji Temple and Hanayashiki, an amusement park. A great budget hotel
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the square hotel GINZA
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In a modern building within the upmarket Ginza district, this polished hotel is 3 minutes' walk from a metro station and 3 km from the iconic Tokyo Tower.
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The Millennials Shibuya
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Well know capsule hotel
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Neighborhoods

Asakusa
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Asakusa retains the vibe of an older Tokyo, with traditional craft shops and street-food stalls along Nakamise Street near the ancient Sensō-ji temple. Mid-19th-century Hanayashiki amusement park has rides and cafes, while riverside Kuritsu Sumida Park hosts regular festivals and firework displays. A trendy upscale dining scene is developing along the waterfront, while backstreets are lined with casual izakaya bars.
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Shibuya City
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Shibuya is a special ward in the Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. A major commercial and finance center, Shibuya houses two of the busiest railway stations in the world, Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station.
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Harajuku
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Buzzing Harajuku is renowned for colorful street art and youth fashion, with quirky vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops along Takeshita Street, and traditional, upmarket boutiques on leafy Omotesando Avenue. Small, trendy bars fill the surrounding lanes, while dessert shops and carts specialize in sweet crêpes, donuts, and bubble tea. Watari Museum of Contemporary Art hosts cutting-edge temporary exhibitions.
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Ueno
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Traditional Ueno is known for ornate Shinto and Zen landmarks, including 17th-century Benzaiten temple, on an island in Ueno Park. Nearby, Tokyo National Museum displays Japanese antiquities, while the National Museum of Western Art houses works by Van Gogh and Picasso. Also in the park is Ueno Zoo, current home of beloved giant panda Xiang Xiang. Ameya-Yokochō is a vast open-air food and handicrafts market. Also thrifting
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Shinjuku City
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Shinjuku City encompasses the buzzing clubs and karaoke rooms of neon-lit East Shinjuku and upscale hotel bars and restaurants in the Skyscraper District. Tokyo Metropolitan Building has a popular observation deck, and Mount Hakone rises over tranquil urban parkland. Galleries, theaters, and bookstores attract students from busy campuses. New National Stadium is a high-tech sports venue built for the 2020 Olympics.
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Roppongi
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Roppongi is a lively entertainment district where locals and tourists mix in buzzing late-night bars and clubs. By day, the vast Roppongi Hills skyscraper complex draws foot traffic for its observation deck, designer fashion boutiques, and the Mori Art Museum, with rotating exhibitions of international contemporary works. The nearby National Art Center is a sprawling gallery with a similar focus.
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Shimokitazawa
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Shimokitazawa, or Shimokita, is a hip cultural quarter with a lingering old-Tokyo vibe. Narrow, mural-painted lanes are lined with stylish stores for vintage clothes and vinyl. Craft cafes and brewpubs host art shows and live bands, while bakeries and bistros serve inventive pastries and veggie curries. Edgy new plays debut at Honda Gekijo Theater, and young directors screen short movies at Tollywood cinema.
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Points of Interest

Haneda Airport
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Haneda is closer to Tokyo city center and thus is the preferred airport to fly in and out of.
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Narita International Airport (NRT)
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While Narita is further away from city center depending on where you are flying to/from or your airline it might be your only option so don’t worry it still has a great train service that will get you there without too much fuss.
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Tokyo Station
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Tokyo’s main hub where you might catch the shinkansen or get a rental car. Also great food and shopping here.
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Mount Takao
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Takao is one of Tokyo's most popular natural retreats, and its proximity to the city makes for a convenient excursion for those who love hiking
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Azabudai Hills Mori JPTower
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free observation deck with a great view of Tokyo Tower
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
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Kenzo Tange-designed City Hall complex with views from the tallest building's observation decks.
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Shibuya Sky
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A 360° open-air observation deck located on the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper.
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Tokyo Tower
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Reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, this landmark features observation areas & other attractions.
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Tokyo Skytree
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World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.
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Tokyo City View
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Panoramic city view from indoor/outdoor tower observation deck, with access to adjacent art museum.
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SUNSHINE 60 OBSERVATORY TENBOU-PARK
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High-rise green space with seasonal plants & lawns, plus panoramic views & evening light shows
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Imperial Palace
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This site with scenic gardens & tours of the grounds is the main residence of the emperor of Japan.
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Sensō-ji
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Completed in 645, this temple, Tokyo's oldest, was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. go at night for no crowds
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Hie Shrine
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Complex of Shinto shrines & gardens holding several auspicious annual festivals & events.
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Nezu Shrine
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Tranquil Shinto shrine known for its tunnel-like series of torii gates & spring azalea blooms.
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Takagi Shrine
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Restored, city-center shrine with 15th-century origins & a sacred tree believed to grant wishes. Onigiri Shrine
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teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM
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Popular, immersive museum known for its colorful, futuristic digital art installations & photo ops.
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Tokyo National Museum
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Stately museum complex devoted to the art & antiquities of Japan, as well as other Asian countries.
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Ghibli Museum
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Whimsical museum dedicated to the famed animation studio with a play area, theater & rooftop garden. Check out the short film "The Day I Harvested a Star"
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ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM
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Art museum with installation works & sculptures made out of goldfish tanks lit by colored lights.
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The National Museum of Modern Art
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Renovated 1969 gallery housing Japanese art created since the start of the Meiji period (1868).
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teamLab Planets
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Where the viral mirrored hanging flower room is
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small worlds miniature museum
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Indoor theme park featuring moving miniature attractions of space center, airport, Evangelion, more.
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Kewpie Corporation Sengawacho Kewport
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Book in advance for the Kewpie factory tour
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Sumida Park
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This riverside park with coffee shops & a playground is a popular place to view the cherry blossoms.
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Hitachi Seaside Park
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Wooded walking trails & bike rentals in a vast park known for its seasonal flower gardens.
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Clinics, Salons & Spas

Hasunuma Onsen
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Koh Gen Do 麻布本店サロン
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Offer beauty facials
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DISCO
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Nail Salon
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Photo Spots

former Nakagawa Kawazu Cherry blossom
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Cherry Blossom Viewing
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Inokashira Park
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Cherry Blossum Viewing
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Ueno Park
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Cherry Blossum Viewing
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日本電視台機關大笨鐘
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Ghibli Clock
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Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade
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Chidorigafuchi Park
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Cherry Blossum Viewing
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Sumida River Walk
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Omoide Yokochō
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famous alleyway of bars and restaurants
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MAGNET by SHIBUYA109
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Go up to the rooftop for a drink and a view of the Shibuya crossing
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Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
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Great view of Sensō-ji Temple
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Sakura Street (Shibuya)
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Entertainment & Tours

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Japanese Dance Cabaret Theater
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Esperanto KOKORO Minamiaoyama Studio
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Sushi Making Tokyo Cooking Class in Asakusa
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Original Go Kart Experience Meeting Point
@alexandriaugarte
Tour Tokyo in the most eccentric way possible, driving a custom go-kart on the public roads. Enjoy 1 hour of driving, costumes, infinite smiles, and waves - you will never forget Shibuya Tokyo.
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Round 1 Stadium
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Complex with activities like bowling, karaoke, darts & billiards, plus sports including tennis.
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Tokyo Disneyland
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Disneysea's brand new Fantasy Springs is open
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LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER Tokyo
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Modest Lego-themed attraction featuring a 4D movie, model building, a gift shop & concessions.
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Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
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One stop food and entertainment
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Shopping & Souvenirs

ann fragrance 浅草
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Make your own custom perfume
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泪橋大嶋屋提灯店
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Make your own custom paper lantern
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Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store) Ikebukuro
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BRAND COLLECT HARAJUKU
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Onitsuka Tiger GINZA POP-UP STORE
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Custom Embroidering
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AMORE Vintage AOYAMA
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Tower Records Shibuya
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Recent Grand Reopening
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Chicago Inc.
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America core vintage
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Flower Miffy
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Smaller than other Miffy stores, but offers seasonal drink and flower bouquets.
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Kappabashi Kitchen Tools Street
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Popular shopping street known for its many restaurant-supply shops & kitchen-equipment dealers.
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Don Quijote Asakusa
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BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR Tachikawa Station North Exit Store
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Major thrift store with both affordable items and second hand luxury goods.
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BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR Omiya Stellar Town Store
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Major thrift store with both affordable items and second hand luxury goods.
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Tower Knives Tokyo
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Store offering a range of upscale Japanese knives, many handmade, to admire & purchase.
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Pigsty原宿店
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UNIQLO
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Custom embroidery done at this location, may take up to a week for completion though
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FANCYPODS 原宿アルタ店
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Make your own custom phone charm
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Betty Smith Ebisu Factory
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Custom jeans
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MEGA Don Quijote
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2nd Street Shinjuku
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Sailor Moon store
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Only Sailor Moon store in Tokyo, it is small.
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White Atelier by Converse
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Custom shoes made here
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miffy style ソラマチ店
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Shibuya Parco
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Nintendo Pokemon and more also food and rooftop view
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@cosme TOKYO
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Makeup and skin care store
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Disney Store
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Cave
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Quirky frog themed thrift
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Flower Shop Hanayuki
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Selling beautiful dried flower bouquets. No photos without purchase, please respect the shop owner
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YARRA Kichijōji
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boutique with cute womens wear
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Donguri Republic (Ghibli Store in Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi)
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Studio Ghibli store with lots of unique items and souvenirs
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Sanrio Cute Cube Harajuku
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Make your own custom Sanrio stamp here
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Kinji Used Clothing Harajuku Branch
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UNIQLO Asakusa Store
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Custom embroidery at this location and a much shorter wait than the Ginza location, completion by next day.
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Ginza Itoya
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Expansive retailer offering a wide selection of stationary, writing instruments & desktop objects.
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Kiddy Land
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This cheerful retail shop boasts a wide selection of Japanese & American toys on 4 different levels.
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Bars & Nightlife

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Night Club Raise
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The Bellwood
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MIXOLOGY SALON
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BAR PENGUIN
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Speakeasy
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Bar Centifolia
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Cafes

THE GRAND LOUNGE
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Upscale strawberry themed afternoon tea
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Cat Cafe Mocha Lounge (Shinjuku)
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Starbucks Coffee - Yomiuri Land Goodjoba!!
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Harry Potter Cafe
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Mominoki House Ueno Shop
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Muse 新宿西口店
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Late Night Spot
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HATCOFFEE
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3D latte art
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HAUTE COTURE CAFE omotesando(オートクチュールカフェ表参道)
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Seasonal flower themed afternoon tea
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Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo
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Gontran Cherrier Tokyo Aoyama Shop
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Bakery cafe
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Cafe Neko-e-mon
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CAFE REISSUE
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Custom 3D latte art
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mipig cafe - Harajuku
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LATTE ART MANIA TOKYO / coffee / cafe / カフェ / コーヒー
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Bread, Espresso &
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Kichijōji Petit Mura
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Adorable fantasy cat village with a cafe, gift shop, and cat cafe.
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Markets

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Tsukiji Outer Market
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lots of great food beyond the sushi
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Toyosu Market
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Sweets & Treats

Kotobuki-sei-an
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茶寮 花ぞむかしの cafe HANA
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Fire roasted cheesecake
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MONSTA Sweets • モンスタースイーツ
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Fruits Sugi
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$$
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KitKat Chocolatory
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Make your own custom KitKat
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ABEBE BAKERY JEJU×TOKYO
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flour+water 虎ノ門
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A Happy Pancake Ginza
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Fluffy Pancakes
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Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights Omotesando
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Shorakuen Tea Salon & Boutique
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Good Town Doughnuts
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Azuki to Kōri
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ice shave
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Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
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Restaurants & Eateries

Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbō Ikebukuro
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Five star ramen
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Hoshino Coffee
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Good cheap breakfast
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Benizuru
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Savory Fluffy Pancake Stack
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Komeda's Coffee
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very cheap breakfast
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BRISKSTAND ASAKUSA(ブリスクスタンドアサクサ)
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Tsune Sushi
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$$
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Yurakucho Kakida
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All you can eat omakase
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Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
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焼肉だん 浅草
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DM for reservation
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Asakusa Unana
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Unagi Onigiri
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0 Seconds Lemon Sour Sendai Hormone Yakiniku Bar Tokiwatei Asakusa Rokku
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All you can eat and drink in an hour.
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Kura Sushi Global Flagship Store Oshiage Station (Tokyo Skytree) 1F
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Conveyor Belt Sushi
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Izakaya Ikunara Orenchi Kuru?
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The Pizza Bar On 38th
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Kaneko Hannosuke
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Tempura Donburi
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KIRBY CAFÉ Petit 東京駅店
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Tsujihan ZEITAKU DON
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Seafood Donburi
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Godaime Hanayama Udon Nihonbashi
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Pokémon Café
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Age.3
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Fried sandwich specialty store
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Chūka Soba Ginza Hachigo
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Michelin star ramen, must reserve
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Godaime Hanayama Udon Ginza
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American
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Egg Salad Sando
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Tsukiji Tamazushi Tsukiji Main Shop
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All you can eat sushi but with special rules
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PST Higashi Azabu (Pizza Studio Tamaki Higashi Azabu)
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Manten Sushi Hibiya Okuroji
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Omakase
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Haneda Ichiba GINZA SEVEN
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Sushi
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Jinsei Sakaba Okubo
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open 24 hours
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Ramen Tatsunoya Shinjuku
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$$
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Ootoya Gohandokoro Shinjuku Center Building
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$
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Yurakucho Kakida
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All you can eat omakase
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Seafood Bar Ermitage Yoyogi
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$$ Seafood bar
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Kien
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$ Michelin star
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Menchirashi
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$$ Relaxed, compact restaurant specializing in udon noodles & tempura, plus cocktails. Carbonara Udon
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GOKU BURGER ゴクバーガー
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Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera
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High end conveyor belt sushi
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Luke’s Lobster Harajuku Cat's Street
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Butagumi
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Tonkatsu
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Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu
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$$ Storied restaurant with traditional Japanese dishes & live entertainment in old-world surroundings. Filming site of Kill Bill
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Kumachan Onsen
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Bear themed hot pot restaurant
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Mom's Touch
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Korean fast food chain serving chicken sandwiches
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Gyoza no Ohsho - Shibuya Hachiko Entrance
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$
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Kura Sushi Shibuya Ekimae
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Conveyor Belt Sushi
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Nikuya no Daidokoro Dogenzaka
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$$ Yakiniku
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Shibuya Menya Musashi Bukotsu Gaiden
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Ramen
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THE PIG & THE LADY
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Vietnamese fusion restaurant from Hawaii
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Stabler Meatsand EBISU
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Hikiniku to Come (Kichijoji)
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Wakasa Sushi
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Viral sushi set
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Hinadoriyama
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Yokohama

Yokohama, a Japanese city south of Tokyo, was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade, in 1859. It contains a large Chinatown with hundreds of Chinese restaurants and shops. It’s also known for Sankei-en Garden, a botanical park containing preserved Japanese residences from different eras, and the seaside Minato Mirai district, site of the 296m Landmark Tower.

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
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Traditional street food court with shops offering samples of ramen dishes from different regions.
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YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN Sakuragicho Station
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Views of city landmarks & nightscapes from a modern ropeway connecting Sakuragicho to Shinko.
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Fuji

Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti
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Laid-back ski resort offering a cafe, a shop & a ski school, plus Mount Fuji views.
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Hakone Shrine
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Historic Japanese Shinto shrine with a small museum in a verdant lakefront setting.
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Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre
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Striking museum dedicated to the iconic Mt. Fuji, with interactive exhibits & an observation deck.
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Amagiso
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Set amid the forests and waterfalls of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this serene hot spring inn is 8 km from Kawazu Station and 13 km from Jōren Falls.
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Fujisan Yumeno Ohashi
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Famous Mt Fuji Photo Spot
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Fujiyoshida

Fuji Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen
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This upscale hot spring hotel is 5 km from Fuji–Q Highland amusement park, 10 km from Lake Kawaguchi and 50 km rom the iconic Mt Fuji.
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Tenku no torii
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Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
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Chureito Pagoda
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Lake Kawaguchi
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Second-largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, this scenic getaway is known for fishing, camping & hiking.
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Onsen - Fuji Yurari Hot Spring
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Onsen with stunning views of Mt. Fuji and amazing private baths
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Yamadaya Hotel
@alexandriaugarte
Overlooking Lake Shōji and flanked by lush foothills, this relaxed hot spring hotel with views of Mt. Fuji is 8 km from the Narusawa Ice Cave.
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Nagaike Water Park
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Photo Spot
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HONCHO STREET
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Photo Spot
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Kawaguchiko Station
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Photo Spot
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Mount Kachikachi Super View Swing
@alexandriaugarte
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Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
@alexandriaugarte
Aerial lift ascending to an observation deck with wide-open vistas of Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi.
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Fuji-Q Highland
@alexandriaugarte
Amusement park with huge roller coasters, haunted-theme rides & a kids' area, plus shops & cafes.
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THE PARK
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Fluffy pancake restaurant with Mt Fuji views
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Hakone

Hakone, in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park west of Tokyo, is a mountainous town known for its hot springs resorts (onsen) and views of the iconic volcano Mount Fuji. It also encompasses Hakone Shrine, a Shinto shrine with a red “torii” gate overlooking Lake Ashi, which can be toured by boat, as well as the boiling sulphur springs of the Owakudani Valley.

Tenseien
@alexandriaugarte
A 13-minute walk from Hakoneyumoto train station, this relaxed hot spring hotel is 13 km from Lake Ashi and 16 km from Mt. Hakone volcano.
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Nishihirabatake Park
@alexandriaugarte
Hilltop park with a tiny shrine & miniature railway, plus herb gardens & spring cherry blossoms.
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Oi Yume-no-Sato Park
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Nagoya

Nagoya, capital of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, is a manufacturing and shipping hub in central Honshu. The city’s Naka ward is home to museums and pachinko (gambling machine) parlors. Naka also includes the Sakae entertainment district, with attractions like the Sky-Boat Ferris wheel, which is attached to a mall. In northern Naka is Nagoya Castle, a partly reconstructed 1612 royal home displaying Edo-era artifacts.

Legoland Japan Resort
@alexandriaugarte
Colorful theme park with rides & games for children, a factory tour & block-building activities.
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Crêpes de Anne
@alexandriaugarte
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Kyoto

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.

Where to Stay

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.
@alexandriaugarte
Set in a row of traditional townhouses dating from the early 1900s, this elegant inn is 6 minutes' walk from Ōmiya train station, 2 km from Nijō Castle and 3 km from Nishiki Market.
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HALE KYOTO TAMBAGUCHI
@alexandriaugarte
Good budget option
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Renka-no-Yu On-Yado NONO Kyoto Shichijo
@alexandriaugarte
Very popular onsen hotel
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Biwako Hanakaido
@alexandriaugarte
Set on a hillside overlooking Lake Biwa, this cozy hot-spring inn is 2 km from Ogotoonsen train station and 15 km from Enryaku-ji, a 7th-century temple.
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Points of Interest

Kyoto Station
@alexandriaugarte
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Torokko Arashiyama Sta.
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Nijō Castle
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Built in 1603, this cypress-wood castle with extensive gardens was a home for the shogun Ieyasu.
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Ninomaru-Goten Palace
@alexandriaugarte
Ornate palace & residence for the Tokugawa shoguns, with screen paintings & traditional gardens.
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Kyoto Imperial Palace
@alexandriaugarte
Scenic grounds of a 17th-century palace destroyed by fire, with tree-lined footpaths & ponds.
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Jōnan-gū Shrine
@alexandriaugarte
Shinto shrine with traditional architecture, multiple gardens with seasonal blossoms & a teahouse. Great cherry blossom spot
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Yasaka Shrine
@alexandriaugarte
This Shinto shrine was erected in 656 A.D. & is home to one of the most famous festivals in Japan.
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Fushimi Inari Taisha
@alexandriaugarte
Mountainside Shinto shrine dating from 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional gates.
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Kinkaku-ji
@alexandriaugarte
Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.
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Okazaki Shrine
@alexandriaugarte
Fairly small Shinto shrine dedicated to rabbits, with rabbits portrayed on statues & other items.
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Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
@alexandriaugarte
Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century, featuring more than 1,200 stone heads on its grounds.
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Nanzen-ji Temple
@alexandriaugarte
Stately Buddhist temple complex with a Zen garden, forested grounds & walking paths.
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Jōjakkōji Temple
@alexandriaugarte
This Buddhist temple in a serene forest with views is popular in fall when its maples change color.
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Komyo-in
@alexandriaugarte
Centuries-old Buddhist temple with a Zen rock garden, known for summer flowers & fall colors.
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Kiyomizu-dera
@alexandriaugarte
Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.
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Hōkan-ji Temple
@alexandriaugarte
Picturesque 5-story Buddhist pagoda temple, offering sweeping views from the top.
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Adashino Nenbutsuji
@alexandriaugarte
Serene hilltop Buddhist temple featuring thousands of carved stone memorial statues.
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SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO With Experience
@alexandriaugarte
Small museum with Edo-period armor & sword displays & family-friendly instruction in warrior skills.
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Kyoto International Manga Museum
@alexandriaugarte
Museum featuring an extensive array of Japanese comic books & graphic novels, plus reading areas. Can get your manga portrait here
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Nintendo Museum
@alexandriaugarte
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Chazuna
@alexandriaugarte
Hand grinding matcha making experience here
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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
@alexandriaugarte
A popular sightseeing path runs uphill through this forest of towering bamboo stalks.
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Garden of Hundred Flowers
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Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
@alexandriaugarte
Located on a hilltop this park provides a great view of the surroundings and an up close view of the native macaque monkeys.
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Adashino Nenbutsuji Bamboo Path
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Yasaka Pagoda Photograph Spot
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Yodogawa Riverside Park - Shimamoto Area
@alexandriaugarte
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Kimono Forest
@alexandriaugarte
Train-stop art installation with 600 backlit pillars adorned with vibrant kimono textiles.
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Yodo Castle Ruins
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Entertainment & Tours

Sagano Romantic Train
@alexandriaugarte
Scenic train ride along the Katsura River with nature views. In the spring it's great for cherry blossom viewing and in the Fall it's great for viewing the fall leaves.
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Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)
@alexandriaugarte
A fun scenic ride down the river with some small rapids. Don't worry too much about getting wet as the boats have splash guards. The boatmen are friendly, fun and keep the ride entertaining.
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Round One Kyoto Kawaramachi
@alexandriaugarte
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Sake Brewery Tour & Tasting
@alexandriaugarte
Uncover the little-known sake culture of Fushimi, Kyoto, on a brewery tour of Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Savor the nuances of sake during a guided tasting paired with traditional Japanese snacks.
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Kimono Rental Miyabi (Kiyomizu Temple Branch)
@alexandriaugarte
Klook Kansai Region Pass with add on Kimono Rental is with this shop
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Kimono Rental in Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
@alexandriaugarte
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Hairmake & Kimono Rental First Kiyomizu Shop
@alexandriaugarte
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Kimono Rental Kyonoyume Kiyomizu
@alexandriaugarte
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Rental Kimono Okamoto Gion Shop
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Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei
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Shopping & Souvenirs

Made in Japan Chopsticks
@alexandriaugarte
Free chopstick engraving, you can get your kanji name engraved
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My Only Fragrance TERAMACHI【京都寺町】
@alexandriaugarte
Custom Perfumery
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京・嵐山ものがたり八坂店
@alexandriaugarte
Very cute souvenir shop with free name embroidery on any purchased towel. They have studio Ghibli towels and you can have your name spelled in kanji. Just google “english to kanji generator” and use any website, then just show the cashier.
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Nintendo KYOTO
@alexandriaugarte
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My Only Fragrance KIYOMIZU /custom-made fragrance shop
@alexandriaugarte
Very cool perfumery with a great selection of fragrances made in house and to order. They also have a make your own fragrance experience if you have the time.
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THE FLAVOR DESIGN®︎ STORE "KYOTO"
@alexandriaugarte
Custom Perfumery
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Ghibli Studios Shop Kyoto
@alexandriaugarte
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Chopstick Store
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glänta Kyoto Sanjo Kawaramachi
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Nishiki Market
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400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.
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2nd Street Kyoto Hachijo
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Thrift
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Sweets

Maccha House
@alexandriaugarte
$$
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(THISIS)SHIZEN
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Flower Bouquet ice cream
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HISAYA CAFE Kyotoshimizu Honten
@alexandriaugarte
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Kumonocha Bukkoji Shop
@alexandriaugarte
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(THISIS)NATURE
@alexandriaugarte
Flower ice cream
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Kyo-Baum Arashiyama
@alexandriaugarte
Popular matcha cake shop
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Bars

K36 (The Bar & Rooftop)
@alexandriaugarte
Amazing views and cocktails
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Cafes

Coquelicot Blanc/Black Swan Coffee
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mipig cafe Kyoto
@alexandriaugarte
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KYOTO OWL'S FOREST
@alexandriaugarte
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astrea coffee kyoto
@alexandriaugarte
$$
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Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya
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Arashiyama Miffy Sakura Kitchen
@alexandriaugarte
cafe and shop with everything Miffy, don't miss the popular Miffy bread.
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MACCHA HOUSE Kyoto Kawaramachi
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Restaurants

Nishiki Market
@alexandriaugarte
400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.
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Kichi Kichi Omurice
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Famous Omurice Chef
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Kobushi Ramen
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Michelin Star
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Gion Duck Rice
@alexandriaugarte
Simple menu, elaborate meal, cheap price
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Wagyu Volcano OAGARI
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KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN
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Hikiniku to Come (Kyoto)
@alexandriaugarte
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Panel Cafe Kyoto
@alexandriaugarte
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Honke Owariya Main Branch
@alexandriaugarte
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Arashiyama Itsukichaya
@alexandriaugarte
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French Gion Bar Maruhashi
@alexandriaugarte
A great slightly upscale place to eat while wearing Kimono.
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Osaka

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It's known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It's surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

Where to Stay

HOTEL THE LEBEN OSAKA
@alexandriaugarte
A 3-minute walk from the nearest subway station, this sleek hotel is a 14-minute walk from eateries in the lively Dotonbori district and 2 km from the Osaka Museum of History. It's 4 km from Osaka Castle.
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The Royal Park Canvas Osaka Kitahama
@alexandriaugarte
This is a great budget option hotel that is foreigner friendly and stocked with all the amenities you’ll need, like laundry, a free toiletry bar in the lobby, and fresh pajamas every night.
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Neco Republic Osaka
@alexandriaugarte
Cat capsule hotel
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Neighborhoods

Dotonbori
@alexandriaugarte
Dotonbori is a canalside entertainment district popular with students and after-work drinkers who pack into small bars and izakaya taverns. Narrow lanes are lit at night by neon billboards, like the iconic Glico running man sign, and lined with street food vendors serving grilled takoyaki octopus balls. Shochikuza Theatre hosts kabuki drama and live music, and Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum shows classic woodblock prints.
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America-mura
@alexandriaugarte
America-Mura is a vibrant hub of Western-oriented youth culture that forms a compact village around the popular hangout Sankakukoen Triangle Park. Street art and street food mix with small independent galleries and cafes, resulting in a laid-back, creative atmosphere. Retro stores sell vintage clothing and secondhand books and records. Nightlife is concentrated in lively rock bars and clubs that play U.S. hip-hop.
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Points of Interest

Kansai International Airport (KIX)
@alexandriaugarte
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Osaka Station
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Sunflower Ferry Terminal No.1 (Osaka) Boarding Platform
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Umeda Sky Building
@alexandriaugarte
Connected skyscrapers with a rooftop garden observatory, plus a restaurant & lounge with city views.
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Harukas 300
@alexandriaugarte
3-tiered observation areas on the 58th–60th floors, with an open-air atrium, enclosed glass & cafe.
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Osaka Castle
@alexandriaugarte
Revered castle dating to 1597 & since rebuilt, featuring gardens & a museum with varied exhibits.
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Tsūtenkaku
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Observation deck & iconic landmark of Osaka
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Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
@alexandriaugarte
Quirky museum devoted to the history & culture of ramen noodles, with factory displays & tastings.
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teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
@alexandriaugarte
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Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
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GetYourGuide Woodblock Printing Experience
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Solaniwa Onsen
@alexandriaugarte
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Photo Spots

Japanese garden
@alexandriaugarte
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Entertainment & Tours

Osaka Wonder Cruise
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Tea Ceremony Experience
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Universal Studios Japan
@alexandriaugarte
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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
@alexandriaugarte
One of the world's largest aquariums, with over 600 species of animals. Their Pacific Ocean tank with its whale sharks is the definite highlight.
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Round1 Stadium Sennichimae
@alexandriaugarte
Complex with activities like bowling, karaoke, darts & billiards, plus sports including tennis.
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Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel
@alexandriaugarte
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LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka
@alexandriaugarte
This indoor Lego attraction for families features rides, a 4D cinema & multiple play zones.
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Tempozan Ferris Wheel
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Ramen & Gyoza Class
@alexandriaugarte
Learn how to cook 2 of the most popular Japanese dishes during a cooking class in Osaka. Make your own ramen and gyoza from scratch using fresh ingredients, then sit down and enjoy your creation.
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Shopping & Souvenirs

Don Quijote Dotonbori
@alexandriaugarte
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Furugi Mujin Hanbai
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Komehyo Umeda
@alexandriaugarte
Large luxury thrift location
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Hedy Vintage shop Osaka
@alexandriaugarte
For vintage bags
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Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store) Namba吉卜力商店
@alexandriaugarte
Where you can take a picture with No-face on the train.
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Tower Knives Osaka
@alexandriaugarte
Specialist knife shop offering a range of cutting-edge Japanese blades & sharpening tools.
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Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
@alexandriaugarte
Bustling shopping district featuring a wide range of high-end tax-free shops with airport delivery.
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BILLY'S ENT OSAKA MINAMISEMBA / BILLY'S ENT 大阪南船場
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BOOKOFF Osaka Shinsaibashi Store
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Thrift
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JETRAG つぼ八下店
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America-mura
@alexandriaugarte
America-Mura is a vibrant hub of Western-oriented youth culture that forms a compact village around the popular hangout Sankakukoen Triangle Park. Street art and street food mix with small independent galleries and cafes, resulting in a laid-back, creative atmosphere. Retro stores sell vintage clothing and secondhand books and records. Nightlife is concentrated in lively rock bars and clubs that play U.S. hip-hop.
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JAM Amerika-mura 2nd Store
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Nintendo OSAKA
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WEGO VINTAGE アメリカ村店
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BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR 25gou Yao Nagahata Store
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2nd Street Shinsaibashi
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Furugi Mujin Hanbai
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The Flavor Design
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Bars

Bar Call me Tell me
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Bible Club Osaka
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PC and Retro Bar Space Station
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Misono Universe
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Osaka Cocktail Library Akashic Records
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Deepening Submarine Bar SHINKA
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Sweets

Strawberry Mania 道頓堀店
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Cremia Ice Cream Stand (Dotonbori)
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ロンパル
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$$
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North Shore Kitahama
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オールデイダイニングヒカリ 大阪駅前第2ビル店
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Cafes

Hoshino Coffee
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Great view of the river
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mipig cafe 大阪店
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Restaurants

Sennichimae Yasudaya
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$ Gyoza
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551 HORAI
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Famous pork buns
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Uofuku
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Uni and scallops
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Katsudon Chiyomatsu | Dotonbori Main Store
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KUshiya monogatari HEPnavio
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Kuromon Ichiba Market
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Spacious market with vendors selling street food, fresh produce & shellfish, plus souvenirs.
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Kushikatsu Daruma - Shinsaibashi
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$$
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Unagi Kushiyaki Idumo
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$$ Giant unagi rice bowl
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Flipper's Umeda EST
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Daiki-suisan kaitenzushi Temmabashi
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Conveyer Belt Sushi
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Sakae Sushi
@alexandriaugarte
Sushi is made to order right in front of you by the very skilled sushi chefs and prices are very reasonable.
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Onigiri Gorichan
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One of a kind Onigiri with a variety of flavors and fillings
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Acchichi Honpo Dotonbori
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For Takoyaki
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Tempura Tarojiro
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Build your own bowl tempura
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A Happy Pancake
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Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho
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For Wagyu
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Osusumeya Namba store
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All you can eat and drink for $16, reservation needed
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Harukoma honten ( main shop )
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Izakaya Toyo
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$$
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Tendon Makino
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Xiao Long Bao
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Zerodo-jukusei-steak Namba dotombori honten
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For Katsudon
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Gyukatsu Motomura Namba Midosuji
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go at 3pm to avoid lines
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Hanamaruken Namba Hozenji
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Ramen
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next shikaku
@alexandriaugarte
Ramen shop and art installation all in one
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Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M Hozenji Hanare
@alexandriaugarte
$$ make a  reservation
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Yakinikurikimaru Umedahigashidoriten
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all you can eat special
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Yakiniku Rikimaru Nanba Dotonbori
@alexandriaugarte
all you can eat special
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Nara

Nara is the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture, in south-central Honshu. The city has significant temples and artwork dating to the 8th century, when it was Japan’s capital. Deer roam in Nara Park, site of Tōdai-ji temple. Daibutsu, Tōdai-ji's 15m-high bronze Buddha, is displayed in a large wooden hall. On the park's east side is the Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha, which dates to 768 A.D. and more than 3,000 lanterns.

Points of Interest

Kasuga Taisha
@alexandriaugarte
Bright vermillion columns support the roof of this Shinto shrine originally established in 768 A.D..
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Kōfuku-ji
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Complex of Buddhist temple halls & pagodas, plus an on-site museum showcasing national treasures.
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Todai-ji Nigatsudo (February Hall)
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Hilltop hall, part of Tōdai-ji Buddhist temple, with sweeping views of Nara from its balcony.
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Todaiji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
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Historic Buddhist temple featuring a large Buddha statue & deer roaming the grounds.
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Nara Park
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Landscaped, public park with ancient temples & the Nara National Museum of art, plus tame deer.
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Kasuga Taisha Manyo Botanical Gardens
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Charming, poetry-themed botanical garden hosting an annual Japanese classical music festival.
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Sagiike pond
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Sweets

Nakatanidou -Mochi show
@alexandriaugarte
Famous mochi shop where you can watch the mochi being pounded.
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Melon de melon
@alexandriaugarte
$$
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Restaurants & Eateries

Soba-dokoro Kitahara
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Hot & cold noodles, tempura & sake at a compact, traditional stop with wooden tables.
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Mizuya Chaya
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An udon shop located inside Nara park that looks like it is straight out of a Ghibli film.
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Kobe

Kobe is a city on Osaka Bay in central Japan. It is known for its signature marbled beef and scenic setting of mountains framing the harbor. The Ikuta Shrine, dating to the 3rd century, is among Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Antique cable cars connect Kobe to Mt. Rokko, which offers panoramic views over the port. Beyond the Mount Rokko hills are the outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen.

Neighborhoods

Kobe Chinatown Nankin-machi
@alexandriaugarte
Established in 1868, this Chinese cultural district offers eateries, souvenir shops & mahjong clubs.
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Points of Interest

Ikuta Jinja
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Founded in the early 3rd century, this prominent, traditional Shinto shrine is among Japan's oldest.
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Herb Museum
@alexandriaugarte
Garden park up on a hill side with a view of the city
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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
@alexandriaugarte
Big botanical garden with themed areas growing many flowers & herbs, plus restaurants & a gift shop.
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Foot Bath
@alexandriaugarte
Free foot bath with a view of the city
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Entertainment & Tours

Kobe Animal Kingdom
@alexandriaugarte
This zoo has a lot of interactive animal exhibits like their large bird and lemur room where the animals free roam with visitors. But the real draw for the zoo could be their red pandas, pallas cats, harbor seals, river otters, sloths, or capybara, which you can hand feed. The cafe inside also makes instagramable animal treats and snacks.
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Restaurants

Steakland Kobe-kan
@alexandriaugarte
$$ Steakland Kobe-kan is a great place to get that authentic experience without breaking the bank. I have truly never had a better steak, Kobe beef is definitely worth the hype.
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Tor Road Steak Aoyama
@alexandriaugarte
$$$
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Himeji

Himeji is a city in the Kansai region of Japan. It’s known for the sprawling, centuries-old, white Himeji Castle, one of the few original castles from Japan’s feudal period. The top floor of the 6-story main keep offers views over the extensive castle grounds. The Nishi-no-Maru section of the complex contains royal residential quarters. Next to the castle, Kōko-en is a traditional Edo-style garden.

Himeji Castle
@alexandriaugarte
Iconic circa-1613 castle known for a white facade, plus towers, moats, passageways & cherry trees.
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Fukuoka

Fukuoka, capital of Fukuoka Prefecture, sits on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island. It’s known for ancient temples, beaches and modern shopping malls, including Canal City. Maizuru Park contains ruins of 17th-century Fukuoka Castle. The central Hakata district contains Tōchō-ji Temple, home to a 10m wooden Buddha and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, with displays on daily life in the Meiji and Taishō eras.

Kawauchi Fujien
@alexandriaugarte
Famous wisteria garden
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Hinoyama Park
@alexandriaugarte
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PAIN AIGLE
@alexandriaugarte
Smallest croissant in Japan
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Beppu

Beppu is a city and spa resort on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. Set between Beppu Bay and volcanic mountains, it's home to more than 2,000 onsen (hot springs). Kannawa Onsen district has facilities for bathing in nutrient-rich water, mud and sand. The 8 Hells of Beppu—6 in Kannawa, 2 in outlying Shibaseki—are dramatic landscapes of thermal pools. To the west is Mount Tsurumi, accessible by cable car.

Takachiho Gorge
@alexandriaugarte
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