I think planning trips abroad is one of my favorite activities. Whether I’m able to follow through with the said plans, the entire process is just so exciting to me. These past few trips to Asia have been so eye opening for me. I’m a huge advocate for Asia-travel. I want to experience it all. Going to Japan has been the ultimate travel dream of mine. I love Japanese culture, films, food, and the natural landscape of the country itself. It’s a country that lives between futuristic technological advancements and the richness of ancient eras and natural beauties of Japan. I have been extensively planning this upcoming Japan trip since January, and I can’t wait for it to finally come to fruition. This week I want to share my preliminary itinerary for Japan just to see how much I was able to actually do (or not do) when I come back.
Day 1 - 4: TOKYO pt. 1
Asakusa
Explore the ancient and traditional side of Tokyo in Asakusa
Food ideas:
Tokatsu: Asakusa Gyukatsu
Sukiyaki: Nabezo Asakusa
Sushi Reiwa
Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori Street, Hoppy Street, Ueno Park
Bookoff Super Bazaar: like the better, more amazing version of goodwill but also with luxury goods
Souvenirs!
I love these birthday cream souvenirs
Ginza
Luxury fashion district
I NEED to see the Maison Hermes store that is made entirely of square blocks of glass. It’s BEAUTIFUL.
Tsukiji Outer Market, Imperial Palace
Food ideas:
Ginza Steak Second Shop
Teppanyaki 10 Ginza 6
Ramen Takahashi
Ginza Kimuraya
Tokyo Aburagumi Sohoten Ginza
Free Day
Kappabashi Kitchen Tools Street
I want to get some really good Japanese kitchen knives and dish-ware
Day 5 - 7: HAKONE
The goal here is to fully relax
I booked a room at a ryokan with our own private outdoor bath! We’ll also be sleeping in traditional Japanese futons on the tatami floors in our room
Hopefully get some good sights of Mount Fuji
Day 8 - 11: KYOTO & OSAKA
Local cuisine in this area of Japan: shojin ryori, nishin soba, kyozushi, kaiseki
I would love to experience a tea ceremony or just get a good cup of matcha here
East side Kyoto exploring:
Kiyomizu-dera temple
Nijo castle
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto Shrine
Sannenzaka Path
West side Kyoto exploring:
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Sagano Bamboo Grove
Kochi Sanso Garden
Notable Osaka cuisine: takoyaki, stewed beef tendon, udon hot pot
I’ve also heard great things about walking around Dotonbori for street food
Day 12 - 14: TOKYO pt. 2
Goal for this portion of the trip is to shop
Vintage clothes at ShimokitazawaL
Flamingo
Bookoff
TreFacStyle
Desert Snow
Bazzstore
Flash Disc Ranch
Can’t wait to share pics and stories when I get back.
Weekly Call-outs
😘
Billie Eilish. Amazing new album. I have been listening to all 10 songs on repeat.
😗
Brood XIX Cicadas. They’re here, and I hate it.
The Post-credits Scene
No posts for the next few weeks since I’ll be out of the country and will probably be experiencing post-Japan depression.
さようなら
Have a great week!
Sydney x