Japan
This is absolutely my favorite country of all time. I was so intrigued by the Japanese culture and food. I expected great but found food that has changed my palate forever and natives that made me think differently about the world. Japan offers a massive amount of stimulation for your senses. Your eyes will enjoy the colorful and diligently clean scenery. Your taste buds will experience some of the best food in the world. Your ears will hear the variations of noise and serenity throughout your trip. The hospitality of the Japanese locals warms your heart. They are so eager to help and even with a language barrier were willing to communicate and guide us. Because of this, each hotel or ryokan we’ve picked is luxurious and accommodating.
What I found to be remarkable is the dichotomy of peace and chaos. You can stop at some of the busiest and most serene parts of the city within steps of each other. For example in Tokyo, the Nezu Museum is a peaceful display of Japanese history less than a mile away from Harajuku, a quirky and fashion-forward city.
Aside from my passion for travel, I am a technology consultant. Japan is one of the few places where my worlds collide. From robots to cars, vending machine systems for ordering food, and fully integrated bidets. Every piece of technology is meticulously perfected and optimized for functional use. Efficiency is not underestimated in Japan. Quality is never sacrificed for efficiency, which is what makes Japan so unique.
Top Destinations
Learn more about our favorite destinations in Japan (click the city to skip ahead):
Tokyo
Tokyo has one of the largest number of 5-star hotels in the world, which you will see our longest list of recommended places to stay. This city is so special and like no other. Not only is this ideal for a luxury travel experience, but there is so much culture and local activities.
Our first stop in Tokyo started in Akihabara. There is so much modern Japanese culture to experience: arcades, casinos, electronic stores, restaurants, and more! We conveniently picked up our SIM cards here too so we could have our phones connected for the trip. We spent the rest of our day at Asakusa Shrine and Senso-ji Temple to experience more of the traditional side of Japan.
The next day we started in Harajuku, which is renowned for its unapologetic style and flair. It is a colorful city with lots to do and shop. You can spend an hour in a Cat Cafe. That same day you can see the Meiji Jingu Shrine and the beautiful sake barrels along the walk. End your day with an electrifying show at the Robot Restaurant. Prepare for a sensory overload, with colors and sounds that make the show one-of-a-kind.
Other Things To Do/See:
Where to Stay:
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi: Experience the intimate luxury service at the Four Seasons in the heart of Tokyo’s central business district. A true boutique hotel connected to Tokyo Station, it brings a sense of intimacy to the city’s high-energy central business district. Escape in the Japanese-style Onsen (hot spring) bath while you are here. Their restaurant offers farm-to-table with an urban, French flair. The intuitive staff is always ready to meet any request. Some rooms feature views of the train station and tracks so you can watch the beautifully orchestrated trains come and go, but more importantly, the station is conveniently located right next door so it’s easy to get around Tokyo.
Aman Tokyo: The most modern and simplistic of the bunch, but absolutely high-end. Ultra high-end. Located in the prestigious financial district of Otemachi, each room has unique layouts and panoramic city views. A peaceful inner garden, a serene Aman Spa, and a swimming pool to complement the sanctuary. The hotel offers scenic views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and surrounding landmarks, as well as easy access to all points of interest in the city including the renowned Ginza shopping district.
Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo: Located in Marunouchi, the splendid Shangri-La Hotel conveniently located adjacent to Tokyo Station, walking distance to Imperial Palace and Nihonbashi station. It is conveniently located near Ginza shopping area. Guests will appreciate Shangri-la’s renowned Asian hospitality, service, and finest facilities. I think this is one of the best hotel locations in the city.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo: This hotel’s visionary design and award-winning service are superbly located in the prestigious financial district within the historical and cultural center of Tokyo. It embodies the best of contemporary and time-honored architectural splendor. The hotel features 179 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, ten restaurants and bars, an award-winning spa situated within the soaring, and spectacular views of the city skyline from the lobby and rooms.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo: Experience moments of more at a dynamic lifestyle destination hotel in the heart of Roppongi, Tokyo – a lively international district. With its central location directly connected to Roppongi Hills which houses 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, an art museum, and an observatory, this is the perfect base to comfortably explore and discover the city. The hotel is just a three-minute walk to the nearest subway station. You can view the Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji from your room!
The Peninsula Tokyo: If you love The Peninsula hotels then this is a must. It is located right next to Ginza, which is a high-end shopping part of the city. The Peninsula Tokyo offers commanding views of the Japanese capital skyline, sophisticated facilities, extraordinary dining options, and the legendary Peninsula service. As always, never miss an afternoon tea at The Peninsula.
HOSHINOYA Tokyo (Ryokan): A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Authentic Japanese omotenashi hospitality in the heart of Tokyo From the moment guests arrive and slip off their shoes to step onto fragrant tatami mats, HOSHINOYA Tokyo, in the prestigious Otemachi district, promises sublime and authentic Japanese ryokan hospitality. You will be transported to another world from the hustle and bustle of the city to the serene retreat within Hoshinoya. You will be close to Tokyo Station and Ginza.
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills: Well situated between Roppongi and Ginza. This hotel plays with the marriage of traditional and modern Japanese design. The rooms with a view of the Tokyo Tower are awesome. This is connected to the Roppongi mall but this does not distract from its excellence.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo: As guests arrive from the elevator that takes them to the 45th floor of Tokyo’s tallest building, they are greeted by a magnificent sky lobby that epitomizes one of the premier luxury hotels in this cosmopolitan city. This hotel is located in the Roppongi District, which transfixes visitors with both its vibrant nightlife and centuries-old attractions, like malls and shrines.
Conrad Tokyo: Also located in Roppongi, making it another good option. I find this to be the most modest of the bunch but absolutely beautiful and calming. Gorgeous bathtubs and breathtaking views. A recipe for delight.
Places to Eat:
Sushizanmai Tsukijiekimae-Ten: No doubt the best sushi we had in Japan. The freshest and affordable at the same time. Must try the toro special, which is a plate with toro sushi prepared 3 different ways.
Turret Coffee: Stop here on your way to the fish market in the morning for a hot cup of coffee.
Ichiran, Shibuya: Hands-down the best ramen in the world. You can also find a couple of locations in New York. I love that you can fully customize your ramen, like deciding how rich or how garlicky you’d like your bowl. Most importantly, you can choose how firm or soft you like your noodles. We visited twice and tried a different configuration each time. You order from a vending machine and are seated in your own cubicle for one. You can open a small partition if you are with someone else.
T's TanTan Tokyostation: Come here to enjoy an awesome vegetarian meal. It’s unique and perfect for those looking for a lighter meal while at Tokyo Station.
Cafe de Ginza, Miyuki-Kan: We really enjoyed coffee and pastries here. They have an amazing crepe cake and a pastry with what looks like noodles on top.
Yakiniku a Five Toku Ginza8chome: This is an awesome place to find wagyu beef, especially Kobe beef. The higher the grade the better, so look for A5 Kobe to try. It will seriously melt in your mouth. I like this place because it is great quality at a good price.
Gyopao Gyoza Roppongi: The convergence of Japanese and Taiwanese dumplings. I highly recommend the omakase menu, which means the chef decides what to send you. You will love every bite. The service here is awesome too!
Kyoto
Kyoto offers a slower pace and more even more history than Tokyo. We went on a walking tour the first full day of our trip and stopped at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. We finished our tour in Gion, and learned about the history of the Geisha that still roam around the town.
As always, we had an amazing food tour. We started with a tour of Nishiki Market Shopping District and surrounding areas, to get ourselves familiar with the city and the food. We tried food in the Nishiki market and walked around the city to find some amazing snacks and desserts.
You can visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) after your Nishiki Market tour. The top two floors of the temple are covered in REAL gold. You get to walk around the beautiful temple grounds and see this beauty from many angles. A must-see! Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion) is also just a few miles away.
As an Anthropologist, studying human history and evolution is my passion. Traveling brings us closer to our roots. That’s why I never miss a chance to spend time with primates. Monkey Park Iwatayama was absolutely the best monkey experience I have had to date. I loved that the humans were in cages instead of the monkeys. You get to feed the monkeys from inside the cave and interact up-close with them. While outside the cage you can walk amongst them but can’t feed them. It was really a unique experience for those used to the traditional zoos in The States.
Where to Stay:
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto: The combination of Japanese culture, best levels of service, incredible food. Even for a Four Seasons, this hotel is one of the best we've been to. The indoor pool is beautiful and luxurious.
Gion Hatanaka: A traditional ryokan experience in the center of Gion. Gion is known for its culture and history. This is where the Geishas are, so it is only fitting that the ryokan features a live Geisha performance. It is very walkable with so many sights and food stops nearby.
Hotel Kanra Kyoto: Hotel Kanra Kyoto is a modern designed hotel in style, and yet aiming to acquire and provide the uniquely sophisticated service of Ryokans (a traditional Japanese inn) to every single guest. The 68 rooms are decorated with the minimal touches and scents of Kyoto. Once you step into the lobby, you are immersed in the cozy warmth in the sun and the rejuvenating coolness under the shades of the green leaves that will take you to the front garden of the "MA-CHI-YA"(the historic Kyoto's townhouses). Each room comes with a famous Hiba-cypress wooden bathtub and a separate shower. Conveniently located for subway travel, this is a great choice for a mix of city and ryokan in one.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto: Opened in February 2014, the hotel sits serenely on the banks of the Kamo river, with sweeping views of the famous Higashiyama mountains. The resort in Kyoto features 134 guest rooms and suites, four restaurants and bars, and a spa. It also boasts a unique partnership with Pierre Hermé Paris, showcasing popular creations and introducing an exclusive range of signature desserts. Blending the centuries-old traditions and rich culture of Japan's ancient capital with modern luxury, this cultural heart of Japan. The hotel is in close proximity to Kyoto's popular downtown areas including Gion, Pontocho, and the city's retail and entertainment district.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto: This is the cheapest of the bunch but this is a fun one because it is located right next to Kyoto Station. Kyoto Station has a huge mall with shops and an amazing food court. This location makes it easy to get around since is the central hub for trains going in all directions.
Places to Eat:
Kyoto Takabashi Honke Daiichi Asahi: A stroll around Kyoto led us to this amazing ramen shop a few blocks from our hotel. I loved the thickness of the noodles and the flavor was truly unique.
Hokuto: 3 minutes walk from Kyoto Station! Kyoto-style traditional Sukiyaki charcoal-grilled iron-pot with a variety of meats and vegetables. You can enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal for lunch or dinner.
Arabica Arashiyama: A quite modern coffee shop in Arashiyama, near the entrance to the monkey park. Absolutely my favorite Arabica location and the most beautiful coffee shop I’ve seen ever.
Kobe Beef Steak Moriya Gion: Can’t make it to Kobe? No problem. Stop here for a taste of Kobe that will change the way you look at meat forever. We came here for a late lunch, we had the place all to ourselves. The service was outstanding, servers were so attentive! Ordered the Kobe beef lunch set, great value for the quality of the food! No words can describe my satisfaction! Highly recommended!
Honke Owariya: Honke Owariya is the oldest restaurant in Kyoto. It was founded in 1465. The specialty is the traditional buckwheat noodles, which we call soba noodles. Apparently, the royal family eats here when they travel to Kyoto. The restaurant uses the "freshest" Kyoto spring well water to make its delicious soup broth.
Mt. Fuji
Staying near Mount Fuji is such a serene and relaxing experience. I am a big fan of private pools and hot tubs, and one with a view of Mount Fuji is unbelievable. Trust me. While here, you can stay at a ryokan, a Japanese inn, with private meals in your room and service designed for royalty. We wanted some zen time at the end of our most active trips.
Take an afternoon cable car ride to get an amazing panoramic view of Mt. Fuji up close. Lake Kawaguchi is beautiful from up there. You can also take a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko. We recommend a day tour to catch all these great experiences in one go and spend the rest of your trip relaxing and enjoying your ryokan.
Where to Stay:
Mizno Hotel: Absolutely our favorite. It has a bit of a hipster style to it but very modern and new. Not only does it have a beautiful outdoor onsen (hot bath) with a view of Mt. Fuji, it is also known for its amazing in-room dining experience. Like many of these options, you can choose from a western or Japanese-style sleeping setup. Either you sleep on tatami mats and bedding or you can stay in a raised mattress, as you may be accustomed to. Don’t be afraid to try something different, but don’t expect to adjust to these new sleeping arrangements right away.
Kozantei Ubuya: Kozantei Ubuya is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Fujikawaguchiko-machi, offering a quaint environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. You can have a room with a private onsen with a view of Mt. Fuji. Breakfast is free and filling.
FUFU KAWAGUCHIKO: This is the most western of the bunch but absolutely our favorite onsen with a view. Guest rooms feature open-air natural hot spring baths lined with volcanic stone from Mount Fuji and eco-friendly bioethanol fireplaces. They use local ingredients to prepare meals that vary from season to season. Quite a special and photogenic experience here.
Hoshinoya Fuji: This is the only one we’ve chosen here that does not have a private outdoor tub with a view. These rooms look like stacked storage containers but boast some amazing views and a modern vibe. This is a 3-star accommodation and will not disappoint the eclectic travelers looking for more of a glamping experience.
Places to Eat:
Have at least two meals at your Ryokan
Izakaya High Spirits: A perfect late-night stop. This is a modern sake bar where you can find some amazing sashimi and other Japanese bar food. You can chat with the chef while you wait for your beautifully prepared snacks.
Yoritomo: It is a 5-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station and it is the only shop to serve real Kobe Beef in Yamanashi Prefecture. The Japanese-style modern atmosphere offers a tatami mat floor and grade A5 beef.
Ramen Kaneyuk: Just a small food truck near the train station and a little hard to find, but the ramen was really awesome. My husband had the pork and I had the pork and lobster. Glad we found this place. It lives up to its 5-star reputation.
