-
Tokyo, Japan
Japan's sprawling capital, blending neon-lit skyscrapers with historic temples.
Restaurants:
- Sukiyabashi Jiro: Renowned sushi restaurant (Approx. ¥30,000/person). Signature Dish: Omakase sushi course.
- Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu: Inspiration for a "Kill Bill" movie set (Approx. ¥3,000-¥8,000/person). Signature Dish: Kushiyaki (skewered meats).
Must-Dos:
- Explore the historic Asakusa district and visit Senso-ji Temple.
- Cross the famous Shibuya Crossing.
- Visit the Meiji Shrine.
- Shop in the trendy Harajuku and Omotesando areas.
- Enjoy panoramic city views from Tokyo Skytree.
- Tokyo: Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Tokyo Tower: Admission Ticket
- Imperial Palace (皇居)
- Tokyo Tower (東京タワー)
- Meiji Jingu Shrine (明治神宮)
- Shinjuku Piccadilly (新宿ピカデリー)
-
Nagano, Japan
A city famous for its temples, including Zenko-ji, and as a gateway to the Japanese Alps.
Restaurants:
- Sobanomi Yoshimura: Traditional soba noodles (€10-20 per person, soba noodles).
- Mimatsu: Kaiseki-style dining focusing on local ingredients (€50-100 per person, seasonal kaiseki menu).
Must-dos:
- Visit the historic Zenko-ji Temple.
- Enjoy the Snow Monkey Park.
- Explore the Nagano Prefecture Museum of Art.
- Walk through the Togakushi Shrine area.
- Try Nagano's famous apples and sake.
-
Kanazawa, Japan
A city where you can experience samurai, geisha, and Zen culture amidst beautifully preserved historical districts.
Restaurants:
- Morimori Sushi: Renowned for its conveyor belt sushi (€20-40 per person, sushi).
- Komatsu Yasuke: Famous for its Kaga cuisine (€100+ per person, jibuni, a local duck stew).
Must-dos:
- Stroll through Kenrokuen, one of Japan's "Three Great Gardens."
- Explore the preserved samurai and geisha districts.
- Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Check out the Omicho Market.
- Tour the Kanazawa Castle Park and its surroundings.
- Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園)
- Kanazawa Castle Park (金沢城公園)
- Kanazawa: Private Tour with Local Guide
-
Shirakawa, Japan
A picturesque village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Restaurants: There are limited restaurant options; however, many guesthouses offer meals to visitors:
Guesthouse meals: Enjoy home-cooked local dishes at a guesthouse (€20-40 per person, includes dishes like river fish, mountain vegetables, and Hida beef).
Must-dos:
- Wander through the Ogimachi village to see the gassho-zukuri houses.
- Visit the observation deck for panoramic views of the village.
- Explore the Gassho-zukuri Minka-en open air museum.
- Experience staying overnight in one of the traditional houses (if possible).
- Try local specialties, including soba noodles and Hida beef.
- Okayama Viewpoint (城山展望台 (荻町城跡))
- Wada House (和田家住宅)
- 天守閣展望台
-
Kyoto, Japan
The heart of traditional Japan, with over a thousand temples and stunning gardens.
Restaurants:
- Kyoto Gogyo: Famous for burnt miso ramen (Approx. ¥1,000-¥2,000/person). Signature Dish: Burnt miso ramen.
- Kikunoi: Michelin-starred kaiseki dining (Approx. ¥10,000-¥30,000/person). Signature Dish: Seasonal kaiseki course.
Must-Dos:
- Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousand torii gates.
- Wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
- Explore Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.
- Stroll through the historic streets of Gion.
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony.
- Kyoto: Full-Day Best UNESCO and Historical Sites Bus Tour
- Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)
- Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社)
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (鹿苑寺 (金閣寺))
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (竹林の小径)
-
Osaka, Japan
Japan's kitchen; a vibrant city known for its dynamic food scene and the striking Osaka Castle.
Restaurants:
- Fukutaro: Famous for its okonomiyaki and negiyaki (€10-20 per person, okonomiyaki and negiyaki).
- Endo Sushi Kyobashi: Known for its Osaka-style sushi (€20-40 per person, omakase sushi).
Must-dos:
- Explore the bustling streets of Dotonbori.
- Visit Osaka Castle and its park.
- Shop in the Umeda district.
- Experience the instant noodles at the Cup Noodles Museum.
- Enjoy the panoramic views from the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory.
- Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket
- Osaka Castle Park (大阪城公園)
- Osaka Castle (大阪城)
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (ウィザーディング・ワールド・オブ・ハリー・ポッター)
-
Tokyo, Japan
Other highlights:
- Tsukiji Outer Market
Though the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji's outer market still thrives with food vendors and sushi restaurants.
Highlights: Sample fresh seafood, sushi, and Japanese street food. Don't miss trying some of the freshest tuna sushi and sashimi here.
-Akihabara
The centre of Japan’s otaku culture, known for its many electronics shops, anime and manga stores, maid cafes, and video game parlors.
Highlights: Shop for unique gadgets, visit themed cafes, and experience the vibrant culture of anime and manga.
-
Kamakura, Japan
Coastal town known for its numerous temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha.
Restaurants:
- Komachi-dori Street: Offers various street food and casual dining options (Approx. ¥1,000-¥3,000/person). Signature Dish: Sweet potato treats.
- Soba Tsuruya: Traditional soba noodles (Approx. ¥1,500-¥2,500/person). Signature Dish: Tempura soba.
Must-Dos:
- Visit Kotoku-in to see the Great Buddha.
- Explore the historic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
- Stroll through Hokokuji Temple’s bamboo garden.
- Enjoy the beach at Yuigahama.
- Walk the traditional Komachi-dori Street.
- Kamakura: Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide
-
Hakone, Japan
-
Mount Fuji, Japan
-
Tokyo, Japan