I adore Japan. If you have visited, you probably do too. If you have not visited, I think you will absolutely adore it.

Why do I love it?
The food is incredible, the culture is deeply beautiful, everything feels safe and remarkably clean. There’s a quiet sense of spirituality that runs through daily life. I tell friends who are visiting that respect and honor there aren’t just ideals, they’re woven into the fabric of the culture, and you can feel it in every interaction.

I’ve been to Japan five times and am planning another trip soon. When I started going, my wife and I would prepare by watching TabiEats on YouTube. We wanted to find out where to eat and what to eat. The show is hosted by watching Satoshi and Shinichi. Satoshi is from Japan and Shinichi is from Hawaii. They are authentic, passionate, and fun to watch. During the pandemic, I reached out to Shinichi and… AMAZINGLY, he let me interview him. The interview still gets tons of traction for this site.

There are millions of things to do in Japan. I highly recommend reading blogs and watching other Vloggers on YouTube for more details. Since friends keep asking for recommendations. I thought I’d compile a list of things that made our trips enchanting.

Vibrant Tokyo

Food…

Hibi Hare Bare, Shinjuku
Tucked just off the buzzing streets of Shinjuku, Hibi Hare Bare is a food lover’s dream come true. The moment you step inside, you know you’re in for something special, it’s casual but professional. Every plate has a touch of Japanese finesse. Before I was plant based, the karaage (crispy fried chicken) was absolutely unforgettable, perfectly seasoned and juicy. The dorayaki is a sweet medium-size pancake sandwich filled with red bean paste and a thick pat of butter. I still dream about it, it is not to be missed. And the sushi here is truly special, each piece carefully composed and bursting with flavor.

The balance of fresh ingredients, inventive twists, simple flavors and a great staff make it one of those spots you’ll be telling friends about long after you’ve left Japan. They take reservations, your hotel can help. I highly recommend it! Added plus – their menu is through a QR code and can be easily translated to English. The staff had a lot of patience with us as we ordered through the menu. The people made it just as special an experience as the food.

If you want to work up an appetite before Hibi Hare Bare, there’s lots of shopping and people watching in the upscale area which includes the Shinjuku Marui Main Building, there are separate men’s and women’s buildings right next to each other.

More food options…

Kameya
Piss Alley, or “Memory Lane” if you prefer, sits just outside Shinjuku Station. It feels like stepping onto a Blade Runner set, with narrow corridors, tangled electric cords buzzing overhead, and air thick with the intoxicating scents of simmering broth and sizzling yakitori.

Pro Tip: Yakitori literally means “grilled bird” and chicken skewers are the focus, modern yakitori (or dishes at yakitori restaurants) often include beef, pork, vegetables (like peppers, mushrooms), tofu, and even seafood, though non-chicken items are sometimes called kushiaki (grilled skewers).  

Tucked inside this unique area is Kameya a legendary (50+ year old) and affordable udon and soba stall with only eight to ten seats. Kameya’s enduring popularity is rooted in combining the speed of modern fast food with the authentic, traditional flavor of Edo-period soba culture. 

The stalls offer bowls that make me return anytime I am in the area! At lunchtime, salarymen line up, but the noodle master moves fast, serving each bowl in seconds. Diners eat quickly and move on, and it’s easy to see why. Say yes to the tempura and go for udon: chewy, firm noodles swimming in a delicate, soy-based broth that keeps you coming back for more. By the way TripAdvisor notes it’s “#24 of 1,473 Restaurants in Nishishinjuku“

Directions: Walk along the western side of Shinjuku Station past Uniqlo. Spot the alley on your right—the stall is on the left. Grab a bowl and taste one of Tokyo’s most iconic noodles.

Tokyo Nightlife

Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho are touristy but unforgettable. Packed with tiny bars and yakitori joints, these alleys capture the raw, old Tokyo energy that is hard to find elsewhere. Each bar feels like its own little world, most seat fewer than a dozen people. Yes, it is touristy, but it is also real, gritty, and timeless. Just be aware, some are members only and it’ll be posted on the door or wall.

Art Supplies

If you love colors, textures, and the magic of materials, then Pigment Tokyo is the place for you. Pigment Tokyo is an artist’s paradise. This place is like a candy shop for artists. The walls are lined with hundreds of pigments. You will find rare brushes and handmade papers. There are also tools that feel like art themselves. I’d like to spent hours just soaking in the inspiration, next time I will. The staff was very patient and super helpful!

Shopping Pro Tip: As of Oct 2025, in most cases, if you spend over 5,000 yen in a single store on the same day, you can get a tax refund. Show your passport at tax-free shops to get the refund on eligible purchases. You can’t open the packages until you are home though.

Did you ever visit Pearl Paint in NYC? This similar store in Tokyo has it all… 
Sekaido. It’s a great place to buy those famous Japanese pens. With 6 floors of design and art supplies, including stationery, books, and papers, you better eat BEFORE you go! Sekaido is unrefined, and they have everything. It’s wonderful.

If you want a well-curated, more luxurious art and stationary store, I highly recommend Ginza Itoyla. This dreamy building has 12 floors, 8 of them are fully dedicated to stationary! Here’s more detail about these and other stores, some I’ve visited like MUJI and some I will visit next time I’m in Tokyo.

Temples

A note on temples. Many have special evening admission. During these times, they light the trees to accentuate the fall foliage or cherry blossoms. Keep you eye out for the posters highlighting these special events. If you have time to make a day trip from Tokyo, Kamakura is wonderful. There are two great sites, Hasadara and the Great Buddha of Kamakura

The first is one of my favorite temples, Hasadara. The temple radiates a tranquil beauty. It is perched on a hillside where 180 views of the sea are visible. The quiet harmony of ancient gardens and wooden halls enhances the experience. The scent of incense mingles with the sound of the wind hitting the leaves above you. This combination simply invites reflection. It also brings a sense of serenity.

A short walk away from Hasadara you’ll find the Great Buddha of Kamakura stands in majestic stillness. This immense bronze figure embodies both strength and profound peace. It humbles all who stand before it. You can go inside too, for a few yen. Pro Tip: I buy some incense at this temple that I bring home and enjoy often. 

Beautiful Kyoto

After the intensity of Tokyo, Kyoto feels like a deep breath. It is welcoming, friendly, and slower-paced, a place where the city’s spirituality seeps into everything.

I recommend The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MoMAK). It is calm, beautifully curated, and never too crowded. Across the street, Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art had Monet: The Late Waterscapes when I visited. I only made it to the gift shop, but really, who does not love a room full of waterlilies?

Food

First, Pastries!

Boulangerie Liberté Kyoto
I mean… damn… This place is sooo good and you’ll walk off the calories, I promise! Sweet or savory, everything is a win. When I went, it was takeout only and cash only. My go-to is the chocolate banana nut croissant and a coffee from the nearby vending machine. Power up, you’ll need it! There’s never enough time in Kyoto to see everything.

Pro Tip: As noted above vending machines are everywhere, most accept Suica (physical card or app). Just tap, choose your hot or cold tea or coffee, and you are set. Stay hydrated!

The street where the bakery is located has many shops connected to the Heian period. The stationary shops sell Bunboushihou (Four important tools of calligraphy: brush, ink stone, ink stick and paper). I’ve seen people take calligraphy lessons in these shops which looks very satisfying. There are also antique shops, cookie shops and premium Japanese tea shops. One of my wife’s favorite places on this charming street is Hakuhodo. It is a store that sells beautiful brushes. Many of these brushes are used for make-up but check the link if you need art brushes.

Nishiki Market

The Nishiki Market is a must, it’s a covered street lined with food stalls and local gifts. Get there early, it fills with locals and tourists fast. We always grab furikake (rice seasoning), they offer samples, so choose wisely. You can try Kobe beef, sushi and ice cream for example.

Within the market, do not miss Aritsugu, a legendary knife shop founded in 1560. I left with a truly remarkable knife, the Santoku, which means “three virtues” (meat, fish, vegetables). It is now my favorite for home cooking.

What’s Kyoto (that’s not a question, that’s a statement)

Matsuzakagyu What’s Kyoto Muromachi
This is an 80-year-old Kyomachiya house. It serves premium beef. The beef is mostly in sushi-style cuts (yes, raw-ish) or grilled right at your table. It is not vegan, but before I cut out most meats, I love/d this spot. Check their menu and reviews.

Temples 

Perched on a hillside in eastern Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a historic temple. It is famous for its massive wooden stage. The temple offers truly stunning views of cherry blossoms and I’m told… autumn foliage. Built without nails, its architecture is a marvel of traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can explore shrines, pagodas, and the Otowa Waterfall, (the waters are said to grant longevity, success, and love.) Kiyomizu-dera is a place to connect with centuries of tradition while enjoying some of Kyoto’s most breathtaking scenery.

Nanzen-ji – Kyoto, Nanzenjifuroyamacho
One of my favorite temples. Several gardens require a small admission fee, but it is worth every yen. The serenity is palpable, truly a sanctuary if you can ignore some of the tourists. 

If you’re heading to Japan, it’s worth brushing up on a few Zen and Buddhist concepts first. These ideas quietly shape so much of what you’ll see and feel there. The simplicity and presence at the heart of Zen seep into garden design, temple rituals, and tea ceremonies. These concepts may give you a deeper appreciation for why Japan values harmony, impermanence, and mindful living. When you recognize that “being here now” isn’t just a nice phrase, but a cultural lens, everything changes. Wandering a Kyoto rock garden or savoring a bowl of udon starts to resonate on a richer level.

Kobe

If you make it to Kobe which can be a day trip from Osaka, there are two must-do’s besides trying the beef:

Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum 
This lovely museum is near near Shin-Kobe Station,  It has lots of interactive displays and give you real insight into the wonderful world of Japanese woodworking. A must for woodworkers. 

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Really beautiful views, fragrant gardens, and a cable car ride to the top. This beautiful and well kept garden is near the train station too and if you have time and lots of energy, walk down the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing waterfalls, called Nunobiki Falls.

A few more suggestions…

Mount Koyasan
Step off the beaten path and discover Mount Koyasan, one of Japan’s most mystical destinations. Close to Osaka and nestled high in the Mountains, this sacred temple town is a haven of ancient cedar forests and centuries-old traditions. When we arrived it started to snow, it was profoundly serene. I strongly suggest you wander the atmospheric paths of the 1,200 year old Okunoin Cemetery. You can explore majestic pagodas there and sacred burial sites. My wife and I stayed overnight at a Shukubo temple for a truly immersive spiritual experience, a highlight was an early morning chant with the monks. Whether you’re seeking cultural depth, tranquility, or a unique adventure, Mount Koyasan is worth the extra effort.

For a complete guide with tips, temple stays, and must-see sights, check out BraverGuide’s full Mount Koyasan page.

Eyeglasses

Zoff (in most cities) is my go-to for affordable, customized readers (about $50 USD). You can get your eyes tested and your glasses made in about an hour, super easy even as a tourist.

Vegan-ish Snacks and other treats

As a mostly plant based couple, my wife and I enjoy grabbing burdock root salad from 7-Eleven, Lawson, or Family Mart. We have it for a light hotel dinner. It is called Kinpira Gobo. This dish is a sweet and savory stir-fry of burdock root and carrots. It is seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar… think Japanese carrot salad. We liked it so much we found a recipe to make at home. We also love the (not vegan) egg salad sandwiches at 7-Eleven, they are somehow strangely addictive. Side note, there is a lively discussion about who makes the best egg salad. Anthony Bourdain loved the egg salad sandwich from Lawson’s, we love 7-Eleven’s.

Onigiri – Japanese Rice Balls
When you step into any 7-Eleven or train station kiosk in Japan, you’ll see shelves of onigiri. It can be slightly overwhelming especially when you are hangry. Trust me, it helps to know what you want before you’re standing there holding up the lunch rush.

The classics never fail: Tuna Mayo seems to be the crowd favorite, Salmon is perfectly salty and timeless, and Umeboshi delivers that traditional tangy punch if you’re feeling bold. Want something deeper and feeling adventurous? Konbu brings a savory soy-simmered richness, while Okaka adds smoky bonito flavor. If you’re leaning modern, the addictive “Devil’s” Onigiri with tempura scraps is dangerously good I’m told. Decide in advance, grab confidently, and you’ll look like a seasoned traveler instead of someone paralyzed by delicious possibility.

Eki Stamps!
Did you know that more than 9,000 train stations across Japan offer their own free, collectible rubber ink stamps? If you are like me you’ll want to bring a small journal to Japan to collect eki stamps.
My journal is 6″ x 4″ and it seems like a perfect size.

Eki stamps are these free little rubber stamps you’ll find at train stations all over Japan, each one designed around something local — a landmark, a mascot, a slice of regional pride. They’ve been around since 1931, and somehow they’ve quietly become one of the best ways to document a trip.It’s a bit like temple goshuin (which usually come with a small fee), but for train wanderers. No ceremony, no rules — just you, a notebook, and a stamp pad waiting by the ticket gates.

It’s old-school. Hands-on. Simple.

And honestly? It’s one of the only things that makes me feel like a kid again. When I spot one in a station, I immediately stamp my book and then proudly show my wife like I just won something.

Here are a few from my collection…

Six tips I wish I knew before my first trip to Japan:

No tipping
Tipping isn’t practiced in Japan. I tried to tip the Bellhop and it caused confusion. Good service is expected, so appreciation is shown through politeness instead of money..

Store greetings
When you enter a shop, staff will often shout “irasshaimase” (welcome). You don’t need to respond, just a nod or smile is enough.

Eating in public
Eating while walking or on regular public transport is generally discouraged. It’s better to eat near where you bought the food or sit on a nearby bench. The store owners most often can take the trash if needed.

Eating on long-distance trains
On long-distance trains like the Shinkansen, eating is perfectly normal. Bento boxes, called Ekiben on trains and in train stations, are often amazing and even designed specifically for train travel.

Trash etiquette
Public trash cans are rare in Japan. People usually carry their garbage with them until they find a bin or take it home. When traveling simply keep an extra plastic shopping bag with you in your day pack, I assure you it’ll come in handy!

Onsen etiquette
At hot springs (onsen), bathing is most often done completely nude. Wash thoroughly before entering the bath and tie up long hair. Some tips to enhance the hot spring experience.

Visit Japan!

As you may imagine, Japan is one of those places that stays with you.

Every corner holds something, from Kyoto’s quiet temples and gardens to Tokyo’s buzzing side streets and shops, you’ll find beauty, intention, and small acts of grace tucked into everyday life.

It’s in the details. The way a shopkeeper wraps the gift you bought, the way a garden frames a single stone. The way a train arrives exactly when it says it will.

Go. Wander. Take it in.

And when you do, let me know what you loved. Tell me why it stayed with you — I just might add it here.