TOKYO (3-4 Days)
Tokyo Station – Character Street | If you happen to be in the area, there is an Anime Street in the basement of Tokyo Station. It’s a great place to shop and eat. For example, there’s the Kirby Cafe, the Shonen Jump Shop, GBL (special Ghibli merchandise), and pop-up stores.
TOKYO (3-4 Days)
Pokemon Center DX | Near Tokyo Station. It’s our favorite. Generally, they are all very similar and only differ slightly in terms of certain products. Popular boosters from new sets are usually sold out, and there are only a limited number of boosters per person. It’s better to shop at the card stores in Akihabara. Depending on the season, there are special products, e.g., during cherry blossom season or Halloween at the Pokémon Center. 🙂
TOKYO (3-4 Days)
Akihabara | North of Tokyo Station and the Pokémon Center, you can get to Akihabara relatively quickly. It has a very special, typical anime vibe. I’m a fan of all the card shops, if you’re into Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh (Trading Card Shop YK). But of course also for anime merch (Animate). Not to mention the retro gaming stores, such as Super Potato. However, many stores are very repetitive. To be honest, I personally found Osaka’s “Akihabara” a little better. Fewer tourists and better prices, as well as rare goods. Nevertheless, you can spend many enjoyable hours here.
TOKYO (3-4 Days)
Asakusa Shrine | Further north of Akihabara is Asakusa Shrine. It’s a classic, but I love this shrine. Yes, it’s very crowded with tourists, but it’s worth it. It’s even more beautiful in the evening and at night. Don’t miss the last train. There are lots of great shops and street food. The small park to the left of the main temple is beautiful. Don’t plan too much for one day, though, because you’ll quickly lose track of time as you keep discovering new things. 🙂 It’s also a beautiful place during the cherry blossom season in March/April.
TOKYO (3-4 Days)
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower | On another day, you can explore central Tokyo and the western part of the city. Yes, there’s Skytree and Tokyo Tower, but Mori Tower is an insider tip and offers a great view of Tokyo, especially in the morning or evening. Check the website, as there is a new exhibition every month. There are also anime and manga exhibitions. Please note the opening hours. The entrance is a little hidden, so just ask around in the area. 🙂
TOKYO (3-4 Days)
Shibuya | A little northwest of the tower, you will find another classic, Shibuya. During the day, it’s a great place to browse the shops and shopping centers, such as Shibuya Parco. Don’t be put off by the expensive brands in the basement; on the upper floor (5F), there are special anime and gaming pop-up stores. Highly recommended for high-quality and unusual merchandise. On the 4F, there is Medicom, where I bought a really nice Japanese Bearbrick. More for enthusiasts. Right nearby is the Onitsuka Tiger shop for sneakers. Currently very popular in Japan, but a bit expensive. It feels like you always see someone walking around Japan with a shopping bag from this brand. A little further away is the MODI shopping center. There are also anime pop-up stores on the upper floors here. But it’s more of a place for a quick detour. At night, there are supposed to be a few good bars and clubs here, but unfortunately I can’t give you too much information about that. Please take care of yourselves. Just because Japan is a very safe country doesn’t mean that unpleasant situations can’t happen. Unfortunately, we witnessed some strange situations during our trip, especially in the evening.
TOKYO (3-4 Days)
Harajuku | Not far from Shibuya is Harajuku. At first, I didn’t like it, but on our second trip, it won my heart. I don’t mean Takeshita Street; in my opinion, you can skip this street or walk through it quickly if you want to see the crowds. The main street down to Japan’s largest PopMart store is pretty cool, but I especially liked Cat Street and its side streets. It’s a bit expensive, but if you have a bigger budget, it’s really great. You can’t buy Labubus at the PopMart store, but in my opinion, they have really great, high-quality figures and goodies. There are also anime pop-up stores in Harajuku. Check out what’s there right now.
TOKYO (3-4 Days)
Meiji-Shrine | Right next to Harajuku Station is Meiji Shrine. It is a very beautiful but also sprawling shrine. If you happen to be near Harajuku, you should definitely visit this classic attraction. You will be enchanted by the surrounding trees.
TOKYO (4+ Days)
The Making of Harry Potter – Warner Bros Studio Tour | For around €40 per person, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. An absolute highlight. Unfortunately, it’s a little further away from the city center, but it’s really worth it. Don’t be late. Please allow 4+ hours. The Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo is on the way. I got tickets through Klook or GetYourGuide. Recommended if you have a little more time on your trip to Japan. By the way, in a direct comparison with the HP area at Universal Studios Osaka, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is the clear winner.
TOKYO (4+ Days)
Enoshima Island – Halfday-Trip from Tokyo | If the weather is good or you are traveling on a warmer day, please take a trip to Enoshima Island. It can be very crowded in summer, but it is truly a Ghibli experience with temples, nature, small shops, and great food. It can be very exhausting. Check out the caves. Shrimp chips are a typical snack, but more of an experience than a delicacy. 😀 Recommended if you have a little more time on your trip to Japan.
HONORABLE MENTION
Tokyo Disneyland | Tokyo Disneyland | Probably a destination for the next few years. It is said to be one of the most beautiful parks in the world. 🙂 However, it is also really expensive. |
Hitachi Seaside Park | You should only do this if you are really nearby or have considerably more time on your trip. It is very important to check the seasons and which days you want to visit the park beforehand. For example, the famous blue flowers only bloom at certain times of the year. You should definitely rent a bike and check the weather forecast. If you have taken the above points into account, you can have a lot of fun here. 😀
TeamLab Tokyo | We didn’t go to see it. The reviews are very good, but opinions differ somewhat. Some say it’s only for tourists and has little to do with Japan, while others call it an artistic revelation. I think if you’re in the mood for a creative and unique experience, then you should go and see it. It can be difficult with the Instagram photos, as it’s really very crowded.
Hakone-Region with Mount Fuji | We decided against it on both trips. Since good visibility of Fuji is of course not often available and we have already seen volcanoes and sulfur areas in other countries. Just take a look, maybe it’s worth it for you. I would either take it as a stopover when traveling to Osaka/Kyoto or as a day trip from Tokyo.
Nikko | We really wanted to visit Nikko in the northeast of Tokyo, as we had heard and read a lot of good things about it. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to make it there. You can expect lots of nature and amazing temples. I think it would be a great day trip if you have more time. Just take a look. 🙂
TAKAYAMA (1-3 Days)
Old City | Let’s start at the beginning. Takayama was a highlight of our trip in 2019. It’s the real traditional Japan and a true insider tip. If you have more time, I recommend taking a detour there. Takayama has one of the best-preserved old towns from the Edo period in Japan. Check out the great little shops, cafes, and restaurants in Sanmachi Suji. There is a lovely market every morning on the Miyagawa River. Feel free to explore the alleys and historic buildings, such as the government building.
TAKAYAMA (1-3 Days)
Hida Folk Village or Shirakawa-Go & Takeyama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall | If you are staying in the region for a few more days, then please take a cultural trip to the Hida Folk Village. It is very interesting and a unique experience offering exciting historical insights. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-Go is also well worth a visit. It is a similar traditional village to the Hida Folk Village. In my opinion, the small exhibition about the festival floats is also worth seeing if you are interested in culture. We were able to see them in action in Kyoto during the summer holidays.
TAKAYAMA (1-3 Days)
Ryokan & Kaiseki| If you have a little more budget, book a night in a ryokan. A traditional inn where you sleep on the floor. Believe me, it’s worth the experience and more comfortable than you might think. Some ryokans also have private onsen (hot baths). These are particularly suitable for people with tattoos, as public baths may refuse you entry. Kaiseki is served in special restaurants or ryokans. It is a traditional meal with several courses that are tailored to the season and artistically arranged. Depending on whether you have high-quality meat, it can be a bit more expensive. But it is an unforgettable experience.
OSAKA (1-3 Days)
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) | I’m writing this first because, in my opinion, it’s really worth spending a whole day at Universal Studios Japan. If you’re staying in Japan for longer and love theme parks, then I recommend two days. It can be a really long day. Get there really early. I also recommend getting tickets from Klook and downloading the USJ app. By the way, you need two tickets for admission. The Jurassic Park area is for adrenaline junkies with great roller coasters, but unfortunately the food in the restaurant was terrible. Opposite is the One Piece Cafe. However, I would recommend making a reservation at the Baratie Restaurant from One Piece for a late lunch or dinner. There are long waiting times here. Just check the times when you go to the park. The Harry Potter area was nice, but in my opinion, the tour in Tokyo is a better experience. You have to go on the roller coaster ride in Hogwarts Castle when you’re at USJ. I think it was one of the coolest roller coasters I’ve ever been on. Of course, you should check out Nintendo World. All the details in this area and the new, albeit small, Donkey Kong area are absolutely amazing. The Toad Cafe is also worth a visit. But please don’t expect the best quality, it’s still an amusement park. 🙂 And here’s another tip, although I don’t know what the show times are during the colder months. The Waterworld Show is considered one of the best shows in the world at these parks. Even though I’m not familiar with the movie and didn’t understand Japanese, the show was impressive. However, it only takes place at certain times.
OSAKA (1-3 Days)
Dotonbori & Souemoncho Street| We didn’t really like Osaka on our first trip, and I can understand why you might skip it on a short trip. On our second trip, Osaka completely won us over. You should visit Dotonbori during the day and at night. Sit together on the steps, enjoy a milk tea, egg sandwich, and onigiri from 7-Eleven, and take in the lights and hustle and bustle. That was the real Japan experience. 🙂 Of course, you can book a boat trip, but it’s not necessary, as you can also enjoy the canal on foot. You should check out the big Don Quijote store, where you can find lots of quirky but useful things for your trip. Japanese beauty products are also recommended. There are also some really good gacha shops in the surrounding streets. Haha. So if you want to spend a little spare change on some typical Japanese games, we had a lot of fun here and won some cool souvenirs.
OSAKA (1-3 Days)
Umeda Sky Building Osaka | Not necessarily a must-see, but if you have a little extra time, it’s a nice outing. The building is really exciting for architecture fans. The elevators and escalators are open. I hope you’re not afraid of heights. 😀
OSAKA (1-3 Days)
Osaka Castle & Park| Yes, it’s an absolute classic. But if you’re already in Osaka, then you should definitely spend a few pleasant hours here. Whether you absolutely have to visit the castle, I’m not so sure, as too many people in a confined space isn’t really my cup of tea.
OSAKA (1-3 Days)
Kuromon Market | It’s more for fish and meat lovers, but we really liked the market with all its stalls. The food there is very fresh, which is something animal lovers should bear in mind. We had an extremely good meal here. My insider tip: if you’re looking for Enishi Udon, you’ll come to an area with seating and restrooms. All the restaurants in this small area are very tasty. I had sushi, unagi, takoyaki, tempura, gyoza, and much more here. Opposite the market, there is also a very good Kobe steakhouse, Wanomiya Kuromon Minami Branch.
OSAKA (1-3 Days)
Shinsekai | Even more food and small stalls. Perfect for photos of Osaka Tower and the unusual buildings. More suited to a short detour or an evening visit if you want something to eat and drink. To be honest, it’s a bit dirty, but I still found the buildings and the short trip really interesting.
OSAKA (1-3 Days)
Nipponbashi Denden Town | I would call it little Akihabara, but to be honest, I enjoyed shopping here even more. There are lots of electronics stores and lots of shops selling anime merchandise. You can also find rare figures here that you can’t buy in Germany. There are fewer tourists, which made the experience more enjoyable. There is also an Animate store here.
HONORABLE MENTION
Pokemon Center Osaka | If you still haven’t had enough, you can buy even more Pokémon merchandise here. The stores are always very similar in layout, with only minor differences.
Amerikamura | More shopping, but with many Western and American influences. More for urban clothing.
Shitenno-Ji Temple | One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. In my opinion, there are better temples..
TeamLab Osaka| An outdoor art exhibition. The reviews aren’t that great. I would probably recommend TeamLab Tokyo instead.
Nara (1 Day)
Nara-Park & Todai-Ji | I wouldn’t stay overnight in Nara, but would rather recommend a day trip or half-day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. In my opinion, it’s a must-see. Yes, it’s very touristy, but you can bow and the deer will bow back. You can also buy some crackers for the deer for very little money. 😀 The park is really beautiful and the Todai-Ji Temple is a real highlight. Go inside and see one of the largest Buddha statues in Japan. During the cherry blossom season (March – April), the whole park is incredibly beautiful.
KYOTO (2-4 Days)
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Red Torii’s) | A must-see. Lots of red torii gates and a beautiful bamboo forest. Unfortunately, it can get extremely crowded depending on the time of day and season. Check the day of the week and try to arrive very early.
KYOTO (2-4 Days)
Kinkaku-Ji (Goldener Tempel) | Another classic in Kyoto. The garden and grounds are really beautiful. Personally, I find the temple a little overrated. You take a photo and then you’re done. It was incredibly crowded during cherry blossom season.
KYOTO (2-4 Days)
Kiyomizu-Dera (Plateau) & Matsubara-Dori Street | This is also one of the places to go if you want to see a temple in Kyoto. It’s very crowded here too, but the view of the temple and nature is truly picturesque. Probably one of my favorites. There is also a small pagoda temple on the grounds. Be sure to check it out. On warmer days, you can eat Japanese “shaved ice” at the temple. It tastes really good and surprised me.
KYOTO (2-4 Days)
Arashiyama Bambooforest, Bridge, Monkeys & Sorrounding | It’s quite far from the center and the classic attractions, but it’s worth it. The bridge with all the little shops is really beautiful. The bamboo forest is truly gigantic and impressive. The finale is the mountain with the monkeys. Don’t worry, it’s not a zoo. The monkeys live freely and there are guides at every turn to make sure tourists don’t break any rules. Follow the rules and be respectful, and you’ll be able to observe the monkeys up close. But please be mindful of your jewelry, food, and distance from the animals.
KYOTO (2-4 Days)
Philosophers Walk (Best Spot Cherryblossom) | We’ve been here twice now. We’re big fans of the walk. However, depending on the season, it can be very quiet. It’s really worth visiting during cherry blossom season. Otherwise, I would only recommend it if you have a lot of time and want a quiet, pleasant walk. Unfortunately, depending on the season, there isn’t really much going on, i.e. there are hardly any cafes or restaurants. It’s probably also very beautiful in the fall. We were here in the summer and during cherry blossom season.
KYOTO (2-4 Days)
Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Shijo Bridge & Kyoto Downtown | The Yasaka Shrine is very central and always well visited. It is relatively small and easy to navigate. It is well worth visiting during certain festivals and in the evening when it is beautifully lit. The most important festivals are in summer. Check it out for yourself. The street down to the city is the center of Kyoto. It’s very busy here, and there are lots of shops. Just take a look around. One of our favorite spots is below the Shijo Bridge. Grab something from a store, sit down on the grass, and enjoy the sunset. 🙂
KYOTO (2-4 Days)
Yasaka Pagode,Ninenzaka (Masuyacho) & Koda-Ji Temple | It’s probably the photo of Kyoto. The whole area is really great for checking out small shops, cafes, and temples. You should definitely make a detour here. The Koda-Ji Temple is a little smaller and less well-known. We found the grounds really pretty, and there’s also a small bamboo forest here with fewer tourists.
KYOTO (2-4 Days)
Burg Nijo & Imperial Palace | The Imperial Palace is quite nice, but in my opinion, it’s not a must-see. It’s very spacious and empty. Unfortunately, you can only view the complex from the outside. On the other hand, there’s Nijo Castle. I think the castle is great. It’s an incredibly beautiful complex. The highlight is the interior of the castle. Although photos are not allowed, the wall paintings are unique.
KYOTO (2-4 Days)
Samurai Museum, Tea-Ceremony & Conzert | The Samurai Museum was great. We booked a guided tour in English. They have a huge collection of authentic and original items. Unforgettable for samurai and ninja fans. You can also book a course where you can throw ninja stars and have a photo shoot in armor. That was really cool. Especially worthwhile on a rainy day. The only true city for a tea ceremony is Kyoto. An activity you have to experience. We used GetYourGuide & Maikoya for the bookings. The ceremony was in Kiyomizu. The concert was a highlight of our trip. It’s really very private and in a very small circle. Search for Traditional Concert at Townhouse or Bathhouse on GetYourGuide. It lasts 50 minutes. You get to hear classical and modern pieces. Afterwards, you can even ask questions and there is a group photo. Just great. It’s a little further away and really hidden, especially the townhouse.
HONORABLE MENTION
Kurama – Kibune Hike |
Gioji (Moos) Temple |
Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji (1000 Figures) |
UJI (1 Day)
Matcha, Matcha and even more Matcha | If you’re interested in matcha, there’s one place you can’t miss: Uji. The heart of Japanese matcha. A real highlight of our trip. Only an hour from Kyoto. I would recommend a matcha course or perhaps a guided tour of the fields. Byodo-In Temple is one of the most beautiful temples we visited on our trip. On the way there, you can eat, drink, and buy everything matcha. For example, we had matcha ramen and gyoza. Next to the temple is probably the most beautiful Starbucks in the world. They have a matcha scone with white chocolate there. It is warmed up for you. Very tasty. The river with the forests and mountains is great for a nice walk. Unfortunately, there is a not-so-nice tradition here that we discovered by chance, which upset us as animal lovers.
HIROSHIMA (1 Day)
Museum & City | I have to be honest here. Unfortunately, we didn’t really have much time to see anything of the city. I’m still annoyed that we didn’t go to the museum. It’s supposed to be very interesting and moving, especially if you’re interested in history.
MIYAJIMA (1 Day)
Torii & Island |If you’re nearby, for example in Hiroshima, then you should definitely check it out. It’s the ultimate postcard motif. At sunset, it can get very crowded with photographers with gigantic lenses. 😀 There are also wild deer on the island. Keep in mind the ferry schedules. Next time, I would probably spend a night here.
OKUNOSHIMA ISLAND
Rabbit Island | Only do it if you are nearby and can travel to the island very early. There are two waterways, which can take a while. However, I found it really adventurous in good weather with the small, fast boat. You can easily walk around the island itself and enjoy a great view of the other islands. If you arrive later, most of the rabbits are already overfed and tired. 😀 I thought it was pretty cool, but due to its location, I wouldn’t call it a must-see.