I was so lucky to get the chance to visit Japan. Like so many before me, I was dazzled by my visit. I enjoyed the food, the culture, and the historical buildings. 

I highly recommend a trip to Japan. This country is great for people who want to explore a city and are adventurous eaters. To help you plan your trip, this post gives you all the nitty gritty details and tips. Keep reading for information and an itinerary.

Why Visit Japan

“Can you do that with more care?” A server quietly asked this to another server (in Japanese) during one of our meals, and it illustrates one of the things that makes Japan so special. The care that Japanese people put into their actions, fashion, and way of living is extraordinary. People are thoughtful, kind, generous, and helpful. Even if they’re frustrated on the inside, they are patient and understanding outwardly. It was easy to feel welcomed as a traveler.

In cities that are crowded and busy, I felt carefree. (Though I know I might have some bias from being on vacation.) Their thoughtful living makes processes efficient. You know to expect the order of where to stand when you get on and off a train. You aim to get everywhere early.

The food is so good! There are so many unique dishes to try. Seafood is a major ingredient in their diet, but you’ll see plenty of other protein. It might be slightly harder if you are vegan or gluten-free, but it’s possible!

It’s relatively easy to get around. The train system is extensive.

Altogether, you should visit Japan to marvel at its brilliance. From great hospitality to incredible meals, you’ll find a warm adventure when you visit.

Quick Tips

• Visa: Most countries, including the U.S., will receive a 90-day visa upon arrival.
• Language: Japanese
• Currency: Japanese Yen. $1 USD is about 148 JPY
• Credit Cards: Widely used. Cash is good for street food markets
• Tipping: None required
• Capital City: Tokyo
• Water: Tap water is drinkable
• Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are needed.
• Religion: Primarily Shinto and Buddhism

When to Visit Japan

The best months are fall (September to November) and Spring (March to May). This will also be the high season when you can expect more tourists.

Which Cities to Visit

It’s hard to pick a favorite city! Each one has its pros/cons and things that make it unique. This section will share more about the cities travelers usually visit.

We went to 5 cities (6 cities for one of us) in 2 weeks, with 2 cities (3 cities for one of us) as day trips. We visited what some would call the “greatest hits” or the most popular cities for tourists. 

While we loved each place, you can expect crowds and high-traffic city life. Of course, there are less popular cities to visit, but you have to factor in the time and money to get there (possibly less availability on trains) and the number of resources, like restaurants to try, in that place. It’s not impossible and depends on how you want to spend your time!

• Tokyo – Tokyo is very efficient and orderly. They have to be with that many people! You’ll find fewer trash cans (and less trash) on the street and clear signs indicating where to stand for the train. But while people are more reserved, they will jump to help you if you look lost in a train station.
• Hakone – If you want to find a slower pace in a mountain town and enjoy hot springs, Hakone is a good option. You could see Mount Fuji from here, and it’s also a great base for travelers interested in guided hiking adventures around Hakone and Mount Fuji.
• Osaka – This city is very similar to Tokyo but a little less strict. The people are more carefree and so are their habits. For example, there are more trash cans on the street and more trash strewn about. I found locals are less likely to jump to your aid but are friendly when asked.
• Kyoto – This city is the place of many shrines and temples. It’s where to go to learn about Japanese history and traditional customs like tea ceremonies and see old relics. If this is important to you, I recommend staying a few nights here and getting up early to see the sights. It gets exhaustingly crowded at popular tourist sights.
• Nara – While Nara is known for its wild bowing deer, you’ll also want to visit the most impressive Buddhist temple.
• Hiroshima – Most tourists probably know Hiroshima from its WW2 history. You can visit to see old buildings from the nuclear attack and memorials. It’s a bittersweet place to see and honor history.
• Hokkaido – This is Japan’s northernmost island. This region is popular for outdoor activities, like hiking and skiing.
• Okinawa – I want to come back and visit Okinawa to scuba dive!

How to Get There

International flights will likely fly into Tokyo for the most direct access. There are two airports in Tokyo – Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Haneda is the one closest to Tokyo’s center. Narita is about an hour’s drive from the center of Tokyo.

How to Get Around

Public transportation is efficient and widely accessible in Japan. You can travel from city to city and within cities with almost one card. Train station signage is usually abundant and clear, with English, color coding, and numbers.

We bought the JR Pass, which is about $563 for 14 days of travel. It’s recommended if you’ll be going to other cities and is supposed to be cheaper than paying for each route. This allowed us to take multiple long train rides. The pricing changed in the fall of 2023, so it’s recommended to price out your routes to see if the JR Pass pricing will save you money or not.

You’ll also need a Suica card. This is a metro card you can reload and it’ll get you around most train stations. You can get this at the airport when you land. This card will also take you longer distances, like city to city.

Google Maps or Apple Maps is your best friend! It will give you specific train information.

What to Wear in Japan

Dress for the season and layers are best. I went in the fall (Temperatures in the 60-70s) and noticed Japanese are very modest and dress warmly, commonly wearing pants or long dresses/skirts and also covering their arms.

Key Japanese Phrases to Know

While becoming fluent in Japanese is not necessary, knowing a handful of phrases shows respect and can get you further. I recommend watching some YouTube videos about “Japanese words for tourists” to get prepared. If all else fails, pointing, gesturing, and Google Translate will help you get by.

Here are some phrases I used:

• Konichiwa – hello
• Arigato gozaimas – thank you
• Sumimasen – excuse me
• Onegashimas – please
• Konbibi- convenience store
• Mizou – water
• Toyay – toilet
• Kanpai – cheers
• Hai – yes

What to Eat in Japan

I’ve got plenty of posts to help you plan what to eat! This includes special meals to make a reservation for and experiences to plan around.

• 8 Best Foodie Experiences in Japan
• Sushi Omakase at Sushi Punch in Tokyo, Japan
• Kaiseki Michelin Meal at Yugen in Osaka, Japan
• 20 Best Eats and Drinks I Had in Japan
• Wagyu Tasting at Tsurugyu in Osaka, Japan

2-Week Japan Itinerary

The following 15-day itinerary combines things: what I had planned, what we did, and what I would do differently. It’s somewhat my ideal schedule but it’s also packed! When you’re looking at this to plan your trip, I would note the groupings of activities because of physical proximity but edit the schedule to your interests.

Some changes I made:

• We spent 3 nights in Hakone, which was relaxing, but could be a bit slow. It depends on how fast you travel.
• We had a day trip to Kyoto, but I would have liked to see more of Kyoto, either doing another day trip there or staying two nights in Kyoto. The train from Osaka to Kyoto is about 15 minutes, so you would save a bit of time by staying in Kyoto.

Day 1 – Travel Day

• Flight to Tokyo – left Austin at 7 am and stopped in Houston, left Houston around noon

Day 2 – Night in Tokyo

• Land in Tokyo at 3:30 pm – about a 14-hour flight
• Take the train to our hotel
• Walk to Omoide Yokocho (restaurant alley) for dinner
• Post-dinner walk around the Shinjuku neighborhood or Golden Gai for drinks

Day 3 – Tokyo

• Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya) – opens at 5:20 am, large park to walk around
• Grab breakfast nearby – in Shibuya/Harajuku neighborhoods
• Lunch: Relax Shokudo (Harajuku) – traditional bento box meal
• Explore Haranjuku neighborhood
• Explore Shimokitazawa neighborhood for shops and vintage
• Shibuya Crossing around 6pm 

Day 4 – Tokyo

• Hie Shrine (opens at 6am)
• Imperial Palace (opens at 9am)
• Explore the Ginza neighborhood – Itoya Stationery Shop, Bongen Coffee
• Lunch: Kanda Matsuya – soba noodles
• Explore Akihabara – games
• Snack: Aoi Marushin – tempura
• Sensō-ji* – Buddhist temple
• Asakusa Shrine
• 5pm Ninja Food Tour

Day 5 – Tokyo

• Tsukiji Fish Market (open 8am – 2pm)
• Team Lab

Day 6 – Travel to Hakone

• Breakfast/lunch
• Take the train from Tokyo to Hakone
• Check into hotel
• Get a massage
• Dinner included at the hotel

Day 7 – Hakone

• Go up the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani
• Take the pirate ship sightseeing tour
• Visit the Hakone Open Air Museum – sculpture art
• Dinner included at the hotel

Day 8 – Travel to Osaka

• Take train from Hakone to Osaka in AM (3 hr ride)
• Shitennoji Temple
• Tennoji Park
• Dotonbori neighborhood – Kuroman Ichiba Market
• Taste Osaka Food Tour

Day 9 – Osaka

• Osaka Castle
• 40 min train to Namaze to Takedao (3.4mi hike)
• Cup Noodle Museum

Day 10 – Day trip to Hiroshima

• Train to Hiroshima – 2 hours
• Visit the memorial garden and museum

Day 11 – Day trip to Kyoto

• Train to Kyoto – 15 mins
• Hokan-ji Temple
• Tea Ceremony at Camellia Flower Teahouse
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Yasaka Shrine
• Explore Gion neighborhood

Day 12 – Day trip to Kyoto

• Train to Kyoto – 15 mins
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – get there very early because it gets crowded
• Nijo Castle
• Nishiki Market
• Fushimi Kandakara Shrine

Day 13 – Day trip to Nara

• Train to Nara – 45 mins
• Explore Nara Park (all day, stop for lunch)
• Kasuga-Taisha Shrine – Shinto shrine with famous interior, 9am public prayer service
• Tōdai-ji Temple – Buddhist temple complex
• Hōryū-ji – Buddhist temple
• Kasugayama Primeval Forest
• Lunch at Hiraso 
• Mochi at Nakatanidou (go before 2 pm)
• Take train back for dinner in Osaka

Day 14 – Travel to Tokyo / Last Night in Japan

• Take train from Kyoto to Tokyo
• Mori Art Museum
• Last-minute souvenir shopping

Day 15

• Flight to Austin – leave Tokyo at 10:30 am, arrive in Houston at 8:30 am, arrive in Austin at 1 pm

Quick Reference of our Trip

• Airline to Japan: All Nippon Airways
• Tokyo Hotel: JR Blossom Shinjuku
• Tokyo Hotel: Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda
• Hakone Hotel: Masutomi Ryokan
• Osaka Hotel: Karaksa Hotel Grande Shin-Osaka Tower
• Tokyo Food Tour: Ninja Food Tours
• Osaka Food Tour: Taste Osaka
• Kyoto Tea Ceremony: Camellia Flower Teahouse
• Train: JR Rail Pass, Suica Card

Japan, I hope to see you again one day. I’d love to dive in Japan one day!

For more tips and recommendations, here are all my Japan posts:

• 13 Best Things To Do in Japan for a Fantastic Trip
• 8 Best Foodie Experiences in Japan
• 10 Helpful Tips You Need for Your Japan Trip
• 20 Best Eats and Drinks I Had in Japan
• Kaiseki Michelin Meal at Yugen in Osaka, Japan
• Wagyu Tasting at Tsurugyu in Osaka, Japan
• Sushi Omakase at Sushi Punch in Tokyo, Japan

The post Japan Travel Guide + 2 Week Itinerary appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 10 things I recommend for your trip to Japan.

1. Use Tablelog and Omakase for restaurants

For all the foodies who like to plan ahead on meals, you’re likely researching restaurants to try. You might find my Japan posts and recommendations on social media helpful, but I also recommend checking with locals. Tablelog is similar to what Yelp is in the U.S. For fancier restaurants, the Omakase site is used for reservations and deposits.

2. Pack light and only bring carry-on size luggage

This tip will help you navigate trains. There are stairs everywhere (though escalators and elevators are available), so having more compact luggage will save you some struggle as you’re traveling from city to city. You’ll have to pay extra for large bag storage on trains. 

If you don’t want to mess with your luggage on trains, there are luggage delivery services that will transport your luggage to your next hotel. Check your hotel for rates and availability.

3. Don’t eat on the go

It’s rare to see Japanese people walking and eating, and eating and drinking are typically not allowed on the subway. Most places are dine-in or have seating so you can enjoy your treats and drinks (and throw them away) before you leave. The exception would be convenience stores. I recommend going back to your hotel or finding a nearby spot to enjoy whatever you buy.

4. Prepare a daypack

Things that would be helpful to have in your daypack: a small hand towel, wet wipes and/or hand sanitizer, tissues, a small trash bag, and a water bottle. If you can find a public restroom, it may not have paper towels to dry your hands. There are also few public trash cans, so a small trash bag you can keep in your pack will keep you clean and organized, especially if you end up eating on the go. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are always good when you’re out and about.

5. Visit more than one city

Each city has its vibe, special cuisine and dishes, and landmarks. We visited Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara in two weeks. You’ll likely land in Tokyo. Take a train to visit a smaller mountain town like Hakone or see the historical streets of Kyoto. There are so many options; it depends on what you’re interested in seeing or doing. For travelers looking to spend time outdoors, Hakone is also a great base to explore the area on foot, with options for guided hiking experiences around Hakone and Mount Fuji.

6. Have physical money handy

While credit card usage is becoming more widespread, there are a handful of times when having physical money will be helpful. Restaurant alleys and markets are some places where cash is helpful. I recommend exchanging money at your local bank before your trip so that you are set when you arrive.

7. Be mindful of how you take up space. 

Sidewalks and areas in the train station easily get congested. If you stop to look at your phone or to wait for someone, move to the side or somewhere not in the middle of a walkway. Japanese people seem to move very deliberately and efficiently when going somewhere, especially during rush hour, which can be the opposite of a traveler trying to figure out where they’re going! Similarly, if you’re wearing a backpack, move it to your front side on a subway to avoid bumping into people behind you. Always observe your surroundings and be mindful of others around you.

8. Use public transportation

Trains are the most popular way to get around in Japan, and a maps app like Google Maps or Apple Maps makes it easy. These maps apps will tell you exactly which train to take, the time it leaves, the least crowded train car, and which train station exit to go to. Train stations and trains also have alphabet translations.

Trains stop around midnight to about 5 am, so if you need to travel during these times, look for a taxi.

We had a JR Pass, Suica card, and Hakone Freepass that made transportation a bit easier and cheaper. The JR Pass is recommended if you will be traveling to more than three cities. The pass recently increased its prices, so I would price out where you’ll be traveling to see if it’ll save you money. The Suica card is a subway card that you can load money on and it subtracts as you scan and exit the station. The Hakone Freepass takes care of all transportation in Hakone. It can be slightly confusing, but there is a lot of signage in the train stations and train employees who can help.

9. Book hotels near train stations

Trains are probably the way you’ll get around for sightseeing, so being a short walk from a station will save your legs a bit. If you are traveling to more than two cities, you’ll likely be taking long train rides. Booking a hotel near a JR station will make it easier, especially since you’ll be with your luggage.

10. Arrive earlier than you think.

When we needed to be somewhere at a specific time, we were frequently late because our trip took longer than expected. I recommend starting your journey 15-30 minutes earlier than you think. Navigating train stations and general wayfinding on streets easily add time to your journey.

A little preparation can go a long way in saving you some stress. I hope these tips help!

Need more advice or recommendations about Japan? Check out these posts:

• 13 Best Things To Do in Japan for a Fantastic Trip
• 8 Best Foodie Experiences in Japan
• 20 Best Eats and Drinks I Had in Japan

The post 10 Helpful Tips You Need for Your Japan Trip appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

It’s always interesting to be immersed in a different culture. Your senses are in overdrive about all the new experiences. It was an adventure exploring Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. They each had their special features and every day was a new discovery.

I’ve condensed our two-week trip into 13 favorite things. Here are some recommendations of what you should do on your trip.

Eat!

This is what I anticipated the most about our trip and it did not disappoint! From street food tours to Michelin meals, we had so many different food experiences. See these posts for more about eating in Japan:

• 20 Best Eats and Drinks I Had in Japan
• 8 Best Foodie Experiences in Japan
• Kaiseki Michelin Meal at Yugen in Osaka, Japan
• Sushi Omakase at Sushi Punch in Tokyo, Japan
• Wagyu Tasting at Tsurugyu in Osaka, Japan

Want an easy way to try new food? Join a food tour! We did the Ninja Food Tour in Tokyo and Taste Osaka in Osaka.

Stay in a Ryokan with an Onsen

I was wary about this experience before the trip because I’m not great at relaxing, but it was one of my favorites! We stayed at a ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel) in Hakone, which is a mountain town known for its onsens (hot springs). Our hotel had baths with hot spring water that we enjoyed soaking in every day. Ryokans typically offer dinner and breakfast with the stay, and the kaiseki meals (traditional, multi-course) were beautiful and filling! There are a few mountain towns around Mt Fuji and Hakone is about a 2.5 hr train ride from Tokyo, a great stop on the way if you’re also planning to visit Osaka and Kyoto.

Visit Tsujiki Fish Market

This market in Tokyo was my favorite we visited. The food was top-notch and varied. From wagyu skewers to grilled seafood, the freshness is on another level. Come early mid-morning and enjoy bites throughout the market.

Admire Japanese fashion

You can’t miss it when you’re walking the streets or riding the subway. Japanese fashion, women in particular, features unique ensembles. You wouldn’t necessarily call it trendy (as in commonplace fashion) but it’s effortlessly cool. There is also an abundance of thrift stores in Japan. Visit the Shimoktazawa neighborhood for a lot of options. And lastly, you’ll also see traditional kimonos, especially in touristy areas. Locals and tourists rent and wear these for photo shoots and special occasions. Some locals wear these for work, like in a tea ceremony shop.

Visit a Buddhist Temple or Shinto Shrine

There are many religious buildings to choose from in every city. My favorite was Todai-ji Temple in Nara. This Buddhist temple was built in the 8th century, and while it has gone through several reconstructions, the expanse of the building and complex are awe-inspiring. No matter which temple you visit, go early or expect it to be crowded. Here are some other temples we visited:

• Hie Shrine (Tokyo)
• Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo)
• Asakusa Shrine (Tokyo)
• Meji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo) – another favorite, this is in a huge park
• Shitennoji Temple (Osaka)
• Hokan-ji Temple (Kyoto)
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto)
• Fushimi-Inari Shrine (Kyoto)

See Nara’s Bowing Deer

While the experience itself can be a little off-putting, especially when deer are nipping at you, the bowing deer are a unique thing to see. Vendors sell stacks of crackers near the parks. These deer have been conditionally trained to bow for crackers, so walk up to a deer and bow, and feed it a cracker when it bows back. Avoid the deer with antlers, as they tend to be more aggressive. (Nara is about a 30-minute train from Osaka and a 45-minute train from Kyoto.)

Visit a Museum

There are many cool museums, and we went to two. Team Labs has locations in Tokyo and Osaka and is known for its immersive experiences. Imagine walking into a room knee-deep in water with projections of fish swimming around or a room full of suspended flowers. We also went to the Hakone Open Air Museum, which has large sculptures spread out over their outdoor property plus a stained-glass tower and a whole exhibit building about Picasso.

A few museums we missed that you could try are the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (outside Tokyo), the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo, and the Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka.

Visit the Bamboo Forest

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto is a magical place. It feels like a whimsical scene in a Studio Ghibli movie. It’s a quick walk through the forest on a paved path, and get there before 8 am to avoid the hordes of visitors.

Get to Know Locals

What better way to learn about Japan than through the locals? One of the ways I do it is through food tours, especially since there is a language barrier. (We did the Ninja Food Tour in Tokyo and Taste Osaka in Osaka.) We happened to meet a new friend while on a food tour, who we met up with the next night. Through Google Translate, we had an active conversation and enjoyed time at restaurants and bars frequented by locals.

To meet locals more proactively, look for Facebook groups like Girls Love Travel to connect or book a tour on EatWith.

Walk through a shopping district

Every city has one or multiple! You’ll see a long covered pedestrian road filled with shops, and they’re typically in touristy areas. There will be lots of food options and souvenir shops. Try walking off the busy strip for places “off the path” that may have cheaper items. However, these places can be overwhelming and very similar, so plan ahead!

• Kuroman Ichiba Market in Osaka
• Nishiki Market in Kyoto
• Dotonbori and Namba neighborhoods in Osaka

See Mt Fuji

One of the reasons we stayed in Hakone was to see Mt Fuji. The surrounding towns have natural springs and great views. Unfortunately, we only got a quick glance of Mt Fuji on train rides because it was cloudy on the days we were there, but in Hakone, you can see it when you ride the ropeway up to Owakudani and take the sightseeing pirate ship cruise around Lake Ashi.

While many visitors admire the mountain from afar, climbing Mt Fuji is also one of Japan’s most iconic adventures, especially during the official summer season. If you’re considering the ascent, many travelers choose to climb Mt Fuji with a certified local guide to navigate the route safely and learn more about the mountain.

Ride a Bullet Train

A possibly commonplace thing where you are but not in the U.S. is bullet trains. The first time we saw one speed through the train station, we looked at each other in amazement. It is called the Shinkansen and goes up to 320 kms per hour. Taking this train between cities will save you some time.

Wander, Explore, and Be in Wonder

One of the best parts of travel is going somewhere you’ve never been before and discovering something new. So make time to wander the streets with no clear direction, meander through a market, or take a detour to see something because you’re curious. And then be in wonder and gratitude for the experience. I look through my photos and see things we happened upon: a Buddhist temple, a waterfall, a fluffy duck, and so many creative manhole covers.

I started noticing and taking pictures of all the manhole covers because they’re so pretty and unique. These started as a PR campaign in the 80s for taxpayers to get on board with modernizing the sewer system. The enthusiasm has grown into another feature that makes Japan endearing. Almost 12,000 unique designs can be found in Japan!

These are the surprises that complete your trip. Make a trip plan, but leave room for unexpected adventures.

Here are a few other things we tried and other recommendations:

• Gaming complexes like in the Akihabara neighborhood in Tokyo
• Bar districts like Golden Gai in Tokyo
• Itoya in Tokyo, a six-floor stationery store
• Walk through Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing
• Relax at a spa
• Karaoke
• Souvenir shop (especially Japanese snacks) at Mega Don Quixote (seven floors!)
• Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields in Hakone
• Enjoy bidets
• DisneyLand in Tokyo
• Universal Studios/Nintendo World in Osaka

Take my suggestions and make YOUR trip.

Enjoy your visit to Japan!

Want more Japan recommendations? Check out these posts.

The post 13 Best Things To Do in Japan for a Fantastic Trip appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I spent two weeks in Japan and visited five cities, and these are the foodie experiences I enjoyed and would recommend.

Experience a Kaiseki Meal

Kaiseki is a traditional, multi-course Japanese dinner. We stayed at a ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel) in Hakone, which is a mountain town known for its hot springs. Ryokans typically offer dinner and breakfast with the stay, and eating well is a light way to describe it. Each dinner and breakfast at Masutomi Ryokan was a spread of courses. From soup to fried to sashimi, all the ingredients were incredibly fresh and flavorful. Think of this like a chef’s tasting meal!

Eat a Sushi Omakase

Sushi tastings have become a popular experience in Austin; so many new spots have opened. All their fish comes from Japan, so why not eat it fresh (even fresher) from the source? There are many options. We enjoyed Sushi Punch in Tokyo.

Try the Owakudani Black Egg

Since we stayed a few days in Hakone for the ryokan experience, we spent time going up the cable car and ropeway to Owakudani. Here, you can admire Mt Fuji and eat a black chicken egg. These eggs, which taste like a typical boiled egg, are cooked in the natural sulfur water there. Local lore says one egg will add seven years to your life.

I wouldn’t plan your trip around this, but if you want to stay in the beautiful, quieter hot springs town of Hakone, you could do this as part of your sightseeing.

Eat Ramen

There are a lot, and I mean A LOT, of unique things you can eat in Japan. You can eat them elsewhere but the quality is not quite the same. One of my favorites is ramen. I had three bowls – beef, pork, and fish – and all were so delicious.

• Ichiran – Chain restaurant with many locations
• One Dragon Tan Tan Noodles in Tokyo – Beef broth ramen
• Maru de Sankaku in Osaka – Fish ramen

Enjoy Convenience Store Snacks

It’s true: Japanese convenience stores are not like other convenience stores. While I would think twice about eating fresh food from a U.S. convenience store (and probably not do it), it’s an affordable, tasty, and convenient option in Japan. In addition to the packaged foods with long shelf-life (we ate so much Pocky), you’ll like the sandwiches, warm packaged drinks, and pastry items. Be sure to try the egg salad sandwiches from 7-Eleven. I also hear the fried chicken from Family Mart is a must.

Explore Street Food

If you only do one thing on this list, I think this one is it. The experience is two-fold. You’ll enjoy some incredible food and you’ll explore the streets of Japan. Here are a few ways to do it:

Food Markets – These are long streets with indoor or outdoor stalls. You’ll see vendors cooking food right outside the entrance and they may have seating inside or nearby. Markets are usually better during the day while izakaya (bar) streets can be enjoyed for dinner.

• Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo – My favorite of this list! Go early to see the fish selling in action. You’ll enjoy very fresh seafood, from huge raw oysters to grilled scallops. Also, enjoy the most delicious wagyu skewers from Tsukiji Ihachi.
• Omoide Yokocho in Tokyo – alleyway dinner spot good for fresh grilled snacks
• Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka
• Dotonbori neighborhood in Osaka

Food Tour – We took two food tours during our trip, and we ended up in places we wouldn’t have found by ourselves, ate a lot, and enjoyed learning about Japan. (You know I love food tours.)

• Ninja Food Tours in Tokyo
• Taste Osaka in Osaka

Book a Tea Ceremony

While tea originated in China, drinking tea became a ceremonial and spiritual practice in Japan. We attended a somewhat informal tea ceremony at Camellia Teahouse in Kyoto to learn about it. A full-length tea ceremony lasts four hours but ours was less than an hour. I like that teahouses follow four principles: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. It’s a place focused on peace and connection. Every movement and action of the host is exact and purposeful. At our tea ceremony, we learned how to whisk matcha and enjoyed our cup.

Enjoy a Michelin Meal

Did you know there are over 400 Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan? Coming from a country (the U.S.) where Michelin-starred restaurants are in a select few cities and can be a bit pricey, I enjoyed this something fun and different for our trip. We dined at Yugen in Osaka, and it was a memorable experience. Read all about it in this post.

Honorable Mention: Nakatanidou in Nara is known for their speedy mochi-making demonstration and their famous mochi. We went around 4 pm and the demos were over and they had sold out, but this would have been cool to experience.

There is so much more to discover in Japan! I hope one day I’ll be able to add to this list. Have one for me to put on the list? Let me know.

P.S. Want to read more about Japan? Check out these posts:

• 20 Best Eats and Drinks I Had in Japan
• Wagyu Tasting at Tsurugyu in Osaka, Japan
• Kaiseki Michelin Meal at Yugen in Osaka, Japan
• Sushi Omakase at Sushi Punch in Tokyo, Japan

The post 8 Best Foodie Experiences in Japan appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Read this post for all my favorite things we ate – dishes you’ll find in Japan – and some restaurant recommendations.

When I plan a trip, I like to bookmark restaurants that seem to have good reviews and are near a certain sight we’re planning to visit. We made it to about 3 of the 10 I had bookmarked and that was because we had reservations! I tell you this so you know getting to a specific place in Japan was much harder than I thought it would be. Sometimes things that were “close” ended up being a 20-minute train. Sometimes we had to satisfy hangry humans ASAP.

I also tell you this because while we didn’t visit the places I had bookmarked, we still had incredible food resulting from quick Google searches, and the “we walked by and it looked good.” Yes, have a few places (the fewer the better) you absolutely must visit, but also leave room to be spontaneous because you’re likely to still enjoy great eats in Japan!

And now, these are the eats and drinks that I will dream about until I return.

Beef / Gyukatsu

While fish is the common choice in Japan, I enjoyed the beef immensely! We had melt-in-your-mouth beef skewers at the fish market (you can’t miss it, there are huge signs for this place) and a fun beef tasting at a restaurant in Osaka. And while tonkatsu (breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet) is popular, gyukatsu (the beef version) is a must-try as well!

Where we ate:

• Gyukatsu Motomura – gyukatsu, multiple locations in Japan
• Tsuguyru in Osaka – beef tasting
• Tsukiji Ihachi at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo

Eel / Unagi

Eel was already one of my favorite seafood but eating it freshly grilled at the fish market was incredibly satisfying! You can find it at street food stalls.

Daifuku / Mochi / Warabi

I had mochi on a few occasions but the most delicious was a street stand on a quieter street at Tsukiji Fish Market. They had a few flavors but the strawberry was so good! You may also see savory mochi wrapped in seaweed.

It’s called daifuku when the mochi is wrapped around something like a strawberry or red bean. It’s called warabi or warabimochi when the mochi is dipped or topped with sauce and powder.

Ramen

I had ramen three times, and they were all delicious! Fish ramen is a growing trend, and it’s a lighter broth option. We also went to the classic chain – Ichiran – but be prepared for a wait in prime time. The last place was a spur-of-the-moment pick when we needed to find food near Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, and it was so good! 

Most ramen places have ordering machines so the staff doesn’t need to handle payment. You’ll get a small receipt which you’ll give to a server.

Where we ate:

• Ichiran – Chain restaurant with many locations
• One Dragon Tan Tan Noodles in Tokyo – Beef broth ramen
• Maru de Sankaku in Osaka – Fish ramen

Matcha

We tried to enjoy matcha everywhere! We enjoyed it fresh in a tea ceremony and at the end of a nice meal, but we also had it in ice cream and other treats.

Where we ate:

• Kaminari Issa – matcha ice cream and drinks near Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo
• Bongen Coffee in Tokyo – pretty good coffee too but has a very long wait

Okonomiyaki

I had never had okonmiyaki before, so it was a magical experience. This savory Japanese pancake is made with flour, cabbage, and a choice of additions like pork or shrimp. There are two styles. Osaka style is a big mix of ingredients while Hiroshima style is layered ingredients, sometimes including noodles.

Where we ate:

• Torame Yokocho in Osaka – it’s a food hall so look for the specific stall in the back left

Cheese Tart

Follow your nose to the cheese tart! We went to two different places, and my favorite was Grand Riviere in Hakone, which drew us in with the fragrance of fresh-baked tarts. The crust is almost like a buttery shortbread cookie. We also went to Pablo in Osaka, which you’ll know is popular from the long line! They sell a few flavors, including strawberry, chocolate, and matcha.

Where we ate:

• Grand Riviere in Hakone
• Pablo in Osaka

Taiyaki

These filled pastries are made fresh, typically at a food stall. We happened upon one after dinner one night. We got one with red bean and one with custard. Yum!

Japanese pancakes

The special thing about Japanese pancakes is that they’re extra fluffy, like a souffle!

Where we ate:

• Northshore in Osaka

Yuzu sorbet

One of my favorite desserts I had was a yuzu sorbet. Yuzu looks like a lemon but tastes like a combination of lemon and grapefruit.

Sushi

Of course sushi! We ate sushi most days. It can come as a side dish, like a few pieces in a bento box or kaiseki dinner. We also had a multi-course sushi omakase, which was a great way to end the trip.

Where we ate:

• Shimokita Rokkaku in Tokyo
• Sushi Punch in Tokyo

Yakitori

These Japanese skewers are typically grilled over a charcoal fire and are easily found in izakayas (low-key Japanese bars) or street markets.

Where we ate:

• Omoide Yokocho – food stall alley in Tokyo
• Kuroman Ichiba Market – food stall market in Osaka
• Nishiki Market – food stall market in Kyoto

Tempura

One of my favorite parts of our multi-course dinners at a traditional Japanese hotel we stayed at was the tempura. It was light and crispy yet the vegetable shined through.

Fishcake

One thing you can find in fish markets and street stalls is fish cake. These are typically ground fish made into balls or patties and served on a skewer or in oden, which is a soup.

Egg Salad Sandwich

People raved about the egg salad sandwiches in Japan, so it was a must-try. The best one I had was from 7-Eleven, as many have suggested.

Uni

A sushi meal delicacy is uni and at Japanese street markets, you can enjoy extra fresh. You’ll see them laid out and they may include an uni variety. The best was at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo.

Fruit

I thoroughly enjoyed all the fresh fruit in Japan. Many desserts include fruit for a light and fresh ending to a meal. At markets, you’ll see big, beautiful fruit. I especially liked the persimmons and muscat grapes.  

Natto Beans / Japanese Breakfast

When in Japan, you eat fish and natto beans for breakfast! The traditional Japanese breakfast usually includes grilled fish, rice, miso soup, pickled things, and natto. Natto, which is fermented soybeans, is also lovingly called “stinky beans.” I didn’t find them too stinky, and they are good when mixed with rice, especially since they can be a bit sticky.

Takoyaki

These balls have a flour batter with pieces of octopus. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy it, look for a big red octopus face on the outside and you’ll find the Tako Tako King chain.

Sake / Shochu / Beer

There are plenty of alcoholic beverage choices in Japan.

• Sake – If you’re looking for something unique to Japan, it would be this rice wine, their national beverage. There’s a growing movement that seeks to make sake cool, so look out for sake bars.
• Shochu – This is a distilled liquor that is weaker than liquors like whiskey or vodka but stronger than wine or sake. My go-to way to drink it is a chuhai or shochu highball, which is mixed with soda water and lemon.
• Beer – When in Japan, the typical beer brands are Asahi and Sapporo, but you can find Hitachino as a craft option. Also, keep an eye out for local craft beers in specialty shops, and don’t expect to find IPAs in abundance.

It was fun to look back at all the delicious things we ate! I hope this gives you an idea of what to look out for on your trip or makes you want to book a trip to Japan.

For more posts about Japan, check out:

• Kaiseki Michelin Meal at Yugen in Osaka, Japan
• Wagyu Tasting at Tsurugyu in Osaka, Japan
• Sushi Omakase at Sushi Punch in Tokyo, Japan

The post 20 Best Eats and Drinks I Had in Japan appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Keep reading to hear all about our experience.

Yugen

When I travel, I like to try a variety of food experiences, from street food tours to extravagant coursed meals. Did you know there are over 400 Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan? This speaks to Japan’s high-quality ingredients. I thought trying a Michelin-starred restaurant would be a unique and fun experience for the group. 

Picking Yugen, which has one Michelin star, was a fairly random choice. I used the Omakase website, a Japanese restaurant reservation website, to narrow down the options and looked for restaurants serving Japanese food in Osaka. (Many nicer restaurants serve French or Italian food.)

Yugen serves a kaiseki meal (traditional, multi-course Japanese meal), and it was a tasty way to see traditional and simple types of cooking. This preparation allows the ingredients to play the main role.

The word yugen is directly translated as “mysterious” but can be translated as “delicate beauty,” which is a good way to describe the restaurant. It has an unassuming entrance in an office building and when you enter, the restaurant is minimally yet cohesively constructed as a peaceful space. 

Delicate beauty is also a good way to describe our meal, which I’ll share more next!

Kaiseki Tasting Menu

Chef Keisuke Mifune and his team presented a beautiful and seemingly effortless meal. The flavors are seasonal and bright and overall, while there are eight courses, the meal is light. The ingredients aren’t smothered in heavy sauces or spices. The menu was simply a delicate preparation to highlight Japanese ingredients and enhance the natural flavors.

Here’s the meal we enjoyed.

Appetizer: Barracuda, Chrysanthemum greens, Maitake mushroom

Soup: Steamed crab paste cake soup

Seasonal Dishes:

• Eggplant soup
• Persimmon, carrot, radish, cucumber, sesame cream
• Vinegared mackerel
• Deep-fried pacific saury
• Japanese pear with mushed tofu
• Mukago (yam)
• Baked peanuts

Sashimi: Bonito and squid sashimi

Grilled Dish: Grilled Spanish mackerel with tempura edamame beans

Boiled Dish: Boiled herring, burdock, spinach

Rice: Rice mixed with chestnuts; miso soup

Dessert: 

• Yamazato (sweet yam paste bun stuffed with white bean paste)
• Grape, muscat, apple sorbet

Accompanied by our dessert was fresh, warm matcha

It was a lovely meal! We also sat in the front room and was able to watch the chef and team prepare the meal. It was neat to see the different techniques, like using a charcoal grill, and the careful movements. The experience was thoughtful and the dishes were satisfying. I’m glad we were able to enjoy this delicious meal!

Below is a sneak peek at their dish drawer. I wonder if they name their dishes like The French Laundry does?

How Much is Yugen

Lunch and dinner options are available at Yugen. Lunch is $85.55 USD per person and dinner is $153.99 USD. This pricing is through the Omakase website, so there is a service fee added on. This is the best way to make a reservation online.

How to Make a Reservation

The most direct way would be to call the restaurant as they don’t have their own online reservation system.

I made a reservation on the Omakase website about three weeks before our meal, so it is fairly easy to get a reservation. Omakase is a Japanese reservation website, which is especially helpful for diners outside of Japan. They do take a fee when you make a reservation; from my calculations, it’s about $10 USD per person.

When you make the reservation, a credit card is required, and you’ll be charged the full cost of the meal. After your meal, you can settle the additional bill for any beverages you order.

Yugen is closed on Wednesdays.

How to Get to Yugen

The closest train station is Osaka Uehommachi Station from the Kintetsu Osaka Line. It’s about a 5-minute walk to the restaurant.

When you arrive at the address, you’ll see this corner. Go down the stairs on the left side and you’ll see a door on the right with colored curtains.

Details for Your Visit

Here’s a quick list of what to know before your visit.

• Cuisine: Traditional Japanese
• Meal offered: Lunch or dinner
• Ambiance: Peaceful
• Attire: Business casual
• Noise Level: Quiet
• Dietary restrictions: Notes made during reservation
• Reservation: Recommended for larger groups
• Seating Options: Counter or private room

Yugen
14-14 Ishigatsujicho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, 543-0031, Japan
+81 50-3628-4385
Restaurant Website: https://kdrr500.gorp.jp/

P.S. Want to see more meals in Japan? Check out:

• Wagyu Tasting at Tsurugyu in Osaka, Japan
• Sushi Omakase at Sushi Punch in Tokyo, Japan

P.P.S. Read more restaurant adventures in my travel eats category.

The post Kaiseki Michelin Meal at Yugen in Osaka, Japan appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

We didn’t have plans to travel to Kobe – it’s about a 35-minute train ride from Osaka – but we knew it was still possible to taste great wagyu in the foodie city of Osaka. So, I found this restaurant in my research that offered a beef tasting. This would be a good opportunity to try different cuts, and we walked away very pleased with the experience!

Keep reading to learn more.

About Beef

First, a beef primer. Wagyu beef is one of the best in the world because of its marbling (read: tender meat). There are four breeds of wagyu but the majority are Japanese Black. Now, various areas of Japan have their own brand of wagyu. Trademarks were allowed starting in 2006 and there are 11 registered brands, Tajima beef and Kobe beef are two of them. Kobe beef is the highest quality of Tajima beef. The certifications indicate their bloodline, how they were raised, and other criteria.

In the U.S., food labeling is lax, so you’ll see the Kobe name thrown around for marketing, but there are fewer than 40 restaurants that actually serve Kobe beef. You may also see A5 Wagyu, a high-quality beef from Japan but it’s not Kobe beef.

In Japan, restaurants must pay for their designation to advertise Kobe beef, but it’s not a requirement to serve it. There’s no shortage of places serving Kobe beef and if you want to be 100% sure you’re eating Kobe beef, check the designation website and go to one of these registered restaurants, though it will probably cost you more.

In short, I didn’t check the website and booked Tsurugyu because I read that they serve Kobe beef. Could I have tasted the difference between Kobe and Tajima? Probably not. Did I have an incredible meal? Yes!

Tsurugyu

Their menu is available on their website, and they’ll also provide a menu in English at the restaurant. Here’s what the menu looks like:

We had already decided we wanted to do a set tasting, which they have three options: 7,700 JPY; 8,800 JPY; or 9,900 JPY. The more expensive courses have added sashimi, noodles or rice, or dessert. We went with the 7,700 JPY (about $50 USD) course and subbed the intestines for sirloin.

In Japanese, they call Tsurugyu a “yakiniku” restaurant or one where you cook pieces of meat on a small grill with charcoal in front of you. They set up our grill when we arrived and after we chose our course, the dishes started arriving, one by one.

Our tasting included:

• Kimchi, Namuru (boiled vegetables), Salad
• Sio Tan (salt and tongue)
• Keta (cubic)
• Salt Kalbi (rib)
• First-class bara (belly)
• Special first-class Misuji (shoulder)
• Steak in cube
• Sirloin

I thought it was cute that our meal ended with a shot of blended veggies and tea.

It was plate after plate of meat, but it was a satiable amount. And did you see the meat marbling? So many pieces simply melted in the mouth! Each meat also had a specific way of enjoying it. Most had a specific sauce to use, one had vegetable accompaniments, and another was a lettuce wrap. They were great ways to vary the meal and enhance the flavors.

How to Make a Reservation

I made a reservation through their website about three weeks before our meal. Their website is connected to a reservation service called Retty. I believe they will try to call to confirm your reservation and charge your card, but I didn’t receive a call and my reservation was not canceled. It seemed like they had room for walk-ins, so if you’re interested, call ahead on the day or walk by to check.

How to Get There

The restaurant is near Dotonbori in Osaka, about a 10-minute walk to Nippombashi Station. The outside of the restaurant looks like this:

Details for Your Visit

Here’s a quick list of what to know prior to your visit.

• Cuisine: Beef
• Meal offered: Dinner
• Ambiance: Casual, cool
• Attire: Business casual
• Noise Level: Quiet-average
• Reservation: Available online and recommended
• Groups: Available to book online

Tsurugyu
3 Chome-5-14 Kawarayamachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0066, Japan
https://tsurugyu.foodre.jp/
https://www.instagram.com/tsurugyu/

The post Wagyu Tasting at Tsurugyu in Osaka, Japan appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Sushi Punch

This restaurant went viral on Instagram, which is probably how I found it! Chef Yuichiro Sasaki opened his restaurant during the pandemic, serving local clientele, but as Japan opened up tourism again, a few foreign visitors shared their meals on social media. Now, 80% of Sushi Punch’s clientele are foreign travelers, and Chef Sasaki is considering opening a Los Angeles location!

With his chef skills and reserved charm, Chef Sasaki provides an entertaining omakase experience. As many have said, he may be the fittest and most photogenic sushi chef in the world!

The lunch omakase is about 9-11 courses while dinner is about 14-18 courses. Each meal ends with miso soup, as Japanese meals commonly do. You’ll be able to taste specialty dishes as well as nigiri. Throughout the meal, Chef Sasaki was excited to share the preparation for the nigiri, especially if there were certain processes like aging and marinating.

Keep reading to see our meal.

Chef’s Tasting

We enjoyed 19 courses of cooked dishes and nigiri. The first four dishes were specialty, cooked dishes, except for one dish of sashimi.

Here are the dishes we had. Note: there is one piece of nigiri I didn’t get the name of and I missed getting a photo of the Hokkaido Prawn.

Steamed Egg

Yellowtail Sashimi

Grilled Fish – I didn’t catch the name of this one but it was a flakey white fish and one of my favorites of the dinner!

Fried Spring Roll

Herring

Squid

Bluefin Tuna

Saury – This is a very common fish in Japan, but was unique to us

Spanish Mackerel

Slow Cooked Oyster

Crab with scallop, rice, onion jelly

Salmon Roe

Kohada

Monkfish Liver

Chūtoro (Fatty Tuna)

Anago (sea eel) – One of my favorites!

Sweet egg and chestnut

The meal was so delightful! Every piece was perfect and delicious. We each had our favorite pieces, but we were pleased we ended our trip with this meal.

How to Make a Reservation

You can make a reservation online on the TableCheck website. You must enter your credit card information but you are not charged until after your meal is completed.

Lunch is 12,000 yen (about $80) per person and dinner is 18,000 yen (about $118) per person. The pricing includes a 10% service charge.

If you cancel seven days before your reservation, you will have to pay 50% of the price. If you cancel three days or less before your reservation, you will have to pay 100% of the price.

How to Get There

Sushi Punch is located in the Azabujuban neighborhood of Tokyo. Following Google Maps will get you to the correct location. (It is called Sushi Panchi on Google.) When you get to the address, you’ll see a lit sign with eight squares. Go past the sign on the left to the elevator on the right. The restaurant is on the 7th floor. On the left is a photo of the outside from Google:

Details for Your Visit

Here’s a quick list of what to know prior to your visit.

• Cuisine: Sushi
• Meal offered: Lunch at 12 pm, dinner at 6 and 8:30 pm
• Ambiance: Formal, bright
• Attire: Business casual
• Noise Level: Quiet
• Dietary restrictions: Information requested on the reservation
• Reservation: Available online 2 months in advance
• Groups: Contact the restaurant for groups of more than 6 people

Sushi Punch
〒106-0045 Tokyo, Minato City, Azabujuban, 3 Chome−3−9 Vort麻布十番II 7F
https://www.instagram.com/sushi__punch

Looking for more Japan foodie experience? Check out these posts:

• 8 Best Foodie Experiences in Japan
• Kaiseki Michelin Meal at Yugen in Osaka, Japan
• 20 Best Eats and Drinks I Had in Japan
• Wagyu Tasting at Tsurugyu in Osaka, Japan

The post Sushi Omakase at Sushi Punch in Tokyo, Japan appeared first on Fearless Captivations.