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You may be a habitual globetrotter, constantly on the move to your next exotic destination. But Japan is one of those places that becomes more interesting with each visit. Travel & Tour World report puts Japan on top for 2025 global travel rankings. With tourist numbers expected to increase, we thought we would save you time in preparing an overall itinerary. Travel influencer Daisy, who goes by the handle @ichi.nichi.ippo, who has lived and traveled in Japan extensively, will help you.
Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing, no matter how mainstream, is worth every bit of the hype. Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa), Meiji Jingu Shrine (peaceful forest temple near Harajuku) and Tsukiji Outer Market (for street food and fresh seafood) are popular attractions.
Nakameguro with its cafes, restaurants and boutique shops along the Meguro River, Daikanyama with its cozy but expensive chic boutiques, vintage shops and cafes, Jimbocho which is Tokyo’s book town, Yanaka Ginza one of Tokyo’s last remaining ‘shitamachi’ (old shopping streets), Kagurazaka with its cobbled streets and geisha history and Shimokitazawa with its thrift stores. Create less visited areas.
As far as the evening scene is concerned, Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya Station area is the ‘alley of drunks’ with small izakayas, Golden Gai in Shinjuku with its quirky and themed izakayas, Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku for its yakitori alley, Kabukicho for Tokyo’s neon nightlife district and Asakusa has Hoppy Dory, an old school izakaya street. Less explored places in this regard are Shimbashi, a classic after-work district with bars and yakitori spots, as well as Koenji for its underground nightlife scene.
Kyoto
Although compressing your Tokyo travel plans into 3 days might seem like compressing things a bit, Daisy managed to create a 3-day itinerary for Kyoto. The first day should start with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, followed by lunch at Gion Duck Rice. Wandering around Gion and visiting Kiyomizu Camp should be the order of the evening, followed by souvenir shopping at Ninenzaka. Perfect way to end the day? A delicious meal at the 2-Michelin star Kaiseki in Ryosho.
Start day two light with your cuppa at Weekenders Coffee. Follow this with an exploration of the philosophical path. Your senses will be filled with soba in Juugo and a visit to Ikondo Temple in the afternoon. Dine at Chao Chao Gyoza, followed by drinks at Pontocho Alley.
Beat the hangover on Day 3 with coffee at Wife & Husband. Then visit Kinikakuji and Kitano Tenmangu. Replenish your energy with lunch at Toriwaro’s Oyakodon and then enjoy a relaxing soak in the public baths at Funaoka Onsen. End the night by dipping your taste buds into any of No Name Ramen’s selection.
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