I’m going to Kyoto for a weekend next month. Do you guys have any recommendations? - jessica
Melody Zhou
I'd recommend going to Tosuiro for lunch if you like tofu. Yojiya is a Japanese beauty and skincare brand which also has a really nice cafe attached to it's main store. Be sure to visit Fujii Daimaru – it's a department store that's popular with young locals. Kyoto is such a beautiful city, you're going to have an amazing time!
Eunice O.
ohstranger
Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley, Kiyomizu temple right before closing (to catch the sunset views and way less people)
jackie
i highly recommend walking philosopher’s path in the morning - it’s beautifully peaceful and you’ll feel like you’re in a ghibli movie. plus, one of my favorite less-traveled temples is right around the corner - higashiyama jisho-ji. it’s stunningly maintained and you get a really fantastic view of the city from the hilltop.
Phoebe
if you like tempura definitely go to the yoshikawa tempura restaurant inside the yoshikawa inn. it’s beautiful and so much fun to watch, i would say go for lunch because it’s a much better price than dinner
Zara
Hi hi! Kyoto local here 👋🏼 I definitely second Fushimi Inari and Philosopher's Path! If you're looking for that "Kyoto" vibe then defs explore the streets of Gion between Yasaka Shrine and Kōdaiji Temple as well ⛩️
Planning a solo trip to Japan in January for around 10 days. Any tips? I just want to see things, art, nature, you know the drill. Any city/route recommendations, I definitely want to visit a few places. I'm not a fan of anything too touristy but ofc would like to see the sights as well - Taz
jackie
if you’re planning on going to multiple cities, consider buying the jr pass. it’ll allow you to take the high speed train to multiple destinations at a fixed price, but if you’re only going to one or two cities, it might not be worth it.
as for recommendations, i found that in kyoto and tokyo especially, most of my favorite spots were the ones i’d stumble upon spontaneously. i’d allow some time just for pure exploration on your own without a set itinerary.
also, google translate is your friend. not very many japanese people speak english, but they’re always very willing to help strangers. learn a few phrases (“where is ___?“, “good morning/afternoon/evening”, “thank you”, “no thank you”, etc.), it’ll go a long way
Taz
@jackie this is amazing! thanks so much. I'm thinking Osaka, Nara (if I have time), Kyoto and Tokyo...is this jr pass worthy?
jackie
@Taz one-way tickets are about $130 usd and the jr pass is $290 usd so it depends on your itinerary!
Pearl
Went on a solo trip to Japan last year during Sakura season for two weeks. it was life changing & I'm so excited for you! if you're in Tokyo definitely check out the neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa for some amazing vintage & handmade items. Hang out around Inokashira park & then go to the Ghibli Museum. If you have time, I'd highly recommend taking a short bus ride from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko & staying a night near Mt Fuji. Definitely cycle around lake Kawaguchiko. The JR pass saved me a lot of money! I bought the one week pass & activated it 5 days after my stay in Tokyo & Kawaguchiko. I took the bullet train to Kyoto, then Osaka, Nara & back to Tokyo within the next week. It was so much cheaper than buying individual tickets. Fun fact is that the JR Pass is valid for all JR trains within Tokyo too. So I used it while travelling back to Narita airport! You can check out my ig www.instagram.com/shotbypearl/ I literally have a story highlight for each city I went to in Japan :) and i have a few hostel recommendations too if you'd like hmu!
Heading to Tokyo for a long weekend next month 💕 I’m making a conscious effort not to build my itinerary around shopping areas/shops I want to see, so any experience activities would be great - Denise
Jao
Don’t know if the weather will permit this but bring a mat and have a picnic at Ueno Park! There are tables near the food stalls but the picnic area is gorgeous!!
sugarplumfairie
I highly recommend going to Inokashira Park - you can go boating on the lake, see a little shrine, and wander until your heart's content. There are also nice little homey cafes around. The Studio Ghibli Museum is also nearby; you need to pre-book tickets though.I can also recommend the teamLab Borderless art exhibit
japan-guide.com - Japan Travel and Living Guide
