This was our first time as a couple, so there may be that tinge of bias on our recommendations. ย A special thank you for your patience as we had to go through so many images to put this guide together.ย Without further a-do here’s list of our favorite 10 things to do in Japan. ๐
ย 1. Stay in Shinjuku
It’s got the clublights, redlight, the gay, and high fashion. Try to get as close as you can to Shinjuku Station, which will basically take you anywhere in Japan, let alone Tokyo.
2. Ramen
Every shop will focus on the meat, noodle, or broth. Which do you value most? Then go from there. To be honest, it’s one of those places where no matter where you go, you’ll get a pretty solid place if you just do some light research. I like Lucky Peach’s ramen list, for starters.
3. Meiji-Shrine
Central Park meets Tokyo. Go on a stroll, wash your hands/mouth in preparation for prayer. Donate a few coins like the locals, bow your head twice, clap twice, and bow one last time.
4. Coffee Shops
Third-wave coffee shops like Deus Ex Machina, Cafe Kitsune, and Reissue were our faves! We were curiously disappointed in the lack of milk options and they preferred one shot vs. two shot drinks.
5. Mori Art Museum/Roppongi City View
The current exhibit, “The Universe & Art” was the best we saw while in Tokyo, hands down.
6. Cat Cafes.
MEOW.
7. Kyoto.
Known for its beautiful scenery and temples, Kyoto is the perfect place to find zen. Pro-tip, stay at a ryokan to get the authentic Japanese accommodation experience.
8. Japanese 7/11-Lawsons snack runs.
Especially for the Kit-Kats!
9. Vintage shopping.
Harajuku is the spot with Shibuya 109 tower for fast-moving trend shops.
10. Shibuya.
Our second most frequented neighborhood. It’s filled with tower stores, Shibuya Crossing, and nightlife for the youth. As a bonus if you get to visit Japan during Halloween, you’re in for a major treat!
Thank you for reading!
xx Melis + Abel
Ela says:
How cute those coffees look, I wouldn’t want to ruin them ๐ It sounds like you did quite a lot and I hope you had a good time there! Great photos! x
Ela BellaWorld
Snjezana says:
What an awesome place to be in! Your snaps were amazing and I loved every minute of it. The Cat Cafes were my absolute favorite to see, so so fun!!! I know for sure you’ll be going back there again sooner or later ๐ xoxo
Filipa Jackson says:
I loved Japan so much, however I never did any of these things… I need to go back now. It’s so lovely
Filipa xxx
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Ev says:
Such a great post! Thanks dear ๐
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Siffat Haider says:
Melis, I’m so happy you did a post on this. I love reading your travel suggestions! I don’t have any plans of going to Japan anytime soon, but it’s definitely up there on the list and I have it bookmarked for when I do end up going ๐
xo
Siffat
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Maria | Looking Glass says:
Amazing photos, I’d love to visit Japan one day! The culture seems so cool, it seems they’re not afraid to wear anything! x
Amy says:
Bookmarked because I am absolutely dying to visit!! Followed your trip from start to finish and loved every moment you shared! Beautiful travel photos, Melis!
xx, Amy
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Margaret says:
OMG those cats are so cute!!! I love the photos! I haven’t been to Japan for so long ,speaking of ramen, I am craving right now hahhah
xx Margaret
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Gretch says:
Oh my goodness. Japan is gorgeous! I am a big anime nerd and I’d love to visit those places someday! I’ve heard all of them from anime’s. Haha. I’d love to try out Deus Ex Machina cqfe solely because of the name.
Your photos are amazing!
Charlotte says:
I seriously LOVE this post (and Japan)! I really want to go there one day.
Ps: The photos are gorgeous!
Mel says:
Hi Melis,
Tokyo sounds amazing, thanks so much for sharing your experience! I was wondering…do you have any recommendations on where to stay in Tokyo / hotels / airbnb etc. Shinjuku area?
Melis says:
Hi Mel, so glad you enjoyed our travel guide! Tokyo is an expensive city so we opted out for Airbnb. If you’re new to using Airbnb, I’d recommend checking out Super hosts as they tend to have the best experience/reviews. Hope this helps, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions!
xx Melis
Christine Kong says:
I love Japan and love seeing your photos too because there is so much to do and we definitely didn’t even scratch the surface. I want to go back and try out all these amazing caffes and lattes you have been posting. Amazing photos! xoxo, Christine
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sanssouci says:
Amazing captures! Looks like an incredible experience!
xx
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Blackswan says:
Oh wow, you were in Japan too? I just got back from a media trip too & the weather was freaking cold! Awesome sharing, dear! I’ve managed to get a few posts out too….. xoxo
yuka says:
these photos made me soo nostalgic!! I’m so happy you posted this!
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Vivian says:
Hi Melis! I’m back and I hope all is well with you ๐ Wowww incredible photos! I’ve never been to Japan before, but I have a friend who lives there ๐ Would love to visit it next year! That 3D coffee is so cute, I’ve had one when I was in Hong Kong ๐
xo Vivian
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Elise says:
Japan fascinates me, I would like to visit one day. Thanks for sharing this post ๐
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Theoni Argiropoulou says:
love your pics! especially those coffee shots! thanks for the tips babe!
xx
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vidya says:
Coffe look so cute. Interesting post. Thanks for sharing.
Jen says:
Japan is my URGENT bucket list! I really want to go, how long did you stayed? Beautiful pics โฅโฅโฅ
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Alanda says:
Ah Japan looks amazing I really need to go and will deffs be using your tips
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Xxxx
Carolin says:
Wow, the pictures are absolutely stunning and all of your recommendations sound great! Really want to got to Japan ๐
Caro x
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Kathryn says:
Love this guide, simple and easy to follow and tons of great pics- inspiration for a trip to Japan!
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