I recently returned from an unforgettable adventure in Japan, visiting three of its most iconic cities: Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Each destination offered its own unique charm—culinary delights, ancient temples, cutting-edge architecture, and warm hospitality. Here’s a recap of this incredible trip:
Osaka – Japan’s Food Capital (5 Days)
We kicked off our journey in Osaka, where we stayed at the conveniently located Swissotel Nankai. Positioned above Namba Station, it offered easy access to the best of the city.
Known as the culinary capital of Japan, Osaka truly lived up to its reputation. The food was absolutely phenomenal—every meal was a treat. (Stay tuned for detailed restaurant reviews in the Restaurant section of my website!)
We also booked four private tours with Viator, which gave us a rich perspective of the city.
- Osaka’s Best and Brightest by Private Vehicle
Highlights included:
- Dotonbori – the neon-lit entertainment district buzzing with energy
- Osaka Castle – an iconic and historically significant fortress
- Shinsekai – a nostalgic district with local flavor
- Shitenoji Temple – Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple
- Kuromon Market – a sensory feast of food and culture
- Abeno Harukas – Japan’s tallest skyscraper
- 6-Hour Food Tour – An epic journey through Osaka’s hidden culinary gems.
- Osaka Food Crawl with Private Guide
This tour featured stops at several exceptional spots:
- Eel specialty restaurant
- Tuna and sea urchin tasting
- Yakiniku with premium Matsusaka beef
- Yakitori – skewered and grilled chicken
- Shabu-shabu – a hot pot dish with fresh seafood
Kyoto – Tranquility and Tradition (4 Days)
We traveled to Kyoto via private car and checked in at the elegant and centrally located Hotel Okura.
In Kyoto, we explored the city’s cultural treasures with the help of a private guide:
Day 1 Highlights:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine – famous for its path of 10,000 red torii gates
- Traditional Tea Ceremony – a serene cultural experience
- Nijo Castle – a UNESCO site rich with shogunate history
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – a breathtaking temple covered in gold leaf
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto: Perched on the hillside of Higashiyama, overlooking the city of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan’s most celebrated temples — a place where history, nature, and spirituality harmoniously blend
- Gionmachi Minamigawa, Kyoto: Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Gionmachi Minamigawa is the southern part of Gion, the city’s most famous geisha district
Day 2 Highlights:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Zen Garden
- Oku-Saga – a peaceful mountainside with quiet temples and gardens
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) – elegant simplicity amidst nature
- Sanjūsangendō-mawari, Kyoto: Serenity and Spiritual Grandeur Located in eastern Kyoto, Sanjūsangendō-mawari refers to the area around the famous Sanjūsangendō Temple — one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring sacred sites. The temple itself, officially known as Rengeō-in, is famed for its long wooden hall that houses 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Walking through this hall, surrounded by rows upon rows of golden figures, is a powerful, almost otherworldly experience. The name “Sanjūsangendō” means “Hall with 33 Bays,” referring to the building’s architectural layout. The structure is the longest wooden building in Japan and is an important national treasure.
- Nanzen-ji Temple – headquarters of Zen Buddhism, featuring tranquil ponds and rock gardens
Tokyo – Culture, Cuisine, and Cutting-Edge (5 Days)
We boarded the Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo—a thrilling experience at 200 mph. It was fast, smooth, and surprisingly quiet.
In Tokyo, we stayed at the Keio Plaza Hotel Premier Grand, a top-notch hotel in an excellent location.
Our exploration of Tokyo included a private chauffeur-driven van tour and several incredible activities:
Highlights included:
- Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple, dating back nearly 1,400 years
- Tokyo Skytree – at 634 meters, it’s the tallest tower in the world with amazing city views
- East Gardens of the Imperial Palace – tranquil and beautifully manicured
- Tsukiji Fish Market – a bustling seafood paradise
- Meiji Shrine – dedicated to Emperor Meiji, symbolizing Japan’s modernization
- Shibuya Crossing – the busiest and most famous intersection in the world
- Shinjuku Food Tour – sampled local specialties at 4 fantastic eateries
- Mount Fuji Private Tour – included a scenic boat ride near this majestic peak
- Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament – a one-of-a-kind cultural experience
Final Thoughts
From the flavorful street foods of Osaka to the Zen gardens of Kyoto and the dazzling skyline of Tokyo, this trip was filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments. Our days were packed with rich cultural experiences, and our evenings were spent dining at some of the best restaurants we’ve ever visited.
It was a journey I’ll never forget
