Going to Japan Sept 2-17. Planning to stay in Tokyo for the first 3 days, then 3-4 days each in Osaka and Kyoto then few more days in Tokyo to finish the trip. I will be using airbnb most likely, which areas would you recommend in Tokyo? Also any food recommendations are appreciated. Thanks yall
Have you any places that you NEED to see to make your trip feel worth it?
In Tokyo there are some cool clubs you can check out bands, of course Kabukicho is busy along with Rippongi (both are sort of seedy/red light district? type places that def cater to Tourists/People looking for something different. It was cool to check those off saying I had been, but I do not spend extensive time there.
Akiba if you are a huge weeb. It is the electronic/anime/pop culture central area in Tokyo.
Asakusa/Senso-ji Shrine is also an amazing place with food stalls, souvenir stalls, and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Tokyo. Those large lanterns you may have seen, those are at the Kaminarimon gate. Worth the stop even if busy with tourists.
In Kyoto hike Fushimi Inari, check out Sanju-san Gendo and the Kyoto Manga Museum. All are amazing places in their own regard. Teramachi is one of the oldest street markets in Kyoto, a couple 100 years old. It is totally modern/contemporary now, but you can find some cool stuff like manga, record stores, Visual Kei/Punk clothing shops. Def hit B-side label if you are into stickers/buttons/patches. They have exclusives at each location and Kyoto's are some of my favorites because they feature Kitsune/Torri gate motifs in alot of them. If you mention you are visiting, they will give you a free sticker too. try the dashimaki(egg omelet) in Teramachi, they are known for it all over Japan
Osaka, check out Shinsaibashi, the famous Glicoman sign is there, very packed and crowded, but some awesome shops. Vinyl toys, Punk attire stores, vintage toys and all sorts of other rad things can be found. Go to the top floor of Haruka's 300 tower, the tallest building in Japan. Go at night though, the view is something else, and if you are with someone, take them. It is one of the most romantic places I have ever been. Definitely try Okonomiyaki at Yukari-chan in Osaka, best Okonomiyaki(think a savory pancake with cabbage, pork, green onion, okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, and bonito) I have ever had. Takoyaki (octopus balls) is also an Osakan dish so try the authentic thing there as well.
Things to eat: Try the things i mentioned per city, but then eat Dango (gluttunous rice skewers) either tri color or mitarashi (which is like a soy based savory sauce on top), Ramen (thrre is a michelin star ramen-ya in tokyo but you have to get there early for a ticket and then come back at the designated time), Tamago (egg omelet, seriosuly my favorite thing even though I eat vegan), Kitsune Udon, and Japanese style curry to name a few.
I could go on and on, feel free to hit me up for any other suggestions or questions.
