Of all the places to stay, see, explore and investigate in Japan. I have compiled the best together and present to you.. - The Japanese Bucket List
Shibuya
You can't go to Japan without visiting Shibuya. Period. This place is a special ward of Tokyo. Home to the two busiest railway stations in the world, and of course
The Shibuya Crossing
I recommend grabbing some food in the underground markets of Shibuya station before making your way up to the incredible crossing. Where you’ll walk across the busiest intersection in world. Along with at least 500-3000 people at once! For the best experience of Shibuya Crossing, head to the Starbucks on the corner, Its' 2nd story has floor to ceiling windows that directly overlook the intersection. Allowing you to take all the essential tourist photos.
From Shibuya, take a 15 minute stroll to Harajuku. Where you’ll experience Japanese shopping at its finest. The fashion capital of Tokyo is also home to "Harajuku Gyozalo". If there's any advice I hope you take on board, it is to go to this place.
Without it, you haven’t tasted Japanese food.
Nara
If you’re hoping to experience Japanese culture, I insist you visit Nara. This cute little city is filled with temples, statues, shrines and of course, The Deer Park. The deer in this park have become the symbol of the city and roam freely around the park. Crackers can be purchased from anywhere in the park for 150yen, I insist you do this as you’ll be greeted by countless bowing deer, hoping to receive a cracker in return for their manners!
Kyoto
The former capital of Japan is home to some of the finest gardens in the world, along with the cultural Geisha girls, a fun and vibrant night life as well as the Nishiki markets, better known as “Kyoto's Kitchen”. I have also linked 2 of my favourite locations in Kyoto, so definitely check them out and let me know what you think by commenting on this blog!
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html - Fushimi Inari Shrine (golden arches)
https://www.insidekyoto.com/arashiyama - Bamboo Forest
Asakusa
Asakusa for me, was the most convenient location I stayed at whilst in Japan. Its location is great for exploring the other districts of Tokyo and is relatively cheap for accommodation. It's energetic atmosphere is definitely a reason to check it out, along with the Tokyo Skytree and 3 of the busiest day-time shopping streets in Tokyo.
Kappabashi Shopping Street
Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street
Nakamise Shopping Street
Akihabara
Akihabara is perhaps the most energetic, high-tech district in the world. It’s very existence is themed on computers and gaming, so you can expect to find all the arcades, anime, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Hello Kitty and Nintendo you could possibly poke a stick at. When you think of Tokyo, this is it. I recommend checking it out at night, you’ll see why…
Disney Land
I would’ve included Disney Land in my best activities in Japan blog, but considering you can stay in the castles there, and given its the size of a suburb, it just had to make this list.
Now, I’m not going to bother convincing you how incredible Disney Land is and how it’s #1 on most bucket lists, Instead I’m going to provide you with practical, life-saving advice that you need to read, especially if you’re only planning on visiting Disney Land for one day, because it will be a massive day. So, it may be a great idea to tattoo this advice if you have to. I followed this advice, and my day at Disney Land Tokyo was unforgettable.
Get there at 8am and be the last to leave at 10pm.
Purchase and print out your tickets at home, you’ll thank me when you get there
Utilise the 3 free fast passes with each ticket (allowing you to skip the lines for rides)
Pack your own food, or avoid eating at lunch time (too busy)
Leave all your items in one of the locker rooms, they’re cheap to hire and will save you the hassle of lugging stuff around. I recommend the locker room just past the ticket gates. It’s much bigger, nowhere near as busy, and you won’t have to leave the resort to access your items.
Bring a jumper, it gets cold at night and you can store it in your locker if you don’t need it.
Hang around for the fireworks at 8 pm. It looks exactly like this nostalgic video below.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a relatively modern city in Japan, it is home to a little over 1 million residents and a further 1 million pet stores. However, the reason why I’m sending you to Hiroshima is to check out the Peace Memorial Park, which is dedicated to location of the first ever detonation of a nuclear bomb in warfare. This park is an incredibly unique experience, and you’ll find only one like it in Nagasaki. (which is further North). Your time in Hiroshima will open your eyes to the futility of war, and the destruction of nuclear bombs. It is an incredibly fulfilling day where you’ll experience first-hand, the resilience of the Japanese people to overcome the horrors of WW2.
There are obviously countless more “must do” things in Japan, which not everyone is going to be able to experience. So, for the people who won’t make it to everything in my lists. I’m telling you to just throw yourself at Japan and you’re guaranteed to enjoy it. For the time you're there and no matter where you end up just immerse yourself in perhaps the most incredible country to travel to.
sleep on the futons
taste their food
learn their language
stay a night in a capsule
experience their culture
use the chopsticks
- but most importantly…
· use the bidets
(just kidding...)
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