The airport of Tokyo, located just outside the city in Narita.

At the airport, you go through immigration and customs, get baggage, exchange money, and purchase tickets for the train into Tokyo.

I believe that Tsukiji is the largest fish market in the world. And has the freshest fish in the world.

Take Tokyo Metro (Hibiya Line) to the Tsukiji stop. Walk straight past the Indian-looking temple, left at the first main road.

Go before 5am for the exciting fish auctions! When you first arrive, the restaurants are on the small streets to the right.

The heart of electronics in Japan. You can find just about any gadget or gizmo that you want here. It also houses the regions best stores to browse through and purchase Japanese Anime.

JR Line to Akihabara stop. Follow the signs to “Electric City”

If you need to go to the bathroom, across from the train station in the office building (Excelsior Coffee) has a few really cool ones.

An old Tokyo shrine built in 730.

This was the first of its kind at the Mitsukoshi Department store in Ginza. Lots of food to try out, lots of dessert including some made by a few notable Iron Chefs!

Even though the Farmers Market was on the 7th floor, the desserts were all on B1 and regular food was on B2.

They should rename this the candy and shopping path – it is a baker’s dream. Freshly made red bean cakes, traditional yatsuhashi (trangular shaped mochi with a variety of fillings), colorful rock candy and much more are available. Oh yeah, there are temples lining the path too.

Enter the Philopsher’s Path at the north end by walking up Shirawaka-dori and turning right on Imadegawa-dori. Walk up the path to the Ginkakuji-temple and work your way south from there.

Try the samples of the Yatsuhashi, but don’t bother buying a box. The taste is average and there are many other sweets in the city more worthy of carrying back home. Pick up the freshly made red bean cakes (hand wrapped by Japanese women and served warm) instead—oishii!

Impressive grounds and a stunning temple, this may be one of the most beautiful places in Kyoto.

Walk west on Imadegawa-dori, just past Shirakawa-dori. The road will curve up to the left and the temple is at the top, after a long stretch of tourist shops.

Visit in fall to see the trees turning colors.

Great wood architecture.

Massive building.

Orange temple.

Across from the Okazaki Ground. Short walk from the Konkai-Komyoji Temple along Marutamachi St.

The Kyoto district of Gion is best known for its Geishas and the red lanterns that adorn the entryways of all the establishments. Its most beautiful time is nighttime.

Walk sout along Higashioji St till you hit Shijo St. You know you are in Gion when you start seeing the red lanterns in just about every shop.

The side alleyways are where the Geishas entertain. Dusk (right before it gets dark) is the best time to spot a Geisha on her way to an appointment.

Citibank is one of the few banks in Tokyo where you can use US ATM cards in order to take out money.

Lots of random clothing shops along this Street.

Close by to the famous Nishiki Market.

Small shops and book store.

Kawai Kanjiro is Kyoto’s venerable potter. Considered a genious in his time. He built his house from the ground up, and it is beautiful, with fanciful woodwork in a traditional, but modern Japanese setting.

A short walk, across the river, from the Yuhara Ryokan.

This is Kyoto’s famous Golden Temple.

A short walk up the hill along Goyozaka Street.

Get there early, and visit the shops along the way later (there are many, many shops). We got there at 5:30, when it was almost dark, and it closed at 6:00 so we barely got to see it!

Nijo Castle is a beautiful example of a feudal castle in Kyoto.

Nishiki Market is the longest market in Kyoto. There are many food stores and vendors of all kinds. Some selling ice-cream, to pickled vegetables, to other things that I can’t even begin to decribe. They even sell dohnuts there!

Best way is to take the Kyoto Subway.

Walk and try some of the goodies!

The streets of Shin-Kyogoku and Teramachi are called “shopping arcades”. There are tons of stores lined up on these parallel streets, selling everything from clothes to Japanese Anime. There is plenty to see here.

Plenty of clubs and bars line the sides of these streets. It’s fun to just walk and view the nightlife of young kids in Kyoto.

Between Sanjo and Shijo Streets.

Go at nighttime to see all that there is to see.

This is an expensive department store located in the Kyoto Station.

Good for browsing modern Japanese stuff!

The larger and more lavish big brother of the Ginkakuji Temple, Kinkakuji is the “Golden” Temple. A very beautiful temple with placid surrounding grounds to walk around.

You can take the Kyoto subway to the Kinkakuji temple (stop K4), but it is a very long walk. A better way would be to brave the Kyoto bus system.

There are a bunch of these types of stores in Kyoto. They sell everything in the store for 99 yen. Besides the usual grocery items, there were some finds like an LED flashlight and a portable speaker for 99 yen.

Along Kitaoji Street, but there are many of these stores in Kyoto.

This is the closest coin-operated laundry place to the Yuhara Ryokan. If you are staying at the Yuhara, I’m sure that the lady can give you better directions to get here. It has 3 washing machines and 3 dryers.

Near the Yuhara Ryokan on Kwaramachi Street. Between Gojodori and Shichijo Dori.

They don’t sell detergent here so you can either bring in your own or purchase some at the nearby Lawson convenience store.



Japanese dryers are quite a bit faster than the American ones I’m use to. So pay for time accordingly. About 100 yen per wash, and 100 yen per 8 minutes of dry. You only need about 24 minutes to dry a load.

If you like old Japanese Samurai movies, this is the place. It will bring back good memories. Otherwise, if you aren’t familiar with the films, it’s quite expensive and cheesy for what you see.

Take the #91 Bus Line.

Go the the souvenir shop and try on some of the costumes.

This is a great little find if you are in the market for a gently used Kimono. Since new kimonos can cost hundreds of dollars, a second-hand one may only set you back 3000 yen (30 US Dollars).

On Manjuji Street, east of Sakaimachi, Shimogyo-ku.

Den Den Town is Osaka’s electronics and appliances center with over 300 shops. You can find anime figurines, video games, computers, and electronics.

Walk south-east from the Namba St. exit of the Midosuji line to get to Den Den Town.

Try walking in all the back-alleys, where you can find very good deals and interesting things. Den Den Town is practically endless. Explore.



Shops usually close around 8pm in Osaka, so make sure you get some food before they do!

The Umeda Sky Building is probably the most distinguishing feature of Osaka’s skyline. Not only is it the tallest building in Osaka, but it features an elevated (floating) observatory on the 85th floor. Even though most tourist books discourage the attraction, we had a good time looking at the views from up there. However, we were a bit dissapointed that there wasn’t a “garden” up there even though they call it the floating garden observatory.

We purchased discount tickets from the Westin Hotel Osaka’s concierge. We paid 630 yen instead of the normal 700.



They also have a few cafes in the basement of the building. Good for breakfast or a snack (550 yen per person).

America Mura is an enclave in Osaka of youth wanting to live the American lifestyle in Japan. It probably represents the best mix of American and Japanese cultures available. Most interesting is how Japanese view Americans through their pop-culture, 80’s rock, 90’s hip-hop, fashion, and shoes.

Walk south along Mido-suji then west to reach America Mura.

Lot’s of great small shops on this street to browse and window shop.

This is the famous Onsen (naural hot springs) area in Kobe’s mountains. A lot of the proprietors around the area sell “Tansan-senbai”, a crispy dessert cracker made from the hot spring water (~680 yen).

Arima is definitely not as touristy as some guide books say. Be sure to walk around the area and look at all the Wagashi and hand-made shops.

This is probably the best onsen in the town (they have two, the silver and the gold). Here’s the procedure, or what they call Caution of the Bath />


1. Take off shoes, put in lovker to the right of the entryway (there are more lockers later!).


2. Pay for the bath tickets at the machine.


3. Exchange ticket for locker key at the entrance (lady will take your ticket). Purchase small towel from lady (more like a washcloth, 200 yen).


4. Walk up stairs and enter into the locker area (separate one for ladies and men).


5. Find your locker, take off all clothes and place in locker.


6. Enter into bath with towel only.


7. Wash yourself thoroughly with shower and soap before entering into the bath.


8. Enter into the bath. There are 2, one hotter one (44 C) and one a bit cooler (42 C). Soak.


9. Rinse off in clear water bath. That’s it!

Walk up hill and ask people where it is.

Some people used the washcloth to bath. But, I kept mine to dry off. Otherwise, you can bring your own towel.

This is a small park well known during the Autumn for having bright and beautiful red maple leaves. There are many little paths to walk along.

To get here, follow the signs up the hill and follow the people with cameras until you reach the park.

This is the longest suspension bridge in the world. It’s difficult to grasp it’s scale when looking at is head-on. There is a bridge exhibition center which contains a small museum that shows you how the bridge was built.

When you get out of the train stop, head east to the Bridge Exhibition Center.

A bunch of little shops and an arcade center located on the water. Includes shops devoted just to Snoopy, Miyasaki Films, dogs, etc.

Magome & Tsumago are small post towns in Japan. They have been kept to look like the Edo period in Japan’s history. Both towns are connected by a a 5 mile hike.

There is a Magome – Tsumago baggage service where they carry your bags from one town to the other (allowing you to leisurely walk the 5 mile hike). It costs 500 yen. You must bring your bags to the Magome visitor center by 11:30am.



Both towns get really cold at night in November! It gets dark early too.

This is a relatively easy hike from Magome to Tsumago (small post towns in Japan). The hike is approximately 7.7 km (5 miles). A few inclines. Some of the most beautiful land we have seen in Japan.

Especially beautiful in Autumn, when the leaves turn red.

This is where you pick up your bags if you have used the Magome-Tsumago baggage service. There was a very nice lady here who spoke some English and gave us maps of Tsumago as well as information on the buses leaving the next day.

A cable car (incline) that takes you up the side of Mt. Tenjo, with an excellent view of Mt. Fuji at the top.

When you get to the top, there is a small trail to the right. Take the small hiking trail for better views of Mt. Fuji and even a small (secret) wishing shrine at the top (10 mins hike).

Another stop on the Retro Bus.

Walk towards the lake (towards Fujisan), then turn right and walk along the lake, cross the street and you’ll find a canal lines with Maple trees along side of it. These have the most beautiful fall colors. They light up these trees at night.

This is a very large electronics/camera store in the heart of Ikebukuro prefecture in Tokyo. A lot of stuff here that they don’t sell in America.

This is one of the most unique places in all of Tokyo. Essentially an “amusement” park devoted to three things: Gyoza, Ice Cream, and Creampuffs. Each has a separate, very large floor devoted to just that particular type of food.
It’s not only great for kids (lots of activities to do) but fascinating for the adult too. A slice of Japanese culture, without a doubt.

In Sunshine City, very close to the heart of Ikebukuro prefecture in Tokyo.

Try to play the games, it’s very difficult to understand if you don’t speak Japanese, but if you watch the Japanese kids running around (scavenger type game), you can get the gist. Hilarious!

Also called the “Big Egg”, this is the stadium where Japan’s most famous baseball team (Japanese Pro Baseball Central League), the Yomiuri Giants play.
Hideki Matsui, of the New York Yankees, originally played for the Yomiuri Giants.

The large gift shop is located at Gate 21, where you can buy a lot of Yomiuri Giants gear.

A large department store in the Ginza prefecture.

The basement is where the large food halls are. They sell all kinds of food, and dessert as well.

Along this street in Ginza, there are a whole bunch of camera shops. This must be camera central in Tokyo. Lots of used manual cameras and parts too…

Close to the Kabuki-za Theatre.

This is Tokyo’s most famous Kabuki theatre.

A whole Kabuki play is usually very long (over 3 hours) and expensive. Instead, you can just view 1 act (lots of people do it, it’s about 1.5 hours and 900 yen a person). Tickets go on sale about 20 mins before the act starts.

The heart of electronics in Japan. You can find just about any gadget or gizmo that you want here. It also houses the regions best stores to browse through and purchase Japanese Anime.

JR Line to Akihabara stop. Follow the signs to “Electric City”

If you need to go to the bathroom, across from the train station in the office building (Excelsior Coffee) has a few really cool ones.

A big, electronics department store with many branches in the area. Each branch in Akihabara has a different specialty (games, computers, electronics, etc.)

Many branches in the Akihabara area.

An electronics super-store with many branches in the Akihabara area of Tokyo.

The Akihabara district of Tokyo is the anime capital of the world. And most of this is concentrated on the Chou Dori street starting at the Sega Fun Store.
You can find everything here, from anime, to manga, to figurines and toys…even Cosplay costumes.

A very large anime store in the Akihabara area.

Animate is a chain store, but the one in Akihabara is its main store and is huge. It has 9 levels of anime related goods.

This store has 9 very large floors of electronics and toys. The best selection of camera equipment in Tokyo.

Next to the Akihabara JR station.

Prices are a bit high, but you pay for the selection.

There are a bunch of hidden “retro” game stores hidden in the side streets of Akihabara. Sometimes they are on the 2nd level of a building and you get drawn in by the music of the original Zelda or Super Mario Bros.

In the side streets of Akihabara.

If you can’t find them, keep looking, they are there. Try asking some of the teenage boys walking the streets.

The Imperial Palace grounds are extremely beautiful and peaceful. There is a large moat surrounding the palace where there are often ducks and geese bathing.
Across the street (Uchibori Dori) is the Palace Hotel (very luxurious) and the Fountain Park.
Tokyo station is also nearby.

9 floors of Stationery! This is Tokyo’s largest stationery store. They stock a wide variety of products and have very good prices.

Stationery from Japan is the perfect gift for those at home.

This is a large department store in Ginza. Very luxurious.

The basement level (like many other department stores in Japan) has many restaurants and bakeries.

A store renown for and specializing in Noren (the curtains in front of many Japanese restaurants). The prices are a bit high but they have a good selection and are all very high in quality.

West of Senso-ji

A famous local shrine in the Asakusa area.

Just outside of the Shibuya train stop in Tokyo, Hachiko is Japan’s most famous dog and his statue is Japan’s busiest meeting spot.

Just outside of the Shibuya Metro stop.

Hachiko has a statue because of the myth that says that when Hachiko’s owner passed away, he waited for his owner’s return for 30 years.

Shibuya is not only a train station in Japan but also a hang-out spot for the Japanese Youth. Close by is the famous Hachiko “The Dog” Statue, Japan’s busiest meeting spot, and plenty of shopping and sight-seeing.

This is the ultimate place to people-watch Japanese Youth parading down the main street in fashion like you’ve never seen. From girls dressed as maids to gothic, there is always something new in Harajuku.
Plenty of shopping here too.

The local favorite is the Crepes, Japanese-style of course!

Body Line is a famous clothing shop located in the “trendy” Harajuku district of Tokyo. Here, you will find the newest, in-style costume for girls. Anywhere from Milk Maid costumes, to Gothic costumes.

You aren’t allowed to take pictures of anything in the store.

Roppongi is known for a few things: the Gaijin (foreigner) night clubs and for Roppongi Hills, a tall building that houses the Tokyo City View observation deck and a large mall.
Roppongi is also where there are a lot of high-class shops and office buildings.

The largest building in the Roppongi district of Tokyo. It houses not only many companies, but a mall, a museum, and an observation deck at the top called the Tokyo City View.
The mall is an example of very nice modern architecture. There is a huge spider statue at the front.

Located at the top of the Roppongi Hills building, the Tokyo City View is perhaps one of the best aerial views of Tokyo. From it, you can view 360 degrees of Tokyo skyline.
There is also a small museum of city models: comparing relative sizes of New York City to Shanghai to Tokyo. There are also screens that tell you fascinating facts and comparisons between the cities.

At the top of the Roppongi Hills building

Odaiba is considered the ultra-modern island in Tokyo. It houses Palette Town, an indoor modern mall, the Fuji TV headquarters, as well as many other places to shop and sight-see.

An indoor (VenusFort) mall that looks like you are outside in Italy when you are walking around. Also, it has a giant and colorful ferris wheel.
Inside, there is also a museum of old cars called the History Garage in addition to a good gift shop. They even include a life-size version of the Toyota Trueno from the Initial D anime series.

The headquarters of Japan’s most watched television network, Fuji TV. An extremely futuristic-looking building with a large sphere in the middle (and observation deck).

Floor 5F is where you can see items from Fuji TV shows (also a good gift shop if you are familiar with the TV shows).

Set in tranquil Nikko, the Toshu Gue is one of the most impressive in all of Japan. It is located in a beautiful forrest with many steps to get to the entrance. Highlights include a giant Torrii Gate, the “Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” monkey statues, the Sleeping Cat, the Tomb of Peyasu, and the Crying Dragon. This is definitely worth seeing.

A camping/backpacking store with a huge selection of gear! Better than any backpacking store that I have seen in the United States. They have 7 floors packed with stuff.

Just outside the main exit of the Shinjuku train station.

A very large bookstore with a great selection of Japanese books, manga, and more. There is a small selection of foreign books as well. There are 7-8 floors of books.

A very luxurious department store in Tokyo. Unlike most Japanese department stores, the food hall is on the top, and it takes 3 floors!

In the 4th floor of the Atre department store in Ebisu, Muji is a great store where you can buy great and mostly inexpensive small gifts. Very basic things, but practical. Stationary, notebooks, pens, clothes.

4th Floor of the Atre department store in Ebisu Garden Plaza.