December 14th, Japan trip is over, time to speak some harsh truths
🇯🇵 Ultimate Japan Guide|Eat, shop, play all in one, even beginners can easily enjoy!
🔹 Must-visit Landmarks
▪️ Tokyo DisneySea! Completely different from the land version, more suitable for adults. The blue-purple dusk at Mermaid Lagoon is stunning. Ride the “Tower of Terror” roller coaster and scream while enjoying the Tokyo Bay night view.
▪️ Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, very few people early in the morning! The thousand red torii gates are dazzling. Climb up the mountain path to see the full view of Kyoto. Don’t forget to take a photo of your back walking through the torii gates.
▪️ Dotonbori in Osaka, when the neon lights come on at night, it feels like stepping into a comic. There are always people taking photos under the Glico billboard. Be sure to try live crab dishes at Kani Doraku nearby.
🍜 Foodie List
▪️ Fresh sushi at Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, the fatty tuna melts in your mouth, and the sea urchin is as sweet as ice cream. Go early to avoid queues.
▪️ Yudofu (tofu hot pot) in Arashiyama, Kyoto, sit in an old shop next to the bamboo forest. The tofu is as tender as pudding, dip it in soy sauce, so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows drop.
▪️ Must order “Modern-yaki” in Osaka, the base is crispy, topped with mayonnaise and bonito flakes. Eat it hot for the best flavor. Street stalls are more authentic than chain stores.
🛍️ Shopping Guide
▪️ Ginza in Tokyo is great for buying skincare products, with many discounts on Shiseido and SK-II counters. Remember to get tax refunds.
▪️ Drugstores in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Daikoku Drugstore, stock up on face masks, eye drops, and cold medicine. You can get extra discounts when you spend a certain amount.
▪️ Don’t miss second-hand shops! Daikokuya in Tokyo has well-maintained used bags at great prices. Book Off in Osaka is perfect for finding rare manga editions.
📸 Photo Tips
▪️ Wear light-colored clothes to Nara Park. When feeding the deer, squat down and have a friend take photos from a low angle, with the deer’s antlers and blue sky with white clouds as the background. Fresh and healing vibes.
▪️ For kimono experience in Kyoto, choose the furisode style. Walk down the stone steps at Kiyomizu-dera and capture the moment when the skirt flows. The red walls and green leaves create a strong traditional atmosphere.
▪️ At night, go to Tokyo Tower. Stand on the lawn in Shiba Park and take a half-body photo with the tower as the background. Turn on the flash to instantly boost the ambiance.
💡 Helpful Tips
▪️ Use a Suica card for the subway; you can recharge it at convenience stores, much more convenient than buying single tickets.
▪️ Hot drinks from street vending machines are super comforting. Carry a can of hot cocoa in winter to keep warm while walking.
▪️ Don’t buy souvenirs at tourist spots. Go to local supermarkets to buy Shiroi Koibito and Royce raw chocolate for better value and authenticity.