Japan was always on the list for us, and a vacation to Japan is best timed with the Cherry Blossom season! Initially my husband din't quite get my enthusiasm for the Sakura aka Cherry blossom season, but he was game for it anyway. Thankfully we started planning the trip 4 months prior to ensure we get decent accommodation, closer to the train stations and flights etc at a slightly lower rate.
Our 13 Day Trip Itinerary:
Some Must Do's:
1) Munch on White Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies from 7 Eleven
We've all been to 7 Elevens to buy knick-knacks, alcohol, meals etc. when traveling abroad. But the local bakery selection by 7 Elevens across Japan is simply divine. Once we got a taste of the White Chocolate Chip Matcha cookies.. it become our everyday staple for the rest of the trip! They have a short shelf life so you really won't be able to bring these back home :(
2) Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto
I understand its not easy to look like a foreigner, dressed like a local and walk around the town. It does take some guts, and lots of excitement to pull this off - but totally worth it. Find out the nearest Kimono rental center in Gion district, and head there to get dressed up in a Kimono / Yakuta, then go straight to Yasaka Shrine to greet the locals, take pics and eat street food.
3) Vegetarian? Then must eat the Okonomiyaki
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, fear not. Most of the top tourist places across Japan have local restaurants serving a vegetarian version of the Okonomiyaki - the local pancake/ pizza on a bed of cabbage. You can ask your local restaurant to make a vegetarian version for you, and this is quite common. Its an overload of cheese and cabbage, but trust me you won't regret having it.
4) Universal Studios - something for everyone
Universal studios across the globe are more or less standard and a must do. But if you haven't been to one and are heading to Japan, then don't miss out on this 1 day excursion to get an adrenaline rush, plenty of photos and memories. Our favourite area was the Wizzarding World of Harry Potter which had the Hogsmeade village (Ollivander's Wand Shop, platform 9 3/4 quarters, etc) Hogwarts castle full of rides, and everything looked straight out of the movies :D This trip will also give you a much needed break from the daily sightseeing and touristy stuff
5) Okeiko Cultural Experience, Miyajima (Hiroshima)
The Japanese have a rich cultural heritage with traditions dating back to 59 B.C. You simply cannot miss learning / experiencing their traditions when visiting Japan. There are plenty of centers across popular cities which will provide you Cultural Tours, but the most famous one is Okeiko Japan They have such a lovely home nestled away on a small hill on Miyajima Island, 20 min wak from the Ferry station and the whole experience is about 4 hours at max. Women of the house will teach you the traditional Japanese Tea Ritual, Calligraphy, Dressing Traditional, and how to cook Sashimi. This center is a 20 min walk from the famous Itsukushima Shrine
4) Airport Shopping
Until now we had not purchased any chocolates or Sake from the country and we took our chances at the Duty Free section at Haneda Airport. Although we landed at Narita Airport which made sense cause of the timings, we definitely wanted to fly out of the country from Haneda airport. Haneda has some beautiful Duty Free shopping so you can stock up on chocolates, alcohol from here at very low rates (when compared to the city). Must buys - the Meiji Chocolate Bar which will barely cost you JPY 2 yen for a 2 foot long bar and it tastes like a premium version of Cadbury, buy a variety of Sake, the famous range of flavored KitKat, Japanese Plum Wine and other knick-knacks from Haneda Airport. Set aside atleast one and half hours for shopping and touring the lovely airport.
Our 13 Day Trip Itinerary:
Some Must Do's:
1) Munch on White Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies from 7 Eleven
We've all been to 7 Elevens to buy knick-knacks, alcohol, meals etc. when traveling abroad. But the local bakery selection by 7 Elevens across Japan is simply divine. Once we got a taste of the White Chocolate Chip Matcha cookies.. it become our everyday staple for the rest of the trip! They have a short shelf life so you really won't be able to bring these back home :(
2) Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto
I understand its not easy to look like a foreigner, dressed like a local and walk around the town. It does take some guts, and lots of excitement to pull this off - but totally worth it. Find out the nearest Kimono rental center in Gion district, and head there to get dressed up in a Kimono / Yakuta, then go straight to Yasaka Shrine to greet the locals, take pics and eat street food.
3) Vegetarian? Then must eat the Okonomiyaki
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, fear not. Most of the top tourist places across Japan have local restaurants serving a vegetarian version of the Okonomiyaki - the local pancake/ pizza on a bed of cabbage. You can ask your local restaurant to make a vegetarian version for you, and this is quite common. Its an overload of cheese and cabbage, but trust me you won't regret having it.
4) Universal Studios - something for everyone
Universal studios across the globe are more or less standard and a must do. But if you haven't been to one and are heading to Japan, then don't miss out on this 1 day excursion to get an adrenaline rush, plenty of photos and memories. Our favourite area was the Wizzarding World of Harry Potter which had the Hogsmeade village (Ollivander's Wand Shop, platform 9 3/4 quarters, etc) Hogwarts castle full of rides, and everything looked straight out of the movies :D This trip will also give you a much needed break from the daily sightseeing and touristy stuff
5) Okeiko Cultural Experience, Miyajima (Hiroshima)
The Japanese have a rich cultural heritage with traditions dating back to 59 B.C. You simply cannot miss learning / experiencing their traditions when visiting Japan. There are plenty of centers across popular cities which will provide you Cultural Tours, but the most famous one is Okeiko Japan They have such a lovely home nestled away on a small hill on Miyajima Island, 20 min wak from the Ferry station and the whole experience is about 4 hours at max. Women of the house will teach you the traditional Japanese Tea Ritual, Calligraphy, Dressing Traditional, and how to cook Sashimi. This center is a 20 min walk from the famous Itsukushima Shrine
4) Airport Shopping
Until now we had not purchased any chocolates or Sake from the country and we took our chances at the Duty Free section at Haneda Airport. Although we landed at Narita Airport which made sense cause of the timings, we definitely wanted to fly out of the country from Haneda airport. Haneda has some beautiful Duty Free shopping so you can stock up on chocolates, alcohol from here at very low rates (when compared to the city). Must buys - the Meiji Chocolate Bar which will barely cost you JPY 2 yen for a 2 foot long bar and it tastes like a premium version of Cadbury, buy a variety of Sake, the famous range of flavored KitKat, Japanese Plum Wine and other knick-knacks from Haneda Airport. Set aside atleast one and half hours for shopping and touring the lovely airport.
Happy Journey :)
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