aheli wanders

ABOUT Japan

Japan is a mesmerizing blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity. From bustling cities to serene temples, every corner of the country offers a unique experience. The people are incredibly kind and welcoming, and the food—oh, the food—ranges from elegant Kaiseki meals to mind-blowing convenience store snacks. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, Japan has something special for everyone.

WheN To Go:

Japan is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are in the spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms or in the fall (September-November) for stunning autumn colors. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is great for snow sports in the north.

Our Itinerary:

The background – we went to Japan for our honeymoon….in February 2020. Yes, you read that right. As the world was being engulfed by the coronavirus, we took a once in a life time 12 day trip through our favorite country.

Day 1: 東京 | Tokyo

• We arrived in Tokyo after a 15-hour journey and, despite knowing better, we took a quick nap to adjust to the time zone
• .For dinner, we found an incredible Udon restaurant based on a pictureless Google review. We had Niku Udon (Udon with beef), and fellow diners suggested adding yuzu spice halfway through, which completely elevated the broth.

Day 2: 東京 | Tokyo

• For breakfast tried the famous Japanese Egg Sandwiches from Lawson’s (a local convenience store), which ended up being some of the best white bread sandwiches we’ve ever had.
• We strolled from Shinjuku to Harajuku, stopping at a local shrine, and later at Aaliya’s for delicious French toast.
• The Harajuku District was an overload of sensory experiences—from toy shops to the Shiba Inu Cafe.
• We ended the day with a hidden grill room dinner and then watched the famous Shibuya Crossing from the second floor of the Starbucks.

Day 3: 東京 | Tokyo

• We woke up at 4 AM for an unforgettable tour of Tokyo’s Tsukiji (Old) and Toyosu (New) Fish Markets. Watching the 6 AM Tuna Auction and getting a private tour of the Intermediate Market were definite highlights. The tour included a 9-course Kaiseki meal with fish purchased at the market in Toshi-San’s private kitchen.
• Stuffed, we rolled out and decided to take the ultra-modern ferry to the TeamLabs Borderless exhibition—an amazing art installation.
• The day ended with a visit to the Akihabara District to explore its electronics wonderland and Tantan Ramen for dinner.

Day 4: 白川郷 | Shirakawa-go

• We took our first Shinkansen to Noyama and indulged in incredible soba at the train station before continuing by bus into the snow-capped mountains.
• Arriving at Shirakawa-go, we stayed in a traditional gassho-sukuri farmhouse and explored the village, including the local museum and a walk to the overlook point.
• The gassho-zukuri (or simply gassho) is a traditional architectural style of farmhouse found in the mountainous regions of Japan, particularly in villages like Shirakawa-go. The word “gassho” means “praying hands” in Japanese, which refers to the steep, thatched roofs of the houses that resemble hands pressed together in prayer. These are UNESCO World Heritgage spots!
• The evening was spent in kimonos by the hearth, enjoying a delicious meal of tempura, vegetables, and Hida beef.

Day 5: 金澤市 | Kanazawa

• After a traditional breakfast in the gassho house, we traveled to Kanazawa, a lesser-known gem of a city.Lunch was an accidental discovery of the best Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) we’ve ever had, made by Jiro and Nobiko in their cozy home kitchen.
• After visiting the Samurai Museum and Pharmacy Museum, we were blown away by the generosity of a coffee shop owner who spent hours talking with us and gifted us a beautiful wind chime.

Day 6: 金澤市 | Kanazawa

• We explored the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful in Japan, with a free guided English tour.
• In the Higashi district, we indulged in fluffy pancakes and admired the gold leaf shops before grabbing an eki-ben (train bento) for our Shinkansen to Osaka.

Day 7: 姫路城 | Osaka

• We spent the day exploring the magnificent Himeji Castle and Koko-en Gardens. The historical significance of the castle’s construction amazed us.
• Back in Osaka, we enjoyed an impromptu food tour, sampling kushi katsu via a train delivery system and indulging in Matsusaka beef.
• The day ended with a birthday celebration for G at a speakeasy cocktail bar.

Day 8: 姫路城 | Osaka

• We kicked off G’s birthday with fluffy pancakes and cheese fondue before wandering into a local sushi shop where we had the best otoro (fatty tuna) sushi.
• The afternoon was spent in Sakai, where we learned about Japanese knife-making and picked up a beautifully handcrafted gyuto knife.
• We ended the day with more kushi katsu before heading back to the hotel.

Day 9: 京都市 | Kyoto

• We started the day with a serene breakfast at our hotel, Kyoto Yura MGallery, overlooking an indoor bamboo garden.
• Next, we visited the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates.
• We strolled through the Higashiyama district to catch a glimpse of Yasaka-no-to Pagoda and later enjoyed zaru soba at a local shop.
• Dinner at Gion Sasaki was a highlight of the trip—an 11-course Kaiseki meal in a private room.

Day 10: 京都市 | Kyoto

• Our day started early with a visit to Kinkakuji (Golden Temple), where we enjoyed the stunning golden reflections despite the chilly weather.
• We continued to Ryoanji to visit its famous Rock Garden, where G impressively managed to spot all 15 rocks in record time.
• Lunch at Nishiki Market was a delicious adventure, featuring soy milk donuts and Kyoto Udon.
• The day ended with ramen and meat dumplings at an 8-seater restaurant before a nightcap at L’Escamoteur Bar, recommended by our bartender in Osaka.

Day 11: 河口湖 & 東京 | Kawaguchiko

• We took a Shinkansen to Mishima and then two bus rides to Kawaguchiko, where we spent our last two days in awe of the Mount Fuji views. Much of our time was spent relaxing, enjoying onsen baths and sipping hot tea while taking in the scenery.

Day 12: Tokyo

• After waking up at sunrise to catch the breathtaking views of Mt. Fui, we took our final Shinkansen back to Tokyo. S
• We capped off our trip with a Michelin-starred meal at Nakajima in Tokyo, featuring a feast of sardines prepared in multiple ways.
• As we boarded our flight home, we reflected on what a truly magical and unforgettable trip it had been.

Where WE Stayed:

1. Tokyo:
   • Hotel Shinjuku Granbell
   • A simple, hotel is a great location
2. Shirakawa-go:
   • Shirakawa-go Gassho House
   • Experience staying in a traditional gassho-style farmhouse in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
3. Kanazawa:
   • Agora Kanazawa
   • Comfortable and conveniently located in the heart of this charming northern city.
4. Osaka:
   • Hotel the Flag
   • Centrally located, this luxurious hotel welcomed us with a special honeymoon celebration.
5. Kyoto:
   • Kyoto Yura Hotel MGallery
   • A peaceful oasis offering gorgeous views of bamboo gardens.
6. Kawaguchiko (Mount Fuji):
   • Shuhokaku Kogetsu
   • Unwind with views of Mount Fuji from the comfort of your onsen.

Pro-Tips:

• Take advantage of Japan’s train system: The Shinkansen (bullet train) is fast, convenient, and incredibly comfortable, making travel between cities a breeze.
  • BUY the Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a multi-use rail ticket that you can purchase ahead of time. It offers unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains (including the Shinkansen bullet trains), select bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to travel across Japan.
• Always ask locals for recommendations: Whether it’s a tiny grill room in Tokyo or a Tonkatsu place in Kanazawa, locals often know the best hidden gems.
• Try everything, even convenience store sandwiches: Lawson’s Egg Sandwiches are famous for a reason, and even train station soba can be life-changing.
• Add yuzu spice to Udon: A tip you received in Tokyo turned a great bowl of Udon into something extraordinary.
• Eki-ben (train bento boxes) are an experience in themselves, so grab one before your Shinkansen journey.

Food Highlights:

肉うどん | Niku Udon – A hearty bowl of udon noodles served in a savory broth with tender slices of beef

.たまごサンド | Tamago Sando – Fluffy egg sandwiches from Lawson, made with soft white bread and creamy egg salad.

たんたんラーメン | Tantan Ramen – A spicy noodle soup with minced pork, sesame paste, and a rich, flavorful broth.

そば | Soba – Traditional Japanese buckwheat noodles, served either hot or cold, with a dipping sauce or in a light broth.

飛騨牛 | Hida Beef – Famous, tender beef from the Hida region, known for its marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

とんかつ | Tonkatsu – Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

おでん | Oden – A Japanese hot pot with various ingredients like fish cakes, boiled eggs, and daikon simmered in a light broth.

くしカツ | Kushi Katsu – Skewered, breaded, and deep-fried meats and vegetables, served with a tangy dipping sauce

.寿司 | Otoro Sushi – The fattiest, most tender part of tuna, known as otoro, served as sushi for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.ざるそば | Zaru Soba – Cold soba noodles served on a bamboo mat with a dipping sauce, refreshing and light.

かいせき料理 | Kaiseki – A multi-course traditional Japanese meal showcasing seasonal ingredients and intricate preparation.

たこ焼き | Takoyaki – Fried octopus balls, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with diced octopus and topped with sauce.

ラーメン | Ramen – Savory noodle soup with broth, noodles, and various toppings like pork, egg, and green onions.