Incredible country. We had an awesome time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
There is no bad or average food anywhere…at least we didn’t find any. Sushi mania…melts like butter everywhere we went.
Tips after going:
1. Schedule a Geisha show in Kyoto if you go there. Truly a cultural experience you won’t forget. There is an interpreter there for Q&A after the show.
2. Schedule a formal tea ceremony in Kyoto also. Do the one wearing a kimono they provide.
3. Grab a goshui-cho (accordion style book) at the first temple or shrine you visit and can get one. Collecting goshuin at each temple and shrine we visited was a lot of fun and very cool. You can only receive the hand drawn goshuin with these books. Great souvenir and something you’ll bring back on your next visit to keep collecting.
4. In Tokyo, Shibuya Sky is very cool on the rooftop. Try and reserve a few weeks out.
5. Do a street food tour in Osaka. A lot of fun and a lot of great drinks along the way as well.
6. Edited to ad stay at least one night in a ryokan. It’s been mentioned in this thread. A Japanese “hotel/house” where you are immersed in the culture. Breakfast and dinner are included and fantastic.
Will hit more rural areas on our next trip but can’t say enough great things about the people, the culture and all the incredible food we had. Happy to have been able to go and experience it with my youngest.