Back in April 2024, we spent some time across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Niseko and wanted to pull together a list of the places, meals, and experiences we genuinely loved. No overthinking, just the spots we’d happily recommend to friends planning a trip.
Tokyo
Where We Stayed
Hoshinoya Tokyo
Where We Ate & Drank
Ningyocho Imahan
Sushi Take
Mon Cher Ton Ton
Seirinkan
Ebisu Yokocho
Turret Coffee
The Bulgari Bar
Bar Martha
Grandfather's
Activities & Sights We Loved
Sensō-ji & Nakamise Shopping Street
Walking around Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Harajuku
Toyosu Market fish market tour
Tsukiji Outer Market
Sushi cooking class & sake tasting
teamLab Borderless
Ebisu izakaya tour
Shibuya Crossing
Shopping in Harajuku and Omotesando
Shinjuku Gyoen
Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
Guide Recommendations
Noriko Ninomiya (city guide)
Kyoko Nagano (fish market & sake tasting, booked through @pattyintheknow)
Momo (Ebisu food tour)
Kyoto
Where We Stayed
The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
Where We Ate & Drank
Itoh Dining
Tempura Endo Yasaka
Nishiki Market
K36 The Bar & Rooftop
Park Hyatt Kyoto Bar
Rocking Bar ING
Activities & Sights We Loved
Sanjūsangen-dō
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Kinkaku-ji
Pontocho
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Philosopher's Path
Higashiyama District
Yasaka Pagoda
Guide Recommendation
Eri Nakamura via Wondertrunk & Co.
Niseko
Where We Stayed
The Ritz-Carlton, Higashiyama Niseko Village (I give an honest take on my IG highlights so be sure to check that out)
Where We Ate & Drank
Yukibana
Boyoso
Sushi Hanayoshi
Bang Bang
China Kitchen
Rakuichi Soba
Loft Club
Kobito
Bar Gyu+
Ski Guiding Recommendations
Hanazono Powder Guides for backcountry guiding (Uchi)
Niseko Village Ski School for inbounds guiding (Luke)
Japan completely lived up to the hype for us. Incredible food, thoughtful hospitality, and some of the most memorable wandering-around days we’ve had anywhere. Hopefully this helps if you’re planning your own trip soon.
