First-Timer's Travel Guide to Japan

What to do in Tokyo

Robot Restaurant. Prepare for the best show of your life.

Shibuya Crossing. Watch the famous intersection where thousands of people cross at one time.

Visit Harajuku district and explore the fashion district of Tokyo.

Walk around Shinjuku and gaze up at all the bright neon lights and billboards.

Get all the food and drinks out of any street vending machine! If it looks weird, it's probably delicious.

Sing karaoke!

Tsukiji Fish Market. If you can wake up before sunrise, check out the famous tuna auctions at the worlds largest wholesale fish market. If you miss it, enjoy walking through the food stalls and sampling all the fresh flavor!

What to do in Kyoto

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walk through bamboo as high as the eye can see. Also, stroll through Arashiyama Monkey Park and hang out with the monkeys!

Fushimi Inari Shrine. Hundreds of bright orange shrines line a walkway as you stroll through to the scared Mount Inari.

What to do in Hiroshima

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. See the dome site that is the last standing building from the atomic bomb. Also check out the museum, it's humbling but important.

Take a ferry to Miyajima and see the Great Tori. By far my favorite thing I did this entire trip!

Drink coffee at Blue Bottle Cafe in Tokyo. Yes, there are Blue Bottles in the US, but their specialty drinks were some of the best coffee I've ever had.

Eat and drink at Robot Restaurant for dinner and a show!

Kibunesou Kyoto: Beautiful restaurant outside beside a river!

Umeda Hagakure: Local spot for homemade udon noodles in Osaka.

Okonomi-mura: A favorite spot for tourists in Hiroshima where they make the specialty Okonomiyahi, a traditional Japanese pancake.

Nagi: Ramen in the heart of Tokyo in the Shinjuku district.

Tsukiji Fish Market: Stroll the numerous stalls and vendors for fresh caught fish dishes and tamango (sweet egg omelette).