Japan Insider Experiences, Hidden Gems & Travel Inspiration

From Ancient Temples to Neon Skylines: Exploring Japan’s Many Faces

We flew with ANA, and I was really impressed. There was plenty of legroom, the service was excellent, and after completing our arrival documents, we made our way through customs incredibly quickly.

Our first stop was Tokyo, where we stayed in the quieter district of Asakusa for two nights. It was the perfect base, with plenty of restaurants and shops right on our doorstep. One of our first meals was at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, where plates started from just 70p each, an amazing value!

The following morning, we met our local guide, and I can’t stress enough how worthwhile this was. Their knowledge of Japan’s history, culture and hidden gems made such a difference to our experience.

Our day included:

• Senso-ji Temple – Simply stunning. Learning about Japan’s history here was fascinating.

• Yanaka Shopping Street – A charming local street full of independent shops and traditional character.

• Rikugien Gardens – A beautiful place to slow the pace and enjoy one of Tokyo’s most peaceful green spaces.

• Shibuya Crossing – A must-see when visiting Tokyo! Watching thousands of people cross at once was incredible, and there were endless shopping and dining options nearby.

• Tokyo Skytree – Japan’s tallest structure. We visited the Tembo Deck on Floor 350 before upgrading to the Tembo Galleria at 451.2 metres high. The views across Tokyo were absolutely breathtaking.

• Gonpachi Restaurant – Our final stop of the day, famous for its traditional atmosphere and its connection to the film Kill Bill.

Tokyo is busy, vibrant and fast-paced, but what surprised me most was how easy it is to escape the crowds and find beautiful, peaceful green spaces.

The next morning,g we headed to Tokyo Station to board the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka. It’s one of those iconic Japanese experiences that everyone wants to tick off, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Around 45 minutes into our journey, Mount Fuji emerged through the clouds, a truly unforgettable moment.

Osaka maybe another major city, but it has a completely different feel from Tokyo. Bright neon lights, buzzing streets and incredible street food create a fun, energetic atmosphere. We joined a walking food tour around the Dotonbori Canal, stopping to see the famous Glico Running Man sign and the world’s only rectangular Ferris wheel. Despite the city’s lively atmosphere, we also found time to visit the magnificent Osaka Castle, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets.

Our next stop was Kinosaki Onsen, and it felt like stepping back in time. One of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, it’s filled with willow-lined canals, stone bridges, traditional wooden ryokans and lantern-lit streets.

Our accommodation was a wonderful traditional ryokan. We were shown to our room, provided with a yukata to wear, and even given separate slippers for indoors, outdoors and the bathroom! We slept on futon beds and received passes giving us access to all seven public bathhouses in the town.

If you’ve never experienced a Japanese onsen before, visitors bathe completely naked, and many bathhouses don’t allow guests with tattoos. Thankfully, Kinosaki is one of the more tattoo-friendly onsen towns, making it accessible to many international visitors.

Dinner was a true Japanese culinary experience, with several dishes I’d never even heard of before. The hotel also had its own karaoke room, open until midnight.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Kinosaki Ropeway, Onsenji Temple, Gokurakuji Temple, Genbudo Park or nearby Takeno Beach.

Kyoto was next, and visiting the famous Torii gates had been high on my bucket list.

On arrival,l we joined a food tour, which introduced us to the beautiful historic districts of Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa. I instantly fell in love with Kyoto. It felt calmer than Tokyo and Osaka, yet there was still so much to experience.

The following morning, we arrived early at Fushimi Inari Shrine to beat the crowds and walk beneath the seemingly endless rows of vibrant orange torii gates.

Kyoto perfectly balances ancient traditions with modern life, but one of the highlights of my entire trip was enjoying afternoon tea with a Maiko (a trainee Geisha). It was such a unique cultural experience that it deserves its own blog!

Before returning to Tokyo, we explored two lesser-known destinations,Nagoya and Inuyama.

We stayed in a beautiful boutique hotel close to the historic Inuyama Castle, with the town centre within walking distance and Nagoya just 25 minutes away by train.

Nagoya ended up being one of my favourite parts of Japan. I loved the combination of traditional shrines, historic streets, vintage clothing stores, designer resale boutiques and gaming shops.

For our final night, we returned toTokyo, this time staying in the heart of Shinjuku.

Luxury hotels, towering skyscrapers, giant 3D billboards, neon lights, karaoke bars and endless shopping create an electric atmosphere. We somehow lost two hours inside Don Quijote, wandering floor after floor of everything imaginable!

We also visited the famous Takeshita Street, known for its quirky fashion, pop culture and fantastic street food.

Did you know that Shinjuku Station has recorded over 3.5 million passengers in a single day?

Our final evening was spent enjoying a traditional Japanese à la carte meal at Omotenashi Toriyoshi Nishi Shinjuku before exploring the famous Golden Gai. Here you’ll find hundreds of tiny bars hidden down narrow alleyways, with some seating as few as six people, creating one of Tokyo’s most unique nightlife experiences.

Japan has truly stolen a piece of my heart. Every destination offered something completely different, from peaceful temples and traditional towns to futuristic cityscapes and unforgettable cultural experiences.

I can’t wait to return and continue exploring this incredible country that never stops surprising and inspiring me. Hotels I stayed in..

• Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
• Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda
• Nishimuraya Shogetsutei
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
• Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden
• Hotel Grove Shinjuku