Tokyo is 14 million people somehow functioning perfectly. The trains are packed but silent. Nobody's phone makes a sound.
Shibuya crossing is iconic for a reason—the scramble, the neon, the energy. Nearby Harajuku brings fashion chaos and Takeshita Street crowds.
Shinjuku splits between business towers and Golden Gai's tiny bars. Senso-ji temple in Asakusa offers old Tokyo. Akihabara delivers anime and electronics.
Tsukiji Outer Market (inner market moved) still has street food and fresh fish. The city is massive. Pick neighborhoods carefully.
Tokyo is expensive but efficient. You can eat for ¥500 or ¥50,000. Both will be excellent.
Kyoto is where you go for "traditional" Japan. 2,000 temples and shrines. Geisha districts. Bamboo groves.
Fushimi Inari shrine has 10,000 red torii gates climbing the mountain. It's stunning. Go early or late—tourists pack midday.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is literally gold-leaf covered. Arashiyama bamboo grove is tall, green, and Instagram-famous.
Gion district is geisha central. You might see one at dusk. Don't chase them with cameras—that's rude. Respect the culture.
Kyoto is walkable but vast. Rent a bike. Temple entrance fees add up (¥400-600 each). Budget accordingly.
Mt. Fuji (3,776m) is symmetrical, iconic, and often cloud-covered. You see it best from afar—Hakone, Kawaguchiko, or Tokyo on clear days.
Climbing season is July-September. It's crowded. You hike through the night to catch sunrise from the summit. Hard but doable.
The Five Lakes region (Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako) offers views, onsen, and nature. Hakone combines views, hot springs, and day trips from Tokyo.
Fuji is sacred—Shinto shrines dot the mountain. Respect it. This isn't just a photo op.
Winter brings clear views but freezing temps. Summer brings clouds but climbing access. Pick your priority.
Japan takes food seriously. Conveyor belt sushi (¥100-400/plate) is cheap, good, fun. Ramen shops are everywhere (¥800-1,200). Izakayas serve beer and small plates.
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson have genuinely good food. Onigiri (rice balls), bento boxes, fried chicken. It's not "just" convenience store food.
Kaiseki is formal multi-course dining—beautiful, seasonal, expensive (¥10,000-30,000). Sushi omakase starts at ¥5,000, goes to ¥50,000+.
Osaka is the food capital—takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancake), street food everywhere. Dotonbori is neon food chaos.
Tipping is insulting. Service is included. Just say "gochisousama deshita" (thanks for the meal) when leaving.