From Neon Nights to Peaceful Shrines: Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan Travel Diary

Hannah Truman
Nov 28
8 min read

Top Highlights and Tips from Our Japan Trip in Tokyo & Kyoto

Japan is officially one of my all-time favorite travel destinations. From the electric energy of Tokyo to the peaceful, temple-lined paths of Kyoto, every moment felt magical. The culture is rich, the food is unforgettable (hello, ramen and sushi!), and the mix of modern life and ancient tradition makes this country unlike anywhere else I’ve been.

If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend visiting both Tokyo and Kyoto to get the perfect balance of excitement, history, and nature.

Below are all the highlights from our adventure!

Tokyo

teamLab Borderless – an immersive digital art experience you can’t miss
Shibuya Sky + Shibuya Scramble Crossing – the iconic rooftop view and the world’s busiest crosswalk
Shinjuku – Memory Lane, the Godzilla head, the giant 3D cat billboard, and endless neon
Asakusa – Senso-ji Shrine and Tokyo Skytree
Kappabashi St – Kitchen Town
Ueno – parks, markets, and museums
Yanaka Ginza – a charming old Tokyo street

Kyoto

Kyoto Station – skywalk views, great restaurants, and tons of shops
Togetsu-kyo Bridge – a dreamy riverside walk, especially at sunset
Arashiyama Monkey Park – panoramic views and cute snow monkeys
Philosopher’s Path – a quiet canal walk lined with cherry trees
Gion District – traditional wooden streets and geisha culture

Nara

Day trip to Nara – see the famous deer park, Todaiji Temple, and traditional streets

Tips

Foodie Tips – Where to eat and what to try for the best local flavors
General Travel Tips – Advice for getting around, timing, and making the most of your trip

Tokyo

Team Lab Borderless

For a unique museum experience, don’t miss teamLab Borderless, an immersive walk through a world of futuristic digital art. The installations are colorful, ever-changing, and incredibly photogenic. There are a few teamLab exhibits in Tokyo, but Borderless is the larger one and has no set path, which makes it feel like you’re wandering through a dream.

My favorite part was simply exploring and stumbling into new spaces. One moment we were walking through a dark, forest-like room, and in the back corner we discovered a glowing field of oversized lily pads you could walk through. Every room feels like a secret waiting to be found. And even if you loop back, the visuals shift and transform, so it’s worth visiting rooms more than once.

Tip: Reserve your tickets in advance since this museum is very popular. I recommend going in the morning for a calmer, less crowded experience so you can really enjoy the space.

Shibuya Sky + Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Shibuya Sky is a must-visit in Tokyo. From this iconic rooftop observation deck, you get sweeping 360-degree views of the city, including landmarks like Tokyo Tower and the surrounding skyline. It’s the tallest open-air observation point in the area, and at night, the city lights create a truly magical atmosphere. Plus, there’s a light show that adds an extra wow factor after dark.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing is famous for a reason. Known as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, it’s mesmerizing to watch hundreds of people cross from all directions at once. Whether you join the flow of pedestrians or watch from above at Shibuya Sky, it’s a quintessential Tokyo experience you won’t forget.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku, located near Shibuya, is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It’s a mix of bustling streets, neon lights, and quirky landmarks. A stroll through Memory Lane is fun to take in the atmosphere and wander the narrow alley lined with tiny izakayas, though it’s more of a tourist attraction than a local dining spot now.

Shinjuku is also home to the Godzilla head perched atop the Toho building and the giant 3D cat billboard, both perfect for photos. Everywhere you look, there’s neon and energy, and it’s a great place to experience Tokyo’s electric nightlife and unique character.

Asakusa

Asakusa is a must-see area in Tokyo that blends history with vibrant street life. The centerpiece is the Senso-ji Shrine, Tokyo’s oldest temple, where you can admire the traditional architecture, wander the colorful shopping street of Nakamise-dori, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

Nearby, the Tokyo Skytree towers over the city and offers stunning views. It’s another great option for a city viewpoint, though I personally preferred Shibuya Sky, especially if you’re visiting before dark. The Skytree is still worth a visit for its shopping mall and the surrounding area.

Kappabashi Street

Located between Asakusa and Ueno, Kappabashi Street, also known as Kitchen Town, is a must-visit for anyone who loves cooking or unique souvenirs. The street is lined with shops selling kitchen tools, tableware, and even the famous realistic plastic food displays. It’s fun to browse and pick up something special, even if you’re just window shopping.

Ueno

Ueno is known for its parks, markets, and museums. We stayed here for a night at the tail end of our trip, and it was great to explore a slightly more low-key side of Tokyo. We visited the Tokyo National Museum of Western Art, where there was a special Van Gogh exhibition that was incredible.

Another spot worth checking out is Ameyoko Shopping Street, which runs from Ueno to Okachimachi Station along the train tracks. Here you’ll find a mix of food stalls, clothing shops, and local treasures. I even picked up some Japanese denim! It’s a fun area to wander and soak up the local energy.

Yanaka Ginza

Yanaka Ginza is a charming old Tokyo street with a nostalgic vibe. Often called Cat Town, friendly cats roam the streets, and you can even find cat-shaped treats, like cat tails, along the way. It’s a cozy spot to stroll, snack, and experience a quieter side of Tokyo. I also found some very cute cat-themed souvenirs here!

Kyoto

Kyoto offers a perfect balance to the bustling energy of Tokyo, with its serene temples, historic streets, and beautiful gardens. Whether you’re exploring scenic viewpoints, wandering through ancient neighborhoods, or enjoying seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms or fall leaves, there’s always something to captivate you.

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is more than just a transportation hub. It’s worth visiting for its skywalk, restaurants, and shops. The skywalk offers panoramic views of the city, including a great view of Kyoto Tower. Inside the station, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as a section dedicated to ramen shops.

Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Togetsu-kyo Bridge offers a dreamy riverside walk. It’s a peaceful spot to slow down, take photos, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Arashiyama district. Walk across the bridge and check out the Monkey Park next!

Arashiyama Monkey Park

For a mix of nature and wildlife, head to Arashiyama Monkey Park. The hike to the top takes about 20 minutes and once you arrive you will be treated to panoramic views of Kyoto. At the park you can get up close to playful Japanese macaques and even feed them making it a fun and memorable experience.

Philosopher’s Path

For a more serene experience, walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a quiet canal lined with cherry trees. The path is perfect for reflection, photography, and enjoying the calm side of Kyoto. I really enjoyed starting at the Silver Temple and walking along the path to another temple. It was one of my favorite days exploring Kyoto. Even though there were no cherry blossoms, the early fall leaves were stunning.

Gion District

Finally, explore the Gion District, famous for its traditional wooden streets and geisha culture. Stroll through the historic lanes, pop into quaint tea houses, and soak up the atmosphere of old Kyoto. One of my favorite finds on this trip was a pottery shop in Gion where I picked up handmade Japanese pottery.

Nara

We took a day trip to Nara from Kyoto, just a 45-minute train ride. Nara is definitely worth a visit and is famous for its friendly deer that roam freely throughout the city. You can buy deer treats and interact with them, which is a fun and memorable experience, though be careful of the bucks as they can be a bit more aggressive.

Nara is also home to Todaiji Temple, which houses one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Japan. Walking through the temple grounds and taking in the massive architecture is truly awe-inspiring. The city itself has charming streets and traditional shops, making it a perfect spot to explore and soak up local culture.

Tips

Foodie Tips:

Take a Food Tour – A guided foodie tour is a great way to try a variety of local dishes and discover hidden gems. We had an awesome time with the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour. It lasted 3.5 hours, included so much food, and felt like hanging out with a local.
Convenience Stores – 7-11 and Lawson in Japan are very different from the US. The food is fresh, high quality, and surprisingly good. Definitely try snacks, bento boxes, and desserts.
Must-Try Dining Experiences – Explore izakayas for casual dining, kaiseki for multi-course traditional meals, and yakiniku for Japanese BBQ.
Pontocho – A charming street in Kyoto lined with restaurants and bars, perfect for an evening meal. If you do the food tour I recommended, they will take you here to eat a meal!
Matcha – Matcha comes from Japan, so make sure to try it! You can enjoy it hot, cold, in ice cream, or in other desserts.

Food Etiquette

Oshibori – These are warm or cold towelettes provided at restaurants to clean your hands before eating.
Chopsticks – Practice using chopsticks properly. Do not stab food, point with them, or dig through shared dishes. When resting them, place them together horizontally on a chopstick rest or on the side of your bowl (not crossed or stuck in your food).
Sitting on the Floor – At traditional restaurants, you may sit on tatami mats. Take your time to get comfortable and enjoy the experience.

General Tips:

Planning

I recommend visiting both Tokyo and Kyoto for a good balance of city life and nature.
Reserve your train tickets ahead of time. For Mt. Fuji views, sit on the left side when traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo and the right side when going from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Prepare for Lots of Walking

Plan for some breaks throughout the day. There are few benches and no loitering culture. Eat, shop, and move on. This keeps foot traffic moving in densely populated areas.
Bring mole skins for blisters and consider packing an extra pair of shoes to swap if needed.

Getting Around

Load a Suica card onto your phone ahead of time for convenient travel on trains and buses.
Pack light. Navigating stations, trains, and stairs with heavy luggage can be challenging.
Avoid rush hour. Trains get extremely crowded. Try to skip:
- Morning: 7:30–9:30 AM (peak 8–9 AM)
- Evening: 5:00–7:30 PM (peak 6–6:30 PM)
For the Shinkansen, pick up your reserved tickets the day before to reduce stress and know where to go when your train departs.

Cultural Differences and Rules

Do not eat while walking.
Trash cans are rare, so carry your trash with you until you can dispose of it properly.
Even during rush hour, people are generally very quiet.
English is not widely spoken, so pointing at menus may be necessary. Learn to say thank you: “arigato gozaimasu.”
Observe cleanliness rules. Take off your shoes when entering some shrines and restaurants. Streets are clean and litter is rare.
Japanese hospitality is thoughtful. Many hotels provide pajamas and toiletries.