Japan is a country with the perfect balance of ancient culture and modern technology. Right next to a shrine that is hundreds of years old, you can get a Manhattan cocktail.
Japan imports nearly nothing. They have a sense of pride that says, "We can do it better." And they do. Everything that exists in Japan is created with an attention to detail and a degree of perfection that I haven't seen anywhere else.
Even our hotel bathroom was something to marvel at. The amazing washlet heated toilet seat (pretty much standard everywhere), fog free mirror, and super intuitive shower controls were incredible.
Even things that weren't invented in Japan are made better there. It's as if they sent their chefs to Paris, learned to make croissants from the best chefs in France, and then took it up a notch.
Oh the food. Wow. Sushi, ramen, tempura. And lots of French food. In Tokyo, the city with the most Michelin star restaurants, you will find no shortage of french food and french wine.
Tokyo is a city that rivals New York in my list of the top cities in the world. That's a rank that I thought New York City held with a distant lead, but no longer.
Armed with a ton of great suggestions from our friends (thank you!), and our Lonely Planet guides, we set off to explore Japan.
Here's how we did it (at least the major pieces):
Japan Rail
If there's only one thing you do before leaving for Japan, it's this: buy a Japan Rail pass. It gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail trains. We used this to get between Tokyo and Kyoto, Tokyo and the airport, and a ton of local trains in both cities.
Day 1
Arrived in the evening
Staying at Hotel Marunouchi near Tokyo Station. Very nice and convenient
Cocktails at Bar Oak in the Tokyo Station Hotel. Gorgeous spot, killer drinks
Day 2
Tsukiji fish market
Ghibli museum (HIGHLY recommended)
Shibuya - ramen and shopping
Dinner and drinks with Sean (Twitter friend)
Day 3
Senso-ji temple
Asahi building - view and beer
Akihabara electronics district
Maid cafe (weird but fun)
Ginza for shopping
Ginza Lion beer hall
Four seasons for drinks with Tim, and foie (Apple friend)
L'atelier Roubechon for dinner, more foie
Day 4
Bullet train to Kyoto
Stayed at Hotel Granvia Kyoto. Ok, convenient.
Silver Pavilion
Lots of snacks along the way
Exploring Gion
Irish pub
Traditional tempura dinner - awesome!
Day 5
Hotel buffet
Gates of Shinto Shrine! Incredible.
Bamboo grove
Romantic beer by water :)
Golden temple
Gion for drinks
Day 6
Nishiki market
Train to Tokyo
Shinjinku
Drinks at Park Hyatt (nice but touristy)
French restaurant (Lugdunum Bouchon Lyonnais)
Karaoke for hours!
Day 7
Gyoza Ro for lunch
Harajuku craziness
Meiji Shrine
Roppongi: wine bar with 48 wines, self serve machines
Roppongi Hills for dinner
See the full gallery on Posterous
One of the best trips ever. I already miss Tokyo and want to go back.
You can see all our photos here.
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