Welcome to our exciting adventure through the heart of Japan, an experience that combines the rigour of Japanese rail travel with the freedom of a road trip. Immerse yourself in this first Japanese escapade, steeped in culture, architecture and breathtaking scenery. Our itinerary begins in Osaka, continues to Koyasan, Kyoto and Kanazawa, then ventures into the Japanese Alps, before ending in Tokyo, with a day dedicated to Mount Fuji.
-> OSAKA [ 2 nights ]
Our journey begins in Osaka, a dynamic city where tradition meets modernity. The decision to start our itinerary in Osaka is to integrate the jetlag 'gently' and keep the Tokyo leg to the end of the trip to make the most of it.
UMeda sky building
After a short break at the hotel and a first visit to the station to exchange and book all our tickets, we headed for the Umeda Sky Building. You're getting to know us now, and we're particularly fond of getting a bit of height, especially in sprawling cities like this. You climb up in transparent lifts, then take a double suspended escalator to reach the outside walkway... an architectural feat offering panoramic views of the illuminated city.
osaka Castle
On our first morning in Osaka, we start with a trip to Osaka Castle. The peace and quiet of the castle, surrounded by a fortress, contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. We decided not to queue to visit the interior and to continue exploring the city.
America mura
In the afternoon, we set off to discover America Mura, a vibrant district that exudes modernity and eccentricity. We lost ourselves in its eclectic alleyways and immersed ourselves in Japan's young, contemporary culture. A discreet hype centre, even underground, the district takes its name from a bygone era when its shops imported fashion exclusively from the United States.
Dotonbori
As night fell, we immersed ourselves in Dotonbori, an iconic district of Osaka that really comes alive when the sun goes down. The multicoloured neon lights that illuminate the riverbanks are lined with street food stalls offering a variety of local flavours. We couldn't pass by without trying the takoyaki, dumplings filled with octopus, a must-try local speciality.
where to eat | where to stay in osaka
Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier is a charming little business hotel with all the comforts of home and a delicious typical Japanese breakfast. It is located in the quiet district of Naka-No-Shima, close to the Osaka National Art Museum (which we unfortunately didn't have time to visit) and a short walk from the Umeda and Kita districts.
To immerse ourselves directly in the Japanese atmosphere, we tried out two typical restaurants: an Izakaya and in a small restaurant on Yotsubashi-suji. Unfortunately, we couldn't find the latter on Google to give you the exact address. In any case, we let ourselves be guided by the waiters and the images, because nothing here is translated and the menu is often handwritten. Unfortunately, Google Translate wasn't much help.
We were astonished to discover that the Japanese are fond of good coffee, a discovery that would certainly have delighted our friends Nemrod & Séverine. It was at the little Café Lilo, located above Strawberry Mania, a chain of shops dedicated to strawberry sweets in all their forms, that we tasted our first Japanese coffee. Here, there's no need to be in a hurry, just savour the time and the coffee.
-> Koya-san [ 1 night ]
It's not without difficulty that we get up, still a little jetlagged, ready to board the train to Koya-san from Namba-Osaka station. Please note that a special ticket is required to reach Koyasan, which is not covered by the JR Pass. For more information, visit the Nankai website.
Koyasan, perched high in the mountains of Wakayama prefecture, is a place steeped in spirituality. Our journey to this sacred site began with a train ride through the suburbs of Osaka, before the houses gave way to a thick, lush forest. The journey ends with a funicular ride up the hill and a short bus ride to our accommodation.
Koyasan is the cradle of esoteric Japanese Buddhism, home to a series of Buddhist temples and the Oku-no-in cemetery, where the spirits of the dead rest in majestic silence.
We chose to stay in a shukubo, a temple where hospitality and spirituality come together. There, in traditional rooms, we discovered for the first time the traditional baths and the ritual of shojin ryori, a Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
We took advantage of the afternoon to explore the surrounding temples, but it was when we visited the Oku-no-in cemetery, lined with hundred-year-old redwoods and where the tombs are covered in moss, that the place took on another dimension. We went back after dark, after our meal, despite a strict 9pm curfew, to capture that special atmosphere and try to convey it through our images.
The next morning, still jetlagged, we unfortunately missed the start of the morning prayer. However, the hypnotic sound of the sutras and the smell of incense enveloped the monastery... We were a little disappointed with ourselves.
where to stay | where to eat in Koyasan
Fukuchi-in is our monastery and place of residence for the night. It's a vast building with several rooms, all with private toilets, a rarity in Koyasan. The staff spoke English and gave us a warm welcome. However, for a future visit, I would choose a smaller, more intimate temple, closer to the Oku-no-in cemetery, so that we could go there at different times of the day or night without having to walk 30 minutes each way.
For a good cup of coffee and a delicious cake, head to Bon On Shya Cafe, run by a Franco-Japanese couple. And for a gourmet break in the middle of the day, we discovered this charming address, Tommy Nana Cafe, a little out of the way but with a more than friendly welcome.
-> Kyoto [ 5 nights ]
In the early afternoon, we set off again: by bus to the Koya-san funicular station, then by funicular down to Gokurakubashi station. From there, we take the train to Namba station in Osaka, from where we have to take the metro, red line from M20 to M13 Shin-Osaka, to board our first shinkansen. In just 13 minutes, we cover the distance between Osaka and Kyoto...
京都へようこそ
At Kyoto station, we spent more than an hour on the platform, admiring the meticulous ballet of shinkansen trains that followed one another almost every 5 minutes on their way to Tokyo. The train conductors and platform managers put on a captivating show that we couldn't get enough of, with the magnificent light at the end of the day.
By taxi, and slightly exhausted by the day's transport, we arrive at our accommodation for five nights in Kyoto. Our suitcases, which had not followed us to Koya-san, are waiting for us in our room. In Japan, you can send your suitcases from one hotel to another, for a fee, of course. It's a very practical solution, as you don't have to drag your suitcases through stations and can travel light. The only minor drawback is that there is almost always a one-night delay. But ask at your hotel reception when you arrive to plan the rest of your journey.
Day 1 • higashiyama & Gion
On our first day, we opted to explore the iconic districts of Higashiyama and Gion by bike. Our hotel reception pointed us in the direction of the nearest bike hire company (there are bikes all over Kyoto), as it's a relatively flat city that's easy to explore by bike. This gave us total flexibility to explore the picturesque streets and famous sites at our own pace. A word of advice: be sure to get lost in the narrow streets, as this is where you'll often discover the city's hidden treasures.
Ginkaku-ji
Our itinerary began with an iconic visit to Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, surrounded by tranquil Zen gardens. The understated elegance of this temple, with its refined architecture and meticulously landscaped moss gardens, provided the perfect introduction to Kyoto's rich culture.
Honen-in & Philosophers' Path
We then cycled to Honen-in, a hidden treasure in the heart of the greenery, and took the Philosophers' Path. Stop off at café Pomme for a homemade cake and a cup of coffee while chatting to the friendly owner.
Nanzenji & Nanzen-ji Sammon Gate
We continue on our way to Nanzen-ji Sanmon Gate, an imposing and majestic structure that stands at the entrance to the Nanzen-ji temple complex in Kyoto. This monumental gate impresses with its imposing size and architectural elegance. We pause here for a moment, trying to capture its grandeur as best we can.
Chion-in
We cycle past Chion-in, one of Japan's largest temples and famous for its impressive Sanmon Gate, one of the largest in the country.
Gion
Here we are at last in the famous Gion district, with its narrow streets and traditional charm... but by the end of the day, the crowds are thick. It's decided, we'll make an early return to discover its traditional machiya with hardly anyone around.
Kiyomizu-dera
The day ends with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera, above the Gion district, offering a panoramic view of Kyoto from its wooden terrace.
Kamo-gawa
We turn back towards our hotel to return our bikes. Our journey takes us along the banks of the Kamo-Gawa. The atmosphere changes completely: the calm of the banks, the soothing murmur of the river and the evening lights... it's good to get away from the hustle and bustle of Gion.
day 2 • Fushimi Inari & Nishiki Market
On this 2nd day, we're off to discover 2 of Kyoto's most emblematic landmarks: Fushimi Inari & the Nishiki Market.
Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and prosperity. Its origins date back over a thousand years, when the powerful Hata no Irogu clan built the shrine in honour of the deity. Since then, Fushimi Inari has become Japan's most important shrine dedicated to Inari.
The climb up the hill is accompanied by a lively crowd of visitors, all captivated by the scarlet torii. However, as we make our way towards the top of the mountain, the bustle of the crowd gradually diminishes. The higher up we go, the more alone we are with the majestic torii all around us and a beautiful forest that is still green in early October.
Le Café Vermillon, which serves excellent coffee and delicious pastries, is perfect for a break after exploring the sanctuary.
Marché de Nishiki
We ended our day at the Nishiki Market. This proved to be the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in a variety of flavours. From grilled eel kebabs to oyster tastings, freshly prepared sushi and local delicacies, our taste buds loved it.
day 3 • NARA
For our third day, we decided to take a side trip to Nara, about 1 hour by train from Kyoto. On the outskirts of Nara Park, we were greeted by sacred deer roaming freely. It's quite a sight to see these creatures, an integral part of the region's cultural heritage, living there amongst the tourists.
The Todai-ji, an impressive Buddhist temple, is our second point of interest. This gigantic structure houses a monumental statue of Vairocana Buddha.
Wandering through the park's ancient tree-lined alleys, we came across Kasuga Taisha, a Shinto shrine with moss-covered stone lanterns and deer playing hide-and-seek. You'll need a bit of patience to capture some pretty pictures.
day 4 • Sagano
Arashiyama
Day four started early, perhaps a little too early, but the idea was to discover Arashiyama without the usual crowds. We weren't the first to hit the trails and the rather overcast weather played tricks on us to capture the bamboo forest in the early morning darkness. But as usual, with a little patience, we managed to get the images we wanted of this magnificent little bamboo forest.
Unlike most tourists, we're moving away from Arashiyama to discover Sagano, with its typical, peaceful streets. It's as if every step we take takes us a little further away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade and into the peaceful authenticity of this district.
Adashino Nenbutsuji
We spent the day exploring Sagano, starting with Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. Set in the hills, this is a unique Buddhist temple imbued with a serene atmosphere. On arrival, you are greeted by a fascinating array of thousands of stone Jizo statues. The temple paths wind through a mini bamboo forest, which is much less touristy than Arashiyama... we're alone here and we're enjoying it.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
The day continued with a visit to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, a Buddhist temple housing a remarkable collection of Jizo statues with a variety of expressions. Each of these statues has its own character, making for a truly enjoyable discovery.
day 5 • Gion & Kinkaku-ji
Gion
The fifth and final day also gets off to an early start, with an early wake-up call to explore the Gion district at sunrise. The district reveals itself in a different way at this early hour, with a peaceful, authentic beauty. The atmosphere is calm, but already several photographers share the same idea as us. As we wander through the quiet alleyways, we even witness a very Instagrammable marriage proposal...
Kinkaku-ji
After breakfast, we set off for the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto's most famous landmark. It's already quite busy, but despite the large number of visitors, it's still surprisingly easy to capture the magnificent silhouette of the pavilion, reflected almost perfectly in the tranquil waters of the pond.
Daitoku-ji : Ōbai-in & Daisen-in
We then head to Daitoku-ji, exploring the Ōbai-in and Daisen-in temples within this complex. We are captivated by the unique atmosphere of these places, unfortunately no cameras are allowed inside. It is perhaps this restriction that helps to preserve their charm and tranquillity, avoiding mass tourism. These temples offer a wonderful final immersion in Kyoto's spiritual history before we leave, and just before we make a final stop at the Nishiki market, ending our stay in Kyoto on a delicious gourmet note.
where to stay dormir | where to eat in kyoto
We stayed at the Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier located on the Kamo-gawa river. Its location is very central and convenient, allowing us to explore the whole of Kyoto. The rooms are pretty and comfortable. We recommend it without hesitation.
For a Kaiseki meal, head to Another C! it at the counter and watch as the chef juggles each dish in front of you. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese culinary experience that takes you through several artistically presented dishes, each showcasing unique flavours and textures. A real treat for lovers of Japanese cuisine.
In and around the famous Pontocho alleyway, you'll find a host of small restaurants. It's a real paradise for food lovers. The picturesque atmosphere of this alleyway adds a special touch.
For beer lovers, head a few steps from our hotel to discover the delicious beers of Arashiyama Brewerey.
-> Kanazawa [ 2 nights ]
Welcome to Kanazawa, a town nestling on the west coast of Japan, renowned for its careful preservation of the Edo period.
Kenroku-en
Our first stop in Kanazawa was to explore Kenroku-en, often considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. In all honesty, we were slightly disappointed. Although the garden is undeniably beautiful, with its serene ponds, curved bridges and carefully trimmed trees, our feelings remain mixed.
Higashi-Chaya
At the end of the day, we strolled through the historic Higashi-Chaya district. However, we also had mixed feelings. Although the charm of the traditional houses is undeniable, the experience is somewhat marred by the very touristy aspect of the district. The many souvenir shops create a commercial atmosphere that can be perplexing.
As you will have gathered, our exploration of this city did not leave us with any unforgettable memories. Perhaps the bar was set too high after Kyoto. However, Kanazawa is a convenient transition to the next stage of our journey: the mountainous region of the Japanese Alps.
where to stay | where to eat in kanazawa
We stayed at the Hôtel Vista Kanazawa, a business type of accommodation, but strategically well placed. It's close to the train station and the car rental service.
For fresh, local dishes, head to the Ômichô market... fish and other good seafood, but also fruit and vegetables... There are lots of little restaurants between the stalls... let yourself be inspired!
-> Japanese alpes [ 2 nights ]
We're off! Here we are at the controls of our typically Japanese car... a sort of white berlingot ready to take us on a discovery tour of the Japanese Alps. We set off towards the typical villages of Ainokura, Suganuma and Shirakawa-go, ready to explore the traditional charms of the Japanese Alps.
Ainokura
First village with traditional gassho-zukuri houses... The sloping thatched houses look like hands joined in prayer.
Suganuma
The second village, Suganuma, is our favourite of the trio. Smaller and less touristy, it exudes an authentic, unspoilt atmosphere. The peace and quiet that reigns here, far from the tourist crowds, gave us the opportunity to eat our fill at a charming local restaurant preparing delicious soba.
Shirakawa-go
Our last stop of the day: the emblematic thatched-roof village of Shirakawa-go. Despite the crowds, the view below, with the fog enveloping the surrounding area, creates a beautiful atmosphere.
takayama
On our second day in the Japanese Alps, after exploring Takayama's traditional centre, the Sanmachi-suji district, we decided to venture out on the temple trail, in search of hidden gems in this charming town. Thirteen Buddhist temples and five Shinto shrines can be discovered from Shiroyama Park on a walk lasting around two hours.
The rain catches up with us, and we take refuge for a well-deserved coffee break at Tabinoshiori, where you can rent the upper floor on AirBnB for the night.
Hida
In the afternoon, the rain poured down. After wandering around the village, we took refuge in a café, the FabCafé, in the hope of making our own chopsticks. However, like so many things in Japan, there's no workshop unless you book in advance... Shame!
After a good coffee and a surprisingly delicious Bordeaux canelé, we set off again in the rain to discover Shirakabe Dozogai street. This street is crossed by the Seto canal, filled with glowing carp (from April to November) swimming against the current. We learned that the fish swim in the waters of the canal most of the year, but are moved during the winter. Every year, on the last Sunday in November, many local people come to help move the fish by hand. They are transported in a container, then into Tenjin Pond, the moat that surrounds the ruins of Masushima Castle.
After spending 2 wonderful nights in our Ryokan Wanosanto (see chapter below on where to sleep), we headed back to Kanazawa in the pouring rain to return our supercar and board our last Shinkansen bound for the capital.
where to stray | where to eat in takayama
We stayed for 2 nights with evening meals included at Wanosanto, a ryokan nestling near Takayama, in a thatched gasshō-zukuri house ideally situated near the river, surrounded by forest. This combination of rusticity and vegetation gives the place an authentic charm. The spacious, traditional room with its picturesque view of the river offers a total immersion in the Japanese experience. The delicious meals allowed us to sample local specialities such as Hida beef. We were also able to take advantage of the private onsen. All the staff are very attentive. A relaxing atmosphere, an escape from time... An address we can recommend with our eyes closed! We also met Fanny and Mathieu, a couple with a passion for travel like us, with whom we chatted around the fire until late at night.
-> tokyo [ 5 nights ]
We're finally in Japan's capital... our pretty & quiet Ryokan in the Japanese Alps already seems a long way away... It's not as busy as New York or London, everything's in order here, but the flow of Japanese people in the transport system and stations makes your head spin... if you stop for a minute, you could compare rush hour to a contemporary dance ballet... it goes in all directions, but it works!
To discover this sprawling city, we've organised our days by district to avoid having to travel too far... you're ready, here we go!
day 1 • west of Tokyo
Headquarters of the Metropolitan Government
Our morning began with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Headquarters. The proximity of our accommodation, just across the road, meant that we were able to get there early in the morning before the tourist rush. This first view gave us an impressive view of Tokyo, a city that seems to stretch as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji.
Harajuku
We then headed for the Harajuku district. Harajuku, a district of Tokyo popular with young people and fashionistas, is a veritable melting pot of trends and styles. Takeshita Street, Harajuku's main thoroughfare, is lined with colourful shops selling a variety of eccentric clothes, bold accessories and sweet treats. Young locals, dressed in styles ranging from kawaii to punk, parade down this lively street.
Not far from Harajuku is Omotenashi Sando, often abbreviated to Omotesando. It's an iconic avenue in Tokyo, renowned for its elegance and luxury boutiques. Nicknamed the "Champs-Élysées of Tokyo", Omotesando offers an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. But we liked the district to the south of this avenue, Minami-Aoyama, even more. The tiny streets of Minami-Aoyama are lined with trees, international designer boutiques and Japanese brands, creating a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere for a stroll. The district is also home to contemporary art galleries and cafés.
shibuya
A little further on... and we've arrived in a completely different atmosphere! Welcome to Shibuya, one of Tokyo's liveliest districts, renowned for its electric atmosphere, sparkling neon signs and busy crossroads, the famous 'Shibuya Crossing'. We're going to spend some time observing the hustle and bustle and trying to capture the atmosphere at sunset. It's hard to get a full aerial view... so to get a glimpse, we climbed up to Mag's Rooftop.
shinjuku
We end our evening in the Shinjuku district... another dynamic part of Tokyo... we're less charmed... tiredness catches up with us and doesn't allow us to appreciate the effervescence of the district. It's decided, we'll come back another evening.
day 2 • EST of Tokyo
Our second day in Tokyo took us into two distinct worlds. The morning began in Akihabara, the emblematic district of electronics, manga, anime and games. The afternoon took us to Asakusa, a district that reveals a more traditional side of Tokyo.
Akihabara
The electronics district par excellence, we couldn't do without a visit to a department store. As soon as we entered, we were a little thrown by the multitude of products on display, the non-stop slogans and music, and the jumble of products... But it was nice for Marc to be able to take everything in hand, to compare all the models in one place... A word of warning to enthusiasts: you might be in for a long wait!
asakusa
As we exit the metro, we arrive opposite the Sumida River, offering a spectacular view of the Tokyo Skytree and the Super Dry Hall, headquarters of the Asahi brewery, designed by Philippe Starck to resemble a giant beer mug. However, we continue to stroll through the Asakusa district, which reveals a more traditional side of Tokyo.
To get some height, we headed up to the rooftop of the tourist office, which was free and offered a lovely view of the district and Senso-ji temple. Once back on the ground, we were greeted by the majestic and imposing Kaminarimon Gate as we made our way towards Senso-ji temple, teeming with people... tourists, Tokyoites, pilgrims, curious onlookers... a great hustle and bustle in the beautiful light at the end of the day.
day 3 • South of tokyo
Tsukiji market
The third day in Tokyo began with a morning trip to Tsukiji market. We were able to sample a whole host of fish specialities: sushi, oysters, grilled eels, etc. While wandering around the stalls, we also spent some time in a Japanese knife shop... hard to choose!
We had the pleasure of meeting up again with our friends, Fanny and Mathieu, who invited us to have lunch together in a typical Tsukishima restaurant,Oshio Nagomi. This special place is an artificial island created at the end of the 19th century, nestling near the Tsukiji fish market in Chuo district, along Tokyo Bay. In this restaurant, we had the opportunity to try monjayaki, a local speciality derived from Osaka's okonomiyaki. Imagine a kind of pancake filled with seafood, vegetables, noodles and meat, grilled by yourself in front of us on a hot plate. It was a real delight and a lovely moment shared together.
Ginza
After a good meal, we said goodbye to Fanny and Mathieu and headed for the Ginza district. There, we enjoyed a bit of shopping, but above all, we enjoyed walking around this district where each building seems to have its own personality. We were particularly taken with the Hermès building. The building boasts a unique glass façade made up of 13,000 square blocks of glass designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
One experience we highly recommend is to climb to the top of Tokyo Plaza Ginza to access The Mint Ginza, a chic café that allows you to admire the view of the surrounding area and the magnificent pedestrian walkway. It's an ideal way to catch the last rays of sunshine.
Tokyo Bay
Once night has fallen, we head for Odaiba and Tokyo Bay. To get there, we board the Yurikamome Monorail, which circles the bay, linking Tokyo's various artificial islands. The route is a curiosity in itself; the elevated track winds its way through the skyscrapers before looping around to Rainbow Bridge and crossing over to Odaiba. A short stop in the Odaiba marine park to take in the view of Tokyo, the Rainbow Bridge and the yakatabune, a traditional boat decorated with lanterns, before continuing on our way.
We end the day with a visit to the TeamLab Planet, a museum combining digital art and the beauty of nature... an immersive art of light, water and sound. But to be honest, we were a little disappointed by the experience... The day's accumulated fatigue got the better of us!
day 4 • Fujisan
For our last full day in Japan... we had 2 options: either visit the Ueno & Yanesen district, or go and discover Mount Fuji... The call of nature was stronger, and we decided to take the first bus towards the 5 lakes region, Fujigoko. Arriving in Kawaguchiko, we hired a car to make the most of our journey.
Our first stop is in the centre of the town of Fuji-Yoshida, to capture Mount Fuji in an urban atmosphere. This morning, however, it's playing hide-and-seek with us... The little café FabCafe Fuji is an ideal place to wait and eat.
Chureito Pagoda is our 2nd viewpoint of Mount Fuji. We climb the many steps to reach the Pagoda and discover this landscape, which is one of Japan's best-known photographs.
This day ends by the shores of Lake Kawaguchi-ko... Mount Fuji becomes more and more visible... We really could have spent a night here instead of returning to Tokyo to enjoy the beautiful morning and evening lights...
day 5
This morning, with only half a day available before our departure, we set out without any camera gear, feeling as light as feathers, to stroll around the Harajuku district and make some last-minute purchases. But after these two and a half weeks, we are certain that this will not be our last trip to Japanese soil, as there is still so much more to discover! We want to warmly thank Virginie for organizing this trip. If you live in Switzerland, we highly recommend her services.
where to stay | where to eat in tokyo
Keio Plaza Hotel was our accommodation for our 5 nights in Tokyo. Located in the business district opposite the metropolitan government headquarters, it is imposing and bustling with tourists. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this accommodation, not because of its quality, but more because of its location. Despite its proximity to Shinjuku Station, in the evening there is nothing open anymore; it's as if this business district empties out when the offices close. If we were to come back... we would prefer accommodation in the Minami-Aoyama district.
Shibuya
For beer enthusiasts, head to Mikkeler Tokyo, a brewery that we discovered in the Faroe Islands.
Shinjuku
Omoide yokocho eOmoide Yokocho is a collection of narrow alleys housing numerous small, typical Japanese restaurants called izakaya, located just outside Shinjuku Station. This pedestrian zone is ideal for tasting grilled meat skewers yakitori, in a popular atmosphere and at a reasonable price.
Quartier de Tsukishima
Oshio Nagomi, a typical restaurant in Tsukishima, where we had the opportunity to taste monjayaki, a local specialty derived from Osaka's okonomiyaki. Imagine a sort of pancake filled with seafood, vegetables, noodles, and meat, grilled by your own hands on a hotplate in front of us. It was a real delight and a lovely moment shared with Fanny & Mathieu.
• また必ず来るよ •
-> Here are some tips to facilitate your trip
Download Google Maps offline maps on your phone before you leave. It's super convenient if you don't have access to network.
Purchase an e-SIM card from Holafly for unlimited mobile data connection in Japan.
If you plan on driving, make sure to have an international driving permit and a translation in Japanese.
Use the website Japan Transit Planer to check all possible transportation options with their connections. If you have a JR Pass, click on the tab at the top right under "Rail Pass search" to only show routes included in the JR Pass.
Create an account on the Visit Japan Web website to complete your administrative and customs procedures. You'll receive 2 QR codes that will greatly facilitate your entry into Japanese territory after a long, tiring flight.
Purchase the Suica card, a prepaid smart card that allows you to use most public transportation (subway, trains, buses, monorail). The card is debited for each trip or purchase by simply touching it to the Suica card reader. There's also the Pasmo card available.
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