The three major cities in Japan that come to mind for people worldwide are probably Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. You’re most likely going to be hitting at least one of the cities in your time here. So Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto don’t need much of an introduction.

But, what about the other places to visit in Japan? The countryside or the not so major cities that still have so much to offer in Japan? While this depends on how much time you have in Japan, we believe that visiting these cities in Japan still won’t disappoint you. These are the underrated cities of Japan that are till rich in history, food, culture and more. Here’s a list of other cities worth visiting:

1. Hiroshima: Hiroshima could be categorized as a major city but is often times overlooked. You can visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and see how the city has rebuilt after over 70 years since the dropping of the atomic bomb. Make sure to stop by Miyajima island as well.

2. Yokohama: Yokohama is a very easy and quick train ride from Tokyo. It’s a harbor city that’s seen a lot of development over the years to fit in great attractions.

3. Nara: Possibly most know for it’s Deer Park where you can feed dears, Nara is a historical city with lots of temples and artwork that date back thousands of year.

4. Hakone: Located in the same prefecture as Yokohama, Hakone offers beautiful sceneries of Mt. Fuji. You won’t go directly to the mountain but you can see nature and scenery unique only to Hakone. It’s definitely a must see.

5. Sapporo: If you don’t mind the cold, fly up to Hokkaido (the northern major island of Japan) and visit Sapporo. Sapporo is known for it’s beer, miso ramen, skiing and winter festivals.

6. Hakodate: Another major city in Hokkaido, Hakodate offers some of the best seafood in Japan.

7. Kanazawa: Kanazawa is a very famous tourist destination for Japanese people, but it should be no stranger to foreigners as well. A well preserved, geisha-samurai town - Kanazawa is filled with historical and cultural locations. It has some of the best quality seafood/sake and is probably most famous for Kenrokuen Garden - one of Japans three great gardens.

8. Okayama: Often times just a layover stop before heading to Hiroshima, Okayama is an underrated former Castle town with lots of tradition and culture. It also possesses Korakuen - another one of Japans three great gardens.

9. Izu Peninsula: Most people pass through Izu without knowing it. By the bullet train, you pass through this area from Tokyo to Kyoto. It’s a beautiful place with history and culture. It’s also known for it’s good food, good scenery and hot springs.

10. Okinawa: While it’s not a city, it’s an island a bit far from the mainland. It’s basically the Hawaii of Japan - what more do you need to hear? There tropical climate, broad beaches and World War II sites makes it an interesting place for scenery and history.

Photo Credit: Japan Starts Here

#placestovisitinjapan #underratedcities

Travelling internationally can be hectic and complicated especially if you are new to the country. Here are some useful things to know and do before coming to Japan. This is our Japan travel tip:

1. Wifi: Get pocket wifi or arrange for a wifi pick up.

2. JR Pass: Decide on whether you want a Japan Rail Pass or not. Sometimes it’s not worth it. Read our Japan Rail Pass tips here.

3. Cash: Have cash (yen) ready to go. While most places will accept major cards, Japan is still a cash based society. A unique mom and pop shop that has your favorite tea cup might not accept card. You can use ATMs that accept foreign cards at post offices and Seven Elevens.

4. Know Japanese: Basic English is understood, but know your basic Japanese too. Lots of signs and menus will be in English, but it wont hurt to learn some basic Japanese to communicate - who knows maybe you’ll make a friend!

5. Train manners: Know some basic train manners as you’ll probably use this as your main mode of transportation. You can get a breakdown here.

6. Stand on the left: In Japan you walk on the left and stand on the escalator on left. It’s a basic pedestrian rule to know. Osaka is an exception as people stand on the right on the escalator.

7. Don’t tip: Tipping is not normal in Japan.

8. Beware, no trashcans: It’s so clean in Japan…but there are no trashcans? If you buy a drink or a snack on the go, just beware that trashcans are not plentiful so have a backpack or eat/drink where you bought it from to dispos the trash.

9. Have a general itinerary: There is so much to do and see in Japan. In fact, depending on your time, you might not be able to finish everything on your list. Have an idea of what you want to do and see in each city. Don’t rush! It’s better take time and focus on the beautiful things Japan has to offer.

Photo Credit: Live Japan

#japantraveltips

This 2.5-3 hour class with our cooking school partners will teach you how to make either sushi or okonomiyaki, the choice is yours. This hands-on experience is the perfect way to experience the culture of Japan through food.

*Note for Hello! Tokyo Tour Guests: If you would like to book the cooking class on the same day as your Private Customised Tour with us your guide can drop you off at the cooking studio at the end of your tour. If you are booking this on a different day to your tour we will provide easy-to-follow directions on how to get to the studio.

Photo Credit: Cooking Sun

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Level: Beginner

Menu options for small groups (1-8 people)

Kaiseki Class (9:30am - 12:30pm)

•   Accordion Cucumber Salad (蛇腹きゅうりの酢の物)

• Gomamiso-ae potate - Sesame & Miso sauce (じゃがいものごま味噌和え)

•  Dashimaki tamago - Rolled Egg- (だし巻玉子)

• Bamboo shoot Kimpira (たけのこのきんぴら)

• Dashi based clear soup (お吸い物)

• Wagyu Sukiyaki (和牛すき焼き)

• Wakame & Umeboshi rice (わかめと梅干しのご飯)

• Daifuku mochi with Fruit (フルーツ大福)

  *Please note that the Kaiseki menu is subject to change depending on season

Sushi class (1:30pm - 4:30pm)

• Rolled Egg (卵焼き)

• Sushi Rice (酢飯）

• Inari Sushi (いなり寿司)

• Tuna Roll (鉄火巻き)

• Cucumber Roll (かっぱ巻き)

• California Roll (カリフォルニアロール)

• Nigiri Sushi (握り寿司)

• Miso Soup (みそ汁)

Okonomiyaki Class (5:30pm - 8pm)

• Smashed cucumber pickles (たたき梅きゅうり)

• Japanese chicken meatball wrapped with Shiso leaf(つくねのシソ巻き)

• Lotus roots salad (レンコンサラダ)

• Grilled Rice Ball (焼きおにぎり)

• Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)

• Fluffy Egg Soup(かきたま汁)

• Evening class is bookable with 2 guests at minimum. Optional Sake tasting: 1 tokkuri bottle@500 yen

Menu options for private groups (1-8 people)

Same as the classes above

Menu options for large groups including study tours and corporate groups (9-40 people)

Sushi Menu 1

• Egg Roll （たまご焼き)

• Nigiri Sushi（握り寿司）

• Tuna Roll（鉄火巻き）

• Cucumber Roll (かっぱ巻き）

• California Roll (カリフォルニアロール）

Sushi Menu 2

• Egg Roll（たまご焼き）

• Tofu Salad（豆腐サラダ）

• Tuna Roll（鉄火巻き）

• Cucumber Roll（かっぱ巻き）

• California Roll(カリフォルニアロール)

• Miso soup (みそ汁)

LENGTH: 2.5-3 hours

WHEN: Everyday

GROUP SIZE:

• Small and private groups: Minimum 1, Maximum 8

• Large groups: 9-40 people

STARTING TIME: 

• Small Groups: 9:30am - 12:30pm (kaiseki), 1:30pm - 4:30 pm (sushi), 5:30pm - 8pm (okonomiyaki)

• Private Groups: 9:30am -12:30pm (kaiseki), 1:30pm -4:30pm (sushi), 5:30 - 8:00 pm (Okonomiyaki)

• Large Groups: Anytime Upon request

LOCATION: Shinanomachi 18, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Maya Shinanomachi 2nd building, Room 314)

（新宿区信濃町１８ マヤ信濃町２番館 ３１４号室

*Note for large groups: Any group over 12 will be held in a rental kitchen elsewhere. Place depends on availability of studios.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements in advance. Arrangements may be made. There is also a vegetarian option.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

For small and private groups

• More than 7 days before – 100% refund

• 2-6 days before – 80% refund

• 1 day before – 50% refund

• No show and ‘on the day’ cancellation – Non-refundable

For Large Groups:

• More than 21 days before - 100% refund

• 8-20 days before - 50% refund

• 3-7 days before - 20% refund

• 0-2 days before - No refund

PRICE:

Small Groups:

Adults (13&over): US$85 person for 1 person, US$80 person for 2-3 people, US$75 person for 4-8 people

Children (6-12): US$50 per child. 6& under free.

Private Groups(Price is total, not per person):

Groups of 1-2: US$310

Group of 3: US$400

Group of 4: US$480

Group of 5: US$550

Group of 6: US$600

Group of 7: US$650

Group of 8: US$700

*Availability is limited for private classes. Please try to book 1 or more months in advance.

Large Groups (9-40):

US$70 per person

For over 12 people, a rental studio is required. No extra cost is required.

*All prices are tax-inclusive

WEATHER CONDITIONS: All classes take place as scheduled (including in heavy rain) except under a Red Warning or Purple Emergency Warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. For up-to-date information see the Japan Meteorological Agency website.

 

Published on August 18th 2020

Every country has their own alcohol that they're known for - Italy for their wine, Russia for their Vodka and Scotland for their whiskey. In Japan, sake is the go-to traditional alcoholic drink. Sake is made from fermented rice, water, yeast and koji (a type of mold). It boasts a history of over a thousand years and there are hundreds of different types of sake.

Over the course of this 45-minute sake class you’ll do a quick deep dive into all things sake. Our sake experts will present to you 6 different sakes - all from small family-owned businesses.

Availability: 3:30 pm every day.

Duration: approx. 45 minutes

Participants: 2 minimum, 8 maximum

Age: You must be at least 20 years of age to join this experience.

Price: 35 USD/person (minimum charge of 70 USD)

Inclusions: 6 sakes

Location: This experience is in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. If you include this experience in your tour we will also show you around Shinjuku. More information on Shinjuku can be found here.

This can be booked as an add-on (extra) to a private customized tour. Please select this ‘extra’ during the check-out when booking your tour.

While Japan is known for it’s world class railway system and bullet trains, driving in Japan is an underrated way to see the hidden parts of Japan reachable by car. You can rent cars or even rent out a camper van with us to take on a couple day journey out of the city.. Here are some tips and info on how to drive in Japan legally so you can go out on your own amazing trip.

Driving rules in Japan

Most of the driving rules in Japan are similar to Western countries. For Americans, or any other countries who drive on the left - Japan drives on the right like most European countries. The Japan Automobile federation (JAF) does a good job at explaining the rules in depth here.

Drivers License

If you want to be driving in Japan, you need to have an International Drivers Permit (IDP) BEFORE you come to Japan. You cannot obtain one in Japan so it’s good to plan ahead. To get your permit, it usually does not require a test and you can obtain it for pretty cheap. When you go to car rentals in Japan, you will usually need to present your IDP, your home drivers license and possibly a passport. Based o the country you are from, there may be different rules. Please refer to the JAF website on IDPs here.

What can you do with a car in Japan?

If you have a jam packed schedule and only plan on visiting the main cities, it’s probably better to stick with their world class railways system. You can go anywhere in the city with a train, bus or taxi. In fact, having a car is probably a bigger hassle and a lot more expensive to use in the city. There are no places to park, parking is very expensive and there is traffic everywhere. However, if you have a more relaxed schedule and plan on venturing out of the city, you can hit up day trips from Tokyo at places such as Chiba, Shimoda, Izu, Hakone and Yamanashi. The countryside has unreal scenery. On long road trips, you can stop by rest stops in Japan. The rest stops are also worth a look. Each rest stop will have a small like convenience store, a food court (which some are known to have excellent food), bathrooms, sometimes hot springs/showers and even small activities/events. It’s easy to drive by them but make sure to stop by! You can also look into our Dream Drive tabs where you can book a camper van. We even have some itineraries that you can follow.

#drivinginjapan #carrentaljapan #driveinjapan

So you’ve planned a trip to Japan. You’ve taken time off work, bought the plane tickets and eagerly waiting for the day to visit Japan. You might have a general idea of what to do in Japan and where to see. You already know some of the foods you want to eat. But, you want to make sure you don’t miss out on anything during your precious time in Japan. So, we’ve come up with a list of things to do in Japan during your stay here. In our list, we will have a general list of things to do, but have links to specific lists of things to do in Tokyo.

WHAT TO DO IN JAPAN: CHECKLIST

1. Visit shrines and temples: Visiting a shrine and a temple are a must during your trip to Japan. Here are some of the best shrines and temples in Tokyo.

2. Stroll around a Japanese garden: Japanese gardens are famous around the world. While Kyoto is famous for gardens, Tokyo still competes for having beautiful gardens.

3. Soak in an onsen: Onsen, or hot springs are famous in Japan due to it’s high volcanic activity. Places like the Oedo Onsen Monogatari is a nice place for foreigners.

4. Party in year round festivals: Depending on the time of year you come. You can participate in festivals and events. Don’t worry we have a list of famous events and festivals for every season!

5. Watch Sumo and Baseball: Sumo tournaments are held only 6 times a year. Three in Tokyo (January, May and September), one in Osaka (March), one in Nagoya (July) and one in Fukuoka (November). Baseball season is from March - October. Here’s our comprehensive Sumo and Baseball Guide.

6. Mt. Fuji: If you have a day to venture out into Mt. Fuji, it’s definitely a trip worth 1-2 days. You can either climb Mt. Fuji for a couple day adventure, or enjoy a nice view of Mt. Fuji accompanied with a scenic view of nature from Hakone. Mt. Fuji/Hakone is roughly 1-4 hours away from Tokyo depending on where and how you get there.

7. Eat sushi and ramen but….: Japan is home to the most Michelin stars in the world. There is more than just sushi and ramen. We have a full list of affordable Michelin recognized restaurants, foods to try and unique to drinks to sip on.

8. Eat and drink at an izakaya: Izakaya’s are drinking establishments in Japan that serve chicken skewers and alcohol. What more do you need?

9. Karaoke: Anyone who has seen the movie Lost in Translation knows that a night out at karaoke is a guaranteed fun night.

10. Art and history: Japan is no stranger to art and history - both contemporary and traditional. Some famous must see museums in Tokyo are teamLAB and Miraikan. See a full list of museums here.

11. Shop: Japan offers some of the most unique stores such as Don Quijote and very traditional stores that have been around for hundreds of years. Find out where to shop at on this full shopping guide list.

If you’re able to hit a good amount of the items on this list, we would hope that we answered your question in what to do in Japan. Of course there are many other activities not on this list that we would also recommend. For a breakdown of districts and stores to visit in districts you can see out tour itineraries page for more.

Photo Credit: Live Japan

A popular night time activity in Japan - especially among young people and salary men (working class people) - is hashigo-zake, or bar hopping. Tokyo is filled with thousands of bars tucked away in every nook and cranny of the city. Whichever city or town you hit in Tokyo, chances are you can bar hop at some local bar/izakaya.

A very common place to go bar hopping is at an izakaya. An izakaya is a drinking establishment that often serves grilled chicken skewers and other chicken dishes along with drinks. It’s common for salary men to go with their co workers to loosen up after work. Here are some of the most famous and popular spots in Tokyo:

1. Gado Shita - underneath the railroads of Yurakucho Station, you can find izakayas and bars tucked under the railways.

2. Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley): A very small alleyway with dozens of very small izakayas and bars famous with both locals and foreigners.

3. Golden Gai: Opening at night and until early morning, Golden Gai is a community of bars in the darkened corner of Shinjuku. Often times, some places are reserved only for locals.

4. Asakusa Hoppi Street: It’s close to the world famous Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and filled with great izakayas and places for drinks. What more is there to ask? *Near the temple, Kamiya Bar sits near the station. Kamiya Bar is Japan’s oldest western style bar. They have their own signature drink called the denki bran which loosen you up for sure.

There are many other individual bars that have made it onto the best 50 bars in the world list. Check out the list of some of Tokyo’s best bars here. Also, ask a local Japanese tour guide to help you out in bars and izakayas as many places might not have foreign menus!

Tokyo Travel: The denki bran at Kamiya Bar

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Did you know you can create your own Cup Noodle at the Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama? This fun and interactive museum allows you to explore the life of Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Foods and the inventor of instant ramen, Cup Noodles and Space ramen. The museum features quirky exhibits, hands on workshops and a theater to learn about the history of Cup Noodles and understand the power of creativity and imagination.

The highlight of their museum is there Cup Noodle Factory. For an extra 300 Yen, you can purchase an empty Cup Noodle. You can then bring it to a work station where you can design the Cup to your liking. After your unique design is complete you bring it to the factory where the staff will help you pick your broth flavor and toppings. They seal it off for you and give you a cool little bag to keep it in so you can bring home to eat!

There is a lot to do around Yokohama and one of the highlights is this museum. In a full package deal, you can also tour other parts of Yokohama such as Minato Mirai and China town with the Cup Noodle Museum experience included.

Yokohama Travel: Make your own customized Cup Noodles at the Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum

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Garden art in Japan is a renowned practice that has received attention on the international level. Dating back to a little over a thousand years, the Japanese garden has evolved into different varieties and purposes. Visiting a garden in Japan, is a must do! Kyoto is famous for having some of the best gardens in Japan, but you can still find a good amount of gardens in Tokyo.

Here are some of the most recognized and photogenic gardens in Tokyo.

1. Kiyosumi Garden: This traditional Japanese garden features a pond and a tea house.

2. Happo-en: The name means “The Garden with 8 views”. It’s often used for photo shoots and weddings with it’s beautiful banquet halls connected to the garden.

3. Hamarikyu Garden: This garden offers a unique scenery with a traditional Japanese garden with a tea-house in the middle of the lake.

You can find a full list of some of the best gardens in Tokyo here.

Tokyo tours: The garden behind Nezu Museum in Aoyama

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Apart from Tokyo’s famous neon lights at night, late night drinking, bar hopping and mind boggling skyscrapers, the small district of Yanaka still has a shitamchi vibe - an old town feel reminiscent of Tokyo’s past decades.

Yanaka is arguably most famous for the Yanaka Ginza shopping street. It’s a shopping street lined up with all sorts of food joints, antique shops and cafes. It also has a cute cat theme to it. It’s a nice stroll where you can eat and drink a long the way and experience old town Japan.

Aside from this shopping street, Yanaka is also famous for its high concentration of temples. You can go temple hopping during the day and straight into bar hopping at night in the middle of Tokyo. Near the temples is another famous attraction of Yanaka - the Yanaka cemetery. This massive cemetery is where the locals lay to rest their loved ones. The tombs are decorated and landscaped and the paths are wide and pretty. The main road of the cemetery is lined up with cherry blossom trees making for a beautiful scenery in the spring time. Tokugawa Yoshinobu - the last shogun of the edo period also lays to rest in this cemetery. If you stroll around a little more, you might find the burial of Saint Nicholas - the first person to introduce the Eastern Orthodox Church to Japan. Yanaka, although quiet still holds many other attractions to stroll through.

If you have some time, you can even participate in a small green tea ceremony or a wagashi (Japanese sweets) making class over at Gallery Okubo. This family owned tea/antiques shop is a nice place to spend the afternoon to try their delicious tea and sweets. You can even book tours of the Yanaka area which includes the tea ceremony in a package.

Tokyo tours: Witness a green tea ceremony in Yanaka

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