My favourite places to visit from Kyoto & Tokyo

Wondering where to go while you stay in Kyoto or Tokyo? My friends ask me this a lot, so I’ve compiled a list of my favourite places to visit.

Myy favourite palces to visit and revisit:

(For my food list, see my favourite restaurants in Japan or my snack list.)

Kyoto and surrounds (Kansai Region)

Kei

These places in the Kansai region are worth planning a trip around.

Click through to see my posts and photos:

Himeji Castle, Hyogo

Himeji Castle is my favourite castle in Japan. I think it’s the most beautiful and grandest looking castle in Japan that is also authentic (ie. not re-built.) While going inside Himeji Castle is great, cycling around the castle surrounds (on a free rent-a-cycle from the visitor centre at Himeji Station) is even better. Cycling Himeji […]

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Nara Park, Nara

Nara is a must-visit destination on your Japan trip, especially if you’re near Kyoto or Osaka. Known for its historical temples, free-roaming deer, and the Great Buddha statue, Nara Park offers stunning sights and a magical night atmosphere.

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Arashiyama, Kyoto

Arashiyama is a picturesque district in Kyoto. As a repeat visitor, I share some of my favourite ways to enjoy Arashiyama.

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Kobo-ichi Market, Kyoto

The Kobo-ichi market held on the 21st monthly at Toji Temple, Kyoto, offers antiques, kimonos, and handmade goods. Free to attend, enjoy unique stalls next to the iconic pagoda.

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Mt.Koya, Wakayama

Mt Koya and its Okunoin pilgrimage is amazingly pretty. Staying in a temple was my best accommodation experience in Japan.

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Tokyo and surrounds (Kanto Region)

These places in and near Tokyo are worth popping into while staying in Tokyo:

Hakone Yuryo Onsen, Hakone

Hakone Yuryo is my go-to private onsen escape from Tokyo. Enjoy open-air baths, nature vibes, and a cozy restaurant with a table-top sunken hearth.

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Tsuruya Yoshinobu, Tokyo

A traditional Japanese sweets artisan makes traditional sweets right in front of you to have with Matcha tea.

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Tokyo Solamachi, Tokyo

Tokyo Solamachi is a huge shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at the base of Sky Tree (world’s tallest tower). If you’re in Tokyo, definitely take a trip to Solamachi, if not for the view from Sky Tree’s observation deck, for the shopping. From fashion, to food, to anime goods, to traditional souvenirs, shops are generally […]

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7 Tokyo Shops that curate Japanese Crafts & Design

Tokyo has many shops dedicated to traditional craftsmanship, but if you're looking for places that bring a variety of Japan-made goods together in one space, these shops are a great place to start.

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Meiji Jingu, Tokyo

Meiji Jingu Official Website|Meiji Jingu is one of the Shinto shrines in Japan, with the vast land of the forest (70 ha.), located in the middle of the megacity, Tokyo.

www.meijijingu.or.jp

Kamakura, Kanagawa

About an hour away from Tokyo, Kamakura uniquely combines temples, mountains, and a beach.

www.japan-guide.com

Kawagoe, Saitama

Kawagoe is most famous for its Little Edo district, or Koedo as it is known, a part of town lined with Edo-style buildings and museums. With its many sights, traditional shops, and popular seasonal events, the area truly comes alive on the weekend, making it a great day trip from the heart of Tokyo.

www.japan.travel

Bonus: Other Regions

Kei

These places outside of Kanto and Kansai regions are worth planning a trip around.

Click through to see my posts and photos:

Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

Miyajima Island, known for its floating shrine, roaming deer, and scenic landscapes, offers more than just a day visit. The famous floating shrine, five-story pagoda, ropeway with stunning sea views, and ancient flame are just some of the island's attractions.

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Kurashiki, Okayama

Kurashiki’s scenic district (Kurashiki Bikan Chiku) is a beautifully preserved historic quarter in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. It’s known for its picturesque Edo-period (1603–1868) streets with canals and traditional white-walled warehouses (kura) that are now home to charming eateries and shops. It’s one of my top five places to visit in Japan—beautiful, easily accessible, and large […]

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Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki

Huis Ten Bosch is my favourite theme park in Japan. Tucked away in Nagasaki, Japan, the Dutch style town is complete with canals, windmills, tulip gardens, landmarks, and even a palace.

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Ise Grand Shrine, Mie

Amazing beef skewers, green tea, and electric vehicles complement the rich history and vicennial renewal of the Grand Shrine of Ise, Japan.

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All places on this list are easy to get to via Japan’s awesome public transport – so sit back and relax on a train. No need to pack any snacks or drinks – there are convenience stores and vending machines dotted along the way.

Kei

If you find this helpful, please buy me a coffee or leave a tip to support me 🙏

Also see:

🥈 My favourite restaurants in Japan on #myrevisitlist

🥉 Nikiniki – Cutest sweets in Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵

🥈Amazing Anko & Mochi at Akasaka Aono, Tokyo Japan

Specialised Shopping Streets for Fabrics & Crafts (Tokyo & Osaka, Japan)

🥉 Best pudding in Japan? Pastel’s Smooth Pudding

🥉 Hot snacks to-go on #myrevisitlist Japan

🥇 Best Manju worth traveling for in Shizuoka, Japan

Kitchen & Tableware I’m glad I bought in Japan

🥉 The Golden Route of Hakone, Japan