Japan is a a dream destination for many – to me, it was a dream come true.

I travelled to Japan in the month of lovely cherry blossoms season in April. I went to the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka, and also visited Mt. Fuji.

I flew into Haneda International airport which is conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo city. I got my 7-day Japan Rail (JR) pass at the airport that offers unlimited train rides & I was ready to explore the country. Check out my YouTube video for details on how to pick your JR rail pass!

I loved Tokyo and its delicious Sake, Soba & Ramen shops. I was absolutely floored by the superstore Donki (Don-Quijote stores), shopping & Tokyo’s enriching culture. I made sure to pick hotels that super close to the train station so it was easy to navigate the country. I have listed below top sights in Tokyo that you do not want to miss!!

1) Shinjuku Gyoen (Gyo- yen) National Garden

I went looking for gorgeous views of cherry blossoms in the famous Shinjuku Gyoen national park. There is a nominal entry fee to get in the park – there is no online booking, you have to get these tickets at the location. The tickets to the garden are good for the full day! Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden was first built as a garden for the imperial family in Japan in the 1900s but later converted to a National Park. Gorgeous cherry blossoms makes it a must see on the list!  You can also experience the Japanese tea ceremony in the park.

Picture of early cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Cherry blossoms season in Japan typically begins in early March & lasts until early May.

Picture of cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

2) Fuunji Ramen at Shinjuku

I know what you’re thinking – How did a food place get in here? Because Fuunji deserves its own special spot. OMG! Mouth watering Ramen in Shinjuku. You should expect long wait time since the place is famous in Shinjuku. You need to get your Ramen ticket at the kiosk up front & hand it to the staff.  Do try their dipping noodles.

Picture of Fuunji Ramen with meat.

Picture of Funnji Ramen without meat.

For those who don’t eat red meat like me, there’s good news – The noodle broth is made of chicken – and you can get Ramen with no meat.

Pro Tip: Fuunji and most restaurants in Japan are a cash only establishment and do not take reservations. Plan ahead!

3) Meiji Jingu Shrine

One of the Shinto shrines in Japan on a forest land. The Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji & his wife Empress Shoken. The forest is so peaceful & serene. A must-visit place!

Picture of Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine

The two trees as seen in the picture above of the Meiji Jingu symbolize love and unity. I heard its a great place for couples to seek blessings. Be prepared for at least 10 minute walk from the entrance of the shrine to the shrine itself. You will enjoy the walk through the forest and it’s worth it.

Picture of prayer wheels at the Meiji Jingu Shrine

4) Neon lights at Kabukicho (Kabu – Kicho)

Kabukicho is an entertainment district in Shinjuku. Kabukicho is often called the sleepless town with tons of shops, restaurants & night clubs. It’s colorful neon light street signs are a spectacle. This is post card Tokyo. You do not want to miss this sensory overload.

Pictures of Kabukicho district

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the 3D cat on the billboard in Shinjuku. It is located next to the Shinjuku train station.

5) Puppy Café Rio, Shinjuku

Located in the Godzilla head street – Yes you heard right, Godzilla head! On this street, I found a fun place where you can play with cute puppy dogs. It is completely safe and you can feed & pet these dogs too.

Pictures of cute pups taken at Puppy Cafe Rio.

6) Golden Gai, Kabukicho

Golden Gai is popular for its narrow alleyways with really cool bars & taverns. Great place to get Sake. The bartenders here are very friendly to tourists.

Picture of Golden Gai alleyway

7) Akihabara

Akihabara is a haven for anime, electronics & video gamers. I went to Super Potato – which is a retro video game store in Akihabara. I loved playing arcade games. The place looked vintage yet futuristic!

Pictures of Akihabara street view in the evening & Super Potato video game store.

8) Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Shibuya scramble crossing is a busy & popular pedestrian scramble crossing in Shibuya. The crossing stops vehicles in all directions so thousands of pedestrians can cross this road at the same time. Quite an experience – don’t miss this in Tokyo.

Shibuya scramble crossing picture taken from my hotel room

9) Head to an “Izakaya”

Izakaya is a Japanese bar that serves alcohol & snacks – it’s a casual after work dining. Izakaya is sort of like your tapas place. Some Izakayas have a theme and Japan is famous for its secret themed Izakayas. One such special place had a book shelf as a front. It took me a while to figure this entrance out.

Pro tip: Carry your language translator app everywhere. Although some bars & restaurants have English names on your google search, the physical building itself will have Japanese signage. You can also ask for help, the locals are friendly.

Picture of Sake at an Izakaya.

10) Mega Don Quijote (Donki)

Mega Don Quijote (Donki for short) is the biggest discount store in Japan. Think Walmart, but bigger & multi level. I picked up my Shinchan keychains from here. Shinchan is a popular kids animated series. You get everything in Donki, from branded cosmetics to luggage to souvenirs to chopsticks you name it – My favorite on this list!

Picture of Don Quijote multi store; Picture of Shinchan keychains

Check out my Japan Travel Guide for detailed information on Japan hotels, dining, activity, travel requirements, bonus tips & my full itinerary, so you don’t have to do the boring planning work.

Seek your adventure – Alisha out!