Last May, I had taken a trip to Japan- part of a package tour with Exoticca. I researched what I wanted to do, asked my friends and started following local IG/Facebook Japan tourist content accounts. I left feeling largely satisfied, but wished that I hit a few more places too.
Naritasan Shinsho-ji ❌
Capybara Cafe ✅ (8/10 rating)
Gotokuji Cat Temple ❌
Shibuya Crossing ✅ (4/10 rating)
Mt.Fuji Guided Tour ✅ (7/10 rating)
Kintsugi Making Workshop ✅ (8/10rating)
Geisha Guided Tour ✅ (7/10 rating)
Torii Gates ❌
Kimono Traditional Tea Ceremony ✅ (9/10 rating)
Nara Deers ✅ (9/10 rating)
Osaka Castle ❌
Naritasan Shinsho-ji
I was recommended this place by a fellow traveler and had every intention to go, but after losing (and finding) my wallet at the airport, my plans the first couple of days were a little derailed! (“Little” is an understatement). Naritasan Shinsho-ji isn’t far from the Narita airport. It houses one of the most beautiful pagodas in Japan (imho) and definitely sad that I never was able to go. If I ever go back to Japan, I will be sure to visit.
Photo Credit: Alan Bailey
Capybara Cafe
There are multiple locations in Japan of Capybara cafes but also other animal cafes too. My friend went to a teacup pig cafe in Japan- how cute! Some of the places have reviews about poor animal caretaking, which is something you may want to research. The one I went to both took very good care of the capybara and shelter cats and the worker was kind a very knowledgeable about the animals as well, which was definitely a fun experience! You can find my full blog post about it here.
Gotokuji Cat Temple
Unfortunately, I did not go here either. There was no particular reason- I was likely just tired haha and already was doing a lot in Tokyo, wallet-less and all…. smh! I was told that I was bound to find my wallet because Japanese people believe in karma and the Gotokuji Cat Temple is known as the birthplace of the maneki-neko, or “lucky cat” figurine. You probably have seen the waving Japanese cat, which is their main symbol for luck. They also have a raccoon dog, which is a symbol for luck, but our tour guide in Kyoto confirmed that they don’t like the animal in real life just the symbol haha.
Photo Credit: Mye Casupanan
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is known as the busiest intersection in the world.
On day #2, we did a tour of the crossing and surrounding areas. I thought it was fun, and maybe this is the pessimist in me…. but it’s a *street crossing* and I don’t know if it deserves the amount of fame that it gets… eek!
Mt.Fuji Guided Tour
Before I get into the logistics, I highly, highly recommend this tour. I think that while anyone can go to Mt. Fuji, you may not know the secret spots or “hidden gems” for a truly unforgettable time. Having said that… if the weather on your app or wherever you search it on is inaccurate- you may have just locked yourself in for a very long tour of… clouds. Which unfortunately, was my experience. However, still glad I went because there were a lot of other amazing things that we did. We went to the 5 story pagoda, tried lavender ice cream at the base of the mountain, surrounded by a lovely garden, ate hoto noodles for lunch and drank fresh water from the mountain in a lovely village up north.
Kintsugi Making Workshop
Next was the Kintsugi making workshop. Kintsugi is the art of mending broken pottery with gold and symbolizes the idea of value, even when things are broken, perhaps even more so. It was honestly a really fun experience and would definitely recommend it. There are several places to do it, so research a place that is closest to you!
Chopstick Making Workshop
Just across the way was the chopstick making workshop. You get to carve your own wood, engrave it and take it home. Other local workshops that I saw were mochi-making, knife making, soba noodle and more. I didn’t have that much time when I went, so was happy to have chosen the Kintsugi but if I end up going again, would love my own chopsticks!
Geisha Guided Tour
Kyoto is commonly known for its Geishas and Maikos (differentiated by their level of training). It’s important to have proper etiquette and not take photos of them without permission. We were told that there’s a possibility that we may see them on our tour, but not guaranteed. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to, but the other tour that morning did! Either way, it was nice to learn the history about the area, the culture and visit different shrines and fountains. I think this could’ve done without a “guided tour” and would’ve been fine to travel alone, but it was a nice experience nonetheless.
Torii Gates
Unfortunately, I also didn’t visit the Torii gates, which was mostly because I really just didn’t have the time. There’s only so much that can be done in one week in Japan!
Photo Credit: Natalie Kerr
Kimono Traditional Tea Ceremony
This was probably one of my favorite experiences in Japan. Not only did I get to learn how to make matcha, but I also got to borrow a authentic kimono to wear, learn about the culture, how to bow properly and sit in on a traditional tea ceremony. You can find my full blog post about it here.
Nara Deers
This has got to be another favorite of mine! Nara Park has hundreds (thousands?) of wild deers. You can feed them using rice biscuits for only 200 Yen. Some of them are a little frisky but it was a fun experience and not one that I would’ve had if I hadn’t gone to Japan (feeding wild deers). You can find my full blog post about it here.
This was also a guided tour and we were able to visit the historic Buddhist Temple, Todaiji Temple.
Osaka Castle
I was in Osaka for less than a day which I regretted for sure. The timing just didn’t work out for the castle, but would’ve loved to visit it!
Photo Credit: Viator
What places did you go in Japan and LOVED or what places did you wish you would have gone to? Comment below!
Cheers friends & Travelers!
~Sho, Founder of Backroad Butterflies ~
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