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Kabuki | Tagged Posts

2017
24
June
Looking for Art, Design, and Foodie Tips in Japan for a 2-Week Itinerary?

Question:

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Negar

We just booked a flight for early April to Japan (via) Haneda - around $800 round trip with ANA!
any tips on art/design/foodie places to try? Itinerary ideas for 2 wks? Also has anyone been to Kanazawa? (So far just Tokyo and Kyoto on the list) thanks

Humans say...

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Amy

I went to Japan in Sept 2015 and loved it!!! I loved the Golden Temple in Kyoto! Just stunning! Also, sushi breakfast at the Tokyo fish market was worth the wait! I also went to a sumo tournament and it was amazing! Also, if baseball is on, it is definitely an experience......the atmosphere is more like a soccer game than baseball. Enjoy! Japan is definitely a bit place I would go back to in a heartbeat!

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Negar

Thanks for the suggestions

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Maggie

I did a month and a half bike across japan, and if you wanted, you could do just kyoto and tokyo in two weeks. Did you want to do more than that?
As suggestions, I would say:
In Tokyo:
Miraikan (science and tech museum with ASIMO the adorable running robort)
Mori Art museum (A must see in roppongi hills, the fashion district - very modern art)
Tsukiji - the fish market (5am is fine if you dont want to see the auction, but I believe it's under renovations atm)
If you are a fan of cake, go to the hidemi sugino cake shop (mousse cakes)
Kabuki theatre - there is one in Tokyo I would highly
recommend
senso-ji - a tokyo shrine with fortunes and incense and a temple (with tons of typical food stalls around, like matcha and dango)
In Kyoto:
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Bamboo forest (also in arashiyama)
philosopher's walk (there is a pottery studio along the walk where you can make your own tea set, and they will mail you the product anywhere in the world!)
The silver pavilion (which is much better than the gold pavilion)
the orange shrine gates (fushimi inari shrine)
sanjusangendo - temple of a thousand arms (beautiful statues)

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Negar

Thank you so much, these are great - so many options wish I could extend my trip! what's the name of the Kabuki theatre in Tokyo?

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Maggie

there's only one, to my knowledge: Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, 中央区Ginza, 四丁目12−15

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Negar

Cheers!

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Maggie

I would also recommend a day trip to osaka from kyoto, (or even a full day!) since you are so close - go to umeda building after dark to see it light up like the stars, and see the peace park and museum in osaka. Plus, there is a place called spa world where there is literally hot springs from around the world. It's 12.00 CAD for an evening, and you can go in a cedar sauna, a salt sauna, a hot spring themed like atlantis or the blue grotto, a mud bath, and spain themed one too. Very much recommend!

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Negar

That spa sounds amazing!! Cheers.

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Robert

Negar You've got some great info here that I can only add to. I worked at Expo 70 in Osaka and suggest you see Nara and Nagoya if you can add day trips. In Osaka make sure to try the local snack food, Takoyaki. It'll be cherry blossom season and a beautiful time of year. We're just back from 24 days in Japan and China and we'll be back sooner than later. You're going to love it. The Japanese are incredibly courteous and helpful. If you need directions, I ask a student. They all take English as a second language and want to give you a good impression of their country. You won't go hungry and don't hesitate to try everything. If you're interested in castles, Osaka has a fantastic one. Do some reading on customs and you'll be well received. Accept and present your business card with two hands is pretty basic. Manners are important. You're going to have a fabulous time.

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Negar

thank you for the suggestions and tips, fingers crossed for some cherry blossom sightings!

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Walid

Manveer S Samra

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Vanessa

Make sure you go to Osaka!!!!!

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Michelle

Go to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Worth it even for an overnight (I did in a day from Osaka)

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Negar

Did you enjoy Osaka? Is one night enough there? Thanks

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Michelle

Negar I did enjoy it. I did one big day of sightseeing and shopping and got a lot in - the food is good so if you love food you might want two days but I was happy with 1 night.

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Michelle

Negar it's also just another big city so if you are going to Tokyo you may not need a ton of time in Osaka. I'm glad I skipped a day to get to Hiroshima and miyajima and so some outdoorsy stuff. I'm also glad I spent three days in Kyoto - it was the city I loved the most there

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Negar

Yeah that makes sense, maybe i'll cut a day and try to do Hiroshima instead, would be great to go to the art island below as well, hiking + art, right up my alley!

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Michelle

Negar how many days were you planning for Tokyo? I'm more of a hiking and art person and got kinda bored after 4 days in Tokyo to be honest

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Monica

Definitely visit the art island of Naoshima!

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Negar

That sounds magical.

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Monica

Negar it really is. If you're an art lover, you may want to spend a night (possibly at Benesse House) as there's surrounding islands of art to visit. A day trip wouldn't do it justice.

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Cara

Kanazawa is amazing. They have what's considered the best gardens in Japan, and the city itself is really awesome.

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Negar

Wow so many amazing suggestions. It'll be tricky planning a 15 day itinerary that isn't rushed and takes all these great spots into consideration!
so excited. Cheers!

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Rebecca

Lucky!! Looks like flights are around $2000 now

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Negar

Really? Did you look on the ANA site itself w/ a Chicago connection? I couldn't believe it myself actually when I saw the price since it will be around peak blossom season.

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Rebecca

Yep - around $2000!!! ahhh too bad

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Negar

Also what's interesting is when I found it I went through filling everything out on the site twice & it crashed, got upset that I didn't get the tickets, it was late so I gave it a rest & then the next morning I got the etickets/receipt in my email! So you never know Lol

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Negar

i have friends who are going next month, you might find deals for then or maybe even march.

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Phil

Definitely check out Mount Fuji and the Robot Restaurant! https://www.yaytrip.com/destinations/tokyo
YAYTRIP.COM
YayTrip Travel Planner | Vacation Planner | Tokyo Activities


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Exploring the Art, Design, and Culinary Delights of Japan

Congratulations on booking your flight to Japan! With a two-week itinerary, you'll have ample time to immerse yourself in the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine that this country has to offer. Here are some tips on art, design, and foodie places to visit, as well as itinerary suggestions.

Tokyo: A Vibrant Metropolis

  • Art: Visit the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills for contemporary exhibitions, or explore the traditional ukiyo-e woodblock prints at the Sumida Hokusai Museum.
  • Design: Immerse yourself in the world of Japanese minimalism at the Bunkamura Museum of Art in Shibuya, or stroll through the sleek and modern Omotesando neighborhood for high-end fashion and architecture.
  • Food: Indulge in sushi at the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, or sample Michelin-starred ramen at Nakiryu in Otsuka.

Kyoto: A Cultural Treasure Trove

  • Art: Admire the intricate rock gardens and Zen architecture at Ryoan-ji Temple, or explore the stunning golden pavilion at Kinkaku-ji.
  • Design: Visit the Nishijin Textile Center to learn about the traditional art of kimono weaving, or wander through the picturesque streets of Gion, where you can spot geisha on their way to appointments.
  • Food: Savor authentic kaiseki cuisine (multi-course traditional Japanese meals) at renowned restaurants like Kikunoi or Kitcho Arashiyama.

Kanazawa: A Hidden Gem

Kanazawa is a lesser-known destination that offers a wealth of cultural experiences. Here are some highlights:

  • Art: Visit the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring impressive exhibits and installations.
  • Design: Explore the Nagamachi Samurai District, where you can see well-preserved samurai residences and gardens.
  • Food: Try the local seafood specialties, such as Kaga-ryori (traditional cuisine of the Kaga region), or indulge in the famous Kanazawa gold leaf ice cream.

Itinerary Suggestions

Here's a sample two-week itinerary that covers the highlights mentioned above:

  • Days 1-5: Tokyo (with day trips to nearby areas like Kamakura or Hakone)
  • Days 6-9: Kyoto (with visits to Nara and Arashiyama)
  • Days 10-12: Kanazawa
  • Days 13-14: Return to Tokyo for any remaining activities or last-minute shopping

Remember to take your time, immerse yourself in the local culture, and don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations. Japan is a captivating destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.



2015
3
December
Where are the best places to visit in Tokyo for first-time travelers?

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