JAPAN
If you find yourself looking for any recommendations in Tokyo or Osaka, here's our must go to lists for these incredibly vibrant cities.
TOKYO
Beautiful gallery in an incredible building. Not too touristy and a collection that is awe inspiring. Plenty of great visiting exhibitions..allow time, easy to spend quite a bit of time here ( and some time for the gift shop !)
Yakitori places are a dime a dozen in Tokyo and in my opinion best enjoyed after a long afternoon shopping with plenty of Sake or Beer. We stumbled across this place and it was loud and fun.
really wish my suitcase was larger. Still wishing I'd purchased the wall mounted record player! Great to also just look and soak up great design
If you love Hats you'll love this shop. Cool interiors and very knowledgeable staff
I've done the hard work for you. Like a view? Like a perfectly poured Martini? Here's your spot ( and if the budget allows I'd nab a room in this very coll hotel)
Hip restaurant with cool T-shirts
If you like eating local in Sydney - Continental, 10 William, Bessies..
then try here - very cool and nice to have at least one restaurant booked. My tip - dress up and don't do the Set menu ( too much food!!) A la carte in all its glory..oh and if you like Hip Hop you'll be happy :)
Vintage shop if you have money to splurge
I didn't quite realise there were so many Chanel bags in the world. Amore seems to have their fair share of vintage designer bags - think department style choice! Not cheap but kind of cool to visit and better for the environment!!
Yes its touristy, yes everyone tells you to go. Go ! A visual feast
Tokyo tiny but great priced hotel
The rooms are teeeny tiny so not for the super large suitcase traveller but well priced and located and a fun bar in the lobby - also an excellent bakery attached..
OSAKA
The best Sukiyaki you will ever eat
Stumbled across this place and wishing Sydney got into the sukiyaki phenom..
And we don't Queue. All in Japanese, part of the charm. just join the queue for a very authentic experience
Wander around here at night with the crowds of tourists and local looking for food from Street Vendors and games parlours. Futuristic and crazy
A really beautiful Philippe Starck designed hotel - one for design lovers. My tip try the traditional Japanese breakfast.
In and around Dotonbori you'll see Vendors selling strawberries on Skewers. They are incredible..the freshest fruit with a super thin layer of candy over the top. A taste sensation.. and if you can't get there I found a recipe..worth a try
Still dreaming about these.
Escape the madness of Dotonbori and try and find this hidden speakeasy bar.
NARAI JUKU
Kind of in between Tokyo and Osaka but a bit of an adventure to get there. Old shogun village on the famed Edo Trail. Try and stay the night - so memorable and a nice contrast to the top three ( Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto). Lots of little local places to eat and some great walks to other villages ( mind the bears!)
THINGS OF NOTE
We downloaded Jason Japan - a great guide to use
Booking restaurants can be almost impossible - try before you leave or ask the hotel as soon as you arrive as things book up fast
Walk and train everywhere - much more fun - get the Suica Card App ( for travel and like a cash card)
Book through Rakuten Travel - a Japanese kind of booking.com - usually cheaper !!
And don't stress if you want a Souvenir from your travels and don't have the luggage space..our Prints will save you! xx
If you want to travel light - look at our TOP SIX | THE TRAVEL EDIT and save 20% off these items until Midnight 31st July
