Japan

Japan preview vlog. Scroll to bottom for full vlog <3

Japan has long been a dream trip for Don. As a photographer, who would not want to go to the mecca of cameras and film photography? The history, culture, cleanliness, architecture and food all come together to make this a trip of a lifetime. We look part of the Golden Route to help us maximize the our time and create a diverse experience. We had 7 full days and two half days with our flights. It is recommended that people go longer but we’ll take what we can get. Our first city:

Tokyo was a wonder! The hardest part was trying to figure out where to stay. We decided to stay in Shinjuku so we’d be in the mix but without the Time Square feel of Shibuya, which is an awesome area (you must go and take a photo at Shibuya Crossing). Some of our favorite places were Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho (nightlife area, that we visited during the day, that has a Godzilla on a rooftop nearby), the Shinjuku 3D Cat, all the shopping, Bellwood – a top 50 bar in the world, the entire upscale area of Ginza which is considered one of the most luxurious shopping areas in the world. As sportscasters, we were also really excited to go to a Japanese baseball game. We bought jerseys and it was an incredible experience! We also celebrated Don’s birthday in Tokyo (read more in the food section).

Mt. Fuji/Lake Kawaguchiko or Fujikawaguchiko was our next stop. We actually missed the high speed train (Shinkansen) so we ended up taking a long bus ride. It was actually really cool to see more of Japan that way. We stayed at a traditional ryokan hotel where dinner was provided and men and women bath separately in an onsen with hot spring water. We were a little weirded out at first but it was actually pleasant. GET THIS – there isn’t a bed in your room and hardly any furniture. They prepare a table in your room to make you an in-room dinner then convert your room into a bed. Again, we thought it was weird at first but we ended up really liking it. We had a view of from Mt. Fuji from our hotel’s rooftop and it was spectacular. We explored the town a bit and only stayed one night. We would have loved more time here.

Kyoto was the next city that we visited an absolutely loved it! I thought it was just an ancient city but there is so more than that. Quite frankly, the city was lit! We went to R&B bar, walked the streets for hours exploring and shopping (there is great vintage shopping here), we ate incredible food and really just enjoyed the vibe. It was busy but not as crowded as Tokyo but  you could feel the soul of the city. Kyoto Station is also really cool to explore. We didn’t have time to see the deer at Nara Park but we did explore the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and Old Kyoto.

Osaka was our last last stop. It was only a 30 to 40 minute uber t from Kyoto so we decided to avoid dragging our bags through train stations and do that instead. Our first stop after travel was a spot called Heavenly Burger of course there was a 70s hippie party in the back. I’m talking afros, platform shoes, sideburns – all of it 🤣. The main place to explore is Dontonbori a famous nightlife and entertainment district. It is definitely cool at night but you should also explore when you can see everything during the day. 

A Candid Cost Calculation:

Accommodation – There are endless places and areas to stay in Japan. Everything depends on what experience you want to have. In Tokyo we stayed at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, Shinjuki. In Mt. Fuji we stayed at Konansou. We loved the central location of Stitch Hotel in Kyoto and we stayed at Centara Grand Hotel in Osaka. Each hotel was different and we loved each one.

PS – The only thing we didn’t love in Japan were the beds and pillows.

Food – There are so many amazing places to eat in Japan! I am going to start with my favorite places in Tokyo: the rooftop happy hour at CÉ LA VI TOKYO (I’ve also been the the flagship Cé La Vi in Singapore and that is one of the most magical places in the world!). A MUST is the fancy Honten Yamashina multi-course dinner in Ginza. We went for Don’s birthday and it was amazing! Try the menu for frist timers but add the wagyu slider – you won’t be disappointed! As mentioned, Bellwood is a top 50 bar in the world. Go there after dinner and try severa cocktails! There are also many cool coffee shops in Tokyo. Please don’t go to Starbucks – feel the vibes and taste the good beans elsewhere.

Per recommendation, Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store was an incredible dinner in Kyoto. It also felt like the speak easy because you would have no idea that the restaurant is there on the outside IYKYK. I am not the biggest pork eater (sans bacon) but you must try their main dish – fried pork cutlets. It is amazing! We also stumbled on this amazing breakfast spot with called Koé Donuts Kyoto. You can sit the the bar and watch them make different/exotic donuts while eating. We had bacon, eggs a french toast-like dish, coffee and of course, donuts.

As mentioned, you don’t need to look for an amazing dinner in Mt. Fuji if you stay at a traditional ryokan hotel. *When you eat the dinner, put on the kimono in the room – great pics and it feels more like an authentic expereince(

We were so tired in Osaka, after our burger joint, we ordered room service for dinner.

Transportation – In big cities like Toyko, trains are very accessible. It took us a while to figure out simple things (finding the right line, reading signs) so I’ll admit that we took more ubers. Ubers were also helpful since we only knew a few Japanese words, ありがとうございます。 Ubers in Japan are actaully taxi drivers and not anyone driving rideshare, like the United States. One thing that is a must is taking the Shinkansen, the high-speed (and super clean) bullet train. We took a bus from Mt. Fuji to a location that had the Shinkansen. We ultimately took that to Kyoto. Other than that, dust off your walking shoes. They are a must for any exploration trip!

Cape Town full vlog <3