The Tsukiji Outer Market is a must-visit place for any foodie visiting Tokyo. It's the largest wholesale seafood market in the world, and is home to a wide variety of fresh seafood vendors and sushi restaurants.
Sushi Saito is a 3-Michelin star sushi restaurant located in Roppongi. They serve traditional, Edomae-style sushi and are known for their attention to detail and dedication to using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
The Kyoto Station Ramen Koji is a ramen theme park located inside Kyoto Station. It features 9 different ramen restaurants, each serving their own unique style of ramen.
The Nishiki Market, also known as the "Kitchen of Kyoto," is a lively outdoor market that sells fresh seafood, produce, and other food items. It's a great place to try traditional Kyoto cuisine like tofu, pickles, and dried seafood.
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with batter, cabbage, and other ingredients, and topped with a variety of sauces and toppings. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is made with layers of batter and cabbage, and typically includes noodles and meat or seafood. Nagataya is a famous okonomiyaki restaurant in Hiroshima.
Miyajima Island is known for its beautiful scenery and friendly deer that roam the island. It's also a great place to try fresh oysters, which are harvested in the surrounding waters.
Kobe beef is a type of wagyu beef that's known for its tenderness and marbling. It's typically served as a steak or in a hot pot. Kobe is home to many high-end restaurants that specialize in Kobe beef.
Dotonbori is a street in Osaka that's famous for its lively atmosphere and vibrant food scene. It's home to many restaurants that serve local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki.
Kobe pork is a type of pork that's raised in the Hyogo prefecture, which includes Kobe and Himeji. It's known for its tenderness and rich flavor. The town of Tatsuno is home to many restaurants that specialize in Kobe pork.
Finish your trip with a food tour of Tokyo, which will take you to some of the city's best restaurants and markets. You'll get to try a variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, ramen, and tempura.
Japan's extensive train network makes it easy to get around the country. The Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective way to travel long distances by train. Local transportation in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto includes buses and subways. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. The estimated cost for transportation during the 10-day itinerary is $500.
If you have extra time, consider adding a visit to a Japanese tea farm, a sake brewery, or a traditional Japanese confectionery store. If you have less time, consider cutting out one or two destinations and spending more time in other places. Additionally, try to plan your trip during the off-season to avoid the crowds and save money on accommodations and transportation.
Japan has several international airports, but the two main ones are Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. Narita is located about 60 km east of Tokyo, while Kansai is located about 50 km south of Osaka. Both airports are served by trains and buses that connect to nearby cities.