Tokyo
Snowy Mountain Towns to Tokyo Lights – A Japan Adventure Through Food, Culture, and Hidden Gems
Japan had always been at the top of my bucket list, so getting to experience it as a delayed honeymoon felt extra special. From snowy days in Niseko, to quiet mornings in Kyoto, to the energy of Tokyo, every stop felt unforgettable. Between the food, onsens, and endless exploring, it quickly became one of our favorite trips we’ve ever taken.
Niseko - Snowy Mountain Days
Niseko had always been a dream trip for Zak and me. We’d talked for years about snowboarding in Japan, especially somewhere known for having some of the best powder in the world, so finally making it there felt pretty surreal! Getting there was definitely a trek - multiple flights, drivers, and a level of travel exhaustion where you start forgetting what day it is - but the second we arrived, it was all worth it.
Our hotel was ski-in ski-out, which made snowboard days incredibly easy. Most of our days quickly turned into the same routine: snowboard, onsen, ramen, repeat. It was cozy, peaceful, and honestly the perfect way to start our delayed honeymoon.
Kyoto - Quiet Mornings & Tradition
Kyoto brought such a calm and peaceful energy after the mountains. We spent our days wandering through temples, historic streets, tea houses, and hidden little alleys that felt frozen in time. Some of our favorite moments were the slower ones - early mornings exploring before the crowds, traditional tea ceremonies, and simply taking in how beautiful and intentional everything felt.
We definitely got our steps in here and spent most of the trip walking from place to place, constantly finding another quiet street or little café to stop at. We also did a day trip to Arashiyama, which ended up being one of our favorite areas with the bamboo forest, river views, and peaceful atmosphere. Kyoto felt slower in the best way and gave us a chance to really soak everything in before heading to the busier parts of the trip.
Mt. Fuji - The Most Unreal Views
Seeing Mt. Fuji in person was one of those moments that almost didn’t feel real. The views looked straight out of a postcard, especially waking up to the mountain right outside our window each morning! We stayed in a traditional ryokan, which honestly felt like stepping back in time - tatami mats, traditional meals, peaceful mornings, and a much slower pace from the rest of our trip. Everything around Mt. Fuji felt so quiet and still, and it gave us time to fully recharge before heading into the nonstop energy of Tokyo.
Tokyo - The Perfect Ending
Tokyo felt like the perfect way to end the trip. Between the endless food spots, vintage shopping, rooftop views, hidden bars, and nonstop energy, there was always something to do. We spent our days wandering through different neighborhoods, getting way too many steps in, eating incredible omakase and late-night ramen, and somehow always finding another place we wanted to explore. Almost every night ended the same way - back at our hotel rooftop bar, relaxing, reconnecting, and taking in the Tokyo Tower views after long days out in the city. It was exciting, overwhelming in the best way, and the kind of place that makes you want to come back immediately.
Our Japan Itinerary
We planned our trip to experience a mix of mountains, tradition, and city life throughout Japan:
5 Days: Niseko - Snowboarding, onsens, and late night food trucks.
5 Days: Kyoto - Temples, tea ceremonies, bamboo forests, hidden alleys, and peaceful mornings.
1 Day: Mt. Fuji - Traditional ryokan stays, unreal mountain views, and complete relaxation.
4 Days: Tokyo - Omakase dinners, vintage shopping, rooftop bars, late-night ramen runs, and the nonstop energy of the city.
Why Japan Will Always Feel So Special
Japan exceeded every expectation we had and completely lived up to the hype. Every part of the trip felt so different in the best way. We spent our days wandering through tiny streets, eating some of the best meals we’ve ever had, soaking in onsens, vintage shopping, and ending nights together overlooking the city from rooftop bars. More than anything, this trip gave us a chance to fully unplug, slow down, and experience a completely different way of life together. It’s easily become one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken, and somewhere we already know we’ll want to return to someday!
Here’s What to Know Before You Go
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Winter (December–February): Best for snowboarding, skiing, onsens, cozy mountain towns, and some of the best powder in the world. We loved visiting in January - it felt less crowded overall and made the snowy winter experience even more magical!
Spring (March–May): Cherry blossom season and mild weather perfect for exploring.
Summer (June–August): Great for festivals, beach destinations, and lush greenery, but expect hot and humid weather in most cities.
Fall (September–November): Ideal for cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful fall foliage throughout Japan.
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY) - having cash on hand is still helpful for smaller shops, markets, and local spots.
Transportation: Japan’s train system is incredibly efficient and one of the easiest ways to get around, especially between cities. We mainly used the Shinkansen (bullet train), local trains, and the occasional taxi.
Packing Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes are a must since you’ll likely walk a ton each day, along with layers depending on the season.
Etiquette: Japan is known for being incredibly clean and respectful - quiet public transportation, orderly lines, and being mindful of others are all a big part of the culture.
Niseko
Accommodation Highlights: Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono
A ski-in ski-out hotel with mountain views, an onsen, sauna and cold plunge area, lounge spaces, and an incredible breakfast buffet.
Restaurants & Food Picks
Food Trucks - One of the most iconic parts of Niseko. There’s a whole village of food trucks right near the slopes that becomes the go-to spot after snowboarding for quick bites, warm meals, and late-night snacks.
Sushi Shin - My top restaurant recommendation from the entire trip and easily one of the best omakase experiences I’ve ever had.
The Alpinist - Cozy après-ski spot for comfort food and drinks.
Bar Gyu - Hidden behind a refrigerator door and one of the coolest bars we visited in Japan.
Abude Ramen - Incredible ramen.
Bang Bang - Popular yakitori spot with grilled skewers and a fun lively atmosphere.
Kobe Tei - Great Japanese BBQ spot.
Activities
Snowboarding, obviously! Niseko is known for having some of the best powder in the world and is a dream destination for skiing and snowboarding. We rented our gear from Niseko Sports Hanazono 308 Store, which was super convenient near the slopes.
Kyoto
Accommodation Highlights: Dusit Thani
Might honestly be one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed at, and I don’t say that lightly. The staff and hospitality were incredible, the rooms felt so peaceful and luxurious, and the entire hotel had such a calm, elevated atmosphere. The breakfast buffet was insane, the spa was amazing, and we even spent one afternoon getting massages after long days of exploring. HIGHLY recommend if you’re visiting!
Restaurants & Food Picks
Nishiki Market - A must-visit food market with endless street food, snacks, fresh seafood, and local specialties!
Gion Tanto - Best okonomiyaki spot! Felt very authentic.
Sushi Koyo - Amazing omakase experience located inside the Dusit Thani Kyoto hotel.
Chikarayama Wagyu Sukiyaki Izakaya - Cozy spot for wagyu sukiyaki and traditional Japanese dishes.
Kyoto Engine Ramen - Popular ramen spot.
% Arabica - Probably one of the most iconic coffee spots in Kyoto with beautiful locations throughout the city.
Good Morning Record Bar - Fun café and listening bar vibe with coffee, music, and a cool atmosphere.
Arashiyama Itsuki Chaya - Beautiful lunch spot in Arashiyama with river views and aesthetic Kyoto-style dishes.
Cultural & Historical Sites
Gion - Kyoto’s historic geisha district filled with traditional streets, lantern-lit alleys, tea houses, and shops that feel frozen in time.
Yasaka Shrine - One of Kyoto’s most famous shrines.
Fushimi Inari Taisha - Famous for its endless rows of red torii gates and one of the most iconic spots in all of Japan.
Kiyomizu-dera - Historic temple known for its wooden terrace views overlooking Kyoto.
Day Trip to Arashiyama - We did a day trip and it was one of our favorite areas filled with beautiful scenery and slower peaceful vibes.
Bamboo Grove - The iconic bamboo forest.
Okochi Sanso Garden - Peaceful gardens with beautiful walking paths and mountain views.
Tenryu-ji Temple - Historic Zen temple with landscaped gardens.
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple - Hundreds of unique stone statues tucked into the forest.
Fun & Unique Experiences
Hayakawa Hamonoten - Custom Japanese knives from a locally family-owned knife shop that has been around for generations.
Traditional Tea Ceremony at Nishiki Orizuruya - A peaceful and immersive experience learning about Japanese tea culture and traditions.
Devarana Wellness at Dusit Thani Kyoto - Relaxing spa experience and massages after long days of walking and exploring the city.
Vintage Shopping - SALAMANCA Vintage, 2nd Street, and RAGTAG for designer vintage finds.
Mt Fuji
Accommodation Highlights: Wakakusa no Yado Maruei
A traditional ryokan stay with tatami-style rooms, kaiseki dinners, peaceful onsen baths, and unreal views of Mt. Fuji right from the property.
The ryokan ended up being such a big part of our Mt. Fuji experience and honestly felt like stepping back in time. We were welcomed with tea when we arrived, stayed in traditional rooms with tatami mat flooring and futon-style bedding, enjoyed a multi-course kaiseki dinner in the evening, and relaxed in the onsen at night after a long day of exploring. The next morning, we woke up to Mt. Fuji right outside our window and had a traditional Japanese breakfast with grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and multiple small dishes - an iconic part of the experience and Japanese culture. If you have the chance to do a traditional ryokan stay while in Japan, I definitely think it’s worth adding to your trip. It felt incredibly authentic and ended up being one of the most unique parts of our trip.
Cultural & Historical Sites
Lake Kawaguchiko - Beautiful lake views with some of the most iconic Mt. Fuji scenery in the area.
Chureito Pagoda - One of the most famous viewpoints in Japan with postcard views of Mt. Fuji behind the pagoda.
Fujiyoshida Honcho Street - Iconic street view with Mt. Fuji towering perfectly in the background.
Tokyo
Accommodation Highlights: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
One of our favorite parts of staying here was the Tokyo Tower views from both our room and the rooftop bar. The hotel also had a great breakfast buffet with insane skyline views from the rooftop each morning.
Restaurants & Food Picks
Tsukiji Fish Market - A must-visit market for fresh seafood, street food, sushi, and one of the most iconic food experiences in Tokyo.
Sushi Bar Nigirite - Hidden gem omakase-style experience.
Ichiran Ramen - The famous ramen spot that absolutely lives up to the hype and perfect for a late-night meal.
Benitsuru Pancakes - Super fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes.
Hatoya Matcha - Great stop for matcha drinks and desserts.
Ganso Aburado - Popular ramen spot known for its flavorful brothless ramen bowls.
Cultural & Historical Sites
Sensō-ji Temple - Tokyo’s oldest temple and one of the most iconic cultural sites in the city.
Nakamise Shopping Street - Historic shopping street leading into Sensō-ji filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and street food.
Meiji Shrine - Peaceful shrine surrounded by forest right in the middle of Tokyo.
Shibuya Crossing - Famous intersection that perfectly captures the nonstop energy of Tokyo.
Tokyo Tower - One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
Shinjuku Golden Gai - Narrow lantern-lit alleyways filled with tiny bars and old-school Tokyo charm.
Fun & Unique Experiences
Shopping in Ginza - Luxury shopping, department stores, designer boutiques, and endless exploring.
Asakusa Sumo Club - A fun sumo wrestling show experience where we learned about traditional Japanese sumo culture and got to step into the ring to match with the wrestlers!
Sushi Making Class - Such a fun hands-on experience learning how to make traditional sushi while learning more about Japanese food culture.
The Head Spa Tokyo Shibuya - A Japanese head spa experience focused on scalp treatments, deep cleansing, massage, and relaxation.
Arona Spa - A massage spa offering foot massages, body treatments, and relaxation services after long days of exploring the city.
