Japan in July: Top 10 things to do in Japan in July

Well, we're finally finished the amazing trip and can think about the highlights.

Everyone has a top ten and I think this is mine although it's very hard to choose and it's in no particular order:

1. Staying at a ryokan in Koya-san and visiting okunoin: Beautiful scenery and an amazing buddhist cemetary. It is hard to convey what a fantastic experience this is, especially if you stay in a temple ryokan and go to morning prayer. It's unlike anything you will do in the West.

2. The red torii at Inari: these gates are on lots of postcards but have to be seen to be believed. It's a (less than a) day trip from Kyoto. For info on how to get there, click here.

3. The Todaiji Temple at Nara: a day trip from Kyoto with one of the largest wooden structures in the world and 1200+ deer roaming the gardens. It's just fabulous.

4. Be waited on as a "master" at a maid cafe in Akihabara, Tokyo: one of the weirdest things you can possibly do in Japan. Not for the faint hearted.

5. Go to a really good izakaya: in Tokyo, I highly recommend Gonpachi (Nishi-Azabu, book ahead), Yui-an in Shinjuku or Bistro 35 Steps in Shibuya. In Kyoto, we loved Bamboo Bar and Bistro Zuzu but seriously wherever you are, just ask around or google and find a good one.

6. Some sort of bath or onsen: if you can get to a traditional onsen, then do it. If you can just try a public bath or a bath at a traditional hotel, then take the opportunity. Just work out where you are going to be staying and google. For etiquettetips, click here.

7. Sumo wrestling: it's not on all year round but if you're lucky enough to be in Japan for a championship then do whatever you have to, to get there. This online service is great for organising tickets in advance from outside Japan.

8. A day of shrines and temples in Kyoto including the Golden Pavillion.

9. Lunch, dinner or a drink at the New York Bar and Grill at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. This is where some of the scenes in Lost In Translation were filmed and it is utterly perfect with a remarkable view of Tokyo. A drink will set you back regular top end hotel drink prices (although there's a cover charge after 8pm). Lunch is around 6,600 yen which is a great splurge really for a appetizer and dessert buffet plus a la carte main. Park Hyatt is easy to find in Nishi Shinjuku but be sure to book ahead if you want a table by the window- 5323-3458 (or check website for more info).

10. This is cheating a bit because it's a catch all but ... Crazy shopping in Tokyo - Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku: wherever is convenient. Just get the subway and soak up the amazingness.

Japan in July

July 21, 2009

Top 10 things to do in Japan in July

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