JOURNEY THROUGH Japan
Brimming with cultural riches and culinary adventures , Japan offers fresh delight around every corner . And thanks to world-class transport connections via bullet train and local networks , this captivating destination is easy to navigate too . Nicole Deuble hand-picks three cities on Japan ’ s main island of Honshu — Tokyo , Osaka , and Kyoto — for a flexible , ten-day itinerary .
DAYS 1 - 5 : YOU & ME IN TOKYO
Japan ’ s capital needs little introduction . Home to the world ’ s tallest tower ( Tokyo Skytree ), busiest intersection ( The Shibuya Crossing ), and more Michelin stars than any other city ( foodie couples rejoice !), this neon-drenched wonderland still manages to feel warmly inviting .
Picnic in a park Tokyo knows how to strike a juxtapose : traditional with hyper-modern , sleek skyscrapers with beautiful gardens dotted throughout this big , buzzy city . Stop at a tea house for refreshments or do as the locals do and bring a picnic , winding your way through the paths at your own pace . Try the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden , an urban oasis dating back to the Edo Period ( 1603-1867 ) for a romantic haven of maple trees , cherry trees , tea houses , and ponds , with Tokyo ’ s sculptural skyline serving as a dramatic backdrop . Perfect for hanami ( the practise of enjoying cherry blossoms ) enthusiasts .
Eat & repeat Tokyo ’ s red-hot culinary scene takes Japan ’ s food obsession to the next level , so get those gourmet bucket-lists ready . Fine dining is easy to find but you ’ ll also enjoy plenty of delicious , budget-friendly options ( including three Michelin-starred ramen shops !) and chances to sample the ‘ Four kings of Edo ’: tempura , soba , sushi and eel .
PHOTOS : YU KATO ; COSMIN SERBAN ; DANIS LOU ; FLORENCIA LEWIS ; JEZAEL MELGOZA ; RAY ZHUANG ; SUSAN SCHUSTER ; TAKASHI MIYAZAKI ; UNSPLASH
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