An Unforgettable Winter Journey Through Japan
Exploring Japan Like a Local: Hidden Gems, Essential Tips, and Travel Highlights
In December 2023, I embarked on a trip to Japan with my friend Dale and my girlfriend at the time, exploring some of the most breathtaking sights and immersive experiences the country has to offer. From bustling Tokyo to the serene, snow-covered rooftops of Shirakawa-go, this adventure was filled with unforgettable moments, valuable travel lessons, and, of course, incredible food. Whether you're planning your first trip to Japan or looking for deeper cultural experiences beyond the usual tourist hotspots, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your journey.
Booking the Trip: The Zipair Experience
We took a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo on Zipair, a budget-friendly airline that provides a no-frills but reliable travel experience. While the affordability was unbeatable, we learned an important lesson: Zipair's ticketing counter at LAX doesn't open until 2-3 hours before departure. If you plan to arrive early to check in, be prepared to wait.
After landing at Narita Airport, we headed straight to Asakusa. Originally, we had booked an Airbnb, but a last-minute cancellation forced us to scramble for a hotel. Travel Tip: Always have a backup plan for accommodations, especially during peak travel seasons. Luckily, we found a budget-friendly hotel with an amazing view of Tokyo Skytree, a comfortable desk area, and ample space for three people. Located in a safe neighborhood, it was within walking distance to major attractions.
Asakusa & Tokyo Skytree: History Meets Modernity
We kicked off our first night by visiting Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks. At night, the temple grounds were beautifully lit and relatively empty, making it the perfect time for photography. Nearby, Tokyo Skytree was glowing in white and green, a stunning sight against the Tokyo skyline.
The next morning, we enjoyed a peaceful walk along the Sumida River, stretching in a park where locals were exercising. It’s always a great idea to experience a city beyond the tourist attractions—simple moments like these add so much depth to a trip.
Luxury Dining: A Christmas Dinner to Remember
For Christmas dinner, we indulged in an incredible meal at Shunbou, a high-end restaurant located inside the Grand Hyatt. The experience was nothing short of magical, featuring traditional kaiseki-style courses meticulously presented with seasonal touches. From sukiyaki with tender Ohmi beef to a reindeer-shaped mochi dessert, every dish was an artistic masterpiece. If you’re looking for a special occasion dining experience, Shunbou is worth the splurge.
Exploring Kanazawa & Shirakawa-go: A Winter Wonderland
One of the highlights of our trip was venturing out of Tokyo to Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, two lesser-explored yet stunning destinations.
Kanazawa: Known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period districts, Kanazawa’s train station itself is a work of art, featuring a giant wooden Torii gate. We stayed in a spacious two-story Airbnb and discovered that accommodation prices are far more affordable outside of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Shirakawa-go: Famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, this UNESCO World Heritage site looked straight out of a fairytale with snow-covered rooftops. The scenic drive through snow-lined roads made the journey even more breathtaking. Renting a car in Japan was surprisingly easy with an International Driver’s Permit from AAA (just $20) and gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace.
Travel Tip: Many rural areas in Japan lack public transport accessibility, so renting a car can open up new travel opportunities.
Osaka & Kyoto: Culture, Food & Hidden Gems
Osaka: After meeting up with a local friend, we explored TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, an immersive nighttime experience with illuminated art installations. Osaka is also home to incredible food, and we found an all-you-can-eat yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) spot that was both delicious and affordable.
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park: This park features the striking Tower of the Sun, a surreal landmark worth visiting. A Ramen Expo was also happening nearby, featuring stalls from all over Japan—a dream come true for any ramen lover!
Kyoto: A must-visit for its rich history, Kyoto dazzled us with places like Fushimi Inari Shrine’s thousand torii gates (go early to avoid crowds) and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which offers spectacular city views. We also took a detour to Kurama and Kibune, a lesser-known yet beautiful area in the northern mountains of Kyoto.
New Year’s Eve in Kyoto: We celebrated with a kaiseki-style dinner and enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere of Kyoto’s temples, preparing for a fresh start to the new year.
Tokyo Revisited: Unique Experiences & Final Highlights
Returning to Tokyo, we packed in as much as possible before heading home:
TeamLab Planets: A mesmerizing digital art museum where you wade through knee-high water, interact with floating lights, and get lost in immersive projections.
Odaiba & Gundam Factory Yokohama: Seeing the life-size moving Gundam was an unforgettable experience, especially with the free Gundam model kit included with admission.
Disneyland & DisneySea: If you visit just one Disney park in Japan, go for DisneySea—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience with unique rides and a more mature, immersive atmosphere.
Tokyo Tower’s Red Tokyo Tower: A multi-floor entertainment complex featuring VR experiences, gaming zones, and interactive exhibits.
Traditional Breakfast at Yakumo Saryo: Ending our trip with an Asacha (traditional Japanese breakfast)was a perfect way to wind down before departure.
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips
Budget Airlines & Transport: If flying Zipair, be mindful of check-in times. Also, consider renting a car for off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Accommodations: Have a backup plan in case of last-minute cancellations. Airbnb and hotels in smaller cities are often cheaper and more spacious.
Food & Dining: Splurge on at least one luxury meal, but also explore affordable, lesser-known restaurants—they often serve some of the best food.
Hidden Gems: Venture beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Places like Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Kurama offer authentic cultural experiences.
Book in Advance: Secure reservations for popular restaurants, attractions, and theme parks early to avoid disappointment.
This trip reaffirmed my love for travel and deepened my appreciation for Japan’s blend of modern and traditional. As I continue sharing my experiences through Mikan Passport, I hope to inspire others to explore Japan beyond the usual spots. And for any travel brands, hotels, or tourism boards interested in collaborations—I’m ready to create unforgettable travel content with you!
