Location: Tokyo
Day 1 - 9 Apr 2019
Narita International airport
Content: We took non stop flight of United Airlines from Newark to Tokyo. Took train from Narita station to Shinjuku station via Nippori which was 1 hour and then 5 mins walk to Hotel Shinjuku Granbell.
Shinjuku Grandbell Hotel
Content: Budget friendly 4 star hotel with comfort and luxury accommodation, with excellent access to all parts of Tokyo. It is convenient for sightseeing and shopping. Check in was very quick and staff was very calm, thought of relaxing for couple of hours.
Shinjuku Grandbell Hotel
Content: In the evening, we enjoyed meal at rooftop bar on 13th floor and spend a special time overlooking night view of Shinjuku.
Location: Tokyo
Day 2 - 10 Apr 2019
Meiji Jingu
Content: After breakfast we left for famous Meiji emperor shrine that is located in beautiful forest. It was 10 mins from our hotel. It took us 2 hours while exploring Meiji Jingu as there are many sight seeings on the way inside such as Saki Barrels.
Nezu Museum
Content: From Meiji Jingu we walked towards Nezu Museum which was 5 mins from there. It had stunning architecture, superb art collection, and landscape garden. After that we had food and sip coffee at Nezu cafe.
Shibuya crossing
Content: We took train from Nezu station to reach Shibuya, there we walk across the famous shibuya crossing it was amazing experience. Also explored many boutiques of shibuya.
Roppongi Hills
Content: At Roppongi visited Roppongi hills complex and took elevator up to 52nd floor of Mori Tower to see the fantastic view of Tokyo city.
Narisawa restaurant
Content: Had authentic and incredible Japanese food at Nirisawa restaurant at Roppongi. one of the upscale restaurant. After dinner we left for hotel via train
Location: Tokyo
Day 3 - 11 Apr 2019
Asakusa
Content: Had hectic day yesterday but still more to explore Tokyo city so we left early today soon after breakfast for Asakusa which is an hour away to visit ancient buddhist temple Senso ji temple and Jinja shrine which next to temple. We clicked lot of memories at Senso ji temple.
Ueno
Content: We arrived at Ueno via subway line to visit wonderful Tokyo National Museum and than head to Ueno park which had over thousand of cherry trees and we were lucky to experience Ueno Cherry Blossom festival. Place was so crowded but equally beautiful pink blossoms.
Tosho gu shrine
Content: Tosho gu shrine is gorgeous hidden and underrated shrine inside the Ueno park. It was less crowded and beautiful place.
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum
Content: We were not keen to attend any exhibiton inside the museum so we relaxed at Mitsubishi garden and took a view of museum and had delicious lunch. After that we took a quick visit of Hibiya koen park which was one of the favourite Tokyoites.
Shinjuku Grandbell Hotel
Content: We returned to Hotel for some rest and shower, had been tired of walking day long.
Ichiran restaurant
Content: We had best creamy broth pork Ramen from Fukuoka city. This place had unique ordering style and we had great time n taste of meal.
Location: Tokyo
Day 4 - 12 Apr 2019
Imperial Palace East Gardens
Content: Imperial Palace East Garden is the only section of the inner palace area that is open for public. It wasnt most scenic garden of Tokyo and it was too hot with less trees to cover the path.
Kitanomaru Park
Content: From there we entered to Kitanomaru koen park which was full of cherry blossom trees and also known as medicinal garden. Last spot was Yasukuni Jinja Shrine of that area. It was fascinating and beautiful place and also had 14 of Japan's class A war criminals enshrined in it.
Din Tai Fung Restaurant
Content: Came back to Shinjuku for lunch at Taiwanese dim sum restaurant. They served savory dumplings and excellent fried rice n noodles. This restaurant was on 12th floor of Takashimaya Times Square complex.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government offices
Content: After lunch we head to 45th floor of Metropolitan Government offices and best part is entry was free for this panaromic view. There are two towers so two observation decks as well.
Shinjuku Grandbell Hotel
Content: We returned to hotel for rest and shower.
Roppongi
Content: As it was last day at Tokyo we had gone to Roppongi to enjoy its nightlife. Tried Agave Bar it was raucous tequila bar, we had couple of drinks and some food.
Location: Hakone
Day 5 - 13 Apr 2019
Mount View Hakone
Content: Left early from Tokyo so that we get full day at Hakone. Large room for traditional Japanese stay but the room is pretty dark.
Hakone Shrine and the Peace Shrine Gate
Content: Settle in for a scenic 40-minute bus ride through the mountains. Alight at the bus stop. Turn and cross the road, walking anti-clockwise around Lake Ashinoko, towards the mountains with the lake on your left. You’ll pass an Italian restaurant on your right. Walk through the large red torii gate. The steps to Hakone Shrine are up ahead to your right after a little more walking.
Daimasa
Content: located a 3 minute walk from the Hakone Checkpoint, is a decent place for a fresh sashimi set lunch. Portions are generous and there are English language menus.
Pirate Ship Cruise
Content: It takes about half an hour in total to cross the lake on this ship, passing by Moto Hakone port on the way. This is also a good time to photograph the floating red torii gate from the other side as the boat passes by. The pirate ships leave twice an hour.
Togendai Station to Gora Station
Content: We would suggest riding a cable car along the Hakone Ropeway to enjoy stunning views of the volcano below, and exploring Owakudani.
Mount View Hakone
Content: There are less options for restaurants in Hakone so it is advisable to book breakfast n dinner at hotel itself. We had good experience of food at our hotel.
Location: Takayama
Day 6 - 14 Apr 2019
Country Hotel Takayam
Content: It took us 4.5 hours to reach Takayama. This was 3* property, rooms were very small , so if travelling with kids prefer better rooms.
Kusakabe Folk Museum
Content: Wouldn't say this was a must see but a nice part of the visiting the old part of town. Be aware half of the museum is located up extremely steep ladder-staircases.
Kusakabe Folk Museum
Content: This is a really "open" exhibit where visitors can sit, touch and feel almost any part of the house. Most of the daily use objects and decorative items are being moved and exhibit in the folk museum.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
Content: This is hard to miss as the huge white torii gate can be seen from a distance. There's such an amazing vibe to this place. We wanted to see the floats used in the festival but the museum was about to close, plus they charge fee for that.
Sake Breweries
Content: There are tons of sake options. We did the taste test where they have you taste 12 different kinds. Well worth the price and a fun experience.
Hida Takayama
Content: It is a small hole in the wall restaurant that serves some of the best gyoza I have ever had. You order from the machine and the one-man shop will whip you up a meal in no time.
Location: Kyoto
Day 7 - 15 Apr 2019
Kyoto Grandbell Hotel
Content: Took a train from Takayama to Kyoto and check in to Kyoto Grandbell hotel. Staff was very courteous and helpfull.
kinkakuji temple
Content: Soon after check in we left for kinkakuji temple which was 20 mins from hotel. It is famous tourist spot of kyoto also known as the golden pavilion. Place was very crowded but its worth to go n see with your own eyes.
Ryoanji temple
Content: This was interesting place that indicates nothing is perfect. As this temple garden there are 15 rocks but from every side you can only see 14 of them.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Content: This bridge is most picturesque spot of Kyoto, the view of bridge is very beautiful. Across the bridge we saw monkey park as well.
Bamboo Grove
Content: This place was very cool as it was surrounded with 1000s of bamboo trees. Clicked many pictures with bamboo trees as backdrop.
Tarokichi Restaurant
Content: After a hectic day we had dinner at Tarokichi restaurant which was near by our hotel. We had chicken heart, deep fried chicken skin and fried rice. Food was absolutely delicious. Experience was pretty high than what it costs.
Location: Kyoto
Day 8 - 16 Apr 2019
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Content: Famous Fushimi Inari shrine had thousands of red torri gates. It was popular photography spot.
Kiyomizu Temple
Content: Our next stop was Kiyomizu temple where we visited temple and near by areas like Sannen Zaka and Ninen Zaka. We recommand you to stop there and try amazing Udon for lunch.
Yasaka Shrine
Content: We experienced calm and pleasant atmosphere of traditional kyoto. It was less crowded, visited notable landmarks such as Ishibei Koji street, tower of Yasaka and Kodaiji temple.
Ginkakuji temple
Content: It was very simple and had zen atmosphere also beautiful gardens are there at the temple. After that we took a walk to Tetsugaku no michi path where there were hidden shrines and many cafes n restaurants. We stopped by to sip coffee.
Gion Area
Content: We saw Maiko and Geiko at Gion area performing at a tea house. It was fun watching them perform.
Pontocho Alley
Content: Kyoto has its unique food culture. We tried local food on Pontocho Alley street while hopping several restaurants and bar.
Location: Tokyo
Day 9 - 17 Apr 2019
Narita International airport
Content: Last day in Japan we had amazing trip. Though days were not enough to explore other parts of Japan. We had flight to catch at 4 pm from Narita airport for Newark.