* Top recommendations

Tokyo

Gardens/Parks

• Shibuya, Yoyogi Park https://goo.gl/maps/uN26KEPCHaHbA46E8
• Shinjuku, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden https://goo.gl/maps/oGjpuHHUYw4diYJq7
• Chuo, Hamarikyu Gardens https://goo.gl/maps/uN26KEPCHaHbA46E8
• Chuo, Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens https://goo.gl/maps/G6fyKQ5A4Y9Tr64J8
• Ginza, Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden (haven’t been but the garden is open to public): https://goo.gl/maps/UVziN2MocptyKXKz8
• Asakasa, Ark Hills – Ark Garden. [https://goo.gl/maps/cFdahWRpkE3eFpdz8…

Food

• *Yamashita Honki Udon – Udon
• *Godaime Hanayama Udon – Udon
• Shin – Udon (famous, amazing but too long of a wait)
• Shin-bu-saki-ya Seared-Miso Ramen – Smoky ramen
• *Numazuko – Favorite conveyor sushi
• Harmonica Kitchen – Izakaya
• Kyoto Katsugyu – Katsu
• Oiwake Dango – Dango
• Toraya An Stand – Red bean cafe
• Yamachō – Tamago on a skewer (Tsukiji Market)
• Nezu Taiyaki – Taiyaki
• CAFE / Sensing Touch of Earth – Coffee cafe
• yoshida coffee sangubashi – Super cute coffee stand in a quiet neighborhood
• Yanaka Beer Hall – Craft Beer

Misc

• Jelly Jelly – Board Game cafe, also have one in Osaka, but this location is nicer

Osaka

Food

• *Tsurutontan Kitashinchi – Favorite udon
• *Kusoo Yaji – [2024 – Closed] Clam ramen. No English, show a photo or have your order written down for them!
• *Kyushu Ramen Kio Namba-NGKmae – Ramen, great tsukemen
• *Muguni – Omurice (fancy)
• Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M Hozenji Hanare – $$$ Wagyu
• Kura Sushi – Conveyor belt sushi
• *Daiki-suisan kaitenzushi Dotombori – Conveyor belt sushi
• Seyhan Kebab – Kebab spot
• Brooklyn Roasting Company Namba – Real coffee, great vibes, can work on a laptop here
• Shimada Shoten – Sake shop that offers tasting
• Nana’s Green Tea Namba CITY – Matcha cafe
• MACCHA HOUSE – Matcha cafe

Hair Stylist

Grace Alley – Ask for TK, he speaks English and worked in San Francisco for a little while. He is so gentle and friendly and a cut and color is very affordable. Plus is the Udon spot is in the same neighborhood, so I always plan a trip out to him.

Kyoto

Food

• *duck noodle gion – Duck ramen & tsukemen
• TON SHABU HIDE Kyoto Shijo Karasuma – Shabu shabu
• Kendonya – Udon
• Hafuu – $$$ Kobe beef & wagyuu
• *Katsukura Kyoto-st building TheCube – Katsu
• Nishiki Warai – Okonomiyaki
• Goichi Pizza – Pizza
• Maruki Bakery – Sando shop
• 2/7 kitchen – Bakery
• *Amairo Cafe Taiyaki – Taiyaki & Coffee shop