Mount Koya (Koyasan) is a remote temple town of 2,812 residents (2021) in the Wakayama prefecture. It has an altitude of 800 meters (2,624 ft) above sea level.
Back in 805 AD, the monk Kobo Daishi(Kukai) (774-835 AD) brought Shingon Buddhism, a sect that was influenced by the Chinese, to Japan. Kobo Daishi built the first temple in 826 AD in Mount Koya, and soon after it became the centre of Shingon Buddhism and Japan’s most sacred town. As a result, Kobo Daishi was one of the most significant religious characters in Japan.
Mount Koya is one of the three sacred sites of the Kii Mountain Range, and it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. Many pilgrims and tourists have visited Mount Koya for enlightenment and spirituality over time, and most have stayed in Buddhist temple lodging facilities (shukubo). Today, there are more than 100 temples in town, and about half of them offer authentic temple accommodations.
Want to learn more about Buddhism in Japan? Then booking accommodation at Fukuchiin Temple(657 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211) is a great idea! From stunning artwork and antiques, relaxing onsen facilities, to Buddhist workshops and morning prayer sessions, there’s plenty of cool things to experience!
Staying at Fukuchiin Temple
A Short History of Fukuchiin Temple
Fukuchiin Temple is right in the heart of Mount Koya, and was founded by Kakuin Ajari in the 12th century. The main reason for opening the temple was to worship Aizen Myo-o, a Buddhist deity who has the power to make all wishes and desires come true.
Rooms and Amenities
Fukuchiin Temple offers 60 Japanese-style rooms on three floors for up to 250 guests. All rooms have tatami floors, futon bed(s), free Wi-Fi, air conditioning/heating, seating area, a yukata (Japanese-style bathrobe), and towel.
Some also have a TV and private Western-style toilet, and a nice garden view.
My room at Fukuchiin Temple. During the day, the futon bed is hidden in the closet. 😉
Apart from rooms, it’s possible to rent meeting rooms and conference rooms at Fukuchiin Temple as well.
Artwork, Antiques, and Onsen Facilities
As you wander around the temple hallways, take some time to admire the antiques from the Nara period (710-784 AD), calligraphy writings, and wall paintings. My favourite artwork is the colourful tiger painting! There are a few cozy sitting areas as well.
Fukuchiin Temple is proud to offer the only natural hot springs in Mount Koya. You can relax in their open air rock bath, indoor bath, family bath, or sauna. All are separated for men and women, but tattoos are not allowed. You can find more details on their onsen facilities here.
Open air rock bath. Photo credit: Fukuchiin Temple.
Sutra Copying Workshop and Morning Prayer Session
For an even more authentic experience, overnight guests at Fukuchiin Temple are encouraged to join several Buddhist workshops and sessions.
For example, you can participate in a Sutra Copying workshop in the evening. After cleansing their hands with incense powder, every guest kneels down in front of a table. Then a monk gives you a paper with Japanese characters on it, and you’ll copy them with a very thin ink brush.
Besides, everyone needs to write down a wish on their paper. This meditation technique started in the Heian period (794-1185 AD), and you get a Buddhist bead bracelet, too! Guests are not allowed to drink alcohol before the workshop, as this takes a lot of focus.
Sutra Copying Workshop (photo credit: Fukuchiin Temple) and the bead bracelet I got!
Every morning at 6 am, guests are welcome to join the Morning Prayer session with the monks who live and work at the temple. It was very moving to listen to them chanting songs, and all the Buddhist treasures inside the room were super impressive! In the end, both the monks and visitors said a prayer and bowed afterwards. What an amazing experience!
Photo credit: Fukuchiin Temple.
Shojin ryoki cuisine at Fukuchiin Temple
As a Buddhist monk, it’s common to eat shojin ryori(monk’s diet) vegetarian meals. So at Fukuchiin Temple, you can book this kind of breakfast and/or dinner in advance, for an extra cost.
Guests sit in several traditional Japanese-style dining rooms, and wall separators are put up between groups for privacy. The kitchen uses local specialties, such as koya-dofu (frozen-dried tofu) and Kinzanji wasabi, and fresh seasonal vegetables, with miso soup, rice, and green tea.
The dishes at Fukuchiin Temple are made from scratch and change every month. Unfortunately, the kitchen is unable to accommodate food allergies or dietary needs.
Breakfast meal at Fukuchiin Temple.
Temple Garden Areas
Fukuchiin Temple has three beautiful gardens: The Rock Garden (“Lotus Garden”), Aizen Garden, and Tosen Garden, and the last one has a pond as well. All of these were designed by the Japanese landscape architect MireiShigemori (1896-1975).
The gardens are famous for their powerful stonework and moss plants, and guests are welcome to walk around and relax here during their stay.
Coffee Corner, Gift Shop, and Directions to Fukuchiin Temple
Only a few steps from the breakfast rooms, you can drink a cup of coffee or tea in the cozy Coffee Corner room! There are some books and magazines, too. What a perfect spot to sit and relax, especially during the colder months!
Fukuchiin Temple has a small gift shop as well, which is open during limited hours of the day.
After arriving at Koyasan Station by cable car, it’s pretty easy to get to Fukuchiin Temple. Just hop on a local bus going to “Okunoin” or “Daimon”, and exit at the 4th stop, “Koya Keisatsu-mae”. The temple is on the right side, about 30 meters back from the direction of the bus.
My Opinion on Staying at Fukuchiin Temple
As you can probably tell by now, staying at Fukuchiin Temple is quite a special experience!
When you first enter the temple, you need to leave your shoes in the reception area, and put on slippers. Next, the English-speaking receptionists are happy to guide you about your stay. Please note that there’s a curfew at 9 pm, so be sure to be back at the temple by then.
The temple hallway near the reception area.
Before Mount Koya, I was in Kyoto, and staying at Fukuchiin Temple was a great way to recover from the big city! It was quiet and calm, just as you’d imagine a Buddhist temple to be. So it’s perfect to relax, meditate, cleanse your body, and see what the simple life of a Buddhist monk is like!
My room was very clean and spacious, and I was grateful for the heater, lol! The Sutra Copying workshop and Morning Prayer session were perfect to learn about Buddhism in Japan and about a monk’s daily lifestyle inside the temple. The food at breakfast was delicious as well! 😛
So even though the nightly rate is quite high (¥ 15,000 to ¥ 30,000 per person, depending on the season), I highly recommend trying this kind of accommodation at least once in a lifetime!
Fukuchiin Temple is open year-round. Staying here is very popular, so it’s best to book this accommodation weeks or even months before your trip to Japan starts.
Fukuchiin Temple from the outside.
Mount Koya Okunoin Cemetery
The next morning, I wandered around Mount Koya’s town centre for a bit. After a while, I crossed Ichinohashi Bridge over the Odogawa river, which is the entrance to Okunoin Cemetery(132 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama, 648-0211). It’s inside an ancient cedar forest grove, and with more than 200,000 tombstones, is Japan’s largest cemetery.
Some important historical figures are buried here. Examples are the Tokugawa family (who ruled Japan during the Edo period) and the Toyotomi family (who ruled the country before the Edo period). You’ll also find many Jizo statues (the Buddhist deity that protects children and travelers) along the 2 kilometer (1.24 mile) long walkway.
At the end of the pathway is Mount Koya’s biggest attraction: Okunoin Temple, that is home to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum. Thanks to his high significance in Japanese religion, this is one of Japan’s most sacred places and a popular spot for pilgrims.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to go all the way, but I felt so calm during my walk around Okunoin Cemetery! In my opinion, all the graves surrounded by the old cedar trees contribute to the serene and mystical (even almost magical) atmosphere of this place. It’s also perfect for some shirin-yoku (forest bathing)!
Okunoin Cemetery is open during the day and nighttime, and you can book a guided night walk at 7 pm each day (in English), that takes about 1.5 hours.
Other Things to Do in Mount Koya
Here are few more things to do in Mount Koya, that sadly, I couldn’t do this time:
Kongobujiis the most important temple of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. It was built in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and you can visit its rooms, that have cranes and flower blossoms on the walls. Admission to enter Kongobuji Temple is ¥ 1,000.
Behind Kongobuji is Banryutei Rock Garden, Japan’s biggest rock garden, which has been around since 1984. It has more than 100 large granite stones.
The Daimon Gate is the gateway to Mount Koya. It’s a multistoried tower gate at 25.1 meters (82.3 ft) high and was rebuilt in 1705, after the original gate was destroyed by fire and lightning.
Mount Koya also has some great hiking trails for all abilities. For example, the Kohechi Trail from Mount Koya to the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine is a part of the famous Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route. It’s a rugged and steep hike though, and is about 70 km (43 miles) long!
If you don’t feel super adventurous, Mount Koya also has some nice souvenir shops in the downtown area! 😀
Where to Eat & Drink in Mount Koya
If you’re not eating dinner at Fukuchiin Temple, Hanabishi Restaurant(769 Koyasan, Ito Gun Koya Cho, Wakayama, 648-0211) is a great choice! They offer Kaiseki cuisine (traditional Japanese multicourse dinner), sushi and bento box dishes, and shojin ryori (vegetarian).
I had the Sanko Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Meal, that consists of fried eggplant covered in bean paste, sesame tofu, cooked veggies, enokidake mushrooms, and more! While the price was a bit high (¥ 2,640), it was more than worth it, especially the eggplant was super tasty!
Please note that many restaurants in Mount Koya close by 5 or 6 pm. Besides, I was surprised to not see any konbini (convenience stores), but you can find some vending machines around town. 😉
How to Get To and Around Mount Koya on Public Transit
The closest big city is Osaka, which is about 2 hours north of Mount Koya. The most direct train option is to hop on the Nankai Limited Express in Shin-Imamiya Station to Gokurakubashi Station. Then transfer to the Nankai Koyasan Cable Car train to Koyasan Station, and local buses are ready to take you around town from there!
If you’re in Koyasan for two consecutive days, it makes sense to buy the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket. It includes roundtrip transportation from Namba or Shin-Imamiya Station to Mount Koya, unlimited local bus travel, and discounted admission to certain tourist attractions. The rate starts at ¥ 3,080 per person.
Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks.
Konnichiwa! Today we’re spending one day in Takayama, a city of 88,473 people in the Northern Japanese Alps in the Hida region. It lies within the Gifu Prefecture. Takayama’s official name is Hida-Takayama, to avoid confusion between places in Japan with the same name.
Thanks to its remote location in the mountains, Takayama wasn’t affected by war attacks, fires, or other catastrophes in the past. This is why it’s one of Japan’s most preserved historic cities.
Besides, back in the Edo period (1603-1867), Takayama was famous for its high quality timber, woodworking, and skilled carpenters. So it became a very wealthy merchant town. Even today, Hida lumber, woodcrafts, and furniture from the Takayama area are popular across Japan.
There are lots of options on how to spend one day in Takayama, from visiting its Old Town District, Temple Town, morning markets, Nakabashi Bridge, to unique lodging and restaurants. Hajimemashou! (Let’s get started!) 😀
The Best Things to Do and See in Takayama
The Old Town District
Let’s start with Takayama’s top attraction, which means walking around and admiring the well-preserved houses and streets from the Edo period inside the Old Town District. Some of the oldest houses in this neighbourhood were built back in the 17th century!
The main streets covering the Old Town District are Ninomachi Street, Sanmachi Street, Ichinomachi Street, and Sannomachi Street. There are many old homes, shops, cafés, museums, and sake breweries (you can participate in sake tastings as well). Some have been in business for centuries!
Some of the old merchant houses are open to the public, and you can find lots of unique souvenirs, arts and crafts, and woodcrafts inside the shops. What a great way to support the local economy!
The Old Town District is only 10 minutes of a walk from Takayama Station, and there are local buses as well. Or you can book a rickshaw ride, i.e. a person will pull you while you sit and relax inside a carriage! The cost is ¥7,000 for 30 minutes (based on two people).
Not too far away is the Miyagawa Morning Market (33 Suehiromachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0016), which happens daily from 7 am to 12 pm (8 am to noon from November to March). Local vendors sell fresh fruit and veggies, flowers, and handmade souvenirs, and there are also regular stores next to the road.
This is a great opportunity to meet friendly locals, and the market is right next to the banks of the stunning turquoise Miyagawa River, which is a nice spot to sit for a while after your shopping is done!
Jinya-Mae Morning Market
The other daily morning market in Takayama is Jinya-Mae Morning Market (1-5 Hachikenmachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0012), open from 7 am to noon (8 am to noon in the winter months) in front of Takayama Jinya. The vendors sell fresh produce, snacks, and souvenirs.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to visit Jinya-Mae Morning Market this time. 🙁
Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama Cat Café
If you’re a cat lover, visiting the Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama Cat Café(1-4-2, Oshinmachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0851) is a must! This cozy and inviting café is inside a traditional Japanese townhouse, that has been a part of the city for 130 years.
The Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama Cat Café intends to find a loving home for stray cats in Takayama and encourages locals and tourists to spend some quality time with cats! The spacious cat area of the café has two floors and the second level looks like a Japanese house.
Every cat’s profile for people interested in adopting one, a few of the kitties I hung out with, and the Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama Cat Café from the outside.
It’s obvious that the cats feel very comfortable here, because they have plenty of hiding and sleeping spots, tasty food, and get cuddles every day! The staff is very friendly, too, and I love the design of this place, especially the dark brown wooden outside building and floors.
For 30 minutes of kitty time, the cost is ¥ 700, and feel free to buy some treats as well (for an extra ¥ 200)! The Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama Cat Café is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
You can find the separate café sitting area on the right side of the building, which is equipped with Hida wood furniture and the coffee mugs were designed by artists from the Hida region!
Temple Town
Next, we’ll wander around the Teramachi district, better known as Takayama’s Temple Town! Here, more than 10 temples and shrines are standing next to each other. So it’s a great chance to see them all in a short time.
It’s in a quieter area, and while they are rather small, the temples and shrines are all very well taken care of. First, I walked by the Myokanzan Eikyoin Temple(1-6-4 Wakatatsumachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0854), and the pathway to Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine (1-74 Wakatatsumachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0854). It was built in 720 AD, which makes it the oldest shrine in Takayama.
Left: Myokanzan Eikyoin Temple. Right: Torii gate leading the path to Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine.
Then I stopped at Daio-ji Temple(67 Atagomachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0855) with its Buddhist statue, Zen garden, and Shoro (bell tower) that was built in 1689. It’s the oldest bell tower in the Gifu prefecture.
Then look at Gohozan Dounin Temple (64 Atagomachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0855), built by the priest Senso in 1614. It’s famous for its Jizo statues and Koryuzan Sogen-ji Temple (39 Tenshojimachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0832). The main hall of the latter temple has a hipper copper roof, and has an impressive bell tower as well.
Left: Entrance to Koryuzan Sogen-ji Temple. Right: The bell tower within the Koryuzan Sogen-ji Temple complex.
If you’d like to stay at a Buddhist temple for a night, this is possible at Tensho-ji Temple Youth Hostel(83 Tenshoji-cho, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0832). It was built in the 12th century.
Nakabashi Bridge
Another one of Takayama’s iconic landmarks is Nakabashi Bridge (4-9 Kawaharamachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0847). This crimson bridge overlooks the Miyagawa River and is a part of the 1 Chome Hon-machi and Kamisannomachi neighborhoods.
Nakabashi Bridge is a popular photo destination, in particular during the cherry blossom season. This offers a great mix of colours (i.e. the pink/white flowers and the crimson bridge colour). Moreover, the bridge is lit up in different colours at night during busy tourism periods every year.
Watch Out for Sarubobo Dolls
While you’re browsing through Takayama’s souvenir stores (or just walking around the streets), it’s very likely that you’ll see one special item: Sarubobo Dolls! These cute-looking lucky charms are typical for the Hida region and the translation for sarubobo is “monkey baby”.
Many mothers give it to their daughters for a happy marriage, good fertility, and a child birth that’s as easy and smooth as possible. You can also buy Sarubobo dolls in different colours with a different meaning (e.g. green for peace and health and black for protection from evil), but the red one is the most common. What a unique souvenir to take back home!
A cute Sarubobo statue I stumbled upon while walking around Takayama!
Other Things to To Do in Takayama
So as you can see, there are tons of fun things to do in Takayama in a day! But if you’d like to explore more attractions in or close to the city, I suggest staying for at least two days.
Here are some other things to do and see that sound amazing:
Takayama Festival happens in April and October, and is in the Top 3 of Japan’s most beautiful festivals. The main attraction are the stunningly decorated yatai (festival floats). If you’re in Takayama outside of this timeframe, you can see the floats at the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall.
The Takayama Jinya was the local government office until the end of the Edo period in 1868. The building still stands today as a museum for visitors. You can look at the offices and conference rooms, and next to the main building is the largest traditional rice storehouse in Japan.
Shiragawago is a remote village in the Shogawa River Valley, only an hour from Takayama by bus. It’s famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses in the Ogimachi district, and some of them are more than 250 years old! Shiragawago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
If you don’t have time to visit Shiragawago, stop at the Hida No Sato(Hida Folk Village) instead. This open air museum has more than 30 traditional buildings from the Hida region. They were built during the Edo period, and it’s only a 30-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride from Takayama.
To learn more about these attractions, check out this YouTube video by Japan Guide:
Where to Stay
As a popular tourist attraction, Takayama has plenty of lodging options to offer. You can choose between hostels, guesthouses, apartments, B&B’s, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), and Western-style hotels.
I stayed at the Takayama Ninja House(1-31-2 Wakatatsumachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0854), a small traditional Japanese guesthouse just a few minutes from the Old Town District. I booked a Japanese-style single room with tatami mat flooring and a very comfy futon bed. Western-Japanese style rooms are available, too.
The lowest room charge ranges from ¥ 7,500 to ¥ 10,000 per night, and bathrooms are shared. You can enjoy free coffee and Japanese tea at the reception. Besides, there’s a public bath house (onsen) only 5 minutes from the property, at ¥ 440 per person.
Octavio, the owner, was always happy to chat, which made me feel at home right away! He also had great suggestions on things to do in and around Takayama. Moreover, he prepared a small breakfast in the morning (green tea, toast, and jam), which was very good! He offers a free shuttle service (must be reserved in advance), and private parking is possible on site (at ¥ 1,000 per night).
Where to Eat & Drink
While Takayama is a smaller city, there’s a big selection of restaurants to choose from.
First, I tried a local specialty of the Hida region, which is soba noodles! I had Fried Soba Noodles with an egg on top for lunch at Bokunchi Café(5-6 Shimosannomachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0841), and it was super tasty! It’s really close to the Miyagawa Morning Market as well.
For dinner, Octavio suggested that I eat at the Royal Nan House (6-18 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0026), a local Indian restaurant. I’m so glad I followed his advice, because the Chana Masala with Garlic Naan bread and Mango Lassi were amazing!
But there was a local specialty I couldn’t try, which is Hida gyu (Hida beef). If you eat meat, it’s supposed to be one of the best! Fortunately, Brandon mentions the best Hida beef dishes and where to find them in his Takayama Travel Guide, so feel free to check it out!
How to Get To and Around Takayama via Public Transit
It’s pretty easy to get from/to Takayama to other places in Japan via train and bus.
The closest big city is Nagoya, which is a 140-minute train ride via the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama, and costs around ¥ 6,140 per person. If you have the Japan Rail Pass, the cost is fully covered.
From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido Hikari Shinkansen to Nagoya, then transfer to the Hida Limited Express train (about 4.5 hours, at ¥ 14,190 per person). Please note that the Tokaido Nozomi Shinkansen train to Nagoya is not covered by the JR Pass.
From Kyoto or Osaka, hop on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo, then transfer to the Hida Limited Express train in Nagoya (3 to 4 hours, at ¥ 10,000 to ¥ 11,000 per person).
I took the Hida Limited Express from Nagoya to Takayama, and man, the scenery was so beautiful! <3
Or you can take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen train from Tokyo to Toyama, then transfer to the Hida Limited Express train to Takayama (about 4 hours, at ¥ 16,120 per person).
You can also book a daytime highway bus from Tokyo (Busta Shinjuku) to Takayama (5.5 hours, starting at ¥ 6,500 per person), and there’s an overnight bus available as well on certain dates.
JR Takayama train station is right next to the Takayama Hida Bus Centre, and local buses from/to the city centre run on a regular basis (at ¥ 100 per bus ride). There’s also the Sarubobo tourist bus to Hida no Sato, that goes every 30 minutes.
The closest airport is Toyama Kitokito Airport, which is 57 km/35 miles north of Takayama. It offers domestic flights to Tokyo Haneda Airport and Sapporo, and international flights to Shanghai, Seoul, and Taipei.
The Best Time to visit Takayama
Takayama sees the nicest weather of the year in the spring (April/May) and fall (October/November). While summers get hot, it’s colder than in big cities in the evenings.
Takayama can get pretty cold and snowy in the winter months, with one meter (3.2 feet) or more per month of snow piled up! The average low temperature in January and February is -5 C or 34 F.
Mid-June to mid-July is the rainy season, but it doesn’t rain every day, so it’s a nice time to visit as well. So just bring a rain jacket and/or umbrella just in case, and you’re good! 😀
As you can see, Takayama is an awesome place to visit, no matter what time of the year it is!
Moreover, I like that Takayama is not as busy as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, but it offers a great Japanese small-town vibe, and a chance to experience the “real” Japan in a rural area!
If you’ve been to Takayama and have any insider tips, feel free to share them in the comment section! Cheers 😀
Here are a few of my other Japan blog posts for you to check out:
Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks.
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and largest city. With 37.2 million inhabitants in the metro Tokyo area, it’s also the most populous area in the world! Tokyo was originally a fishing village called Edo, and has only been the capital since 1868.
Tokyo sits on the Honshu island in the east of Japan, and is the country’s economic and business hub.
For many international travelers, Tokyo is the gateway to their Japan trip.
So here’s the ultimate guide on how to spend four days in Tokyo!
Things to See and Do
Onoterusaki Shrine
Onoterusaki Shrine(2-13-14 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0004). This beautiful and calm Shinto shrine is in Tokyo’s Taito district. It was founded in 852 AD to honour the scholar, calligrapher, and poet Ono-no-Takamura (802–852 AD) from the Heian period (794-1185 AD).
He is the guardian of actors and others in the entertainment industry. That’s why many scholars and entertainers come here to pray for their success.
Onoterusaki Shrine has one main shrine as well as seven sub-shrines and 14 kami (gods or the spirits of the dead) are enshrined here. Among them is Tenjin (845-903 AD), the God of Learning.
The main shrine building and one of the sub-shrines.
Another unique attraction inside the shrine complex is the Fujizuka, a miniature version of Mount Fuji! Back in 1828, stones from Mount Fuji were brought here to build the 5 meters (16 ft) high mountain. This place is closed off by a gate guarded by stone monkeys, and is only open to the public for climbing on July 1.
In general, Mount Fuji is a sacred spot in Japanese culture, as many people believe that it is a god or that god lives inside this majestic mountain.
The gate to protect the Fujizuka, with the partial mountain in the background.
Many people wash their hands and mouth at the purification fountain by the entrance before praying.
You can also buy lucky charms from one of the friendly shrine maidens (miko) who work at the shrine. There’s no admission cost to visit Onoterusaki Shrine, and it’s open 24/7.
A lucky charm that I bought at Onoterusaki Shrine. It translates to “Arts Improvement Charm”. People hope that will help them to improve in school subjects or hobbies, or to achieve their artistic dreams.
If it’s your first time in Japan, I recommend familiarizing yourself with common Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple etiquettes before visiting. Please find more details here.
Tokyo Tower
Next, check out one of Tokyo’s major landmarks: Tokyo Tower (4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo, 105-0011)! It’s a radio and observation tower that was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and at 333 m (1,092 ft), is Japan’s second highest structure.
Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 and is a symbol for Japan’s rebirth after the end of World War II. Visitors can go up to the Main Observation Deck (150 m/490 ft) or the Top Deck (250 m/819 ft) to enjoy an amazing view of the city.
At nighttime, the tower lights up in different colours, and there are plenty of events as well.
I took the elevator up to the Main Observation Deck, and I loved that with all the skyscrapers, there are green spaces as well! Another cool attraction is the Great Shinto Shrine, and praying in front of it is supposed to protect the visitors, broadcasters, and others involved with the tower.
Many people have bought a wooden plaque at the souvenir shop next door, on which they’ve written a wish or a prayer, then have hung it next to the shrine.
Tokyo Tower view during the daytime and the Great Shinto Shrine.
Tokyo Tower is open year round. The Main Observation Deck is open 9 am to 10:30 pm, and the Top Deck is open from 9 am to 10:15 pm. Adult admission is ¥1,200 for the first level, and starts at ¥2,800 for the Top Deck Tour (includes a visit to the Main Deck). You can purchase online tickets here.
Place No. 23 Park & The Ten Jizo
If you need to recharge after your visit to Tokyo Tower, go for a walk around the peaceful Place No. 23 Park (3 Chome-4 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo, 105-0011) right across the street.
With all the beautiful trees standing here, be sure to watch out for the Ten Jizo! These little statues wearing red bibs represent Jizo, the guardian deity of the children and travelers in Japanese Buddhism.
Place No. 23 Park and the Ten Jizo.
Pokémon Centre Tokyo DX
But Tokyo, and Japan in general, is not just famous for its shrines, temples, and architecture, but also its pop culture (in particular anime, manga, and video games).
One example is Pokémon, of course! If you’re into that, buying some cool merch at the Pokémon Centre Tokyo DX(Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. East Building 5F, 2-11-2 Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0027) is a must!
When you first enter the store, Pikachu, Snorlax, and Mew are here to greet you, and the big screen showing new and old Pokémon video games took me right back to my childhood!
Pikachu, Snorlax, and Mew.
Both young and mature (lol) Pokémon fans get their money’s worth here, as there’s a great selection of goodies, from kawaii (cute) plushies, food, cutlery, stickers, stationary items, jewelry, clothing, to so much more!
The Pokémon game screen and cool stuff you can find at the Pokémon Centre Tokyo DX!
The Pokémon Centre DX is one of Tokyo’s six Pokémon Centre branches, and is open daily from 10:30 am to 9 pm. It is only a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu North Entrance.
Satisfy Your Inner Otaku (Geek) in Akihabara
To make your day of Japanese pop culture even more special, take the metro to Akihabara (often called Akiba), Tokyo’s neighbourhood of electronics stores and otaku (geek) culture. It has a few chain electronic stores, like Sofmap, Laox, and Bic Camera, and some offer duty-free shopping to foreign tourists.
Other stores specialize in manga and anime collectibles, (retro) video games and consoles (like Super Potato), figurines, and card games.
Don’t miss Akiba’s Arcade Game Centres, where you can play any games (including claw machines) you like! Many of the machines accept ¥100 coins, and if you run out, just head to one of the coin exchange machines, and you’re good! 😀
My favourites are the UFO catcher machines and music games at TAITO Station (4 Chome 2-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, 101-0021)! It’s the largest Arcade Game Centre in the world with its five floors.
Moreover, you can visit one of the famous Maid cafés (where waitresses dress up as maids) or a Manga-Plus-Internet café (where basically, you can read manga, surf the internet, but also spend the night for cheap) in Akihabara.
You might see people dressed as cosplayers in this area as well. If you’d like to take a picture, make sure to ask for permission first.
Shibuya Crossing
For the next stop on our list, let’s take the metro to Shibuya Station, which is right across from Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing (Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043).
Shibuya Crossing is the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, with an average of 3,000 people crossing the street every two minutes! With these huge crowds, it’s natural to expect chaos. But instead, I felt very safe, and everything is done in an orderly and efficient manner.
The best way to experience Shibuya Crossing is to dive into the crowds first, then watch the people from a bird’s eye perspective. The Starbucks across from Shibuya Station and the MAGNET by Shibuya109rooftop deck on the 7th floor offer the best view.
Here’s a video I took of the crowds at Shibuya Crossing:
Many movies have been filmed at Shibuya Crossing, such as Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Besides, it’s famous for its Halloween Party and the New Year’s Eve countdown.
Visit the Hachiko Statue
Before heading back to the train station, take a quick stop at the Hachiko Statue (2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043). It honours Hachiko, a loyal Akita dog, who waited for his owner, Professor Eizaburo Ueno of Tokyo University, every day at 3 pm in front of Shibuya Station.
Sadly, the professor suddenly died at work in 1925, but Hachiko kept waiting for him daily until his own death until about 10 years later.
Another cool attraction in central Tokyo is Ueno Park (Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo, 110-0007). First opened in 1873, it’s one of the five oldest public parks in Japan. The park covers 54 hectares (133 acres), and is most famous for museums (e.g. Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum) and Ueno Zoo, Japan’s first zoological garden.
There are also more than 1,000 cherry trees, so many people celebrate hanami (cherry blossom season) here from late March to early April every year. Ueno Park is also a great picnic spot, and there are festivals and events on a regular basis.
Ueno Park map and some beautiful plants growing inside the park.
Originally, the park area was a part of Kaneiji Temple, one of the largest and wealthiest temples of the city, that belonged to the ruling Tokugawa clan during the Edo period (1603-1867). Unfortunately, this temple was almost completely destroyed during the Boshin War, which lasted from 1868 to 1869.
On May 15, 1868, the Battle of Ueno broke out in today’s Ueno Park. The Shogi-tai soldiers from the old Tokugawa government fought against the new imperial Meiji government, and the Shogi-tai were defeated within only 10 hours. In 1874, the Ueno War Memorial was built to remember the Shogi-tai.
You can also look at the Saigo Takamori (1828-1877) statue, who was one of the generals in the Battle of Ueno, and is often called the last true samurai in Japanese history.
The Ueno War Memorial and the Saigo Takamori statue.
Shinobazu Pond & Bentendo Temple Hall
After learning about these tragic past events, it’s a relief to stumble upon the peaceful Shinobazu Pond(Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo). It has many lotus flowers, that are in full bloom in July and August, and are a symbol for purity in Buddhism. It also has a duck pond and a boat pond, and you can rent a paddle boat as well.
Next, take a look at the impressive Bentendo Temple Hall (2-1 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo, 110-0007), a Buddhist temple standing on an island inside Shinobazu Pond. It was built in the early 17th century to honour Benten (also called Benzaiten), the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge.
The temple hall was destroyed in 1945 due to bombings in World War II, but it was rebuilt in 1958. Fortunately, the sacred Benten statue survived this attack, and is now shown in the Main Hall in the inside of the temple hall.
The front entrance to Bentendon Temple Hall.
Bentendo Temple Hall is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm and admission is free.
Gojoten Shrine
Then keep on walking until you reach Gojoten Shrine (4-17 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo, 110-0007). This less crowded but equally beautiful Shinto Shrine has been standing within Ueno Park since 1662.
Gojoten Shrine was built to honour the gods of medicine and healing. So people come here to pray for healing, but also students hoping for good exam results. I especially loved the tunnel of red torii gates, and serene atmosphere of this place.
Places of prayer inside the Gojoten Shrine complex.
The torii gate tunnel next to Gojoten Shrine.
The Sailor Moon Store
Last but not least, if “In the name of the moon, I will punish you!” are your favourite words, you cannot miss the Sailor Moon Store in Harajuku (1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001)!
It was opened in 2017 to celebrate Sailor Moon’s 25th anniversary, and has a great selection, e.g. stationary items, posters, magnets, jewelry, key chains, cards, socks, and even a Sailor Moon costume! Some of them are exclusively available at the Sailor Moon Store, nowhere else.
One of the Sailor Moon Store windows and I found a cute greeting card!
The Sailor Moon Store is inside the Laforet department store, and is open daily from 11 am to 8 pm.
Since Tokyo is such a huge city, it’s impossible to visit all of its amazing attractions in only four days. So feel free to look at Nomadic Matt’s list of The 30 Best Things To Do in Tokyo for more inspiration!
For the first three nights, I stayed at Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel(2-13-21 Shitaya, Taito City, Tokyo, 110-0004). It is within a quiet residential area in East Tokyo, but only a few minutes away from Iriya Station and many attractions are nearby, like Akihabara and Ueno Park.
This wooden traditional Japanese house was built in 1920, and a place like this is hard to find in Tokyo these days. It also has a peaceful Zen garden with trees, koi fish pond, and stone lanterns.
I stayed in a very spacious 8-bed female dorm, and the mattresses were super comfortable! There’s also a small work station with a view of the garden, and they have private rooms as well.
Moreover, there’s a cozy bar/lounge area for guests and locals to use (your first drink of the night is free!), kitchen and eating area, and Japanese breakfast each morning (at ¥500 per person, and a vegetarian/vegan option is available).
Dorm bedroom (Photo credit: Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel*) and the kitchen/eating area.
*This photo is not allowed to be used for commercial use.
One of the biggest perks of this hostel is its staff. Everyone is super kind and helpful, and makes you feel right at home. For example, when I had to call a pharmacy for medication, the receptionist was happy to translate between the pharmacist and me.
Here’s a video of the awesome vibe at this hostel (video credit: Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel*):
*This video is not allowed to be used for commercial use.
Nomadic Matt also put the Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel on his list of the 10 Best Hostels in Tokyo. Since this hostel is very popular, it’s best to book well in advance. Dorm room prices start at ¥ 5,000 and private rooms at ¥ 27,250 per night, and it’s cash only.
Akihabara Bay Hotel
Are you looking for a different, but just as authentic Japanese lodging experience? Then I highly recommend staying at a Capsule Hotel for a night!
Originally, this accommodation concept was invented for Japanese business men who missed the last train, and needed a comfortable but cheap accommodation for the night. But nowadays, capsule hotels are also available to women and foreign travelers!
I stayed at the Akihabara Bay Hotel (44-4 Kandaneribei-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0022), which is for women only, and is just a few minutes of a walk from Akihabara Station. Rates start at ¥ 4,800 per night.
Guests stay and sleep in a little capsule (pod), that consists of just a bed and some basic amenities (e.g. lights, Wi-Fi, bedding, plug ins, and alarm clock). Towels, toothbrushes, razors, slippers, and pajamas are provided for the night, too. And if you want privacy, just pull down the capsule door!
My capsule bed and the room I stayed in!
Guests only bring their most important things into their capsule, and store their luggage in a separate locker room overnight. At the Akihabara Bay Hotel, there’s also a lounge in the basement, where you can eat meals, make phone calls, etc.
Many capsule hotels are found in larger Japanese cities and inside or near train stations, so they are very convenient! But most people come here to sleep only, so chatting with your roommates is not common.
Where to Eat & Drink
Since Tokyo is such a huge city, there are thousands of restaurants for every taste and budget.
Here are my favourites:
T’s TanTan Ecute(7 Chome 1-1 JR, Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo, 110-0005). This all vegan restaurant chain has several locations in Tokyo, and I went to the one inside JR Ueno Station. While they are famous for their ramen noodles, they also serve soy hamburger meat, lasagna, pizza, and soup.
I ordered their White Sesame TanTan Ramen with rice and soy meat. So good!
Coco Ichibanya Curry House (Kanda Hirakawach 4, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0027). If you’d like to try Japanese curry, look no further! This chain restaurant is right across from Akihabara JR station, and you can choose between meat, seafood, and vegetarian curry. The prices are very budget-friendly, too (less than ¥1,000 per dish).
I had the Vegetarian Curry with rice and soy hamburger meat. Totemo oishi des! (It’s so yummy!).
To get the full Pokémon experience in Tokyo, there’s no way to miss the awesome Pokémon Café, which is right next to the Pokémon Centre Tokyo DX!
Here you can enjoy a bunch of Pokémon-themed meals, drinks, and sweets, such as an omelet-shaped Pikachu, Pikachu Pancake, Gengar’s Confuse Ray Smoothie, and the Pokémon Café’s Very Chocolate Parfait (my choice)! Plus, your Pokémon friends are happy to join you 😀
But the best part is when Pikachu appears out of nowhere, and starts its iconic singing and dancing! 😀
Moreover, you can buy some unique souvenirs here, like Pokémon-themed plates and soup spoons.
Please note that the Pokémon Café is super popular, so making reservations ahead of time is a must. Reservation days and times open up to 31 days in advance, and are often fully booked within 10-15 minutes! Please find more details on reserving spots here.
Tokyo also has many nice “normal” cafés, so make sure to check these out as well! For example, I ordered a red bean paste bun and Royal Milk Tea for breakfast at the MIYABI Café & Bakery (5 Chome 11-1, Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo, 105-0001) on my way to Tokyo Tower.
Another great breakfast option is Vie de France Bakery & Café inside Akihabara Station, where they have Japanese and Western pastries and drinks. I had their Chocolate bread and red bean and sesame donut, and they were to die for!
Left: Red bean paste bun and Royal Milk Tea. Right: Chocolate Bread and red bean and sesame donut.
Many locals in Tokyo buy food and drinks at Convenience Stores (Lawson, Family Mart, and 7-Eleven are the most common) on a regular basis. They are cheap, have a good selection (also for vegans and vegetarians), and you can find them pretty much around every corner!
Convenience store dinner 😛
The same goes for Vending Machines, and many sell soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, but also food, like freshly made pizza and burgers!
Vending machines in Tokyo.
In general, I found eating out in Tokyo quite easy, despite my limited Japanese language skills. Some customs are similar to North America, such as waiting to be seated and getting a free water with the meal. Besides, many restaurants have an English menu.
But some things are very different, so make sure to familiarize yourself with Japanese eating etiquette here.
It’s also good to know a few basic Japanese words and phrases, and you can point at the dish you want to order as well. While many Japanese people don’t speak much English, the staff will always try their very best to help you. Please note that tipping doesn’t exist in Japanese culture.
Another cool thing in Japan is that some restaurants have artificial food displays outside, so you can see what it is! Or if worse comes to worst, Google Translate is a big help to communicate.
Artificial food display outside of a restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo.
How to Get Around Tokyo
Once you get a hang of it, getting around Tokyo via public transportation is pretty easy. The signs inside train stations are in Japanese and English, and I found Google Maps quite helpful in most cases.
For taking subways and trains within Tokyo, it’s a good idea to buy an IC card (Suica or Pasmo card) at one of the ticket machines, that you can charge with cash whenever your budget runs out. They can also be used to buy stuff at convenience stores or at vending machines!
Trains in Tokyo and the rest of the Japan are always on time, which is amazing! Besides, they are efficient, clean, and the train staff is always happy to help. In some areas of Tokyo, there are women-only cars during certain times of the day for more safety and security.
If you plan to visit more places in Japan after Tokyo, I recommend buying a Japan Rail Pass. Only foreign tourists are allowed to use it, and it’s valid for unlimited transit on most JR trains all over the country for 7, 14, or 21 days. Regional JR Passes are available for certain areas as well.
Like in other big cities, it’s not recommended to rent a car due to heavy traffic. Moreover, people drive on the left in Japan, so that might be a challenge if you’re not used to it. The same goes for taxis or rideshares, because they can get crazy expensive.
If you’d like to explore Tokyo with a local guide, Get Your Guide and Viator offer lots of walking and cycling tours. Of course, you can also walk around at your own pace or rent a bicycle. Tokyo is a very bike-friendly city, and many locals use this method of transportation as well.
One more thing: While walking around Tokyo, you should expect to get lost sooner or later. So it’s a good idea to plan some extra time if you have an “appointment” (e.g. a train departure time). And sometimes, you may find unique attractions that you otherwise could have missed! 😉
Three bicycles parked in front of a building in Tokyo. Photo by Clay Bankson Unsplash.
The Best Time to Visit Tokyo
Most tourists go to Tokyo in the spring (late March to early April) for the cherry blossom season or in October/November, when the leaves change their colours. So it gets pretty crowded, and accommodation prices will be higher or fully booked quickly.
Beautiful cherry blossoms in an alleyway in Tokyo at night. Photo by ayumi kuboon Unsplash.
I went to Tokyo in May, which is during the shoulder season, and it was perfect! It was nice and sunny, and the average temperature was 20 C (68 F). The rainy season is in June, and it gets very hot and humid in July and August (26 C/78.8 F on average), so it’s not recommended to visit Tokyo then.
Mid to late April and September are supposed to be beautiful and warm months as well. But please note that typhoon season is from May to October and earthquakes occur sometimes, so it’s a highly recommended to purchase travel insurance. I used World Nomads for this trip.
Thankfully, Tokyo doesn’t get too cold in the winter, and there are way less tourists around. The coldest month is January (5 C/41 F on average), and if snow falls, it usually melts within a day or two.
It’s also a good idea to learn about Japanese holidays while planning your trip.
So that’s a wrap on how to spend four days in Tokyo, and arigato (thank you) for joining me! While it sounds cliché, it’s obvious that Tokyo offers a great mix of both traditional and modern attractions, and is an amazing city to get lost in.
First, I was excited but also a bit scared to visit Tokyo (let’s face it, almost all of Canada’s population lives in the metro Tokyo area)! But I had an awesome time exploring this city, and my favourites were the Onoterusaki Shrine, Pokémon Café, and the Gojoten Shrine with its impressive torii gate tunnel!
Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world. Besides, everyone, from servers to cashiers, hostel receptionists, and random people on the street, was so kind, and made me feel welcome right away.
Here are a few of my other Japan blog posts, if you’re interested:
Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks.
