I went to Japan during peak season. This is my one big tip for escaping the crowds.
The country is experiencing record tourism this year, with 14.4 million visitors in just the first four months of 2025, a 24.5% increase compared to 2024, according to The Japan Times.
As with any popular tourist spot, the crowds can be overwhelming. My fiancé and I saw them firsthand when we visited Tokyo and Kyoto in March, just as Japan's famous sakura season was about to start.
While exploring the famous attractions, we realized there was an easy and affordable way to enjoy the sights and escape the masses. The secret was in Japan's gardens.
Tucked between the skyscrapers
On our second day in Tokyo, my fiancé and I spent the morning wandering the packed stalls of Tsukiji Market. That night, we had tickets to visit TeamLab Planets, another big tourist attraction. What we needed in between was a moment of zen, especially as the jet lag started to creep in.
We found it at Hama-rikyu Gardens, residing alongside Tokyo Bay. It costs just 300 yen, or about $2, to enter. The landscape garden, which dates back to the 17th century, felt serene and idyllic amid the bustle of Tokyo. We walked past seawater ponds that quietly glistened under towering skyscrapers as birds chirped from a beautiful field of yellow flowers.
My favorite part was the teahouse, located on an island within the garden. My fiancé and I swapped our sneakers and boots for the provided slippers and brought our matcha to a bench outside to relax and watch the water.
We found similar refuge the following day as we made our way through Harajuku, a Tokyo neighborhood also known to attract huge crowds.
As we walked past throngs of people at the famous Meiji Jingu shrine, we came across the Inner Garden. Measuring over 890,000 square feet and older than the shrine itself, the garden has something beautiful to see no matter the season. The beloved iris garden — featuring over 1,500 plants — blooms in the summer, while the centuries-old Japanese maple trees turn stunning shades of orange and gold during autumn and winter.
While the shrine was free, the Inner Garden required a separate entrance fee of 500 yen, or about $3. The extra cost seemed to keep out much of the crowd, as the garden was fairly empty when we visited. We easily found a bench by Nan-chi Pond and enjoyed the peace as we watched the water lilies.
Hidden Kyoto gems
At times, the crowds felt even larger in Kyoto, which is significantly smaller than Tokyo but just as popular with travelers.
We could barely move as we shuffled through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove with our fellow tourists, many wearing brightly-colored kimonos and sandals from nearby rental stores. Thankfully, a friend had recommended that we visit Ōkōchi Sansō Garden, located at the end of the forest.
The 5-acre garden — which once belonged to the late samurai film star Ōkōchi Denjirō — costs 1,000 yen, or about $7, to enter. It features views of Kyoto City below, which my fiancé and I admired with no one around us. It seemed like we had the entire estate to ourselves as we strolled by the gardens, shrines, and traditional villa. The visit concluded at the teahouse, where we sipped free cups of hot tea and gazed at the bamboo groves from the large open windows.
We discovered another beautiful garden while visiting Nijō Castle, which I was surprised to find had far fewer crowds than many of the Kyoto attractions we visited.
The castle, with its stone walls and moats, was one of the sightseeing highlights of our entire trip. We paid 800 yen, or about $5, to enter the castle and an additional 500 yen, or about $3, to enter the Ninomaru Palace. This gave us access inside the palace, complete with stunning 17th-century illustrations painted on the sliding doors, as well as the Ninomaru Garden.
The garden has a teahouse overlooking its pond, which we admired as we ate a delicious seasonal parfait. It was a lovely reprieve after we'd spent the morning lined up with hundreds of other tourists to see Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto's famous golden temple.
All the moments in the gardens, enjoying sweets or drinks and taking in Japan's unique beauty, are among my favorite memories from an incredible trip. It showed me that while crowds are an inevitable part of traveling, you can always find some zen among the hidden gems.
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Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
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All of the beautiful cultural traditions of Japan: a meticulous tea ceremony; the beauty of a geisha performance; the profound calm in a Zen garden; or the towering serenity of a bamboo forest all coexist. Kyoto's charm ultimately lies in its layers. And, while you could spend weeks here, a truly fulfilling visit focuses on quality. Here are some must-dos tailored for an elegant exploration. ⛩️ Fushimi Inari Taisha: The Iconic Red Gates, Reimagined - You've seen the photos: thousands of vibrant red torii gates stretching endlessly into the forested hillside. It's iconic for a reason, and singularly Kyoto. Your best bet? Go early morning. We're talking dawn, or as close as you can manage. You'll find smaller crowds, and the light filtering through the gates creates an near-magic atmosphere. It's worth hiking to the summit (plan for a two- to three-hour round trip) not just for the view, but for the more quiet and contemplative atmosphere as the crowds thin further up. It's a genuine chance to connect, not simply a selfie spot. 🎋 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Ethereal and Essential - The towering bamboo stalks create a natural cathedral of green light and a gentle rustle - it's a profound sensory experience. Nearby must-sees: Don't miss the Iwatayama Monkey Park for a charming interaction with friendly wild macaques (and featuring incredible views!), or the sprawling Zen gardens of Tenryū-ji Temple. For serenity on water, consider a private scenic riverboat ride along the Hozugawa River. It's the perfect way to take it all in at a gentle pace. 🏛️ Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): Reflective Beauty - This stunning temple, festooned in gold leaf, reflects perfectly in its surrounding pond. It's one of those sights that genuinely takes your breath away, no matter the season. The architectural artistry is simply remarkable. Don't just snap a photo and leave! Take your time. Wander through the meticulously maintained moss gardens. And, if time allows, pay a visit the tranquil tea house on the grounds for a moment of quiet respite, enjoying a ceremonial matcha. 🎑 Gion District: Stepping into Tradition - Here, old Kyoto comes to life. Think traditional wooden machiya houses and charming lantern-lit alleys. It's a perfect place to simply wander and absorb the atmosphere. The ultimate experience here: If you want a real cultural immersion, book a traditional tea ceremony. Better yet, arrange for a kaiseki dinner for truly unforgettable cultural immersion. Exploring streets like Hanami-koji and Shirakawa by evening is particularly evocative. 🌸 Philosopher's Path: Walking with Contemplation - This tranquil canal-side walk is iconic for a reason, and while it's truly spectacular during cherry blossom season (thats late March-early April), it's stunningly beautiful year-round. The entire path is lined with charming temples, quiet cafés and the ever-graceful sakuras. iIt's ideal for a contemplative stroll. It's a beautiful way to unwind after a busy morning. 🌳 The Imperial Palace and Gardens: The Royal Respite - This was the home of Japan's emperors until 1868 (the present palace is in Tokyo). Today, its expansive gardens offer tranquility in the bustling heart of the city. Take a walk: If you're looking for a quiet stroll or a relaxed picnic on a sunny afternoon, it's a nice contrast to more 'go-go' parts of the city. 🕯️ Nishiki Market: Kyoto's Culinary Soul - Known colloquially as 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' Nishiki Market is a sensory feast. It's a narrow, bustling street filled with over a hundred shops and restaurants, selling everything from fresh seafood to traditional Kyoto sweets. A must try: Be adventurous! Seek out yuba (a delicate tofu skin), try various matcha sweets and Japanese soft-serve or sample skewered snacks from the numerous vendors. The local pickles are also surprising and delightful. It's a vibrant place to immerse yourself in Kyoto's daily life. Kyoto, like many of Japan's cities, offers an impressive range of accommodations, but for our discerning traveler, the goal is a seamless blend of Japanese elegance and modern comfort. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: Perfectly positioned by the Kamo River, this hotel offers understated elegance, exceptional dining options and serene spa for a true urban oasis. It's got that perfect blend of refined service and contemporary Japanese aesthetics that makes it a the perfect jumping-off-point. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel: If you prefer a more serene, almost resort-like escape, this hotel in scenic Arashiyama is simply stunning. It offers onsen-style baths, private gardens, and an atmosphere of tranquility, allowing you to truly unwind after exploring the bamboo groves and temples nearby. Hotel Kanra Kyoto: This hotel perfectly blends contemporary Japanese design with classic touches. Think inviting tatami rooms, deep soaking tubs that truly soothe, and a quiet ambiance. 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Timing truly enhances your Kyoto experience. Luckily, no matter when you go, there are unique events, weather patterns and ways to enjoy the city and its surroundings. Spring: This is cherry blossom season. It's undeniably beautiful, but also incredibly popular. Book everything far in advance! Autumn: Temple gardens burst with fiery foliage, the weather is crisp, and while still popular, it feels more breathable than spring. Winter: Often overlooked, but truly peaceful. Fewer crowds mean more intimate temple visits. It's perfect for hot springs, cozy ryokan stays, and the occasional snow-dusted temple creates a truly magical scene. Summer: It's humid, no getting around that. But it's also packed with vibrant festivals like the Gion Matsuri (July). If you go, embrace the festivals and plan sightseeing for early mornings or late afternoons when the heat of the day isn't upon you. Kyoto is a city that rewards thoughtful navigation, luckily, like much of Japan, it's easy to get around! IC Card (ICOCA/Pasmo/Suica): Get this! It will be your best friend. Similar to L.A.'s TAP card for Metro, you can pick it up any major station and use it for seamless fares on local buses and trains. Bus: They cover most major tourist sites, which is convenient. However, they can get quite slow and crowded, especially during rush hour, so plan accordingly. Trains and subways: Japan is, of course, well-known for its rail transit, and Kyoto's trains are no exception. These are your go-to for longer distances and zipping efficiently across the city. They're clean, punctual and incredibly easy to use. Walking and biking: For areas like Arashiyama, Gion, and the Philosopher's Path, simply walking or renting a bicycle is ideal. You'll discover so much more at a leisurely pace!
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Eater
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Every bite conjured memories of sun-soaked afternoons, cold drinks in hand, and the scent of suntan lotion mingling with wood smoke, but the pastrami stood out. Smoky, peppery, and meltingly tender, it's house-brined, cured, and made from full brisket — a rich, flavorful cut that Wild Fig turns into one of the best versions I've had, not just in Las Vegas, but anywhere in Nevada. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, the honey mustard added a final punch that had me reaching for another bite, and already planning my next visit. 9555 Del Webb Boulevard., Las Vegas, NV 89134. — Emmy Kasten, Eater Vegas contributor Eater Vegas All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
