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Courier-Mail
5 days ago
- Courier-Mail
Best cities to visit in Japan for tourists
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. The nation's cities each have their own distinct character and offer unique regional experiences. Best Japanese city for traditional culture: Kyoto Kyoto stuns in autumn. One of the miracles of modern history is that Kyoto was spared the most devastating ravages of World War II and as such it teems with history. You can barely turn a corner without running into a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are over 1600 shrines and temples here with heavy hitters including the Kiyomizudera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Kyoto is also home to Nija Castle, the Imperial Palace and stunning Japanese gardens like those at Kodaiji Temple and Heian Shrine. We'd even give it the edge over Tokyo in our list of best cities in Japan to travel to. Major festivals include the Aoi Matsuri in May and Gion Matsuri in July. In other words, you must visit Kyoto. Best Kyoto alternative: Kanazawa Gardens galore in Kanazawa. Way less crowded than Kyoto, it has geisha districts such as Higashi Chaya and Kazuemachi, a Ninja Temple complete with traps and secret passages and the Nagamachi Samurai District. Gardenwise, the Kenrokuen is considered one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, complete with serene temples, historic treasures and tea houses. Best day trip from Kyoto: Nara Nara Park is famed for its friendly deer. The first permanent Japanese capital is famed for the hundreds of tourist friendly deer roaming Nara Park but Japan's largest Buddha can also be found at Todai-ji Temple and the serene Kofuku-ji Temple is a stunner. Best Japanese city for cutting edge modernity: Tokyo If you've never been, Tokyo - Japan's largest city - it should absolutely be the place to start your Japan trip. The Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Crossing and quirky street style of Harajuku are just the start of this neon-licked behemoth. It's the contrast between the ultra contemporary and traditional Japan that make this such a beacon, so be sure to also check out the historical sites such as the Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine. Culturally, the Edo Tokyo Museum, Nezu Museum and modern art at Roppongi Hills should feature on your Japan itinerary as both are among Japan's tourist attractions of note. In late August, the Koenji Awa-Odori dance festival features roughly 10,000 traditional dancers while early December heralds the arrival of Tokyo Comic Con for sci-fi, fantasy, and anime fans. And the locals commit big time. It's a no brainer but this is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Japan to travel to. Especially if you master all the details of the train stations. Best Tokyo alternative: Nagoya Streetside treats in Nagoya. A centre for all things tech, it's home to Japan's automotive and aerospace industries. Rev heads will love the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park to sink into a speed fest of bullet trains. It's no slouch in the history department either with Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Art Museum, Osu Kannon Temple and Atsuta Shrine. Best day trip from Tokyo: Tokyo Disney Resort Say konichiwa to Mickey and Minnie. The Japanese hold a special place in their hearts for Mickey and Co and it shows as this massive theme park about 30 kilometres from the city centre. International visitors throng here because it's just so much fun. Take the train to get there quick. If you want something more serene and slightly off the beaten path, try Nikko with its UNESCO World Heritage Park including the jaw-dropping gardens of Toshogu Jingu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple. Day trips to Mount Fuji are also an option from Japan's capital and should be on any Japan bucket list if you're up for a bento box of breathtaking scenery. An unforgettable trip. If the weather is clear at Mt Fuji that is. Best Japanese city for food and nightlife: Osaka Welcome to bustling Osaka. Osaka positively thrums with crammed alleyways slinging the best ramen you've ever tasted - try Ramen Hayato in the Kita ward, pulsing nightclubs and oh my goodness, the shopping. Explore the street food and fashion scene in Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, Kuromon Market and Dotonbori. Universal Studios Japan and Nintendo World theme parks are major drawcards, but the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is also one of the best on the planet. A taste of traditional Japan in this modern city can be found at Osaka Castle, Yasaka Shrine and Hozenji Temple. Best Osaka alternative: Kobe Kobe is a cool alternative to Osaka. A bustling Chinatown, pubs galore and some of the best beef in a country that takes marbling very seriously. Kobe is also home to the Ikuta Shrine which dates from the third century and the cable cars to Mount Rokko provide stellar views. Also check out the famed Arima Onsen. Best day trip from Osaka: Himeji Like something out of a film, Himeji Castle soars above the township. Known as the White Heron Castle, it is a prime example of 17th Century architecture and right next door is a virtual catalogue of Edo-era garden styles in the Koko-en. Best Japanese city for snow sports: Sapporo City Sapporo city is the hub servicing some of Japan's best ski fields. Gateway to the ski fields of Hokkaido, Sapporo is about way more than snow though. The Sapporo Beer Museum attests to the city's love of a raucous night out and its umami take on curry is iconic. This is not just a winter destination. The summer landscapes around the Shiretoko Peninsula, Kushiro Marshlands, and Lake Toya are sublime while mid July sees the lavender fields in Furano and Biei explode into life - take the Lavender Express train to see the best of both. Want some autumn foliage pyrotechnics? Check out Sounkyo's Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls for extraordinary leaves. Best Sapporo alternative: Niseko If you want to sample the best of Sapporo but want to be closer to the slopes where skiing is the main priority, Niseko is a snow lovers smorgasbord. Best day trip from Sapporo: Noboribetsu Onsen heaven in Norobetsu. Get your onsen on at this bathing paradise - try the Daiichi Takimotokan - in the middle of volcanic landscapes. This is one seriously rewarding day trip. Most moving Japanese city: Hiroshima Hiroshima Castle has endured the city's tragic history. Having rebuilt after the devastation of a nuclear bomb this modern city carefully calibrates tragic history with a positive and modern outlook. Hiroshima Peace Park is must visit in Japan. Once you've paid your respects at the Atomic Bomb Dome, check out the Shukkei-en Garden with its traditional ponds and teahouse, the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium for a baseball game (the season runs from April to December) and wander the hiking trails on Mount Misen. You can also explore the Seto Inland Sea from Hiroshima. Here, you'll find the famed Naoshima Island, also known as Art Island, which filled with sculptures, installations, museums and galleries. It is legit one of the most interesting places on the planet. Best Hiroshima alternative: Nagasaki Mountains meet the water in Nagasaki. Less busy than Hiroshima, it too was levelled by an atomic bomb but has recovered profoundly to boast a unique food scene - try the 'washikan kamaboko' fish cakes at the Momokawa restaurant which was established in 1931. Also sip some sake at Tatanbaa. Best day trip from Hiroshima: Miyajima Island The Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed wonder. Aside from the UNESCO World Heritage listed Itsukushima Shrine with its famous floating gate, the island is populated by wild deer and the Omotesando covered shopping street teems with local crafts and restaurants. Best Japanese city for nature: Nagano Nagano is close to Narai-juku, a historic post town along the Nakasendo route. With the Japan alps at its doorstep, Nagano is one of the most captivating cities in the country. As far as Japan destinations go, you've got the 10 kilometre ancient pilgrimage route of Togakushi Kodo to hike, the Jigokudani Monkey Park with its Japanese macaques (AKA snow monkeys) bathing in the hot springs, the off the beaten path Nagano Art Museum with its dynamic Mist Sculpture and a Ninja theme park. It's not one of the big cities of Japan but it's certainly one of the most popular cities. Best Nagano alternative: Matsumoto Matsumoto Castle dates from 1594. The Matsumoto City Museum is a culture lover's slice of heaven with Yayoi Kusama's Giant Pumpkin taking centre stage. From the contemporary to the past, the Matsumoto Castle is one of the largest wooden buildings in the region with fortifications dating from between 1467 and 1600. You can also take a day trip from Nagano and on the way get a glimpse of rural Japan and its traditional thatched houses. Best day trip from Nagano: Zenkoji temple Zenkoji Temple is a striking shrine. Said to hold the first Buddhist icon brought to Japan via China, this 7th Century temple complex offers temple lodging for an overnight stay that will be a highlight whether it's your first trip or your tenth. Be sure to pop into nearby 2nd street for some of the best thrift shopping in Japan. When is cherry blossom season? Generally speaking, you are looking at the last the last week of March to the first week of April for Kyoto, Tokyo, and surrounding regions for sakura season. It's crazy, crowded (especially in early April) but crowds aside it will forever be an excellent reason to visit Japan. What are the best places to see cherry blossom and autumn foliage in Japan? Public parks and gardens in Japan are specifically geared for flower viewing known as hanami. Try Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Osaka Castle Park, Matsumae Park and Goryokaku Fort in Hokkaido, Himeji Castle grounds, and Kawachi Fujien Garden in Kyushu for wisteria flowers (closer to May). Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Osaka Castle Park, Matsumae Park and Goryokaku Fort in Hokkaido, Himeji Castle grounds, and Kawachi Fujien Garden in Kyushu for wisteria flowers (closer to May). What island are the Japanese alps on? Honshu. In summer they offer excellent hiking trails that have become tourist attractions in themselves. When was the Edo period? From 1603 to 1868. The Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is the slightly off the beaten track in the western suburbs of Tokyo and features exquisite gardens among the thatched buildings that characterised this period. What are the best hot springs to visit in Japan? For a spread of experiences that go from uber luxe resorts through to traditional onsen towns through to public baths (please read the rules first), try Kinosaki Onsen, Kusatsu Onsens, Beppu Onsen, Hakone Onsen and Yufuin Onsen. Where is Kyushu island? Kyushu is the southernmost Japanese island. It has a subtropical climate and its main city of Fukuoka is home to a sparkling blend of top notch shopping, museums and shrines. Bit of everything with the beach an option too. Originally published as The best cities to visit in Japan on holiday
Time Out
13-05-2025
- Time Out
Big changes are coming for Aussie travellers headed to Japan from mid-2025, and they'll cost you
Planning a trip to Japan in 2026? Aren't we all! Last year, Aussies flocked to Japan in record numbers to cash in on the weak yen (guilty!). The country's global tourist tally is forecasted to jump from 36 million in 2024 to 40 million in 2025, forcing Japan to roll out some new rules and fees to manage overtourism. From mid-2025, tourists will pay more to visit Japan's top attractions, with some prices almost doubling. Here's everything you need to know about Japan's tourism shake-up. The Japanese government has already implemented several measures to curb its crazy tourism numbers, including a compulsory fee to climb Mount Fuji, a tourist ban in Kyoto's Geisha district and a daily cap on tourist numbers in Ginza Onsen. Now, Japan's set to roll out a dual-pricing system, where foreign tourists will pay higher entry fees than local residents at cultural landmarks, historic sites and theme parks. While you might wince at the thought of paying more, Japan is introducing these steeper fees to help manage crowds, protect its sacred landmarks and reduce the stress on local communities. Plus, the extra funds will go towards maintaining and preserving these popular sites so we can keep enjoying them for generations to come. Bring on Japan 2050! So, what does this mean for any Aussies heading to Japan this year? Starting in July, Hokkaido's Niseko Ski Resorts will charge tourists ¥6,500 ($69 AUD) per day, while locals will pay only ¥5,000 ($53 AUD). Hikers on the Yoshida Trail up Mount Fuji will also be charged ¥4,000 ($43 AUD) for a climbing permit, which is double what it used to be, with local residents exempt. Japan's historic network of shrines and temples will jump on the price hike bandwagon too. While prices will vary between them, locals could pay as little as ¥500 ($5 AUD) to enter each site, compared to ¥1,000 ($10 AUD) for foreign tourists. Future price increases are expected at popular sites, including Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara's Todaiji Temple, with the government set to monitor how the dual-pricing system affects visitor numbers before rolling out any further changes. Over in the west, Himeji Castle is taking a more localised approach with its pricing. In a controversial move, it will offer cheaper entry only to local residents, instead of all Japanese nationals. Starting in March 2026, locals will continue paying ¥1,000 ($10 AUD) for entry, while visitors will be charged between ¥2,000 and ¥3,000 ($20-$30 AUD). Down south, Junglia Okinawa, a new nature-themed amusement park set to open in July, will also adopt a dual-pricing model. It will charge overseas tourists ¥8,800 ($93 AUD), compared to ¥6,930 ($74 AUD) for Japanese residents – a steep difference of almost 30 per cent. On top of the price hikes, Kyoto is also poised to implement a tax hike on hotels and lodgings in the city. If approved, the maximum tax rate will increase up to ten times per night. You can find out more about that here. Another key change to take note of is the shift in Japan's tax-free shopping system to a refund-based model. Beginning in November 2026, tourists will no longer receive tax exemptions at the register. Instead, you'll be required to pay the full amount, including consumption tax, and then file for a refund later. While there won't be any additional fees, it will introduce an extra layer of hassle to claim your refund. Finally, Japan is preparing to launch the Japan Electronic Travel Authorisation (JESTA) system in 2025. While Aussie travellers will still enjoy visa-free travel, you'll now need to apply for online clearance before entering the country. Don't take this as your sign to book a Japan trip ASAP – we don't want to contribute to the country's overtourism crisis. Instead, explore one of Japan's charming regional towns or discover some underrated gems closer to home.
Buzz Feed
28-04-2025
- Buzz Feed
11 Mistakes You Want To Avoid At All Costs While Visiting This Popular And Historic Japanese City
Hi, my name is Raven, and my husband and I went to Japan for the first time for our honeymoon a couple of years ago. For two weeks, we went to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and it was an incredible experience we'll never forget. While each city has its own vibes and rhythms in terms of how it does things, there was something really special about Kyoto. Between visiting shrines and temples, exploring the quiet neighborhoods, and being surrounded by nature at every corner, it was hard to leave after our three and a half day stay. But even though we truly enjoyed our stay, it took a lot of planning and researching to make the most out of Kyoto. And since a lot of people are planning to visit this historic city this year because it's trending online and the yen is still low, I thought it would be helpful to share the biggest mistakes you should avoid when visiting Kyoto, like booking hotels in this one area or only using this one form of transportation to get around — plus, some things you should totally keep in mind that I hope will be helpful for you! While there are general Japan travel mistakes you want to avoid, like not carrying cash, eating and drinking while walking, and tipping at restaurants, the following mistakes are geared specifically for Kyoto. So don't be afraid to share any mistakes you think people should avoid like the plague, in the comments below! 1. First things first: Kyoto is not for sleepy heads. If you want to make the most out of this over 1,000-year-old city, I highly recommend waking up early, like really early, to avoid the crowds when exploring the most popular shrines and temples. Even though Kyoto has over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, tourists will flock to the most popular ones — like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest — as early as 9 a.m. (yeah, that's not a typo). So, my tip? Wake up anywhere between 5-6 a.m., grab breakfast at one of the konbinis (Japanese convenience stores), and head over to your destination by 7:00-8 a.m. For instance, when my husband and I visited the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama around 7 a.m., we had over an hour of relaxing time by ourselves before the crowds started to show up (and trust me, it was a night and day difference in volume). A lot of the most popular shrines and temples are actually open 24/7, so the fact that you can technically go whenever you want is a true luxury. A thing to note: The only popular temples that actually have restricted time frames are the Kinkaku-ji Temple (aka the Golden Pavilion), which opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which opens at 6 a.m. and closes depending on the season. When planning, just double-check which places are not open 24/7, so you don't miss out. Another thing to note: If you head to these places early, be mindful that many local shops or restaurants won't be open until around 10 or 11 a.m. (which is really common in Japan). So, definitely bring some extra snacks to hold you over until then. 2. Next, don't make the mistake of not planning ahead. Yes, you can definitely visit Kyoto on a whim and see things at your own leisure, but if you want to explore anything and everything that Kyoto has to offer, I strongly suggest whipping out a map and structuring each day to focus on a certain region of Kyoto — if not, your trip may become incredibly overwhelming because there is simply so much to do. The good news is that Kyoto can be broken up into five sections: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, and Central, with a few shrines and temples located in each of these areas. I recommend combining some of these sections into a three- or four-day trip. As an example: A three-day trip can involve the Southern and half of the Eastern areas on day one, the Western and parts of the Northern areas on day two, and the central and half of the Eastern areas on day three. My husband and I skipped the northern part altogether, and our days were still booked and busy for our three and a half day stay, especially between taking naps, eating food, and shopping. 3. However, this is why I strongly discourage trying to fit Kyoto in two days. This is a major mistake I see a lot of people making when planning their overall Japan trip, and unless you want to be utterly exhausted by the end of your Kyoto stay, I would avoid doing this at all costs. Instead, schedule a minimum of three days (although four days is best) to get the most out of this city. This will give you enough time to explore and enjoy all of the sights and food without having to rush. 4. Actually, another mistake a lot of people make is ignoring all the delicious food options and just focusing on the tourist attractions. To quote the Julia Roberts: "Big mistake, big, huge!" Why? Because Kyoto has a lot to offer when it comes to restaurants, coffee, and snacks. Yes, you can live off of the delicious konbini foods from either Family Mart or 7-Eleven (which are so, so good), but you can find those places anywhere in Japan! Raven Ishak Here are just a few places I think you should check out! Coffee: • Weekenders Coffee Roastery • School Bus Coffee Stop • % ARABICA • WIFE & HUSBAND • Goodman Roaster Kyoto Restaurants: • Kacto • Omen • Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi • Men-ya Inoichi Hanare Food-Focused Tourist Areas: • Nishiki Market • Pontocho A thing to note: Try not to use Google Maps to find restaurants or look up reviews. Instead, a lot of people have found success with Tabelog, which is similar to Open Table or Yelp. Another thing to note: I wouldn't try to find a restaurant when you're starving, as waiting in line for food is pretty common in Japan. Either A) schedule a reservation ahead of time to guarantee a spot, or B) leave earlier than you think you should to find some great spots. Usually, lines begin an hour before restaurants even open, so bring snacks with you to avoid getting hangry. Small tip: If you do choose to walk around but you're not sure if a restaurant is open or not, keep an eye out for restaurants' norens (aka curtains hung in front of doorways). They are usually displayed out front if they are open. 5. A lot of people say that Kyoto's transportation system is not as good as Osaka's or Tokyo's — and, even though there is a small truth to this, I disagree with the common tip of sticking to the bus system or, if you have the funds, taking a taxi to certain places. The only reason people are suggesting this is because a bus or taxi will drop you off right in front of the tourist attraction. While this can be helpful, I suggest taking the subway to wherever you want to go and walking the remainder of the way, if you really want to make the most of Kyoto (and if you're physically able to do so). Raven Ishak This tip might seem like a burden or an annoyance to some individuals; however, Kyoto is a beautiful, nature-centric city that should be explored on foot. Even though sidewalks are scarce in most areas, it's common to walk on the side against the buildings while letting the cars drive by (trust me, you'll feel safe because no one is driving a million miles per hour). The thing is, the greatest gems you'll find will be down alleyways or small corners that can only be found on foot. A thing to note: Taxis are extremely expensive in Japan, and Uber is not available in the country either. So, use this form of transportation cautiously if you want your Japan trip to be more budget-friendly. 6. Your feet will be barking if you reserve a hotel that is far from the attractions. Yes, a hotel may be cheaper if you find one on the Western side of Kyoto, where a lot is not going on; however, proximity is key if you don't want to collapse by the end of the day. Something to remember: You'll easily be doing twenty thousand steps a day during your Japan trip, so consider how you want to feel at the end of the day when heading back to your hotel. So, where should you stay in Kyoto? My first tip is to whip out that map of Kyoto again, pick the top attractions you absolutely don't want to miss, and reserve a hotel close to them. For instance, while my husband and I wanted to explore the Bamboo Forest on the West side of Kyoto, there were way more shrines and temples on the East side. So, we figured it would make the most sense for us to pick a hotel — BnA Alter Museum — in Downtown Kyoto by the Kamo River, which is at the edge of the city center. It took us an hour by subway to get to the Bamboo Forest, but it only took us about 20 minutes on foot to get to other destinations. However, if you want to get the most out of the Kyoto experience, a lot of people suggest staying in southern Higashiyama, where Gion, which is the Geisha District and a lot of traditional, Edo-period housing, is located. Small Tip: If you want to stay in a ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn, make sure you book this months in advance. These reservations go very quickly, especially in Kyoto. This is the one mistake we regret making. 7. Talking about Gion, avoid taking photos of Geishas unless you want to receive a 10,000 yen fine (which is about $70). Geishas (known as geiko in Japan) are protected in Kyoto, and the only way you can take pictures of them outside is if you have a permit. Unfortunately, a lot of tourists have invaded the Geishas' personal space and private properties lately, even though there are signs in Gion instructing visitors to refrain from taking photos. A thing to note: If you want to take pictures of Geishas, consider booking a tea-ceremony experience with them. While a lot of people may think it's okay to simply go up and ask to take a picture, Geishas are most likely already on the clock, heading to appointments. People have been called out for rude, paparazzi-like behavior, so just remember to be kind and respectful when exploring this historic district. 8. Another thing to keep in mind is that Kyoto is definitely the quietest of the three popular cities (Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo) that tourists visit in Japan, so I would avoid being loud if possible. While there are more lively areas in Osaka and Tokyo to "let loose" (like Dotonbori and Shinjuku), Kyoto is an ancient city known for its shrines, temples, and heritage, which is why life feels "slower" and more serene there. Seriously, take a stroll anywhere in the city center, and you could probably hear a pin drop. Raven Ishak The only times it will get loud are when you head to some of the major tourist destinations, especially Nishiki Market (a famous food hall) and Sannenzaka (a temple and shopping area), because of the sheer volume of people you will be surrounded by. A thing to note: if you truly hate walking close to strangers, I would just explore Kyoto's local areas, like its city center or downtown, since a lot of the major tourist attractions are in the outer areas of Kyoto (minus Nishiki Market). However, if you prefer noise, definitely visit Izakayas for a "pub-like" vibe. 9. When it comes to the shrine and temples, don't treat them like a regular tourist attraction — after all, these are religious sites. A lot of people make the mistake of just walking into these areas and doing whatever they please without considering why these buildings were built in the first place. So, before you enter a shrine or temple, I recommend following the etiquette tips below: Shrines: • Try not to walk directly through the center path under the torii (main gate), as that is only for the shrine god. • Make sure to "clean" your hands and mouth from the purification fountain. There is a certain way to do this, which you can find here. • Say a prayer in front of the honden (main hall), or throw a coin in the offering box, and ring the bell. You can find the full step-by-step guide here. You can also buy amulets, fortunes, and goshuin (stamps) to take home with you for luck. Temples: The rules are pretty similar to shrines, except they might not be as strict, or you may just have to perform rituals in a different sequence (for instance, temples usually include incense to burn for Buddha). Just make sure you're wearing socks when visiting temples, as you may have to take your shoes off before entering. We had to do this for a certain section at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. 10. A lot of people only explore Kyoto, yet there are so many cute smaller cities nearby! Yes, while your time there may be packed with things to do, you may be able to take a 30-minute train to either Uji (which is known for its matcha!) or an hour train to Nara (aka deer city), especially if you decide to add on a half or full fourth day! A lot of these places nearby can be done in half a day, so a little tip is to head over for a few hours during the day and then take the train back to Kyoto to grab some dinner. While my husband and I stayed in Kyoto the whole time we were there, we definitely plan on taking a day trip to one of these places the next time we (hopefully) will head back to Japan. 11. And finally, the last mistake you don't want to make when visiting Kyoto is actually going to Kyoto if you don't care for shrines, temples, or crowds. Although I can go on and on about this city and why I believe people should visit, Kyoto is not for everyone, and that is okay! Like I've mentioned before, Kyoto is pretty different from Tokyo and Osaka: It's quieter, more nature-focused, filled with shrines and temples, and tourist-heavy. If there's one thing I didn't like about Kyoto, it's that some historic regions sometimes felt like you were walking in an "amusement park" version of them because of how crowded it was, which took away from the traditional values and architecture that you were surrounded by. While I absolutely don't regret visiting this amazing and beautiful city, I do wish overtourism wasn't a huge problem here. A small tip: Try to minimize going to the popular Instagram or TikTok-loved restaurants or shops here, and instead, walk around the city to find local spots you can find on your own if you're looking for a more authentic experience. Even though I am a firm believer in doing the touristy things when you first visit a place, it's also a good idea to balance these things with spots that aren't as "hyped" on social media — they deserve just as much love. Have you ever been to Kyoto, Japan? We want to hear all the tips someone should keep in mind for their trip, either in the anonymous Google form or in the comments below.
