Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

other

Dōtonbori

Dotonbori is an electric, bright light and fast paced district of Osaka, with high end shopping and sushi to die for. But I suggest doing some exploring beyond this. Find the labyrinth of back alleys around the main areas. They are lined with tiny, family owned bars, restaurants, and shops. Hidden temples lit by lantern. My crew found a place tucked into a back alley with a door maybe five feet tall. Walked in and were suddenly surprised with a sit-on-a-pillow-on-the-floor-do-it-yourself-hibachi experience. All sorts of hidden surprises waiting to be discovered in this area.

Shinjuku, Tokyo

experience

Shinjuku

For the ultimate nightlife experience, you cannot go wrong with either the Shinjuku or Shibuya districts in Tokyo. Start your night with a wild meal at the famous robot restaurant in Shinjuku and soak in the neon, electrifying chaos of one of the most advanced cities on earth. Head to Shibuya and check out the busiest intersection in the world before heading to Club Womb to dance. End the night with a late night bowl of reviving, steaming hot ramen.

Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to

restaurants

Tsukiji Market

My crew headed to this fish market at 3:30am and spent hours wandering the hectic, sensory overload maze of exotic right-out-of-the-ocean seafood. Caution- the hardworking fisherman and auctioneers here are not super thrilled about tourists gaucking over their business, so lay low and be respectful.

Chiyoda, Tokyo

experience

Tokyo Station

The Bullet Train.. travel at what seems like the speed of light while enjoying a bento box and views of Mount Fuji.

Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

outdoors

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A winding path through a larger than life bamboo forest in Kyoto with quiet temples, shrines and zen gardens on both sides. A tranquil and traditional experience not to be missed.

Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu

experience

Fushimi Inari Taisha

This red-arched pathway deserves all of its fame. Go here in the early evening and take your time hiking high into the hills, past the crowd to experience dusk surrounded by ancient shrines and tall pine trees.

Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu

bar

WORLD KYOTO

If you're into the insane Japanese night clubbing scene, Kyoto is home to one of the largest nightclubs - Club World. An unforgettable euphoric experience

Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu

experience

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street Union

The Arcades in Shin Kyogoku. Go on a mission to find the underground game arcades hidden throughout this giant deluxe shopping center.

Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu

experience

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike through a quiet forest on the outskirts of Kyoto to find a thriving monkey park at the summit of the hill. Feed the monkeys and catch an incredible view of the city below.

Kōbe-shi, Hyōgo-ken

restaurants

Kobe Plaisir

Kobe Plaisir gave me and my crew an incredible, high end, Kobe steak dining experience. Right after, we asked our waiter for a good bar suggestion. He told us to follow him and he showed us to a door in the back alley with a penguin painted on it. A little nervous, we opened the door and walked down a dark staircase. We turned the corner to a red-light lit bar bumping old school rap music on a record machine, and most remarkably - a wall to wall tank with live penguins. We stayed here irresponsibly late having fun with the animated bartenders and playing good music. I'd highly recommend seeking out this awesome hidden drink spot.