Just got done with a 2.5 week stay in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Arima Onsen.
Overall there was a lot we loved but also a lot we didn’t care for. A lot of times I came away disappointed but I think our group had such high expectations because of all our friends who have gone and absolutely loved it.
TBH I didn’t like Tokyo that much but I’m glad I experienced the chaos of that city. I come from a big city in America, but it makes Chicago tiny. I just couldn’t deal with the giant sea of people everywhere. Yes I’m going to complain about tourists while I’m contributing to it myself, I just prefer vacations that are less touristy. All my favorite places are typically not popular destinations. Lastly, I found the people in Tokyo pretty cold compared to the other Japanese cities we went to.
Kyoto was beautiful, but once again, everything has giant crowds of people. It just takes away from the beauty. And yes I’m fully aware I’m also a tourist, I just don’t understand the people who love being around 500 other tourists. The small neighborhoods in Kyoto are wonderful and have so much charm.
Osaka was probably my favorite just because people were so friendly and it felt so progressive. It almost seemed like the opposite of Tokyo. Locals were super helpful and friendly, people dressed completely different, just seemed like people were more relaxed there. Dotonbori was cool, the markets were awesome and the food was the best.
I personally thought Kobe was the best. Such a laid back port city. I think I enjoyed it because there were so few tourists. You get the chill feeling near the water, and then you go in a few blocks and you get that busy feeling of the city. Arima Onsen which is less than an hour from Kobe was really cool. A tiny town in the mountains with amazing Onsens. Our hotel had a bunch of private onsens and they were a great experience.
Overall I think I will comeback but I’d like to look more into the smaller less touristy areas. I’m just a bit surprised how much everyone loves doing the trio of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. They’re all such busy cities. Would be like someone recommending NYC, Philly and DC. Maybe I’m just not built for the chaos of the city.
Just my honest opinion. Overall great experience but like most vacations it had plenty of good and bad.
by CantCMe88