JAPAN: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
Japan
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Oct 8 - Oct 17, 2025
The itinerary had early mornings and it presented some challenges particularly on hotel-change days, you’re up early, you arrive at the next destination, and then end up losing a lot of time just waiting around. Check out time is typicallt 10:00am and check in time is 3:00pm. Hotels allow for early bag drop off which is great but you're dropping off your bags, lined up with everyone in the same area as those checking out. By then you’re usually tired from the travel itself and could really use a shower or short rest, but instead you’re stuck filling the day — until check-in time. The result is you start the evening already exhausted, with little energy left for anything social.
As an example, I arrived in Osaka at 10:30 am, couldn’t check in until 3:00 pm, walked around for hours, had lunch, and by the time I finally got into my room, my feet were sore, I was overheated, and just wanted to shower and rest. I unpacked, repacked for the next day, and ended up too tired to go out my last night — which became a theme of this trip. I definitely packed too much into each day and would recommend doing less each and extending your time in each city.
That pacing would give more time to actually enjoy each city rather than rushing through it. Frequent hotel changes really take a toll!
Even though I didn't travel during peak season, the crowds were intense. Kyoto was especially overwhelming — Kiyomizu-dera Temple were shoulder-to-shoulder, and after 4 hours I still hadn’t reached the actual temple. In the Gion district, the narrow alley ways were intensely crowded to the point of being frustrating. I eventually gave up and found a tiny English pub — something I could easily do back home :(
One last note — tattoos are still a challenge in Japan. I was stared at or ignored in several places, including restaurants and at both tattoo friendly sento and onsen, which left me feeling self-conscious - with that said there were more moments of feeling welcomed. I often ended up eating lunch and dinner from convenience stores — the food there was great, varied and affordable but I missed out on restaurant experiences. It might be worth mentioning to other solo female travellers with visible tattoos that they could face that kind of reaction, just so they’re prepared.
Eleanor my travel coordinator was exceptional and went WAY beyond my expectations in her attention to care and accommodation. Thank you again Eleanor for all the care and detail you put into planning this trip — you’ve been wonderful - before / during and after my Japan adventure
Hotel Review
My stay at Yuno Yado Shoei was an absolute highlight of my trip — a deeply traditional and genuinely restorative experience. From the moment I arrived, the hospitality was warm, attentive, and unhurried in that distinctly Japanese way that makes you feel truly welcomed The ryokan itself is elegant and peaceful, with every detail — from the tatami rooms to the onsen — designed for comfort and calm. The meals were beautifully presented and thoughtfully prepared, offering a real taste of regional Kyoto cuisine. I also appreciated how quiet and respectful the entire atmosphere was; it created a sense of stillness that’s rare to find while travelling If you’re looking for an authentic ryokan stay that honours tradition without feeling touristy, Yuno Yado Shoei is the perfect choice. I left feeling grounded, rested, and grateful for the experience 🖤
Activity Review
Yumi was absolutely integral to my Tokyo experience. As a solo traveller, I couldn’t have asked for a better guide — warm, knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely charming. She instantly made me feel at ease and curated the tour perfectly to my interests, blending local history, hidden neighbourhood gems, and everyday cultural moments in a way that felt natural and immersive Her storytelling and humour brought Tokyo to life, and the day flowed effortlessly — never rushed, always intentional. We ended the tour sharing sake together, which was the perfect way to wrap up such a meaningful experience. It felt less like a guided tour and more like spending the day with a dear friend who loves her city and wants you to love it too Exploring Tokyo with Yumi was unforgettable — thoughtful, personal, and full of heart 🖤