1. Culture
Kyoto is where you should head if you are a culture vulture like me. The Bamboo Walk is one of the most meditative walks to take. Sign up for an ikebana class in one of the local houses where a grandmother shares her knowledge of flowers. Go for a tea ceremony in Gion to see how Japanese loved extreme sophistication even when it came to having tea.
2. Food
The Nishiki Market is a place where one can soak in Japanese farmers in a market ambience.
Try the famed Japanese desserts, they are mini pieces of art. In the evening, head to Pontocho, an area with an eclectic mix of sushi bars and Japanese jazz bars. For vegetarians, though, I hate to burst your bubble, but there is nothing called “vegetarian sushi” in Japan! Do try staying in Onsen (a Japanese hot spring spa resort) in the outskirts of Kyoto. There are live cooking workshops, where you can make your own vegetarian hot pot, and enjoy it overlooking a picturesque Japanese garden.
3. Offbeat
The Sake Museum located in the outskirts of Kyoto is a must-visit. There is a Sake factory along with it where even the waste water of Sake distillation tastes amazing. You should also climb Mount Figi as the view is worth the burn.
4. Shopping
In terms of fashion, Tokyo is 10 years ahead of even NYC and whether you are a sneaker head or indigenous designer clothing buff, Ginja is the mecca for all.
5. Party
Tokyo is also the party capital. The party scene picks up bit late so early birds can nap before they set out to party like the Japanese do. There are many multiple level dance floors playing different kinds of music though my favourite activity was sipping whisky at Moji Tower, which is among the tallest buildings in Tokyo.
