We flew direct from Brisbane to Narita, and arrived at Terminal 3. The customs line was a bit long, but it moved steadily, so it wasn’t too bad. 🛬

After clearing customs and picking up the luggage, it’s worth stopping by the airport convenience store to grab a quick meal or snack. This is also a good place to take out some cash if you haven't yet done so.

If staying near Narita Airport, keep in mind that the area is generally quiet in the evenings, so it’s a good chance to take it easy after the long flight and settle in for an early night at the hotel.

We took the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 2, where our hotel offers a free shuttle service from Bus Stop No. 25. Click here to see the free airport shuttle bus schedule. 🚏

We were traveling as a group of four, so for the first night, we booked a Quadruple Room with Four Single Beds. The room was surprisingly spacious for a Japanese hotel, and the beds were really comfortable too.

It costed us 27,540 yen for one night, which we split evenly.

If you arrived early and want some activity to do, I recommend checking out this place.

It's a facility that offers natural hot springs, restaurants, and other relaxation amenities. ♨️

Check out of the hotel early to catch the free shuttle bus back to Narita Airport.

The shuttle bus only goes as far as Terminal 2, so from there, you’ll need to walk to Terminal 3. Simply follow the signs along the covered walkway. They’re clearly marked and will guide you straight to the terminal.

There’s a convenience store at the airport, so grab some coffee and onigiri for breakfast on the flight. My favourite is the miso and scallion filling - look for the writing 'ねぎ味噌' (Negi Miso). I promise, it's so good!

The flight is about 2hr20min long.

Arrive in Fukuoka. 🛬

After collecting your luggage, take the escalators or elevators in Domestic Terminal 2 to the underground level. We will be taking the Fukuoka City Subway to Gion Station - it’s only three stops and takes less than 10 minutes. 🚇

If you already have an IC card loaded on your Apple Wallet, you can just tap and go. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a ticket from the machine. The adult fare was 260 yen.

From Gion Station, take a short walk to the hotel.

You can enter the building through the side entrance and take the elevator to the lobby. Check-in at Japanese hotels is usually in the afternoon, around 3 PM, so leave your luggage with the front desk in the meantime.

Arriving in a new city, we were so excited and eager to explore, so we decided to walk to the lunch spot. The stroll felt like the perfect way to start the adventure.

First meal in Fukuoka!

Located near the Hakata station, Kiwamiya Hakata is known for the delicious Japanese hamburger steak (ハンバーグ ステーキ).🥩

You get to cook your own steak on a small hot stone. When the stone gets cold, the staff will replace it with a new one. If you get the set that comes with side dishes such as rice, salad and miso soup, you can ask for more free of charge as many times as you want. 🍚

Unfortunately, you won't be able to book in advance, so be prepared to queue. We waited around 40 minutes, which isn’t too bad for a popular restaurant during lunch rush in Japan. It was totally worth the wait, the meat was so tender and delicious! 🥹

After lunch, if you are in the mood for a pick-me-up, grab some coffee or matcha from here. They also serve hojicha lattes (love this) and have a great selection of pastries. ☕️🥨

The Kushida Shrine of Hakata is one of the oldest shrines in Fukuoka and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city’s rich history and culture. ⛩️

After visiting the Kushida Shrine, take a short stroll over to the Kawabata Shopping Arcade and soak up the local vibes.

If you are exploring Hakata, you can’t miss its oldest shopping street. Stretching 400 meters, it’s home to more than 100 shops, making it the perfect spot to wander and pick up some unique finds.

This iconic shopping area has been around for over 130 years and is packed with everything from ramen joints to artisan gifts and traditional Hakata clay dolls. See below for a few of my recommended shops.

If you’re a cat lover, this shop is a must-visit! The entire store is filled with cat-themed items, and let me tell you, everything is ridiculously cute. I was trying my best not to go overboard. 🐈🐈‍⬛

This is a small and charming tea shop. 🍵

Whenever I spot strawberry mochi, I can’t help myself - I just have to stop and grab one! 🍓🍡

After exploring the shopping arcade, head back to the hotel to finish checking in and rest for a bir before dinner. My partner and I booked the Double Room with Tatami Areas, which costed us 42,768 yen for three nights.

Like most Japanese hotels, the room was a bit small with limited space to walk around. We had two big suitcases, so we had to play a bit of Tetris to make everything fit efficiently. The bed was comfortable, but the pillows they provided were buckwheat pillow (they are really firm). I suggest asking the front desk for softer pillows if you find it too hard.

One of the main reasons we booked this hotel is because it has a public bath area. Both the men’s and women’s baths feature indoor and semi-open-air baths. In your room, you’ll find towels, slippers, and pyjamas. ♨️

From our experience, the bath area gets a lot busier at night, especially around 9pm. That said, you can keep track of the status via the TV in your room. When you check in, you'll be given an access card, which you’ll need to get into the bath area. This is how they keep track of how busy it is.

The restaurant focuses on fresh seafood from Nagahama Market, with seasonal catches and a range of preparation styles that make each dish feel special. The interior is a calm, modern Japanese-style space.

Click here to reserve.

The terminal is located on the river's edge of Tenjin Central Park, adjacent to the Fuku-Haku-Deai Bridge.

Arrive 15 minutes in advance before reservation time. If the time has passed, it may be treated as a cancellation.

When you make your reservation, keep in mind that you won’t be able to pay upfront. Payment is made in cash on the day.

The fare is 1,500 yen per person when we went.

A unique way to see Hakata. The cruise goes downriver along the Nakagawa River through to the Nakasu entertainment district, before heading to the Hakata Harbour, where you can see the port tower, returning back to the terminus.

The boat ride was pretty cold, so be sure to wear a warm jacket.

Back to the hotel. 💤

This was easily one of my favorite meals of the trip! The vibe of the restaurant, the way the food was presented, and of course, the taste - everything was just chef’s kiss. 🤌🏽

Unfortunately, you can’t make a reservation for breakfast. But we got there around 8:30am and only had to wait for about 10 minutes (maybe we were lucky).

I went for the Itookashi Signature Set Meal (いとおかし御膳). Highly recommend! The sashimi is also really good. So fresh and sweet. 😋

Start from Hakata Station to go to Ainoshima (a cat island). Make sure to buy some snacks and drinks for the trip. Don’t forget to pick up some treats for the cats as well - have a variety, as the cats on the island can be surprisingly picky.

Ainoshima is a quiet fishing island famous for its cats, which were originally brought over by fishermen.

Take the Kagoshima line to Fukko-Daimae station.

Walk for about 2 minutes to JR Fukko-Daimae Station, where you can catch the Marinex マリンクス（相らんど線第1ルート) bus.

This bus will take you directly to the entrance of Shingu Port. You’ll literally step off the bus right into the port’s waiting area, where you can purchase your tickets and board the ferry.

Make sure you have coins with you, as IC cards are not accepted. The bus fare is 100 yen.

Note that the arrival time of each bus to Shingu Port is synchronized with the ferry schedule. If you miss a bus or ferry, you may have to wait a few hours, so be sure to arrive early!

These buses aren’t like the regular Japanese buses you might be used to. They are small shuttle buses, and two will arrive at each scheduled time.

From Shingu Port, take the 町営渡船しんぐう（新宮発相島行) ferry to Ainoshima.

The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes one way. You can only purchase a one-way ticket from Shingu Port, which costs 480 yen for an adult. Tickets are bought at the port but will be collected upon arrival at the island.

Arrive at the cat island - Ainoshima.

The island has a relaxed, laid-back vibe. You’ll see some people fishing around the port, and both the locals and the cats appear calm and easygoing. There isn’t much to do on a small island like this, but that’s part of its charm.

Yes, you can feed the cats, but make sure to take your rubbish with you and avoid giving them human food.

Before you get carried away with all the cuteness, head to the ferry waiting room and buy a return ticket. The last thing you want is to rush on your way back and miss the ferry.

Note that the return ferry allows boarding 15 minutes before departure. A staff member will signal for you to queue up. There’s a chance you may not be allowed to board if it’s full, so make sure to queue up as soon as you see the ferry arrive.

Unlike the ferry to the island, your tickets will be collected upon boarding this time.

Do some shopping to kill time before dinner.

Or if you are tired from the long journey, chill at the cafe and enjoy some delicious fruit sandwiches.

Fukuoka isn't just about ramen - it's also the land of mentaiko (spicy cod roe). If you are a fan of bold flavours, this spot is a must visit. They specialises in all things mentaiko, along with tsukemen (dipping ramen), making for a seriously tasty combo. 🍜✨

The mentaiko brings that perfect savoury, spicy kick to every bite, while the tsukemen adds a fun, hands on twist to your ramen experience.

To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect when I booked this restaurant. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the food. But wow, it was so delicious, and we all loved it. So glad we gave it a try! 🤗

The only down side is that you have to call the restaurant to make a booking, but they do accept walk-ins.

Back to the hotel. 💤

Tomorrow, we will be shipping our big suitcases to the next destination, so make sure to pack your overnight essentials in a carry-on or duffle bag.

Make reservation in advance. You can book via TableCheck.com.

A restaurant specialised in Robatayaki, where items of food are slow grilled over hot charcoal. Their most popular item is the grilled salmon set, which comes with picked side dishes, calm soup and unlimited rice.

It was so good! 😌

Purchase the Dazaifu & Yanagawa sightseeing pack at the station.

The pack costs around 3,340 yen per person and it includes Nishitetsu train round trip ticket and punting boat tour ticket in Yanagawa.

For more info, see this site.

Leave the busy hustle of the streets behind and drift leisurely along the picturesque canals of Yanagawa. The cruise takes approximately 70 minutes over a course that is around four kilometres long.

Afterwards, let's go to Dazaifu Tenmangu!

Explore the shrine and temple. There's also plenty of local shops to check out. Make sure to try out all the different food stalls.

The pack purchased earlier also includes free train ride back to either Tenjin or Yakuin station.

For dinner, we are trying a local delicacy: Motsunabe (もつ鍋).

Motsunabe is a regional hot pot dish made with simmered beef or pork offal. This restaurant specialises in beef.

Enjoy the rich, savoury broth with hints of sweetness and umami from roasted fish and miso. The wagyu offal is tender, juicy, and melts in your mouth.

Back to the hotel. 💤

Make sure to be at the gate at least 10 to 15 minutes in advance. Train here is almost always on time.

Let's head to the hotel to drop off the overnight bags first. I recommend grabbing a taxi instead of taking the public transport so you are not inconveniencing others with all the big luggages. Since it is a short ride to the hotel, it's pretty affordable.

For our trip, we booked the party room for four people. It was around 78,186 yen for three nights. The room size was decent for a Japanese hotel, and I loved sleeping in the bunk beds. They were surprisingly comfortable.

One unique feature of this hotel is its check-in system. The entire process can be done through their app, and when it’s time to check in, you’ll receive a code that serves as your room key, no physical check-in needed.

After dropping off the bag, let's headed straight to the famous Nishiki Market to do some Tabearuki (食べ歩き) — which means “eating while walking” or sampling various street foods as you stroll.

Try out all the different food stalls and buy some local souvenirs.

I had a lot of fun checking out the stores along this street.

Back to the hotel. Get settled in and fresh up for dinner.

For our first dinner in Kyoto, we visited a charming restaurant that beautifully showcases Obanzai (おばんざい), a traditional style of home-cooked cuisine unique to Kyoto. It features simple, seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, prepared in a way that highlights natural flavours. Often passed down through generations, obanzai focuses on balance and harmony, using humble ingredients like vegetables, tofu, and fish to create comforting, flavorful meals. It’s the perfect way to experience Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage.

This place is perfect for those who want an authentic taste of Kyoto’s culinary heritage in a relaxed setting. Highly recommended for a genuine Kyoto dining experience!

You can make reservation in advance via this link.

After dinner, if you are not too tired, go for walk along side the Kamo River.

Back to the hotel. 💤

Leave the hotel early to have breakfast in Arashiyama.

I recommended at least leave before 9AM.

Arrive in Arashiyama.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Arashiyama, Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden offers a calm and beautifully curated café setting in one of Kyoto’s most scenic areas. 🪴

There’s a great selection of breakfast and lunch items. 🍞🥐🥨

After breakfast, let’s stroll along the riverbank before hiking up to the viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of Arashiyama Park from above.

Afterward, let’s head to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Be prepared for crowds!

Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Ogura, Okochi Sanso Garden showcases a traditional Japanese garden, complete with a classic villa, tea house, and Buddhist halls. 🌿

If you’re seeking a peaceful escape and a true zen experience, this is a must-visit. 🍵

Enjoy some sukiyaki at Yoshiya, a spot that serves classic Kyoto cuisine with authentic flavours.

After lunch, let's check out some of the local stores around the area to kill time before the scenic train ride.

Miffy Sakura Kitchen is a cute spot offering adorable Miffy themed snacks and exclusive merchandise.

From the web: Spring blossoms, fall colors & mountains can be viewed from this famed wood bridge.

Time to ride the Sagano Romantic Train. 🚃🍁

Arrive at the destination.

Kill some time in Kawaramachi - great area for shopping.

Sushi Fukagawa Ryuji is a hidden gem in Kyoto, offering an intimate and exceptional sushi experience. With only around 8 seats, reservations are essential. The chef, Ryuji Fukagawa, crafts innovative dishes using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. 🍣

We booked the 11,000 yen (per person) Night Omakase Course. This was hands down one of our favourite meals from this trip! ✨

Click here to make reservation.

Back to the hotel. 💤

Head out of the hotel before 10am.

Arrive in Uji.

Great place to enjoy food made from matcha. Highly recommend the soba!

From the web: Uji River bridge thought to date to the 7th century, featured in many works of art & literature.

This 300-meter-long street is lined with traditional tea houses, many dating back to the Muromachi period.

Tsujiri Uji Main Store is a must-visit for matcha lovers. 🍵

A traditional wagashi shop in Uji, renowned for its handmade tea dumplings (茶だんご) crafted without artificial colours or additives. 🍡

A historic tea house in Uji, founded in 1854.

Byodoin Temple is renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto'.

Back to Kawaramachi.

Tucked near Gion-Shijo, this restaurant serves Kyoto-produced meats and creative fruit and vegetable sours. 🍹🍱✨

Each dish is carefully prepared to highlight Kyoto ingredients, and the fruit and vegetable sours pair nicely with the meal. Portions are modest and prices slightly high, but the food quality and presentation make it worth a visit. 🤗

Click here to make reservation.

Back to the hotel.

Make sure to pack tonight, as we will be shipping our suitcases to the hotel in Kusatsu Onsen tomorrow. Keep a carry on with essentials for the next few days until Tokyo.

Unfortunately, this hotel doesn’t offer luggage delivery service, but there's a nearby place that does. We will head there first thing in the morning.

Take an Uber to the Yamato Transport Centre to ship the suitcases to the hotel in Tokyo.

Make sure to have the hotel's name, address and contact number ready.

Since the night bus departs around 10 PM, there’s a full day to explore Kyoto. Start by heading to Kyoto Station to drop off your overnight bags, so you won’t have to carry them around while sightseeing.

Click here for more information on how and where to find the coin lockers.

Eikando Temple (Zenrin-ji) is a beautiful historic temple in Kyoto, known for its autumn colours and the unique sideways-looking Amida Buddha statue.

Enjoy some tea with traditional Japanese dessert here.

A little scenic walk.

Some delicious udon for lunch.

Shinpuhkan (新風館) is a stylish shopping and lifestyle complex in Kyoto.

Museum featuring an extensive array of Japanese comic books & graphic novels, plus reading areas if you are intersted.

Enjoy some fluffy pancakes.

Back to Kyoto Station.

Kyoto Porta is a huge underground shopping complex located directly beneath Kyoto Station.

There's a lot of shops and restaurants here.

Kill some time here before time to ride the bus.

Follow signs for '八条口 (Hachijo Exit)'. This exit is on the south side of Kyoto Station. Once you step outside from Hachijo Exit, you will see a row of bus stops in front of you.

Find the G2 Bus Stop:

Landmarks to help you:

The bus departs at 10:13PM.

The bus to Kusatsu Onsen doesn't come until 8:40AM.

Let's have some coffee and kill time here until the bus arrives.

Arrive in Kusatsu Onsen. Before leaving, purchase the express bus ticket to Busta Shinjuku Station for Day 10.

Let's drop the bags at the hotel first.

Time to explore the town!

First stop - the famous Yubatake. ♨️

Lunch recommendation.

Gozanoyu is a beautifully restored public bathhouse in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, right next to the iconic Yubatake hot spring field. Its traditional wooden architecture blends Edo and Meiji period styles, offering a nostalgic atmosphere.

Check into the hotel - unwind and enjoy the onsen facilities.

Dinner will be a buffet served at the hotel.

The hotel offers a free shuttle bus to the Yubatake.

Ōtaki no Yu (大滝乃湯) is a renowned public bathhouse in Kusatsu Onsen, celebrated for its traditional 'awase-yu' bathing experience. This method involves progressing through a series of baths with increasing temperatures, ranging from approximately 38°C to 46°C, promoting relaxation and improved circulation.

Back to the hotel. 💤

Take a morning bath and then enjoy the breakfast buffet.

From the web: Urban park with bathing in naturally heated, steaming pools & walking trails in a forested valley.

Sainokawara Open-Air Bath (西の河原露天風呂) is one of Japan’s largest outdoor hot springs, nestled within Sainokawara Park in Kusatsu Onsen.

Cute cafe.

Back to the hotel. Dinner again is the hotel buffet.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel.

Take the pre-booked express bus to Tokyo.

Arrive in Tokyo. Head to the hotel first to drop off any big bags.

Check in time is not until 3pm, so come back later to finish the procedures.

Go walk around and explore the Shinjuku area.

From the web: Lively shopping mall in a high-rise building, featuring a modest assortment of well-known brands.

Sushi Yamaken Shinjuku Higashiguchi is a renowned omakase sushi restaurant in central Tokyo, offering a carefully curated course prepared by the chef with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The experience doesn't end there - after the omakase, guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat maguro experience, customized to their preference. 🍣

Since we were already full from the course, we focused on ordering sashimi to savor the quality of the maguro without the extra rice.

It costed us 7,999yen per person. It wasn't cheap but definitely worth it. 🙌🏽

Click here to make reservation.

Back to the hotel and finish checking in.

We had a wonderful stay at this onsen ryokan in Shinjuku. The highlight was definitely the rooftop onsen, where we could soak in the hot spring bath while enjoying a beautiful view of the city skyline. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring Tokyo.

While it's in Shinjuku, the nearest train station requires a bit of a walk. It wasn't a major issue for us, but something to keep in mind if you have heavy luggage or prefer easy access to public transit. Overall, if you're looking for a relaxing and unique stay in Tokyo with a fantastic onsen experience, this ryokan is a great choice.

We booked the standard double room and it was around 120,280yen for 5 nights for 2 person.

If it’s your first time in Japan, it’s worth a visit! This bustling foodie spot is full of fresh sushi, street snacks, and unique treats. Go early (before 8am) to beat the crowds.

An immersive digital art museum in Toyosu, Tokyo, where visitors walk barefoot through water and interact with large-scale installations. Highlights include the "Floating Flower Garden" with over 13,000 live orchids and the "Infinite Crystal Universe," a dazzling LED-lit room. The museum offers a multisensory experience that encourages playful exploration and emotional engagement.

You could either book the ticket from KLOOK or directly from their website here. It was around 4,200 yen per person for us.

From the web: Denmark-based retailer featuring unique toys & accessories as well as gifts.

From the web: Sizable retail mall offering a variety of clothing & accessory shops for men & women, plus eateries.

All things beauty related.

From the web: Bustling shopping district known for its clothing stores specializing in cosplay costumes & cafes.