Bucket List: Japan

It used to be super-pricey but Japan is now a surprisingly affordable destination for travellers. Yes, there’s the very friendly exchange rate but there’s also the budget-friendly train system and myriad local dining spots that won’t burn a hole in your back pocket. And you don’t need to blow all your yen on expensive galleries and museums; there are plenty of free attractions, from ancient shrines and serene temples to expansive parks and bustling department stores. Here’s what to see and eat and where to stay in three of Japan’s most popular cities.

Tokyo

Tokyo’s population may be nearly 40 million but the first thing you’ll notice is that this chaotic, neon-lit city runs like clockwork. Hit one distinct district at a time to get the most out of your visit.

Eat

If you don’t mind waiting for a table, Tamawarai in the Harajuku district serves Michelin-starred soba noodles for under $30. For a lively atmosphere, hit up a vibrant izakaya (Japanese-style pub) in Shibuya or Shinjuku. Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) is an alleyway a short stroll from Shinjuku Station that’s jam-packed with tiny eateries slinging grilled meat skewers and cold beer. If you want something to go, most department stores – such as Mitsukoshi in Ginza – have a food hall where you can grab ready-to-eat meals and bentos.

See

You can enjoy the best of Tokyo without paying for tickets and entrance fees to overrun tourist spots – it just takes a little planning. Head to the colourful Harajuku district to experience the fashion culture before wandering to the serene Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine and the massive torii gate at its entrance. Walk south to get to Shibuya and its bright lights, huge department stores, trendy teens and famous pedestrian crossing. To get a holiday snap worth framing, skip the Tokyo Skytree and take a lift 202 metres up to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s free observation decks instead – you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance. Travelling with kids? Nearby Disneyland blends the House of Mouse’s charm with Japanese culture, immersive rides and fireworks shows.

Stay

• Lyf Ginza Tokyo: A modern spot in Ginza with spacious communal areas, basic but comfortable rooms and a location ideal for exploring the upscale shopping and dining district.
• Granbell Hotel: Located in the heart of Shinjuku, this hotel has a rooftop bar and a number of different room types to suit all groups.
• Hotel Indigo: This boutique stay is all about thoughtful design – from rooms with record players and vinyls to the 11th-floor art gallery – and is close to luxury shops.

To book search “Travel Booking” in the CommBank app.

Pay your own way

Load yen (or your choice of 10-plus other currencies) onto a CommBank Travel Money Card so you can easily track your holiday spending in the local currency and manage it on-the-go in the CommBank app. Even better, you won’t incur fees on international transactions.

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Kyoto

Brimming with temples, shrines and geishas – not to mention cherry blossoms and towering bamboo forests – Kyoto is a city where history and culture come alive.

Eat

You’ll find all the favourites here – from ramen and tempura to sushi and soba – but it’s worth focusing on the local specialties. Kyoto’s traditional sweets, known as kyogashi, are intricately crafted confections best paired with matcha tea (arguably the best in Japan). You’ll find the most beautifully designed iterations in Kameya Yoshinaga near the Nishiki Market or Kagizen Yoshifusa in Gion. Vegetarians are well looked after in Kyoto as tofu is a prolific part of local cuisine – hit any number of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) eateries serving hearty dishes of seasonal vegetables and tofu. Try Daitokuji Ikkyu in central Kyoto – this Zen temple restaurant is the oldest one of its kind in Kyoto.

See

While each district has plenty to do, there are some can’t-miss highlights. In the city’s south-east, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a trail of vibrant orange torii gates that offer memorable photo opportunities. On a sunny day, head for the stunning Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), covered in sparkling gold leaf and situated beside a pristine pond. And for forest-bathing – a popular local hobby – walk the towering Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at dawn or dusk to avoid the crowds. Afternoons are best spent meandering along the shopping arcades and markets of downtown Kyoto. If the younger members of your group need a break from temples and shrines, day-tripping to Nara to feed the famous deer will mix things up.

Stay

• Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto: Comfortable and family friendly, this hotel has big rooms with kitchen and laundry facilities and is in a great location for exploring historic sites.
• Kaya Kyoto Nijo Castle: This boutique hotel near Nijo Castle has elegant rooms, a serene garden and a restaurant that blends traditional and modern design.
• The Millennials: This futuristic stay has well-designed sleeping pods with high ceilings, plenty of storage and large beds that turn into sofas at the touch of a button.

To book search “Travel Booking” in the CommBank app.

Osaka

It’s not called Japan’s kitchen for nothing. Osaka is rightly famous for some of the best food in the country, as well as neon-lined streets and a rich feudal history.

Eat

You’ll need to master one word: okonomiyaki. The savoury pancake made with ingredients like pork, squid and cabbage is a local specialty and is as affordable as it is delicious – head to Okonomiyaki Mizuno in Dotonbori for some of the best. Nearby, stop under the giant octopus sign at the famous Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru stall for takoyaki (aka fried octopus balls). For a hearty bowl of udon, head to the north of the city to visit Byakuan, which serves up flat-edged sanuki noodles. At Kuromon Market, many stalls will grill the fresh seafood you’ve bought and let you eat it right there, while sushi lovers should grab a counter seat at Endo Sushi at Osaka Central Fish Market to watch masterful chefs work their magic.

See

Start with a stroll through the sprawling grounds of Osaka Castle, built by a famous samurai in 1583 and complete with a golden tearoom. Window-shop the underground malls of the Kita district, the city’s northern downtown hub, and then head for the clouds at the Umeda Sky Building’s observatory, which offers panoramic city views. Further south, the Minami district is home to Dotonbori Canal and the strip of teahouses, restaurants and theatres that runs beside it (where locals go for entertainment, shopping and food). For the kids, don’t miss the CupNoodles Museum, where interactive exhibits entertain and they can even create their own unique instant-noodle flavour.

Stay

• Citadines Namba Osaka: These spacious serviced apartments in Namba cater to families and long-term travellers, with many offering fully equipped kitchens.
• Dormy Inn Premium Osaka Kitahama: Comfortable accommodation in central Osaka with its own hot spring that’s perfect for unwinding after a day out.
  
• Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu: This stylish and modern spot near the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping arcade has spacious rooms with great views and a rooftop garden.

To book search “Travel Booking” in the CommBank app.

Travelling by bullet train? Japan’s rail stations offer a smorgasbord of exquisitely prepared bento boxes (known as ekiben) so you can BYO sushi, gyoza, yakisoba and all the treats.

Ready to book your trip?

Travel Booking, provided by Hopper, is a new way to book flights and accommodation and make your travel dollars go further. You can also use your CommBank Awards points to pay.

Search “Travel Booking” in the CommBank app to learn more.