Two Weeks in Japan

Our very first trip to Japan—and wow, did it live up to the hype. We’d been dreaming of this one for a while, and from the moment we touched down, it was a full-on sensory adventure!

We flew San Diego to Narita, stayed a night, then caught a flight up to Sapporo where we headed straight for Niseko Hilton Village in Hokkaido. Snow blanketed everything, and between the stunning mountain views and steaming onsen baths, it was equal parts peaceful and magical!

It was easy to catch a bus ride anywhere we needed to go. Throughout the week we explored a bunch of cool spots, like Bar Gyu, a cozy retro speakeasy packed with charm and inventive cocktails that surprise in all the best ways.

At the bottom of Hirafu Slope, just as the chill hits your cheeks, you’ll spot a cluster of food trucks dishing out some seriously satisfying eats. Keep an eye out for the Hokkaido Food Truck Yard sign—it’s your golden ticket to comfort food heaven.

From steaming bowls of ramen to perfectly crispy karaage and , this little pocket of warmth is the ideal pit stop after a few solid runs. Grab a bite, huddle up, and soak up that unbeatable après-ski energy.

We made a stop at Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm, and it’s every bit the treat you hope a snowy dairy farm visit will be. Their claim to fame? A custard-packed cream puff that’s as dreamy as it sounds—golden, delicate, and filled with silky-smooth custard that oozes with each bite.

Of course, we couldn’t skip the Hokkaido milk soft serve—rich, velvety, and somehow even more magical when eaten in the cold. (Seriously, it’s a must.) Everything is freshly made, and you can taste the quality in every bite.

But the real surprise hit for us? The Niseko Cheese Tartes. Crisp, buttery shells give way to a warm, fluffy cheese mousse that’s somehow light and rich at the same time. Absolute heaven—and, yes, we went back for seconds.

We also fell in love with Sankaitei, tucked up on Hirafu Hill—so much so, we ate there twice. Cozy and welcoming, it was the kind of spot that instantly made you feel at home, especially after a chilly day on the slopes.

We happened to visit during Lunar New Year, which made the experience feel even more festive. The energy was warm, the food was incredible, and the timing felt serendipitous—like we’d stumbled into a celebration we didn’t even know we needed.

Another place we frequented in Niseko Village was Baby Crosta—a tiny pizza spot with hand-stretched dough, perfectly crunchy crusts, and inventive toppings that hit the spot after a day on the mountain. It had that warm, tucked-away feel. We popped in more than once and every time was just as good as the last. If you’re craving something cozy, carby, and crafted with care—this is your place.

I could have spent another week in the snow, but more travel was calling. Next up: Osaka. We flew down and jumped headfirst into its buzzing energy! We stayed right on this street, within walking distance to everything. Osaka after dark? Electric. The city hums with energy—neon signs glow like candy-colored constellations, and the streets feel alive in a way that’s hard to describe. From tiny back-alley izakayas to late-night counters and packed alleys, there’s always something happening.

Highlights included shopping, the karaoke night of dreams (seriously, we left it all in that room), indulging in okonomiyaki like true locals, and day-tripping to Kyoto where the world felt quieter, slower—sacred, even!

Tucked away like a secret worth sharing, we found Kagi U—a cozy little udon haven that served up the best udon we had in all of Japan. Silky, chewy noodles in a perfectly balanced broth, with simple toppings that let the flavors shine. It was comforting, soul-warming, and somehow exactly what we didn’t know we were craving. This place is small, unassuming, and unforgettable.

One thing that struck us again and again: Japan is immaculate. No trash on the ground—not even a rogue gum wrapper. And the wild part? We didn’t see any public trash cans. Everyone just carries their waste with them until they can sort and recycle it properly. It’s not just about tidiness—it’s a collective respect, for shared space and for each other.

On our way back from the udon restaurant, we wandered through a quiet neighborhood and I couldn’t help but notice how precisely everyone had sorted their recycling outside their homes. Everything was organized, intentional. There’s something so beautiful about that kind of quiet care.

We tried to go to the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, but we didn’t have a reservation and they didn’t let us in. Still, the detour led us to unexpected magic: a delightfully quirky cocktail bar, @bar_cafe_sangatuusagi —a warm, whimsical spot where the night unfolds around a piano, with singing, dancing, and a round (or three) of drinks. ✨🍶🎤

We spent a day in Nara, and it honestly felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The highlight? Wandering through the park where deer roam freely—and yes, they really do bow in exchange for special crackers (it’s as adorable as it sounds). Feeding them was equal parts hilarious and heart-melting. Something about it all—the ancient trees, the gentle nodding deer—made the whole place feel quietly enchanted.

Then we stumbled upon a fancy little hidden gem—Bar Savant. Tucked away so discreetly we weren’t entirely sure if we were walking into someone’s home, it turned out to be one of the most memorable surprises of the trip. Dimly lit, quietly elegant, and impossibly cool, this place felt like a secret you’re lucky to know about.

The bartender had clearly mastered the art of the Old Fashioned, crafting each one with care and intention. It was here we first tasted Ichiro’s whiskey and discovered Japanese Bitters—complex, smooth, and unforgettable. A perfect way to end the night, warm and slightly spellbound.

Also worth noting—because it truly stopped us in our tracks—you’ll totally run into vending machines with liquor and beer just... hanging out in the open. No big deal. Drinks all neatly lined up, chilled and ready to go, like a tiny curbside bar that trusts you to be cool about it.

It’s equal parts surprising and delightful, and somehow still manages to feel classy—like society collectively agreed to play by the rules. Only in Japan can an alcohol vending machine feel both efficient and endearing. We couldn’t help but grab a beer when we passed one.

We also visited Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that wind up the mountainside. It’s a serene spot that perfectly blends beauty and spirituality.

We might have gone a little crazy with the food in Osaka. We ate at this one place where each dish you order shoots out on a conveyor belt directly to your seat. The whole experience was so fun, watching the plates zoom toward you made the meal feel like part of a game. Every bite was a level we needed to pass, and with each delicious dish, we leveled up our foodie adventure!

Then it was off to Tokyo via train!

We experienced the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the cozy nooks of Drunkard Alley, and visiting a capybara café—yes, they’re as cute and oddly chill as you'd hope. But one of the most meaningful moments? Seeing the Hachikō statue. That loyal pup has been on my bucket list for ages, and standing there felt quietly emotional in the very best way.

One of our favorite traditions when we travel is hunting down local bakeries and coffee shops. Green Thumb in Shibuya did not disappoint!

Speaking of food, HOLY COW. The 7 Elevens are amazing in Japan.