My Japan Bucket List

I’m still processing all the awesome things I’ve seen and done in Japan on my second trip: From the Ghibli Park Warehouse, to catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji from all sides, and visiting both of the Disney Parks. And not forgetting the okonomiyaki at my favourite place, staying in a capsule hotel and shopping at Tokyo Hands. 

Yes, I’m already thinking about what I want to see and do on my next trip. I mean I do have 50K yen left so that’s basically a free trip – if I use girl maths that is. 

So here is what’s still on my Japan Bucketlist

See the rest of Ghibli Park. I’ve only been to the Warehouse, but by the time I return I hope the park is finished and international visitors get to visit the whole park.

Stay at a ryokan near Fuji. Or camp somewhere with Fuji views, maybe glamp in one the snowcone glamings. 

Snowboard in Japan. Both my previous visits were in Spring so I’d also love to go to Japan during another season, including winter so I can finally hit some slopes. 

And I’d also love to see the country during autumn, well before the yellow and red leaves fall.

Have a bowl of Ichiran noodles. I don’t care what season it is, ramen is always a yes to me. I know they are overrated, but I’m sheep, ok?

Try more soft serve ice-cream flavours! So far I’ve had matcha, sesame, strawberry, cherry blossom, grape and peach. Grape has been my favourite, but I’m willing to try other soft serve flavours to see if any can top that.

Go to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony … it literally has my name in it and I can’t believe I haven’t been yet. 

Experience a street festival. I’m thinking of the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or the Nebuta Festival in Aomori.

Head up the observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views of Tokyo. I’m curious if it can top this Gate Hotel view. 

Check out the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Mainly to dive into Tokyo’s history and learn about the city’s transformation from Edo to Tokyo.

Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway. Take a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway train along the Hozugawa River for amazing views of the Kyoto countryside.

I’ve only been to the bigger cities, with the occasional day trips, but I’d looove to explore places outside the cities like:
– Going to the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Nikko with the Toshogu Shrine.
– Checking out Hokkaido and going to the national parks and lavender fields in Furano. 
– Discovering the different landscapes of Kyushu, from the volcanic Aso region to the historic city of Nagasaki.
– Visiting the fishing village Tomonoura because it’s what apparently inspired the setting for Ponyo – one of my favourite Ghibli films.