Japancherry blossoms in April, ramen at midnight and the most punctual transport on Earth

Tokyo Skytree (opened 2012) — the world's tallest tower at 634 m. Two observation decks: Tembo Deck at 350 m (2,100 ¥) and Tembo Galleria at 450 m (with spiral glass walkway, +1,000 ¥). Best view — at sunset and after, when the city lights up. Without reservation expect 1-hour queue at peak times; via Fast Skytree (2,700 ¥) — skip the line. On clear days Mount Fuji is visible. Access — Tokyo Skytree station on the Tobu line or Oshiage.

Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten in Ginza — the world's most famous sushi restaurant, 3 Michelin stars for 13 consecutive years (removed in 2020 due to tourist booking restrictions). Now accepts reservations only through concierge of major hotels or via Japanese residents. Omakase — 20 pieces in 30 minutes, 40,000 ¥. Alternative — Jiro Roppongi (founder's son, booking from 2 months ahead) or Sushi Saito (3 Michelin stars).

Shinkansen Nozomi — fastest train on the Tokaido line: 285 km/h, Tokyo–Kyoto in 2 h 15 min, 13,080 ¥. JR Pass does not cover Nozomi (only Hikari and Kodama, +30 min). Fuji is visible for 3–5 minutes at the 40-minute mark from the right-side window (D seats) in clear weather. Book seat on side E (landing left) for the mountain — precisely: D side on Tokyo→Kyoto route, E on return.

Ryokan — traditional Japanese inn: tatami flooring, futon instead of bed, yukata robe, kaiseki dinner with 12–15 miniature seasonal dishes. Onsen is mandatory. Best 5★ — Tawaraya in Kyoto (since 1709, from 80,000 ¥/night), Gora Kadan in Hakone (60,000 ¥), Asaba in Izu (90,000 ¥). Book 2–3 months in advance. Tattoos may be an issue in public onsen.

O-torii (grand gate) of Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima island — Japan's main symbol after Fuji. At high tide the 15-metre gate stands directly in the sea; at low tide you can walk to it. Ferry from Hiroshima (10 min, 180 ¥) or Miyajimaguchi. Sunset with the gate in view — one of life's top 10 moments. Stay overnight on the island — after the crowds leave (18:00) it empties.

teamLab Borderless reopened in February 2024 at Azabudai Hills (previously at Odaiba until 2022). 50+ digital immersive installations with projections, water, light, sound. No maps — rooms 'flow' into each other, navigation graph changes. Ticket 3,800 ¥, children — 1,500. Book via teamlab.art 2–4 weeks ahead. Not for claustrophobes: some zones are very narrow.

Hakone, 90 min from Tokyo on the Romance Car — the main ryokan town near Fuji. Open-air rotenburo with mountain views — the ultimate onsen experience. Top choices: Gora Kadan (from 60,000 ¥, premium), Yama no Chaya (from 38,000 ¥, traditional), Tenseien (from 25,000 ¥, authentic). Hakone Free Pass at 6,100 ¥ includes train + bus + boat on Lake Ashi + Open-Air Museum.

The inner wholesale Tsukiji Market moved to Toyosu in 2018 (with tuna auction at 5:30), but the Tsukiji Outer Market remains open as a street food district. 400+ stalls: tamago on a stick, maguro-don, fresh oysters, tempura. Start your day with breakfast here — Sushi Dai (if you find it, no sign) or Sushi Bun. Open 5:00 to 14:00, best before 9:00.

Bamboo grove in Arashiyama, west Kyoto — the city's main Instagram location. A 400 m path between giant 20 m tall bamboo stalks. Best time — 5:30–7:00 am (sun filters through the stalks, no crowds). By 9:00 — crushed by tour groups. Combine with Tenryu-ji temple and Iwatayama Monkey Park. Rickshaw ride through the grove — 5,000 ¥ for 15 min.