Hiroko｜Japan Tour Designer

📍Osaka / Rikuro Ojisan Cheesecake (Namba Main Store) Osaka's most famous sweet There's ALWAYS a line in front of this place. It's Osaka's #1 most popular sweet 🍰 Almost every Osaka local has had it! The reason it's so popular? It's cheap, big, and delicious! A whole cake (18cm) is just ¥1,065 (about $7)! But here's something even Osaka locals don't know: At the Namba main store, you can reserve the 2nd floor cafe and eat it freshly baked inside the shop! 🔥 So fluffy it melts in your mouth and disappears in seconds 🥹 It's a comfortable indoor space, perfect for a break from sightseeing! 📍Rikuro Ojisan Namba Main Store 🏢 1F: Takeout (expect a long line) 🏢 2F: Riku Cafe ROOM (reservation required, freshly baked inside!) 🕐 1F: 9:00-20:00 / 2F: 11:00-17:30 (LO 16:30) 💴 Freshly Baked Cheesecake (whole) ¥1,065 (about $7) #osaka #namba #rikuro #cheesecake

📍Osaka / Cup Noodles Museum, Ikeda Design your own Cup Noodles at the place it was born! The world's best-selling instant noodle, the iconic Japanese Nissin Cup Noodles 🍜 At this museum in Ikeda, Osaka, the birthplace of Cup Noodles, you can pick your favorite ingredients, draw your own design on the cup, and take home a one-of-a-kind original Cup Noodles! And it's only ¥500! 🤯 Nissin is so generous, of course it's packed every day. 200% satisfaction!!! Entry to the museum is free, and the My Cup Noodles Factory doesn't require a reservation (same-day tickets distributed on arrival). Super easy to drop by! By the way, if you're visiting here, I highly recommend staying at「Wakamizu」at Takarazuka Onsen! It's a beautiful traditional inn I featured before 🏯♨️ 📍5 min walk from "Ikeda Station" (Hankyu Takarazuka Line) 🕐 9:30 - 16:30 (last entry 15:30) 🚫 Closed on Tuesdays 💴 Free entry / My Cup Noodles ¥500 🅿️ Parking gets crowded, public transport recommended #osaka #ikeda #cupnoodles #cupnoodlesmuseum #japantravel

📍Osaka / Namba Heavy Machinery RC Cafe 👉 Book through the link in my bio! Use「HIROKOJAPAN」for a Klook discount 🎉 A brand new cafe in Namba, Osaka's most popular tourist area, where you can play with RC heavy machinery 🚜 I thought 90 minutes might be too long, but I got so into operating the machines that the time flew by! It's not just for kids - adults will fall in love with it too 🔥 The experience includes light snacks (pizza, fried chicken, fries), a drink bar, and all-you-can-eat soft-serve ice cream. Amazing value! 📍In the heart of Namba (4F of a karaoke/arcade building) ⏰ Hours 　・Weekdays: 12:00 - 5:00 AM (next day) 　・Holidays: 11:00 - 5:00 AM (next day) 🕐 Experience: 90 min 🍕 Includes snacks, drink bar & unlimited soft-serve! 👶 Fun for both kids and adults #klookkreator @Klook USA #osaka #namba #PR

📍Wakayama / Kitayama River (Kitayama Village) Japan's only log rafting experience, in a tiny village of 400 people Around last year, this place started getting attention on Instagram, and a few international travelers have begun making their way here. It's Japan's only sightseeing log rafting experience. Born from over 400 years of Edo-era logging tradition, it was revived as a tourist experience in 1979. Unlike the Hozugawa boat ride in Kyoto, this is a real 30-meter log raft! When the rapids hit hard, you stand up and grip the handrails. Getting drenched is part of the fun! It's like a natural roller coaster. ♨️ The Kitayama Village Tourism Center (inside Michi-no-Eki Okutoro), where you check in, has a hot spring too! Perfect for relaxing after getting soaked. 📅 May 3 to September 30 (operating days vary by month) 🕐 2 departures per day (10:40 / 13:00) 💴 Adults ¥7,700 / Elementary school kids ¥3,300 ⏰ Full experience: about 2 hours (river ride: about 70 min) 👶 Ages 10-75 🚃 Access (it's a long journey from Kyoto/Osaka!) Shin-Osaka Station → JR Kuroshio Limited Express (about 4 hrs) → Shingu Station → Nanki Limited Express (about 20 min) → Kumano City Station → Village bus (about 1 hr) Bring a change of clothes! The access isn't easy, but it's so worth the trip! This was hands down one of the best memories of my life! #wakayama #kitayama #lograting #kitayamariver #hiddenjapan

👉 Book through the link in my bio! Use my code HIROKOJAPAN on Klook for a discount 🎉 📍Kyoto / Arashiyama A thrilling boat ride through the gorge Arashiyama in Kyoto is famous for its bamboo forest. But please don't miss the Hozugawa River Boat Ride! The 2-hour journey flies by. You glide through stunning gorges, ride down rapids, and take in the most beautiful views of Kyoto's wild nature. If you're lucky, a food boat will pull up alongside you and sell snacks and drinks right on the river. So fun! 🚂 JR Kameoka Station → 10 min walk to the boat dock ⏰ About 2 hours 💴 ¥6,000 adults / ¥4,500 kids (ages 4-12) 📅 Open year-round #kyoto #arashiyama #hozugawa #japantravel #kyototrip

📍Kyoto / Hirobun Summer-only Nagashi Somen near Kifune Shrine When you think of Kyoto summer, it's all about Nagashi Somen on a wooden platform built over the river. Just sitting above a flowing river already feels special, but watching noodles slide down a bamboo flume and catching them with chopsticks? Unforgettable. It's worth the wait, trust me! I went on a weekday at 9:30 AM and was the first in line. Got seated by 10:15! 🎉 ⚠️ Important things to know before you go: 🚫 No reservations 🌅 Get there by 9:30-10:00 to be safe 💴 ¥2,000 cash (paid on arrival) 📅 Open May 1 to end of September 🌧 Closed on rainy days or when the river floods 🚃 Eizan Railway Kibuneguchi Station → bus to Kibune (4 min) → 9 min walk 🅿️ No parking, public transport only #kyoto #nagashisomen #kibune #kyotosummer #japantravel

The Samurai Experience tourists love in Kyoto! I joined this Samurai & Kendo experience at an old traditional house slightly outside the busy tourist area, and it was packed with international visitors. The instructor taught us the spirit of Bushido, sword techniques, and proper stances. Everyone trains together so I got to interact with people from all over the world! 📍Studio NIN (15 min walk from Shugakuin Station) ⏰ About 2 hours 👶 Kids ages 3 and up can join too! Check the link in my bio to book this experience! Use my code HIROKOJAPAN for a discount on Klook 🎉 #klookkreator @Klook USA #samuraiexperience #kyoto #japantravel

💰 Code「HIROKOJAPAN」for a discount on Klook! 📍Kyoto / Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki I tried Maiko makeup, wore a real kimono, and got photographed for the very first time! ✨ I booked this experience on Klook and you can too! Use my code HIROKOJAPAN to get discounts on hotels, activities, tickets, tours etc on Klook!! Even though the studio was full of other guests, the staff was incredibly efficient and took stunning photos for me. Now I totally understand why this place has such great reviews! The full transformation includes professional makeup, a wig, and a real Maiko kimono. Pose in a beautiful Japanese-style room or garden. The experience takes about 2-3 hours and you walk away with a memory of a lifetime. 📍Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki 🚶 Right by Kiyomizu Temple (Higashiyama, Kyoto) ⏰ About 2-3 hours 💴 ¥22,000 (about $116) for the full Maiko experience #klookkreator @klook_usa #maikoexperience #kyoto #japantravel

📍Kyoto / Nanzenji Temple This isn't Italy. It's Kyoto. The moment I stepped in, I couldn't believe I was still in Kyoto. The combination of the brick aqueduct and fresh green leaves was absolutely stunning. Suirokaku is a 93-meter-long brick aqueduct built in 1890 as part of the Lake Biwa Canal. It's been quietly running through the grounds of Nanzenji Temple for over 130 years. Walking under those Roman-style arches feels like being in another country. Nanzenji itself is one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples, known for its peaceful atmosphere away from the crowded tourist spots. If you want to enjoy a quiet side of Kyoto, this is the place. 🚇 About 20 min from Kyoto Station (Subway) + 10 min walk from Keage Station 💰 Free entry (the temple grounds and Suirokaku are open all day) 🌿 Best in spring (new green leaves) and autumn (red leaves) #kyoto #nanzenji #suirokaku #japantravel #hiddenkyoto

📍Kyoto / Mochi mochi Mochi Pounding with the Longest Line near Kiyomizu Temple Opened in 2025 and already 2,157 reviews with a 4.9 rating on Google Maps. That says everything. Freshly pounded mochi right in front of you. Delicious, of course. But for just ¥1,000 you also get to watch an amazing mochi pounding performance and they'll even take photos with you. With this many people rating it this high, it totally makes sense. If you're visiting Kiyomizu Temple, you have to stop by. I went on a Sunday around noon and only waited about 5 minutes! 📍2-208-14 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama, Kyoto 🕐 10:30 until sold out 🚶 On the walk to Kiyomizu Temple #kyoto #mochimochi #kiyomizutemple #MochiPounding #japantravel

📍Kyoto / Blue Bottle Studio 【Future of Coffee☕】 5 seats. 90 minutes. A coffee experience you can only have in Kyoto right now. Blue Bottle Studio is a limited-time, reservation-only tasting course hidden on the 2nd floor of Blue Bottle Coffee Kyoto Cafe in the Nanzenji area. This season's theme is "Future of Coffee." Instead of the usual Arabica, the course focuses on Liberica and Excelsa. These rare species make up just 1% of the world's coffee. Larger cherries, rich sweetness, fruity aromas. Coffee like you've never tasted before. The course includes 6 drinks and 3 desserts. Highlights include "Leaf, Flower, Cherry," an iced drink trio made from coffee leaves, blossoms, and fruit. A single-origin flight of ultra-rare beans. Even a coffee digestif with spices. Sitting at the 5-seat counter, learning about Blue Bottle's passion and dedication to coffee. It made me love them even more. This was truly one of the most memorable experiences I've had. Fun fact: Blue Bottle Coffee was founded in 2002 in Oakland, California. They roast high-quality beans in-house and brew every cup to order. Now over 100 cafes across the US and Asia. Their belief is simple: great coffee makes life more beautiful. Only available until May 18. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. ¥8,910 per person 📍7 min walk from Keage Station (Tozai Line) #bluebottlecoffee #bluebottlestudio #kyoto PR

Pokémon Room locations in Japan 🇯🇵👇 📍MIMARU Kyoto STATION / Pokémon Room I stayed at the Pokémon Room at MIMARU Kyoto STATION and it was the best hotel experience ever 🥹 I booked this stay on Klook and you can too! Use my code HIROKOJAPAN to get a discount 🎉 The room is filled with 100 Pokémon everywhere. Sleeping Snorlax on the bed, Pokémon in the kitchen, bathroom, even on the dishes and mugs. It's a dream for any Pokémon fan 🔥 The kitchen comes fully equipped so you can even cook your own meals 🍳 There are bunk beds too, so it's perfect for families. Your kids will absolutely love it!!! MIMARU hotels are always close to the station and super clean, so it's the perfect place to make unforgettable memories 🏨 🗼 Tokyo MIMARU Tokyo Ueno EAST MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori MIMARU Tokyo Ginza EAST MIMARU Tokyo Kinshicho MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro ⛩ Kyoto MIMARU Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo MIMARU Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsujii MIMARU Kyoto STATION ← I stayed here! 🏯 Osaka MIMARU Osaka Namba NORTH #klookkreator @klook_usa #pokemonroom #mimaru #kyoto

📍Wakayama / Nachi Falls UNESCO World Heritage Blown away by Nachi Falls🥹 133 meters of pure power — the tallest waterfall in Japan. Standing in front of it, you feel how small you are. Nachi Falls is part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and has been a sacred site for over 1,000 years. The view of the waterfall with the three-story pagoda is one of the most iconic scenes in all of Japan. How to get there 🚃 JR Kuroshio from Osaka → Kii-Katsuura Station (about 4 hours) 🚌 Bus from Kii-Katsuura → Nachisan (about 30 minutes) It's not close. But trust me, it's worth every minute. #japantravel #wakayama #nachifalls #worldheritage #kumanokodo

📍Wakayama / Cat Train (Tama Train) At just ¥400 (about $3), this is Japan's most adorable train — a paradise for cat lovers. The Tama Train in Wakayama is covered in cats inside and out. Every corner of the train is filled with cat designs — it's fun just to be on board. 30 minutes to the last stop, Kishi Station. When you arrive, you can meet the real cat stationmaster "Nitama." Even the station building is shaped like a cat's face — too cute. The Tama Train runs about once an hour. It doesn't operate every day, so if it's running on the day you visit Japan — you're lucky! Always check the timetable for TAMA TRAIN before you go. #japantravel #wakayama #tamatrain #cattrain

Kyoto isn't just temples and shrines. Here are 5 experiences that will surprise you. SOU・SOU Okurimono Keibunsha Ichijoji Miko Shrine Maiden Experience Kyoto International Manga Museum Kunjyukan Incense Museum Save this for your Kyoto trip! #kyototravel #japantravel #kyoto #visitjapan #japantrip

Not the Kyoto you expected. Amanohashidate — one of Japan's top 3 scenic views, and it's actually in Kyoto. Ride the cycle car or lift up to Viewland for that iconic bird's-eye view. Then cycle through the sandbar itself — 3.6km of pine trees and sea breeze. Take a motorboat out on the water and feed the seagulls right from the boat. This is a full day of fun and I loved every second of it. #kyoto #amanohashidate #japantravel #kyototravel #hiddenjapan

🥹This Kyoto view broke me. If you're visiting Amanohashidate, don't just look at the view — ride the Akamatsu train from Amanohashidate to Nishi-Maizuru. This scenic café train runs along the Sea of Japan. The coastline, the bridges, the slow pace — it's one of those train rides you'll never forget. Just add a ¥540 reservation fee on top of your regular fare. That's it. Amanohashidate sightseeing + Akamatsu train = the perfect Kyoto day trip. #akamatsu #kyoto #amanohashidate #kyototravel #japantravel

This ranking is based on GPS data from NAVITIME's travel app, tracking where Western tourists stayed the longest in 2025. From a black national treasure to the samurai's greatest fortress, here are the top 10 👇 10. Odawara Castle, Kanagawa 9. Matsumoto Castle, Nagano 8. Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto 7. Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima 6. Nagoya Castle, Aichi 5. Kanazawa Castle, Ishikawa 4. Edo Castle Ruins, Tokyo 3. Himeji Castle, Hyogo 2. Nijo Castle, Kyoto 1. Osaka Castle, Osaka Make your Japan trip planning easier! My paid guidebook on Etsy covers 14 days of Japan with detailed itineraries, hidden spots and local tips. Link in my bio! Save this for your Japan trip 🇯🇵 #japancastle #japantravel #japantrip #japantips

🔖"Tokyo is expensive"... Not if you do THIS 🇯🇵 Save this for your next Tokyo trip 👇 Tokyo Metropolitan Gov. Building / $0 The National Art Center, Tokyo / $0 Senso-ji Temple / $0 Asakusa Tourist Info Center / $0 Gotoku-ji Temple / $0 Taiyaki Hiiragi, Ebisu / $2 Kagetudo Melon Pan, Asakusa / $4 Kaneko Hannosuke Tendon, Tsukiji / $10 Want more details? Check my Guide Book!! My paid guidebook on Etsy covers 14 days of Japan with detailed itineraries, hidden spots and local tips. Link in my bio! Save this for your Japan trip 🇯🇵 #tokyo #japantravel #budgettravel #japantips

Save this for your next Osaka trip 👇 Kuromon Market / $0 Dojimahama Tower WowUs / $0 Namba Yasaka Shrine / $0 Katsuoji Temple / $3 Takoyaki at Wanaka / $4 Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel / $4 Rikuro's Cheesecake / $7 Tombori River Cruise / $13 Want more details? Check my Guide Book!! My paid guidebook on Etsy covers 14 days of Japan with detailed itineraries, hidden spots and local tips. Link in my bio! Save this for your Japan trip 🇯🇵 #osaka #japantravel #budgettravel #japantips