Japan bucket list: Konbinis, karaoke and kawaii culture!

The time has finally come. You're standing at the airport, and your night flight to adventure begins! You close your eyes and can already see the rising sun pointing the way to Japan. Is it glowing red on the horizon? Then you're flying towards your destination country's flag come true. It's both fitting and beautiful – the perfect way to ring in a trip to Japan!

Time to wake up – the Land of the Rising Sun awaits! Tokyo's endless concrete jungle spreads like a sparkling sea in every direction. When you arrive at the airport, everything around you is foreign, new and exciting. You quickly exchange your voucher for your Japan Rail Pass, then board the train and head off on your own to your hotel.
Your first impression? Overwhelming and difficult to put into words. You're surrounded by rows of towering buildings that light up in a sea of glowing neon signs and polished skyscrapers stacked alongside wooden houses and hidden temples. Swarms of black-suited businessmen rush through the streets past people whose wild outfits starkly contrast their own. Jingles resonate from the entrances of convenience stores as an advertising truck decked with the faces of a J-pop group drives by blasting colourful beats into the street. Tokyo is a metropolis in overdrive – and you want to explore every corner of it!

Today, you're exploring Tokyo's hippest districts. First stop: Shibuya! Right in front of the train station, you'll find Japan's most beloved four-legged friend, Hachiko. The bronze statue of the legendary Akita has been waiting for his master for 75 years and is always up for a selfie. But actually, you came here for something else: the world's most famous pedestrian crossing. This popular attraction has set a world record for being the busiest pedestrian crossing on the planet, with up to 3,000 people crossing the street every time the traffic light changes! Watch the vibrant hustle and bustle with a bird's-eye view from the observation deck of Shibuya Scramble Square (optional, payable on site). From up here, you'll also be able to see your next destination: Harajuku, the heart and birthplace of Kawaii fashion. Explore the district's lively and iconic Takeshita Street, and when you're done, head to the neon lights of Shinjuku. Go shopping, hop from one bar to another in the narrow alleys of Golden Gai, belt out your favourite song at karaoke or dance, drum and fight your way to a personal high score in one of the district's game centres.

Welcome to Japan's kitchen! Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest of its kind in the entire country. Even though the famous tuna auctions have moved to Toyosu, its outer areas with the old wholesale halls are still located in Ginza. Fresh fish for breakfast is a highlight in Japan, one which you can find in abundance in the 400 different restaurants! Once you've had some, take a walk to visit the Imperial Palace and get lost in the green oasis before diving into the oldest part of the city. In Asakusa, you'll be struck with the smell of incense as you're captivated by the Asakusa Kannon Temple (also known as Senso-ji) while not far away, Tokyo's iconic Sky Tree dominates the skyline. Venture past the many shops and restaurants surrounding the Tokyo Tower and onto its observation decks (optional, payable on site). Marvel at the sheer number of buildings as the evening sun bathes the skyscrapers of Nihonbashi in hues of glowing orange – a truly special sunset that you won't want to miss!